By Fareeza Haniff
[www.inewsguyana.com] – As talks continue between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), it has been agreed that the number of government ministries will be reduced.
Well placed sources told iNews that to date there have been no discussion on as it relates to the nomination for Vice Presidents because the coalition is focused on reducing the ministries.
“The alliance has agreed to rationalize the amount of ministries, with a view of reducing the amount considerably, after that process is completed only then can we start looking at the most suitable persons to fill these positions,” the source explained.
The Coalition is being headed by APNU’s Leader, David Granger who is the Presidential Candidate while AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo is the Prime Ministerial Candidate.
iNews has confirmed that AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes are the selected candidates for Vice Presidents, while the APNU is yet to nominate their candidate.
Meanwhile, the source also revealed that the coalition is yet to decide on a name and symbol.
“Names are being fine tuned by the communication teams; as expected we received several interesting recommendations. They will provide us with their recommended final version shortly,” the source said.
At the announcement of their coalition, Granger had noted that the Presidency will be re – organised and will see the Head of State having responsibility for the appointment of Constitutional Agencies and Commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultation along with Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Non-Commercial Treaties.
Additionally, the President shall be responsible for National Security Policy, the Defence Board, the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Guyana Defence Force et al.
The President will delegate to the Prime Minister responsibilities for Domestic National Affairs and chairing Cabinet, recommending ministerial appointments and providing the organizational structures of Ministries for the approval of the President among others.
