In six elections PPP/C had five presidents and there was diversity
Dear Editor,
Stabroek News’ ‘Politikles’ yesterday warrants a comment; first off because it seemingly conveys the view that there has not been diversity in the past choices for presidents by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
There have been six elections from 1992 to 2015. Of those 6 times, in 1992, the choice of the presidential candidate was clear, it was none other than the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
After the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, a Caucasian woman, Janet Jagan, was the presidential candidate who was supported. Janet Jagan was followed by an Afro-Guyanese man, Sam Hinds, who was president.
After Hinds, there were four elections – a two term (2001, 2006) for Bharrat Jagdeo and a two-term for Donald Ramotar (2011 and 2015). Donald Ramotar of course did not serve two terms because he lost at the 2015 elections.
Things must be taken in context. The facts matter. In 6 elections the PPP/C had five presidents and there was diversity. The Stabroek News’ strip did not reflect that.
If it is that the cartoonist wishes to say that there should be more diversity then that is a different matter. But to say “I have a dream that one day a black candidate and a female candidate….” is not fair. It is not being objective.
In fairness, objectivity is not so much to ask for. After all, it is not like the cartoonist has made a similar criticism of the past choices for presidents, as well as Prime Minister, of the People’s National Congress (PNC); and all of Guyana knows the failures in pushing for diversity there.
Yours faithfully,
Baldeo Mathura
Editor’s note: Mr Mathura omitted to explain that then Finance Minister Jagdeo became the President in 1999 following the resignation of President Janet Jagan.
