Like Granger gave you shit to eat.

Left to Right: PNCR Leader, David Granger; Party Chairman, Basil Williams; Vice Chairmen, Volda Lawrence and George Norton as well as Treasurer, Ronald Bulkan

DEMERARA WAVES --- Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), David Granger Sunday evening denied that the elections machinery facilitated rigging and padding of the delegates list to sweep him back at the helm of the party.

 “These things are not true” he told a news conference at the end of the three-day 18^th biennial congress that was marred by allegations by Aubrey Norton and Sharma Solomon that the system was “flawed”.

They refused to participate in the elections, resulting in Granger and Basil Williams retaining their offices as leader and Chairman respectively.

Granger countered their charges that delegates’ names were taken off the list, saying that evidence had emerged that a large number of persons from “one particular region” were taken to Congress Place but their names were not on the list that was agreed and approved on Saturday night. “If there was any discrepancy, it meant that somebody was trying to flood the list when persons were not qualified to enter as observers and delegates,” he said.

Denying that the electoral system was flawed, the PNCR leader said there were no grounds for his resignation or the holding of fresh elections.  “We are not prepared to go back unless there is some evidence of wrongdoing and there has been no evidence of wrongdoing,” he said.

The party leader stressed that General Secretary, Oscar Clarke met numerous times with Norton and Solomon and “tried very hard” to iron out their grievances.

Although the last three congresses of the PNCR have enveloped in bitter disputes over electoral irregularities and the subsequent departure of several top and influential functionaries, Granger rejected suggestions that the party was deeply divided. “The party is not more divided than it has ever been. There is evidence, off course, that certain elements behaved in a certain way… But those elements do not represent a majority of the party to create such a massive division,” he said.

Among those who have parted ways with the PNCR or taken a back seat due to electoral and other concerns are Raphael Trotman, James Mc Allister, Vincent Alexander, Stanley Ming, Clarissa Riehl, Richard Vanwest Charles, Desmond Fernandes, Mervyn Williams and Sherwood Lowe.

“I am not suggesting that it is good to have a division but it wouldn’t harm the party in a serious way,” Granger added. Asked if he would reach out to Norton and others, Granger said the party has the mechanisms to involve members.

Member of the Accreditation Committee, Volda Lawrence admitted that there was only once face-to-face committee meeting, which was held on Saturday, but said other meetings were held via email and telephone.

What do we make of all of this?

1. Majority of Lindeners, who are strong supporters of Norton, made their way out of Congress Place and shouted, “PNC lose Linden forever.”

2. Others alleged that “Granger don’t like the PNC…he never liked the PNC. The whole PNC bruk up now.”

3. Norton made it unequivocally clear that he will not join forces with the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic or the Alliance for Change (AFC).

4. “Well I have always been PNC but for the first time I have to sit down and think through, I could promise everyone that I have no interest in the PPP, I was never PPP and will never be PPP. (Politics make strange bed fellows. I think Moses said the same before he joins AFC). Interesting time ahead as D_G would say.

What do we make of all of this?

1. Majority of Lindeners, who are strong supporters of Norton, made their way out of Congress Place and shouted, “PNC lose Linden forever.”

Cobra, that emotional outburst is understandable.

Less than two hours later, Aubrey Norton and his Linden supporters had cooled down somewhat at the Critchlow Labour College. There, Norton was more reflective. Kaieteur News reports: "Asked if he will resign from the party, Norton responded, “I wouldn’t want to comment on the future, but I am sure I want to see the back of the PPP government.”

Norton said that the Lindeners feel disrespected but “Lindeners are PNC people and I am a PNC man, so let’s see what happens.”

AFC will definitely win one of the two seats in Region 10 now.  Hear talks already begun between Hughes and Norton.  Keep your ears to the ground.

What do we make of all of this?

1. Majority of Lindeners, who are strong supporters of Norton, made their way out of Congress Place and shouted, “PNC lose Linden forever.”

2. Others alleged that “Granger don’t like the PNC…he never liked the PNC. The whole PNC bruk up now.”

3. Norton made it unequivocally clear that he will not join forces with the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic or the Alliance for Change (AFC).

4. “Well I have always been PNC but for the first time I have to sit down and think through, I could promise everyone that I have no interest in the PPP, I was never PPP and will never be PPP. (Politics make strange bed fellows. I think Moses said the same before he joins AFC). Interesting time ahead as D_G would say.

Let's assume that is true. The PNC/R will then lost a few seats while AFC will pick up a few seats. If the AFC decided to be independent from APNU, then its a three party race that bring us to square one. Does that make sense? I think the idea is to break the gridlock or give in to a shared governance which I don't see possible at this time.

Do you expect Granger to admit that there was rigging? Not in your wildest dreams.