Concerns

Dear Editors,
I write to you in my own right and under full autonomy as a former member of the coalition. My time, energy, and sacrifices within that movement spanned significant years, including 2011 and 2015 periods that were truly historic in the life of our nation. Those were moments that inspired great hope, signaling to many of us that meaningful change was finally within reach.
However, the unfortunate events surrounding 2020 left many of us deeply disheartened. The conduct of His Excellency during that period, and the way in which key matters were handled, shook the confidence of loyal supporters. We believed and longed for a new wave of leadership leadership that could restore faith, renew vision, and open the door for a generation of fresh and principled leaders.
Instead, what emerged was profoundly disappointing. What was supposed to be a new chapter turned into something far worse. Early on, I questioned the abrupt changes in the administrative head of the party an institution I have always cherished. But as I drew closer to the inner workings, the reality became painfully clear. The face behind it was that of a dictator self-centered, intolerant, and destructive to dreams and aspirations. The leadership contest that followed only confirmed the inevitable decline, and soon after, members began leaving in droves.
The collapse of APNU was not sudden it was the natural consequence of a leadership culture rooted in arrogance and exclusion. Although certain partners endeavored to revitalize the coalition and sought the removal of the destabilizing element at its core, these efforts were met with resistance from die heart partners. Consequently, several partners ultimately withdrew, resulting in a coalition that was both fractured and significantly weakened. We saw the failed negotiations with tge other component of the coalition which will hunt them for decades.
Now, as 2025 approaches, we see the reemergence of APNU under the guise of a collection of newly formed groups many of which are mere “window dressing.” Throughout this campaign, I have looked carefully for the presence of these so-called groups, yet they have been nowhere to be found. The so-called manifesto launch revealed the truth more vividly: more than 70% of those seated at the head table were PNC members. Behind the thin veil of inclusivity was nothing more than a long list of token party names, meant to create the illusion of a broad coalition.
For me, the deception was evident long ago, and that is why I chose to opt out. The leadership continues to be self-serving, and in truth, has abandoned the very coalition it pretends to champion. The PNC runs around waving the banner of coalition politics, yet what stands before us is not unity it is a shell.
In light of this the APNU needs to guarantee Guyanaese that we are not returning to the days of the old one party rule and we will truly reflect the true essence of a coalition government like Suriname and other nations did. Hence Guyanese needs to
• Could they clarify the intended role of coalition partners, both in the event of forming government and if in opposition?
• Will the composition of the Cabinet be predominantly PNC, or will there be a balanced representation among coalition partners?
• Could they outline your proposed governance structure, regardless of whether they win or lose the election, particularly with respect to ensuring plurality in leadership?
• There has been a noticeable absence of coalition members at recent events. Could you comment on the current status of the relationship with the partners who are absent especially on the campaign trail?