Newly-selected presidential candidate of the PPP/C, Donald Ramotar
In a dramatic turn of events on April 04th, three persons contending for the presidential candidacy of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) withdrew their challenge and threw their support behind party general secretary Donald Ramotar, causing him to be unanimously selected to lead that party in this year’s general elections.
The party stalwart, in an invited comment after being selected, said he was humbled at the outcome of Monday’s meeting. “I am happy that the central committee has expressed such confidence in me,” he expressed. He also tendered his gratitude to all those who encouraged him to enter the race.
Chairman of the selection process, Dr Roger Luncheon, announced shortly after a special six-hour meeting that was convened for the purpose of selecting the party’s presidential candidate, that this ‘consensual choice’ is reflective of the PPP/C leadership’s commitment to unity. “No voting was required, as the three other candidates all withdrew,” he declared.
Other hopefuls, presidential advisor Gail Teixeira and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, first withdrew, according to Dr Luncheon, and endorsed Ramotar for the position; while Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, later withdrew and “recommitted himself to working for another victory of the PPP/C.”
“I have always been committed to the PPP/C,” Ramkarran told reporters whilst leaving the Robb Street location of Freedom House. He refused to say anything more. Earlier, in a casual conversation with media operatives who were staking out the location, Ramkarran had expressed optimism regarding his chances of being selected.
A smiling Minister Rohee left the meeting. When grilled, he told the media that he was “very happy” with the outcome.
Dr Luncheon told reporters that the party would have used secret balloting as the method of selection had there been a contest. He added that all, including the former contenders, recommitted themselves to working together to ensure another victory for the party, as well as reinforcing party unity. “The magnanimity and political astuteness of the candidates who withdrew was hailed,” Luncheon said, while noting that there was full and unimpeded opportunity for any contenders to reach out and make their case to the central committee members.
Reactions
Speaking to Guyana Times International briefly in a telephone interview, President Bharrat Jagdeo congratulated Ramotar, while declaring his satisfaction at the unanimous outcome. “He has support of all the members…He is very committed, and I am very confident he will lead the party to victory.”
Chair of the selection process, Dr Roger Luncheon and other executive members of the PPP - Robert Persaud, Shirley Edwards and Harripersaud Nokta (second from right) meet the press following the selection process on April 4
Another central executive member, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, believes that Ramotar’s candidacy will position the PPP/C for another victory and continued progress in Guyana. Meanwhile, presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) retired Brigadier General David Granger, said he looked forward to having a robust but clean contest with Khemraj Ramjattan of the Alliance For Change, and with Ramotar. “I am sure (that), in the end, the people of Guyana will make a choice which will give them a better quality of life,” Granger said.
Ramjattan believes that Ramotar’s selection gives his party a better advantage in the race. Nonetheless, he concluded: “I wish all a peaceful campaign, and may the best man win.”
PPP/C General Secretary Donald Ramotar was born on October 22, 1950 in the village of Caria Caria, on the Essequibo River, to Sam Ramotar, a timber grant operator, and Olive Constantine. He received his primary education at the Caria Caria Congregational School and at the St Andrew’s Primary School. He later pursued studies at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) before reading for a degree in Economics at the University of Guyana.
He joined the PPP in 1967, and has been among the leadership since 1979, when he was elected to the Central Committee. He became general secretary of that party when incumbent general secretary, President Dr Cheddi Jagan, passed away in 1997. Ramotar is the husband of Deolatchmee Ramotar, and is the father of three children.
