By Mark DaCosta- The political landscape in our nation has witnessed a significant shift as three executive members of the Alliance For Change (AFC) have found themselves on the fringes following their apparent alignment with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). This realignment coincides with the forthcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025. The AFC has responded firmly, considering their actions as a voluntary forfeiture of membership, a decision underscored by their failure to clarify their positions in the face of media scrutiny
The AFC has expressed its discontent at the apparent betrayal felt by its ranks, as AFC Members of Parliament Sherod Duncan, Juretha Fernandes, and Deonarine (Ricky) Ramsaroop have been confirmed to be pursuing official membership within the APNU, the major partners in the APNU+AFC coalition.
According to the AFC, the trio did not reply to formal outreach from its General Secretary, Raphael Trotman, leaving the party with no choice but to treat this silence as an admission of allegiance to the APNU’s cause. Despite attempts from the AFC to engage the three members for clarification on their reported decisions, their silence has been interpreted as an acceptance of their new political affiliations.
This development marks a significant departure for the AFC, an organisation built upon the pillars of democratic principles and member unity. The party’s official statement clarified that the trio has chosen to act in a manner that disregards their commitments to the organisation and its collective goals. The AFC has firmly stated that it holds a commitment to transparent and inclusive political processes, asserting that any personal arrangements established outside of these frameworks are completely unacceptable.
In a late statement from the AFC, gratitude was extended to Duncan, Fernandes and Ramsaroop for their prior contributions, reflecting a mixture of disappointment and respect towards their service. The AFC takes pride in its democratic ethos, which values the freedom of choice, but the party’s leaders conveyed that such freedom must be exercised with consideration and amid established protocols.
As the political scene evolves, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the major political party in the component of the APNU coalition, has confirmed that Juretha Fernandes is set to be their prime ministerial candidate. This has been a bold move as Sherod Duncan has also indicated his intention to join the APNU ranks. The merging of these significant political figures has raised questions about the future dynamics within both the AFC and the APNU parties. The ongoing public discourse is expected to further scrutinise the motivations behind such decisions, as voters seek clarity on the commitments and ideologies of their political representatives.
In the backdrop of these developments, it is essential to understand who the three individuals at the centre of this political shift are. Sherod Duncan, previously a prominent figure within the AFC, has held various roles advocating for the party’s values and policies. Juretha Fernandes, another influential front-runner within the AFC, -who held the shadow finance ministerial portfolio in the 12th Parliament-has aimed to elevate discussions on pressing national issues, whilst Deonarine Ramsaroop has made contributions within the party’s frameworks aimed at fostering community engagement and growth.
Their crossover to the APNU not only marks a pivotal moment for their political careers but also influences the ideological balance of power within our nation’s political sphere. This realignment raises critical questions regarding party loyalty and the principles that guide our leaders as they navigate the evolving political landscape in Guyana. As the 2025 elections loom closer, the ramifications of their departure, as well as the broader implications for both parties, will undoubtedly come under intense scrutiny from the public and political analysts alike.
