In the tense build-up to Guyana’s pivotal September 1 general and regional elections, the newly launched Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) sent a powerful message of determination and transformation during a high-energy rally last night at Burnham Court. The coalition—uniting Forward Guyana, The People’s Movement, and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (V‑PAC)—used the platform to present a bold and urgent call for national renewal.
A Bold Union for National Renewal
Presidential Candidate Amanza Walton-Desir—who leads the FGM after breaking ranks with the PNCR in June 2025—made it clear that this alliance was not born of political expediency, but necessity.
“We didn’t form this alliance because it was easy—we did it because it was necessary,” she said emphatically.
In a spirited declaration to the crowd, Walton-Desir added:
“FGM is here to fight for YOU. Your future, your family, your Guyana — we won’t back down. Together, let’s move Guyana forward!”
The rally also saw the unveiling of the FGM’s new logo—a wheel symbolizing progress, unity, and inclusivity, with visual elements from all three founding parties and intentional space for future partners.
Launching a Contract With the People
Earlier this month in Georgetown, FGM rolled out its “Contract with the People”—a manifesto grounded in four pillars:
- Empowering the People
- Tackling the Cost of Living
- Fixing Governance
- Building Unity and Deepening Democracy
The document outlines concrete plans for broader land ownership, affordable housing, food security, transparency, anti-corruption initiatives, Indigenous rights recognition, and stronger local governance.
Walton-Desir described the plan as a moral pledge—especially to Guyana’s youth and women—urging citizens to “vote with purpose and independence,” rather than along racial or traditional lines.
Not Just Promises—Resistance
The rally was not only a call to action but a defiant response to fear and intimidation. Touching on a recent incident in the Rupununi Savannah, where Indigenous supporters of the WIN party were thrown off a bus, FGM addressed the crowd and the nation with a statement that reverberated across social media:
“FEAR STALKS THIS LAND!!!!! This is what we have been talking about. The fear and intimidation being meted out by operatives of the PPP/C against ordinary Guyanese is real. The Forward Guyana Movement has seen our candidates victimized. Some have lost contracts. Some have lost clients. Some have been pressured to withdraw their candidacy. We have even faced adverse rulings in the courts. But we persist. Because appeasement has never stopped bullies. Only courage and persistence do. And we will not be intimidated. Forward Guyana Movement stands firm.”
Emerging as a Fresh Political Force
FGM’s momentum is undeniable. Since its inception, it has deliberately charted a new political course. It declined to sign the Ethnic Relations Commission’s Code of Conduct, citing concerns about its enforceability and bias, positioning itself as a movement focused on real accountability—not hollow symbolism.
Setting the Stage for September 1
With the release of its manifesto, fiery leadership from Walton-Desir, and a growing public profile, FGM now stands as a serious contender heading into what many believe is one of Guyana’s most consequential elections.
The Burnham Court rally reflected the passion of a movement gaining ground. Whether that energy will be transformed into electoral success remains to be seen—but FGM has clearly planted its flag in the soil of Guyana’s future. With the rally energized, its manifesto in place, and a defiant stance against intimidation, the movement positions itself as a serious contender.
The crowd at Burnham Court provided a vivid display of that potential. Yet, whether this momentum will translate into votes remains the pressing question as citizens weigh their choices in this tightly contested electoral season.
