President Irfaan Ali today confirmed his first major Cabinet appointments, noting that Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo will continue as Vice President and Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips will serve a second term as Prime Minister. The reappointments, he said, signal continuity at the highest levels of government as Guyana enters what he described as a defining new chapter of national transformation.
In delivering the appointments, President Ali praised both leaders for their distinguished record of service and assured the nation that their combined experience would be pivotal in guiding Guyana’s future.
Speaking of Phillips, the President told a small gathering of diplomats and government officials, from the 2020 to 2025 cabinet, that the PM’s career of service began in the Guyana Defence Force, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier before entering politics.
“He wore our nation’s uniform with pride and honour, protecting our sovereignty and learning the true meaning of sacrifice and strategic leadership,” Ali said. “As Prime Minister during my first term, he stood as a pillar of strength and confidence, managing an expansive portfolio with efficiency and with a command that inspired confidence across the government and throughout the nation.”
Ali also described Phillips as a man of “discipline, loyalty, and steadfast commitment,” expressing confidence that he would “not only continue his exemplary service, but surpass even his own distinguished record.”
Turning to Dr. Jagdeo, the President lauded his long-standing contributions to Guyana’s political and economic life, highlighting his roles as former Minister of Finance, Head of State for twelve years, and Vice President during Ali’s first term.
“His story is one of unparalleled achievement,” Ali said. “As a resplendent Minister of Finance, he steered our economy with a keen and brilliant mind. As President of this Republic for twelve remarkable years, he set the stage for the prosperity we are now realising.”
Ali noted that he had come to rely heavily on Jagdeo’s “expert and wise counsel” over the last five years, praising his foresight in policy-making and his grasp of complex issues as “nothing short of extraordinary.”
The President underscored that Jagdeo is “not just a leader in government, but a leader of the people,” pointing to his ability to connect “the macro to the micro, ensuring that national policy always translates into tangible benefits for every citizen.”
Calling on the nation to rally behind both men, Ali said their reappointments represent a powerful assurance of stability, continuity, and progress.
“They are both household names, not for fame, but for deeds; not for words, but for action and service,” Ali declared. “With Brigadier Phillips as Prime Minister and Dr. Jagdeo as Vice President, we have not just strengthened the government, but assembled a team dedicated to protecting our gains and propelling us to even greater heights.”
He urged citizens to offer their “fullest support, prayers, and confidence” as the government embarks on its second term of service, adding:
“May God bless them, and may God continue to bless the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”
