–Dr. Jagdeo says; rejects efforts by politically motivated persons to discredit PPP/C

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rubbished allegations of political victimisation made by well-known social media personality and political commentator, Melissa Atwell, better known as “Melly Mel”.
Atwell, earlier this week, claimed political victimisation at the hands of the Guyana Police Force, when ranks conducting an operation searched her Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. Some 27 grams of cannabis was reportedly uncovered in an alleyway near her residence.

Dr. Jagdeo said that while Atwell reserves the right to be critical of the government, the PPP/C will not be discredited by figures who have politically-motivated agendas.

He asserted that pursuing individuals for their political views is not a characteristic of the PPP/C government. He emphasised the administration’s tolerance since assuming office.
“That is APNU’s old tactics; you don’t find that under the PPP. We don’t engage in that sort of thing; we have been very tolerant,” he said, adding:

“The people who wouldn’t say a word under APNU+AFC because of fear, they can speak freely. And so, we defend ourselves, but you’re not going to find this government trying to intimidate their opponents.”
Dr. Jagdeo characterised the allegations as baseless, stating that the circumstances surrounding the event do not suggest a government-orchestrated plot.

“I am sure that there was no plot by the government or anybody in the government to plant marijuana on this social media influencer. Because, although she may be critical of us, she has a right as a Guyanese citizen. We defend people’s rights all the time,” the General Secretary underscored.

Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that the government is more focused on tangible outcomes for citizens, rather than being distracted by allegations being peddled by individuals and political activists with targetted agendas.
“Our work speaks for itself,” he said, pointing to the government’s efforts to improve the delivery of healthcare, education, and implementing policies to care for the country’s elderly, among many other things.