Four years from now, the year will be 2011, and I’ll be 28. By that time I hope to be settled in a career, as I’ve spent the last few years developing my skills and jostling for positions. Recently, I have noticed that I am not the only who hopes to be settled in a certain position in 2011. Similar to my recently endeavours to develop my skills and career, I have noticed individuals in Guyana jostling for position, the ultimate position, President…a replacement for my boy…big dawg…Bharrat Jagdeo.

In my experiences, I have learnt that in order to be successful in politics, one must position themselves with the right group of individuals, issues, and circles. In Guyana, the same is true. Within the news coverage that I have viewed through the country’s online media, I have noticed a lot of positioning being carried out by two individuals in particular.

Robert M. Persaud
The first individual I believe is currently being positioned to become president is one Robert Montgomery Persaud (Montgomery?…hmm…reminds me of Mr. Burns on the Simpsons…excellent!). A civil servant by training and professional development, Persaud in my view has engaged in many activities to place himself as the next candidate to represent the PPP/C in the 2011 General Elections. Read through his biographical information and you’ll see that he was born and raised in Guyana. He has received training in journalism and more recently an MBA from the University of West Indies. Although his academic training is impressive, it is not the main reason that leads me to my conclusion. My main reasons for thinking he’s positioning himself is as follows:

1. His Track Record and Appointments: Prior to the 2006 General Elections in Guyana, Mr. Persaud was President Jagdeo’s go to guy when it came to a number of issues. Persaud functioned as Information Liaison to the President, working very closely with Mr. Jagdeo. This portfolio included the very important Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategy which has the potential to bring significant changes to the country. During the 2006 election campaign, Mr. Persaud no doubt had a major role in the public relations of the campaign…the PPP/C Won!! After the elections, he was rewarded with the position of Minster of Agriculture. Moving through the ranks at such as a pace certainly hints at someone within the PPP being in favour of Mr. Persaud moving on to greater responsibility.

2. His Professionalism & The Way He Carries Himself: Although professionalism is great whenever it is demonstrated, I have to argue that Mr. Persaud’s professionalism/high level of organization (or my perception of it) hints at some sort of authoring and tailoring. Either Mr. Persaud runs a very tight ship and is utilizing his experience in journalism/public relations to present himself and his ministry in an excellent light, or he is being framed to end up in a superior leadership role.

Evidence of this is present in the way the Ministry of Agriculture’s policies and activities are publicized. Whenever an announcement is made (either highly important or mediocre), Mr. Persaud always seems to do it in big style, similar to what is expected by President Jagdeo. He hosts formal press conferences and well crafted photo opportunities. In comparison, Mr. Persaud does public relations a lot better than a number of the other ministries in Guyana.

3. Literal Positioning of Persaud: Aside from a what appears to be someone helping to positioning Persaud, as well as excellent Ministry of Agriculture public relations, Mr. Persaud also appears to be actively in touch with the grass roots of his ministry and the country. He appears to be talking to locals and getting his name known around the country. Although other ministers do it, once again, Mr. Persaud does a great job of publicizing it in a beneficial way. In addition, it should also be noted that the Ministry of Agrilcuture itself will be receiving a lot of attention in the future, as it will be dealing with the re-structuring of the sugar industry, new initiatives such as ethanol production, as well as greater importance of agriculture in general….an issue whose importance is evident in President Jagdeo personal push/role in the Caribbean wide Jagdeo Initiative.

Dr. Frank Anthony
The second individual who I believe has to potential or who is in the pre-stages of being “groomed” to be the next PPP/C Candidate/President of Guyana is Dr. Frank Anthony. Dr. Anthony was also born in Guyana, but has been academically develop internationally. Although he is a contender for the Presidential Candidacy, in my view he is not positioning himself quite literally as Mr. Persaud. As stated, he is currently is what I believe to be a pre-screening stage.

I believe that Anthony is being tested for grooming is as a result a few reasons.

1. Age: Dr. Anthony appears to be a very youthful individual. If the past decade in Guyana has taught the public anything, it is that youthful leaders win. The prime example of this is Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo has sucessfully beat other individuals who played the same old opposition tune. Recall Desmonyd Hoyte and his sucessor, Robert Corbin. Both of the aforementioned politicians in my view were not able to provide a youthful vision (amongst other failings), and as a result have experienced diminishing success for their parties (note Hoyte is now deceased). Therefore, due to Anthony’s age, when 2011 rolls around, he should be at a prime spot to undertake a presidential run. However, youthfulness/age alone is not the be-all and end-all; this leads me to my next reason.

2. Cricket World Cup 2007: In my view, I believe that the recently concluded Cricket World Cup 2007 in Guyana was a major test for Dr. Anthony’s ability to undertake leadership on a large scale. His ministry was one of the most relevant and officially responsible for the successful execution of the games. Successful execution means that Dr. Anthony may receive positive grooming, or stagnation in his political life. At this point, he did pull of successful games, but there were certainly several hitches…the games were historic alright, but there were areas for improvements. It should also be noted that the final bill for the games is still outstanding. His appointment to this portfolio in late 2006 speaks loud…CWC 2007 included a lot of “test” cricket matches.

3. Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport : In conjunction with his CWC 2007 portfolio, Anthony has been given a lucrative Ministerial portfolio. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport has the potential to shape the country in a significant way in the long term. The work that Anthony does while in office has the ability to re-shape Guyanese society, develop the children, the country’s reputation, and identity. This was affirmed in the 2007 budget with an unprecedented sum of money set aside for sport/culture development. Such a portfolio allows Anthony to interact with the Guyanese public and build a positive relationship, an opportunity that’s rare for other ministries. Due to the benefits of this relationship (being able to interact in a fun way with the public), if Anthony passes the aforementioned tests, and indeed interested in pursing this goal, he may significantly benefit.

Others

In addition to the two individuals mentioned above, it is my view that prior to 2011, the public may also hear from Mr. Manniram Prasad (Minister of Tourism), Dr. Ashni Singh (Minister of Finance), and for Prime Minister perhaps Ms. Priya Manikchand (Ministry of Human & Social Services) or Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues (Minister of Amerindian Affairs).

At this point, these are simply observations and anything may happen. If all things should continue the way they have been going thus far, I am fairly confident that my predictions may come true. An indication of things to come in 2011 will probably play out in President Jagdeo’s next Cabinet Shuffle.

Unless there are any severe blunders, I forsee the PPP/C winning the next elections. The PNC/R1G simply cannot win as its history and lack of credentials destroys any chance victory. In regard to the AFC, based on its ability to survive an actual party convention (and prove that its not a bunch of civil society opportunists), the party will either unravel or maintain its gains.

Its my view however that replacing President Jagdeo is going to be a difficult task as he’s truly gained his rightful place in Guyana’s history. To all the ministers and wanna be’s…keep up the good work and see you when I’m 28.

Photo Sources: Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture Website/GINA