PPP’s PM Candidate explains public absence; says was not tested for COVID-19
During his first public appearance in more than a month, Prime Ministerial Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips brushed aside allegations that he was not seen in public because he had contracted COVID-19.
Phillips chuckled when asked by reporters whether he was infected with the deadly Coronavirus.
He paused before offering an explanation for his public absence, having been seen frequently before, during and immediately after the March 02, 2020 general and regional elections.
“I was not ill to any extent to do a COVID-19 test and it is difficult to establish that I was afflicted with COVID-19,” the former Army Chief told reporters Tuesday outside the Arthur Chung Conference Center where the national recount of votes is ongoing.
Phillips said to date he has not done any test for the Coronavirus simply because he didn’t have a reason to do so. He paid his first visit to the recount site Tuesday since the recount began 14 days ago.
“As you know I came here today and I did a temperature test and it was well within the requirement,” he added.
The PPP PM Candidate said he has been working from home, especially in wake of the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Some of us are high profile and some not so high profile but I have been working behind the scenes,” he explained.
He said he has been directly involved in two major projects ongoing by the PPP to address the COVID-19 hardships on the citizenry.
“Based on my expertise in logistics, the PPP depended heavily on me for advice.”
Phillips said he was happy that the recount was taking place and urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to do what it must, within the COVID-19 protocols, to bring the activity to a speedy conclusion.
He said he is preparing for his Prime Ministerial post but doesn’t see himself being “just Prime Minister.”
Phillips said he expects to have other Ministerial appointments, discussions for which are currently underway.