His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali administered the Oath of Office to appoint Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips as his Prime Minister and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as Vice President during a simple ceremony at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive on Monday.
The Head of State underscored that Prime Minister Phillips and Vice President Jagdeo represent a powerful fusion of strengths. “They represent a unity of purpose and a diversity of skills that will support my Government and the rest of my Cabinet. They are both household names, not for fame, but for deed, not for words, but for action and service.”
Speaking about the Prime Minister specifically, President Ali hailed him as a person who embodies the spirit of discipline, loyalty, and steadfast commitment. “His name is synonymous with duty and public service. When called to serve, he has never faltered.”
The President said the Prime Minister was able and capable during his first term from 2020 to 2025, and that in those years he stood as a pillar of strength and competence. “He handled his expansive portfolio not just with efficiency, but with a masterful command that instilled confidence across the Government and throughout the nation.”
Speaking about Dr Jagdeo, President Ali hailed his lifetime of devoted work to the socioeconomic and political wellbeing of Guyana.
“In my first term, I came to rely on his expert and wise counsel as my Vice President. His grasp of complex issues, his foresight in policymaking, 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.”
The President highlighted their roles as central to the Government’s mission of taking Guyana to the next level.
“To the people of Guyana, I say: look at the men standing before you. With Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips as our Prime Minister and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as our Vice President, we have not just strength in Government, but a guardianship—a team dedicated to protecting our gains and propelling us to even greater heights,” the President added.