SPECULATIONS have been rife and running riot regarding the future role of former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in managing the affairs of this nation, but his position remains an emphatic ‘no’ when it comes to resumption of public office in a political capacity.

Dr. Jagdeo’s breaking his three-year silence and stepping back into the limelight with a speech at Babu John earlier this month and a subsequent news conference may have been what has triggered the widespread proliferation of speculations.

“I am not on the ticket. I’m not interested in any constitutional post…the Opposition need not worry,” he told a news conference yesterday at Freedom House on Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Jagdeo added that his name will not be on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates to be submitted on Nomination Day, April 7.

“I will not be on the list…I have no intention of going into Parliament,” he said, adding that he had not been included on the 2011 list, nor does he have an interest in a full time job with the Government.

Incumbent President Donald Ramotar recently announced that his predecessor, a former Finance Minister, has been appointed Chairman of the impending National Economic Council; and Dr. Jagdeo made it clear yesterday that he would serve in that capacity because he believes he has “some skills” he could leverage to support the new Government.

UP IN ARMS
Dr. Jagdeo quipped at the fact that the political Opposition seem to be ‘up in arms’ after he had made only two public appearances, one speech and one press conference.
“This is after three years of not saying anything…I am pleased that one press conference and one speech would generate so much worry among the Opposition,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo admitted knowledge of the comments emanating from co-campaign manager of the coalition of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), Mr. Raphael Trotman, regarding the former president’s “prominence” on the campaign trail. Trotman’s comments were also questioned, given that Dr. Jagdeo has made two public appearances and the PPP/C campaign will be launched today in Kitty, Georgetown, where Dr. Jagdeo is slated to speak.

“I have not joined the campaign trail…. From tomorrow (today), I will join the campaign when our campaign is launched…. I don’t know what prominence he is referring to…I don’t know where this is coming from,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo confirmed that he would be on the campaign trail, and that he would be supporting his party and the PPP/C leadership ticket of incumbent President Donald Ramotar and prime ministerial candidate Ms Elisabeth Harper.

“I am only prepared to support my movement and help my Government; a Government headed by President Donald Ramotar,” he assured. (Vanessa Narine)

‘I am pleased that one press conference and one speech would generate so much worry among the Opposition’ – Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo