Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira was on Sunday removed from his position as Chairman of the Region 10 PNCR.
The party’s leader, Aubrey Norton, confirmed the decision, telling Stabroek News yesterday, “The decision comes down to the party; the party evaluates the performance of all involved and makes decisions based on their performance or lack thereof.”
Figueira told Stabroek News yesterday that the decision might reflect a short-sighted approach rather than a constructive one.
“The evidence of my work in Linden and Region 10 is clear. My contributions have been strategic and impactful, going beyond mere rhetoric,” he stated. Figueira maintained that if the leadership’s vision does not align with his approach, it is the leader’s prerogative to make changes, though he perceives the actions more as a personal revelation than a targeted attack.
When asked about his political future in light of the recent changes, Figueira expressed confidence in his ongoing role in politics.
“I will always have a future in politics because I’m young, relatable, a career educator, and a practising politician,” he said. Figueira emphasized that his interest in politics extends beyond mere partisanship and that his commitment is to the broader interests of the people and national development. He described his political outlook as “broad and magnanimous,” stating that he is not confined to traditional partisan roles and will continue to evaluate his relevance based on both party dynamics and national interests.
Figueira was also asked whether his removal from a crucial post would affect confidence in the party. He remarked that the party’s leadership changes are within the purview of the leader, whose role is to guide the party towards future electoral success. Figueira acknowledged that it is up to the party’s membership and supporters to assess whether these changes are made in good faith or driven by narrower motives.
Regarding his confidence in the current leadership, Figueira chose not to make definitive statements while retaining his party roles. He acknowledged the party’s internal mechanisms for expressing views and assured that he would continue to provide feedback publicly when appropriate. Figueira emphasized that in today’s age of social media, young voices cannot be silenced and that fundamental freedoms should be upheld.
Figueira outlined several core principles guiding his political stance:
– He rejects exclusionary practices, such as not engaging with the President, and denounces divisive political tactics. This could be seen as a criticism of Norton who has not engaged with President Irfaan Ali.
– Figueira added that he advocates for the unification of Guyana, supporting equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
– He believes in constructive scrutiny of development efforts and adherence to parliamentary and constitutional checks.
– He upholds the principle of country above party and people above politics, stressing a commitment to democratic principles and the sanctity of elections.
Figueira stated that regardless of the direction the party takes or the outcomes of his current political trajectory, his dedication to serving the people of Guyana remains steadfast. He expressed his belief that his service and values will continue to find a meaningful place, emphasizing that his commitment to the nation and its people is unwavering.
In January this year, Figueira was removed as the shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport. During a telephone conversation with Stabroek News, Figueira expressed his astonishment at the decision, stating that he was never informed about it prior. The MP noted that this put him in a difficult position since he had been preparing to present at the upcoming budget debate as he had been doing for the past four debates.
Figueira said that he was not offended by his replacement rather it was the level of disrespect with which he feels he was dealt by the Leader of the Opposition.
“At least you could’ve given me a heads up,” he lamented while adding that a one-on-one conversation with Norton prior to the announcement about his intentions would have been good.
