Georgetown, Guyana, October 16, 2026 — Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has called on Guyana’s historically dominant political parties to move beyond racial divisions, reconsider traditional political approaches and pursue greater cooperation in the national interest.
Jagdeo made the remarks during a wake and night of reflection honouring the late Robert Corbin, former leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC). He reflected on Guyana’s political history and argued that longstanding ethnic polarisation and mistrust had limited opportunities for collaboration between the country’s major political parties.
Jagdeo Warns Against Entrenched Political Divisions
Jagdeo warned that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the PNC must adapt to changing political and social realities if they are to remain relevant to future generations.
He argued that traditional political thinking and racial divisions no longer adequately reflect the expectations of younger Guyanese, who increasingly want new ideas and approaches to national development.
According to Jagdeo, the parties share more common ground than their decades of political rivalry might suggest, but historical grievances and racial politics have continued to stand in the way of meaningful cooperation.
Recalling Attempts at Political Cooperation With Corbin
Reflecting on his relationship with Corbin, Jagdeo recalled that discussions aimed at improving relations between the PPP and PNC took place during his presidency.
The meetings involved senior representatives from both parties and explored possibilities for greater cooperation. However, Jagdeo said the initiative ended after Corbin faced criticism within his own party, with some accusing him of making excessive concessions to the PPP.
Jagdeo rejected the suggestion that Corbin had compromised his political principles by engaging with the governing party.
He described Corbin as a firm defender of the PNC who was nevertheless willing to consider a broader vision for Guyana beyond partisan divisions.
Constitutional Reforms Did Not Eliminate Mistrust
Jagdeo also reflected on constitutional reforms introduced in 2001, noting that they had not fully resolved the mistrust between Guyana’s major political parties.
He said the persistence of political divisions had made it difficult to establish lasting arrangements for greater inclusion and power-sharing.
The Vice President argued that Guyana’s political development requires continued efforts to address historical tensions and create opportunities for dialogue across party lines.
Calls for Political Parties to Adapt to a Changing Guyana
Jagdeo said the PNC must decide how it intends to respond to Guyana’s changing social and economic environment and determine the role it wants to play in the country’s future.
He also said the PPP must remain open to new ideas, different approaches and the inclusion of people who previously opposed the party.
According to Jagdeo, political parties must be willing to reconsider established positions as the country evolves, rather than allowing past disagreements to prevent cooperation on issues of national importance.
Corbin’s Legacy and the Future of National Unity
Jagdeo expressed regret that his earlier efforts to build closer relations with Corbin had not succeeded. He said the late political leader had understood the importance of looking beyond party differences when considering Guyana’s wider interests.
He suggested that successful cooperation between the two parties could have created a different political environment for the country.
Jagdeo concluded that some form of future cooperation between the PPP and PNC would be necessary to advance Guyana’s development, although the structure and scope of any such arrangement would need to be determined.
His remarks have renewed discussion about racial politics, political inclusion and the challenges of building trust between Guyana’s historically rival political parties.