PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, yesterday, stated that the resignation of Ganga Persaud from the post of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not come as a surprise to him, as he and Persaud were in talks on the matter.

“I was not totally surprised,” he said, “There have been talks from time to time, but I think he thought it was time to pursue his personal matters, so I accepted his resignation.”

The president made it clear that Persaud’s resignation will not affect the hosting of local government elections, which was expected to be held in the third quarter of 2014.
Speaking at a press conference at Office of the President, Ramotar stated that Minister Norman Whittaker is on the job and the resignation will not affect the work of the ministry.
“I don’t think we need to be in a hurry because we have a minister there,” he said.
The Head of State acknowledged that any challenges to the hosting of local government elections depend on the body politic.
“A lot depends on what happens in the body politic within the country,” Ramotar said.
He maintained that his Administration is ready for the elections “like yesterday”, when asked about the level of preparedness.
Local Government elections were not held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the general and regional elections of 1997.

DEBUNKED
When questioned over speculations that Persaud was instructed to resign, Ramotar said, “I accepted his resignation.”
The Head of State also debunked talks of differences of opinions at the levels of the party and Cabinet as the reason for Persaud’s resignation.
He stressed that the former minister’s reasons for resigning were made clear in his statement announcing the fact.
In a press statement on Thursday, Persaud cited personal reasons as the motivation behind the move.
“My resignation as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development is based on personal issues presently engaging my attention, as well as some additional responsibilities to which I am committed,” he said.
According to him, he remains committed to supporting the president and the current Administration.
“As a member of the leadership of our Party, I wish to restate my commitment to working with the PPP in enhancing our chances at the next general and regional elections so as to reclaim the majority in the Parliament,” he said, “This is so important for Guyana’s continued growth and development, since no other political party can assure our country’s development other than the PPP.”
The president noted that no decision on a replacement has yet been made.
Ramotar announced Persaud’s appointment as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on December 5, 2011.

(By Vanessa Narine)