Jagdeo updates New York Diaspora

During a meeting in New York with overseas-based Guyanese, Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo informed the gathering of the various inconsistencies emanating out of the 2015 General and Regional Elections held in May, which the former ruling Party lost by over 4000 votes.

Hundreds of Guyanese turned out to the event last Friday in Queens, New York, despite inclement weather. During the Town Hall-styled meeting, the Opposition Leader in his opening remarks gave the Diaspora an overview of the recent election outcome and electoral process in Guyana.

The enthused crowd wanted a more in-depth overview as to what happened with the tabulation of the ballots that eventually caused the PPP to lose governance. Jagdeo highlighted the various inconsistencies in the overall electoral process, pointing out to the packed hall, the several instances of partisan behaviour displayed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

PPP supports Govt on territorial issues

Turning his attention to current events, the Opposition Leader reiterated his support to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Chance (APNU/AFC) Government as it relates to the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela. He stated emphatically that the PPP will never shy away from national issues such as this.

However, Jagdeo said that the positive relationship that the PPP Government had established with Venezuela should continue to grow under the current Administration. More so, he added, because of that positive relationship, Guyana was able to get Venezuela to purchase its rice.

“Our rice farmers got an above the market price for their rice. The current APNU regime shattered this agreement within their first 100 days and today our rice industry is in shambles,” Jagdeo remarked.

Furthermore, the PPP/C Leader went on to emphasise his support for social cohesion, but expressed that the timing is not right at the moment because the APNU/AFC Government still seems to be in election campaign mode.

In addition, the Leader of the Opposition spoke extensively about the economic incompetence of the current coalition Administration. He spoke of the need to strengthen the PPP in order to win back political power in Guyana.

Jagdeo spent over three hours answering questions from and interacting with members of the Diaspora.