ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) executive Sherod Duncan is under fire after a controversial Facebook post attacking singer Mark Ferdinand, a former supporter of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), who has now endorsed the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Ferdinand, a familiar voice on the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) campaign trail, said he made the decision to switch allegiance because of the “visible development happening in Guyana under the PPP/C”, and not for personal gain.

Duncan, however, sharply criticised Ferdinand’s decision in a Facebook post last week, highlighting his past legal troubles; the post attracted 192 reactions, 167 comments, and 89 shares.
The post sparked swift backlash, Online, with commentators accusing Duncan of hypocrisy, and pointing to his own alleged scandals during APNU+AFC’s term in government, when he served as General Manager of the State-owned Guyana Chronicle, and was accused of misappropriating funds.

“Well, if the AFC could attract one big patwah fish that fraud [Guyana Chronicle] of $5M and nobody didn’t see nothing wrong with that, it’s like pot telling pot his bottom black,” one user, Kevin Lorrimer, commented.

He added: “Y’all didn’t know that all the time when he sang in y’all favour, but now the man sees y’all as useless, he becomes a target.”
Others questioned why Ferdinand’s history only became an issue after he switched sides.

“So, Wednesday, he is a PNC supporter — good man, solid human being, made mistakes. Thursday, he joins PPP… he issa criminal, he issa lowlife, etc.,” wrote Don Singh, a PPP/C councillor on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.
“Do you PNC/AFC guys see what you are doing?” Singh asked.

Another Facebook user, Osafa Anderson, bluntly suggested Duncan should “come over [to the PPP/C]” given his own controversies.
“Sherod, you should come over [to the PPP/C] too… You are in the criminal category; you stole money from [Guyana] Chronicle, about $5M.”

Patrick Narain also reminded Duncan of his past endorsements. “You’re a hypocrite; you endorsed the Mohameds, who were sanctioned by the U.S. government for stealing Guyana’s gold, yet you’re condemning this man simply because he supports the PPP.”

OUTLIVED HIS USEFULNESS
Another Facebook user, David DeCook, responded: “Smh [shaking my head]…Sherod Duncan. When the man was singing for his supper for APNU, he wasn’t a druggie. The thing is, the plate was empty under the PNC-APNU-AFC… now the man recognises who’s doing better for Guyana…”

A number of former APNU+AFC supporters have recently voiced support for the PPP/C, citing the government’s focus on infrastructure, social support programmes, and inclusive policymaking. Several of these individuals have gone as far as appearing at PPP/C rallies and events, publicly endorsing a second term for President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

So far this year, high-profile figures like attorney-at-Law James Bond, a former PNC heavyweight, and Thandi McAllister, a former PNCR Central Committee member, have also thrown their support behind the ruling party.

“President Ali is one person who has always remembered me. Since he was a minister, he has always remembered me. He has always been a friend to me, and I am giving you a second term,” Bond said, addressing President Ali directly during a public meeting at Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, in January 2025.

Standing beside the President at a mid-morning public meeting in Belle West, Canal #2, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), earlier this month, McAllister emphasised the significance of the upcoming elections, calling them pivotal for the future of the country.

“These elections that are upcoming will determine the future of our country,” she said, adding, “I want to encourage you to stay the course with my friend and brother.”
The attorney, who has known President Ali for many years, spoke passionately about the strides the country has made under his leadership.

“You have seen firsthand the development from 2020 to date. Imagine what he will do with another term. I trust his vision; I trust his word. His word is his bond, and I have proven that. I have known him for many years, and I am saying to you to trust him with another term; trust him with Guyana’s future.

“He has demonstrated that he is a man for all seasons. He has demonstrated that he is a President of the people, by the people, and for the people, and for Region Three. In these elections, your votes are critical,” McAllister said to the gathering.

In announcing his support for the PPP/C, Ferdinand said, “I have been supporting the APNU-PNC for years, but all I can see is that they have no vision.”
In contrast, he praised the PPP/C for its consistent leadership and outreach, not just to its base but to the wider population.

“They support their supporters; and there’s nothing wrong with that,” Ferdinand said, adding; “But they also support the entire country. Just look around you.”
Meanwhile, the opposition remains fractured. Coalition talks between the PNC/R and AFC have collapsed, and the PNC/R has faced a string of high-profile resignations, including long-serving General Secretary Amna Ally, and former parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon.

Ally cited disrespect towards women in leadership as a key reason for her departure after 54 years in the party. The PPP/C administration has expressed strong confidence in securing a landslide victory at this year’s elections, citing widespread support for its development agenda across the country.