Robert Persaud removed from PPP/C’s Central Committee

Former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud is among those who have been removed from the

Robert Persaud

leadership on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The announcement was made Monday by PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee. Rohee said the Party took a unanimous decision to replace several persons on its Central Committee. According to Rohee, former Minister Persaud was replaced due to his non-attendance of CC meetings. Likewise, Office of the President Permanent Secretary, Omar Sharief was removed for similar reason. Replacement was also made for Party stalwart Navin Chanderpal who died in October 2014 from cancer. The members filling these vacancies are Bibi Shafora Shadick, Majeed Hussain and Harrinarine Baldeo. Further, Rohee stated that the Central Committee has reserved for consideration at a later date, the status of the seats of Hydar Ally, Chitrekha Das and Gurdat Shivperaud. Also, there are vacant seats at the party’s Executive Committee (ExCo) with the passing of Chanderpal, the non-attendance by Persaud and the resignation of Ally. These will also be considered at a later date by. Meanwhile, Persaud served in several senior positions under the former PPP/C administration. He was once the Head

Omar Sharief

of the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the Agriculture Minister. His last portfolio before the May 11 Elections was as Natural Resources and Environment Minister. In the lead-up to the Elections, Persaud had hinted his desire to have a ‘political sabbatical’. In a Facebook post, the former Minister stated: “I thanked all those who worked and supported me throughout my tenure. To those whom I might have missed, here are my words of appreciation as I look forward to a sabbatical from front-line politics.” This was later confirmed by the Party which said Persaud had written them indicating his intention to go on a “sabbatical” from the politics of the PPP/C and concerns over various positions, as well as decisions the party had taken. Recently, reports surfaced indicating that Persaud was poised for a job under the new government however State Minister Joseph Harmon has since dismissed the indications. “I cannot confirm any such employment,” Harmon stated. In addition, Sharief holds his same post at the renamed Ministry of the Presidency under the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government.