“Tried, tested and proven” servants of the nation – Pres Ali on appointment of PM Phillips, VP Jagdeo

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to stability, strength, and continuity as he swore in Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips as Prime Minister (PM) and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as Vice President (VP), describing the appointments as “placing the reins of our nation’s development in the most capable hands.” The ceremony, held at Office of the President, marked the first major appointments of Ali’s new Cabinet following the September 1 General and Regional Elections. The two men served in the last dispensation of the Ali-led Administration between 2020 and 2025.

Drawing on the constitutional authority granted under Articles 101 and 102, the President praised both leaders as “tried, tested and proven” servants of the nation whose leadership records provide assurance of continuity and progress.
Speaking directly on the appointment on Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips, Ali emphasised that his leadership would remain instrumental in guiding Government policy with “strategic acumen and profound confidence,” particularly as the administration prepares to deliver on ambitious infrastructure and social development promises.
“Brigadier Phillips brings to this renewed appointment a wealth of experience. He brings an integrity; a character forged in the fires of duty. He brings years, indeed decades, of selfless service to the people of Guyana. Always placing Guyana above self, he is respected across the length and breadth of our nation for his decency, his calm demeanor and his proven reliability. I am supremely confident that as Prime Minister, he will not only continue his exemplary service, but will surpass his own distinguished record. He will bring to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead the same strategic acumen and profound confidence that have become his hallmark,” the Head of State.

Indispensable to Govt’s agenda
Turning to Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, President Ali described the former Head of State and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary (GS) as a leader whose “grasp of complex issues, foresight in policymaking, and profound understanding of global economics” make him indispensable to the Government’s agenda.

Ali also credited Jagdeo’s tenure as Finance Minister and later as President with laying the foundation for Guyana’s current economic trajectory, noting his ability to “connect the macro to the micro, ensuring that national policy translates into tangible benefits for every Guyanese.”
“His grasp for complex issues, his foresight in policy making, and his profound understanding of both local dynamics and global economics are nothing short of extraordinary. His command and knowledge of governance is a resource we are blessed to have at our disposal. Dr Jagdeo is not just a leader in Government, he is a leader of the people. He connects the macro to the micro, ensuring that national policy always translates into tangible benefit for every Guyanese citizen. To have a leader of such immense stature, experience and intellectual power serving once again as Vice President is the added assurance we can give to the people of Guyana that their future is in the safest of hands. Dr Jagdeo, your continued service is a gift to the nation, and we are all beneficiaries of your wisdom and boundless energy,” Ali added.

A unified leadership for the next phase
Ali underscored that the appointments of Jagdeo and Phillips reflect not only continuity but also the fusion of discipline, strength and vision that his administration intends to bring into its second term.
“They are both household names, not for fame, but for deed; not for words, but for action and service to the people of Guyana,” the President said. “With Brigadier Phillips as Prime Minister and Dr Jagdeo as Vice President, you have not just strength in Government, but a guardianship—leaders dedicated to protecting our gains and propelling us to even greater heights.”
President Ali also expressed gratitude to the families of both men for the personal sacrifices required by public service, pledging that their contributions would be honoured in the work ahead.