Dr Cheddi ‘Joey’ Jagan, son of the PPP’s founder and late president Cheddi Jagan yesterday endorsed the APNU+AFC Coalition saying that the ruling party has deviated from his father’s vision and has led the country down the wrong path.
“I am appealing to all voters out there to throw aside the prejudices, throw aside your blind loyalty to people who cannot help you anymore. After 23 years of rule it is time for a change,” Joey Jagan said during a press conference in which he also stressed that rule by a former military man will ensure there is discipline. He said only a change of government can ensure the country’s survival.
Jagan had thrown his support behind the PPP/C in the last elections and is on a growing list of public figures who have come out urging persons to vote for the coalition, while stating that it is time for change.
While noting that he has always expressed a preference for coalition politics, Jagan said he had decided that at the end of April, after examining “everything in detail” he would make a decision as to which party he would support.
“I am not a jumpy person… I have come to the conclusion that I am here to endorse Mr Granger for president,” he told reporters at his Charlotte Street Dental Clinic adding that there is nothing wrong with the retired Brigadier being the leader of Guyana. He said he looked beyond race in his decision.
He made it clear that he is not saying that everything the PPP/C did was bad or wrong. “But there are enough bad things and enough wrong things that they are not supposed to get another term,” he stressed.
According to him, he has concluded that even if the entire Guyanese population was Indian, the PPP/C would not even get 25% of the votes in the upcoming elections. He said the country had “great potential for everyone” but “it has been wrecked.”
He expressed the view that the coalition government will give everyone “a slice” to ensure that their lives are bettered. He urged all to “give them a chance” as it is time “to give somebody else a chance.”
Dr Jagan said that the PPP/C had 23 years of chances with no results as the country has been left in a terrible state with no proper drinking water and a deplorable city. “We have a five-star hotel and a one star city,” he said.
He said the government has put a lot of efforts into building things such as the National Stadium but has neglected transportation services and other needs for school-aged children. “That has to change. We need change,” he said adding that the manifesto produced by the coalition has impressed him. He said he agrees with its first 100 days plan.
He said that under a PPP/C government the “poor man” will continue to suffer and stressed that Guyanese deserve better.
He said that Granger coming from a military background is good as it represents discipline, which is needed to effectively run this country. He said Granger along with a proactive prime minister – Moses Nagamootoo – will be good in propelling the country forward.
Further he said the treatment meted out to former party members Ralph Ramkarran, Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan by the leadership of the PPP/C also influenced his decision.
Dr Jagan added that the decision he has taken was not an easy one for him. “I grew up in the PPP and it is very difficult for me to endorse an opposition against my traditional party but I have no choice. My father tried desperately to mould a PPP… unfortunately today in Guyana the ruling party, my father’s party has changed course. The course they have taken has been detrimental to the majority of Guyanese,” he said.
He urged all youths to go out and vote while highlighting that the coalition has made promises for this grouping.
According to Jagan, there is proof that coalitions can work as is evident in the world today. “It is all about coalition politics and I believe in that,” he said.
He then questioned whether Guyanese wanted another five years of scandal under the PPP/C.
Jagan said his support for the ruling party evaporated within a month or two of the 2011 elections. He said he had indicated to President Donald Ramotar the Granger “is not a terrorist” and that he should be made Prime Minister. “I told him to serve his five years…and bring in the opposition,” he said, adding that he felt this should be done to let the people see whether members of the opposition can perform. “But no, they didn’t want my advice. I believe in coalition politics,” he said adding that when the coalition was announced back in February “that was it for me.”
Stressing that he is not switching sides because he wants to hold political office, he said he is genuinely concerned about the damage being done to the country.
He said if given the opportunity to serve in any capacity in the coalition, he will take it up as his aim is to serve.
Asked about statements made by former president Bharrat Jagdeo while on the campaign trail, Dr Jagan said that Jagdeo is very smart and in attack mode.
To those who view him as an outcast for jumping ship, he said “My position is clear. My father was considered an outcast at one time. I am sure of that… I don’t have a problem with that. All I am concerned about is seeing the betterment of the Guyanese average person… If I am an outcast I am an outcast. Those things don’t bother me.”
