In a bold statement made on his Facebook page, Dr. Terrence Campbell, businessman and Opposition representative on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Committee, vehemently rejected a series of false accusations and political attacks. His comments come after a series of events that have escalated tensions in recent days, involving associates of and high-level figures in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government.
The controversy began on Thursday, January 30th, when Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo referred to comments made by Campbell during a press conference. Jagdeo highlighted Campbell’s mention of Dr. Ashni Singh, then former PPP government minister, being detained in handcuffs on land corruption charges, before moving on to Campbell’s Facebook post, where he raised concerns about businessman Ameir Ahmad potentially evading taxes on imported goods. Jagdeo also reminded the public that Campbell had called for an investigation into Ahmad’s business dealings.
However, the situation took a more serious turn on Saturday, February 1st, when Ameir Ahmad made an alarming accusation, claiming that Campbell had made a racist and threatening phone call from a blocked number, threatening to kill him. In his Facebook post, Campbell firmly rejected the accusation, stating his long-standing opposition to derogatory language against the Indo-Guyanese community. Ahmad reported the incident to both the Police and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
Campbell made it clear in his Facebook post that he would not be intimidated. On the same Saturday morning, he called on the Ministry of Agriculture to clarify whether the Ahmad family had been significant recipients of imported chicken. He also called for an investigation into land deals involving Ed Ahmad.
Later that afternoon, Campbell filed a report with the United States (U.S) Department of Justice regarding these land transactions. Moreover, Campbell had previously sent a pre-action letter for defamation to Shareef Ahmad, the owner of Guyana Daily News, following earlier false claims made against him.
On Sunday, February 2nd, Campbell revealed on his Facebook page that he had been informed criminal charges were being recommended against him, with his file being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to the alleged threat.
Despite the surprise news, Campbell said he immediately presented himself to CID headquarters for questioning. He was informed that police would contact him when necessary and went on to file a cybercrime report at Brickdam Police Station against Ahmad for allegedly fabricating the false accusation. He also made it clear on his Facebook page that he would pursue defamation charges.
In his Facebook post, Campbell expressed confusion about the details of the alleged phone call, speculating that surveillance may have been used to monitor his return to Guyana and that someone may have been positioned near his home to make the blocked call. He remained resolute, calling the allegations a clear attempt to humiliate him and undermine his credibility.
Despite the mounting pressure, Campbell refused to back down, stating on Facebook that he would not have accepted a role on the Investment Committee of the NRF had he known the level of hostility he would face. Nonetheless, Campbell found strength in words from a close associate, which he shared with his Facebook followers: “If God has brought you to it, He will lead you out of it.”
In a mark of defiance Campbell in one of his posts declared: “A luta continua” — the struggle continues, signaling that he remains determined to stand firm against these politically motivated attacks.
