This week we asked new parliamentarians how they felt after their first session and what are their expectations for the life of the 10th parliament. Their views follow:
Jafar Ali – PPP/C: ‘I felt very honoured when the leader of our party asked that I serve as a Member of Parliament. I am very humbled serving at this very high level. I am particularly pleased and honoured to serve, first of all as constituent representative for the people of Region Six and to know that people have faith in me. I am looking forward to working collectively in continuing the progress which had started over the last five years. Collectively if we can push that development the persons of this country certainly can have a better life.’
Vindhya Persaud – PPP/C: ‘I am very humbled by this experience. First of all following in the footsteps of my dad won’t be an easy task because he was very diligent and embodied what a true parliamentarian should be. I will look to him for guidance as I take up this role, for me this is taking up his mantle. I want to see this Guyanese nation put aside the rancour of the campaign because that is over. Now it’s time address the issues facing the people and really work towards the betterment of this country. I will do my best to see all that I have said come to fruition and I sincerely hope that everyone does their part.’
Winston Felix – APNU: ‘I am pleased to be serving in this capacity. I am just looking forward to ensuring that through this House we are able to move towards ensuring that the society is protected from criminal activities. That is though sensible provision given to relevant authorities from this House to resource the police force. Weather it be material resources, training what ever it is that is necessary to ensure the nation’s security that is what I will ensure.’
Annette Ferguson – APNU: ‘I feel great given the privilege to serve at the highest forum of this land. What I intend to do is to have the voices of the people heard in this house through me. As with my party APNU we will press for constitutional reform. I would like to see a government of national unity. We would soon be going to local government elections and constitutional reform is needed so I will press also for that also. I would like to see and would press also for a reduction in VAT among other issues so that all Guyanese can have a good life as said by the APNU during our campaign period.’
James Bond – APNU: ‘I feel excellent. I feel ready for service I am excited to be here. It is an honour and privilege. I am glad that my leaders had the confidence in me to choose me for this 10th Parliament. I will bring no more than what every Guyanese know of James Bond that is hard work and dedication as I look to make the dreams of Guyanese a reality. What I plan to help to do for the ordinary man and woman of Guyana is bring their proposals, that they would have had for the last 19 or 20 years, to the fore so that they can be heard and those dreams will no longer seem as lost but will be materialized. That is what I will do for Guyanese.’
Cathy Hughes – AFC: ‘I feel good this is an exciting time for me and I think for the entire the country. I am looking forward to this new dispensation. I am looking forward to the animosity of the campaign being removed, to the members of parliament making discussions on real issues and a productive relationship and I really feel strongly at the end of the day that we serve the people of Guyana. I want Guyanese to be better financially in their standard of living, also in their hopes for the future of the country. I want Guyanese to have peace of mind, and with me being here I hope that can be achieved.’
Sydney Allicock – APNU: ‘I feel very very encouraged with this being my first day. I get the feeling that there will be meaningful decision making. There will be a lot of true discussions. I hope also at this very crucial time that my people the interior people that their voices are heard and issues affecting them are looked at. I will strive to make persons aware of what is affecting persons in the hinterlands and that they can also be a part of decision making. Overall I look to serve the people well and I pray that I do.’
Ronald Bulkan – APNU: ‘Apart from the obvious elation I feel a great sense of humility. I am very humbled to be a part of this 10th Parliament. With this new dispensation; the new composition of parliament and its historical nature I am proud to be a part. As an equal partner I look forward to protecting the business of the people of the land. I will be a very humble servant. In my own capacity and that of my party, the PNC and by extension A Partnership for National Unity, I look forward to playing my part within this alliance to move the expectations of the citizens of this county forward. I will act with diligence dedication and sincerity as I undertake my duties. I feel both a sense of gratitude and great humility.’
Valerie Garrido-Lowe – AFC: ‘I feel very good. I look forward to working with everyone to make Guyana go forward in the best interest of the people. I basically love people and always want the best for them more so that they are Guyanese. Amerindians on the whole they need more of a voice in the Parliament I will make sure I represent them 100% as I would all of my Guyanese brothers and sisters and today I am happy I was chosen to be that representative.’
June Marcello – AFC: ‘I was happy at this my first time in Parliament. I am prepared to work with all my Guyanese people. I want to represent my Amerindian brothers and sisters in all the regions. My duty here is to serve as a representative for the people and that is what I will do for all people.’
Trevor Williams-AFC:`I must say first of all it’s a proud feeling. It’s something that I think most young persons in politics should aspire for, work all the way to the very top and, you know, bring a good outcome. As for expectations, I think it’s kind of early to actually pronounce on anything but our policy is to work for the interest of the people and therefore we are bipartisan. We will work with everybody that will come. I personally think the best way to go is taking it step by step, issue by issue. That said I am more than ever committed to give my time and energy working with not just
parliamentarians but people on the streets everywhere, companies, organizations to make a better life for Guyanese.’
