WIN argues for fair representation in regions but maintains Opposition Leader controls Shadow Cabinet

The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party is pressing for proportional representation on Regional Democratic Council (RDC) committees, arguing that its elected councillors are being sidelined in several regions. However, the party maintains that the same principle does not apply to the formation of the Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet where it did not extend proportional allocations to a Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

At its first press conference for 2026, held at Serenity Court on the East Bank Demerara, with no official Office of the Leader of the Opposition yet established, WIN Parliamentarians addressed what they described as the exclusion of their councillors from key regional committees in Regions Three, Four, Five and Ten.

WIN MP Duarte Hetsberger said more than 109,000 Guyanese voted for what he described as a new political movement, and those votes must translate into meaningful representation.

According to Opposition Chief Whip and WIN MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, proportionality has traditionally guided the formation of RDC committees, mirroring parliamentary committee arrangements.

She noted that in Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine, there have been no reported disputes over committee placements. However, in Regions Three, Four, Five and Ten, WIN councillors have allegedly been excluded despite formal submissions of nominees.

In Region Four, Sarabo-Halley said WIN submitted names after being instructed to do so, but those names were not reflected in the final committee appointments. In Region Three, written correspondence requesting placement on committees was acknowledged, yet no WIN councillors were included.

She rejected suggestions that technical qualifications were a determining factor.

“There is no law that requires additional academic or technical competence beyond being an elected representative,” Sarabo-Halley stated. “Once elected and placed on the council, those representatives must be considered.”

While advocating proportionality at the regional level, WIN acknowledged that it did not apply the same standard when it came to allocating shadow ministerial portfolios in Parliament.

Sarabo-Halley said the Opposition Leader has constitutional authority to determine the composition of the Shadow Cabinet and that there is no legal requirement for proportional distribution among opposition parties.

WIN, which holds 16 parliamentary seats, offered APNU six shadow ministries. APNU, which holds 12 seats, reportedly requested 12 portfolios based on proportionality. When that request was not accommodated, APNU withdrew from shadow assignments.

Sarabo-Halley maintained that shadow ministries are determined by the Opposition Leader and are not subject to mandatory proportional allocation.

Despite the disputes, WIN says it remains committed to cooperation but is calling for what it describes as fair and proportional inclusion at the regional level.

“Democracy is not just about winning seats. It is about ensuring that those who were elected are allowed to participate meaningfully in governance,” Hetsberger said.