Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has weighed in on the recent endorsement of President Irfaan Ali by PNC member James Bond, claiming that the move is part of a broader political shift toward the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).
Jagdeo emphatically stated that no promises were made to Bond in exchange for his support, reinforcing the idea that the defection is a voluntary alignment with the PPP’s vision for the future of Guyana.
Speaking in an impassioned response to the growing exodus from the opposition camp, Jagdeo described the defections as evidence of the disillusionment and fragmentation within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
“People are jumping ship in large numbers because they don’t want to go down in a sinking racist ship that PNC and APNU are in,” Jagdeo remarked.
Bond’s endorsement of Ali for a second term has stirred debate, but Jagdeo stressed that the move is just the latest in a series of defections from the opposition. He pointed out that many others have already switched allegiance over the past four years, leaving the opposition to join the PPP.
“James Bond is in the news now, but there have been droves of others over the years making the journey over to us,” Jagdeo said.
“They’ve been warmly embraced by the PPP and have been part of implementing our broader vision. Before 2020, some of them made that choice and are now contributing to our work. It’s about equality and access to the country’s wealth, regardless of background.”
While Bond’s high profile has drawn considerable media attention, Jagdeo was keen to highlight that the endorsement of the PPP by figures like him is not an isolated case.
He drew a comparison between Bond’s experience and that of Kwame McCoy, a former PNC member who found success and growth within the PPP. McCoy secured one of the highest votes in the PPP’s recent congress, defying the claims that the party is solely Indo-Guyanese.
“James and Kwame were contemporaries. While James went to the PNC, Kwame chose the PPP, and look at his growth within the party. Kwame was recognised by the people, whereas James worked hard but received little recognition in the PNC,” Jagdeo noted.
Jagdeo also refuted claims that Bond’s support for the PPP was motivated by promises of financial gain or political favours.
“Nothing was promised to James Bond. He voluntarily decided to support Irfaan Ali and the PPP’s agenda. This is something we welcome,” he affirmed, adding that the PPP does not operate through patronage or promises of contracts.
The Vice President addressed criticisms of Bond’s defection, including accusations of him being a “house slave” for aligning with the PPP. Jagdeo rejected these insults, stating that such criticisms only strengthen the party’s base.
