Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, a seasoned politician and the son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, has formally endorsed President Dr. Irfaan Ali for re-election in the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Dr. Van West-Charles, a former Executive Member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), described 2025 as a pivotal year for Guyana, a country he describes as now entering an era defined by immense natural wealth, particularly from the oil and gas sector.
“This year is an important year in the history of Guyana,” he stated in his address. “We are faced with an abundance of resources […] but for that to be materialised, national unity is very, very critical.”
According to Dr. Van West-Charles, the future of Guyana hinges on inclusive leadership, which not only possesses vision but also values unity and delivers tangible results.
He believes these qualities are reflected in President Ali’s stewardship over the last four years.
“We have been able to witness and palpate the performance of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” he said. “He has worked assiduously to ensure increasing participation of our people, based on the resources emanating from the petroleum industry and other sectors.”
Dr. Van West-Charles praised President Ali’s ability to translate the country’s newfound wealth into development for the wider population, citing equitable resource allocation and strategic planning as critical to Guyana’s long-term prosperity.
“As we move now further to deepen the development of the oil and gas industry, we need someone who has proven leadership in the use of the resources in a constructive and equitable manner,” he said.
Having spent over four decades in politics, Dr. Van West-Charles acknowledged his deep ties to the PNC but noted that his decision to endorse President Ali was rooted in national interest rather than partisan allegiance.
“My association politically, as you all know, has been within the People’s National Congress,” he stated. “I, however, feel at this juncture… as a nationalist, I have no hesitation in underscoring and supporting President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as our next president and next leader of our dear land of Guyana.”
