–as party begins selection, nomination process

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) reportedly commenced discussions and nominations Monday for the post of prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

The process has been long anticipated, and the names currently being floated are former Army Chief, Brigadier (Rtd) Mark Phillips; Juan Edghill and Priya Manikchand, both MPs; University of Guyana (UG) Lecturer, Hugh Todd; and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues.

At a press conference on Monday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that those who will engage in the ongoing discussions include MPs, the Executive and the PPP/C Central Committee.

“The discussions will start today,” Jagdeo said, adding: “Last week I mentioned that we’ll trigger the process. So I’ve arranged all [that’s needed] to start those discussions now. We’re going to be getting nominations in and starting discussing names.”

That same day, he was set to have a meeting with PPP/C MPs and the Executive.

Back in October, there were rumors going the rounds that Phillips was highly likely to secure the PM spot. The PPP’s engagement with Phillips to occupy a leading role in the party would be akin to an about-face, since it has heavily criticised the governing APNU+AFC for appointing former military officials to key positions in the public sector.

Phillips had moved up the ranks to Chief of Staff under the Donald Ramotar presidency. He retired in 2016.

However, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Member, Rear Admiral (rtd) Gary Best has stated that his party sees Phillips as “a no-contest” when compared to President Granger.

Meanwhile, although Edghill has been severely criticised in the past for being a Man of the Cloth in contrast with his behaviour while a politician, he is also being touted as a very possible pick.

At Monday’s press conference, PPP/C presidential candidate Irfaan Ali refrained from stating what specific qualities or capabilities the party is looking for in their prime ministerial candidate.

He said that doing so could influence the ongoing selection process, but assured the media that all the party’s nominees are “of high standing”.