David Patterson yesterday confirmed that he had withdrawn his resignation from the post of Alliance for Change (AFC) General Secretary “with conditions” and will remain a parliamentarian for the opposition APNU+AFC coalition until “a suitable replacement” is found.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Patterson indicated that he will hold the post of AFC General Secretary until the party’s next National Conference, which scheduled for July 2021.
“At this conference all leadership positions including that of the General Secretary will be up for elections, I have agreed to remain at General Secretary until the National Conference, under the understanding that my time will be exclusively dedicated to refocusing the energies of the AFC,” he explained.
As it relates to the National Assembly, he added, “I had previously indicated that my seat should be rotated, thus allowing for newer members to gain experience in the Parliament. This position remains – the process to find suitable replacements has commenced.”
Patterson had submitted a resignation from both posts in September after a split between APNU and the AFC over the election of the Vice Chairman of the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
In a September 28, 2020 letter, which was seen by Stabroek News, Patterson wrote AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and informed him that it had been an honour to serve in the capacity as General Secretary but he would be submitting his resignation with immediate effect.
“Please note that I remain a member of the AFC, a party which I love and consider to be the best option for the future of Guyana. I will be maintaining my membership in full and will continue to participate in party activities, albeit in a different capacity,” Patterson concluded.
The letter was copied to the party chair, vice chair and management Committee.
Following this fallout, the AFC indicated that APNU has reneged on a promise to elect a member of the AFC as Vice Chair.
APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon acknowledged that an agreement existed and blamed the fallout on a miscommunication. In response the AFC set up a committee to determine its next move.
The committee was tasked with submitting a report within 10 days after which an Executive Council meeting was held.
The results of that meeting were never made public beyond a cryptic statement that the matter had been resolved and the parties were moving forward.
