APNU+AFC’s Geeta Chandan-Edmond endorses Pres Ali; criticises opposition

Last Updated on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 17:28 by Writer

A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond Monday night backed President Irfaan Ali for a second term in the September 1 general and regional elections.

Ms Chandan-Edmond, a former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), issued the endorsement from the opposition’s parliamentary benches during debate on the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Bill.

“Let the record reflect tonight: I stand proudly with President Irfaan Ali. I stand with his leadership, I stand with his vision and I stand with his steadfast commitment to this country and I say to everyone of you in this House and out of this House that President Ali has earned a second term and Guyana deserves nothing less,’ she said in the National Assembly. “Under his leadership, we are witnessing real change, investment in people, bold infrastructure, social upliftment and a renewed sense of national pride and so I fully and unapologetically endorse President Irfaan Ali for a second term because the work is not done; the transformation is still underway,” she added.

There was a brief objection by opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones to House Speaker Manzoor Nadir allowing her to speak.

Mr Jones insisted that she was not down to speak, but Mr Nadir said “the Standing Order says the Speaker can go by a list or if he catches the eye of the person. She indicated to me she would like to speak. I invite her to speak, thank you.”

Before stating her support for the President, she remarked that “there was an attempt to silence me”.

Ms Chandan-Edmond said she apologised and regretted “sincerely” joining with her colleague opposition parliamentarians in walking out of a debate of a motion against Venezuela’s continued acts of aggression. “What did the opposition do? I was part of it. We chose silence, we walked out. We chose politics over patriotism. It was not only disappointing, It was also disgraceful. It was in every sense a betrayal of our sacred duty,” she said. “While President Ali was defending our sovereignty, rallying international support and standing tall for our Guyanese, the opposition faltered,” she added.

She also praised Dr Ali for resisting the closure of the sugar estates during the then APNU+AFC administration, behind closed doors and away from the cameras.

In recent months, several PNCR supporters including James Bond, Daniel Seeram and Samuel Sandy have endorsed Dr Ali for a second term.

Ms Chandan-Edmond earlier this year praised the 2025 National Budget during her contribution to the debate.

Earlier Monday, she spoke in favour of the Regional Security System Bill.

While PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton is Guyana’s Opposition Leader, he requires the signature of APNU+AFC’s Representative of the List of Candidates, David Granger to recall and replace parliamentarians from his side.