Why the PPP/C have a fight on their hands

The PPP/C finds itself in a situation where it has been forced to go to the electorate and ask for a new mandate.

Leaders for a new time

Just three years ago, that electorate reduced them to a minority government.

The AFC made inroads into PPP/C strongholds. In that election the leader of the AFC was not Moses Nagamootoo. Moses is a long time seasoned campaigner for the PPP/C. He was not only a member of their key leaders but was on the list of five persons who might have been the PPP candidate for President 2011. Moses has been one of the leading campaigners for the PPP for decades. In 2006 the leadership of the PPP/C leadership begged Moses to return to the campaign platform after sidelining him from the spotlight since 2000.

In your hands the key to moving forward

The PPP are now forced to campaign in their strongholds against someone who is familiar with their campaign strategy and their election network. Moses Nagamootoo is a charismatic person, an eloquent speaker and seasoned election campaigner. He has high name and image recognition. His wife Sita is also a long time campaigner well recognized by PPP supporters. She was a head teacher for a high school in central Georgetown and is therefore a cross over figure.

Moses has been with Dr. Jagan since 1961

The task for the PPP/C is not an easy one. In 2011 they lost voters to the AFC and a significant number of their supporters stayed away from the polls. They have sought to demonize Moses as a traitor. They have also told voters that the AFC have betrayed the party ideals. They are hoping to win back those who voted against them as well as those who stayed away.

Moses with his political mentors

Many businessmen will tell you that it is difficult to win back customers because they left for a reason or for reasons. Then do not go back easily. This PPP/C charge of deception works both ways. The AFC can claim that the PPP/C has betrayed the ideals and values of Dr. Jagan. The AFC can say that it Ramotar and Jagdeo who are the traitors. Dr. Jagan’s son has publicly chastised the present PPP/C leadership for moving away from core PPP values, which his father cemented in the party. His daughter also publicly said that her parents values and lifestyle were far removed from the present PPP/cJo  There is also the public incident where Mr. Jagdeo told Mrs. Jagan that she was just a private citizen when she attempted to get get him to stop his campaign against Stabroek News.

David Granger campaigning

Going beyond race-The Obamas in India

Moses has proved his loyalty to the PPP. Twice he resigned the high post of minister on grounds that many can identify with. In the first case he walked away from a major post to pursue studies in law at University. He chose to mix with young people to acquire the skills he felt were needed to effectively make decisions at leadership level. In this time he not only got insights into the thinking of young people in both Guyana and Trinidad but also formed a close friendship with Winston Murray. Murray was a likable and visionary leader of the PNC. Many thought that he would have been the first PNC leader to break the mold of only black leaders for the party. Sadly he died before achieving this.

In the second situation Moses left the ministerial post because he was troubled by the influence he felt that criminal elements had on the party. He, however, thought that he could remain and wait for an opportunity to turn things around. So for 10 years he quietly stayed in the background. Finally in 2011 he recognized that the small cabal at the top of the party would not allow anyone to change its direction.

David & Sandra Granger Moses & Sita Nagamootoo

Moses and his wife have remained loyal to ideals and values, which Dr. Jagan set for the party. Those who still support the party but who are not happy with the Jagdeo direction have a chance to join the APNU/AFC and strengthen and ideals of Dr. Jagan’s within that groupimg. It is interesting that that PPP/C received over 6000 signatures asking Mr. Jagdeo to be the prime ministerial candidate. This shows that there is a real division within the party in their stronghold. These signatures came from region six voters.