Jagdeo dismisses claims of political persecution amid drug find, electricity theft revelations

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, addressed allegations of political victimization regarding figures connected to the opposition, including social media activist Melissa Atwell, known as ‘Melly Mel’ and Kian Jabour, a political commentator and businessman associated with A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

Jabour became the center of controversy following allegations of electricity theft earlier on Thursday and it comes days after a police operation that uncovered 27 grams of cannabis in an alleyway near Atwell’s family residence at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

The police were reportedly conducting a search for narcotics when the drugs were discovered.

And though many have raised questions about the circumstances in which the illicit substance was found, Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government remains unthreatened by figures like Jabour and Atwell.

“I don’t like to comment on the fringes because you just give them more [clout],” Jagdeo stated.

“Kian Jabour or any social influencer does not pose a threat to the PPP. Our support is based on our work on the ground, and we prioritize the interests of the people.”

Jagdeo was particularly pointed when addressing the recent news of Jabour, allegedly stealing electricity from the Guyana Power and Light.

“If you’re stealing electricity and you get caught, you should face the consequences,” he asserted. “Why should it be different for a politician? If someone is involved in wrongdoing, whether they are a politician or not, they must be held accountable.”

The Vice President also discussed the cannabis discovery and the speculations of the government’s involvement.

“If this was an organized plot to frame someone, the drugs wouldn’t have been found in an alleyway. It’s illogical,” he remarked.

Jagdeo reiterated the PPP’s commitment to defending civil liberties and free speech. “She [Melly Mel] has every right to express herself. If she libels someone, there are legal remedies available, but using intimidation is not something we support as a government,” he said.

He went on to defend the party’s record on social issues, including recent pension increases and health initiatives for women.

Dr. Jagdeo maintained that the government is focused on tangible outcomes for its constituents, rather than being sidetracked by allegations against individual political figures.

“We’ve been looking out for our pensioners, children, and vulnerable communities,” he noted. “Our work speaks for itself.”