–over 40 per cent women representation reflected on lists

SENIOR Dean at the premier University of Guyana (UG), top veterinarian, one of Guyana’s leading cardiologists, youth parliamentarians and notable former opposition executives are among the new faces on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s list of candidates for the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Presented as more than a list, the PPP/C’s slate of fresh faces outlines exactly what President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo have been emphasising– a future that looks like Guyana, young and diverse.

Kofi Dalrymple, Dean of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology; top veterinarian, Dr. Nardeo Bassoodeo and leading cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen are among the prolific candidates.

Former executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), attorney-at-law Thandi McAllister is also in the lineup.
On Sunday, at the PPP/C’s campaign launch, she had spoken about her endorsement of the current administration.
McAlister, who spent most of her youth with the PNCR, said she was asked many times by her former colleagues about why she now supports the PPP/C.
“Open your eyes! Look around and with a clear conscience, and tell me, ‘Why not?’” she said, pointing to the development that is taking place.
Also, present on the list are former PNCR executive member, James Bond; Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram; former APNU+AFC Parliamentarian and PNCR General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

Former Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte, former APNU+AFC councillor in Georgetown, Trichria Richards, and former national cricketer and businessman Steven Jacobs are also on the list.

At the launch for the PPP/C’s re-election on Sunday, Richards and Jacobs positioned the PPP/C as the only national party for Guyana.

YOUTHS FRONT AND CENTRE
Some 27 candidates are under the age of 25, signalling the party’s continued involvement of youths.
Youth parliamentarian Nicholas Sagadaya, youth activist Nikhil Sankar and Attorney-at-Law Sufeena Supaul, are among a few of the large number of youths that are on the PPP/C’s candidates list of young entrepreneurs, doctors and attorneys-at-law, among others.

From the Essequibo Coast, young leader Azizi Christiani has been chosen as a candidate.
The list’s composition is a blend of youth, women, ethnic plurality and class inclusivity. In fact, nearly 40 per cent of the candidates are women, outpacing the legal requirement of 1/3.
On Sunday, he echoed the message of inclusion: “This party believes that young people are not just the future but the present,” he said, adding: “and that is why we are getting the opportunity now to lead.”

Sonia Latchman, Toshao of Bethany and Vice-Chair of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), and Vanda Pio, a 20-year-old candidate from Region Eight are among the list of young candidates too.