Even as it presents itself as unfazed by the frequency of crossovers, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) must be jarred, as must the Alliance For Change (AFC). No matter the façade, in Guyanese parlance, they must be “feeling some type of way”. After all, it is human nature, we prefer to be the ones who got away instead of the ones left behind.
Of the many persons—prominent and low-profile alike—who have crossed the floor, the two who seem to have caused the most havoc are Geeta Chandan- Edmond and Daniel Seeram. Perhaps this is because they both remain in seats given to them by their ex, so to speak. Both Chandan- Edmond and Seeram endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term while clad in the prestige handed to them by PNCR.
On the heels of those endorsements, came predictions that “more will follow.” A name that keeps coming up is Jermaine Figueira, another sitting Member of Parliament. Figueira has been in Parliament for just about a decade. His crossover has been foretold by supporters of both the PNCR and People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). These predictions have not been made in secret. In fact, after Seeram’s crossover, one well known journalist posted on her Facebook page, “Figueira and Geeta next?” As we know now, “Geeta” was indeed next.
Figueira remains mum. He has neither pledged continued support for his party nor dismissed the predictions that have become ubiquitous. Of course, this stance or lack of, fuels speculations.
Conclusions that “Figgy” is either weighing his options or waiting to announce his crossover/ endorsement in a grandiose fashion are not farfetched. Perhaps he intends to do it, “Geeta-style,” after all, Parliament has not yet been dissolved.
Of course, Figueira has a lot more pros and cons to weigh than those who have paved the way.
For starters, he is black.
While racism is prevalent in Guyana, many prefer not to speak publicly about it. Possibly at my own expense, this author prefers to have such matters discussed; it may be a stepping stone for change.
Therefore, I am willing to state here that while Figueira’s ethnicity makes him an asset to the PPP, it opens him to much more ridicule. Unfortunately, blacks are not given the freedom to support the PPP in peace.
While many are upset with Chandan-Edmond and Seeram, the move might be digested by some as a natural transition to where their hearts are, home. In fact, Chandan- Edmond believes she has restored her family honour. Even in her parliamentary speech, she made references to traits that make a PPP embrace more natural to her.
Figueira, on the other hand, will be called “lick bottom” or “slave catcher” by the likes of Dr. David Hinds who comes across these days as only supporting black pride and honor in those who oppose the PPP.
The second consideration is that Figueira is not from “Chesney.” He hails from—and continues to reside in—Linden. While the PPP has been infiltrating Linden and other black-dominated towns/ communities, Linden has always been a stronghold of the PNCR. That will not change anytime soon. Life in his hometown might become somewhat strained for Figueira in the event of a crossover. Residents might initially care little for the good he can do. This could change with time.
Truly, Figueira will mostly feel the cons of a PPP endorsement, while the PPP will enjoy most of the pros.
The PPP has long been saying that while it continues to embrace its traditional supporters, it has a genuine desire to attract more blacks to become rank and file members of the party as a show of true racial diversity. This might not be an ideology supported across the party’s base, but it is definitely one being aggressively pursued by the likes of General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Being the most influential man in the party’s history, perhaps second only to Cheddi Jagan, where Jagdeo leads, the others follow.
Having someone like Figueira is a good look for the party and would represent inroads being made by Jagdeo. Not only is Figueira a black youth from Linden, he portrays black culture in many ways. He sports dreads, and these days, whenever he wears a suit, it is hardly ever one of European fashion. He embraces traditional African wear.
Figueira is one of the few APNU+AFC Members of Parliament who has been working. He is present at nearly every sitting.
He is active in his community, supporting many philanthropic ventures without party funding.
And, of important note is the fact that unlike Seeram and Chandan-Edmond, Figueira does not come with any known baggage. His only scandal was the “piggy/figgy” saga for which he won a defamation lawsuit against state newspaper, Chronicle.
Despite all this, he has not been given the push from his party.
Really, the choice is his to make. But the main reason this author would be somewhat heartbroken if Figueira jumps ship is that with him, goes the kind of political maturity needed in the opposition.
PNCR leader Aubrey Norton believes no good can come from the PPP. This is no secret. In fact, Norton said once in parliament that the PPP is Guyana’s worst enemy. This predisposition can strain relations when it is necessary for the two sides to work together. Norton has a history of registering his disdain for President Dr. Irfaan Ali by withholding a handshake. Others have acted in a similar manner, but not Figueira.
On at least two occasions, Figueira has been photographed showing the President this bare minimum respect of accepting his greeting. When the President visited Linden in the wake of the recent murders, Figueira gave Dr. Ali his due respect while others acted like Norton would.
Further, Figueira has a history of acknowledging the good initiatives that the central government has carried out in his town. He did this as recently as earlier this year during his contributions to Budget 2025. But, in the same speech, Figueira outlined where the government is lacking and demanded that more be done for his people.
That is the sort of political maturity in black leaders this author wishes to see. If the aim is to uplift black Guyanese, a group that we all can agree are among the least prosperous, then why not take this approach.
It seems like diversity is what Figueira has to offer on both sides. For PPP, his ethnicity and possible pull for the young black man. For the PNCR, diverse style of leadership. He can be the proverbial good cop when one is needed for negotiations with the PPP whether this is as government or opposition.
If Figueira indeed jumps ship, people might use what I view as mature leadership as evidence that Figueira was always PPP-leaning.
A switch to the PPP has its gains. Figueira might be able to influence more development for his hometown, much of which might not even be appreciated. But, in my humble opinion, losing Figueira would indeed be a loss for the PNCR.
Figueira’s situation is a stark reminder of the popular film, Sophie’s choice; each option has its consequences. In Figueira’s case, it is either he stays true to “the cause” and the party of his ancestors, where he might continue to suffer stagnation under the likes of Norton who stripped him of his portfolio as shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport; or, jump to the ship of buoyancy, risking possible alienation in his own town.
