In a brazen assault on the dignity of our nation, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has unleashed a torrent of contempt that strikes at the very heart of Guyana’s democracy. At a recent press conference, this high-ranking official, cloaked in the authority of his office, dared to declare: “This country has a lot of stupid people.”
Let this outrage reverberate through every corner of our land, from the bustling streets of Georgetown to the remote villages of the hinterland. This is not a slip of the tongue from a novice politician; it is the unfiltered arrogance of a former President, a man who once swore to uphold the constitution and now wields immense power, all while feasting on the public purse funded by the very citizens he so viciously maligns.
Who, we demand to know, does Mr. Jagdeo deem “stupid” in this sweeping indictment? Is it the resilient farmers toiling under the relentless sun to feed our nation, their hands calloused from years of labour in rice paddies and sugar fields? Or the dedicated teachers molding the minds of our youth in overcrowded classrooms, battling systemic neglect to ignite hope in the next generation? Perhaps he targets the healthcare workers, those unsung heroes who risk their lives daily in under-resourced hospitals, stitching together a fraying public health system amid crises like floods and pandemics.
Could it be the enterprising small business owners navigating economic turbulence, or the indigenous communities safeguarding our rainforests against exploitation? And what of the elderly, our elders who built this republic through sweat and sacrifice, now expecting nothing more than basic pensions and respect in their twilight years? Or the vibrant youth, harnessing technology and innovation to propel Guyana forward, only to be dismissed as fools by the elite?
This venomous utterance exposes a profound, festering disdain—a betrayal of the sacred covenant between leaders and the led. It unveils a worldview where public servants morph into petty tyrants, perched atop ivory towers of privilege, gazing down with condescension on the masses they purport to represent. In the annals of civic duty, true leadership demands humility, empathy, and unwavering respect for the sovereign people.
Yet here, we witness the antithesis: an elitist hubris that erodes the foundations of our republic, fostering division and disillusionment. As Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary who embodied the struggle for human dignity, profoundly stated: “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Jagdeo’s words do precisely that—they strip away the inherent worth of Guyanese citizens, reducing us to caricatures unworthy of thoughtful governance.
The hypocrisy is staggering, a slap in the face to every voter. This is the same political apparatus, led by Jagdeo and his allies, that crisscrosses the country in lavish campaigns, begging for the ballots of these so-called “stupid people.” They court our support with hollow promises of prosperity, oil wealth, and unity, only to reveal their true colors behind closed doors. Such duplicity is the hallmark of authoritarian drift, where power is hoarded not through merit but through manipulation and mockery.
In a thriving democracy like ours, forged from the fires of colonialism, indentureship, and independence, leaders must earn trust through transparency and accountability, not through insults hurled from on high. When contempt becomes the currency of governance, it poisons the well of public discourse, breeding cynicism and apathy among the populace.
We cannot afford to normalise this assault on our collective intelligence. To do so would be to surrender our hard-won freedoms, allowing arrogance to metastasise into outright oppression. History teaches us that societies crumble when leaders view citizens as expendable pawns rather than equal partners.
Guyana, with its rich tapestry of cultures, African, Indian, Indigenous, European, Chinese, Portuguese, has overcome divisions through resilience and solidarity. Yet Jagdeo’s remark threatens to unravel this fabric, pitting the powerful against the people in a dangerous game of us-versus-them. It is an affront not just to individuals but to the democratic ethos that binds us.
Now is the hour for civic awakening, for a thunderous rejection of this toxic leadership. We must rally as one—workers, students, professionals, and families—to demand better. Echoing the timeless wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights titan who mobilised millions against injustice: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Silence in the face of such derision is complicity; it emboldens the arrogant and diminishes our democracy. Let us channel this indignation into action: hold town halls, petition parliament, and mobilize at the polls. Elect representatives who champion the intellect, dignity, and aspirations of every Guyanese, regardless of creed, class, or colour.
Envision a Guyana where governance is a partnership, not a patronage. Where policies uplift the vulnerable, education empowers the young, and economic growth benefits all, not just the connected few. A nation where leaders serve with grace, listening to the voices of the people rather than lecturing them from pedestals. This vision is within reach, but it demands we purge the contemptuous from positions of influence.
Guyanese are not “stupid”—we are a proud, indomitable force, heirs to a legacy of resistance against oppression. From the Enmore Martyrs to the modern fight for fair elections, our history brims with examples of ordinary citizens achieving extraordinary change. Let us honour that spirit by sending an unequivocal message: We deserve leaders who respect us, who govern with integrity and inclusivity. The soul of our democracy hangs in the balance—rise, unite, and reclaim it.
