‘I am not God’s gift to politics’ – Bond happy he is not part of Gov’t

By Fareeza Haniff, June 14, 2015 10:58 am, Source

He admits that he was hopeful of being part of the new APNU+AFC government, given his parliamentary experience and his competency, but James Bond is no longer perturbed that he was not selected by the David Granger led administration for a government position.

As a matter of fact, Bond says he is “happy” that he was not offered a post, explaining had that happened the Tiger Bay and PNCR Rebrand and Rebuild Projects would not have materialized.

The former Parliamentarian during his appearance on the radio programme, Hard Talk aired on 90.1 Love FM on Sunday, June 14 stated there is a need for more young people in the new government; however he still trusts the judgment of President Granger.

President David Granger

Since the formation of the new cabinet and appointments made, President Granger has come in for heavy criticisms for not including more youths in his administration, given the fact that the APNU+AFC coalition campaigned heavily on the issue.

Bond said that President Granger knows what he needs and at this time his [Bond] services are not needed. In this regard, Bond said he is comfortable with it, since he does not believe he is “God’s gift to politics.”

Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.

“The President knows his need and my competence might not suit his needs at this time. He’s not saying there’s no place for James Bond; he’s saying simply at this time, at this juncture of our history, Guyana needs someone other than James Bond and I can understand that. I don’t think I’m God’s gift to politics; I don’t think I’m the golden child or the messiah. I am still committed to my Party, I love my Party,” the Attorney – at – Law explained.

He further noted, “This has been a blessing in disguise…because it truly tested me. I don’t know what it’s like to be last in anything.”

According to the former Parliamentarian, he is happy that the President did not offer him any governmental posts, although he was hopeful.

“For me to say I didn’t have hopes, I’d be lying to you because I had hopes and I won’t say I’m disappointed but I’m grateful that I was not given a ministerial position or a junior minister post. I am very happy that did not happen. Had that happen, I don’t think I would have come up with the hope projects; I don’t think I would have come up with PNCR Rebrand, Rebuild. That would have been the last thing at the back of my mind.”

Bond however noted that he had expected former Parliamentarian, Christopher Jones and Public Relations Officer for the APNU, Malika Ramsey to be appointed Ministerial posts.

APNU Youth Candidate Malika Ramsey. [iNews’ Photo]

According to Bond, he was rooting for Jones to be Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, given the fact that he was a Shadow Minister for this portfolio while in the Opposition.

“I expected persons like Christopher Jones and Malika Ramsey to be part of government. I expected them to be if not Junior Ministers, hold government positions because I know of their worth ethic, I know of their competencies.”

But Bond reiterated that only President Granger can decide who he wants to suit his needs.

“I know that he is aware of the competencies of everyone around him and he sees the need and I think it is his job as President to say that this person or that person is best suited for this situation at this time,” the lawyer said.

Jones has since been appointed Director of Sport; however it is unknown if Ramsey, who has been at Granger’s side at all press events while in the Opposition, was offered any post.