Sherod Duncan ‘in the ring’ with Nigel Hughes and David Patterson for AFC leadership

L-R: Sherod Duncan, attorney Nigel Hughes, and David Patterson

By Shemar Alleyne

Prominent Attorney and former Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Nigel Hughes, Sherod Duncan, and David Patterson have entered the ring to contest the party’s leadership position.

The AFC’s nomination process, which opened on May 15 and concluded on June 12, has set the stage for the party’s National Conference, which is slated for June 29, 2024.

Currently serving as the party’s General Secretary, Duncan has emerged as the favourite for the leadership position, securing nominations from 15 groups. Challenging Duncan are Hughes and Patterson, both receiving nominations from two groups each.

For the position of Chairman, the nominees are Juretha Fernandes, Cathy Hughes, Patterson, and Duncan. The Vice Chairman position has attracted a wide array of candidates, including Cathy Hughes, Arnold Sukhraj, Haimraj Rajkumar, Patterson, Dereck Basdeo, Mark Goring, Michael Carrington, Ricky Ramsaroop, Dereck Basdeo and Raphael Trotman.

These key executive positions will be complemented by 12 elected members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), with more than 60 members vying for these roles.

In a statement, Duncan expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility upon receiving the nomination for the position of Leader of the AFC.

“I would like to thank the Alliance For Change members from the bottom of my heart for the honour of being considered for the position to lead the Alliance for Change (AFC), which remains Guyana’s only credible party of change,” Duncan stated.

Furthermore, he noted the responsibility that comes with the position, seeking the continued help and guidance of party members.

“My deepest appreciation goes to all the party groups for nominating me, and I shall forever remain grateful for the recognition that I have received,” he added.

Recognising the challenges of contesting political office, the Opposition Parliamentarian highlighted the importance of support from all quarters.

The party’s National Conference, slated for June 29, 2024, is expected to attract over 285 delegates from the 10 regions in Guyana, the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Caribbean, among other groups. Scores of observers are also slated to attend.