Dear Editor,

I WRITE to express my growing concern over the opportunistic behaviour of the Alliance For Change (AFC), which has become increasingly apparent in recent years.
The Party once heralded as a beacon of political independence, and a champion for change, has strayed from its founding principles, engaging in actions that appear more self-serving than in the national interest.
The AFC initially captured the imagination of the Guyanese people by presenting itself as a fresh, non-aligned alternative to the traditional political dichotomy.
It promised to rise above the divisive politics of the past, and to prioritise the needs of all Guyanese. However, its recent actions tell a different story; one of political expediency and opportunism.
After entering a coalition with the APNU, the AFC justified its alliance as a means of fostering national unity. Instead, it quickly became clear that the AFC was complicit in policies that alienated large sections of the population.
The betrayal of the sugar workers is a prime example. The Party failed to act as a moderating force within the coalition and, at times, seemed more concerned with preserving its share of power than withholding its partners accountable.
Furthermore, the AFC’s shifting positions on key issues have undermined its credibility. Whether on matters of governance, electoral reform, or economic policy, the Party has shown a tendency to abandon its principles when politically convenient.
This lack of consistency has eroded public trust and left many questioning whether the AFC truly stands for anything beyond its survival. The recent leadership change is symbolic; it signifies that the AFC has retrogressed from a multiracial party to naked ethnic politics.
As Guyana navigates its current phase of economic transformation and political evolution, the people deserve leaders who prioritise the national interest over personal or party gains.
The rank-and-file members of the AFC must take a hard look at its trajectory and ask whether it still represents the values it once espoused. If it wishes to remain relevant, the Party must recommit to its original mission of being a genuine agent of change and an advocate for all Guyanese.
I urge the AFC members to reflect on their leaders and their role in the nation’s political landscape, and to make the necessary adjustments to restore public confidence. Opportunism may yield short-term gains, but it ultimately leads to long-term irrelevance.
Sincerely,
Peggy Garib