Carl Greenidge Reflects on Floor-Crossing in Politics, Calls for Integrity and Stronger Party Cohesion

Former Vice President and Guyana’s Lead Agent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Guyana-Venezuela border matter, Carl Greenidge, has weighed in on the growing debate over the practice of “crossing the floor” in local politics—calling for a sober, thoughtful approach rooted in party accountability, integrity, and respect for the electorate.

A History of Floor-Crossing in Guyanese Politics

In an interview with the Guyana Standard, Greenidge recalled that floor-crossing—where Members of Parliament (MPs) shift allegiance from one political party to another—was a common occurrence during the 1960s and 1970s. He cited historic examples such as Ranji Chandisingh, Vincent Teekah, and other prominent figures who once aligned with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) but eventually switched to the People’s National Congress (PNC).

According to Greenidge, the political system at the time enabled such moves. “Back then, we had a first-past-the-post system that tolerated that because MPs were elected by constituency and not as part of a slate with persons who may not even have been known to voters,” he explained, noting that the implications today are significantly different under the proportional representation model.

Leadership, Loyalty, and the Cost of Silence

Greenidge said that while switching sides may not warrant panic, it is a signal that cannot be ignored. “There’s often a temptation to weigh the costs of staying with a party in decline against the potential short-term gains of aligning with the ruling side. But this is exactly why leadership must engage members meaningfully and build trust in the direction the party is heading,” he said.

He emphasised that political losses of this nature can be mitigated through greater inclusiveness and transparency in decision-making, as well as by demonstrating a strong and principled leadership that inspires loyalty and belief in the party’s vision.

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of political service, Greenidge issued a poignant reminder: “Politics is not an easy or comfortable passion. It’s not about sameness—it’s about fighting for and managing change, confronting failure, and continuing the struggle even when success is elusive.” He echoed sentiments by economist Professor Clive Thomas, stressing that politics at its core should empower the poor and powerless to play a greater role in the country’s development.

Public Trust and Ethical Responsibility in Politics

Speaking to the ethical dimensions of political conduct, Greenidge warned against opportunism, saying, “The electorate is watching. People expect honourable and ethical conduct. They’re not impressed by those who abandon ship at the first sign of challenge or treat politics as a personal business venture.”

His comments come in the wake of the highly publicised floor-crossing by APNU+AFC Parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who offered her support to the PPP in the National Assembly’s final sitting. While acknowledging her right as an MP to support a party of her choosing, Greenidge said the circumstances of the move raised significant concern.

“What makes this move especially unusual and aggravating is her seniority in the administration of the PNCR-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),” he stated.

Greenidge cautioned that such acts, especially when executed by senior political figures, risk undermining public confidence in the political process. “MPs are selected from a party’s slate, which represents a collective offering to the electorate—not an individual bid for power. No one enters the National Assembly on their own merit alone, except perhaps presidential candidates,” he noted.

“They hold that seat to represent the party’s programme and, more importantly, the will of the voters.”