Former Government Minister and MP quits politics

Former Government Minister and Member of Parliament, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood has
confirmed that she has quit politics. Speaking exclusively to www.aroundtheregions.com the
former Junior Minister of Agriculture disclosed that the time has come for her to focus on her
Christian ministry and family.
Patterson-Yearwood disclosed that she has been in active politics since 2000 where she
campaigned in the 2001 elections for the PNCR. She said that it was after this election that she
was appointed as Regional Councillor for Region Ten, serving under the then Regional
Chairman, Mortimer Mingo. She said that from 2001 to 2011 she served as Regional Councillor.
“During my tenure as Regional Councillor I served as Chairperson for the Regional Women’s
Affairs Committee, Chair of the Regional Welfare and Rights of the Child committees, also I
was a member of the Regional Finance Committee and a member of the Regional Tender Board
for a number of years,” the former Minister and MP said.
Quizzed on how she feels demitting the political realm at the moment, the soft-spoken former
government Minister said that she has done her best for the people of her region and Guyana.
She noted that throughout her service, she was guided by Christian principles and it is because of
her passionate love to spread the Christian faith, that she is leaving politics to focus more on her
Christian ministry. She declared that she enjoyed her years in politics, noting that she learnt a lot
while she was able to forge some excellent relationships. She said further that she served all
irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation.
“I enjoyed my years in politics. It gave me the opportunity to meet with people from all walks of
life. As a politician I never discriminated against persons because of race, religion or gender
because all peoples are God’s creation,” she stressed.
Patterson-Yearwood expressed thanks and gratitude to former President David Granger and the
thousands of persons who she said helped to impact her life for the better. She however was loud
in praise for former Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo who she continues to credit for what
she described as his stellar contributions and assistance to her life in shaping her into a better
politician.
“I’ve met many beautiful people along my journey and wish to thank them for impacting my life
in a positive way. However, I must single out Mr. Mortimer Mingo who was a great mentor.
Special thanks to former President David Granger for giving me the opportunity to serve at the
highest political level. The experience gained as a MP and a minister in the Housing and
Agriculture sectors are for a lifetime,” she declared.
Patterson-Yearwood continued, “The time has come however for me to deepen my focus on my
calling as a Woman of God so I have decided since June to step down from active politics.”
The well-respected Region Ten former politician said that while she is no longer in active
politics, she remains willing and committed to offer any guidance and share her experience
wherever needed. She however wished her party the APNU, the coalition, its leadership and

membership all the best. “I therefore wish my party and the coalition well in its future
endeavours,” Patterson-Yearwood said.