Saiku Andrews enters parliament as APNU’s fresh voice

Sep 15, 2025 News

---

Kaieteur News – Gospel artiste and entrepreneur Saiku Andrews has pledged to prioritise public service over personal ambition as he prepares steps into his new role as Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Speaking to Kaieteur News on Sunday, Andrews shared that his decision to enter politics was deeply rooted in the principle of “service to the people and not of self.” He emphasised that he never campaigned for or negotiated a parliamentary seat, and views his appointment as a privilege and a responsibility.

“There was nothing promised to me. I never negotiated a position. So, when I got the appointment, I felt that it was a privilege. I embraced it, and I will do my best,” he said.

Andrews noted that one of the factors influencing his alignment with APNU was the quality of individuals recently joining the party, including attorney Dexter Todd and Ronald Daniels, people he personally knows and respects. Their involvement gave him confidence in the party’s direction and strengthened his belief that they could collectively make a meaningful impact.

Although new to formal politics, Andrews said the timing felt right to step forward this year.

“I really wanted to concentrate on my business, my family, and my music. But after the call was made, I thought, maybe this is the perfect time,” he said. “Politics at a national level allows me to help a whole lot of people in one swoop, rather than just a few in my personal capacity.”

Looking ahead to his parliamentary work, Andrews highlighted the urgent need for civility and issue-focused debate within the house. He criticised the current political climate for being divisive and counterproductive to national progress.

“We need to deal with issues, not personalities. Politics in Guyana doesn’t benefit people right now because rather than looking at solutions, we focus on how we are different instead of where we can agree to help people,” he said. “Being a part of the party these past few months, especially after the elections, I realised we have a great opportunity to show the people that we are different. We can make meaningful changes and demonstrate that we are ready to work both inside and outside parliament.”

While he has not yet been assigned a specific parliamentary portfolio, Andrews expressed particular concern for healthcare reform and the strengthening of public assistance programmes, especially for persons with critical illnesses like cancer. He noted that many patients lack access to proper medication at the Georgetown Public Hospital and are often left to rely on insufficient, one-time public assistance.

“We want to go to parliament and say, ‘Hey, we need to modify this system.’ Public assistance needs to offer real, consistent support, especially when it comes to healthcare,” he said.

Another major priority for Andrews is accountability in public spending. He intends to advocate for strict oversight of government funds to ensure transparency, efficiency, and value for money.

“I’ll be rooting for value for money, making sure whatever funds are allocated are spent in a way that extracts the maximum benefit for the people,” he stressed. “It’s not just about having projects or programmes; the real question is, what are the returns? Every cent must benefit all Guyanese, regardless of race or background.”

Despite his new role in politics, Andrews is confident in his ability to balance his duties as an MP with his personal and professional commitments. With a background in music, business, and philanthropy, he described this next chapter as simply another assignment to manage.

“It’s not about whether I think I’m ready; it’s about the attitude I bring. If I’m given a role, I’ll put in the work and give it my best,” he said. “Even if the leader asks me to shadow infrastructure, you might say I’m not an engineer, but I’m saying that I believe as a manager or somebody who’s able to pull people together, I believe that I’m very much capable of being able to deliver on whatever role I’m placing or whatever responsibility I’m giving. So definitely I would say that I’m ready because I can manage that.”

On the matter of working with the opposition, Andrews expressed optimism about bilateral cooperation, provided both sides are willing to find common ground.

“It’s better to find that space where our agendas overlap and just work together for the people,” he said. “Parliamentarians may differ, but my approach is to bring positivity, you decide what you want to do with it.”

Andrews along with 11 other candidates of APNU were appointed as MPs to represent the party for the next five years. The appointment was made on Friday by leader of the coalition, Aubrey Norton.

The other MPs include returning MPs include Coretta McDonald, A.A., Ganesh Mahipaul, and Nima Natasha Flue-Bess. Alongside, political commentator, Dr. David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, and Sherod Avery Duncan. Also included are Linden’s Sharma Raheem Solomon; attorney and peace ambassador Dr. Dexter Todd; and Vinceroy H. Jordan. Meanwhile, Dr. Terrence Campbell, founder of the Camex Group, will serve as the parliamentary leader.

---

• APNU, Gospel artiste, Parliament, Politics in Guyana, Saiku Andrews

---