Jun 29, 2018
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that he intends to remain a force to be reckoned with. The former President, whose hopes of returning to Presidential office were recently shattered by a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling, said this at a press conference he held yesterday—the second for the week.
There, Jagdeo sent a direct message to all those who want to see him off the public scene that they will be remain disappointed for a long time because, “I am not going anywhere.”
Jagdeo’s main target audience seems to be members of the Government. He said, “They hate me with a passion, that’s why it is what it is. But I am not going anywhere yet, until the victory (election). I am not going anywhere. So they can wish it, they can call for it, they can lament their fate. They’re not getting rid of me just like that. I will continue to expose people like (Prime Minister Moses) Nagamootoo and the others.”
As he stressed that he will remain on the public scene, Jagdeo also noted that he is holding on for dear life to his position as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). He said that he will be ensuring he carries out all the duties of a General Secretary.
With Jagdeo no longer being eligible to run as President, the PPP/C will have to decide on a candidate. This decision will be made soon, as preparation for 2020 elections have already begun. The decision is usually made by the PPP Central Committee through a voting process.
The media asked Jagdeo yesterday, what if the Presidential Candidate is one who challenge his authority.
Jagdeo responded, “As we approach elections, the General Secretary’s role is enhanced. After we win, the role of the Presidential Candidate becomes more prominent. The General Secretary traditionally is the person who has to organize with the ExCo (Executive Committee) of the Party, the list of candidates, campaign funds and the campaign strategy. I will not abrogate those responsibilities.”
Jagdeo continued, “I have to discuss a winning strategy and to make sure those things are in place. So, right now as I said to you, we have a huge number of advocates on the ground who cannot be too bothered about this debate, because they are busy trying to get people to register.”