The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) issued a statement condemning the re-arrest of former Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Monday, calling it a “malicious and vindictive” act by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime.
The Opposition argues that the new charges against Jordan, which mirror those previously dismissed by the courts, are part of a broader campaign of victimisation aimed at silencing critics of the government, particularly as the General and Regional Elections approaches.
Jordan was charged with “misconduct in public office” following his appearance in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The case alleges that, between February 25 and June 11, 2020, Jordan recklessly signed a vesting order for over five acres of land at Lot PSS Plantation Beterverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. The land, reportedly valued at GY$150 million, was sold for GY$2.425 million.
Following his court appearance, Jordan was granted bail in the amount of GY$150,000, with the case scheduled for further hearings on April 23. A similar charge was previously dismissed by the courts in May 2023. The Opposition insists that this latest re-arrest is an attempt by the PPP regime to intimidate Jordan, who has been a vocal critic of the government’s management of the country’s oil wealth and economic policies.
“We reiterate that Mr. Jordan’s re-arrest is nothing more than a desperate attempt by an increasingly unhinged PPP regime to intimidate those who expose its abuses and incompetence,” the PNCR/APNU statement reads. The opposition party has argued that Jordan’s outspoken criticisms of the administration’s failures, particularly in handling the country’s oil revenues, have made him a target of the government.
The PNCR/APNU also warned of a growing pattern of authoritarianism under the PPP, especially with the 2025 general elections approaching. The opposition claims that state agencies, such as the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), are being used for political purposes, contributing to an atmosphere of social unrest and political instability.
“We warned at our Press Conference last Friday: as elections draw nearer, there are increasing signs of desperation from the PPP regime as it faces certain electoral defeat,” the statement continued. “Abuses of constitutional rights and freedoms are becoming more frequent and more evident.”
The PNCR/APNU has vowed to continue defending Jordan’s rights and freedom and promised to stand by him in his legal battle. The Opposition is calling on all Guyanese to unite against what they see as an erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
Jordan’s re-arrest and the ongoing case have become a point of contention in the politically charged climate leading up to the Elections. The PNCR/APNU urges Guyanese, regardless of their political affiliation, to raise their voices against what they believe is an attack on democracy and the rule of law.
