In a statement issued today, APNU Chief Whip Christopher Jones criticized the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for failing to deliver on their election promises. Jones raised concerns about the PPP’s intentions and highlighted the alleged termination of contracts and job losses following the local government elections in Guyana.
Jones alleged that the PPP had initially planned snap elections for Monday, December 18, 2023, in the event of their success in winning Georgetown and New Amsterdam. However, these plans seem to have changed due to the recognition that the people of Guyana revealed themselves to be well-informed through access to social media and reliable information sources. Jones dismissed the PPP’s tactics of lies and propaganda, which he stated, did not work on Guyana’s increasingly informed electorate.
Citing examples, Jones pointed out that the cash grant of $40,000, distribution of contracts worth $250,000 and $150,000, building bridges in record time, and other promises failed to yield the expected election results that Bharrat Jagdeo expected, additionally Jones stated that, the practice of donning former or current members of APNU with red T-shirts in an attempt to galvanize resources and votes for the PPP also proved futile.
Jones expressed his disbelief in Jagdeo’s inability to resonate with the people, despite being a former president and the current Vice President. He criticized Jagdeo for making promises at public meetings and rallies across the country, only to be rejected by the electorate. Jones speculated on the embarrassment that this situation must be causing within the PPP, questioning what their next steps would be to fulfill their agenda of complete domination.
Jones also alluded to Jagdeo’s recent hour and a half-long address to the media today, where Jagdeo allegedly acknowledged the termination of contracts and job losses, attributing them to reasons other than election results. Jones countered Jagdeo’s claim arguing that the behavior was a recurring pattern in previous elections where the PPP made promises and issued contracts that abruptly ended once the elections were over.
Highlighting specific incidents, Jones mentioned the removal of machinery used for roadworks in New Amsterdam immediately after the elections, suggesting a lack of commitment from the PPP. He argued that Guyanese citizens are no longer easily swayed by the PPP’s tactics. Chief Whip Jones also challenged Jagdeo to proceed with his initial plan of snap elections, scheduled for December 18, 2023, if he truly believed in the strength of the PPP’s support.
In closing, the APNU Chief Whip urged the public to remain vigilant and hold the PPP accountable for their promises, while assuring them that the opposition would continue to monitor and work towards fulfilling their own commitments to the people. As the political landscape in Guyana evolves, it remains to be seen how the PPP will respond to these criticisms and whether they will be able to regain the trust of the electorate.
