Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, elected leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) at the National Conference in June 2024, isn’t just campaigning for change—he’s pushing for a vision rooted in integrity, institutional reform, and inclusivity under the banner “Better Must Come.” His campaign signals hope, accountability, and systemic transformation for Guyana.
Law Firm Leadership and Professional Integrity
Hughes is a partner and chairman at Hughes, Fields & Stoby (HFS), one of Guyana’s preeminent law firms. A graduate with honours (LL.B) and an LL.M from University College London, he returned in 1998 and helped modernise the firm into an internationally respected practice across sectors from commercial law and energy to mining, telecommunications, and intellectual property.
Under his stewardship, HFS marked over 50 years in practice and expanded its legal team while maintaining scholarship programmes and pro bono work in underserved communities. He also served as President of the Guyana Bar Association, where he helped reduce case backlogs and reform legal procedures.
Hughes’s ties to the firm—and its representation of ExxonMobil—have raised questions about conflicts of interest. He has defended his position, pointing to ethical walls and internal safeguards. He pledged that, if elected, he would recuse himself from oil sector policymaking to maintain transparency.
Champion of Institutional Reform
As AFC leader, Hughes aims to guide transformational change. His “Better Must Come” message lays out strategic infrastructure investment, vocational training academies, and governance of oil wealth via nonpartisan expert bodies.
He has long pushed for constitutional reform that requires supermajority consensus—rather than the practiced winner-takes-all dominance—promoting inclusive governance akin to systems in countries like Suriname.
Defender of Rights and Advocate for Justice
In addition to his legal campaign work against discriminatory language within the police and restrictive defamation laws that hinder free speech, Hughes represented the International Decade for People of African Descent–Guyana (IDPADA‑G) at the United Nations (UN), pressing for reparatory justice, recognition of Afro‑Guyanese rights and contributions.
Inclusive Politics and Coalition Values
Hughes is open to coalition-building and has publicly offered to step aside for a united candidate capable of pulling diverse opposition forces together. While coalition discussions have stalled, he still promotes inclusive leadership: “50 percent of my Cabinet will be women, and half of those women will be young.”This would represent a significant development in Guyanese politics, especially considering that women comprise approximately 51.3% of the population, and individuals aged 35 and under account for about 63%.”
Facing Scrutiny and Staying Grounded
Opponents have criticised Hughes’s professional role, citing land deals during A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change’s (APNU+AFC) caretaker period and his firm’s corporate roles. He has responded with transparency, distinguishing service from ownership and insisting he has no direct financial involvement in those transactions.
Family and Personal Integrity
A devoted family man, Nigel Hughes is married to Catherine “Cathy” Hughes, a Member of Parliament—making them a politically engaged pair. As a result, he is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) and has complied fully with the Integrity Commission’s annual asset disclosure rules
Why Nigel Hughes Resonates
Hughes represents a rare blend of legal acumen, reformist leadership, and moral resolve. He places transparency over patronage, ethics over expediency, and structural reform over token gestures. His campaign is not just about winning office—it’s about reshaping governance with a long-term vision, especially with oil wealth and constitutional reform in the balance.
“Better Must Come” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a heartfelt pledge fueled by legal expertise, principled leadership, and unwavering dedication to a modern, fair, and inclusive Guyana.
