Leader of the LJP, Lenox Shuman, endorses Pres Ali for 2nd term

Ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections, Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, has formally declared his party’s endorsement and support for the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

In an address to the nation on Wednesday, Shuman reflected on his personal sacrifices and political journey, including relinquishing his Canadian citizenship in 2020 to fully invest in Guyana’s future. “I did this because I believe in the potential of Guyana and what Guyana can and will be,” he said.
Shuman, who previously served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, detailed his long-standing advocacy for Indigenous rights and his tenure as Toshao of Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission) and Vice Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC). He described first-hand experiences of discrimination and neglect under the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change) coalition, particularly in relation to Amerindian land titling and rights.
Citing what he described as APNU+AFC’s refusal to support Indigenous advancement, highlighted by an official’s refusal to issue land titles—Shuman argued that the PPP/C had demonstrated real commitment to Indigenous development since regaining office in 2020.
Shuman listed a sweeping array of PPP/C-led achievements as the basis for his party’s endorsement, including restoration of Indigenous land titling efforts; reinstatement of Community Support Officers (CSOs); nationwide cash grants and scholarships; free education from nursery to PhD; over 50,000 house lots allocated and more than 50,000 jobs created; implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy with direct payments to Indigenous communities; infrastructure investments including roads, housing, and electrification in hinterland areas; international leadership on climate and territorial sovereignty issues, including Guyana’s ICJ case against Venezuela.
“Massive infrastructural build-outs that will amalgamate into direct, meaningful economic integration of all Guyanese. Transforming Guyana into the fastest growing economy for four years in a row. Tremendous investment in agriculture across the country. Tens of billions of dollars of investment in indigenous communities and so much more”.
“The PPP/C in their manifesto committed to providing 50,000 jobs. Today we have a labour shortage of over 200,000, seeing the promise of 50,000 jobs surpassed by over 400%,” the Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party said.
Further, highlighting what he called “visionary and dynamic leadership,” he lauded President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips for delivering growth, development, and global respect for Guyana.
In a bold call to action, Shuman declared: “It is precisely because of these and so many other untold stories and achievements, that I and the Liberty and Justice Party, unreservedly and wholeheartedly endorse and will be supporting Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic in the upcoming 2025 elections.”
His endorsement adds political momentum to the PPP/C’s campaign ahead of the September 1 elections, and signals a potential realignment among smaller parties, particularly those with strong Indigenous constituencies.
“We welcome and thank you for your continued support,” Shuman concluded. “Let us vote for the party that is right for Guyana and right for our children’s future—let us vote for the People’s Progressive Party Civic.”