Latest update June 1st, 2026 12:37 AM
APNU takes rally to Belladrum, WCB, vows to end political discrimination and victimisation
APNU leader, Aubrey Norton
Kaieteur News – The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Sunday night outlined their commitment to ending political discrimination and victimization in Guyana, when that party took its election campaign rally to Belladrum, West Coast Berbice.
Addressing the gathering, APNU’s presidential candidate Aubrey Norton focused heavily on issues of political victimisation, particularly targeting independent organisations. Norton stated, “We are engaged in a process to regain our freedom. This government has removed many of our rights.”
He criticised the current administration’s alleged influence over the Guyana Police Force (GPF), noting that officers are expected to show support for President Irfaan Ali in order to secure promotions. “The Force has to fight for its right to ensure people are promoted without having to go online and praise Irfaan Ali. The Guyana Police Force is a constitutional entity in this country that is supposed to operate independent of the government. But this government has forced the Guyana Police Force to be endorsing a president that would have failed them,” Norton argued.
Norton also expressed concern over the treatment of public servants, claiming that employees are being suspended or dismissed based on social media activity deemed unfavourable by the government. “Our public servants have got to get back their freedom. This government is searching the social media and if they see a post that they don’t like they are either suspending or firing public servants. Public servants have a right to express their views,” Norton alleged.
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul, also addressed the rally alleging that several state institutions are being weaponised to intimidate opposition supporters. “What do they do when they are challenged? They turn State institutions into weapons of political warfare. The Police Force is used to harass and intimidate opposition supporters. The Guyana Revenue Authority is weaponised to target businesses critical of the government, and the public service is stifled by fear and political victimisation,” Saul claimed. He added, “Our institutions, meant to serve all Guyanese, have been politicised and turned into tools of oppression.”
Lelon Saul
Saul also highlighted, that citizens in communities like Belladrum, which are seen as APNU strongholds, are being punished for their political beliefs. “If you don’t wear red…if you live in a community like Belladrum that supports the APNU, you are punished. We are job-denied because of political belief, contracts withheld from communities and individuals that vote against them and government services are delayed or denied,” he alleged.
To address these issues, Saul outlined APNU’s proposed solutions. The party plans to strengthen the independence of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), ensuring it is staffed by individuals of unquestionable integrity. He emphasised the importance of strict enforcement of procurement laws, with zero tolerance for corruption, including mandatory jail time for public officials involved in corrupt practices.
Furthermore, APNU pledges to improve transparency and accountability by introducing greater community oversight of government projects, regularly reporting to the Commissioner of Information, and broadcasting key Cabinet decisions. The party also committed to conducting independent audits of oil revenue spending, ensuring that “every dollar is accounted for and spent for the benefit of all Guyanese. There will be no secret. ”
Saul added that APNU would work to depoliticise and strengthen State institutions, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and ensure public offices serve the law, not political parties. “Appointments will be based on merit and professionalism. The police, GRA, CANU, SOCU — all will return to serving the law,” he said. He also affirmed that the APNU’s committed to protect whistleblowers and promoting national unity and development across all regions and communities, regardless of political affiliation. “Whether you vote for us or not, we will serve all Guyanese,” Saul stated.
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