…forms political party
Following on the heels of her resignation from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), former Parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir has revealed that a culture of being side-lined and disrespected pushed her to make the decision.
Political circles were, on Wednesday, rocked by Walton-Desir’s resignation from the People’s National Congress (PNC). At a subsequent, at times tearful, press conference, Walton-Desir revealed that her decision to exit the PNC came after her repeated exclusion from campaign activities and key meetings, even those that concerned her field of foreign relations.
“I submitted a letter of resignation, with immediate effect, to the leader of the PNC/R, Mr Aubrey Norton. I have also written to the representative of the list, informing him of my resignation from the party. After being repeatedly omitted from most campaign activities and key meetings within my designated portfolio, I sought and was granted a meeting with the leader of the Opposition.”
“My intention was to clarify what role, if any, I was to play in shaping the future of the PNC/R. There was not sufficient clarity for me on the way forward in the PNC/R. While I appreciated the opportunity to engage, it became clear to me that in good conscience I could not remain where my contributions are undervalued and my voice silenced.” Walton-Desir said.
She noted that she reached this decision after much soul searching and agonising pointing out that her grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles all served the PNC/R. But branding her decision as an act of principle, Walton-Desir made it clear that she was committed to making a difference, even outside of the PNC/R fold.
With that being said, the former MP announced that she was founding a new political party called Forward Guyana, which will contest the upcoming election. According to her, a manifesto will be launched, and all her proverbial ducks are in a row to ensure the party can meet the statutory deadlines to contest the elections.
Asked about funding and the possibility of her coalescing with United States sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohammed, who claims that he will be contesting the upcoming elections, she said, “What I am encouraged about is that over the next days, the people of Guyana will see and be motivated to give not only of their time but of their resources. And so, we have to believe that what we offer will be sufficient to attract people willing to give their time, talent and treasure.”
“As it relates to collaboration with Team Mohammed, any collaboration will be based on shared values and principles and policies. I do not know Mohammed. I met him once. So, I’m not aware of what his values are, where he sees this country going, what his policies will be. So, for me to even suggest or comment on the possibility of a collaboration will be very irresponsible.”
While Walton-Desir shied away from providing details on who she would be collaborating with, there were a number of familiar faces present at the press conference. They included former Minister of Communities under the David Granger-led APNU government, Ronald Bulkan. Also present were V-PAC founder Dorwain Bess; Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds, who was once a prime ministerial candidate of the Robert Badal-headed Change Guyana party; and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Chairman Mark DeFrance.
PNC and Walton-Desir
In a statement on Wednesday, the PNC said that on June 7, Norton met with Walton-Desir to discuss her involvement in the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
According to the party, David Hales accompanied Norton to the meeting in a supportive capacity, while Walton-Desir was informed that she could bring an additional person to the meeting, but she declined to do so.
“During the meeting, Ms Walton-Desir enquired whether she could be guaranteed extraction from the list to become a member of the next Parliament. In response, Mr Norton assured her that she will be extracted to be a member of Parliament. She was also informed of the role she would play in the APNU government,” the PNC statement said.
According to the party, she then asked about her role in the campaign, and Norton informed her that she would be a member of the campaign management team. The party claimed that Walton-Desir then stated that she needed to consult her team and would revert. However, no response was received; instead, she submitted a letter of resignation.
Walton-Desir’s resignation is the latest in a series of resignations to hit the PNC. Since May, MPs Geeta Chandan-Edmonds and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram have not only resigned from the PNC but also joined the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
The 2025 General and Regional Elections are set for September 1. Nomination Day has already been announced for July 14, 2025, which will allow for the submission of Lists of Candidates for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
The following day, July 15, is reserved for notifying the CEO in writing of any death or withdrawal of a candidate. Also on this day, the CEO will inform representatives and their deputies of any defects found in submitted lists.
By July 17, corrected lists must be submitted, and further notification of any withdrawals must also be made. On July 18, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will issue notifications regarding the approval or non-approval of the candidate lists.
Parties dissatisfied with disapprovals may lodge appeals with the High Court by July 20.
On July 21, representatives and their deputies must inform the CEO in writing of any joinder of lists. The entire process culminates on July 23 with the gazetting of the approved lists.
