– says Ramotar’s trips not an abuse of Government’s power
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo continued to slap down any suggestions that because PPP presidential candidate Mr. Donald Ramotar travels with him, Government is abusing its powers by supporting his candidacy. He was at the time speaking at a press conference held at the Office of the President yesterday, at which he addressed a number of issues of national interest.
Questioned on whether the Government was abusing its powers by utilizing its resources to promote Ramotar, President Jagdeo said that Ramotar, in his view, will be the next President of Guyana. “I have asked him to sit in my Cabinet,” he said, adding that Ramotar will have to work with him to decide when the elections are called.
President Jagdeo said he cannot see why people would suggest that the PPP/C General Secretary’s accompanying of him on international trips is an abuse of power.
“He travels with me [as an adviser]…I don’t see that as an abuse of power. I am not shy on having Donald Ramotar as my adviser. This will make the transition easier,” said the President.
Responding to further questions on what he may wish to see changed regarding the Executive Presidency, he said he would not change many of the powers that a sitting President in Guyana enjoys now, because he needs these powers to be effective in office.
“I may talk to Donald about a few of them but I would not advocate changing some things in the Executive Presidency…,” the Guyanese head of state declared. (Johann Earle)