– calls experience key in upcoming elections

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas, has praised his party’s leadership team for its experience, credentials, and global perspective, describing it as “a serious team, with serious experience and credentials, not just locally in Guyana, regionally in the Caribbean, but in the wider world.”

De Armas made the remarks on this week’s Starting Point Podcast, emphasising that the PPP combines seasoned leadership with youthful energy in comparison to other political parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Reflecting on the party’s track record, De Armas recalled President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s tenure as a parliamentarian and Minister of Housing and Water, as well as his leadership in the portfolios of tourism and commerce.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips’ experience in the Guyana Defence Force, noting that PM Phillips “knows about making difficult decisions for the future of our nation.”

De Armas further lauded the party’s Vice President, who served twice as president, for guiding Guyana through challenging times, including periods of resource scarcity under the IMF programme, while still managing to deliver infrastructure, education, and national development.

“Looking at the other political parties, while they may have good intentions, good intentions are not everything,” De Armas said. “The most important part is experience and the demonstrated capacity to take Guyana forward.”

The PPP Councillor also underscored the party’s commitment to listening to its members, particularly the youth. He noted that in preparation for the PPP’s manifesto launch, the party gathered thousands of suggestions from WhatsApp and across diverse communities, incorporating the feasible proposals into the final document.

“Look at the cabinet now,” De Armas said. “It’s comprised of young members of parliament alongside experienced leaders. There’s an excellent mix of wisdom, experience, and youthful energy. I’m so excited to be part of an organisation that values youth and sees us as the future.”

De Armas also highlighted recent government initiatives aimed at empowering young Guyanese, including subsidies for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams—covering up to eight subjects for students—and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, which provides opportunities in fields such as computer engineering, software engineering, and biotechnology.

“These initiatives ensure our young people are upskilled and prepared for employment in sophisticated and growing sectors,” he added, noting the PPP’s ongoing focus on youth development and national progress.