Prominent indigenous leader and former Vice President under the previous A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, Sydney Allicock, has thrown his support behind President Dr. Irfaan Ali, noting that much more could be achieved with him at the helm of Guyana.
Reflecting on his time as a member of the Guyana Action Party (GAP) within the coalition, the former Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs expressed disappointment over what he described as the coalition’s lack of cohesion and inclusivity in recent years.
He said, “Within the coalition, which I believed in and still believe in, the problem is that we seem to have lost our way. As a small party, we felt neglected and left out of the picture.”
He recalled that the coalition, once unified under former President David Granger, gradually became fractured as individual ambitions took precedence over collective progress.
“It would have appeared everybody wants to be president, not seeing the bigger picture or what true unity could achieve,” he said, noting that persistent internal struggles made continued support for the group unsustainable.
After consulting with community leaders in both the city and hinterland, the former Vice President said he believes President Ali should be given the chance to continue leading the country.
“I would like to see Guyana moving forward, and in the present state, I see if President Ali could be given the chance, much more could be achieved,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and collective decision-making to fully realise Guyana’s potential.
He cited several government initiatives, including increased support for indigenous communities, the provision of transportation and jobs, and other development projects, but urged that public resources be used wisely for sustainable progress.
The endorsement, he clarified, is a personal decision and not an official position of the GAP or other parties.
“This is my personal take. Everyone has their own decision to make,” he said, noting that other opposition members have also chosen to support President Ali and the People’s Progressive Party.
Addressing his former colleagues and undecided voters, the former minister urged them to give careful consideration to their choices ahead of the elections.
“Guyana is a beautiful and rich country, but we have to listen, think it through, and make the best possible choice. I’m just hoping that the best will come out of this year’s election,” he concluded.
