Dear Editor,
Guyanese will no longer be seeing Joseph Harmon within the corridors of the National Assembly. This former Opposition Leader was a powerful figure in the failed coalition of convenience – APNU + AFC. Over the past weekend, media reports have circulated that Joseph Harmon, opposition member, has resigned from the National Assembly, effective March 15th, 2022. Under the David Granger led administration Mr. Harmon held several key positions and was Minister of State and probably de facto President of Guyana. He was also one who sought to thwart the will of the Guyanese people at the General and Regional Election in March 2020; lest we forget. Joseph Harmon, like his associated political faction the PNC/ APNU/AFC, has been a colossal failure. His departure from the National Assembly is most welcomed as he has failed to contribute anything to the 12th Parliament. This former APNU Chairman was most unimpressive as a Parliamentarian and even worse as a minister. It was only in January that Mr. Harmon resigned as the Leader of the Opposition, after much public and internal pressure.
It was over for Harmon since December, 2021 after he lost a poorly contested People’s National Congress Reform election. This saw him being severely trashed by his opponent, Aubrey Norton, who won 70% of the votes. Mr. Harmon’s unpopularity is known, even among former party members and colleagues. He was appointed Leader of the Opposition by David Granger, another failure, when the APNU + AFC lost the 2020 General and Regional Elections to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Notwithstanding his defeat to Norton in 2021, Harmon attempted to play it out. This tactic was most unsuccessful as the People’s National Congress Reform, who controls the political faction of A Partnership for National Unity & the Alliance for Change demanded that their leader, Aubrey Norton, be the new Leader of the Opposition and be allowed to enter Parliament. These demands were intensified with the resignation of former Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry. Joseph Harmon’s resignation is supposed to take effect on March 15th, 2022. This he clarified yesterday March 9th, 2022. Aubrey Norton, as the potential Leader of the Opposition, is sure to welcome this.
Sincerely,
Nkosei Williams
