‘Totally disgusting’ – Jagdeo dismisses criticisms of Bamia School contractors, other Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday dismissed criticisms of the contractors involved in the Bamia Primary School project, contending that those utterances are part of consistent disparagement of Afro- Guyanese entrepreneurs by the opposition.

“It’s disgusting for me, totally disgusting. You know how many progressive companies with young people of every race… every race getting work.

“I’m proud that so many Black-owned companies are now blossoming under the PPP,” the Vice President, who is also the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), said.

These comments came as Jagdeo again addressed the Bamia Primary School project.

Dr. Jagdeo highlighted how Black entrepreneurs receiving government contracts have often been subjected to character slander, with derogatory labels aimed at discrediting them. At the same time, the opposition has accused the government of failing to create opportunities for Black citizens, yet time and again, records show that in every instance, the opposition has chosen to condemn and ridicule ventures Black entrepreneurs get involved in.

“The same ones who argue that the PPP is racist and don’t give people an opportunity, would try to destroy these companies,” Jagdeo lamented

St8tment Investment Inc, a company comprising Black entrepreneurs who have a long track record in other businesses, were given a 20-month contract to construct the school in November, 2021.

Because of labour shortages and rising costs, the company was granted an extension to complete the school by late 2024. In a release this week, the company noted that construction of the school in 95% complete.

Jagdeo acknowledged that the challenges the company grappled but said many other contractors have not completed projects on time.

“We don’t get credit for the fact that we went out and that the persons who won this was a young ‘entrepreneuring’ Black company that is struggling, yes, through cost escalation, COVID and all of that, but they are going to compete this school within the budgeted sum,” he said.