Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton said the decision of former Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green to crossover to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to contest in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) is no major loss to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
Norton told Guyana Standard today that a recent case study showed that the former mayor was not a favoured candidate in her district of Tucville, and as such, was removed from the party’s ticket.
“I don’t know if Chase-Green was ever a staunch member of the PNCR, but she was a member of the party. I was not made aware of her joining the PPP nor did she inform the party of her departure. I don’t consider this a setback because we intend to win that district again, without Chase-Green as a candidate,” Norton said.
He noted too that while he respected the decision of the former party member, he holds no grudges against her for siding with the PPP.
“I believe that everyone has a right to choose which side they want to support politically and as such I wish them all the best,” Norton said.
Meanwhile, Chase-Green after submitting the PPP’s list, told reporters that her decision to switch sides came after realizing that there was a need for “One Guyana”; despite having criticized the party she now supports.
“All I would say to the press is that I support (President Irfaan Ali’s) One Guyana (initiative), unity and progress. That’s all I can say for now, One, Guyana, unity and progress… We have just submitted a winning list for Georgetown and we look forward to unifying Georgetown,” Chase-Green said.
She noted too that “when the administration wins all the seats in council” there is a plan for Georgetown under the PPP. What that plan entails, according to Chase-Green, will only be revealed after the new council is elected.