Suresh Singh replaces Dharamkumar Seeraj in National Assembly

…as former MP takes up Guyana’s High Commissioner to India post

In a significant political development, Suresh Singh was on Friday sworn in as a Member of Parliament, succeeding Dharamkumar Seeraj, who has been appointed as the High Commissioner to India.
Singh took the oath of office during the 91st sitting of the twelfth Parliament and fifth budget presentation by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government since assuming office in August 2020.
The transition follows the provisions outlined in Section 99(A) of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 103, which mandates that vacant parliamentary positions be filled by an individual whose name is drawn from the party’s candidate list.
Singh, who currently serves as the Director of Youth in the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport, is a seasoned campaigner in the agriculture sector, is expected to bring his expertise to Parliament. His appointment is seen as a continuation of PPP/C’s commitment to supporting the agriculture industry, particularly the rice sector, which remains vital to the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, Mr Seeraj’s appointment marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. A prominent figure in Guyana’s agriculture sector, Seeraj has been a Member of Parliament since 2006. He also holds several key positions within the PPP/C, including membership in the Executive Committee and the Central Committee, as well as leadership of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), a role he has held for over a decade.
Seeraj is widely regarded as one of the most qualified and experienced agriculture experts in both Parliament and the PPP/C.
In July 2024, Guyana had written to the Indian Government, seeking accreditation for Dharamkumar Seeraj to be appointed as the new High Commissioner of Guyana to India – a position that has been vacant for nearly three years.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, confidently lauded Seeraj on his new appointment, expressing unwavering belief in his exceptional ability to excel in fulfilling his duties.
“Mr Seeraj and I paths first crossed in 1992 in Lethem. So, I have had a long association with him and I can attest to the human service he has provided to this country as a farmer, as a representative rice farmer, as a member of parliament and now he continues that service at another very high and important level,” the Speaker said.
As a parliamentarian, Seeraj had represented Guyana at the African, Caribbean and Pacific and European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly back in 2013.
His appointment would see Guyana seeking to further strengthen already strong bilateral collaborations in multiple areas, especially agriculture.
His appointment will see him filling the diplomatic post that became vacant in October 2022 after Guyana’s then High Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud, was recalled following the circulation of a video which showed him verbally abusing a female Indian citizen outside his official residence in New Delhi.
While an investigation by Indian authorities found no evidence of misconduct during the August 2021 incident, which only came to light more than a year later, President Dr Irfaan Ali, emphasising the importance of representatives of Guyana conducting themselves in the highest regard, had said it was in the “best interest” that Persaud return home.
The Guyana Government has been placing much emphasis on strengthening its foreign policy, which includes filling the various diplomatic posts at overseas missions.