WHILE it is possible that President David Granger could select a different Prime Minister when the time comes, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo says that he will continue to play an active role in the coalition, come what may.

Recently, Nagamootoo – First Vice-President – responded to media questions related to his role following the 2020 General and Regional Elections. The questions come as Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has been selected by the Alliance For Change (AFC) – a key coalition member – as the party’s leader for the next few years.

While the Prime Ministerial Candidate can be nominated ahead of the General and Regional Elections, President Granger has stated that, when the time is right, he will choose a Prime Ministerial Candidate in keeping with the Constitution. “…yes, there is a possibility that when the principle is applied that someone else could become the Prime Minister of Guyana,” Nagamootoo acknowledged in response to the questions.

“[But] let me say this, I am not about to disappear. I will serve my country as faithfully as I have done these last 58 years in whatever position I am able to do so, and for which I am qualified. So, I will be there. I am a team player. I play for my village – I am Whim boy; I play for my country – I am a Guyana boy, and I play for my government – I am a Coalition man. This is how I see us moving forward as a team.”

Nagamootoo said that he is proud of his service as Guyana’s Prime Minister and is pleased to have worked with President David Granger during the years. He said that it was under the APNU/AFC Government that Guyana is now building an almost perfect democracy; that 4.5 per cent economic growth was achieved in a difficult year; that there was an incremental 77 per cent increase in salaries, better wages for sweepers-cleaners, increased old-age pension and more.

Being present in Whim, East Berbice-Corentyne, at the time of his remarks, he also noted developments in Region Six in the areas of drainage and irrigation, improved water supply, farming and swift actions such as a reduction in the Berbice Bridge toll and the fight against piracy.

“While it is a very short term, the comparison stands out bright like a spike in the midday sun. It is shining and glaring for all to see. I am pleased with the performance of my government,” the Prime Minister stated. “This would have only been possible with the advent of the APNU/AFC Government and with the Presidency of David Arthur Granger. I have worked with him, I am pleased to have worked with him as his Prime Minister and I have seen the character of the man. I am pleased to support him, irrespective of what my future is in government.”