“I made the right decision” – Figueira addresses criticism for allegiance switch

… says his support for Pres. Ali will amplify Region 10’s voice on national stage

Jermaine Figueira has doubled down on his support for President Irfaan Ali’s re-election bid, saying his bold decision is rooted in truth, service, and a deep desire to advance the development of his hometown, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Despite pushback from some supporters and former party colleagues, Figueira said he remains confident that his decision will ultimately benefit the region and enhance its presence on the national stage.

“I believe I’m making the right choice,” Figueira declared. “This decision will help further the transformation of my community and give the people of Linden more opportunities—to strive, become economically independent, and fully participate in national development.” A former APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change) Member of Parliament (MP), Figueira, known for his outspoken nature, addressed the criticism he’d received for switching political allegiances, particularly given his once-vocal stance against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.
But he stood firm, noting that his role has always been to speak truth, regardless of which side he is on. “Yes, I was critical—and I will continue to be, because I believe in speaking truth. But I’ve seen growth in President Ali and I believe he listens, even if he doesn’t always act right away. That’s leadership I can work with.”
On Saturday, the news of Figueira’s switch in political allegiance broke, as he issued a call to citizens to reflect on the current administration’s track record and vote based on vision, performance, and national interest — not party loyalty.
According to Figueira, his endorsement of President Ali is not blind loyalty but a result of thoughtful observation and engagement with national development and his support will go beyond words as he also announced plans to actively campaign for President Ali’s re-election.

Responding to critics, including Norton
When asked about the response from his home base in Linden—considered a stronghold of the PNC—Figueira acknowledged that some felt disappointed by his decision. Still, he expressed confidence that his track record and service to the community would speak louder than party politics.
“I am from the bedrock of support of the People’s National Congress Reform. Linden, to me, is like Port Morant for the PPP, and I have been doing a lot of work in my community. The people know me, and obviously some would feel offended by me because they know I have been forceful, very critical of the Government in a lot of areas that I still believe more should be done, so obviously those are going to be some of the sentiments of some of the people closest to me. But I believe I’m making the right choice,” he reassured.
“My entire life has been about service. I have been an educator for over 20 years… The community knows me and they know the work that I would have been doing, so Mr Norton has a right to say whatever it is that he wants to say,” Figueira added unfazed, apparently referencing Norton’s remarks regarding persons who have so far resigned from APNU as elections near, including Figueira.
Earlier this month, Norton had stated that the persons who resigned are not “heavyweights” and in some cases, they lacked competence, adding too that heavyweights are determined by the work you do and not the position you hold.
According to Norton, Figueira was just an ‘occupier of a seat’.
“Figueira was not doing the work and he was removed, both as chairman of the region and as shadow Minister youth sport and culture, and this had to do with competence or lack of it,” Norton had stated.
Following his resignation, Figueira had released a statement to the media explaining his reasons for leaving the party, citing issues such as the PNC’s lack of visionary leadership and its embrace of ethnic antagonism.