Businessman Dr. Terrence Campbell recently made a Facebook post revealing that then-candidate Irfaan Ali had asked him to be his prime ministerial candidate, suggesting that Ali may have approached Campbell before Prime Minister Ret’d Brigadier Mark Phillips.
Campbell stated, “You may find it hard to believe that I was the first person Irfaan Ali approached to be his prime ministerial candidate. At that time, Jagdeo had no issue with me.”
However, President Irfaan Ali strongly denied Campbell’s claim, posting on his Facebook that the statement was “completely false.” Ali emphasised, “I never approached Terrence Campbell to be a Prime Ministerial candidate for me or the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.”
Ali did acknowledge, though, that he had held “many discussions on political matters” with Campbell, who had expressed admiration for the PPP as a party promoting pro-people and pro-Guyana policies. Despite this, the president insisted that no offer was made for Campbell to be a candidate.
This denial, however, raises questions about the veracity of the statement Ali attributed to Campbell, especially given the controversial political climate in Guyana. Transparency International’s Corruption Index has ranked Guyana as the most corrupt English-speaking Caribbean country, with corruption issues stretching back to the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo and persisting under Ali’s administration. Guyana’s ranking improved during the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).
Corruption inherently divides people, violates human rights, undermines dignity, and promotes poverty and other socio-economic degradation, enriching the politically connected at the expense of the nation.
Shortly after Ali’s denial, Demerara Waves reported receiving information suggesting that Ali’s account might not be entirely truthful. The news outlet hinted at evidence supporting Campbell’s claim, revealing that an offer had been made to Campbell in the lead-up to the 2020 General and Regional Elections. When asked about the report, Ali reportedly refused to comment, stating, “I have no further comment on the issue.”
Campbell later responded on Facebook, commenting on the news story that that made known evidence suggests Ali may not be telling the truth. . He tagged Ali in the post, stating that despite their political differences, he considered him a friend and brother. However, he made it clear that he would no longer comment on the matter, effectively bringing the discussion to a close. Yet, for those following the story, there’s no doubt that Ali’s character has been called into question.
