Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo were sworn in on Monday, underscoring President Irfaan Ali’s decision to retain his most senior political lieutenants as the PPP/C begins a new term in office.
The appointments come just a day after President Ali himself took the oath of office, following the party’s victory in the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
By returning both Phillips, a career military officer turned politician, and Jagdeo, a former president and the PPP’s chief strategist, Ali has signalled a preference for continuity at the top of government as he prepares to announce the rest of his Cabinet.
“These appointments are evidence of placing the reins of our nation’s development in the most trusted hands,” the President said during the ceremony. He praised Phillips’ “decades of demonstrated national service” and described Jagdeo as a “visionary” whose counsel has been indispensable.
Ali is expected to announce further ministerial appointments in the coming days, setting the tone for his administration’s second consecutive term.
