
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed calls from the political opposition for a public debate with either himself or President Dr. Irfaan Ali, describing the request as nothing more than an attempt to gain attention.
Speaking during a recent engagement, Dr. Jagdeo—who also serves as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)—criticized the opposition’s appeal as a political tactic designed to generate headlines rather than address substantive national issues.
“They are just looking for headlines,” Jagdeo said. “They want us to popularize what they’re saying. Nobody pays attention to what they’re saying… they’re looking for relevance.”
He did not mince words in his assessment of the opposition’s leadership, saying that no “serious-minded person” takes Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton or the Alliance for Change (AFC) seriously. According to the Vice President, entering a debate with them would be counterproductive and a distraction from the government’s priorities.
“I would say to President Ali: don’t waste your time behind these people. What are you going to debate?” he asked rhetorically.
Dr. Jagdeo also took the opportunity to criticize the opposition’s track record in government, accusing them of mismanaging the economy and resorting to political stunts in lieu of meaningful policy work.
Reinforcing his party’s current focus, he said the PPP remains committed to its development goals and will not be sidetracked. “So it’s a waste of time. I don’t waste my time,” he added. “I prefer to debate with the farmer or the fisherman or the miner than to waste my time behind [former Finance Minister] Winston Jordan.”
His remarks underscore the PPP’s unwillingness to engage in public debate with the opposition under the current circumstances, signaling a clear divide between the two sides on both tone and priorities.