‘I remain a loyal and faithful servant of the people, my party and willing [to] serve in whatever capacity the people, our party and government so desire’
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud yesterday expressed his willingness to serve in any capacity desired by the PPP, appearing to leave the door open to join the race to be the presidential candidate for the party.
Reports surfaced recently of a likely nomination for Persaud to the contest and in his statement he did not deny that he would accept, if nominated. “I remain committed to the goal of continued peace, progress and prosperity for our nation. I remain a loyal and faithful servant of the people, my party and willing [to] serve in whatever capacity the people, our party and government so desire,” Persaud said.
Party sources had told Stabroek News last week that Persaud is expected to be a late nominee to the contest to be the PPP’s presidential candidate at this year’s general elections. This newspaper was told that discussions within the PPP recently clarified that a nomination could still be made at this stage even though it was expected that this would have been done much earlier. It was suggested that the clarification about the nomination process is meant to pave the way for the nomination of Persaud and he would have had to decide whether to accept or not.
A Persaud nomination would broaden the field and raise questions about who had the support of the section headed by President Bharrat Jagdeo. PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar was seen as the candidate supported by Jagdeo but with Persaud in the field observers said that might not be clear cut any longer.
In his statement yesterday, Persaud, who also serves on the Central Committee and Executive Committee of the PPP, said he has been regularly asked about his political future. “I continue to be bombarded by such inquiries including from the media and, of recent, from a large number of young people. I wish to express my appreciation to all those, particularly the youth of Guyana, who have offered words of encouragement and who have gone as far as suggesting that I consider running for higher office,” he said.
The minister said that as he has indicated before, his overwhelming preoccupation has always been about doing the job to which he is assigned. “In pursuing my duty to my country, I have found little time to contemplate personal ambition. My feet have always been rooted on earthly soil, most comfortable in the trenches of struggle and most productive in the fields helping others. My greatest joy has been in serving the people, and in ensuring their well-being,” he said. “I remain steadfastly wedded to the vision of my party and president of a just and harmonious society, where all of our citizens are free to make their contribution to nation-building, be part of the transformational agenda and to realize their fullest potential,” Persaud continued. He added that he is proud to be part of a party and government with many capable individuals who are qualified for the highest office of the land.
“As a team player, I have always been willing to serve in whatever capacity my talents are best suited so as to ensure success. While I cannot predict the future, I am absolutely certain that service to my country and party will always remain my principal motivation in life. As has been the case for close to 20 years, the PPP will continue to be my political sanctuary,” the minister added.
Persaud said that he has been inspired by “our people, particularly young people and the enthusiasm I see within them. I urge them and all Guyanese to vigilantly safeguard the progress achieved so far; to ensure that we continue to forge ahead in unity, freedom and peace.” He said, “We cannot turn back now. There is still much to be done, and we must not lose focus or be diverted from the goal of consolidating our gains and realizing the common aspirations of all our people.”
If nominated, Persaud would join Ramotar, Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, presidential advisor Gail Teixeira and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee in the contest to lead the PPP in the upcoming national elections. Party veteran Moses Nagamootoo has said he will not submit himself to the process being utilized by the party.
Ramotar, Ramkarran, Rohee and Teixeira have already made presentations to the party’s 15-member Executive Committee (EC) and were again given another opportunity recently to speak on national issues before the EC. The party had said that the exercise at the level of the EC will continue as the body prepares a proposal for consideration of the Central Committee.
Meanwhile, another key issue that faces the party is the manner of voting for the presidential candidate. There are two camps: one that favours open voting and the other secret ballot. Observers believe that the method of voting will determine who the candidate is.
