–to campaign for his re-election to office

 

IN a move that has stirred national attention, former APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, has declared his full support for President Irfaan Ali, highlighting leadership, performance, and vision as key reasons behind his endorsement.

 

Figueira, who once served on the opposition benches, described the upcoming September 1 elections as “a consequential one” and emphasised that the choice before voters should transcend party loyalty or personal bias.

 

“Guyana is at a place where significant transformation is happening, whether you want to accept it or not, the facts are there for all to see,” he asserted during an interview on the Starting Point podcast.

 

“Out there, you can see the transformation,” the former People’s National Congress heavyweight contended.

 

Figueira admitted that President Ali has his flaws but emphasised that the head of state is serious about uniting the country and acting in the best interest of its citizens.

 

“There’s no leader in this country who hasn’t erred and President Irfaan Ali is no exception, but I believe that his leadership far outweighs his imperfections.”

 

Figueira made it clear that his endorsement goes beyond words.

 

“My endorsement of him goes beyond rhetoric. I’m going to actively involve myself in his re-election campaign.”

 

Following the podcast, the Linden resident released a statement in which he called on Guyanese to vote not on tradition or personality, but on a sober assessment of who is best equipped to lead the country at this pivotal moment. He urged voters to approach the ballot box with discernment and national interest at heart.

 

“It becomes necessary not merely to vote but to vote wisely. This is not a moment to be guided by blind loyalty to name, race, religion, or popularity.”

 

He continued, “It is a moment to be guided by reason, evidence, and vision by the moral and intellectual responsibility to choose a leader based on their service to the people and their capacity to lead our nation in a rapidly evolving global landscape. In this regard, and after deep personal reflection, analysis and consideration of Guyana’s current trajectory, I, Jermaine Figueira, offer my full endorsement and active support to His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, in his bid for re-election.”

 

Figueira criticised political campaign rhetoric that lacks follow-through, stating: “In every election cycle, promises abound. Candidates wax eloquently in what I call ‘sweet sugar-coated language’, words of care, hope, and prosperity that appeal especially to the poor, the vulnerable, and the working class.

 

“These words are not unimportant; they provide a window into intention. But in mature and maturing democracies, words must be tested against actions. Voters must evaluate candidates who want to be the head of state and who want to lead a country by what they have done, not merely what they claim they will do.”

 

It is in this regard, he stressed that President Ali distinguishes himself. “In this evaluation of action, delivery, and competence, President Ali stands above the rest.”

 

Figueira identified three main political formations vying for attention in the September 1, 2025, elections: the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the emergent WIN party.

 

He noted that while the two larger parties offer track records and differing visions, WIN has asked voters to “be patient and wait.”

 

“But let me be frank: when it comes to the actual practice of governance, formulating national policy, overseeing large-scale development, negotiating bilateral partnerships, and executing social transformation, only one of these candidates has the tested and proven experience necessary, and that is President Irfaan Ali.”

 

He emphasised that today’s leader must be equipped to handle the complexities of a rapidly shifting global environment.

 

“From managing trade and foreign investment to ensuring food security and energy sovereignty, the leader we choose must be able to navigate multi-layered domestic and international realities with competence. Experience is not optional in the new and transforming Guyana. It is essential.”

 

Acknowledging that no leader is without flaws, Figueira added, “Let me be unequivocally clear. None of the candidates are perfect. President Ali is human, and like all leaders, he has made decisions that may not have satisfied all expectations and some lapses in judgements that should not have happened. Yet, in my judgement, the totality of his leadership, his focus on national unity, economic growth, infrastructural transformation, and foreign diplomacy far outweighs his imperfections. His administration has overseen tangible progress in health, housing, education, and job creation.”

 

“These were not theoretical gains,” he stressed. “They are lived realities for many Guyanese today and equally hard truths many may want to deny, but the evidence and the facts are visible for all who want to be honest to see.”

 

He addressed potential criticism of his change in allegiance head-on.

 

“I am conscious that thousands may ask why I, Jermaine Figueira, long associated with a different political formation and known for offering opposing, constructive, and at times independent perspectives, would endorse President Ali. The answer is simple: the country comes first. My commitment, political maturity, and growth through the years have transcended beyond the organisation I serve to a greater calling to that of the people of my town, my region, and to Guyana as a whole.”

 

That commitment, he said, remains unchanged. “What has changed is my understanding of the leadership required to secure Guyana’s continued progress in this critical period and the progress that must be experienced on a more equitable scale for all communities and people of Guyana.”

 

Noting that his endorsement extends beyond words, Figueira declared, “I commit to supporting President Ali actively in his campaign. I do so with the full intention of working to ensure that my region, Linden and Region Ten, benefits in more transformative ways from the national agenda.”

 

He pledged to continue advocating for inclusive development and national unity.

 

“My voice will continue to be one that advocates for inclusive development, unity of the country’s people especially the next generation of youth through the power of sports, culture and music, and through economic empowerment, and long-term prosperity for all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or geographic location.

 

“I remain unwavering in my belief that a diversity of views with a leader who is willing to listen and be flexible to change his mind and decisions, strengthens our democracy to the betterment of our country and people.”

 

He concluded by reminding voters of what’s truly at stake. “This election is not about nostalgia or protest but rather it is about leadership. It is about who is best positioned to navigate Guyana through the next phase of development and transformation. We are a young nation with unprecedented opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities. We must choose with discernment.”

 

“In President Irfaan Ali, I see a leader who understands the stakes. I see a man who, though imperfect, is proven. I see a vision for Guyana that aligns with my enduring hope: a country united, prosperous, and respected on the world stage.”

 

Figueira also explained the timing of his public statement adding, “The timing of this statement is not an accident. I waited until the nomination list of candidates was presented because this decision, which I have made, is purely to be in service to my community and people. I asked no favours for my decision to support the reelection of President Irfaan Ali to the office of the president. I offer only service to his new government when reelected and to my community and country to which I am totally committed.”

 

Earlier this month, Figueira resigned from the PNC; he accused the party of losing its moral compass, drifting into ethnic politics, and failing the country in a time of national crisis.