GUYANA deserves strong, focused leadership; not partisan pettiness, Forde advises Jagdeo

Statement by Member of  Parliament and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde in reply to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

It has become necessary for me to reply to certain disparaging remarks made against me, and others deemed critical of the PPP/C and its dismal performance, by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. 

If he is allowed to get away with it then I am afraid unsuspecting citizens would be led to believe alternative truths, and gross inaccuracies consistently propagated by this official, at those events.

Unbelievably, at his most recent press conference, Thursday, December 28, 2023, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo made comments about my appointment to Senior Counsel.

Whilst I have no problem with the right of this gentleman to express his opinion (a right he seeks to deny others) it must be seen for what it is- partisan pettiness.

In the face of a multiplicity of crises affecting our nation, one would hope for an inclusive approach at all levels of our society, and leaders, who would rise above petty politics. 

Sadly, recent snide remarks made by the Vice President about my appointment to Senior Counsel reflect a disappointing diversion from the urgent issues at hand, particularly those ones that call into question the clumsy and unlawful attempt by the Guyana Police Force, to serve a summons on a critic of the government residing overseas, and the brutal attack on the right of individuals to free speech. 

It was Henry Ward Beecher who said: “Free speech is to a great people what winds are to oceans and malarial regions, which waft away the elements of disease and bring new elements of health; and where free speech is stopped, miasma is bred and death comes fast”.

At a time when Guyanese are grappling with an increasing cost of living crisis, an acute shortages of critical human resources, including nurses, in the public healthcare sector, poor and starvation wages for public servants (the PPP/C government gave an insulting 6.5% to public servants) a noticeable increase in crimes, and political and military tensions on our western border, the focus should rightfully be on finding solutions and nation- building. 

Despite their importance those challenges and issues did not figure prominently at that press conference. However, the Vice President’s comments about who should and should not be senior counsel, appear to be a ruse to shift attention away from these critical issues, displaying a regrettable display of political favourtism.

Appointment to the esteemed position of Senior Counsel is a testament to professional achievement and dedication to the legal professional; it is based on merit. It is troubling to witness the Vice President insinuate that a member of his political party- the PPP/C- should have been awarded the title instead. 

Again, this raises serious concerns about the priorities of PPP/C leaders and their ability to rise above very narrow party lines for the greater good of this nation. If only the Vice President had the ability to transcend political pettiness then he would not have to be hopping in front of the press, every week, to speak on every governmental and state issue. 

Instead, the crammed cabinet of ministers on the state’s payroll would be allowed to function and carry out their duties, which include reporting to the people. It does appear that the Vice President is an authority on every subject. 

Whether it is the environment, oil and gas, public works, public health, lands, legal matters or who qualify for conferment of senior counsel; the Vice President seems to know it all. Then what is the use of everyone else in his government?

Guyana is facing unprecedented challenges that clearly demand the full and focused attention of its leaders. From economic hardships to the strain on our healthcare system, to a border controversy, now is not the time for divisive rhetoric. 

It is clear that the Vice President’s comments not only undermine the integrity of the legal system but also erode public trust in the government’s ability to address the pressing issues confronting us. 

Instead of engaging in divisive discourse, the Vice President should be channeling his efforts towards fostering inclusivity, and work with all stakeholders to address the multifaceted crises that threaten the wellbeing of Guyanese and the democratic values of our country.

It is imperative that those in government prioritise the collective good over partisan interests. Indeed, Guyana deserves leaders who can rise above political bickering, especially in times of crisis. 

Guyanese should not be distracted by the petty politicking of the government but rather focus on finding solutions that will promote our nation to greatness. The people of Guyana deserve nothing less.

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