Amanza Walton-Desir launches own party ‘Forward Guyana’

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir has officially resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and has launched her own party, Forward Guyana.
Walton-Desir made the official announcement during a press conference hosted at Brandsville Hotel in Georgetown earlier today.
“Yesterday, I submitted a letter of resignation with immediate effect to the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Mr. Aubrey Norton. I have also written to the Representative of the List informing him of my resignation from the party. After being repeatedly omitted from most campaign activities and key meetings within my designated portfolio, I sought and was granted a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. My intention was to clarify what role, if any, I was expected to play in shaping the future of the PNCR. There was not sufficient clarity for me on the way forward in the PNCR as it is currently constituted. While I appreciated the opportunity to engage, it became clear that I cannot, in good conscience, remain where my contributions are undervalued and my voice is silenced,” she stated.
Moved to tears, she said the decision had been an agonising one, reached after much soul-searching, prayer, and the counsel of family and trusted friends.
Walton-Desir said she is now stepping forward with her new party, as she knows she can make a difference, although it may be uncomfortable for her and others.

“The Guyanese electorate is hungry for a change and the time has come for us to present to the Guyanese people a real alternative not necessarily one that begins with the illusion of a parliamentary majority, but one rooted in clarity and bold conviction. One that will fight every day for the poor, the single mother, the frustrated youth, the undervalued teacher, nurse, doctor… the discouraged farmer and local businessmen…,” she said.
She added that the party is guided by core values like service over status, courage and conscience, as well as transparency.
“Forward Guyana is ready to help lead this nation across old divides and into a new era where leadership is about responsibility, not rank; about action, not rhetoric; and about putting country first and before party. The bridge is ready. The time to cross it – together – is now. We understand that no one party or movement holds all the answers. That is why we remain open to collaboration and coalescing but not for coalescing’s sake. Unity cannot be based on experience. It must be grounded in shared principles, coherent policies, and a common vision for a just and inclusive Guyana,” Walton-Desir noted.

She further stated that the party is prepared to work with others who are serious about placing the country on the right trajectory.
“We are prepared to work with others who are serious about dismantling systems of corruption, inequality, and exclusion and who agree that collaboration must be rooted in clear commitments to justice, service, and the long-overdue transformation of our political culture. What we must have is a common purpose…. and a real agenda for change, and that is enough to build something new,” Walton-Desir said.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, in a telephone interview with Ignite News today, confirmed Walton-Desir’s departure, stating that she tendered her resignation from the party via email yesterday evening.
Norton explained that he had met with Walton-Desir on June 7 and offered her a spot on the party’s election list, as well as a seat in Parliament.
Norton said the member’s response was that she needed to speak with her people.
The Opposition Leader said he has no intention of seeking further clarification from the former party member following her resignation.
In a statement issued earlier today, Norton extended gratitude to Walton-Desir for her service and wished her well in her future endeavours on behalf of the PNCR and the Parliamentary Opposition.