Robert Persaud says he wasn’t ‘sidelined’; calls on Coalition to support Ali’s rebuilding efforts

Former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Minister Robert Persaud has debunked claims by the Opposition APNU+AFC that he was “sidelined” by President Dr Irfaan Ali who appointed 19 Government Ministers on Wednesday.

Persaud, who served as Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the past, has made it clear that he is not interested in a Ministerial portfolio but noted that his “services will be best utilized in other capacities in the interest of Guyana.”

Persaud in a short statement on his Facebook page on Thursday noted that the APNU+AFC is engaging in “cheap politicking.”

“President Ali has been inclusive and I have made it clear that I have no interest in a ministerial portfolio having served twice as a minister.”

Persaud praised the new Ministers sworn in on Wednesday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

“The new Cabinet represents one of the best Guyana has ever had in terms of competence, youth, experience, diversity, and a reflection of the aspirations of all our people. It’s a breath of fresh air,” Persaud said.

The former Government minister encouraged the Coalition, as the main opposition, “to be responsive and supportive of our President’s quest to unite, rebuild and transform our country.”

The APNU+AFC in a statement on Wednesday evening criticized the new Ministers as “misfits.”