Contrary to Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud’s resignation letter which said his decision to give up his ministerial post from the Donald Ramotar led cabinet was voluntary, People’s Progressive Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee confirmed that Persaud resignation was based upon presidency influence.
At the party’s weekly press briefing today (27/01/14) Rohee was hesitant to respond to media operatives’ questions surrounding the resignation and allegations made against the former minister stating that he was asked to give up the post because of his inappropriate involvement with a young female.
Rohee seemed to be carrying reporters in circles in efforts to dismiss the lingering question but to no avail.
In the General Secretary’s response, he stated that the cabinet stands by the decision made once they were involved in a consultative process.
“Whatever positions the government took, the Office of the President (OP) particularly in this case …we were involved in the consultative process, I have absolutely no difficulty with the decision of the President to sever the Comrade’s relationship with the Cabinet.” Rohee confirmed.
Asked whether the party was worried about these reports being pedaled, the General Secretary said , the PPP/C is concerned in respect of all government ministers committing acts of indiscretion, committing acts of impropriety, committing acts of dishonesty, committing acts of corruption while carrying out their ministerial responsibilities.
This he said has long been established ever since the party took office in 1992.
Rohee also stated that Persaud remains a PPP/C Member of Parliament and a member of the central committee.
Last Thursday, Persaud publicly informed the nation of his resignation. Persaud cited personal reasons as the motivation behind the unexpected move. “My resignation as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development is based on personal issues presently engaging my attention as well as some additional responsibilities to which I am committed,” he said.
