–  Consensual choice reflective of commitment to unity by party’s leadership
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Mr. Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar, by a unanimous consensus, was yesterday named the presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2011 general and regional elections.

In a brief comment yesterday, immediately following the official confirmation of his selection, Ramotar told the Guyana Chronicle that the unanimous decision was reflective of a united party, where all the stakeholders worked together for the good of the country they serve.
He added that he will make a more in-depth statement at a later date.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, made the official announcement during a press briefing at the party’s Freedom House headquarters, Robb Street, Georgetown, following a meeting of the Central Committee that lasted some four hours.
He stressed that the consensual choice reflects the party’s leadership commitment to maintaining Party unity, continuing progress in Guyana and building stronger unity at all levels of the Guyanese nation.

NO VOTING

“No voting was required as the three other candidates all withdrew,” Luncheon said.
The HPS explained that the meeting and decision of the Central Committee followed several weeks of intense and deliberative sessions at the level of the Executive Committee.
“The selection process was consistent with the agreed procedure which received the full support of both the Central and the Executive Committees,” he said.
Luncheon said the Central Committee agreed that in the interest of complete transparency if there was finally a contest involving more than one interested candidate, members would exercise their choice of Presidential Candidate by secret ballot voting.
However, this was not the route chosen after Luncheon, as Chairman of the selection process, presented a report to yesterday’s meeting of the Executive Committee’s extensive deliberations.
The HPS said, “At today’s (yesterday’s) meeting, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira withdrew from the contest and pledged their support to Donald Ramotar. Their decisions were well received by the meeting. Subsequently, Ralph Ramkarran withdrew and recommitted himself to working for another victory of the PPP/C.”
Luncheon made it clear that the magnanimity and political astuteness of the candidates who withdrew was laudable.
He added that every member of the Central Committee was given the opportunity to express his/her views on the candidate and the process which was consistent with the Party’s constitution and democratic norms.
“Members were confident that there was a full and unimpeded opportunity for the potential candidates to reach out and make their case to the Central Committee members,” he said.
According to him, after the decision, the entire leadership including the former Presidential Candidates recommitted to work together to ensure another victory at the upcoming polls and reinforcing party unity.
The decision is to be formally endorsed by the membership of the Party at three County Conferences: Essequibo on Saturday, April 9th; Demerara on Sunday, April 10th and Berbice on Monday, April 11th, 2011.

POLITICAL MAGNANIMITY

While the absence of party stalwart Mr. Moses Nagamootto was noted, the other presidential aspirants were supportive of the party’s decision.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, said the discussions were good and made it clear that he has always supported the PPP/C.
However, he did not say whether he would be joining the party on the campaign trail.
A smiling Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Clement Rohee, said he was happy with the decision made and maintained that it was consensus decision.
Advisor to the President, Ms. Gail Teixeira, was unavailable for comment.
In an invited comment, PPP Executive member Mr. Robert Persaud said he is proud to support Mr. Ramotar as the PPP/C Presidential candidate for the 2011 elections.
“I am proud that the process resulted in a unanimous selection. Our party has depth given that there are  several competent persons fit for the Office of the President of Guyana,” Persaud commented.
He said the identification of Donald Ramotar will certainly position the PPP/C for another victory and continue progress in Guyana.
“As a young leader of our Party and someone who supported Ramotar, I can assure the young people that their issues and agendas will continue to be advanced as we continue the transformation programme in our country,” Mr. Persaud stated.


In an invited comment, PPP member of Parliament Mr. Anil Nandlall said: “Mr. Doanld Ramotar was unanimously identified as the candidate to represent us and I think that the fact that he was unanimously identified, demonstrates that there is strong internal democracy within the PPP and that there is a strong sense of unity among the party’s leadership.”
He also noted that the fact that other candidates – Gail Teixeira, Ralph Ramkarran and Clement Rohee withdrew from the race, at the opportune moment, is a demonstration that the “political leadership of the PPP is mature, magnanimous  and, most importantly, recognizing that the paramount principle is a united PPP.”
“That is a great inspiration and a sound educational experience for a young person like me,” Nandlall said.
The general consensus among the other party members was that the PPP/C will stand behind the chosen candidate – a choice made after weeks of deliberations as the best move forward for the ruling party.
The PPP/C’s prime ministerial candidate is expected to be decided at a later date during a meeting of the various stakeholders.