Former PNC stalwart, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, dies

– tributes flow from both sides of political aisle

Amna Ally, the former Minister of Social Cohesion and Social Protection under the coalition Government, and a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) until her recent resignation from the party after a public spat with the leadership, has died.
The PNC stalwart was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after falling ill with a heart ailment. This publication understands that she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and that up to Saturday morning, was in a critical condition before she passed away.
Her death was subsequently confirmed by Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, before multiple sources also confirmed her death, and condolences from both sides of the political aisle poured in. Among the first public figures to offer their condolences, was President Dr Irfaan Ali, who noted the long and distinguished career she had.
“On behalf of the Government of Guyana and my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Parliamentarian, General Secretary of the PNCR, and Minister of Government Amna Ally. Amna had a long career as a Parliamentarian dating back to 1985,” the President said.
Among the positions she held in her parliamentary career, were Chairperson of the Social Services Committee and member of the Parliamentary Management Committee, Standing Orders Committee, and Appointive Committee. But Ali noted that her contributions extended even beyond that.
“Beyond her legislative contributions, Amna has also served as an educator for several decades. We extend our deepest sympathies to Amna’s family and loved ones during this time of mourning. May her soul find eternal peace,” the President further said.

Other bipartisan tributes
Other tributes from across the aisle came from Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, who is Ally’s successor to her previous role of Minister of Social Cohesion and Protection. Both women recalled that despite having opposing political views, their relationship beyond politics was a cordial and even friendly one.
“Amna Ally played her part in building Guyana. Being a woman in politics, hers couldn’t have been the joy ride it can often look like. We didn’t share political views but we shared a healthy relationship that grew into a lovely friendship. She made the moistest black cake; and had the ability to sit at a table in Parliament and organise her party’s activities from Region One to Region 10. She was also an educator into retirement. Her conversations with me were always frank,” Manickchand said on her Facebook page.
“We sat on opposing sides in Parliament and she was a former Minister of Human Services. Across the floor we had many feisty and fiery exchanges, but beyond that we had a cordial relationship. Even through her recent illness, we would have had conversations on social Issues etc. We each held our political beliefs and our party alignment, she PNC and me, PPP, but nevertheless we maintained that simple and respectful relationship,” Dr Persaud also said.

Granger
Meanwhile, former President David Granger, who first appointed Ally to his A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) cabinet in 2015, also paid tribute to her contributions.
He noted that since her career began in the PNC at just 15 years old, Ally served under the first four leaders of the party – Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin and himself. Additionally, he noted that she served as National Secretary of the Young Socialists Movement (YSM) and was appointed General Secretary of the PNC during his tenure.
“As a graduate of UG (University of Guyana) and Cyril Potter, and a trained teacher, she managed party administration, mobilisation and operations with a steady hand. She was the undisputed and untiring motivator behind the innovative 3 Bs programme – buses, boats and bicycles – which allowed free transportation for public school children,” he said.
“A Moslem, she was a cheerful and dutiful organiser of observances for children’s entertainment during major national and religious festivals. Whether in or out of Government, she was able to cultivate cordial relations with opposition and Government officials and former party members,” the former President also said, adding that with her passing the PNC was a poorer party for it.

PNC

The PNC itself issued a statement in which it mourned the loss of Ally. The party noted Ally’s unwavering commitment to its ideals and the nation as a whole, which the PNC noted has left an indelible mark on history.
“She was a committed educator, a valued member of the Young Socialists Movement and served in various capacities within the Party. Throughout her life, Ms. Ally exemplified service, integrity, and patriotism. Her contributions have profoundly shaped our Party and our country, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. The PNCR offers heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew her. ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un’ – We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” PNC added.

Later years
In March of this year, Ally made waves after resigning from the PNC. In her resignation, she accused PNC leader Aubrey Norton of being unfit to lead the party and accused the leadership of, among other things, mistreating the women in the party.
It was not the first time Ally has publicly spoken out against Norton’s leadership. Last year during the party’s internal elections she had accused Norton of being an undemocratic leader, who undermined the party structure and weakened the party’s Central Executive Committee.
A teacher by profession, Ally is a long-standing member of the PNC. She is a former Executive and General Secretary of the party and was first elected to parliament on the PNC slate in 1985. She served as Minister of Social Cohesion and then Minister of Social Protection, between the years 2015 and 2020.