The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) has come out swinging against what it calls blatant political victimisation by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), after one of its supporters, health worker Stanley Jacobs, was abruptly transferred to a remote location in what the party says is retaliation for his political affiliations.
In a damning statement issued yesterday, ALP leader Dr. Simona Charles Broomes described the transfer of Mr. Jacobs, a 16-year veteran of the New Amsterdam Hospital, as an intimidation tactic and an abuse of public office orchestrated to punish him for campaigning with her and the ALP. “This is political persecution,” Broomes declared, adding, “It directly contradicts the President’s recent inaugural call for unity.”
The letter confirming Jacobs’ transfer was signed on September 4 by Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Vinashri Khirodhar, a known PPP candidate who campaigned on the party’s platform during the recent elections. The letter orders Jacobs to report to the Port Mourant Hospital on September 8, a location so distant it would render his continued employment nearly impossible due to commuting constraints.
Broomes is not mincing words. She says the ALP will not tolerate political bullying and is demanding the transfer be reversed immediately, an independent investigation launched, and those responsible held to account.
“This is a clear case of political victimisation,” Broomes told Village Voice News. “Mr. Jacobs has a right under the Constitution of Guyana to support a political party of his choice. He also has the right to be protected from discrimination for exercising that choice.”
The incident has heighten concern across Guyana’s already tense post-election environment, less than a week after President Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second term. Civil society has warned that the episode is part of a broader pattern of workplace discrimination targeting opposition supporters.
The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), while extending formal congratulations to President Ali, also issued a chilling warning. In a recent statement, the group said it has received multiple reports of political discrimination in state-run institutions, particularly against those perceived to be opposition-aligned.
“Discrimination of any kind undermines the principles of equality, fairness, and justice that are enshrined in our Constitution,” said IFAAD Vice Chairman Pt Ubraj Narine. “A truly democratic Guyana must ensure that every citizen is afforded equal treatment and respect, regardless of political alignment.”
But what makes this incident especially alarming is the direct conflict of interest surrounding Dr. Khirodhar, the official who signed off on Jacobs’ transfer. That a sitting RHO, simultaneously a political candidate for the ruling party, would exercise administrative power in such a context undermines not just public trust but the ethical foundation of the civil service.
The optics is damning of a state-employed health official and PPP candidate signing a punitive transfer of an opposition supporter days after elections, under the guise of administrative necessity.
With democratic institutions already under fire over the conduct of the 2025 elections, marred by accusations of voter list fraud, constitutional breaches, and abuse of state resources, this latest episode will do little to reassure Guyanese citizens that their government serves all, regardless of political affiliation.
The ALP is calling on all right-thinking citizens, unions, and civil rights groups to take a stand. “This is bigger than one man,” Broomes said. “If they can do this to Mr. Jacobs today, who will they target tomorrow?
