Jagdeo warns voters not to be fooled by Azruddin, his ‘bunch of misfits’ and his handouts

Vice President and General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, on Saturday warned voters on the Essequibo Coast not to be fooled by handouts from US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, saying he and his “bunch of misfits” cannot govern Guyana but instead pose a threat to the country’s economy, democracy and sovereignty.

Speaking at a packed re-election rally at Anna Regina, Jagdeo urged supporters to reject Azruddin, saying he doesn’t care about Essequibians but is rather seeking the seat of power to save himself from US sanctions, which have crippled him and his family’s businesses, leaving him without even a bank account.

Azruddin, upset with the PPP government for not backing him, set up the political group “We Invest in Nationhood.” He is under sanction by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The designation, linked to gold smuggling and corruption, has already prompted local banks to close the accounts of those associated with his party.

Jagdeo warned Amerindian communities not to be fooled by Azruddin’s handouts of boat engines and money, saying his election to office would prove dangerous for them.

“Elections are about risk,” Jagdeo told the cheering crowd. “And if you are not careful, there is a risk you can suffer, that can harm your families.”

Jagdeo said the government’s swift response to the sanctions on Azruddin, his father, and their businesses was crucial to protect Guyana’s financial sector.

He said if the government didn’t react, “every Guyanese would have been put at risk,” he said. If the banks didn’t comply with the US sanctions, Jagdeo said they could have been shut down, and that would have made it almost impossible for Guyana to do business.

Jagdeo accused Mohamed of using handouts to buy political favour in Amerindian communities. “He gives a few engines and $50,000,” Jagdeo said. “What happens when the $50,000 goes? What happens when he is taken away to the US for a long vacation?”

“He doesn’t really love you. He is coming to your communities to save his ass.”

The Vice President said Azruddin’s party, aligned with the main opposition, is attempting to split the PPP’s support base in traditional strongholds like Essequibo and Berbice.

“They have a deal with Azruddin Mohamed,” he charged. “They’re hoping they will split the PPP support, but they are dreaming. That’s not going to happen.”

Jagdeo was particularly scathing in his criticism of Azruddin ability to lead the country.

“Essequibo values education, and for a man like him to come here and say he wants to be President? This guy can’t string together two things,” he said. “Compare that to Irfaan Ali.”

Referring to the party’s recently launched manifesto, which he described as plagiarised, Jagdeo said Azruddin’s party is composed of nothing more than “a bunch of misfits”.

“You think you can rest your future in them? They are all going to face sanctions.”

He said the PPP has brought hope and development to hinterland villages, and promised further reforms including a “family-friendly” tax system and safer communities.

“We’re going to help you earn, and live in safe communities,” he said.
Jagdeo urged supporters not to be complacent, encouraging them to make sure they vote on election day.

“If you have to go backdam that day, don’t go,” he said. “When the next flood comes around, you want someone who can listen to you and help.”

He ended his speech with a rallying call: “I expect all of you, go home and work hard, and don’t put the country at risk.”