Williams makes pitch at congress for...

“I believe that the vision and shared values of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham resonate in us. It is because of those shared values of country first that we are here. As someone who has grown up in the party, I can testify to our commitment to the Guyanese people and for this reason I am proud to be associated with this party. I have worked under the leadership of all the Presidents that served in Government and I was mentored by them. Even now I continue to serve and be mentored under the leadership of our sitting President. My experience as a young person in the party taught me the value of hard work and I attribute my success in life to the time spent serving in the party. I am passionate about young people and their role in activism. It is important that you become the change you want to see and play an active role in the development of your country,” he said.

Williams stressed that that if the party is going to continue to grow and become stronger, the old must collaborate with the new.

“The word of God says in the book of Joel 2:28 that God will pour out his spirit on all flesh and old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions. I posit to you today that both dreams and visions are needed to develop Guyana,” he stated as the auditorium of the PNCR Sophia Headquarters erupted.

Screams, from mostly women, rang out: “Preach it Basil,” “Amen” and “Chairman for life.”

Even contenders for the post, Lawrence and Harmon, struggled to hold back smiles.

When President Granger took to the podium to give the leader’s address later, he jokingly remarked that “It is always difficult coming after pastor Williams.”

“As Chairman I have always engaged with the young members of our party and taken on board their suggestions for reform. At the last national elections, you contributed significantly to getting youths to the poll. You took to social media and developed innovative ways to campaign. For that we thank you. I implore you to remember that the future belongs to you and you must not shrink back but continue to be proactive without looking for a reward,” Williams added.

He told the delegates that tomorrow’s elections was not a time “to experiment” as it runs the risk of selecting leaders who might repeat the 23 years of suffering. He advised that they should therefore remember “tested, tried and proven comrades” and elect them to guide in strategising to win the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“It is therefore vital that President David Arthur Granger has a winning team to help him to continue in government, so he can give the Guyanese people the good life he promised them,” he added.