Equality, inclusionary democracy and commitment to citizens are guiding principles of Coalition Government – President Granger
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEHcEahR-bQ” width=”100%” height=”350″]
─ Ministers of Government holding high party offices understand the duality of their roles, will serve people first
─ President Granger confident in leadership of Coalition Government beyond 2020
─ restates commitment to women playing leading roles
DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 20, 2018
President David Granger on Sunday, August 19, restated the Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusionary democracy to the people of Guyana.
The Head of State, who is also the leader of the Peoples’ National Congress Reform (PNCR) was speaking following the announcement of the party’s elections results declaring Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence as the new Chair.
Minister Lawrence, the second female elected to that position, contested alongside Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson secured the positions of Vice-Chairpersons, while Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan is the Treasurer.
The president reiterated his government’s commitment to gender equality noting that “I cannot overrule democracy, but I try to ensure that women are well represented…so, I am very satisfied now that I have a female Chair and a female Vice Chair.”
Pointing to the fact that all successful candidates are Ministers of Government, President Granger made clear that they each understand the duality of their roles and are committed to the people first, then the party.
“In the final analysis, it’s Guyana that counts, they serve the party but they serve the country first,” he stated.
The three days of the 20th Biennial Delegates Congress which culminated with the internal elections, the president said, is a testimony of transparency, fair elections and moreover democracy.
He expressed confidence that the Coalition Government will lead Guyanese into a new era of greater social equality, inclusionary democracy and human safety.
President Granger called on Guyanese to continue to trust the administration as it leads the country into 2020 and beyond, as they work diligently to achieve the “good life” as promised in the manifesto.
Now that the Congress is over, President Granger said the Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign will begin with an official launch shortly.
In the meantime, both Ministers Harmon and Williams have thrown their support behind Minister Lawrence, in whom they reposed confidence that she will fulfill her responsibilities efficiently.
Minister Harmon said there is no animosity noting that, “we have set a standard for the rest of the country.”
By: Stacy Carmichael
Images: Jules Gibson