As the David Granger-led APNU+AFC government begins to identify persons to fill ministerial posts, Carl Greenidge is tipped to become Minister of Foreign Affairs while economist Winston Jordan is likely to be named Minister of Finance, according to sources.
Jordan is a former head of the budget office of the Ministry of Finance.
Stabroek News was told that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine is also likely to be charged with overseeing the natural resources sector while Basil Williams has been mentioned in relation to the post of Attorney-General.
According to the Cummingsburg Accord which established the APNU+AFC alliance, the AFC’s nominees will fill the posts of Minister of Home Affairs, Public Works, Agriculture and Tourism. AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan has been mentioned as a possible Minister of Home Affairs and when contacted yesterday, he would only say that it would be an “honour to serve in that capacity” while noting that it is a senior position. He also indicated that “I could very well just don’t be a part of Cabinet.”
However, according to sources, Ramjattan is interested in the Attorney-General’s post though observers say that it is unlikely that he would get this position. Under the Accord, the AFC would get 40% of the positions in Cabinet and with a 14-person Cabinet being mentioned, the AFC is expected to get two more ministerial positions. These portfolios would have to be discussed with APNU. Cathy Hughes has been mentioned as likely to be put forward to head the Tourism Ministry.
Ramjattan declined to comment on the possible names the AFC would nominate and said that the party will deliberate today on its candidates for Cabinet posts. The AFC is assured of 12 seats in the National Assembly and would also be able to name two out of three vice-presidents. Given the alliance’s stated goal of a smaller cabinet, Ramjattan said that he assumes that it is likely to be a 14-member Cabinet. All three vice-presidents will be members of Cabinet.
Prime Minister designate Moses Nagamootoo will chair the Cabinet and asked if his post is included in the 40% count for the AFC, Ramjattan said that he “rather suspects that was excluded.”
He said that the four definite posts will be decided by the party and for the rest of the appointments to make up the 40%, the AFC would have to act in consultation with APNU. As to when Cabinet would be appointed, Ramjattan said that this would depend exclusively on the President.
In terms of reaching out to the opposition PPP/C, Ramjattan pointed to the hand extended by Granger. He said that when it comes to actually approaching anyone from the opposition, an invitation is there but at this stage, he gets the impression that the PPP/C are bent on delegitimizing the new government and he does not know who to reach out to given the statements PPP/C members are making.
“That will be a stumbling block,” he said while noting that President Granger has extended a hand to the opposition already. “In the meantime we have to do as best as possible and proceed with the governance of the country,” Ramjattan said.
He pointed out that the PPP/C is needed to provide scrutiny of the new government saying that there are no angels among those who seek political power. “We are going to have a lot of non-angels in executive positions,” he said while urging the PPP/C to be a formidable opposition and said that they can provide extensive and intensive scrutiny. “I would very much appreciate that,” he added. “Expose us, scrutinize us.”
