Patterson-Yearwood has no regrets in retiring from politics

Former Government Minister and Member of Parliament (MP). Valerie Patterson-Yearwood has
no regrets with her decisions to quit active politics. This is according to the now retired politician
who said that she is more deeply involved in another campaign, which is to win souls for God.
The soft-spoken former politician said that she did her best and feels that considering the
circumstances and challenges, she did very well. She said that her greatest moment while serving
as a Government Minister was when people after interacting with her left satisfied.
“My greatest moment was when people walked away from my presence satisfied that I addressed
their matter. However, my most stressful moments were when I felt helpless because I lacked
resources to help people and I had too much of those moments,” the former Minister said.
She added, “It made me feel inadequate.”
Quizzed on whether she thinks that the decision that she had made is a right one considering that
she is still regarded by some as being very popular and has more to contribute to the political
community. The former Government Minister and MP stressed that it is indeed the best decision.
She disclosed that her conscience is clear and satisfied that she gave her best at a time when
Guyanese needed it. Therefore, she has retired with no regrets.
Patterson-Yearwood however would like to see a recommendation that she made for a
mentorship to be instituted, thus helping the party in being able to choose good young leaders
that can be trained and supported in taking over the reins of the party in the future.
“My conscience is clear knowing that I have served well in spite of the challenges. The party
needs to start a mentorship programme from which good quality young future leaders can be
selected and I will continue to call for this,” she assured.
News of the former Member of Parliament and Government Minister’s retirement from politics
spread recently, with several persons crossing political, racial and religious lines thanking her for
what many dubbed as her ‘significant and sterling’ contributions to community development and
the political arena. Several expressed thanks to her for aiding in them securing their house lots,
while others thanked her for her simplicity and readiness to lend a listening ear while she served
as Housing Minister. Many persons felt that under the APNU/AFC she had made significant
gains in affording young people and those who are poor an opportunity to secure their own house
lots.
Patterson-Yearwood served in both the Ministries of Housing and later in Agriculture
In May of this year, the RDC Region Ten in recognizing several residents honoured Patterson-
Yearwood for her continuous contributions towards the growth and development of the people of
Region Ten.