Dear Editor,
I wish to remind my comrades in the APNU that one of the strategies of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic is to lure unstable community leaders to serve as their Manchurian candidates. When they cannot get their way in a community they seek control of, they work with their ‘imbeds’ to undermine development in subtle ways and use it to score bragging points with gullible residents.
Every APNU-led council in Guyana was faced with the ‘Manchurian ploy’ of the PPP/C over the years and their implants are in administrations and councils. Linden is a prime example where persons in administrations and councils were serving the Manchurian purpose. I experienced this first hand during my tenure as Mayor- lost some battles and won in the end as I was able to fulfil my purpose through partnership with the community and assurance from my heavenly father that my character matters most.
APNU cannot risk a Manchurian candidate at the helm of the municipality of Linden heading into 2020, neither can we afford ‘undermines’ from our own comrades who blindly misinterpret their role as “Party Representatives” and serve the interest of the opposition.
The refreshing democracy which exists with the APNU allowed local authorities to lead in the interest of vulnerable people, but this democratic freedom was misconstrued by some who felt they should ignore the will of the people, only fulfil their selfish desires, listen to no party leader, reject the vision of the party and curse the coalition leaders who submit an opposing view- as minutes of meetings would indicate. To be a good leader and give directions one must first learn to be a good follower and take directions. Good leaders are also trainable and never come with all the answers.
Hence the party’s wishes were denied time and time again in Linden and the late Sandra Adams had to muscle her way in on several occasions. Certain councillors even took to social media to belittle her and the party and then caucused to go against the recommended choice of a new Mayor as my successor – since I had signaled my intention to proceed on studies. They had their way and the APNU leadership then embraced the policy of appeasement, ‘manchurinism’ won, the PPP got their wish for a destabilized and under-served Linden and the people voiced their objection through the recent local government elections.
‘Anti-Manchurinism’ sentiments can be justified in this circumstance and with 2020 in view the coalition government cannot take things for granted and will need to make many political decisions in order to fulfil its mandate and to successfully deliver on its manifesto promises.
Linden needs a strong leader and deputy who will act on the party’s behalf and the people’s behalf with a focus on reaching community needs while bringing the people in consolidation for 2020. Linden can once again deliver the knockout blow to the oppressive PPP. As such I would recommend Proportional Representative Candidate, Deron Adams be elected Mayor and Constituency 3 Representative Leroy James serve as his Deputy. Time to reject manchurinism and any PPP inroads in Linden.
Finally, whatever happens in Georgetown affects the rest of the municipalities in varying ways and to varying degrees. The APNU’s choice for Mayor will be equally significant in winning back the trust of the people and APNU’s largest voting bloc. Furthermore, in the last general election, youths played a major role in unseating the unjust PPP Government. It is now time to show youths that their contribution to our nation is most valuable. Akeem Peters’ elevation to Deputy Mayor was a good start, but his stint in the current dispensation makes him polarizing to the constituents despite his good-natured temperament. APNU cannot afford divergence at this time and must choose wisely someone who will provide humble leadership- one who is trainable, youthful and possesses the capacity to lead a new path for Georgetown. I see such qualities in young Denroy Tudor as Mayor and Ubraj Narine as Deputy. Alternatively, a more seasoned Deputy to be considered is Alfred Mentore.
It is time to make wise decisions and beware of choices which can undermine the coalition’s interest. All other local organs will play a significant role in deciding the fate of the government at the next general elections. Moreover, all must be assessed when considering second chances. Georgetown is the capital city and therefore easy to be spotlighted, but don’t be fooled by the disguise of other towns obscured in the dark. Guyana cannot afford the Israelites’ out of Egypt’s cry. Beware.
Yours faithfully,
Carwyn Holland
Former Mayor of Linden
