Dear Editor,
I feel compelled to express my disappointment regarding the conduct of a journalist at Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent press conference. The journalist attempted to pose three questions, presumably in relation to my letter published in the Stabroek News on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, captioned, ‘Minister Edghill must explain how $8.6b has been spent on this proposed gov’t complex,’ approved by the National Assembly for the construction of a 12-storey office complex.
Regrettably, Mr. Jagdeo responded dismissively, telling the journalist, “…spare me Annette Ferguson…” Faced with this, the young journalist appeared intimidated and did not pursue the line of questioning any further. Press conferences are meant to provide a platform for journalists to rigorously question public officials, yet Mr. Jagdeo often seems to dictate the tone, framing which questions are asked, and which he chooses to answer.
The Constitution of Guyana guarantees freedom of expression, and any attempt to silence or intimidate members of the media should be strongly condemned.
I sincerely hope that at the next press conference, journalists will not allow Mr. Jagdeo to avoid accountability. Since Minister Edghill has failed to respond to the specific concerns raised in my June 18 letter, Mr. Jagdeo, who has effectively positioned himself as the chief spokesperson for the PPP/C, must now answer these questions and provide clarity on this highly questionable project.
Guyanese taxpayers deserve transparency. The $8.6 billion in question is public money, and it is our collective right to demand answers from those in leadership.
Yours sincerely,
Annette Ferguson, MP
