By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
It is a rare occasion when the APNU+AFC Government and the People’s Progressive party (PPP) can agree. Fortunately, the PPP has decided to put patriotism above politics and has thrown its support behind the Government’s possible retention of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge as a technical officer at his previous ministry.
At his press conference earlier today, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told the media that the PPP has no objections to Greenidge returning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a technical capacity. He said this as he referred to President David Granger’s statement to the effect that he will explore the possibilities of having Greenidge continue to work on matters relating to Guyana’s foreign affairs.
Last month, Greenidge and three other ministers — including former Minister of State, Joseph Harmon — resigned from the National Assembly, and thus as ministers, in adherence to court rulings that dual citizens are not to sit as parliamentarians.
The vacancy left by Greenidge was subsequently filled by Minister Dr. Karen Cummings. She was shifted from her post as Minister within the Ministry of Public Health.
While it is generally accepted that Minister Cummings is learned, some members of the public believe that she would have been a better servant to the people of Guyana by staying in her familiar field of health.
Furthermore, with Guyana being in the midst of an active territorial controversy with neighbouring Venezuela, many see it wise that whoever is heading the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be adequately au fait.
The letters pages of the various newspapers and even social media have seen a great deal of concerns being voiced about Guyana’s fate with Dr. Cummings sitting at the helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Similarly, the PPP feels that Minister Cummings cannot handle the job. So strong are the PPP’s concerns in this department that it has decided to support Greenidge being at the Ministry to offer direction.
Jagdeo has a well-documented history of criticising the work of all government ministers but he has long said that Guyana’s territorial integrity will always supersede politics. Today, he stayed true to that position and said that the PPP is fully behind any move by the government to ensure Greenidge can continue to offer his “experience”.
Jagdeo was keen to note that the PPP is not in support of the APNU+AFC Government creating other “high paying” bureaucratic jobs for the other ministers who have resigned.
