Fmr. APNU+AFC Gov’t Minister Sydney Allicock endorses President Ali

Respected Indigenous leader and former Vice President Sydney Allicock has publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for a second term in office.

Allicock, who served as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs under the APNU+AFC administration and hails from the Guyana Action Party (GAP), a key representative of Indigenous interests, cited disillusionment with the state of the opposition and the PPP’s commitment to Indigenous development as key reasons for his endorsement.

Speaking exclusively to News Room on Wednesday, Allicock reflected on his time within the APNU+AFC coalition, describing a growing sense of marginalisation for smaller parties like GAP.

“Being a GAP member, a small party within the coalition, we felt sort of neglected… When we started with [Former President David] Granger, we were all inclusive, we had a voice,” he said.

Allicock revealed that recent efforts to regroup within the opposition were unconvincing and poorly coordinated. “Although we had meetings with both the AFC and the PNC/R, we were never confident enough that we were ready… Everyone seemed to be watching their own presidency, not seeing the bigger picture.”

He attributed much of the current turmoil in the opposition to internal power struggles, suggesting that the original spirit of unity has been lost. “We were there in the coalition trying to keep the group together, but over time things ran their course and we couldn’t hold on.”

With the September polls looming, Allicock said he consulted widely with community members in the hinterland and believes that President Ali deserves another term.

“If President Ali could be given the chance to continue, I believe much more could be achieved… We need unity, sensible discussions, and collective decision-making,” he emphasised.

He praised the current government’s approach to Indigenous development, particularly its investments in transportation, training, and employment.

Allicock urged Indigenous communities to seize the opportunities being created, warning against complacency and dependency.

When asked if his endorsement was personal or indicative of broader support within GAP, Allicock acknowledged that others share his views, even if they have not yet made their positions public.

“This is my personal position… but others, though not outspoken yet, have recognised the direction the country is heading. I don’t want to say they’ve crossed over, but they’re certainly rethinking.”

Allicock joins a growing list of opposition figures who have backed the PPP/C.

To those still undecided, Allicock had a clear message:

“Guyana is a beautiful and rich country, yet it seems we are poor in such richness. We must listen to those vying for leadership and take time to make the best choice. That’s what I’m doing, and I encourage others to do the same.”