Amanza walks away from Norton  

Jun 19, 2025 News

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…launches new party to contest elections

By Shania Williams  

Kaieteur News – Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and longstanding member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Amanza Walton-Desir, resigned officially from the party on Wednesday and launched her own political movement, ‘Forward Guyana.’

The announcement was made at an emotional press conference just minutes after the PNCR issued a statement confirming her departure.

According to the PNCR’s statement, party leader Aubrey Norton and executive member David Hales met with Walton-Desir earlier this week to discuss her potential involvement in the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

“During the meeting, Ms. Walton-Desir enquired whether she could be guaranteed extraction from the list to become a member of the next parliament,” the PNCR stated. “In response, Mr. Norton assured her that she would be extracted to be a member of parliament. She was also informed of the role she would play in the APNU government. She then asked about her role in the campaign, and Mr. Norton informed her that she would be a member of the campaign management team. Ms. Walton-Desir then stated that she needed to consult her team and would revert,” the party said.

The statement said further, that instead of receiving a response from the politician, a resignation letter was issued instead. It went on to say that on behalf of the PNCR and the parliamentary opposition, gratitude was extended to Walton-Desir for her service and well wishes in her future endeavours.

Shortly after, Walton-Desir addressed the media and the nation in a press conference where she publicly announced her resignation from the PNCR, effective immediately, and revealed the formation of her new political party, Forward Guyana. She declared that her party is open to forming alliances with other opposition groups and individuals who share similar principles.

“We understand that no one party or movement holds all the answers. That is why we remain open to collaboration and coalescing — but not for coalescing’s sake. Unity cannot be based on expedience. It must be grounded in shared principles, coherent policies, and a common vision for a just and inclusive Guyana,” she said.

“We are prepared to work with others who are serious about dismantling systems of corruption, inequality, and exclusion, and who agree that collaboration must be rooted in clear commitments to justice, service, and the long-overdue transformation of our political culture.”

Reasons for departure from PNCR

An emotional Amanza Walton-Desir, speaking at her press conference, outlined the key reasons behind her decision to part ways with the PNCR. She explained that she had not been given a clearly defined role in the upcoming elections and felt increasingly side-lined by the party.

“After being repeatedly omitted from most campaign activities and key meetings within my designated portfolio, I sought and was granted a meeting with the leader of the Opposition,” she recalled. “My intention was to clarify what role, if any, I was expected to play in shaping the future of the PNCR. There was not sufficient clarity for me on the way forward in the PNCR as it is currently constituted. While I appreciated the opportunity to engage, it became clear that I cannot, in good conscience, remain where my contributions are undervalued and my voice is silenced.”

Walton-Desir acknowledged that the decision to resign was not made lightly, citing her deep familial and personal ties to the party.

“The PNCR is the party in which my grandparents, my parents, aunts, and uncles gave yeoman service. It is a party that helped shape my identity, my convictions, and my sense of duty to country. It has been the only political home I have known,” she said, breaking down in tears as she spoke.

Preparedness and collaboration efforts

During the question-and-answer segment of the press conference, Walton-Desir stated that her party is actively preparing for the elections and open to collaboration with like-minded groups.

“Of course, we have taken steps to secure the movement and participation. But we also said that we are going to collaborate… that could mean there will be work going on in the next few days,” she noted.

She disclosed that several existing political parties have already expressed interest in collaboration, but emphasised that her team would only partner based on shared values and policy alignment.

“I have issued invitations to anyone interested in hearing what we are about, our vision and policies for Guyana to speak with us,” she said.

While she acknowledged that the Alliance For Change (AFC) had not yet engaged with her directly, she noted that the party had issued a general invitation for discussions with other political leaders on Wednesday. Regarding the approaching nomination deadline, Walton-Desir expressed full confidence in her party’s readiness. “All our ducks are in the pond,” she affirmed.

Rejects ‘Waiting Your Turn’ notion

Addressing criticism about timing and political seniority, Walton-Desir firmly rejected the idea that new political leaders must “wait their turn.” “It’s never about the length of time that someone has served. I do not see this notion of waiting for a turn as being relevant or serious to the discussion about this country. It’s about who shows up with heart, who shows up with courage, who can get the job done.”

Funding and support

On the question of campaign financing, she expressed optimism that ‘Forward Guyana’ will receive grassroots support. “Over the next few days, the people of Guyana will see. They will be motivated to give. We have to believe that what we offer will be sufficient to attract people.”

Manifesto and policy focus

Walton-Desir outlined some of the central themes expected in Forward Guyana’s manifesto, including economic empowerment, decentralisation, health reform, and migration policy. “We want to empower Guyanese and make them a part of every investment made,” she said.

On decentralisation, she noted plans to expand focus beyond the oil sector. “We are looking at other entities and sectors that can contribute to Guyana’s development — like gold mining. It should not just be about oil; all our resources must be included.”

In the health sector, Walton-Desir emphasised a shift toward preventive care. “We believe it is better to prevent your people from getting sick than allowing them to get sick and then moving them into a public hospital system that shuffles them into private healthcare.” She also touched on the absence of a comprehensive migration policy, stressing the importance of national security measures.

Political mission

Walton-Desir stated that she is stepping forward because she believes Guyana urgently needs political transformation. “I am now stepping forward because I know I can make a difference. And although it may be uncomfortable for me and for some others, Guyana simply cannot wait — and Guyanese are out of patience with poverty in the midst of plenty.”

“Poverty in terms of unnecessarily hard lives-from high cost-of-living, poor wages, underemployment, hunger, unsafe public transportation, lack of adequate public safety, and rampant corruption at every level — in the midst of a booming oil industry where the government earns millions daily and Exxon earns billions annually. Sometimes, to step up, you must first step out.” She further admitted that the opposition has fallen short in recent years. “The truth is, despite the presence of good people in the opposition, we may not have done enough over the last five years to effectively check the excesses of the PPP.”

Describing the founding mission of Forward Guyana, Walton-Desir said the country’s current political environment leaves too many disillusioned and voiceless. “There is a fundamental problem in Guyana we can no longer ignore. For far too long, our politics has been reduced to a false choice — either-or — between two dominant parties that do not necessarily thrive on performance, ideas, or vision.” “This has stifled real progress and left too many Guyanese disillusioned, disenfranchised, and voiceless. The Guyanese electorate is hungry for a change.” “Forward Guyana is a bridge to a better future. A bridge built not of concrete, but of courage, conscience, and collective will. It is a bridge away from the politics of division, corruption, and favoritism — toward unity, integrity, and real results.”

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• Amanza Walton-Desir, Aubrey Norton, Election, Forward Guyana, Manifesto, PNCR

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