Press Clippings

July 30 2006 - Ten Parties Approved to Contest Polls

The elections commission has approved candidate lists for ten parties to contest the August 28 general and regional elections. [TUF is one of only four parties contesting seats in all ten Regions of Guyana] ... more ...

 

July 24 2006 - TUF plans to introduce a Ministry of Diaspora - Nadir sees hung Parliament as one possibility
By Miranda La Rose
in the Stabroek News of Monday, July 24 2006

Security, stimulating growth of the economy, and forging ahead with nationhood would be the basis of The United Force (TUF) campaign in this elections period, the party's Leader Manzoor Nadir says, adding that it would seek to create a Ministry of the Diaspora.

The latter would be one of the new initiatives to aid in boosting economic and social development through investments, and helping non-governmental organizations and social development programmes. However, he foresaw a number of possible political scenarios which might follow the election, one of which was a hung Parliament.

In an interview about the party's readiness for the August 28 elections, Nadir, whose party holds one seat in Parliament and who is the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in the PPP/C government, said both the regional and national lists of candidates were ready. While the interview was being conducted the list from Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/ Upper Takutu) arrived.

He commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for sending out the nomination forms early. While Nadir remains TUF's presidential candidate, he told this newspaper to await Nomination Day later this week for the name of the prime ministerial candidate.

In addressing security, TUF has developed a 25-point plan which it has put together in a 31-page document. "We have been working very diligently on the plan. We are not bluffing," he said.

In an introduction to the plan the party acknowledges that crime in Guyana does not only have socio-economic implications as far as the root causes are concerned but also derives from political ideology and entrenched racism that permeates the attitudes of some members of the society.

On the need for accelerated economic development, he said Guyanese cannot deny that there has been some economic development under the current administration but more economic opportunities need to be delivered faster. A TUF-led government would forge a closer relationship with the private sector. Noting that several members of the private sector complain about issues of red tape, concessions, and attractive packages, TUF, he said, would aggressively attract more investments to Guyana.

TUF would promote nationhood because too many people look at their little group and many do not see themselves as Guyanese first. "The issue of 'we' in power or 'them' in power is one that permeates the society based on whichever ethnic group rules at the time. We got to deal with this issue," he said.

On the creation of the Ministry of the Diaspora, Nadir said Guyana has not made enough use of the diaspora which is willing to help. "Every politician knows how to work the diaspora for fund-raising and support. We have to do similarly for our economic and social development of our country. We are proposing a Ministry of the Diaspora as one of our new initiatives," he said.

Many Guyanese living and working all over the world are financially well off and are still patriotic and Guyana has not tapped them. He said that some TUF supporters who were in Guyana 15 years ago are now millionaires in New York. Some who gave the party US$250 previously are now giving cheques of US$2,000.

Asked whether TUF's association with the PPP/C government over the past five years could hurt or help the party, Nadir said many countries have multi-party governments. "I sat as TUF Leader in Parliament for the last term. The party maintained its identity. We feel that future governments of Guyana would be multi-party governments and we've led the way.

"Would that [the association with the PPP/C government] make us take on the tones of the party who would be in a government with us?" he asked.

He said there are examples of European governments where opposition parties represented in a government campaign freely against each other. In the Caribbean, he said there was a classic example in St Kitts and Nevis where an opposition member has been invited to join the government and he has. Dominica also has two parties in government - the Dominica Freedom Party and the Dominica Labour Party - which were bitter enemies years ago.

He said being in government for five years would have exposed Manzoor Nadir and that was a positive.

TUF was confident that the party which was established since 1960 as one of unity, seeking prosperity through the free market system, with ideals that were valid then and now, would be the party forever in terms of principles.

Going it alone

Nadir said TUF would be going to the polls alone. However, he said, given the current political scenario and depending on how the political campaigns are run, after the August 28 elections, "There is the likelihood that a number of scenarios could play out among which is that there could be a hung Parliament and in a position of a hung Parliament, whoever is the President would have to make alliances in the National Assembly in order to pass laws. TUF could make a big difference."

Asked to compare TUF's campaign with the last elections' campaign Nadir said that TUF had an earlier start, the network of activists and supporters expanded, and the party was better resourced in terms of mobility. The reorganization of the party and the campaign strategy planning began when the party conference was held in August last year. At the time it was expected that the elections would be held in seven months' time. Material and financial support began to come in with lobbying for overseas and local support and the first big campaign started with the distribution of 20,000 calendars at the beginning of the year. Since then a number of other campaign materials, including pens and CDs have been distributed.

The campaign continued with a 'Check-the-list' programme that began on May 7. TUF used the opportunity to kick off this part of the campaign at the La Penitence Market, in Georgetown. Hundreds of people turned up to see if their names were on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). This campaign was taken to New Amsterdam, Bartica, Moruca, Charity and to the Rupununi. "We physically checked over 4,000 names," he said.

They found the names of about a dozen persons who had died; one person had double registration - one in her married name and one in her maiden name; and the name of one person who had registered in one village, placed in another village in the Rupununi, but by and large the list was found to be to be "very, very good," Nadir said.

They called the check-the-list campaign the 'yellow' phase because of the underlining of the names and the current phase - the physical campaign for the elections, which began two weeks ago - the blue phase.

They started this with an activist and bottom-house meeting in Tempe Village, West Berbice. Since then the teams have covered nine villages in Region One (Barima/Waini); 12 villages in the Rupununi; several villages in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica); St Mary's, Winiperu, Bartica and the Pakaraimas. A number of wards in the city including Albouystown and Alexander Village were covered.

Financing

Asked whether it was true that the PPP was financing TUF's campaign, Nadir said, "We have a good list of supporters. I can confidently say that we have not received a cent from any political party."

Publicly acknowledging those who have helped, he said that in the rehabilitation of the party's headquarters, some members volunteered their labour. "No PPP or any other political party gave us financial support."

Like all or most of the political parties, he said, TUF was seeking overseas support. So far the party has raised three times the amount it would normally raise about this time.

He said the party was "feeling good because we have seen a lot of the support we lost to other parties returning. Many persons are submitting applications for membership and former supporters are reapplying with in excess of 200 applications coming in each month. They include leading persons in the interior communities and young professionals. Young people are looking for hope." Traditionally the party had its support among the business community and in the hinterland communities on account of the country's first indigenous Member of Parliament, Stephen Campbell.

 

June 12 2006 - GECOM must replace lost Identity Cards
Letter to the Editor
in the Stabroek News of June 12 2006

	June 22 2006 Official response received from GECOM

Dear Editor,

The United Force (TUF) calls upon the Guyana Elections Commission to immediately initiate the process of replacing Identification Cards to those many persons in and around the country who have lost same. Now that the claims and objections period is over it is only fitting and proper that GECOM now focuses its undivided attention to the relatively simple but important task of restoring lost ID cards to persons desirous of having these and allowing for the opportunity of now doing so - a period that would amply facilitate this exercise such as prior to and after General Elections, and this on a continuing basis.

T.U.F asks that GECOM treats this issue of replacing lost ID cards as a matter of urgency and priority.

Yours faithfully,

Jenny Blackman

 

May 7 2006 - I was unable to attend the re-commissioning of Unity House due to my commitments in Parliament
Letter to the Editor
in the Sunday Stabroek of May 7 2006

Dear Editor,

The United Force appreciates the concerns of the writer of the letter captioned "Mr Nadir should have been there" (06.05.01). First let me apologize to all those who were present at the re-commissioning of Unity House. As stated in the letter, due to my obligations as a member of parliament, I was unable to be present for the formal ceremony. However, the leadership depth in our organization allowed for our executives to conduct the ceremony in a most professional and admirable fashion in my absence, and I thank the writer for the kind words offered to them.

My absence during this crucial period must be viewed as further evidence of TUF commitment to put the interest of our beloved Guyana ahead of partisan politics and selfish causes. Our party is committed to the motto of "Guyana First" and will never neglect what is in the best interest of Guyana.

I also appreciate the writer's concern about what TUF's next move is and how we plan to help in the "war against crime." To provide the writer and other readers with a brief outline of plans for the future and our war against crime, I must first advise that we are and will continue to work assiduously to earn the confidence, trust and support of all Guyanese. Our goal is to build and maintain a united and caring society with equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, race, religion or political affiliation. TUF believes that economic opportunities should be available to all Guyanese.

Regarding the concern about TUF's assistance in the war against crime, we understand that crime is of primary concern to every Guyanese. As such TUF has prepared for release in the very near future a comprehensive 25 point crime plan.

Our plan addresses crime in a manner that will have both immediate and long term effect on the problem. TUF's plan is intended to make every person, home and business free from the scourge of crime. With the dedication and help of the relevant authorities and the general public, we will prevail and law and order will return to Guyana. Currently highly qualified members of our executive are engaged in providing security training and crime awareness seminars to groups free of charge. We will continue to offer assistance in the form of training any other that can assist our citizens to prevent and defend themselves against the various crimes being perpetrated against them.

Yours faithfully,

Manzoor Nadir
Leader of The United Force

 

May 3 2006 - Nine Parties Sign Peace Pact

... including The United Force ...

 

Apr 29 2006 - TUF calls for equal treatment from GECOM

The United Force has complained to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over the distribution of the preliminary voters' list, saying that it has not received a hard copy version.

 

Apr 28 2006 - Unity House renovated and modernised

Last Thursday, Unity House, headquarters of The United Force (TUF) was rededicated in a ceremony held at its New Garden Street location.

 

Jan 18 2006 - TUF Meets GECOM

A team of senior representatives of The United Force (TUF) led by the Party's Leader, Manzoor Nadir met with Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and Gocool Boodoo, Chief Election Officer, last Thursday at the Commission's Boardroom.

 

Aug 22 2005 - Nadir returned unopposed as TUF leader
By George Gomes
in the Stabroek News of Monday, Aug 22nd 2005

Manzoor Nadir, was yesterday re-elected unopposed as Leader of The United Force (TUF) when, after more than a decade, members and leaders of the party gathered for its 2005 Party Conference at Unity House, Bourda.

His re-election drew a line under reports of internal dissent over his decision to join the PPP/Civic government as its Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Reports that several challenges to his leadership of the party would be mounted also did not materialise.

Ishmael Mohamed and Errol Van Nooten were elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively. Over a hundred members and delegates attended the conference. Elections Commissioner, Robert Williams, was the guest speaker.

Deputy Leader of TUF, Michael Abraham, told Stabroek News that the party's constitution states that persons wishing to contest executive positions must submit their names 14 days in advance and no one indicated they would be running against Nadir.

One amendment was made to the constitution of the party yesterday to cater for the position of deputy leader.

Nadir was first elected Leader of TUF in 1991 and Abraham in his presentation of the report of the executive said Nadir had led from the front and has shared of his knowledge and experience for which the party "records its gratitude."

In spite of the last gathering being more than a decade ago, Abraham said the party had been working. Abraham, a longstanding member of the party, said that TUF has been contesting elections and following the 2001 general elections when it secured one seat in Parliament Nadir was offered and took up a ministerial position in the PPP/C government.

He said this was after extensive consultations with the executive of the party and ordinary members. Abraham said that Nadir was accompanied on June 15, 2001 to the Office of the President (OP) by the executive of TUF to take up his position as Minister.

Nadir told Stabroek News he saw no problem with his being a minister of government and also leader of an opposition party. "I am just a party leader in government, not opposition," Nadir said.

Concerning its social responsibility, Abraham noted that the Amerindian Committee of TUF was responsible for September 10 being called Amerindian Heritage Day. "This was the catalyst for the government putting September as Amerindian Month."

TUF had made representations to the Constitutional Reform Committee and through representation by Jerome Jarvis the Toshao Council was formed, Abraham said. Jarvis is the present Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region One (Barima/ Waini).

Abraham added that members including overseas-based ones continue to be committed to the party and the party to them. He said that in times of need TUF has reached out to its members and that the executive has received many cards from appreciative persons.

This newspaper was told that most of the persons attending the conference had been members for only a few weeks.

First off, in his capacity as Commissioner, Williams said he wanted to inform the audience, that his best efforts to get the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as a whole to face the public through the media on issues and the status of the body have failed.

He pointed out that when he took the oath to become an elections commissioner it asked him to be fearless, to be unbiased, to act without malice, and to say what he thought in his best judgment was in the best interest of the nation. GECOM has been deadlocked for sometime now on several issues including verification of the voters roll and biometrics.

Some areas Williams suggested that TUF address were: effective leadership especially at the community level in light of the influence of foreign TV; internal differences; leadership; party funding; education and security.

He noted that persons taking leadership positions must have the ability to manage and their focus ought to be on issues. "Unless the focus is on issues it is a waste of time getting involved in governance."

Pointing to the influence of leaders' thinking on issues, Williams referred to a recent public statement by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning that people should practise birth control by watching more television and having less sex.

Williams wondered whether this kind of thinking on the issue of birth control would become a part of the thinking of Caricom.

He spoke of the role of leaders in Guyana in convincing people to see things in the context of Guyana and not to be carried away by foreign TV. He cited its influence on persons - especially youths - leading to crises for them including with their health.

He said that many times the message on TV was about buying a "MJ jersey" which was very affordable in the USA but not so in Guyana. Also the suggestive videos played influenced wild sexual behaviour.

He also suggested that TUF get involved in examining a more holistic approach to education pointing out that many who have passed through the formal institutions have been a disappointment. "Education is more than formal." He said that like in the medical profession youths needed forms of internship.

Party funding, Williams said, was becoming so limited the party would have to seek from its internal assets. "The party has a responsibility to establish an economic base. No party can survive without it."

Williams said security has reached one of its lowest points. He said there has to be a national consensus on this matter of which TUF should be part.

Related information: 2005 Conference