Donald Ramotar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Ramotar
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| 8th President of Guyana | |
| In office 3 December 2011 – 16 May 2015 |
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| Prime Minister (also First Vice President) | Sam Hinds |
| Preceded by | Bharrat Jagdeo |
| Succeeded by | David Granger |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 October 1950 Caria Caria, British Guiana |
| Political party | People's Progressive Party |
| Spouse |
Deolatchmee Ramotar
(m. 1974) |
| Children | Three |
| Alma mater | University of Guyana |
Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar (born October 22, 1950) is a Guyanese politician. He served as the eighth President of Guyana from 2011 to 2015. Before becoming president, he was the main leader, known as the General Secretary, of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) from 1997 to 2013.
Political Journey
Ramotar joined the People's Progressive Party (PPP) in 1967. He was first chosen to be part of the PPP's Central Committee, an important group, in 1979. Later, he joined the PPP Executive Committee in 1983. He also earned a certificate in welding from the Government Technical Institute.
From 1988 to 1993, he worked as the International Secretary for the Guyana Agricultural Workers' Union. In the 1992 election, the PPP won power after many years. Ramotar was elected to the National Assembly of Guyana, which is like Guyana's parliament. He was re-elected to this role many times.
In 1993, he became the PPP's Executive Secretary. After the death of Cheddi Jagan in March 1997, Ramotar was chosen to take his place as the PPP's General Secretary on March 29, 1997. This meant he became the party's main leader.
In 2008, at the PPP's 29th Congress, he was re-elected to the Central Committee. He then continued as General Secretary.
Becoming President
On April 4, 2011, the PPP Central Committee chose Ramotar to be their candidate for president in the November 2011 election. There was some discussion about how this decision was made.
The government announced on April 28, 2011, that Ramotar would become a Political Adviser to President Bharrat Jagdeo. This appointment was criticized by some, but the government said it was acceptable because Ramotar led the ruling party.
The election took place on November 28, 2011. Ramotar was declared the winner on December 1. However, his party, the PPP, did not win a majority of seats in the parliament. They won 32 out of 65 seats. This meant that while Ramotar would be President, two opposition parties together held more seats in the National Assembly. Ramotar said he was disappointed but understood that "the electorate has spoken." He was sworn in as President on December 3, 2011.
During his first two years as President, Ramotar also kept his role as General Secretary of the PPP. But he later stepped down from the party leadership because of his heavy workload as President. The PPP Central Committee then elected Clement Rohee to take his place on August 19, 2013.
Leaving Office and Return to Politics
Donald Ramotar and the PPP lost the May 11, 2015, general election. They were defeated by a group of opposition parties led by David A. Granger. President Ramotar left office on May 16, 2015, when Granger was sworn in.
In 2024, nine years after he finished his term as President, Ramotar returned to active politics. He was elected to the PPP's central committee once again.
Awards
| Year | Country | Award Name | Given by | Field of Merit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 |  India |
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman | President of India | Public affairs |
He received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award in January 2015. This award was given to him by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in Gandhinagar, India.
See also
In Spanish: Donald Ramotar para niños
