|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Georgetown, Guyana — The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government intends to seek the cooperation of the incoming Trump administration to address matters concerning Rickford Burke, an outspoken overseas critic of the Guyanese government, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed during a press conference on Thursday. Jagdeo voiced his government’s frustrations over what he described as a consistent campaign of “lies” and “false accusations” by Burke, which he says have been deliberately aimed at damaging Guyana’s image internationally.
“Every Guyanese knows that he is a lunatic,” Jagdeo said of Burke. He dismissed claims Burke has made in the past, such as allegations of threats to his life from Guyanese officials. “They even suggest that somebody has any harmful desire in relation to him,” he added, emphasizing that the government has no ill intent toward Burke.
In his comments, Jagdeo expressed optimism about the potential influence of the incoming Trump administration, noting that former President Trump’s first administration had shown a willingness to work with Guyana on matters important to the PPP. “We believe that the United States of America is a very close partner of Guyana, and therefore we have to work to build that partnership continuously,” Jagdeo remarked. He also congratulated Trump on his recent electoral win, noting his historic return to the presidency for a non-consecutive term.
The Vice President outlined specific concerns about Burke’s influence on U.S. officials. According to Jagdeo, opposition figures and other critics, including Burke, have met frequently with U.S. representatives, spreading a “standard narrative” that the PPP is corrupt, racist, and anti-American. He accused these critics of presenting a misleading view of Guyana’s current government and its policies. “Almost every mission that comes to Guyana from the United States, they have a standard mantra: The PPP is racist. The PPP is corrupt. The PPP is incompetent. The PPP squanders oil money,” Jagdeo stated.
Looking to the Trump administration for support in countering this narrative, Jagdeo asserted that Guyana’s government would continue to “debunk all the lies” circulated by its critics abroad, adding that officials in Washington should know the full truth about Burke’s activities and character. Jagdeo alleged that Burke was not only attempting to damage the government’s image but was also engaged in “criminal acts” against innocent Guyanese, including “extortion for money.”
While Jagdeo’s remarks highlighted confidence in an improved relationship with the U.S. under Trump, opposition supporters argue that the administration’s actions may ultimately represent an attempt to stifle dissent among the Guyanese diaspora.
The Vice President’s statement comes amid a tense political landscape in Guyana, where overseas influencers and opposition figures have long played a role in shaping foreign perspectives on the country’s government. As the Guyanese government looks to improve its standing and address criticisms, Jagdeo’s comments indicate a belief that the incoming Trump administration may present new opportunities to advance Guyana’s interests in Washington.
