Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s conduct at a press conference held on December 29, 2023, seemed to have left a lot to be desired, drawing severe criticism and raised questions about his suitability for office.
Opposition Member of Parliament and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, has weighed in, expressing deep concerns over what he describes as Jagdeo’s “unsettling” approach to governance.
In a statement on the matter, Forde’s critique focuses on Jagdeo’s interaction with the media and public. During his latest press conference, Jagdeo’s statements, according to Forde, have deteriorated into what can be described as a “low class ‘cuss out’,” alienating many in the Guyanese community.
Forde asserts that such conduct is unbecoming of a Vice President and diminishes the level of political discourse in the country.
Moreover, Forde points out a troubling trend in Jagdeo’s approach to dissent. the Vice President. Publicly declaring an intention to go after social media influencers, residing within and beyond our borders, critical of the PPP/C government is not only a violation of democratic fundamentals but also an incredibly troubling display of power that is fatal to freedom of speech and free speech.
Forde highlights the irony in Jagdeo’s actions, contrasting his stance against critics with the preferential treatment allegedly given to a party affiliate, who has been awarded a state contract under questionable circumstances.
The implications of these actions are significant, especially in a nation experiencing an influx of oil wealth. Forde argues that the interplay between this newfound wealth and the alleged misuse of power by Jagdeo could erode the foundations of democracy in Guyana, fostering an environment ripe for injustice and inequality.
Reflecting on Jagdeo’s political history, Forde references a 2011 report from the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) which said: stagnation, violence, corruption, arch- sectarianism, and unfettered crime is the heritage that President Bharrat Jagdeo will bequeath to his country.
According to that report Jagdeo could only receive the lowest of marks from any independent evaluation. “Through his tolerance of crime, racism, and dismal social progress, President Jagdeo has turned in a fifth-rate performance as president of one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere.”
It said that …Jagdeo will go down in history as a man who did almost nothing for his nation while in office”. Now that he is serving his third term (de facto) he is intensifying his banalities against critics and enhancing his legacy of corruption, racism and poverty.
This report criticised Jagdeo’s previous tenure as President, condemning his tolerance of crime, racism, and poor social progress. Forde suggests that Jagdeo’s current term is an extension of these past failings, intensifying his legacy of corruption and authoritarianism.
In conclusion, Forde urges Guyanese, particularly those in the Diaspora, to utilise social media as a platform for expressing their dissent. He calls for a united front against attempts to suppress freedom of speech and democratic principles, advocating for transparency, fairness, and accountability from the nation’s leaders.
Roysdale Forde’s statement serves as a rallying cry for Guyanese citizens to actively engage in the preservation of their democratic rights and freedoms.
As the country navigates its newfound wealth and political challenges, the role of public discourse and accountability remains paramount. (WiredJA).
