Joining ranks with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Brigadier Mark Phillips delivered his maiden political address on Sunday afternoon during the party’s 2020 elections campaign launch, where he urged Guyanese to use their vote wisely.
“I will be the next Prime Minister of Guyana,” he declared to the thousands of supporters who gathered at the Kitty Market Square.
“I will be a Prime Minister for all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion or political persuasions!”
A former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Phillips will be running alongside the party’s Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali.
“You may want to know what I may bring to the PPP/C as the prime ministerial candidate,” Phillips reasoned.
“Well, I am bringing years of experience in the public service and sound leadership…my solid combination of experience and leadership will help the new PPP/C Administration to move Guyana forward,” he posited.
“The team approach to nation-building is not a new concept to me comrades. I have led teams of various sizes and I have worked on teams as a member, what has always been important to me is the satisfaction of knowing that my team has created positive changes in the lives of ordinary people. What has always been important to me is making a positive difference in the lives of others so they can pursue their dreams of a better life,” Brigadier Phillips explained.
He reflected on when he retired from the GDF in 2016, after serving some 36 years as a soldier, that he had committed to finding an appropriate “civilian type job” to continue to serve the people of Guyana.
“With your votes, I will find the appropriate job to continue to serve!” he expressed, noting that he will serve with integrity and fairness, as he did during his time at the GDF.
“As your prime ministerial candidate and soon to be Prime Minister, I can assure you that the PPP/C has a vision and strategy to lead the people towards prosperity,” he explained.
Brigadier Phillips said there is an anti-crime and security strategy, which will address the current and future security concerns of the country.
“This anti-crime and security strategy will be linked to other strategies for employment creation and poverty alleviation throughout Guyana and it will help to open the gateway to prosperity,” he said.
In fact, he urged Guyanese, both supporters and non-supporters of the PPP/C, to take some time to review the party’s plans and strategies, assuring that there is a proposal for everyone, from the young to the elderly.
“There is no time to hurt or destroy each other during this political season. Let us stick to the issues…let us remain steadfast. Let us stay focus,” Brigadier Phillips said.
He further told the gathering that he will work closely with Ali and the rest of the PPP/C to ensure all Guyanese are in a position to elevate themselves, to live a more comfortable life.
“I will work together with our next President Dr Irfaan Ali to implement our plan for equal opportunity and racial harmony for all Guyana,” he posited.
The prime ministerial hopeful encouraged Guyanese to come out early on elections day, and mark their ‘x’ on the cup.
“We will return the PPP/C to Government!” he declared.
“Use your vote to send a strong message, comrades, vote for democracy, vote for unity, vote for youths, vote for strong leadership, vote for development, vote for Guyana, vote for the PPP/C!”
Brigadier Phillips was unanimously endorsed as the prime ministerial candidate for the PPP/C on January 3, 2020.
As a member of the army, Phillips held a number of crucial leadership positions at various levels and ranks and his consistent upward mobility clearly demonstrated that he carried himself with distinction in every position held.
Academically, Phillips possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management, a Master’s Degree in Public Management and several post-graduate diplomas in Defence Planning and various areas of management.
