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Georgetown, Guyana — At a press conference on November 8, 2024, Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman and Member of Parliament David Patterson addressed questions regarding the AFC’s outreach efforts in traditional People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) strongholds. Patterson emphasized the AFC’s commitment to engaging directly with citizens to better understand their needs, insisting that the party’s activities should not be viewed as “poaching” PNCR supporters.
“We’re not poaching anyone,” Patterson stated. “We’re spreading a message… listening so that we can be better informed to assist.” He noted that the AFC engages communities across the political spectrum, visiting areas associated with various parties, including the PNCR and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). “I can’t see how listening and spreading our message is equated to poaching,” he remarked, adding that the AFC’s focus remains on understanding issues that matter to the public, regardless of political affiliation.
Patterson’s comments come amid growing dialogue about political alliances and the possibility of an opposition coalition in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections. When questioned about PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton’s remarks on AFC presence in PNCR strongholds and whether that approach could potentially erode trust, Patterson reiterated that the AFC would continue its outreach in communities nationwide. “There is no party that has a transport on any community in this country,” he affirmed, adding that AFC’s activities are geared toward fostering inclusivity and addressing real needs, not creating division.
Regarding leadership concerns in any future coalition, Patterson responded that the AFC is focused on strengthening its own platform and has not entertained discussions about leadership roles in potential alliances. “We are working on our party, and we’ve laid out our plans… nothing has changed from that position,” he noted.
PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton also addressed the issue at his own press conference today, acknowledging the AFC’s recent activities within traditional PNCR strongholds but expressing confidence in the PNCR’s base. “It is evident that the AFC is going into PNCR strongholds,” Norton remarked, adding that PNCR remains “a strong party guided by a philosophy and a clear understanding of what we set out to do.”
Norton added that, unlike the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the PNCR does not criticize other parties for entering its supportive regions, suggesting that diverse political engagement strengthens democracy.
The AFC’s press conference also addressed key national concerns, including the high costs and short-term impact of government contracts for rented power ships, which AFC Chairman David Patterson argued divert funds from long-term energy solutions. The AFC reiterated its support for biometric voting in the 2025 elections to modernize Guyana’s voting system.
The party also highlighted the country’s severe mental health crisis, calling for a dedicated mental health institution and crisis teams to address service gaps. Additionally, the AFC raised allegations of forgery and misuse of taxpayer funds at Aliki Primary School, urging authorities to launch a criminal investigation.
