…says PPP revitalised mining sector; AFC disconnected from grassroots
Ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections, Alliance For Change (AFC) Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Chairman David Daniels, who is also the chairman and founder of the Small Miners Association, has parted ways with the AFC endorsing the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term. On Tuesday, Daniel’s resignation was made public by leader of the AFC Nigel Hughes via his Facebook page. In the letter written to the party leader Daniel’s stated, “I write to formally tender my resignation from the Alliance for Change, effective immediately.”
AFC’s Region 7 Chairman, David Daniels
He revealed that the decision was driven by the AFC’s failure to align with his values and its growing detachment from the concerns of grassroots stakeholders, particularly small mining communities in Region Seven and beyond. Daniels also criticised the party’s direction, saying it no longer reflects the realities on the ground, making it “impossible to continue in good conscience.”
Local mining sector
In a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday Daniels revealed that he will be supporting the PPP/C Administration at the 2025 polls.
“Well, I’ll be supporting President Ali because President Ali has shown that he wants to do what is best for mining. The small miners in the industry that we represent, that our mandate represents, basically. And I will support President Ali because he has been receptive to the issues that I have raised with him. Yes, he’s been receptive to the concern of the miners and to the mining industry and he understands that a lot more work needs to be done.”
On this point, Daniels highlighted the significant impact of President Ali’s strategic leadership on the local mining sector, revealing that under his guidance, the industry has experienced a notable revitalisation.
He emphasised that targeted policies and focused Government initiatives have reenergised mining activities, fostering growth and renewed investment in the sector, which plays a crucial role in the region’s economy and the livelihoods of many small-scale miners.
“I think that everybody got to look into what is transpiring in our country and they got to see for themselves and choose for themselves that what they think is the best fit for Guyana and currently, I think President Ali and his Government is the best fit for Guyana. You know, you can’t convince everybody who to follow, who to join but at the said time, I didn’t need much convincing.”
He added, “I was there I got the support from the Government, from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Honourable Vickram Bharrat, and the stakeholders and I see that this is a direction that has helped propel back the mining industry to what it once was the employment has boosted. Miners are going back into the industry, creating jobs and at the same time, being able to ensure that the livelihood of their family are protected.”
This resurgence, he noted, marks a positive shift from previous stagnation and reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development within the industry.
