Jagdeo dismisses talk of rift with Rohee

Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2016, 15:18 by Denis Chabrol

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Wednesday dismissed suggestions that there is a rift between himself and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Clement Rohee, saying that he as “full confidence” in the veteran politician.

“I have full confidence in Clement Rohee. Clement Rohee is a valuable member of our party,” he said.

While Jagdeo is Guyana’s longest serving Executive President (1999 to 2011), he is considered by many party comrades as a political newcomer who has not earned his stripes to wheel and deal in the party and might be responsible for the erosion of many of the principles of PPP co-founders, Cheddi and Janet Jagan.

Reacting to reports in some circles that Jagdeo wants Rohee displaced in favour of one of his close party allies, Irfan Ali, a former Minister of Housing, Water and Tourism, Jagdeo called them “generated scandals and conspiracies” that “are done for a purpose.”

He said the PPP has been targeted in that manner for more than 10 years, and that this latest report was part of a hidden plot. “I know the reason why this is being generated at this time and it has something to do with private motive than anything else but it’s not true.

Rohee is an important member of our party. He is our General Secretary and we have full confidence in him and the PPP is united,” he told a news conference.

Jagdeo, then Finance Minister,  was handpicked by Janet Jagan to be part of an ‘A’ Team along with her and Samuel Hinds that contested the 1997 general elections. Two years later, Janet stepped down as President and Jagdeo assumed the presidency.