Politics

Update: First female PM Candidate to run in PPP’s election race

February 21, 2015

By Tracey Khan – Drakes

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The People’ Progressive Party (PPP) in its astonishing announcement that Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Ann Harper will run as its Prime Ministerial Candidate has stunned many.

This is the first time the Party has placed a female in such a high ranking post and already citizens have taken to social media to both congratulate and criticize Harper, who the PPP regards as a patriot.

Harper’s nomination means that long serving Prime Minister, Sam Hinds has bowed out of the race. Hinds has been the country’s Prime Minister since the PPP regained power in 1992.

President Donald Ramotar was proud to introduce Harper whom he boasted will not only help him win the next elections for the PPP but will regain a majority in the National Assembly.

“She has served our nation with distinction, not partisan but a patriot who for her entire career as an outstanding diplomat has dedicated her service to ensuring our great land remains united, prosperous and sounding,” Ramotar told a news conference on Saturday, February 21 at Freedom House.

He is confident that the long serving Ambassador will serve the Party well as its Prime Ministerial Candidate as they continue to intensify their elections campaign.

“While we can boost of presenting team of strong, tried, tested and useful leaders who have successfully enjoyed the democratic mandate of our people over the years, we continue to focus on renewal and we reach to the best who can serve in the interest of all the people in Guyana.”

Many others both in and out of the Party initially grabbed the executive’s attention for consideration as Prime Minister, the President noted.

“Her experience, dynamism and loyalty to the betterment of our nation will complement the exceptional leadership and visionary qualities that we have displayed over the years in Government.”

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Party, Clement Rohee noted that Harper brings to the PPP’s slate, “that sparkle that burst of freshness that will no doubt energize and inspire membership, supporters, sympathizers and well-wishers to work hard for the Party’s victory at the polls. Mrs. Harper has for years labored in the ravines for years in international diplomacy in service to our country and people. She is a proven servant of the people of Guyana.”

Rohee praised the intrinsic value of a woman’s intuition and instinct, “in general and in politics in particular coupled with competency and honest endeavor to serve and undoubted among these attributes she will be edged for time.”

The PPP GS said that Harper’s nomination was the only one at the Central Executive Committee of the PPP and that the decision was unanimous.

Harper is married with three children. She has served as the Director General from 2001 to Present. Prior to this post she served as the Director, Department of the Americas and Asia from 1996 to 2001.

HER QUALIFICATIONS

BACHELOR OF ARTS FRENCH

(HONS.) UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA (1981 – 1986)

BEST GRADUATING STUDENT IN THE

FACULTY OF ARTS

CERTIFICATE IN DIPLOMATIC UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (1989 – 1990)

STUDIES:

POSITIONS HELD

2001 – Present Director General