Dr. Terrence Campbell, a former vocal critic of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, has made a dramatic shift in his views, expressing regret over his past criticisms while now fiercely condemning the current administration led by President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
In a forceful statement, the businessman declared that the Ali/Jagdeo government is “a government of hatred and evil,” accusing the administration of using state institutions as weapons against him. He specifically pointed to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which, he claims, is now being weaponised in a baseless money laundering accusation against him. Despite these allegations, Campbell boldly stated that he has nothing to fear, citing his commitment to transparency with his finances. “Thank God, I pay CohnReznick approximately US$20K per year to disclose every cent in a 300+ page tax return to the IRS,” he said, asserting that his financial dealings are beyond reproach.
Campbell didn’t hold back in his criticism of Jagdeo, accusing him of being “afraid of his political future” and resorting to defamation and attacks on anyone entering the political arena. He described Jagdeo as “the epitome of evil,” while lamenting the destruction of freedom of speech and the corruption he claims is plaguing the country’s state resources.
Reflecting on the current state of affairs, Campbell voiced a sense of longing for the Coalition government, even expressing an unexpected nostalgia for former Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. “I miss the Coalition government. Hell, I even miss Harmon,” Campbell remarked, as he criticised the government’s treatment of Afro-Guyanese citizens and the erosion of the political landscape under Jagdeo’s rule.
Adding a personal element to his remarks, Campbell revealed that he had once been the first person approached by President Irfaan Ali to be his prime ministerial candidate. “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,” Campbell shared. He then pointed to how his criticisms of government spending, the GOAL program, the lack of transparency regarding the use of oil funds, the rapid depletion of the oil fund, and the distribution of imported chicken to political allies had now made him “Public Enemy #1” in Jagdeo’s eyes.
As the Jagdeo and his associates intensify their attacks, Campbell is demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the claims made by businessman Ameir Ahmad, who recently accused him of making racist and threatening phone calls. In a statement on his Facebook page, Campbell called on the Guyana Police Force to have Ahmad, his witnesses, and himself submit to polygraph tests, preferably conducted by Scotland Yard, to settle the fabricated allegations once and for all.
“Mr. Ahmad is close to both the VP [Jagdeo] and the Commissioner, so there is a need for an independent investigation,” Campbell asserted, emphasising that impartiality is essential to ensure justice is served.
Campbell’s bold remarks come at a time of heightened political tension and accusations, with Campbell pledging to stand firm against what he sees as a relentless campaign to silence and discredit him. He remains resolute, declaring: “A luta continua” — the struggle continues.
