In a surprising move this afternoon, Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform and Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir, announced that she was suspending her campaign, effectively bowing out of the race for PNC Leader and a number of other positions on the party’s executive.
“My dear brothers and sisters of the PNCR, I come to you today to announce my decision to suspend my campaign for the PNCR leadership. This decision has been incredibly difficult, but it has been made after deep reflection and extensive discussions with my team and close advisors. Throughout my campaign, I have been dedicated to upholding the values of transparency, fairness, decency and integrity within our beloved party”, Walton-Desir said in a statement.
The PNC Reform’s Congress and Elections are set for this weekend, with the Congress opening on Friday afternoon at party headquarters, Congress Place.
Walton-Desir has cited a number of recent developments in the lead up to the Congress and Elections as the reasons behind her decision to walk away from the leadership race.
She explained that “as of the morning of June 27th, 2024, one day before the commencement of our Congress, a preliminary list of delegates has not been made available to me as a candidate to allow for claims or objections and further, there is a lack of agreement among all candidates contesting on the procedures for conducting the elections. These and several other issues necessitate careful consideration and resolution to ensure the continued integrity of our party and while I believe it is vital to address these concerns, I also recognize the importance of doing so in a manner that preserves our unity and strength”.
In suspending her campaign, she said her work has not ended in the PNC Reform.
“Though I am suspending my campaign, our work does not end here. We must continue to advocate for the values we believe in and push for the changes our party needs. I encourage all members and supporters of the PNCR to remain united and steadfast during this challenging period. Our strength lies in our unity and our shared commitment to a better future for our party and our country. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and ensure that our principles guide us forward”, she said.
With Walton-Desir leaving the race for leadership, it means that the race has now become a two-man race with the incumbent Leader, Aubrey Norton remaining confident as he still faces a challenge from party executive member, Roysdale Forde.
Ironically, ten years ago, it was Norton as a contender for the party’s leadership who had bowed out of the race just before the Congress and Elections, citing concerns about the delegates’ list and the preparations for the elections. Similar concerns are being expressed again as he sits in the leadership chair.
Mr. Roysdale Forde and his team have been expressing concerns of their own about the preparations for the party’s congress and related issues.
The Administrator for the Party Congress, Sherwin Benjamin, has indicated that all systems are in place for a transparent congress and elections.
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