By Telesha Ramnarine
telesha@newsroom.gy
A new force has emerged on the political scene, with the official launch of the United Workers Party on Wednesday.
Sherwyn Downer, the party’s founder, made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday.
Held at the Caribbean Inn Hotel in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, the event marked the unveiling of the party.
Downer, also serving as the General Secretary, was joined by key figures, including Rameshwar Lalbachan, Lorenzo Joseph Daglymer Lanze, and Edgar Antonio, although the executive members chose not to reveal their specific roles just yet.
While Downer did not name the supporters who have pledged financial backing for the party, whether from within Guyana or the diaspora, he expressed no concerns about securing the necessary funding for the new political venture.
He made it clear that his decision to form a new party was not driven by personal conflicts with the governing PPP/C.
Downer outlined a bold series of proposals that he believes his party will achieve within the first 100 days of being elected.
These include bi-weekly payments for workers, free travel for Amerindians, a review of PAYE taxes, a reduction in NIS contributions, and the quarterly distribution of rations.
A key pledge is the introduction of a $300,000 birthday payment for every citizen, alongside a subsidised airfare programme for Guyanese returning from the diaspora, including their families.
The water taxi service could also become free and operate 24/7, while major towns such as Great Diamond, Vreed-en-Hoop, and Parika would be elevated to town status.
Further, Downer emphasised his commitment to tackling corruption by creating a new position for an anti-corruption prosecutor, alongside the establishment of an independent anti-corruption unit to replace SOCU.
In a statement to the News Room, Downer expressed confidence that his party could effectively manage the growing oil and gas sector. While he remained tight-lipped about specific personnel, he reassured the public that the party was supported by skilled professionals, both locally and abroad, though some of these advisers might prefer to remain anonymous due to concerns over potential victimisation.
“This is just the public announcement,” Downer noted, hinting that the official launch of the party would take place in a few months.
