–says its problematic, deviates from traditional approach to political fundraising

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has delivered a scathing critique of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party’s recent fundraising campaign, particularly their merchandising strategy and promotional materials.

During a press conference held on Thursday, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) raised several concerns about the opposition’s approach to political fundraising and representation.

At the centre of Dr. Jagdeo’s criticism was the AFC’s new “Merch and Swag” promotion, which he described as problematic on multiple fronts. “This party, particularly the AFC, they just have a weird way of dealing with politics,” Jagdeo stated, before highlighting what he considered a significant diplomatic mistake.

The Vice-President took particular exception to the AFC’s use of the U.S. Ambassador’s image in their promotional materials. “They have a page; they’re looking at making a donation to their party. So, you can go on this; you can scan the barcode here and make a donation. And look on the brochure that they have to make the donation. They have a picture with Ramjattan, Cathy Hughes, Sherod Duncan, and the U.S. Ambassador,” Dr. Jagdeo detailed, questioning the appropriateness of using a foreign diplomat’s image for a fundraising.

In a moment of pointed criticism Dr. Jagdeo drew attention to the AFC’s choice of terminology. “They’re selling now; they’re selling stuff. It’s called Merch and Swag. Merch, you understand, it’s merchandise,” he explained, before turning to what he presented as an unfortunate choice of words. “When I saw the word swag, I had a recollection that I saw it somewhere before,” he said before proceeding to cite the Oxford Dictionary’s informal definition. “It’s money or goods taken by a thief or a burglar. So, they’re selling goods, and it’s swag. I have the definition here,” he added.
Beyond the merchandising controversy, Dr. Jageo also addressed what he perceived to be a broader issue within the AFC; their lack of diverse representation. “It’s shocking their tour abroad; the lack of diversity. Have you seen the pictures there? They have no diversity whatsoever,” Jagdeo observed. He pointed out what he saw was a departure from the party’s past positioning. “They talk about it being the party of Guyana. You know that we used to be in 2015. They moved away from that; that they were bringing people together,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled the AFC’s previous stance, where they had positioned themselves as an alternative to what they characterised as racial politics. “PPP is racist; APNU is racist. And, therefore, the AFC should be the party you should support if you’re not racist,” he said, referring to the party’s past message.

“They gave all of that up,” he added.