WHILE the line of the Alliance, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), has been to attack the nomination of Elisabeth Harper as the ruling Party’s prime ministerial candidate, there have been many expressions of support for her by way of noticeable outpouring of this on popular social media platforms. Harper herself said yesterday, “I have received so many messages of goodwill and support. Their sincerity is overwhelming and touching. I am deeply bolstered by this support.”
Former President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Gillian Burton, who switched allegiance from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) in 2011, was one of the many such persons.
Taking to the popular social media site, Facebook, she said, “Yesterday, I embraced with joy the announcement by the PPP/C of the selection of Elisabeth Harper as the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections. I was overwhelmed by the fact that the PPP/C kept its promise to ALL Guyanese women to ensure there is equality and empowerment of women.”
Burton, however, had a word of advice for those detractors who decried Harper nomination, whom she referred to as “Persons who flaunt themselves as positive leaders” for Guyana’s progress. To them she said: “…it takes a strong, confident, determined, focussed and blessed woman to withstand those negative-minded beings, and forge ahead. I am very confident that the PPP/C has earmarked and endorsed one of the many such women in Guyana today in the person of Mrs Elisabeth Harper, our Prime Minister-in waiting.”
Minister of Education and former Human Services and Social Security Minister, Priya Manickchand, shared similar sentiments, and also took to her Facebook page.
She said, “I woke up happy and light, knowing that we have moved a place in our country’s history with the nomination of a bright, capable woman as the Prime Ministerial Candidate of one of the largest Political Parties in these parts.
“And then I read this: ‘I suspect they (the PPP/C) used a woman because they are looking at the woman-vote. but I think in a country like this, where the system is very tyrannical and authoritarian, people looking for changes are looking to put strong people that could run the next government.’”
According to Minister Manickchand, “Sexism is alive and well! Guyanese women must resolve to crush this under their heels at every turn.”
Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips, couldn’t agree more.
He said, “I don’t know why the Combined Opposition would comment negatively on the selection of Mrs Harper as the prime ministerial candidate. Have some class and tell us what you will do; show some dignity.”
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, added his two cents to the debate, saying: “In my considered view, Mrs Harper is an excellent choice. Once again, the PPP has proven to be the pacesetter, giving Guyana, her first female Prime Minister.
“We gave Guyana her first female President in Comrade Janet Jagan. We gave Guyana her first female Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Hon. Desiree Bernard. We ensure that our list of candidates for elections have gender balance. We have led again by example. We do not merely speak about gender equality and women empowerment; we actually support our words by action.”
Such comments reflect the support for Harper as prime ministerial material in most quarters, if not all.
Source: https://guyanachronicle.com/2015/02/23/despite-criticism-in-some-quarters-many-express-support-for-harper-as-pm