I Have “fundamental” Differences With AFC’s Political Philosophy

Submitted By Rickford Burke, former personal aide to President Desmond Hoyte

I feel compelled to note that because of my prior criticism of the PNCR and its current leader, some have without foundation assumed and opined in various fora that I am supporting the opposition Alliance for Change (AFC) party, in Guyana’s upcoming general elections, which I understand “may” be in August 2011. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am not! I have very good friends in the AFC who I admire and believe have contributed, and can further contribute to Guyana’s national development. But I have “fundamental” differences with the AFC’s political philosophy.

One specific difference,  is that I firmly believe that in order to depose the PPP from office, foster national unity and reconciliation as well as shape a genuine representative government, there must be a broad coalition of political, civil, community, religious, labor and other groups.  Such an alliance is not only essential to undermine and root out the rancorous, race-based, divisive politics of the PPP, but it will engender a new, refreshing culture of oneness and inclusive governance in our polity and country. This is at the core of my personal political philosophy.

From its positions; both presumed and stated, it appears that the AFC does not fully embrace this agenda. It has said clearly that it will not coalesce with the PNCR- which represents a major segment of the Guyanese electorate and political society. I cannot support a political party whose ideology seemes tinged with, and/or can lead to, divisiveness. Political exclusion is an entrenched PPP position, the consequences of which are perennial racial triumphalism and insecurity; all of which have engendered political instability and national stagnation.  It has been demonstrated that political parties with ideologies like this mature into regimes that spawn oligarchies, ethnocracies and tyrannies – a prime example of which, in Guyana’s context, is the PPP ethnocracy and tyranny.

I am not an obdurate ideologue. I’m a pragmatist who is amenable to “selective” initiatives of any political party, civic group, organization or individual who subscribes to the overarching objectives of a majority, if not, significant portion of the Guyanese electorate – To electorally remove the racist, corrupt PPP narco-dictatorship; consolidate democracy in Guyana; fight for the human rights and dignity of the Guyanese people,  for social justice and to ensure justice for atrocities committed by Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the evil PPP regime.

I actually endorsed one of the five candidates who were seeking to be nominated as the PNCR Presidential Candidate. For me, once there is a meeting of minds on lawfully deposing the PPP, fostering national harmony as well as economic  and social development, I will participate to help bring about change in Guyana.

This we must all do for love of country!