As Chairman, Jermaine Figueira brings a breath of fresh air to the politics in Region Ten
Dear Editor,
The just concluded regional conference of the People’s National Congress Reform, which was held in Linden last Saturday, was very interesting.
As a resident who lives in the vicinity close to the Constabulary Hall in which the conference was held, I decided to go and observe the proceedings.
Politics, the activities, actions and policies that are used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence a government is indeed a game of wolf and sheep, the hunter and the prey and such a reality was made very clear that day.
Editor, I listened to some interesting conversations among PNCR comrades and saw some real manoeuvring occurring on the floor of one of Linden’s most historic buildings.
It was easy to know who the candidates were, all were moving around, courting support for themselves, but moreover, for the candidates they preferred for chairmanship of the party. The outstanding name frequently tossed around the lips of most of the comrades in the room was that of MP Jermaine Figueira, followed by Mr. Deron Adams and faintly, Denise Belgrave.
It was most evident to me, that the majority of the delegates wanted Figueira, and when any ill things were said about him by a comrade, his supporters were quick to defend and dispel those negatives. He was a solid contender indeed and he won, even before the votes were cast.
I observed this young, intelligent and very charismatic fellow, as he engaged his fellow party members with such grace and finesse, it was beautiful.
Editor, what was evident and might I add, very disappointing, came from the speakers who presented several reports. All of which lacked substance, could you believe a treasurer’s report didn’t speak of money, no figures. Additionally, it was evident that the presenters attempted to influence the delegates to vote a certain way and the shower of praise Minister Valerie Yearwood placed on Mr. Deron Adams, was quite evident where they wanted the delegates to vote.
One of the comrades shouted “it’s time for a change, we making our own choice”.
Editor, when the voting for the chairman occurred, the name Figueira punctuated the ears of the listeners. When the last vote was called and the MP got up to walk to the back of the audience, the reaction of the comrades with rejoicing cheers, hugs, handshakes and kisses was amazing. The elections was stalled for about twenty minutes to settle the jubilant crowd. It was quite evident that he was not just favoured by the comrades, despite all efforts to have a different outcome by several speakers, he is truly loved and respected by the people.
The conference not only demonstrated and confirmed that the PNCR party is indeed a democratic party but showed that despite the attempts of some individuals, the power of the people and the desire for change took precedence.
Figueira brings, a breath of fresh air to the politics and leadership in Region Ten and the kind of people personality and likeability that was lacking in the PNCR leadership in the region for some time.
I applaud and thank His Excellency, President David Granger for giving us this hard working Member of Parliament and now party chairman. This is another good and right decision the leadership of the PNCR has done for the people of Linden and Region Ten.
Yours faithfully, Justice Welcome