The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has sharply condemned Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent remarks at a press conference where he referred to members of the Guyanese public as “stupid people.”
IFAAD, an advocacy group focused on human rights and equality, decried the Vice President’s comments as “derogatory” and “disrespectful” during a statement issued on May 18, 2025. The group’s Vice Chairman, Pt. Ubraj Narine, a former Mayor of Georgetown, called the remarks an affront to the dignity of the people Jagdeo is elected to serve.
“These remarks, made by a sitting Vice President, are not only disrespectful but represent a direct affront to the dignity of the citizens he is elected to serve,” said Narine. “At a time when national unity, inclusivity, and respect for all voices are critical to our democratic fabric, such language is both irresponsible and unacceptable.”
Jagdeo’s comments, made during a press conference at Freedom House, last Thursday, sparked immediate backlash from politicians, civil society, and ordinary citizens alike.
Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson branded the statement as “not only reprehensible, but indicative of a leader who seems either unhinged or dangerously detached from reality,” while prominent businessman Azruddin Mohamed said “this man has no respect for the people of this country.”
Several other public figures, including community leaders and activists, have also expressed their outrage, demanding that the Vice President issue a public apology for his inflammatory language. Commentators argue that such language only exacerbates the divisions in the country, undermining efforts toward building a more inclusive and democratic society.
IFAAD has called for Jagdeo to retract his statement and offer a public apology to the Guyanese people, emphasising that leaders are entrusted with the moral responsibility to lead with humility and respect.
“Leaders bear a moral and constitutional responsibility to uphold the values of civility and respect, particularly when engaging with the public and media,” Narine added.
The Vice Chairman also underscored the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue and accountability in public discourse, particularly in a time when unity and social cohesion are pivotal for Guyana’s development.
“Our nation deserves leaders who inspire confidence, listen with humility, and treat every citizen with dignity,” Narine said. “Labeling any segment of our population as ‘stupid’ undermines the principles of equity and mutual respect that are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.”
In addition to calling for an apology, IFAAD has urged other public officials, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to stand against divisive rhetoric and advocate for a culture of tolerance. The organisation reiterated its commitment to fostering equality and mutual respect at all levels of leadership.
The statement from IFAAD arrives amidst growing concerns over the increasing polarisation in the country’s political and social climate, with calls for leaders to exercise more care and sensitivity in their public communications. Time will tell whether Vice President Jagdeo will heed the call for an apology or continue his abuse of the public.
