Jermaine Figueira endorses Ali – Stabroek News

Having resigned from the PNCR, former MP Jermaine Figueira today endorsed President Irfaan Ali for re-election on September 1st.

In a letter to Stabroek News, Figueira said he had taken a principled position on the matter.

The letter follows

A principled endorsement of President Irfaan Ali for reelection in the 2025 elections.

 

On September 1st, 2025, Guyana will once again stand at the crossroads of history. As citizens prepare to participate in one of the most consequential elections in recent memory, 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. 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.

 

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 evaluation of action, delivery, and competence that President Ali stands above the rest.

 

The Need for Experience in a Complex Time demands tested experience.

 

Among the political formations contesting this election, it is clear to me,that only three parties will be seriously considered by the electorate come September 1st 2025: the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the emergent Win Party (WIN). 

Only the two major parties have varing degrees of experience in governance of this country and shared  differing visions and policy proposals to the electorate while the latter says 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.

 

Guyanese voters must remember that we now exist in a global context that is increasingly interconnected. 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.

 

From the outset, 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 judgments that should not have happened. Yet, in my judgment, 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 are not theoretical gains, 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.

 

 

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 organization I serve to a greater calling to that of the people of my town, my region, and to Guyana as a whole. That commitment has not changed. 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.

 

I will go beyond the mere act of endorsement. Beyond the rhetoric,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. My voice will continue to be one that advocates for inclusive development, unity of our people especially the next generation in our youth through the power of sports, cultural 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. But unity in critical moments is also a form of leadership. Today, I choose to stand in unity with the vision and imperfections of President Irfaan Ali, not for a party but for progress.

 

This election is not about nostalgia or protest. 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.

 

Finally, I wish to state that 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 favors 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.

 

Let us vote not on sentiment but on substance.

 

Let us vote for Guyana.

 

Let us vote for President Irfaan Ali.

 

With enduring respect and solemn duty to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

 

Respectfully,

Jermaine Figueira.