Donald Ramotar was yesterday sworn in as Guyana’s seventh executive President and said that the new parliamentary make-up will test the maturity of the country’s political leaders and will demand that “pettiness” be cast aside.
Ramotar, who announced that he would be naming his Cabinet in 48 hours and later indicated that it will be “all PPP/C,” promised to show that he is a president for all the people in the country.
“This new arrangement in our Parliament would no doubt test our maturity as political leaders,” he said, adding that “it will demand that pettiness be put aside and our nation’s well being should always be our most important guiding influence.”
Ramotar will lead a minority PPP/C government after opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) together clinched 33 seats in the 65-seat National Assembly. The PPP/C which secured 48.3 per cent of the votes at Monday’s poll, secured 32 seats in the National Assembly.
In front of a few hundred guests gathered under tents on the lawns of State House, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh administered the oath to Ramotar in a simple ceremony, which lasted for less than an hour. When repeating the oath, Ramotar did not swear on any religious text.
From early yesterday morning, the streets around State House were cordoned off with a heavy police presence. But there were no signs of protesters affiliated with APNU who had marched in the city on Thursday and Friday calling for a reconciliation of statements of poll from Monday’s elections.
In his inaugural address as president, Ramotar invited all Guyanese from all political parties, civil society and other groups to partner with him in furthering the country’s economic, human and social development, noting that this is imperative given the make-up of the parliament.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time for all to cast aside our partisan cloaks and to put on national garb, signifying our willingness, commitment and readiness to work hand in hand, side by side [so] as to consolidate and advance the gains that have been made over the years,” the new President declared.
Ramotar said he did not anticipate functioning in an opposition controlled parliament would be easy but said that he is prepared to work beyond the difficulties to ensure Guyana does not regress. “I do not envision that this process will be without its difficulties. There will be challenges but we must be prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that we do not thwart the legitimate aspirations of our people for a higher standard of living in a prosperous and united Guyana,” Ramotar stated.
Pointing to his initial meeting with leaders of APNU and AFC following the official announcement of the election results, Ramotar promised that these discussions will continue. “I will continue these engagements as we continue the exciting task of creating opportunities for all our people and strengthening the bonds of friendship and togetherness. Despite our political differences, I believe that the various parties which have secured representation in our National Assembly can work together with all our stakeholders for the betterment of our country,” he said.
In speaking about his Cabinet, Ramotar said that this will not in any way predetermine or obstruct any possible political cooperation with the other parties. “The management of the affairs of our country and continued development of this nation cannot be stalled,” he said. “The people of Guyana would not want us to delay the development momentum,” he added.
Ramotar pledged to utilize his energy and the influence of his office to work towards making Guyana a better place. “Peace and unity,” he said, would be his guiding theme.
He told reporters following the ceremony that one of his priorities is to keep Guyana united, “To make it a real strong country where the various cultures, racial groupings and ethnicity can be woven into one solid fabric so that our country can be indestructible.” He said he will try to reach out to those who did not vote for him by demonstrating that he is a president “for all the people in the country.
“I promise to be a fair and just president; to govern in the interests of all; to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of our people are respected; and the resources of this great land of Guyana benefit all our people,” he told the nation earlier.
The President also expressed gratitude to his predecessor Bharrat Jagdeo, for his “exemplary service to the people of Guyana.” Our nation, Ramotar said, is indebted to Jagdeo’s “phenomenal work and dedication” during his 12 years in office.
Ramotar, the long-serving General Secretary of the PPP, also thanked his immediate and extended family for their encouragement and understanding.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the members of his party who he said worked very hard during these elections. He also acknowledged the role that Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan and Reepu Daman Persaud had played in moulding his political outlook.
