MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon yesterday said the Administration welcomes former President Bharrat Jagdeo back into Parliament as a member of the House.But he said the former President will still have to answer questions pertaining to incidents that occurred during his tenure in office.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Tuesday released the list of officials who will be representing the party during the 11th Parliament.
And the list includes former President Jagdeo, who is expected to be Leader of the Opposition.

The PPP, in a statement, confirmed that its decision on the Opposition Leader has been fully endorsed by the party’s Central Committee.

“Full disclosure in respect of those parliamentarians who will fill the position of Leader of the Opposition and Chief Whip will take place at the swearing-in of the 32 PPP Members of Parliament.”

The PPP has so far missed all the sittings of the National Assembly. A sitting of the House will be held today and it is not clear if the PPP might decide to turn up and occupy the seats it won in the recent Regional and General Elections.
The party has not made a decision regarding when its Members of Parliament will take up their seats. Consultations are still in progress, the PPP said.
Harmon said while the Government welcomes the former President in the House, he (Jagdeo) by accepting to be a member of the National Assembly, and Leader of the Opposition, points to his credibility.
Jagdeo on demitting office in 2011 had said he was not interested in being a central figure in public life and has no interest in public office.
His acceptance to become a member of the National Assembly in the 11th Parliament, the PPP said, was based on the urging of the party’s executives.

The reversal of his decision not to hold public office aside, a criminal charge has been filed against Jagdeo for racial incitement. He made the contentious remarks while on the campaign trail of the recent elections.
Harmon spoke confidently about the Administration’s ability to overcome the Opposition. He said whether it is Jagdeo or any other, the Government is capable and will resolutely defend its policies and programmes.

By Tajeram Mohabir