By Fareeza Haniff
[www.inewsguyana.com] – More than 6,000 residents of Region 5 and 6 have petitioned the Central and Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to have former President, Bharrat Jagdeo return as the Prime Ministerial Candidate on the Party’s ticket for the General and Regional elections.
This petition comes shortly after a writ was filed in the High Court, challenging the constitution reform that limits the President to two terms in office.
The petition, a copy of which iNews has acquired, states that the residents want Jagdeo to be the Prime Minister with direct responsibilities for the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Jagdeo however has already expressed that he is not interested in being elected to office.
According to the petition, “Former President Bharrat Jagdeo is in his prime. He has proven track record of success and it is a tragedy that he is not being utilized to the fullest.”
The petition further stated that Jagdeo is the only person capable to pulling the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the entire agricultural sector out of the current crisis that it is in.
“Because of his work in the field of climate change, he was internationally recognised as the Champion of the Earth. There is no better qualified person to head the very important Ministry of Natural Resources. He has the international credentials,” the petition stated.
According to the signed document, the residents did not consult with Jagdeo before signing the petition and claim that he has no knowledge of it. The petitioners include sugar workers, fishermen, rice, cattle and cane farmers, young professionals and members of the business community.
“Those who have signed the petition are of the firm belief that only with Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on the ticket would the PPP/C be able to regain a majority. It is a known fact that the votes [seats] the Party lost in Berbice in the last elections has placed it in its current quandary and would be the deciding factor in the next elections.”
On February 04, the former President, through government spokesman, Dr Roger Luncheon noted that he [Jagdeo] remains committed to not pursuing any further appointment to an elected constitutional office or post in Guyana.
This has been Jagdeo’s public position since he exited office in 2011, having served two terms as Guyana’s President.
