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The Executive and members of the Alliance For Change wish to place on record their profound gratitude with the organizers, delegates, and supporters of the Alliance For Change who traveled long distances to be present and participate at the party’s 1st ever National Conference. Delegates came from as far away as Mabaruma and Moruca in Region 1, Kwakwani in Region 10, Mahdia in Region 8, Corentyne in Region 6, and the Caribbean, and North America.
From all accounts, the conference was a resounding success as the intended business was completed albeit, a little later than anticipated. Delegates, observers and guests were treated to speeches from the leadership, reports on the financial affairs and the 2006 campaign, and were able to deliberate on important issues contained in Motions and questions, and most importantly, to engage in the election of the executive committee.
New Executive
The brand new executive elected by the delegates will take over the work begun by the Steering Committee and function until the next national Conference scheduled for 2009. Already, responsibilities are being distributed and assumed as there is a new energy and commitment abounding within the party.
The names of the New Executive Members are:
Leader-Raphael Trotman
Chairman-Khemraj Ramjattan
Vice-Chairman- Sheila Holder
Chief Executive Officer-Clayton Hall
Treasurer: Mahase Pertab
Elected Committee Members:
Cathy Hughes
David Patterson
Martin Cheong
Dominic Gaskin
Gerhard Ramsaroop
Leslie Sobers
Sixtus Edwards
Allison Mohamed
Mahase Pertab
Gavin Hope
Francis D’Archiville
Sewnauth Punalall
Motions
Several important motions were approved by the conference and will be implemented as a matter of urgency. These include the establishment of an official youth arm to be known as the Youth For Change (YFC); the acquisition of a building to be known as headquarters; the forging of alliances with like-minded citizens, organizations and groups within and outside of Guyana.
Diaspora
The AFC is particularly pleased about the involvement of the Diaspora at the conference and of their inclusion in the new architecture of the AFC. The conference recognized four additional districts to the ten already known locally, in the Caribbean, Canada, the U.S.A. and Europe. These districts, in addition to the ten administrative ones, will each be entitled to nominate a representative to the executive committee, and have begun to do so. Visits between the headquarters and the Diaspora are also being scheduled. Another unique feature of the executive is that it meets quarterly and meetings are being planned within the Regions so as to avoid over-centralization in Georgetown.
Way Forward
At the Conference the delegates were invited to participate in work shop groups under various themes. These were: Party Organisation and Mobilisation, Raising Financing for Work, Youth Issues, Local Government Elections, Public Relations, and Building Alliances. The executive is in the process of reviewing the many recommendations and suggestions made in each area so as to produce a composite working document for the way forward. Suffice to say that committees are being formed to ensure speedy and proper implementation of the feasible ideas and suggestions received.
Thank You
The Executive Committee whishes to place on record its appreciation for the work done by the Conference Committee led by Mr. Clayton Hall, the volunteers who manned the offices, the members of the AFC’s Action Committee who were responsible for physical preparations and the opening ceremony and Mr. Stephen Fraser and team for taking on the job of producing the draft constitution which was finally ratified on Saturday. We thank as well all those who made financial and other contributions to ensure that the conference was brought off successfully. It was particularly gratifying to know that the support for the AFC remains intact despite the upsurge of attacks and negativity which preceded the conference. Delegates and Observers have returned to their districts and homes feeling buoyed and upbeat about the future of the Alliance For Change and have all pledged to renew their efforts of achieving the AFC’s objective of changing the political culture of Guyana.
Parliament
As previously announced, Ms. Chantalle Smith’s resignation was formally tendered to the Speaker of the National Assembly as per the requirements of the Constitution of Guyana, on Monday July 30, 2007. Ms. Smith had indicated her desire to demit office in order to provide exposure to another member of the AFC who was suitably qualified. Following the 2006 elections the party had stated publicly its intention to expose as many candidates as possible to the decision-making processes in the Regional Democratic Councils and Parliament. Chantalle’ service as Member of Parliament was exemplary and she will always be remembered as the distinguished representative who confronted the conscience of the nation with her Motion calling for the abolition of Corporal Punishment in schools. As a former CEO and member of the Steering Committee, she provided expert opinion and advice on many issues which confronted us in the early days and responded with action. She will remain, in her words, always available to support the work of the AFC in the future. We thank her for her contribution in helping to give life and meaning to the Alliance For Change.
Ms. Smith is being replaced by Mrs. Latchmin Budhan-Punalall who was eminently qualified to be a candidate on the geographic constituency list for Region 4. Mrs. Budhan-Punalall is the wife of a pastor within the Christian Ministry, a trained cosmetologist and social worker, and has received skills training for women in India. The executive of the AFC is honoured to be able to present her as the next member of Parliament and wish her success in the future as she serves the people of Guyana from within the nation’s highest decision making forum.
Further information is available on the AFC website at www.afcguyana.com .
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