Donal Ramotar sworn in
as Guyana’s 7th Executive President
– promises to be fair, just leader 
– ready to work with the Opposition
-to name Cabinet tomorrow
FRESH from victory at the just-concluded general and regional polls, newly-elected President Donald Ramotarhas pledged to be a fair and just leader, and a willingness to work with all stakeholders to advance Guyana’s development.“I pledge to you that I will work steadfastly towards the goal of making Guyana a better place for all, with peace and unity as my guiding theme. I promise to be a fair and just president, to govern in the interest of all, and to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of our people are respected, and the resources of Guyana must benefit all our people,” he said.
He further declared that Guyana and its peoples have won with the renewal of democracy, and called for all Guyanese to trade partisanship for patriotism in the interest of building our nation.
“It is time for us to cast aside our partisan cloaks…signifying our willingness, commitment and readiness to work hand-in-hand, side-by-side, as we consolidate the gains that have been made over the years,” he said.
And, urging all Guyanese — those from political parties, religions, civil groups and other stakeholders — to join in furthering the economic, social and human development of Guyana, President Ramotar said:
“This is the only way forward…I do appreciate that this process will not be easy, but I am prepared to work beyond the difficulties to ensure that our country does not regress.”

Challenges

As the new Head of State, he acknowledged that the process of moving forward will not be easy, but maintained that all stakeholders must work to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of Guyanese for better lives in a prosperous Guyana are not thwarted.

Ramotar expressed appreciation for the participation of all those who, regardless of political affiliation, supported the renewal of Guyana’s democracy, which he deemed a vital national process.

“Regardless of the results, we are all winners,” he said.

The PPP/C’s victory at the 2011 national and regional elections secured for that party 32 seats in the National Assembly, compared to it having secured 36 seats in the 2006 polls, making it a minority government.

Ramotar said, “The elections have reaffirmed our maturity as a democratic nation, something which we should all be proud of.” He added that yesterday’s ceremony marked a historic transition, the first time the presidency has constitutionally been passed from one president to another.

“This is a great day for us,” the President said.

Mature democracy

Ramotar reminded those present that the general elections have been concluded and the results reflect the democratic will of the people. This, he stated, is paramount and must be respected.

“This is the very essence of democracy,” he declared.

He said the new configuration of representation in the National Assembly will no doubt test the maturity of stakeholders in the political arena.

While the PPP/C has 32 seats in the National Assembly, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has secured 26 seats in that august body, and the Alliance For Change (AFC) seven – leaving the opposition with the majority in the National Assembly.

The PPP/C won the elections with 48.6 percent of the votes cast, while APNU trailed with 40.8 percent, and the Alliance For Change (AFC) with 10.3 per cent. The United Force (TUF) secured a mere 0.2 per cent of the votes.

Giving an idea of what the characteristic principle of his presidency would be like, President Ramotar said:
“It will demand that pettiness be put aside, and our nation’s wellbeing should always be our most important guiding influence.” Ramotar made it clear that the PPP/C will continue engaging the other political parties in the interest of Guyanese.

The incumbent president met the presidential candidates – APNU’S Brigadier (retired) David Granger and the AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan —last Thursday evening in a Committee Room at Parliament Buildings after the announcement of the elections results, to discuss issues of interest to the people of Guyana.

“Despite our political differences, I believe that the various parties which have secured representation in the National Assembly can work together with all other stakeholders for the betterment of our country,” he said.

Gratitude

Ramotar expressed gratitude to those who had supported his political career in past years.

“I would like to thank the PPP/C members for the hard work they did for this victory. I would also like to thank the late Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan, as well Reepu Daman Persaud for their teachings that have molded the PPP/C and me,” Ramotar said.

The Head of State also expressed sincerest gratitude to the outgoing president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for his exemplary service to the people of Guyana.

“Our nation is indebted to him for his phenomenal work and his dedication,” Ramotar said.

Jagdeo has been the longest serving president of Guyana, having led the country since August 11, 1999.  Prior to his presidency, he was Minister of Finance. He became president after the late President Janet Jagan had resigned her position for health reasons; and he subsequently won elections in 2001 and 2006.

President Ramotar noted the sacrifices made by the PPP/C members, and expressed his appreciation for their support, contending that it is their support, their shoulders, on which he stands.

“I will forever be grateful,” he said, not forgetting to mention the families of the PPP/C members who have also lent support.

Turning his attention to his own family, Ramotar thanked his wife, Deolatchmee; his three children, as well as his parents, Sam and Olive Constantine-Ramotar, and other family members who have encouraged and supported his career.

“I know it was not easy for political families,” he said.

Humbling

The Head of State said, “That I have been chosen to be your president is a most humbling experience. I feel deeply honoured to have been so selected, and wish to express my appreciation for the confidence reposed in me.”

He assured the Guyanese people that he would work tirelessly, taking full advantage of the powers of his office to improve the lot of all Guyanese.

“The inauguration of a new president in any country is an opportunity for new beginnings and renewed commitment to the continued progress and development of a country. Let us all use this opportunity…towards making the lives of each Guyanese better, and the country as a whole a place we can all call home and be proud of…Long live the People’s Republic of Guyana!” Ramotar said.

President Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar was born on October 22, 1950 in the island of Caria Caria on the Essequibo River. He has eight (8) siblings.

An economist by training, Ramotar received his primary education at Caria Caria Congregational School and the St. Andrew’s Primary School. He later pursued studies at the Government Technical Institute in Georgetown, and went on to become a graduate of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, of the University of Guyana. He also pursued studies in what was then the Former Soviet Union.

He began his working career on his father’s timber grant. Between 1966 and 1975, he worked at GIMPEX, the commercial arm of the PPP. In 1975, he was appointed manager of Freedom House, a position that he held for eight years. From 1983 to 1988, he served as a member of the Editorial Council of the magazine ‘Problems of Peace and Socialism’, and he served as the International Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) between 1988 and 1993.

Having joined the PPP in 1967, he has been in the leadership of that party since 1979, when he was elected to its central committee.

He became a member of the Executive Committee of the PPP in 1983, and assumed the position of Executive Secretary of the party one year after the PPP was restored to office in 1992.

He became the General Secretary in March 1997 when Dr. Cheddi Jagan passed away, a position he holds today. Mr. Ramotar has had extensive experience within the party, and has represented the party overseas on numerous occasions.

He has published a number of articles, and is a regular columnist for the Mirror newspaper. He was also a member of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and a bureau member of that organization, aside from being a serving member of Guyana’s National Assembly since 1992.

Ramotar also served on several corporate boards.