Dear Editor,
Before I get to the real substance of this letter, I would like to just let the public understand that with the demise of the PPP leadership, quite a few people have told me about the opportunities I could have if that leadership is challenged. I would like to make it quite clear to the public that I have committed to the coalition and President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo and I have absolutely no interest in the affairs of the PPP, especially under the dictates of the Gang of 8 which is committed to rendering that party obsolete with their undemocratic, communistic ways. There should be a special congress called and those in the Gang of 8 should be expelled from the PPP through the democratic process, with newer and younger minds placed in the leadership. Send Uncle Donald, his boss and their acolytes packing once and for all; they destroyed Jagan’s legacy.
Editor, President Granger’s cabinet of ministers contains men and women who will perform much better than that of the PPP government. I can guarantee the public that Dr Roopnaraine will perform better than any education minister under the PPP, and as the years in opposition cemented his credentials as a true patriot of Guyana, he will bring to that job a dedication to our children which will be unmatched in years to come. Mr Bulkan, as the minister of housing and local government and with a business mindset embedded in his approach, will bring rapid results with good intentions for the Guyanese people, and I can assure the public that here is man who is committed to the betterment of all Guyanese. Mr Scott, my brother and friend, will bring a special dedication to his post as deputy minister and will help to make a huge difference. After Dr Ashni Singh’s malignant fiscal policies which were shrouded in secrecy, the new Finance Minister, Mr Jordan, is a breath of fresh air, and I am convinced that Guyana’s finances will be under tight control and transparent for all to see. I detect that Mr Jordan is a real professional and not, like Dr Singh, a wannabee politician. I have always respected Mr Greenidge and expected him to be finance minister − I remember bringing to President Cheddi’s attention a speech Mr Greenidge made in Islamabad, Pakistan when he was Finance Minister in which his presentation was very relevant to investment and trade for Guyana. His elevation to Foreign Affairs is welcome and his demeanour and intelligence will serve him well to gain a great deal for our future prosperity as his emphasis will be on bringing trade and investments to Guyana.
Editor, Minister Ramjattan will bring down crime and make Guyana safer for all citizens, I am sure of that; he will bring a new professionalism with good support systems for our Police Force, I am sure of that. He is a much more welcome figure and will command more respect from the ranks than our former minister (whom the goat bit real hard) , I am sure of that. Minister Hughes will be an exceptional Minister of Tourism and I know that she recognizes the need to diversify and enlarge our tourism capabilities, especially linking most developments to the private sector. Her role in the escalation of our economic expansion will be a positive one, I am sure of that. Dr Norton, the Minister of Health, is a friend and in many conversations over the years, I can attest to his commitment to the people of Guyana. After the disaster of Bheri Ramsaran, what a breath of fresh air Dr Norton brings to the this vital ministry, and I know for sure that he’ll be a thousand times better than ‘Comrade’ Bheri. Mr Basil Williams as Attorney General will set new standards, I am sure; being on a friendly basis for many years, I really believe that our new Attorney General will be professional, fair and always stay within the laws of Guyana as decisions are made. His performance will render Mr Nandlall’s tenure as just a joke, I am sure of that.
Editor, time and space does not allow mention of the remainder of the Cabinet, but I am sure that Mr Harmon will be a million times better than Dr Luncheon ever was and wiser too in dealing with the Ministry of the Presidency, not ‘lording’ it over all the government agencies as Dr Luncheon did for many years. Good luck to all the ministers and I wish Mr Granger and Mr Nagamootoo all the best and compliment them on the selection of this wise cabinet. The people have spoken; let goodwill and the love of the almighty take us on a voyage to make Guyana a truly good place to live.
Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr)
