In a heartfelt and candid public statement, Dr. Josh Kanhai, a former executive of The New Movement (TNM) and a well-known young voice in Guyana’s political landscape, has declared his full support for President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s bid for a second term.
Speaking passionately, Dr. Kanhai said his decision was driven by clear evidence of performance, genuine leadership, and a vision that has transformed Guyana’s trajectory over the last five years.
“I’m here to do something that’s been on my mind for quite some time,” he began. “I’ve seen enough, I’ve heard enough, and I’ve experienced enough to know that what I’m doing is not only right for myself, it’s right for this very big country.”
Dr. Kanhai, who was actively involved in defending the integrity of Guyana’s 2020 elections, drew a sharp contrast between what he described as “a dark period” under the previous administration and the renewed hope he sees today.
“I remember the chaos and intimidation during that time. I was there, front and centre, when there were attempts to derail the will of the people,” he recalled. “That experience taught me who truly stands for democracy and development.”
For Dr Kanhai, President Ali’s leadership style, marked by humility and genuine engagement with citizens, is what sets him apart. He recounted a pivotal moment during the 2020 elections when, amid tense standoffs and uncertainty, he personally witnessed Dr. Ali’s calm, grounded approach.
“That night, when they tried to steal the election, I stood alongside Dr. Ali and other leaders. They listened, really listened, to young people like me,” he said. “Since then, I’ve seen him in every community, walking with his notebook, hearing people’s concerns firsthand. That’s the President Guyana needs.”
He pointed to tangible achievements that have improved the lives of ordinary Guyanese, including significant investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Dr Kanhai highlighted major initiatives like the construction of new regional hospitals, the expansion of specialist medical services at no cost to citizens, and the distribution of free healthcare vouchers and essential medicines, measures he said few countries of similar size can match.
“Where else in the world do you see a country offering high-level healthcare, including cardiology, free of cost?” Dr Kanhai asked. “We are seeing new maternity hospitals dedicated just for mothers and children, that is leadership with vision.”
He also praised the Ali administration’s record on infrastructure development, citing transformative projects such as the new Demerara River Bridge which promises to ease daily travel for thousands, saving time and improving productivity.
“These are the small, practical changes that critics often ignore, but they make life better for everyday people,” Dr Kanhai stressed, adding that “More time at home, less money on fuel — that’s what real leadership delivers.”
