Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has condemned recent comments by Terrence Campbell, who claimed in a published letter that Dr Jagdeo has a “genetic predisposition to eating his cake and having it.” Dr Jagdeo labeled the remark as an attack on his character and an insult to his heritage and Indo-Guyanese roots. He noted a pattern in similar statements made by Nigel Hughes and Winston Jordan, calling it a coordinated effort to undermine Indo-Guyanese leadership and perpetuate a racist narrative.
Dr Jagdeo argued that such elitist and divisive views are unacceptable in a multi-ethnic society like Guyana. He challenged the double standards in addressing these remarks, pointing out that if he made similar statements, there would be immediate backlash. Reaffirming his commitment to unity, Jagdeo urged leaders to move beyond divisive rhetoric and focus on building an inclusive and progressive nation.
Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, delivered a fiery critique of what he perceives as elitist and racist attitudes within certain sections of Guyanese society. In his candid remarks, Dr Jagdeo called out individuals who perpetuate divisive narratives, asserting his pride in his heritage and disdain for pretentious behavior.
Dr Jagdeo began by addressing what he termed the “urban elite” and their condescending view of others, labeling it as inherently racist. “I am proud of who I am,” he stated emphatically, underscoring his capacity to treat others respectfully while working hard to achieve success. However, he added, “I think I am genetically predisposed to recognize when I see useless people—the pretend sophisticates who sip wine and discuss hollow intellectual ideas to seem superior.”
He did not shy away from calling out what he sees as “fake intellectualism,” describing individuals who name-drop historical poets or philosophers in an attempt to elevate themselves above others. Using Shakespeare as an example, Dr Jagdeo remarked, “They think quoting Shakespeare makes them better than others, but I see through all of it.”
Turning his attention to Nigel Hughes and others he associated with the same social circles, Dr Jagdeo criticized what he perceived as their attempts to disguise incompetence with intellectual pretense. “Nigel repeated it because it comes from the same group they hang out with,” he said, implying that these attitudes are pervasive within certain cliques. He further accused these individuals of being out of touch with governance and national development realities.
Dr Jagdeo also aimed at former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, asserting that criticism of his economic management was not rooted in racial bias but in his perceived inefficiency. “When we say you hopelessly managed the economy, it’s not about Afro-Guyanese. Our government has a ton of efficient people,” he clarified, emphasizing the PPP’s commitment to inclusivity and meritocracy.
In Guyana’s diverse and multi-racial society, it isn’t very pleasant to see certain Afro-Guyanese leaders, led by Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes, resorting to divisive race-card tactics. Instead of presenting a vision for economic progress and national unity, they seek to create narratives of discrimination that do not reflect the reality of our society.
Guyana’s police force, army, civil service, fire departments, airport staff, and teaching workforce are overwhelmingly represented by Afro-Guyanese—comprising 90% of these key sectors. The question then arises: who is indeed being discriminated against? The answer is evident—it is the majority population, including Indo-Guyanese, Amerindians, mixed-race individuals, Portuguese, and Chinese citizens, who have historically been excluded from these spheres.
The time has come to reject these divisive narratives and embrace policies that promote equal opportunities for all in our richly multicultural nation.
Norton, Hughes, and his cronies must understand that Guyana is a multiracial nation, not a state in Africa but on the continent of South America.
Dr Jagdeo’s remarks were a robust defense of his political philosophy and leadership style. By confronting elitism, racism, and intellectual pretension head-on, he sought to reaffirm his commitment to a united and progressive Guyana—one that values hard work, respect, and authenticity over hollow posturing.