Jagdeo: Endorsements driven by government’s achievements, unifying agenda

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s goal of uniting Guyanese under a common agenda of growth and opportunity was once again reinforced by General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo today.

Speaking at his weekly press conference at Freedom House, he emphasised inclusivity, national unity, and the party’s track record of performance as key pillars of its governance and outreach.

Dr Jagdeo condemned what he described as “dog whistle politics” being used by certain opposition figures to sow division along racial lines. He criticised attempts to encourage Afro-Guyanese citizens to remain loyal to the opposition based on ethnicity rather than policy, leadership, or vision for the future.

“Ignore the failures, the betrayal, the lack of plans. Support them just because of race,” Dr Jagdeo said, calling out the opposition’s strategy as dangerously divisive. He recalled that during earlier years, opposition figures discouraged Afro-Guyanese from applying for government-initiated GOAL scholarships, a move he interpreted as an attempt to prevent their upliftment.

Addressing recent endorsements of President Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP by several former opposition members and small-party leaders, Dr Jagdeo made it clear that the PPP welcomes all Guyanese—regardless of political background—who wish to contribute to national progress.

“You don’t have to be a party member to be welcomed into our collective,” he said, citing former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds as a respected example of non-partisan collaboration within the PPP/C administration.

He stressed that the party does not require new supporters to “prove” themselves by publicly denouncing their former affiliations.

“We don’t rub people’s noses in the dust. We treat people with dignity,” Dr Jagdeo noted, contrasting this approach with that of the opposition, which he said demands absolute loyalty and repudiation of defectors’ past associations.

He also responded to media narratives suggesting internal discontent among long-serving PPP members over the growing support from former APNU+AFC figures.

“PPP supporters are happy because they see people recognising that we are changing the country. We’ve always focused on building a multi-ethnic national party from the days of Cheddi Jagan,” he asserted.

He added that while there may be small pockets of dissatisfaction related to local issues, such as garbage collection or drainage, PPP supporters still believe in the party’s capacity to resolve these matters.

“They support the PPP because they see things getting better—and they know it will continue to improve if we stay in government.”

Highlighting the futility of attempts by opposition forces to create dissatisfaction within PPP ranks, Dr Jagdeo pointed to ongoing efforts by political opponents to distort unity as weakness.

He referenced recent endorsements such as that of former Vice President under the previous administration, Sydney Allicock, who has publicly supported President Ali’s leadership based on the evident transformation across the country.

Dr Jagdeo also took a light jab at opposition leader Aubrey Norton, who publicly rejected any notion of personal friendship with him.

“It really bothered him that I referred to him as my friend,” Dr Jagdeo quipped, suggesting that Norton is under pressure from his base not to appear conciliatory.

He reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to inclusive development, respect for diversity, and a forward-looking agenda.

“Our focus is winning the next election so we can continue to transform this country. And every Guyanese—regardless of race or political history—has a role to play in that journey.”

Several prominent figures and former members of rival political parties have publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), crediting their switch to the government’s achievements and its vision for Guyana’s future.