Prime Ministerial Candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Juretha Fernandes has assured that a government led by her and presidential hopeful, Aubrey Norton will be inclusive and laser focused on delivering real change to communities.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Standard, Fernandes was keen to note that an APNU government would be relentlessly focused on the people. She said, “We will combine experience with fresh energy, ensuring every decision prioritizes the well-being of Guyanese families.”
Unlike the past, Fernandes said Guyana is now armed with the financial resources that could realize development and transformation for all. Leveraging these resources, Fernandes said she would as PM, champion poverty alleviation.
“Ending poverty in Guyana will be my single most important mission. It is unacceptable that in a nation with such wealth, children still go hungry.“Under the current government, increased spending has not translated into reduced childhood malnutrition, a failure we must urgently correct,” said the Prime Ministerial candidate.
She further noted that poverty in Guyana is deeply concentrated in indigenous communities, where families lack access to safe drinking water, proper sewage systems, modern healthcare, and quality education.
She said the development gap between coastal and hinterland communities cannot be allowed to persist into the next decade.Fernandes was also keen to note that an APNU government will ensure every ministry, every policy, and every dollar is aligned to lift Guyanese out of poverty as quickly and efficiently as possible.
She also stressed that the ability to effect this kind of change is what influenced her decision to be the APNU’s PM candidate. Fernandes said she has always held the view that good policies can transform lives and she believes that with the APNU, this is possible. “I want every Guyanese to have the opportunity to rise to their fullest potential, right here in our homeland.”Acknowledging that her decision has attracted much criticism and even skepticism about her ability to lead, Fernandes said she remains unbothered.
“As an Indigenous woman, I’ve faced doubt at every stage of my life. My work has always spoken louder than the critics,” said Fernandes.
The young politician said her central focus remains doing right by Guyanese and ensuring that they have the best future in an oil-rich Guyana.
