Former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud, who was encouraged to resign and whose seat in Parliament now is in the balance, has landed himself a job with the Health Ministry, working with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS).
Persaud had resigned as a minister, citing personal reasons amid allegations of misconduct.
At the time, however, he did not indicate whether he will also resign as a parliamentarian.
Guyana Times International was told that for the next three months, Persaud will coordinate a survey on behavioural change for NAPS.
Persaud’s new job was revealed to the public when he recently attended a workshop hosted by NAPS, and was named as one of the senior functionaries.
On Monday, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said it was unclear whether Persaud would return to the National Assembly in the capacity of a Member of Parliament. Rohee said the party is considering replacing him.
Decision
Speaking at a news conference at Freedom House on Monday, Rohee said: “Up to this point in time, we have discussed the matter… but we have not come to any formal decision on it.”
However, he told reporters that the party, in the not-so-distant future, will make a public announcement on the matter. “The comrade has taken positions on a voluntary basis,” he said.
Currently, Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker is acting as the substantive minister.
Persaud had shocked the nation when he announced that he had tendered his resignation, owing to personal reasons and additional responsibilities.
“I, Ganga Persaud, do hereby announce my resignation as minister of local government and regional development with effect from January 31, 2014,” the minister, who was appointed in December 2011, along with 19 other Cabinet members, said in a press statement.
“My resignation as minister of local government and regional development is based on personal issues presently engaging my attention, as well as some additional responsibilities to which I am committed,” he explained.
Tenure
He said it was a pleasure to serve in the capacity of a minister, as he extended gratitude to President Donald Ramotar for investing confidence in him. Reflecting on his tenure, he opined that the ministry made tremendous strides.
According to Persaud, he worked to strengthen the Local Government Department, centrally and regionally.
He pointed out that the department now gives support to neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) and municipalities across the country.
Persaud had pledged his continued support to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, expressing his full confidence in President Ramotar’s ability to lead the country to greater heights.
Persaud previously served as the permanent secretary of the legal affairs, education and the local government ministries respectively.
Opposition Leader David Granger had said while the resignation came as a surprise, Persaud had done much damage.
