Vice President and General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo delivered a blunt warning on Saturday as he addressed thousands of supporters at Belle’s Square, Second Avenue, Bartica.
Jagdeo zeroed in on U.S sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, telling the Region Seven crowd that Mohamed’s promises were “empty” and his campaign lacked credibility.
Jagdeo also took aim at other opposition figures, recounting that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton recently did a walkabout in Bartica and “people didn’t even know who he was.” According to Jagdeo, Norton had to put a garland around his own neck to attract attention.
“These are the people who are our opponents,” Jagdeo quizzed.
He noted their lack of experience too, naming APNU’s vice president candidate Ganesh Mahipaul who he described as a former junior official in the Ministry of Local Government under the previous administration and Juretha Fernandes from Bartica – designated prime ministerial candidate of the APNU but who once served only as secretary to former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.
He said Norton himself held a title in the last government but “didn’t even have an office.”
“How could you ever entrust the future of this country, or our children, into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?” Jagdeo asked the crowd. “You wouldn’t hire them to run a small business, much less a country.”
from L-R: Azruddin Mohamed, Aubrey Norton, Juretha Fernandes and Ganesh Mahipaul
He said voters should not be fooled by lofty promises and cash incentives because Azruddin and the WIN party will not be in a position to deliver on promises made after September 1, 2025.
“Look at the numbers, look at what they do. They have not held any meeting of major consequence like ours,” Jagdeo said.
“When you vote on September 1, ensure that you don’t be misled. The future of this country and your children is in your hands, and you have to vote for a party you can trust.”
Mohamed was sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury for allegedly participating in a corruption network involving gold smuggling and other illicit financial activity.
Jagdeo told the Bartica rally that Mohamed has been “hiding from local media” because he does not want to face questions about the sanctions.
“How can you entrust your future into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?
“Azruddin has experience only in gold smuggling and spending his father’s money.”
General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaks to a massive crowd in Bartica
The Vice President warned residents — particularly those in riverine and Amerindian communities — not to be swayed by cash offers or grand promises. He alleged that WIN operatives have been telling voters they will receive money if they support the party, but insisted such offers would evaporate once the election is over.
“They will come to Bartica… they will promise you money. But after September 2, Azruddin Mohamed will disappear. He will not win the elections; the PPP will win. And you will not get your money,” Jagdeo said, referencing reports from Georgetown where a woman was allegedly assaulted while trying to collect $50,000 she said was promised by Mohamed’s team.
Jagdeo contrasted WIN’s record with that of the PPP/C, urging voters to judge parties on delivery rather than rhetoric.
“We are the only party that did what we said. We will not make promises we cannot deliver on. Look at the changes in Guyana today — just imagine what five more years can do for our country,” he said.
Jagdeo reminded that Mohamed’s closest associates, now on his list of candidates, have had their bank accounts closed, leaving them financially crippled.
“Don’t let your village be considered a pariah village too.”
Calling for a decisive PPP/C victory in Region Seven, Jagdeo ended with a direct challenge to voters: “When they [WIN] come, ask them how they can guarantee the future for your children — they will have no answer.”
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