THE resignation of Jermaine Figueira from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is more than just another high-profile departure from Guyana’s troubled opposition party. It highlights the moral decline of an organisation that has lost its direction.
Figueira’s sharp criticism of his former party’s leadership, along with his serious claims of ethnic division and neglect of national duties, should serve as a wake-up call for PNC/R supporters and all Guyanese who value principled politics over party loyalty.

When a respected parliamentarian and regional leader from the party’s stronghold of Region 10 warns that staying silent would mean “condoning what must be opposed,” we should pay attention.
Figueira’s critique addresses a troubling trend within the PNC/R under Aubrey Norton’s leadership, which is the steady abandonment of the principles that once made the party a symbol of national unity.

His claims of “vindictiveness and cronyism” depict an organisation in moral decline, shifting from open discussion to an environment dominated by sycophants.
Perhaps the most damning part is Figueira’s disclosure of the party’s treatment of its own stalwarts, including the late Amna Ally, even after her passing. This reflects a leadership culture that prioritises political expediency over basic human decency.
If a party can’t honour its own veterans, how can it represent the interests of regular Guyanese? The ongoing sidelining of loyal members that Figueira describes isn’t just poor leadership, it is a betrayal of democratic principles.

The opposition’s exit from Parliament during important discussions about Venezuela’s territorial threats also marked a low point in irresponsible politics. At a time when national unity was crucial, when Guyana’s sovereignty faced direct challenges, the PNC/R chose political theater over their patriotic duties.
This wasn’t principled opposition, it was shirking national responsibilities. As Figueira rightly states, this is “a betrayal of the very ethos upon which the party was founded.”
The loss of talent from the PNC/R tells a story that Norton’s defensive attitude cannot hide. When experienced politicians like Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Daniel Seeram, and now Figueira openly break away to support the ruling party, it reveals a serious crisis in leadership and vision. Their exits represent not just a number loss but also a decline in the knowledge and experience that the PNC/R cannot afford to lose.

Figueira’s departure stands out because he prioritizes principles over politics. He states that he cannot “lend legitimacy to a course of action that veers Guyana away from truth, justice, unity, and the national interest.” This sentiment should resonate with all Guyanese who care about ethical governance.
In a time when loyalty to a party often overshadows moral beliefs, Figueira’s principled stance sets an example for how political figures should respond to serious disagreements. The PNC/R’s move toward what Figueira describes as ethnic antagonism is especially worrisome in a diverse society like Guyana.

When a major political party turns away from “inclusive nationalism” in favour of ‘sectarian dogma,’ it betrays its history and threatens the social fabric of our varied nation. This is more than just a political mistake; it is a moral failure that deserves criticism from everyone.

As Guyana approaches the September 2025 elections, the decline of the opposition serves as both a warning and an opportunity. The warning is clear: when political parties sacrifice their principles for power, they will end up losing both.
The opportunity lies in the chance for the creation of a refreshing political climate, one that Figueira hopes will be defined by “substance over spectacle, service over ambition, and people over power.”