Fmr Ministers Rodrigues, Dr Gopaul could play an important role in APNU+AFC govt

Topics

Former Member

Fmr Ministers Rodrigues, Dr Gopaul could play an important role in APNU+AFC govt

May 31, 2015 10:57 am Category: latest news A+ / A-

By Fareeza Haniff

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman.

If the new APNU+AFC government were to recruit former Ministers from the previous administration, it would be Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues – Birkett and Former Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul.

This is according to Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who during his appearance on the radio programme ‘Hard Talk’ aired on 90.1 Love FM on Sunday, May 31, expressed his admiration for the two.

“I’ve always admired the style of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs; I thought she had panache, she had grace. I thought she had really done well to reposition our image. I admired her. That’s one Minister who I thought made a difference,” Trotman said.

He further noted that he also admired Dr Gopaul, given the fact that he came from a “labour background.”

“I used to admire some others but they made some statements during the campaign that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth,” the Minister said.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues – Birkett.

He however noted that he is willing to work with the others if it comes down to a matter of policy.

“From the President right through to the last Minister, if they are willing I would be prepared to hold out a hand and work with them because no one has been so obnoxious that I would refuse to work with them at all; I mean some of them I would avoid for obvious reasons, but I would not, as a matter of policy, refuse to work with them.”

Former Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul.

Since assuming office, the APNU+AFC newly appointed ministers have been meeting with former ministers to ensure a smooth transition and according to Trotman there has been a large degree of cooperation; however he does not believe that President David Granger should issue a written invitation to any of the former ministers at this stage.

“Discussions are ongoing and depending on how those evolve, I can see the President, considering whether or not he should make a formal request and if so to what extent…I wouldn’t advise that there be a formal letter now because it could likely be rebuffed and that could be both embarrassing and it could also damage our relations irreparably,” the Governance Minister said.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Former Member

I don't see what Trotman sees.

Rodrigues was a square peg moving from social worker to Foreign Affairs Minister. Only in Guyana! Smarter people like Odeen were bypassed.

Foreign Affairs had done very little to bring in benefits and investments.

Not sure what Gopaul accomplished. Sugar had more strikes under PPP than under PNC. PPP killed trade unionism and collective bargaining under Gopaul's watch. Hope Trotman is not speaking for the Govt.

Any recruitment of former PPP Cabinet people should be a nomination from the PPP upon the Coalition's request.

5/31/155:22 PM

Former Member

Why these two? They were defenders of the government even if it meant harming the cause for justice and doing what is right. Carolyn assisted in the removal of the Taylors from the Rupununi where they were helping Amerindians in ways the government could not from internet to library to skills. She beat down on the people for "encouraging" the Taylors who she felt was anti government.

And the case of Gopaul is remarkable. One remembers the NBS fiasco and the oppressing of Kent Vincent, Kissoon Baldeo and Maurice Arjune. He was flat square in the middle of this ignoble action against these innocent people whose lives and repetition were ruined even what they were accused of was repudiated by the Ombudsman.

Why recycle these people? Are we so bereft of talent we seek to re-implant the tainted?

5/31/158:49 PM