Former PNCR executive says party failed Guyana’s youth

Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Member, Thandi McAllister, has endorsed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for a second term, noting that her former party failed Guyana’s youth.
Speaking during an interview on the programme Starting Point, McAllister, who also served as a PNCR youth leader and Region Three Party Chairman, left the party back in 2021.
She explained that there was a lack of inclusion and prioritisation for young people in the party’s system of governance, although this had initially formed part of its campaign.
“At some point between 2015 and 2017, there was a feeling of the lack of inclusion of the youth,” she stated, adding: “And there were efforts to bridge that gap. Young people recognised that there was this non-inclusion of our role in governance. And this is what we worked for. The party campaigned on the inclusion of youth. And on the importance of the youth vote and the youth voice. And so when that voice was muzzled within the party, persons did speak up, we did speak up,” she said.
On the other hand, McAllister said President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s achievements, philosophies, and plans in transforming Guyana during his tenure clearly demonstrate why voting for the PPP is in the nation’s best interest.
“He had meetings in Region Three yesterday, and I attended a few of those afterward. And to listen to him not only passionately outline his plans for this country, but we have witnessed how with that same passion- he has brought to fruition the plans he outlined previously,” McAllister said.
“He is doing a fantastic job, and it’s not because we’re of the same era, or we’re from the same region, that I’m going to sit here and say, hey, he deserves a second term. His work speaks for itself,” she continued.
Asked about comments she made during the 2020 campaign trail about the now President Dr. Ali being her political opponent, McAllister doubled down, noting that while he was her political opponent, he was not her enemy.
She referred to Ali as her close brother and friend as she explained that they are closer now and share the same mandate.
McAllister also shared a message to Guyana’s youth as they head to the polls on September 1.
“I have, over the years, since 2020, recognised, having been exposed to, His Excellency Irfaan Ali and his philosophy of wanting what’s good and best for Guyana, and observing how much he has put into this presidency, and how much he continues to sacrifice to ensure the transformational development we are all witnessing- that a vote, in Guyana’s best interest, is a vote for the PPP/C,” McAllister said.
She further noted that while there have been “storms,” he has been able to steer the ship in the right direction, and there has been vast development which has seen the country moving apace.