AFC celebrates 17th anniversary
The Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday celebrated 17 years since its formation and said that it will continue to build on its internal political structures and prepare for the next phase of its political journey.
In a statement, the Party said that it recommits itself to the founding principle of the total transformation of Guyana and bringing an end to racial politics. It saluted its leaders, members and supporters across the country for their commitment to the party’s politics.
Since its formation on October 29, 2005, as a political organization, the AFC said that it has consistently promoted the idea that Guyana’s advancement is intertwined with its ability to unleash the true potential of the Guyanese people.
“As such, we have always believed that our diverse citizenry’s economic, social, and political development must be based on the principle of social justice. We were established on the predominant philosophy that the racial politics of the past must be eradicated, and a new set of political precepts, electoral and constitutional reform, be promoted to lighten our path to prosperity,” the statement said.
The AFC boasts, that as part of the APNU+AFC coalition government, it was able to advocate for and promote policies to create an egalitarian society based on democratic principles aimed at giving every citizen a chance at a good life. The AFC said its policies were and remain people-focused.
“In our short but sterling political history, we achieved a lot in changing the landscape of our country in health, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, education, tourism, telecommunications, ethnic cohesion, and international relations opening the country to 21st-century business opportunities. Lest we forget, Guyana has had a horrible history of racial tension, victimization, political intimidation, extra-judicial killings and corruption. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a return of these atrocities on our people and the breakdown of civility and cooperation.
“As we take pride in our achievements as part of the historic Coalition Government, the AFC, as an independent political entity, will continue to defend the accomplishments and, if necessary, seek cooperation in protecting our people’s interests at home and abroad,” it said.
The Party added that it is pleased with the outcome of its recently concluded national conference and the election of the new leadership.
The AFC is facing major decisions as to whether it will continue with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in their present coalition and if it will contest next year’s planned local government elections either by itself or in association with APNU.