Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the prominent and influential leader within the PPP party, has played a pivotal role in shaping Guyana’s political, social, historical, and economic landscape. Serving two terms as President, he now holds the positions of Vice President and Secretary-General of the PPP party. Throughout his distinguished political career, Dr. Jagdeo’s leadership has been instrumental in driving economic development and improving the standard of living of all Guyanese in Guyana.
In addition to the above points, Dr. Jagdeo’s media engagements with the Press are often characterized by a solid and assertive approach, demonstrating his dedication to upholding democracy and safeguarding press freedom in the country.
Nevertheless, the public knows about some newspapers’ relentless attacks against Dr. Jagdeo. Glenn Lall of Kaieteur News has made it his duty to attack Dr. Jagdeo daily. Why? Because Lall is envious of Dr. Jagdeo’s achievements as a leader in Guyana. It will take Glenn Lall three lifetimes to achieve one-tenth of what Dr. Jagdeo has done so far for the people of Guyana. Moreover, Dr. Jagdeo knows how to counter their fake news agenda.
The media significantly shaped Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s presidency (1999–2011). The relationship was and is a complex interplay of cooperation and strain, a fascinating dynamic that intrigued the public and political analysts. Recognizing the media’s democratic role, Dr. Jagdeo actively utilized it to communicate his government’s achievements, policies, and economic reforms to the public. This dynamic democratic relationship was a defining aspect of his presidency, and every week, he held press conferences for the media entities.
While some media outlets support his administration’s developmental agenda, others are critical, focusing on governance, transparency, and press freedom. Dr Jagdeo’s government is often at odds with sections of the media that are aligned with the opposition, particularly regarding accusations of corruption and political maneuvering. Despite this, his administration allowed for the expansion of media channels, enabling more platforms for discussion, albeit within the limits set by the government. This era also saw the enlightening rise of alternative, digital, and social media platforms and a shift in how news is disseminated nationwide.
Today, over 90% of the population turns to social media for their daily news, causing a sharp decline in newspaper sales in Guyana. This raises an important question: Who do newspapers in Guyana represent now? The reality is that they no longer speak for the voters. Instead, their role is limited to upholding democratic principles by sharing information. Newspapers in Guyana need to recognize that their power to influence has vanished into thin air—this influence has shifted to social media platforms. Voters in Guyana simply don’t pay attention to newspapers anymore.
Key Achievements in Media Relations:
- Expansion of media infrastructure during his presidency.
- Active communication of national development projects through the media.
- Navigating criticism related to governance and political transparency.
His Ten Years as President of Guyana
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s decade-long presidency was a transformative period in Guyanese history. He inherited an economy in decline but successfully implemented reforms that set Guyana on the path of economic recovery. His most notable legacy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), positioned Guyana as a global leader in environmental sustainability. Under his leadership, infrastructure development flourished, significantly improving roads, housing, and social services like healthcare and education.
However, Dr Jagdeo’s presidency was challenging. His government faced accusations of corruption and authoritarian tendencies, though he consistently maintained that his administration was committed to development and modernization. Despite these challenges, Dr Jagdeo remained pivotal in Guyanese politics during and after his presidency.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo does not suffer fools gladly. He has no tolerance for foolishness and shows little patience for the willfully ignorant. However, he is exceptionally patient with anyone eager to learn, regardless of their starting point.
Key Achievements During His Presidency and now as Vice-President.
- Implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
- Significant economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Instigating the first economic miracle in Guyana
- Improvements in healthcare, education, tourism and housing.
Dedication to His Party (PPP)
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s relationship with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is one of unwavering loyalty. Dr Jagdeo has been a central figure in the party’s evolution from his early political career to his presidency and beyond. His leadership ensured the PPP’s dominance in Guyana’s political landscape, and even after stepping down from the presidency, he continued to play a critical role in guiding the party’s strategy and direction.
Dr Jagdeo’s political acumen kept the PPP in power for a significant period and was instrumental in maintaining its relevance post-presidency. His dedication to the PPP extended beyond mere governance; it was about fostering an ideology rooted in national development, social equality, and economic modernization.
Key Contributions to the PPP:
-
- Instrumental in the PPP’s political strategy and electoral successes.
- Guided the party’s modernization and policy direction.
- Continued involvement in party leadership after his presidency.
- Recently, encouraging young people to join as members of the PPP party. Thus, creating opportunities for the young members to become future leaders of the country.
Close Relationship with Afro-Guyanese, Amerindians, Indo-Guyanese, Chinese, and Portuguese Communities
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s presidency was marked by efforts to build a cohesive and inclusive society that embraced Guyana’s ethnic diversity. Despite being of Indo-Guyanese heritage, he reached out to all communities, including the Afro-Guyanese, Amerindians, Chinese, and Portuguese, ensuring that development projects and social programs benefitted all segments of society. His inclusive policies promoted racial unity and sought to reduce ethnic tensions, which historically shaped Guyana’s political landscape.
Under his leadership, the Amerindian communities saw unprecedented development with programs to integrate them into the national economy. Dr Jagdeo’s administration also worked on creating business opportunities for Afro-Guyanese, Chinese, and Portuguese communities in the business sector, facilitating their contributions to Guyana’s growing economy.
Aubrey Norton’s false accusation of the leaders of the PPP Party.
Aubrey Norton, the leader of the Afro-Guyanese-dominated PNC, has once again made false accusations against the leaders of the PPP, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, claiming they are racists against Afro-Guyanese. A closer look at the facts demonstrates that these claims are baseless.
Currently, over 80% of Guyana’s military, police, fire service, civil service, nurses, and customs officials are Afro-Guyanese. Contrary to Norton’s accusations, it is actually the Indo-Guyanese and other minority groups who have faced discrimination in Guyana, as Afro-Guyanese individuals hold most of these key positions despite being a minority in the population.
Norton seems unaware that this imbalance stems from policies established by former PNC leader Forbes Burnham, who ensured these roles were reserved predominantly for Afro-Guyanese. It’s time for Norton to acknowledge this history and advocate for equal employment opportunities for all Guyanese.
Norton’s second accusation that the PPP plans to manipulate the upcoming general elections with foreign voters is equally unfounded. It is ironic, considering the PNC’s history of election manipulation. The historical record is clear: Forbes Burnham, the founder of Norton’s party, notoriously rigged elections by allowing deceased individuals and even children living in the UK to vote.
Hamilton Green, a longtime associate of Burnham, has openly confirmed these fraudulent tactics and advised Norton to replicate them in his quest for power. This is no secret—many Afro-Guyanese intellectuals are well aware of this past and are now joining the PPP in significant numbers.
Instead of addressing his party’s legacy of election rigging, Norton continues to rely on divisive racial rhetoric to attack the PPP and its leaders. Even Nigel Hughes’s PNC ally AFC has remained silent on the ongoing legal trials involving individuals accused of rigging and manipulating the 2020 election. It is evident that Norton has no substantial policies to offer his base, relying instead on discrediting PPP leadership and playing the racial card.
The PPP, however, remains committed to fair and principled politics, rejecting Norton’s divisive tactics. Guyanese voters are aware of the PNC/AFC’s history of electoral manipulation and race-based strategies. This is why many are turning towards the PPP, a party that has consistently delivered economic progress and prosperity for the nation.
While Norton continues to make baseless allegations and clings to outdated racial narratives, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo are leading Guyana toward an unprecedented economic transformation.
Their focus is on unity and development, whereas Norton seems fixated on reviving the divisive tactics of Burnham’s era, which left Guyana impoverished and struggling. In contrast, the PPP’s policies have brought economic success and tangible benefits to all Guyanese, including the Afro-Guyanese community.
Norton’s strategy of playing the race card and attempting to cast doubt on the integrity of the PPP won’t distract voters from the real progress being made.
The people of Guyana know the truth: the PPP stands for development, fairness, and the well-being of all citizens, while the PNC’s leadership appears stuck in the past, with nothing but false promises and divisive rhetoric to offer.
Finally, Norton must understand this saying from his Christian Bible: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Key Contributions to Ethnic Relations by the PPP Party.
- Policies promoting racial unity and reducing ethnic tensions.
- Significant development projects aimed at Amerindian communities.
- Integration of Chinese and Portuguese business communities into Guyana’s economic landscape.
Protection of Venezuelan Immigrants
During Dr Jagdeo’s presidency, Venezuela’s political and economic crises began to spill over into neighboring Guyana, leading to an influx of Venezuelan immigrants. His administration responded with policies that ensured these immigrants’ protection and humane treatment while balancing Guyana’s national interests. His government coordinated with international bodies to manage the crisis, mobilizing the country’s resources to help these refugees without destabilizing Guyana’s economy.
Dr Jagdeo’s stance on Venezuelan immigrants reflected his broader humanitarian approach to governance. He advocated for a regional solution to the crisis, working with CARICOM and other regional leaders to address the situation.
Key Achievements in Immigrant Protection:
- Humanitarian policies for the protection of Venezuelan immigrants.
- Collaboration with regional and international bodies to manage the migrant crisis.
- Balancing national interests with humanitarian obligations.
PNC/AFC Party Leaders’ Fear of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Even after stepping down, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s political influence extended far beyond his presidency, making him a formidable figure in Guyanese politics. His strategic mind, charisma, and continued involvement in the PPP kept the opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) on edge. PNC leaders have often expressed concerns over Jagdeo’s ability to mobilize the electorate, especially among the Indo-Guyanese, mixed-race, and Amerindian communities, ensuring the PPP’s dominance in successive elections.
Dr Jagdeo’s legacy as a political tactician continues to haunt the PNC. His capacity to outmaneuver his political opponents and maintain control over Guyana’s political narrative has left PNC leaders wary of his enduring influence. No one in the opposition parties matches his high intellect, economic knowledge, and vision for Guyana.
Key Points of Political Dominance:
- Jagdeo’s strategic political acumen, even post-presidency.
- His ability to mobilize diverse communities in favor of the PPP party.
- The PNC/AFC’s continued struggle to counter his influence in Guyanese communities and politics.
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s legacy as one of Guyana’s most influential leaders is deeply intertwined with his ability to navigate complex political, social, and economic landscapes. Domestic and international transformative policies marked his tenure as president, and his enduring influence within the PPP continues to shape Guyana’s future.
From his complicated relationship with the media to his efforts in unifying Guyana’s diverse ethnic communities, Dr Jagdeo remains a central figure in the nation’s narrative. Many political pundits in Guyana and abroad view the implementation of economic policy as the brain behind economic success.
His humanitarian approach to the Venezuelan immigrant crisis and ability to outmaneuver political opponents, particularly within the PNC and minor political parties, underscore his formidable presence in Guyana’s political arena.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo knows the people of Guyana better than any political leader. He understands the pulse of the voters and knows what needs to be done to improve the standard of living of all Guyanese. However, his political enemies regard him as a “Control Freak” because they fear his vast intellectual knowledge of economics and politics and his caring attitude toward all Guyanese, irrespective of their ethnicity.
Finally, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has firmly established himself as a true “man of the people,” recognized for his deep connection, dedication to everyday citizens, and unwavering commitment to their needs.