FORMER Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, has indicated that he will continue to serve his country and his party as a Member of Parliament.

Persaud, last Thursday, announced his resignation as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, citing personal reasons.
And yesterday, in an invited comment, he said, “I will continue as a Member of Parliament.”

The former government minister declined when asked, to expound on his reasons for leaving, maintaining that these were of a personal nature.
In his press statement on Thursday, Persaud said, “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.
President Ramotar announced Persaud’s appointment as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on December 5, 2011.
The Head of State has since said that there is no rush to fill the position, as Minister Norman Whittaker is already attached to the ministry.

(By Vanessa Narine)