Vice Chair of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, Sheila Holder, has withdrawn from the prime ministerial candidacy of the party, citing health reasons and her need to undergo urgent medical attention abroad.
AFC MP Sheila Holder
In an issued statement, Holder said her doctors are optimistic that she would be able to resume political work within a few months. “I eagerly look forward to that moment,” the parliamentarian declared. Holder has been ill for some time now.
“My decision to withdraw now is because I will need urgent medical treatment during the most intense period of the 2011 elections campaign, which as you all know is imminent,” she explained.
According to her, the leadership of the AFC will soon unveil the process by which they will identify a replacement.
“I firmly believe that we will choose the best possible prime ministerial candidate, who will gain my and the party’s full support,” Holder said. Whilst the former member of the Working People’s Alliance has not revealed the actual illness from which she is suffering, she has expressed gratitude to citizens, the rank and file party membership and the national executive committee of the AFC for the support and love shown her during her candidacy.
“I have the utmost confidence in the Alliance For Change, and look forward to continuing my active role in moving Guyana forward, alongside my colleagues,” Holder said in her statement.
“Fellow Guyanese, the mission of change is my passion. I ask you to be steadfast, believe in yourselves, your power and your work for change. This will keep me motivated for a fast recovery.” This would be the third surgery the 60-year-old politician would have undergone in the last two years.
Reluctantly accepted
Meanwhile, in a statement, the AFC said it reluctantly accepted Holder’s request for the party to find a replacement candidate. “We will certainly miss her on the campaign trail, as many Guyanese would also.
“Mrs Holder was rock solid in her quest for equal opportunity for all, and worked hard to bring about the change that would steer Guyana in a positive direction. We share her passion, and will endure whatever comes to make Guyana good again.” Despite this loss, the AFC says, it remains a strong and united party, with a single focus on winning the 2011 elections.
“Our resolve to pursue the change that Guyanese desire is and will remain alive in the leadership, management and membership of the AFC,” the party insists.
The AFC is set to announce the replacement process for the prime ministerial candidate at its weekly media conference next Wednesday, September 14.
Guyana Times International understands that a special national executive meeting will be convened on September 17 at Campaign HQ to elect the new prime ministerial candidate. “Sheila, as she is lovingly known by all, will continue, as far as her health will permit, to be engaged in the planning and strategic direction of the party. Her expertise and experience in party matters and in national affairs, even from a distance, will continue to be a source from which the AFC will fuel its journey to victory,” the AFC concluded, while declaring that its prayers for an early recovery are with her and her family.
Meanwhile, members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are wishing Holder a safe surgery and speedy recovery as she prepares for treatment overseas. “We are aware that this is also a very intense period of the 2011 General Elections. Our prayers are with Ms Holder, her relatives and friends,” a statement from the coalition group expressed.
Last February, Mrs Sheila Holder was hospitalized in a city institution and reportedly treated for an intestinal blockage. It is unclear whether that illness was related to the surgery she had undergone last year. Intestinal blockage is commonly known as “bowel obstruction” and is a mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestines, preventing the normal transit of the products of digestion.
Holder was named the AFC’s prime ministerial candidate in 2010. Just recently, at an AFC activity at the University of Guyana, Holder had said she had dedicated her life to public service and had entered politics for that reason. But, according to her, her efforts became less intense because of a discouraging parliamentary and political system. She noted that the drive to continue was no longer there as a result.
She was also piloting a motion on campaign financing in the National Assembly, which was delayed because of her previous illness. The motion is still before a parliamentary select committee, and is due to be passed before the life of Parliament ends on September 27, 2011.
