THE process of selecting the Prime Ministerial candidate was methodically done, with careful consideration and thought as it reflects the type of leadership Guyana needs at this time, according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill.He was responding to criticisms from Opposition Member of Parliament James Bond on the radio Programme “Hard Talk”, aired over the weekend.

Edghill said that Elizabeth Harper brought a freshness to the political life of the country and shows that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has set leadership as it relates to women empowerment.

The Minister stated that the PPP/C has taken the lead, not only by including quality women on the list, but by naming a woman as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
Responding to criticisms that the naming of Harper, who has served as Guyana’s top diplomat for a number of years, as the Prime Ministerial candidate in place of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who has served in that capacity for 22 years and the serving Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett was a sleight of hand; Edghill said that in addition to the freshness that she brings she is devoid of the politics of yesteryear that has embroiled some of the opposition politicians.
He pointed to her personality, integrity and background along with her professional experience which shows that the PPP/C can work across professional and class barriers and bridge gaps. The Minister explained that the civic component of the PPP/C alliance has always been people who were not political animals and not traditional politicians.
Hinds, he said, is a respected elder statesman who will always be respected for his contribution to Guyana.
Bond, who congratulated Harper on her selection, was critical of the fact that she was not allowed to speak when her candidature was announced but Edghill in explaining her silence said she was the sitting top diplomat of Guyana. Had she come out the “very people would be accusing her of compromising her position by being on a political platform. Now she is no longer encumbered she can speak.”
Edghill posited that Harper has a lot to offer as she has the ability to reach across the divide. “People are asking for leaders who can reach across that divide and she is one person who historically, by her work, has proven that she has the ability to reach across the aisle and negotiate and bring resolution and to get all people to work together,” he stated.
Hard Talk is a weekly radio programme aired on 90.1 FM and hosted by Christopher Chapwanaya.

(By Raymon Cummings)