Figueira endorses Pres. Ali for second term

Jul 20, 2025 News

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…says administration has overseen tangible progress in several sectors

Kaieteur News – Former member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Jermaine Figueira on Saturday endorsed President Irfaan for a second term in office.

In a statement issued on Saturday Figueira said that come September 1 the country will once again be standing at the crossroads of history, as the citizens prepare to participate in what he termed as, “one of the most consequential elections in recent memory”, saying that it becomes necessary not just to vote but to vote wisely.

The politician warned that this moment is not one that should be guided by loyalty to name, race, religion, or popularity, but by reason, evidence and vision by the moral as well as the intellectual responsibility to be able to choose a leader based on their service to the people and their capacity to lead the nation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

“In this regard, and after deep personal reflection, analysis and consideration of Guyana’s current trajectory, I, Jermaine Figueira, offer my full endorsement and active support to His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, in his bid for re-election,” Figueria said.

He highlighted that in every election cycle promises are abundant as candidates are eloquent in what he calls “sweet sugar-coated language” with words of hope, care and prosperity that especially appeal to the poor, vulnerable and the working class.

He said they are not unimportant and provide a window into intention. Nevertheless in maturing and mature democracies, these words must be tested against action, with voters evaluating candidates who are vying to be Head-of-State and lead the country based on what they have done and not what they claim they will do.

“It is in this evaluation of action, delivery, and competence that President Ali stands above the rest. The Need for Experience in a Complex Time demands tested experience. Among the political formations contesting this election, it is clear to me, that only three parties will be seriously considered by the electorate come September 1st 2025: the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the emergent Win Party (WIN),” Figueira said.

He noted that the two major parties have varying degrees of governance experience of the country, as well as share differing visions and policy proposals, while the newcomer is saying to the electorate be patient and wait.

“When it comes to the actual practice of governance formulating national policy, overseeing large-scale development, negotiating bilateral partnerships, and executing social transformation, only one of these candidates has the tested and proven experience necessary and that is President Irfaan Ali,” he added.

The politician reminded the electorate that now they exist in a global context that is increasingly interconnected, and whether it be the managing of trade and foreign investments or ensure that there is food security and energy sovereignty, the leader chosen, must be able to navigate the multi layered domestic and international realities with competence, as experience is not optional but an essential in the transforming and new Guyana.

“From the outset, let me be unequivocally clear. None of the candidates are perfect. President Ali is human, and like all leaders, he has made decisions that may not have satisfied all expectations and some lapses in judgments that should not have happened. Yet, in my judgment, the totality of his leadership, his focus on national unity, economic growth, infrastructural transformation, and foreign diplomacy far outweighs his imperfections. His administration has overseen tangible progress in health, housing, education, and job creation. These are not theoretical gains, they are lived realities for many Guyanese today and equally hard truths many may want to deny but the evidence and the facts are visible for all who want to be honest to see,” Figueira said.

Figueira stated that he is conscious that thousands of citizens may ask why him, a man who was long associated with a different political formation which is known for “offering opposing, constructive, and at times independent perspectives, would endorse President Ali.”

“The answer is simple: the country comes first.”

He continued: “My commitment, political maturity, and growth through the years have transcended beyond the organization I serve to a greater calling to that of the people of my town, my region, and to Guyana as a whole. That commitment has not changed. What has changed is my understanding of the leadership required to secure Guyana’s continued progress in this critical period and the progress that must be experienced on a more equitable scale for all communities and people of Guyana.”

The Lindener said he is not merely endorsing President Irfaan Ali and the PPP for a second term but will actively work towards ensuring the president and party are re-elected.

“I will go beyond the mere act of endorsement. Beyond the rhetoric, I commit to supporting President Ali actively in his campaign. I do so with the full intention of working to ensure that my region, Linden and Region Ten, benefits in more transformative ways from the national agenda. My voice will continue to be one that advocates for inclusive development, unity of our people especially the next generation in our youth through the power of sports, cultural and music, and through economic empowerment, and long-term prosperity for all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or geographic location,” Figueira added.

He stressed that he remains unwavering in his belief that that a diversity of views along with a leader who is willing to listen and flexible enough to change his mind and his decisions, is strengthening to democracy and to the betterment of the country and its people. However, he is stressing that in critical times unity is also a form of leadership.

“Today, I choose to stand in unity with the vision and imperfections of President Irfaan Ali, not for a party but for progress. This election is not about nostalgia or protest. It is about leadership. It is about who is best positioned to navigate Guyana through the next phase of development and transformation. We are a young nation with unprecedented opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities. We must choose with discernment,” Figueira declared.

The former PNCR member praised President Ali, saying that in him he sees a leader who understands the stakes, and though imperfect a man that is proven, and the vision of a united Guyana, prosperous and respected on the world stage aligns with his own.

He assured that the timing of his statement is no accident, but he chose to wait until the party’s list of candidates was presented because his decision was made purely as a service to his community and people.

“I asked no favors for my decision to support the reelection of President Irfaan Ali to the office of the president. I offer only service to his new government when reelected and to my community and country to which I am totally committed,” he revealed.

Figueira is urging the electorate to vote on substance not sentiment.

“Let us vote for Guyana. Let us vote for President Irfaan Ali, with enduring respect and solemn duty to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

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• Endorsed, Guyana Elections, Jermaine Figueira, Peoples National Congress Reform, Second term

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