Both the Office of the President (OP) and Freedom House are downplaying the absence of President Bharrat Jagdeo from the ruling PPP’s New Year ball, at Castellani House last Friday.
According to OP Press Officer Kwame McCoy, President Jagdeo would be the best person to explain the reason for his non-attendance, since he is the person who determines which functions he attends. He noted that the president would usually touch down at four or five different places, which he said could be hectic. He also emphasised the separation between government and party business. “But the best explanation has to come from the President himself,” McCoy added.
PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar also downplayed Jagdeo’s absence. “There’s nothing to it,” he said, “It’s not an issue.” He noted that it is normal for the head of state to break the New Year with the members of the army. Although Ramotar admitted that it is also tradition for the President to attend the party’s event, he pointed out that the gathering ended early. “I’m sure he intended to attend,” he added.
President Jagdeo was photographed at New Year festivities at Camp Ayanganna, the Guyana Police Force Ball and at the Georgetown Club.
There have recently been signs of strains between OP and Freedom House. After a tiff, key PPP executive Navin Chanderpal left his post suddenly as science advisor to the President. Freedom House has also attacked an underground campaign calling for a third term for President Jagdeo. Separately, Ramotar said recently that comments by Central Executive Member, Reepu Daman Persaud endorsing President Jagdeo for a third term did not reflect the party’s position on the issue.
“…the PPP remains with the Constitution. What Mr. Persaud said reflected his personal views on the issue and not the party’s position”, Ramotar, a potential PPP candidate for the presidency in 2011, stated.
Last week in an interview with Stabroek News, Ramotar said the PPP had already begun the process of identifying a candidate to contest for the presidency in 2011.
