–Dr Jagdeo says; cautions Guyanese of ‘master plan’ by the opposition to force PPP/C into minority gov’t

FUELLED by what he brands as a “pathological hatred” for the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the party’s General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has opined that the covert alliance among opposition factions is not aimed at advancing Guyana, but rather bonding over their dislike for the government, even if it means dragging the country into chaos.

Dr. Jagdeo on Thursday during a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown, said based on certain occurrences within the public domain, there is a “master plan” by the opposition and presidential hopeful United States (U.S.)-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed to attempt to force the PPP/C into a minority government as was done in 2011.

There were clear indications that the opposition is hoping to pressure the PPP/C’s strongholds, but instead, according to critics, it has laid bare the desperation within the opposition camp, all while the PPP/C maintains its strength.

Dr. Jagdeo pointed to recent comments made by a number of opposition members that subtly embrace the US sanctioned businessman, Mohamed’s political party- We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).

The PPP General Secretary highlighted Alliance For Change’s (AFC) executive David Patterson’s recent statements, who, at his party’s recent press conference confirmed that “discussions are always ongoing and will continue until the final decision is made.”

Dr. Jagdeo contended that the opposition is willing to “collaborate with the devil,” himself once it is not the incumbent government- even if it involved working with individuals sanctioned by the U.S or others that pose a threat to Guyana’s national security or are working against national interests.

He said: “They don’t mind collaborating with an individual who is sanctioned by the United States of America and poses a severe risk to our country, our future, our well-being, our jobs, everything else, they don’t mind collaborating. Anyone but the PPP. This is the pathological hatred of the PPP… They will destroy the country, but not PPP. They don’t want PPP. They will ignore every progress our country has made.”

Aside from the AFC, Dr. Jagdeo pointed to the Opposition Leader, last week, dismissing questions regarding the allegations that Mohamed is paying the electorate for their votes
“It shows they don’t care about the risks Mohamed poses…All they care about is unseating the PPP at any cost,” he said.

The PPP General Secretary later stated: “The hatred of the PPP is more important than the future of the country. That is what we’re getting from the opposition.”
Dr. Jagdeo cemented his sentiments by pointing that under President Donald Ramotar where the APNU+AFC wielded the one-seat majority, they used this to stifle national development.
The PPP General Secretary pointed to the series of budget cuts and the blockage of key development initiatives by the APNU+AFC led National Assembly.

He said: “The country suffered. We had gridlock. Nothing moved. You couldn’t move anything in Parliament…. The pettiness that went on in Parliament, the country practically got to a standstill in that period.”

Dr. Jagdeo also stated: “They want to take this country back to the days of minority government — like in 2011 when the PPP had the presidency but couldn’t get anything done. That’s their hope.”

Further, the PPP General Secretary called out sections of the local media that are also attempting to cast a dark shadow on the party’s growing support.

He said: “Some sections of the media are complicit; They magnify opposition sideshows but downplay the overwhelming support the PPP has earned on the ground.”