Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter to strongly recommend to the APNU+AFC Coalition that they elect Mrs. Volda Lawrence as Opposition Leader, in Guyana’s 12th Parliament. I make this recommendation, by taking into consideration the achievements of Mrs. Lawrence as Chairperson of the PNC/R, the single largest party in the Coalition. Her achievements are numerous, immeasurable, and global in scope.

Mrs. Lawrence has in the course of her work as a Politician, Accountant and Public Figure, touched and inspired many lives. She has demonstrated herself to be a leader who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way. The family of Cde. Doreen Duncan a pillar for the PNC/R in Region Two stands resolutely behind Cde. Lawrence who has stood beside us for decades.

She currently serves as the Chair of the PNC/R and is the most senior officer of the party. Cde Lawrence finds herself in a very unique position; to possibly be Guyana’s first female opposition leader. She is an asset to the Coalition and is most deserving of the recognition and position of opposition leader.

Mrs. Lawrence, through her good offices as Chair of the party, has created a scholarship fund for the party, she donated one million dollars to the BEST programme, sponsored scholars to study in China and created a social welfare programme for vulnerable party comrades. Her contributions to the party are invaluable and are only second best to her contributions to Guyana; when she served as Minister of Social Protection and Minister of Public Health.

During her management of both portfolios, she demonstrated herself to be a stoic leader for the people of Guyana. As Minister of Social Protection, she oversaw the drastic reduction of the Trafficking of Persons (women and girls) in Guyana, which resulted in global recognition for the country. As Minister of Public Health, she valiantly led Guyana through the onslaught of a global pandemic, while the country was experiencing serious election turmoil. In its fight against COVID-19 and under the leadership of Mrs. Lawrence, Guyana made history by establishing the first Infectious Disease Hospital in the country and the Caribbean.

Her efforts not only benefitted the entire country, but they also set an example and inspired young upcoming leaders to stay pro-active in their pursuits. It is these qualities that led her being elected, with a landslide victory, as the Chairperson of the party.

Mrs. Volda Lawrence offers the type of leadership that will return to the Coalition to government. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I respectfully submit this nomination for Mrs. Lawrence to be recognised as the Opposition Leader for Guyana’s 12th Parliament.

Sincerely,
Dacia Jones