By Mark DaCosta-We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, has now officially submitted its candidate list for the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections. This presentation, made to the Chief Election Officer during the Nomination Day activities, marks a pivotal moment for the newly established party as it seeks to carve a niche in the political landscape.
Azruddin Mohamed’s party is attracting much attention not only for its ambitious agenda but also for its handpicked candidates, which now include notable figures from past administrations. Among these is Duarte Hetsberger, who previously served as the Personal Assistant to former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. Hetsberger, who has faced significant scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the deletion of crucial data within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat, has taken on a visible role in the nomination process, indicating his solid commitment to WIN’s cause.
Joining Hetsberger is Dawn Hastings-Williams, the former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC-R). Her transition to WIN comes at a time when the party is looking to strengthen its standing ahead of the elections. Hastings-Williams is no stranger to governance; she has held various ministerial positions within the APNU+AFC coalition, specifically as Minister of Public Affairs, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, and Minister of State. Her experience in these roles lends a sense of credibility to WIN’s aspirations for engaging with the electorate.
In a recent statement, Hastings-Williams voiced her conviction regarding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our nation. She emphasised the necessity for capable leadership that can navigate the complexities of global engagement. As she put it, “As a nation we must keep up with the rest of the world if we are to be recognised and respected as a developing oil-producing nation.” Her sentiments reflect a deep understanding of the transformative potential of our country’s rich natural resources, coupled with the urgency of addressing existing socio-economic disparities.
The former minister further highlighted the alarming statistics that reveal the ongoing struggle with poverty, noting that data from the World Bank indicated that 48 per cent of our populace lived in poverty as of 2019. Her assessment underscores the pressing need for robust poverty alleviation initiatives, as she stated, “It is therefore obvious that we need stronger and more vigorous poverty reduction strategies to combat this phenomenon.” This call to action resonates deeply with many Guyanese.
Hastings-Williams’ endorsement of WIN’s leadership is an intriguing development, especially considering her recent resignation from the PNC-R alongside several colleagues. In her evaluation of WIN’s manifesto, she described Azruddin Mohamed’s vision as “truly inspiring,” suggesting that the party has articulated a coherent strategy to tackle the nation’s most pressing issues. Her anticipation of being on the candidate list adds to the allure surrounding WIN, as the party positions itself as a viable alternative for voters disenchanted by the political status quo.
With multiple resignations from the PNC Reform in recent weeks signalling a shift in political allegiances, the forthcoming electoral contest is set to be highly competitive.
