分类： politics

In a landmark electoral triumph, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has secured the Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Guyana’s most densely populated region. The newly elected Chairman, Clemsford Belgrave, and Vice Chairman, Deoraj Nauth, have pledged to prioritize regional development in alignment with the central government’s agenda while ensuring inclusivity in decision-making processes.

In a contentious turn of events, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region Four Councillor Shanika Haynes defended her party’s decision to participate in internal elections for chairman and vice chairman, despite the process being deemed illegal due to the use of secret balloting. Haynes argued that even if APNU had boycotted, the elections would have proceeded regardless, given the quorum requirements. She emphasized that the party would explore legal avenues to challenge the outcome. The Regional Executive Officer, Donald Gajraj, insisted on secret balloting based on guidelines from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), overriding objections from APNU, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). Haynes criticized Gajraj for not allowing councillors to decide on the voting method, as stipulated by law. She also expressed suspicions about irregularities in the voting process, noting that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) secured the chairmanship with 18 votes despite having only 17 councillors. APNU, which holds 9 councillors, received 8 votes, with 7 blank and 2 spoilt ballots. The party also revealed that negotiations with WIN collapsed after WIN sought to exclude APNU from key leadership positions in multiple regional councils. APNU reaffirmed its commitment to independent leadership, vowing to ensure accountability and principled governance for its constituents.

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.

In a contentious and unprecedented move, Clemsford Belgrave of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has been elected as the new Chairman of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), marking the first time the region will be led by a PPPC councillor. The election, held on October 10, 2025, saw Mr. Belgrave secure 18 votes, while Shanika Haynes of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) garnered 8 votes. The process was marred by 7 blank and 2 spoilt ballots. The decision to conduct the vote via secret ballot, enforced by Regional Executive Officer Donald Gajraj, sparked fierce opposition from APNU, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) councillors. Despite their vocal objections, all parties eventually complied, with Mr. Gajraj warning that disruptors would be evicted. The PPPC’s Neville Cumberbatch emphasized the authority of the Regional Executive Officer, stating, “If you’re not a councillor here, the man can put you out.” FGM Leader Amanza Walton questioned the legality of the secret ballot, demanding it be put to a vote, while APNU’s Sherwin Benjamin echoed similar concerns. The election was closely monitored by representatives of all major parties. Following the vote, Mr. Belgrave and Ms. Haynes observed the counting process. Notably, FGM’s Tinicia Stoll audibly called Ms. Haynes’ name while casting her ballot, hinting at her vote. The PPPC’s Deoraj Nauth was later elected Vice Chairman with 17 votes, defeating Ms. Haynes, who secured 11 votes. The election results reflect a significant shift in the region’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by APNU.