A ‘true patriot’ and career diplomat…Elisabeth Anne Harper named PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial candidate – first woman to be nominated to post within the PPP/C
YESTERDAY, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) declared its leadership ticket for the May 11th Elections. Incumbent President Donald Ramotar will be accompanied on the PPP electoral platform by the affable and distinguished Elisabeth Anne Harper as his Prime Ministerial candidate. The bold announcement of a female Prime Ministerial Candidate under the PPP/C banner is a first for the ruling party and an honour bestowed on the capable and highly respected “DG”, as she is familiarly called. The current Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is described by President Donald Ramotar as a “patriot” who has served Guyana well in the past.
“I am proud to be running with Mrs. Harper and I have every confidence that we will not only win the election, but we will have the majority in the National Assembly, which is so important for the development of Guyana,” said President Ramotar. “She has served our nation with distinction well, not a partisan, but a patriot, who, in her career as an outstanding diplomat, has dedicated her service to ensuring our great land remains united and prosperous…she will play an important role in the struggle to maintain our progress,” added President Ramotar.
Newly selected prime ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, right, with Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, outside Freedom House, after yesterday’s announcement
Ambassador Harper’s thirty nine years of public service started in 1976 when she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In applying diligence and commitment to her work, Ambassador Harper became known as a reliable woman capable of getting the job done. This view is echoed by the President, who said “her experience, dynamism and loyalty to the betterment of our nation will complement the exceptional leadership and visionary policies that we have displayed over the years in Government.”
ONLY NOMINATION
At a press conference held at the Party’s Freedom House headquarters, Ambassador Harper was said to be the only nomination made by the Party’s Executive Committee to the PPP’s Central Committee. The Party’s second highest decision-making body after its Congress, the Central Committee, concluded its deliberations on the nomination and appointment of the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate only minutes before the announcement was publicly made. As per tradition, the Party’s Presidential candidate is taken from PPP members, while its Prime Ministerial candidate is taken from its Civic component.
PPP/C’s General Secretary, Mr Clement Rohee, disclosed that Harper’s nomination and selection were unanimously endorsed by the party.
“The Central Committee unanimously endorsed the nomination presented by the Executive Committee and re-affirmed the tradition established in 1992, whereby the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the PPP/C would be a member of civic society,” he said.
Mr. Rohee, also hailing Ambassador Harper as an asset to the party, pointed out that her selection is evidence of the role and contribution women can make in the political arena.
“I need not emphasise the intrinsic value of the instinct of women in general and in politics in particular, coupled with a high level of competency and honest endeavour to serve and how undoubtedly these and other attributes of Mrs Harper will be etched for time immemorial in the hearts and minds of thousands of voters come May 11th,” he said.
On a lighter note, the PPP General Secretary added that Harper brings “sparkle” and a “burst of freshness” that undoubtedly (will) energise the Party’s support base.
The choice of Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper has, on social media, received mixed reactions thus far. However, she joins the PPP/C team that President Donald Ramotar describes as committed with a democratic mandate.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Harper, who declined yesterday to comment on her selection as the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial candidate, was quoted by President Ramotar as saying she is humbled by the invitation.
“I am humbled that such confidence has been reposed in me to be chosen…I have always put Guyana first, believing in its potential. My love for country has convinced me to accept this offer,” he quoted her as saying.
extracted from the Guyana Chronicle