…says PPP did the same
In light of mounting concerns from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and other quarters of society over the increasing militarisation of Guyana, President David Granger, who himself is a retired Army Chief-of-Staff, has sought to defend his Administration’s appointments of several military personalities in high profile positions.
The President told reporters during the taping of this week’s television programme – The Public Interest – on Thursday that the military officers appointed by his Administration are experienced and competent persons.
“These are human beings, these are people with skills, you know. They are not a separate breed of citizens, we can’t deprive them of their rights if they have the talent, the experience, the qualifications,” Granger stated.
According to the Head of State, his Administration is facing the brunt of criticism on militarisation when the mass appointments of Army officers to senior Government positions began under the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar led Administrations.
In fact, he disclosed that when he took office in May 2015, there were about 10 Army officers who were appointed by the PPP/C Administration. The President even listed several of those persons including Major General Joe Singh and Colonel Chabilall Ramsaroop, among others.
Moreover, Granger went on to say that he will not overlook qualified Army officers because of their association with the military.
“I don’t discriminate against them and obviously Mr Jagdeo and Mr Ramotar didn’t discriminate against them because I inherited a large number of former military officers who have been appointed by the PPP Administration,” he stated.
The President went on to say, “I don’t see that anything could be wrong with asking a Colonel here or a Brigadier here to do a Commission of Inquiry. The question is; are they competent to do it… there is an old saying it doesn’t matter if it’s a black cat or a white cat, if it catches the rats, it’s a good cat,” the Head of State remarked.
Only last week, General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee, said the party continues to have growing concerns over the militarisation of the State and Government apparatus in Guyana, by the coalition Administration.
“This tendency is increasingly manifesting itself under the Granger Administration, coupled with this development, is the steady but rapid progression of our country in the direction of a “Police State”. This dangerous and unwelcomed development has its historical antecedents in the Burnham era of which Mr Granger is a product,” Rohee stated.
Well said Larry. Two wrongs don’t make a right. This also goes for teachers too who refuse to stay home when they retire. I agree the young people need to learn from the old. Well if the old people are so concerned, why don’t they do the job pro bono.
Well said larry,this is reflecting negative on those young people who should be given every opportunity to serve and enhance their skills after all they voted for a change and they worked very hard to graduate from UG and other universities, the only roll these retired officers should be playing is advising.
Granger is a disillusioned dinosaur whose only obligation is to his PNC henchmen. Granger cares nothing for the youth or the working class Guyanese. Overspends on the National Budget yet claiming the treasury is broke.
Mr President these people already retire after working for years and is enjoying their benefits in the mean time UG grads are selling shoes in stores to make a living,dont you think it would be a wise idea to give the young pros a chance and let the old retirees take a step back?if the PPP were doing it when in office does it mean that you should do it also?is this the change we voted for?