Trailer showing in Spring 2015 at all street corner and

bottom houses.

Freedom House dumbify Elisabeth temporarily.

Me hope when she start talk nobaddy go seh she is a feral blaster.

Priya was a nice gyal but de PPP mek she a feral blaster.

Dem people in a class by demself.

Burnham was a vulgar man sometimes but Viola always maintained her dignity.

You all trying to give the lady a heart attack.  You think she can handle the rough and tumble of the political game?

It's better she stays quiet and we think she is smart, than to speak and remove all doubts.

STABROEK NEWS EDITORIAL, FEB 26

Speak, Mrs Harper

Today marks six days since the former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs Elisabeth Harper was named as the People Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) prime ministerial candidate in the forthcoming May 11 general elections. The announcement was made last Saturday at a press briefing held at the PPP Headquarters, Freedom House, and featured President Donald Ramotar and PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee. Mrs Harper was there along with her boss Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues and others.

President Ramotar was the one who made the announcement with some amount of triumph evident in his demeanour, as if unveiling a formerly hidden trump in a game of cards. However, Mrs Harper’s body language did not portray a Queen of Hearts; if anything she looked decidedly uncomfortable. Perhaps that is her public deportment, but it would be difficult to say as she has not really been in the public eye before now, aside from the odd photo-op at the receiving of letters of credence of certain diplomats.

What was remarkable about the announcement, apart from the fact that Mrs Harper’s selection was surprising, was that she did not say a word. As a matter of fact, it was the President who spoke for her. “Today, the PPP is proud to announce that we have nominated a Guyanese as our prime ministerial candidate, who has served our nation with distinction, not a partisan but a patriot, who for her entire career as an outstanding diplomat has dedicated her service to ensuring our great land remains united and prosperous,” President Ramotar said. “While we can boast of presenting a team of tried, tested, youthful leaders who have successfully enjoyed the democratic mandate of our people over the years, we continue to focus on renewal and we reach to the best who can serve in the interest of all the people in Guyana.”

The President continued that during a conversation with Mrs Harper, she said she was humbled that such confidence was reposed on her to be chosen as the prime ministerial candidate, while noting that her love for the country had caused her to accept the offer.

For his part, Home Affairs Minister Rohee, who would have been more familiar with Mrs Harper as her former boss when he headed the foreign ministry, said her selection brought to the PPP slate a “sparkle, that burst of freshness that will no doubt energise and inspire membership, supporters, sympathisers and well-wishers to work hard for the party’s victory at the polls.”

No questions were permitted and the poorly stage-managed press briefing ended. Introducing Mrs Harper and having her sit there voiceless was someone’s bright, but not carefully thought-out idea. It is in fact a misstep by the PPP and disrespectful to Mrs Harper as well as the entire demographic she represents. This is the 21st century after all, when gender equality is advancing. The days when women sat mute in the presence of men who spoke about them and for them are long gone. Mrs Harper should have been the one to relate to the media and through them to the people of Guyana, whatever it was she told the President when she accepted the nomination. A short speech of just a few words would have been enough initially to break the ice; to make a connection. That opportunity has been lost forever.

This newspaper subsequently learned that a pre-recorded interview with Mrs Harper was due to be aired on NCN on Monday. However, there were reportedly audio-related issues and it appears to have been scrapped.

So far, we have the President’s word that Mrs Harper was pleased to accept the nomination. We have Minister Rohee’s word that she will provide a sparkle and burst of freshness to energise and inspire. We are yet to hear from Mrs Harper. At the PPP’s weekly press conference on Tuesday, Mr Rohee, when asked about the issue, said Mrs Harper will “meet the press at a time that the situation so requires.”

If as a current member of the PPP’s Civic component, Mrs Harper is truly desirous of serving the people of Guyana as Prime Minister, she should find her voice in a hurry. Until she does, she runs the risk of being thought of as serving other interests.