In a surprising yet compelling move, prominent Guyanese-Canadian civil rights lawyer Selwyn Pieters has publicly thrown his support behind President Irfaan Ali, endorsing the incumbent leader for a second term.
Pieters, known for his staunch advocacy for human rights and his past legal representation of trade unions and political opposition figures, took to Facebook just hours after businessman and former parliamentarian James Bond made his own endorsement.
In his post, Pieters made it clear that he shares the same sentiment as Bond, who, in a heartfelt public statement, declared his backing for President Ali on Thursday.
Pieters wrote: “James Anthony-Bond and Selwyn Pieters share the same view that President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic will be back for a second term. President Ali is as real as they come and I like him. He is also working very hard on both the domestic and international spheres. He may not be perfect for all, but no one is perfect. ‘He who is without sin cast the first stone’ (John 8:7).”
This endorsement from Pieters, a prominent figure within the diaspora community and a former critic of the government, marks a significant shift in political dynamics.
His support signals an unexpected but growing backing for Dr. Ali within both the domestic and international spheres. Pieters currently resides in Canada and has previously represented unions and political entities in legal challenges against the government.
Bond, a member of the opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and a former parliamentarian, publicly threw his weight behind the President during an ongoing community outreach tour in Melanie, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.
Prominent opposition figures have already taken to social media to condemn the endorsements by members of its ranks with Carol Smith Joseph saying: “Look! Stop going one by one. Please go together and have one big WELCOME CEREMONY.”
