Former Government Minister and Parliamentarian Amna Ally passed on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Since the news of her passing, many have reflected on her life in politics and her contributions to Guyana’s development.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a statement shared on his Facebook page, noted that Ms. Ally had a long career as a Parliamentarian dating back to 1985.
During her decades of service, he noted, she served in many roles, including as the Chairperson of the Social Services Committee and member of the Parliamentary Management Committee, Standing Orders Committee, and Appointive Committee. Additionally, she served as the Minister of Social Protection from 2015 to 2020.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Amna’s family and loved ones during this time of mourning. May her soul find eternal peace,” the President said.
Ms. Ally was a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the party, in a statement, reminded Guyanese that she had many responsibilities over the years.
And the PNCR said, “Throughout her life, Ms. Ally exemplified service, integrity, and patriotism. Her contributions have profoundly shaped our party and our country, and her legacy will continue to inspire us.”
It also affirmed that Ms. Ally left an indelible mark on Guyana’s history.
Party member and current Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira, spoke to Ms. Ally’s character and the impact she had on his life in a Facebook post. His reflections were a touching, personal tribute to a woman he said was a “formidable force” and a “towering figure in Guyana’s political history.”
“She recognized my potential as a young member of the party and played an instrumental role in my political journey. Her mentorship, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities left an indelible impact on my life. When Amna believed in you, she gave her all; she was fiercely loyal and unrelenting in her support.
“In our final conversations, she expressed concern for the future of the party she loved so deeply. While those moments were filled with emotion, I am grateful that I had the chance to assure her that her contributions had not gone unnoticed, that she had indeed given so much, and that her legacy would endure. I reminded her that change is inevitable, it will come, and brighter days lay ahead,” Figueira wrote in his post.
Tributes for Ms. Ally came from across the political divide, too.
Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, both from the People’s Progressive Party Civic, were among those who reflected fondly on her life.
“Being a woman in politics, hers couldn’t have been the joy ride it can often look like. We didn’t share political views but we shared a healthy relationship that grew into a lovely friendship.
“… Her conversations with me were always frank. And caring,” Manickchand said on Facebook.
Similarly, the Attorney General acknowledged their differing political views but hailed her contributions to Guyana’s development.
“Although we were on opposite political sides and obviously saw things differently, I think we both enjoyed the common ambition of working for a better Guyana. She was an exceptional politician and served her Party and its constituents with admirable loyalty and commendable commitment,” he said.
It was only this year that she resigned from the PNCR, a move resulting from her concerns over the treatment of women in the party.
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