Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine will be the Presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections. He was elected to this position at a Party conference in November, 1996.

Dr. Roopnaraine has been one of most prominent and respected figures on the Guyana political scene for more than 20 years. Although courted by other parties throughout his political career, he remained faithful to the WPA and to the principles upon which the party was founded. Having witnessed at first hand and close up, for more than two decades, the devastation wrought upon our nation by polities of division Dr. Roopnaraine is ever more convinced that the WPA offers Guyanese the best opportunity to bring about a genuine healing of our people and to launch our nation into the 21st century with confidence, pride and optimism.

Dr. Roopnaraine, although better known as a principled politician - a rarity these days - is also highly respected as an author, poet, filmmaker, art critic, educator and cricketer. Bom 31st January, 1943 in Kitty, Georgetown, Rupert received his primary education at British Guiana Education Trust and in 1954 won a County scholarship to Queen's College, where his proficiency at sports eventually led to his appointment as captain of the cricket team. As a schoolboy, Rupert also represented Demerara in the Inter-County Cricket Finals. His fondness for cricket did riffle to restrict his commitment to academic excellence. In 1962, Rupert was awarded a Guyana Seholarship to attend the University of Cambridge, England where he received a B.A. (Honours) and M.A.(Cantab) in Modem Languages, in 1966. True to form, Rupert was awarded his Cambridge "Blue" representing the University at County cricket In 1970, Rupert was awarded an HSS scholarship to Cornell University, New York State where he obtained an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. From 1966 to 1996, Rupert held numerous positions as Lecturer or Visiting Assistant Professor in the UK, Canada, the USA (at Cornell and Columbia Universities, New York) and, of course, at the University of Guyana.

Dr. Roopnaraine joined the WPA in 1977 and quickly emerged as a leading member of the Alliance. His uncompromising opposition to the Burnham led to numerous arrests and he narrowly escaped death when attacked by thugs following a public meeting on the West Bank of Demerara. His sharp intellect, quick grasp of political complexities, organizational flair, impressive articulation and the humanity so fundamental to his character propelled him into the leadership of the WPA. He experienced one of the lowest points in his life in June, 1979 when his friend and colleague, Walter Rodney, was assassinated.

As a Member of Parliament, Dr. Roopnaraine's contribution in debates, his role in various committees his measured and objective response to government policies and his twenty years of representational work for our nation's most needy, Including the Amerindian community, have been nothing short of outstanding. He is respected by all sections and strata of the Guyanese community such as the business sector, the professionals, members and supporters of all political parties, trade union leaders, workers, the Amerindian community, religious leaders, the poor and the needy. He is comfortable with and among them all and they, in turn, feel comfortable with him. This is remarkable in an age when politicians commonly generate feelings of distrust and suspicion in one group or another.

Dr. Roopnaraine's devotion to his country and to all of the peoples of our nation is second to none. His outstanding academic credentials, his record of service to our nation and the esteem in which he has been held by all shades of political opinion for two decades suggest that with Dr. Roopnaraine occupying the highest political office in the land, Guyana would indeed be well-served.

Moses Bhagwan

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Last Edited: 10/07/97