In a significant political development, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party abstained from voting for the Chairman and Vice Chairman positions in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on Friday, October 10, 2025. This decision came as a protest against A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) refusal to allow WIN to chair Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), according to WIN executive member Tabita Sarabo-Halley. Sarabo-Halley revealed that WIN’s eight Region Four councillors chose not to cast their votes for any candidate after APNU failed to honor its commitment to support WIN for the Vice Chairmanship in Region Four. ‘Our original position was to support APNU for the Chairmanship, expecting their reciprocal support for our Vice Chairmanship bid,’ Sarabo-Halley explained during a press briefing at the Region Four Council Office in Triumph, East Coast Demerara. APNU, however, issued a statement later that afternoon, asserting its decision to proceed independently in the regional elections due to the inability to reach a political agreement with WIN. The statement highlighted APNU’s efforts to establish a cooperative framework but noted that WIN appeared intent on excluding APNU from key leadership roles in multiple regions. Despite the breakdown in negotiations, APNU expressed its openness to future dialogue and collaboration with all political stakeholders, emphasizing its commitment to strong, principled, and accountable leadership. The vote for the Chairmanship of Region 10 ended in a 9-9 tie between APNU’s Dominique Blair and WIN’s Mark Goring, leaving the final decision to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. Sarabo-Halley accused APNU and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) of colluding to block WIN’s bid for the Region 10 Chairmanship, prompting WIN’s abstention in Region Four. She noted that the PPPC, which holds 17 councillors, secured 18 votes without WIN’s support, suggesting possible behind-the-scenes maneuvering. WIN’s abstention underscored the challenges of working with opposition parties, as Sarabo-Halley described the experience as a ‘tall order.’ The Region Four Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship were ultimately secured by PPPC members Clemsford Belgrave and Deodat Sawh, respectively.
WIN abstains from Region 4 Council vote after plans with APNU collapse, says Sarabo-Halley
