Gunraj, Ramkissoon, Jacobs and Ally tipped for ministerial posts

At least four newcomers are expected to join the Cabinet as President Dr Irfaan Ali begins shaping his second-term government, sources told Ignite News.

Vikash Ramkissoon, Sase Gunraj, Stephen Jacobs and Zulfikar Ally are likely to be appointed in the coming days, according to people familiar with the matter.

Gunraj, an attorney and commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission, is tipped to head the Ministry of Labour. Jacobs, a former national cricketer turned politician, is expected to lead the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Ally, an attorney, former president of AmCham, and Guyana’s current ambassador to Mexico, is reportedly set to take charge of the Ministry of Public Service. Ramkissoon, a former educator, is also expected to receive a ministerial portfolio, the sources said.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won a decisive majority in the 1 September General and Regional Elections but has yet to announce the full Cabinet. Ali was sworn in as President last Sunday, followed by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday. No further Cabinet appointments have been confirmed.

In parallel with ministerial selections, President Ali on Friday named four new permanent secretaries: Sharon Roopchand-Edwards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Roger Rogers to Tourism, Industry and Commerce; Duan Ellis to Agriculture; and Dr Erica Forte to Human Services and Social Security.

The President met with permanent and deputy secretaries to outline his plan for a fully digitised, citizen-centred public service. He said reforms will focus on efficiency, transparency and measurable results.

Additional senior appointments are expected in the coming days as Ali continues to fill key roles in his administration.