GEORGETOWN, Guyana, July 30, CMC – Leader of the opposition grouping, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), retired Brigadier David Granger, was elected leader of the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Sunday night.
Granger defeated former finance minister Carl Greenidge at the party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress securing 512 votes to the latter’s 175. There was one spoilt vote.
His election marks the first time, since the party, which was formed following the 1957 by the late Forbes Burnham, has changed its leader not due to a death.
Granger replaces Robert Corbin, who did not seek re-election, but will serve on the party’s central executive. Corbin has retired from the National Assembly.
Attorney Basil Williams was elected chairman of the party, replacing the incumbent Cammie Ramsaroop. Williams secured 228 votes while Ramsaroop gained 155 votes.
Williams later told reporters that the voting and counting process got off to a slow start, but described the process as fair.
The post of vice-chairman will be shared by Lawrence and Dr George Norton, though Lawrence gained 322 votes and Norton 152 votes, while Ronald Bulkan was elected treasurer of the party.
