THE National Democratic Party of Guyana (NDPOG), led by former Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, announced on Friday its intention to contest the general and regional elections slated for May 11.Almost standing alone at the Guyana Legionnaires Hall on Carifesta Avenue to announce the NDPOG’s intention, Ms Holder-Allen related to a sparse gathering that “certain information is on a need-to-know basis.”

The party’s manifesto, which was provided to reporters, states that the former Chief Magistrate will run as the party’s presidential candidate, and former police officer and attorney-at-law Mr Patrice Henry will run as its prime ministerial candidate.

The NDPOG Manifesto also listed Attorney-at-law Lyndon Amsterdam as the party’s Attorney-General (AG) designate; Namela Rowe its Public Relations Officer (PRO); Donna Stephens its General Secretary/Treasurer; and Garfield Hoyte its Administrative Manager respectively.

Mrs Holder-Allen abruptly dismissed questions about the party’s campaign and its financial standings. She noted thus: “All you need to know today is that we are here!”, and said that the most important issue at this point is getting the necessary paperwork completed for Nomination Day on April 7.

Mrs Holder-Allen said: “This is my country, and this is the International Decade of African People, and I have a role to play to shape what the society is supposed to be.”

She placed emphasis on reinstating the ‘Common Entrance’ examinations to the education system, noting that what presently obtains does not craft the minds of new leaders.

On September 2, 2008, Former Chief Magistrate Ms Juliet Holder-Allen handed in her resignation at the Court of Appeal after being sent on indefinite leave almost five years ago following allegations of misconduct.

On July 30, 2009, she was arrested at her home and whisked off to the Brickdam Police Station for questioning pertaining to the then Ministry of Health fire. At the time of that arrest, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that a police message left at her home requesting that she report at the Brickdam Police Station for questioning had been ignored.

“When she failed to heed their request, members of the Joint Services (police/army) descended on her city residence at about 05:45hrs that morning, took her into custody and escorted her to the Brickdam Police Station”, this publication had reported.

The now presidential candidate of the NDPOG has indicated that she is not fearful of any party, and has all hopes of taking all the seats in the upcoming May 11 elections. (Rebecca Ganesh)