GUYANA | Roysdale Forde Tells why he will contest race for PNC/R Leadership

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana, April 29, 2024 - In the face of decisions, policies and actions by the PPP/C regime that facilitate structural discrimination, unfairness and injustices, my decision to run for the leadership of my party-PNC/R- emerged as a light of hope amidst the prevailing darkness of corruption, in high places, and daily struggles by the ordinary people of this country. 

The incumbent clothed in the robes of political power, has relentlessly perpetuated injustices against citizens, fostering an authoritarian regime that seeks to dominate and control every facet of our society.

It is within this crucible of adversity that my resolve to lead was forged, driven by fervent commitment to uphold the values of justice, integrity, and democratic principles.

At the very core of my decision lies a profound disillusionment with the status quo, where the incumbent regime has subverted the very essence of democracy, trampling upon the rights and freedoms of our citizens with worrying impunity.

The autocratic tendencies of the PPP/C government, markedly characterised by its insatiable thirst for power and control has created an environment of fear, racial tensions and depression, suffocating dissenting voices and attempting to stifle concerns of the opposition and other minorities. 

In extant circumstances of corruption and bad governance, silence is not an option; it is a betrayal of our collective conscience and shameful surrender to injustice. In the face of authoritarian practices by the Irfaan Ali-led government we must never carry a white flag.

However, one of the determinants that influenced my decision to run is the unwavering belief that leadership is not a privilege to be exploited for personal gain, but a sacred trust bestowed upon individuals to serve the greater good.

My decision to contest the leadership of my party- PNC/R- is firmly rooted in a genuine desire to effect meaningful change, to chart a new course towards a future defined by inclusivity, prosperity, and social justice.

I have confidence in the transformative power of democracy, where the will of the people reigns supreme, and where leaders are held accountable for their actions.

I am aware that this decision immediately invites scrutiny and criticisms from my detractors, who seek to undermine my credibility and impugn my motives.

Still, I am undeterred by the specter of opposition, for my conscience is clear, and my intentions are noble. I understand that in the crucible of leadership, one must possess the courage to confront adversity head-on, to weather the storms of criticism and emerge stronger and more resilient.

My candidacy is not merely a quest for power or prestige; it is a solemn pledge to lift my party to new heights of excellence, to imbue it with a sense of pride and purpose that resonates with the aspirations of our people. 

For too long, our party has languished in the shadows of mediocrity, shackled by the chains of complacency and apathy. It is time to break free from the fetters of the past and embrace a future defined by optimism and possibility.

Encrusted in my decision is an acute awareness of the challenges that lie ahead. I know that the road to reform is fraught with obstacles, and the path to progress is often marked by setbacks and sacrifices. 

I know too that, it is precisely in times of adversity that true leadership shines brightest, illuminating the way forward with clarity and conviction.

My vision for our party is not merely to win elections, but to win the hearts and minds of our people, to earn their trust and confidence through deeds, not words. 

To achieve that we must work together to regroup, refocus and rebuild our party with strength and faithfulness. We must work hand in hand understanding the mission and the purpose.

My leadership style is predicated on the principles of transparency, accountability, and servant leadership, where the voices of the marginalised are amplified, and the concerns of the disenfranchised are addressed with empathy and compassion.

Those comrades and friends who doubt the feasibility of our aspirations must reflect on the life and work of our founder leader, LFS Burnham in particular, and the work and achievements of other great leaders and comrades, of our party, who defied the odds and achieved extraordinary feats, that benefitted not only all of Guyana but also the Caribbean.  

Therefore, I urge comrades, to let us, all of us, draw strength from the struggles of those who came before us, and let us forge a path towards a future defined by hope and opportunity.

Finally, my decision to run for the leadership of my party is not born out of vanity or ambition, but out of a deep – seated commitment to justice and equality. It is a clarion call to arms, a rallying cry for all those who believe in the transformative power of democracy, to restore us to a place of pride and purpose.

I have no interest in fights; only in restoration and development. I encourage comrades to come together in unity and rise above petty divisions that threaten to tear us asunder, and let us march forward with unwavering resolve towards a future where justice, freedom, and equality reign supreme.

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