– Jagdeo calls out opposition for using selective racism as political tool

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has accused the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) of manipulating its supporters’ emotions and mistreating Afro-Guyanese whilst in government.

Dr Jagdeo made this comment during his speech at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne where he joined hundreds of persons to pay tribute to the founding leader of the PPP. He used the opportunity to highlight the party’s commitment to national unity and warned citizens not to be misled by what he termed as divisive tactics employed by the opposition.

Jagdeo began by paying homage to the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, emphasising the enduring philosophy of the party.

“We are very fortunate that Dr. Jagan laid out a philosophy for a party to which we remain faithful,” he said.

Jagdeo asserted that the PPP/C, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, remains faithful to Dr. Jagan’s philosophy.

He stressed the party’s commitment to national unity, bringing together people of every race and religion. And according to him, this unity is essential for Guyana’s full development and to reach its true potential.

Accusing the APNU of using racism as a political tool, Jagdeo stated, “Today, again, the buzzword for APNU today again is racism. That’s the only political tool they use to mobilise people.”

He argued that the opposition selectively highlight issues that play on the emotions of their supporters, neglecting the broader progress made under PPP/C governance.

Addressing concerns about the alleged mistreatment of Afro-Guyanese under the APNU+AFC administration, Jagdeo presented specific examples.

“Afro-Guyanese were some of the worst-treated people in the five years they were in office,” he claimed. Pointing to unfulfilled promises in regions such as Linden, he highlighted the disparity between commitments made and the actual support provided to the citizens.

He pointed to the disparities in promises made to regions such as Linden, especially the unfulfilled commitments to job creation and housing.

Jagdeo argued that APNU’s focus was elitist, benefiting only a few individuals, while the majority of the country suffered.

In contrast, he credited the PPP/C for ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, benefit from the government’s programmes and activities.

He warned against falling prey to what he perceived are divisive tactics employed by APNU. He urged citizens not to be misled by claims of discrimination before pointing out the progress made under the current PPP/C government, particularly in Amerindian communities.

In his own words, Jagdeo recounted a conversation with a former hardcore PNC member who had switched allegiance: ‘They toy with people’s emotions, and that is how they kept us enslaved.’

Drawing a sharp contrast between the PPP/C and the opposition, Jagdeo said: “If you look at this crowd, if you look at our activities, if you look at our programmes, that’s a worst nightmare for APNU that all of our people right across Guyana, in spite of their race, they are benefiting from the People’s Progressive Party.”
This, he said, is a testament to the PPP/C’s commitment to inclusive progress, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, benefit from government initiatives.

SPREADING MISINFORMATION

Addressing allegations of corruption against the PPP/C, Jagdeo accused the opposition of using the media to spread misinformation.

He referenced a recent Kaieteur News headline about the supposed misuse of $75 million at a hotel for trainee nurses, calling it a “blatant lie.”

He warned against the potential impact of such false narratives, stating, “If we’re not careful ourselves, because it’s so overwhelming, it’s so incessant, it’s on a daily basis that we may start believing it once again”
Jagdeo highlighted a historical instance involving Kaieteur News: “Kaieteur News for five years said I own a Marriott. Many people asked me for a free room at the Marriott; they believed I actually own the thing.”

He criticised the publication for persistent lies and reiterated that such media outlets rarely admit their falsehoods.

Expressing concern about media accountability, Jagdeo criticised unnamed sources and editorials lacking transparency.

He stated, “Stabroek News, guest editor doesn’t have a name. So, they say the vilest [things] about the government without any accountability… They’re cowards.”

Jagdeo urged citizens to be discerning consumers of information, emphasising the need to question the motives behind certain narratives and critically evaluate the credibility of sources.

He also touched on current efforts of the opposition, with the latest being that of the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, whom he said is reportedly in the hinterland.

He accused APNU of attempting to sow division by telling Amerindians, “How we are discriminating against them.”

Jagdeo countered this narrative, asserting that Amerindian communities have never seen such progress as they are seeing under the current PPP/C government.

“If we are not…careful, they will succeed in dividing our people again, by picking them off one by one by appealing to their emotions,” he added.

Dr Jagdeo reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant and informed, cautioning against the repetition of divisive tactics that, in his view, have been detrimental to national unity in the past. He urged citizens to see beyond sensational headlines, stating, “That’s why we need you to be conscious.”