On the eve of a pivotal election, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) stormed back to the historic Square of the Revolution on Saturday night, energizing a packed crowd with bold promises, sharp criticisms of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and a rallying cry for transformation.
With confidence blazing ahead of Monday’s polls, APNU’s leaders made it clear: change is coming — and it will be people-centred, accountable, and unapologetically pro-Guyanese.
Norton: “We Will Never Turn Our Backs on the People”
In a fiery address, APNU Presidential Candidate and People’s National Congress (PNC) Leader Aubrey Norton reminded the nation of the PNC’s proud legacy — leading Guyana to independence in 1966, to republican status in 1970, and laying the foundation for post-independence development.
But the night wasn’t just about history. It was about a future worth fighting for.
“We will never turn our backs on the people,” Norton thundered. “We will do everything to ensure we empower you — even if you are a person with disabilities — you can be guaranteed our support. We will do everything to make your life better.”
Norton rolled out a slate of ambitious reforms, including reducing taxes on 4×4 vehicles, revamping public works, increasing access to psychologists and social workers, and pushing secondary school graduation rates to 95% through a standards-driven education plan.
He pledged humility, accessibility, and service, positioning himself as the antithesis of the current administration’s leadership style.
Admitting that the previous A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition made mistakes, Norton declared that nothing compares to the “corruption, discrimination, extra-judicial killings, and economic marginalisation” under the Irfaan Ali-led PPP.
“We made mistakes, yes. But this administration is marred by scandals that affect the lives of real people every single day,” Norton said. “An APNU government will ensure that Guyanese benefit equally from the country’s resources — oil, cash, everything.”
Juretha Fernandes: ‘This is the country we’re living in right now’
Prime Ministerial Candidate Juretha Fernandes delivered a blistering critique of conditions in the hinterland, exposing the PPP’s neglect of rural and Indigenous communities. Her speech was a sobering indictment of the cost of living crisis and the collapse of basic services.
“In Imbaimadai, in the Upper Mazaruni, a gallon of gasoline costs $5,000. A bottle of cooking gas is $15,000,” she revealed, visibly outraged. “They [the PPP] dig deep into your pockets while refusing to put policies in place to remedy this.”
And the crisis extends to basic food items.
“In Jawalla, a single egg is $180. We started calling it Mr. Egg. That’s how bad it is. This is the country we’re living in right now under the PPP/C Administration,” Fernandes said, painting a harrowing picture of abandonment.
Mahipaul to Youth: ‘Land, housing, education – this is your time’
Vice Presidential Candidate Ganesh Mahipaul struck a powerful chord with the youth — who make up nearly 70% of Guyana’s population. Speaking directly to first-time and young voters, he promised land, housing, education, and opportunity.
“If you’re 18 or older and earning less than $400,000, you’ll get land for free under APNU,” Mahipaul pledged. “We’re launching a rent-to-own program — government will build the house, you pay rent monthly, and when the cost is paid off, it’s yours.”
That wasn’t all. Mahipaul announced a plan to raise the income tax threshold to $400,000, increase salaries for public servants, implement a $100,000 Old Age Pension, and introduce a $120,000 annual cash grant for school-aged children.
“The PPP only makes the rich richer. But under an APNU government, the people will benefit — not just the privileged few,” he said.
He also committed to strengthening small contractors, building their capacity to deliver quality infrastructure, and giving temporary workers access to skills training and education.
A Movement Rooted in History and Vision
Saturday night’s rally was more than just a political gathering. It was a powerful statement of purpose from a movement with deep historical roots and bold, people-first aspirations.
As the Square of the Revolution echoed with chants of unity and hope, APNU’s message rang clear: enough of the corruption, enough of the neglect — it’s time for a government that listens, acts, and puts all Guyanese first.
Tomorrow, Guyanese go to the polls. And for APNU, it’s not just another election — it’s a revolution reborn
