Dear Editor,
I wish to offer my commendation to the author of that letter titled “Why Not Amanza?” dated and published on June 5, 2025.
Mr Rawle Blackman must be commended for highlighting the importance of women assuming the leadership role in Guyana and not any women but someone like Miss Amanza Walton Desir who possess fervour, assertiveness, debonair and zeal.
Mr Blackman rightfully alluded to CARICOM countries such as Trinidad, Barbados and shortly Suriname who are along that trajectory of having Female Head of States.
As far as I recalled Guyana’s only female President was Janet Rosenberg- Jagan, who served from December 19, 1997 to August 11, 1999 and afterwards no other female was given nor offered the highest portfolio in the country.
Miss Walton Desir on numerous occasions have displayed competence and proactivity like other Opposition Members of Parliament as it relates to matters of importance such as the government’s lackadaisical approach towards the ongoing Guyana /Venezuela border controversy.
Regarding diplomacy, Miss Desir ad nauseum has emphasized the necessity for the government to uphold reliable connections throughout the ABCE capitals, CARICOM, and Africa, the Pacific, Brazil, Colombia, and India. Although she acknowledges the growing power of China and Russia, she maintains that Guyana’s foreign policy must be based on national interest rather than ideological antiquity.
In our numerous conversations, we have developed a strong rapport. Notably, Miss Walton Desir has consistently demonstrated humility and a keen sense of awareness when participating in meaningful discussions about youth development and empowerment on a local level.
Given the significant changes in our society, where many women are thriving in traditionally male-dominated fields like technology, engineering, aviation, and petroleum exploration, I sincerely hope that the PNCR/APNU Opposition, to which Madam Walton Desir belongs, will give her the chance to flourish in the area of leadership.
I am thrilled that Dr. Simona Broomes, a woman I also respect, started her own political party called the “Assembly For Liberty & Prosperity” (ALP) and is eager to assume leadership roles in her nation.
This is a clear indication of women who are interested in coming to the forefront in leadership but it is if they will be afforded such opportunities given our misogynistic society.
However misogyny should no longer be an excuse given our diverse population but rather a thing of the past which continues to be an impediment to those who are competent in their expertise.
Article 29 of Guyana’s Constitution reminds us that “ Women’s participation in the various management and decision-making processes, whether private, public or state, shall be encouraged and facilitated by laws enacted for that purpose or otherwise.”
There is still room for improvement even though there are initiatives to put women in leadership positions, such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Private Sector Commission, which recently elected its first female president, Ms. Kathy Smith.
In light of this, I sincerely hope Miss Walton Desir is given the chance to occupy such a position in Guyana, as many people, including myself, would welcome her.
We hear talks of gender equality well this means that our male counterparts should not be intimidated if this comes into fruition but rather be supportive.
Yours truly,
Antonio Dey
Final Year Student
University of Guyana
