Amna Ally remembered as trailblazer, tower of strength

Former People’s National Congress (PNC) executive member Amna Ally was laid to rest on Tuesday amid glowing tributes from members across the political divide.
Acknowledging the struggles of women in public office, Education Minister Priya Manickchand described Ally as a staunch reminder of the resilience and sacrifice women display while operating in various fields.
The minister shared her remarks at the recently held ‘Night of Reflection’ gathering at Ally’s Brickdam residence ahead of the funeral.
“It is harder for women in public office than it is for men. Nobody will tell him what he wore or how he looks, but they will comment on the women… for someone to have dedicated six decades of their life to a political party or to any institution and to have done that at great sacrifice to personal life… in an era when it was not easy to do… while her party was in government, while her party was in opposition should never be treated lightly,” said Minister Manickchand.
She highlighted that Ally made inspiring moves at a time when women were not expected in spaces outside of homemaking. She persevered and made contributions to the causes she believed in. Even in her illness and pain, she carried on, never broken and never cowed, the minister asserted.
“She was hurt but never broken, and that is the spirit that could never die. Amna Ally is larger than life.”
Minister Manickchand urged that there is an Amna Ally in everyone—her kindness, fierceness, belief in something, loyalty, and love. She stressed that despite the pain of the loss, Amna Ally lives on.
Ally’s life spanned decades as a member of the PNCR. She was a teacher and served as the PNCR’s chief party scrutineer for multiple national elections. She was also a member of parliament and held the roles of chief whip, minister of government, general secretary, and executive member of the PNCR.
Her passing prompted tributes from other political leaders across the aisle, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. She died last Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after a brief illness. She was 69 years old.