“Moral leadership and integrity vital to national transformation” – PM Phillips

Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, has emphasised that Guyana’s ongoing transformation must be guided by moral leadership, integrity, and the active inclusion of women in all aspects of national development. Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural “Mantle of Deborah” Builders’ Summit held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, the PM said true leadership must be rooted in service, conviction, and a deep sense of purpose. “Leadership is not measured by power or position, but by purpose and the willingness to serve others,” he asserted.
The event marked the launch of the Guyana Chapter of the “Mantle of Deborah”, a global movement promoting faith-based leadership, moral renewal, and community upliftment. PM Phillips lauded the initiative as a meaningful step toward rebuilding value-based leadership and fostering unity and inclusion across the country. Reaffirming Government’s commitment to empowering women, he pointed to the growing number of women serving in senior governmental and parliamentary roles, including key Ministries such as Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Education, Local Government and Regional Development, Human Services, Tourism, and Housing. “Guyana recognises that development cannot be sustained unless women are given the space to lead, the tools to prosper, and the respect they deserve,” he said. “For decades, women have been the quiet yet powerful force behind our nation’s progress. Today, we are ensuring that this quiet strength is matched by visible opportunity.” The PM highlighted major national programmes aimed at women’s empowerment, including the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), which has trained more than 11,000 women in entrepreneurship, leadership, and vocational skills. Many graduates of the programme now own small businesses or lead community projects. He also cited initiatives such as the expansion of day and night care centres, the Homestead Programme for single mothers, and the Family Violence Act 2024, which strengthens protection and justice mechanisms for women facing domestic abuse.

Reflecting on the biblical story of Deborah, PM Phillips said her example of wisdom, courage, and faith provides an enduring model for modern-day leadership.
“The story of Deborah reminds us that leadership is born of service. She listened before she led, guided with faith and reason, and placed her people above self. The “Mantle of Deborah” movement invites us to reflect and realign, to lead with integrity in a world that often demands more than it gives back,” he stated.
He underscored that faith-based and civic movements such as “Mantle of Deborah” are vital to Guyana’s pursuit of ethical governance, transparency, and compassion. Moral strength, he stressed, is essential to sustaining progress and achieving genuine national transformation.

Govt investment
Turning to the Government’s investments in education and youth empowerment, the PM highlighted the tuition-free tertiary education policy at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has awarded over 39,000 scholarships–more than 40 per cent of which have gone to women. “When we invest in the girl child, we invest in the future,” he said. “A society cannot claim progress while half of its people are held back. Gender equality is both a moral and practical necessity. When women rise, families stabilise, communities prosper, and economies grow.”
PM Phillips urged every citizen, institution, and community to take responsibility for advancing women’s empowerment and moral renewal across the nation.
“Empowerment is not the work of Government alone–it begins in our homes, our churches, our schools, and our workplaces,” he said. “We must raise our sons to respect women as equals and teach our daughters to value their worth. Together, we can build a Guyana where every woman lives free from fear, where her voice is heard, and her potential realised.” The PM extended congratulations to the “Mantle of Deborah” team for hosting its first Builders’ Summit in Guyana, describing it as a timely platform to deepen national dialogue on women’s leadership, ethics, and spiritual renewal. PM Phillips attended the event with his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, alongside Minister of Education, Sonia Parag; Minister of Labour and Manpower, Keoma Griffith; and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn.