The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is yet to receive an official divorce notice from its coalition partner, the Alliance for Change (AFC).This is according to Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Norton said he was unaware that the AFC made a decision to abandon its political partnership. Norton noted that he received several reports in the press that suggested a separation.
“To my knowledge, we are still a coalition. What I am aware of is that our agreement will end at the end of the year but I have not been notified that the party is leaving the coalition. I have not received a letter from (AFC, Leader, Kemraj) Ramjattan,” Norton said.
He further noted that APNU has met with other members of the coalition to discuss a new way forward, and also to iron out any issues that might have existed during the previous agreement. Norton added that the series of discussions is aimed at strengthening the coalition.
“We are in talks with the WPA on the way forward…The only party to my knowledge that has left APNU was the Justice for All Party. We are open to having discussions with our members to sort out any issues,” Norton noted.
When asked whether the party intends to have further discussions with the AFC to possibly convince them with a new agreement, Norton said, “I would not be opposed to it. However if any party feels the needs to leave I am not holding them back. But I would be open for discussion.”
Ramjattan told the press last Friday that the decision is one of good faith, as the party intends to regroup and restrategize for the 2025 elections.
Ramjattan had explained that the party made its decision at its annual leadership conference to separate from APNU. He noted that while their political partnership has ended, the two will still remain allies in the National Assembly.
