General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, has sharply criticised the Alliance For Change (AFC) over its openness to political alliances with any group except the PPP/C, even if those political entities are tied to controversial figures.
Jagdeo’s remarks come in response to AFC Chairman David Patterson’s recent confirmation that the party is willing to join forces with “anyone,” including We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), a political movement associated with US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed.
According to Jagdeo, Patterson’s admission reveals the AFC’s deep-seated hate for the PPP/C, which he believes outweighs considerations of national interest.
“They don’t mind partnering with the devil,” Jagdeo said. “They don’t care about the people. They have an obsession and hatred for the PPP. They would prefer to ignore progress and side with someone who exposes the country.”
Jagdeo referenced sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) against Mohamed and contended that the opposition’s willingness to associate with WIN, despite these sanctions, could put the nation at risk.
He also turned his attention to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader, Aubrey Norton, who said that the focus should not be on Mohamed, but the removal of the PPP /C from power.
“Hatred for PPP is more important than the future of the country,” Jagdeo charged, alleging that Norton’s comments downplay the gravity of foreign-imposed sanctions and instead redirect blame toward the PPP.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, yesterday expressed concerns over the possible introduction of US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed into Guyana’s governance structure. The envoy said such a development could have serious diplomatic and economic consequences.
“Yes, we are concerned anytime an OFAC-sanctioned individual has the potential to become a member of government…It’s problematic in multiple ways… We have to be very careful if that person is involved. Let’s say we were on a certain committee; we would have to be very careful in working with that committee. We have to make sure that we didn’t work with him specifically,” Theriot stated.
The Mohameds were sanctioned last year for gold smuggling among other accusations. A high-ranking PPP/C Government official, Mae Thomas was also sanctioned.
