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The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not just competing against political rivals in the September 1 General and Regional Elections – it is, according to General Secretary and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, waging a battle against the twin threats of racism and criminality.

Addressing thousands of people at the PPP’s massive “Road to Victory” rally in Bath, Region Five on Sunday, Jagdeo noted that while the PPP comes to voters with a track record of delivering on its 2020 promises—despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic—its opponents have no comparable achievements or credible plans.

“In this election, we are not fighting parties with policies. We are fighting two things—racism and criminality,” he declared.

Jagdeo pointed to four parties on the ballot—APNU, AFC, Forward Guyana, and the ALP—that were all part of the last coalition government. Despite splitting into separate groups, he said, they are “still the same old APNU” preaching division and using fear to discourage Afro-Guyanese from supporting the PPP.

Supporters and Berbicians gathered at the PPP/C’s Bath rally (Photo: August 10, 2025)

“They tell people that if you support the PPP, we will kick you after the elections,” Jagdeo said, recalling how some Afro-Guyanese in Region Five were initially skeptical about benefiting from government programmes because of decades of anti-PPP rhetoric.

The PPP’s other major opponent, Jagdeo said, is the newly formed WIN party, led by U.S.-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

“This is a party trying to protect one man from criminality,” Jagdeo said, warning that Mohamed’s legal troubles had already resulted in lost visas and frozen bank accounts for some of his associates.

“They will put many people at risk because of his criminality.”

Jagdeo accused Mohamed of manufacturing an image of popularity by paying people to attend events and take photographs, but insisted that “people are smart and will not put their future at risk.”

With just weeks to go before election day, Jagdeo warned that both racism and criminality would be weaponised through lies and rumors, including false claims about impending sanctions on PPP officials.

“When you vote for the PPP, you are voting to continue what we started in 2020,” Jagdeo told the crowd, promising continued development, unity, and prosperity.

Supporters at the PPP/C’s rally in Bath, Region Five

“We don’t have opponents with real plans for the future… just some spewing racism and one man hoping a seat in Parliament will save him from jail.”

Jagdeo warned that after September 1, the other five parties will vanish and only the PPP will remain standing. He said the diverse turnout proved that Guyanese from all walks of life were rejecting division and embracing the party’s message of unity and progress.

“When I see the crowds and the diversity here, it makes me proud,” he said. “We are a political party committed to every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, gender, or where they live. That is why we have seen gigantic success and why the PPP will continue to lead this country into a brighter future for our children.”

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Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Sunday told a massive crowd in Bath, Region Five, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has delivered not only economic development but also freedom over the past five years and warned voters not to be swayed by “jokers” making empty promises.

“We not only wearing the red, we voting red,” Phillips declared to loud cheers, as the crowd sang along to the rally jingle ‘Five More Years Pun Dem’.

Recalling an encounter during Emancipation celebrations, he shared how a Berbice resident told him he “done get he freedom” because from August 1, 2020, the Berbice River Bridge became toll-free, saving him $40,000 every month.

“That is not just development, comrades—that is freedom,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the previous APNU+AFC administration had imposed hardships through taxes and fees, which the PPP/C removed in keeping with its 2020 manifesto promises.

Supporters and Baerbicians gathered at the PPP/C’s Bath rally (Photo: August 10, 2025)

“Don’t let anybody drive fear into you…when you go to vote, take off all the shackles, be free and choose a better future for yourself and your children,” he added.

Phillips accused the political opposition of hypocrisy, noting that they now promise to make the first $10,000 of electricity and $5,000 of water usage free, despite being the ones who put VAT on water and electricity in the first place.

“These people are a bunch of jokers,” he said. “They make promises, get your vote and then screw you without grease. Don’t let them do it again… You already voted them out in 2020… keep them out.”

He said only President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C can continue the past five years of economic growth, shared prosperity, and inclusive policies. The Prime Minister stressed that his party governs for every Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation, and that voters should reject divisive politics.

Among the PPP/C’s achievements he listed:

• ⁠Surpassing the target of 50,000 house lots distributed.
• ⁠Increasing the income tax threshold from $65,000 in 2022 to $130,000 in 2025.
• ⁠Creating over 60,000 jobs despite inheriting an economy in decline and managing the COVID-19 crisis.
• ⁠Raising the old-age pension to $41,000 per month, a 14% increase from last year.
• ⁠⁠Building or upgrading hospitals in every region and modernising health centres, including in hinterland areas.
• ⁠Paying for up to 8 CXC subjects and 5 CAPE subjects for students, plus $100,000 cash grants for newborns.
• ⁠⁠Constructing 1,000 new community roads nationwide, with major farm-to-market roads in Region Five.
• ⁠Providing fertiliser grants to rice farmers and direct support to cash crop farmers.

Phillips said the PPP/C has moved Guyana from where it was in 2020 to a far better position in 2025, but needs another term to take the country even further.

“Comrades, don’t spoil it. We’ve come too far,” he urged. “The APNU and AFC are behind us—let them stay behind us,” the Prime Minister concluded.

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Former APNU+AFC official Leonard Craig has pushed back against the political opposition, declaring that the party doesn’t “own” him, as he condemned ongoing attacks on Afro-Guyanese who have thrown their support behind the PPP/C.

“I am a black man, an Afro Guyanese. They will tell you that if you are born in this skin, you must support the PNC. Them ain’t own you and them ain’t own me,” Craig said to a mixed gathering of supporters at the PPP/C re-election rally at Bath Settlement in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Craig, who is now a candidate of the PPP/C for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, encouraged Guyanese, particularly Afro Guyanese, to vote with their “conscience” on September 1.

His rebuke comes in light of escalating cases of attacks against Afro Guyanese who have endorsed the PPP/C for the 2025 polls. Among the many attacks was one from an executive member of the main opposition APNU, David Hinds, during a broadcast of his ‘Politics 101’ programme earlier this year.

During that show, Hinds used derogatory terms, including “lick bottoms, house slaves,” and “sellouts,” to describe those Afro Guyanese, including Craig, who publicly expressed their support for the PPP/C.

Several other attacks against Afro Guyanese have come from the leadership of the APNU, including from one of its Members of Parliament (MP), Murine Philadelphia. Other young Afro Guyanese have also faced constant attacks on social media after endorsing the PPP/C.

Leader of the APNU and Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton has refused to condemn those attacks, including from Hinds, suggesting that he (Norton) has “no say or control over what Mr. Hinds says.”

General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo warned last month that attacks against Afro Guyanese who support the PPP/C will intensify.

“All week long, we are hearing this assault on Afro-Guyanese, and it will get worse closer to the elections,” Jagdeo said, adding that Guyanese must continue to reject the divisive and racist politics of the opposition.

Meanwhile, Craig, who is also a former executive member of the AFC, urged Guyanese to reject the APNU, AFC, and other opposition parties, which he said betrayed the people of Guyana when it held the seat of power between 2015 and 2020.

“I came from that side, and I stood in this very village and asked you to vote for the AFC. When things change, I have to be honest and tell you that the PPP/C is making progress to the extent that you must vote for them,” Craig said.

He also took a jab at key figures in the opposition, including its Prime Ministerial candidate Juretha Fernandes, whom he said has no experience to run the country.

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Several young candidates of the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) took the stage at Bath, West Coast Berbice on Sunday, commending the leadership of incumbent President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

They highlighted the massive transformation taking place in the country in less than five years and urged residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to vote the PPP/C back into office on September 1.

“The People’s Progressive Party Civic has always believed that the dreams, talents and ambitions of our young people are the foundation for building a stronger Guyana. This is not just a slogan; it is a commitment, backed by action, programmes and opportunities that are changing lives,” said Pooja Mohamed, an educator.

Tanuja Singh, a young entrepreneur, told the huge crowd that the PPP is not just a political party but a “movement – a movement that believes the future belongs to young minds and that youths are the lifeblood of this nation.”

“Real opportunities, real inclusion, real progress,” Singh said, noting that, “Young people are finally being heard, seen and supported like never before. Our voices matter, our presence is recognised, and real doors are opening for our growth and leadership.”

Travis Pilgrim, another youth candidate, highlighted that youth empowerment is “more than a policy, it is inclusion. We have seen the exclusion of youths in Parliament, on boards and in decision-making.”

Supporters and Baerbicians gathered at the PPP/C’s Bath rally (Photo: News Room/ Vishani Ragobeer/ August 10, 2025)

Pilgrim reminded the thousands gathered of the cruel treatment meted out to Region Five by the former APNU+AFC government.

“We have seen in 2015-2020, the cruel…APNU+AFC government put [the agricultural sector] in a coma. But in 2020, President Irfaan Ali revitalised this sector.

“This is leadership, this is purpose, so we know, come September 1, we have only one choice – to vote for the PPP,” Pilgrim said.

Describing herself as a “proud daughter” of Region Five, Alisha Rodrigues, also a youth candidate, spoke about the sport sector and the development it’s undergoing.

Additionally, Ricardo Phillips, a civil engineer, commended the infrastructural development taking place across the country.

“As a civil engineer, I know that strong foundations create enduring and lasting benefits and bonds. Comrades, a strong foundation that has been set by the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for the future of this country; he has created a nation that is resilient, that is inclusive, and that is striving.”

Sordas Ramjattan described the PPP as a “trustworthy and reliable” party, noting that the lives of farmers in Region Five are now better.

“Our farmers have received fertilisers, improved drainage and irrigation and farming tools. The PPP didn’t forget us, they invested in us. We, the youths, are not just the future; we are the present. We have a government that believes in our power, our potential and in our dreams,” Ramjattan said.

Meanwhile, Dr Nardeo Basdeo, a veterinarian, commended First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali, for raising millions of dollars for animal shelters. Dr Basdeo also reminded citizens that the former APNU+AFC government abandoned rice farmers.

“Let us not forget comrades and friends, that when they came in 2015, and promised hefty and all sorts of goodies, but the other day, they left us in the backdam. And you know what they said? They raised the rent on us as rice farmers, and they left us in the backdam and they said rice is private business.

“Tell them no more because we are going to continue the progress of this country, and we are going to make sure that progress continues,” Dr Basdeo said.

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Veteran sugar worker Julius Norris, employed at the Blairmont Estate of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), made an impassioned appeal on Sunday afternoon for voters to return the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to office, declaring it the only government that can be trusted to transform the country and protect the sugar industry.

Addressing thousands gathered at the PPP/C rally in Bath, Region Five, Norris said his years in the industry had taught him that no other administration had stood by sugar workers like the PPP/C. From bailouts during tough times to consistent improvements in wages and salaries, he said the party’s track record speaks for itself.

“The PPP/C is the only government that delivers for sugar workers,” Norris told the cheering crowd, urging them to “vote to continue the transformation” under what he described as visionary leadership from President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Norris, who is part of the workers’ union that has publicly endorsed President Ali for a second term, credited the government with revitalising the sugar sector after years of decline.

The PPP/C can be credited with the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate in 2023, which rehired several thousand workers and helped push sugar production up by 28% compared to 2022.

In the 2025 National Budget, the government allocated $13.3 billion to further rehabilitate the industry, mechanise an additional 3,000 hectares, and upgrade critical infrastructure.

The administration has also unveiled a long-term diversification plan for GuySuCo, including expanding into agro-processing and increasing worker ownership in the next term—steps they say will ensure the industry’s sustainability and profitability.

“We’ve seen the progress, and we must keep it going,” Norris told rally-goers. “Only the PPP/C has the will and the vision to continue this transformation.”

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Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, on Sunday urged residents of Region Five to reject “fly-by-night” political parties and instead focus on the sustained progress delivered under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over the past five years.

Addressing thousands at the PPP/C’s Road to Victory election rally in Bath, Parag said the large turnout was proof that residents had confidence in the government’s record and trust in its vision for the future.

“The reason you are all here is because you have confidence in the last five years the PPP/C has brought development to this region. And you have the trust and confidence that we will walk into 2025 with you—in partnership, development, prosperity, and unity,” Parag declared.

She noted that when she first took office as Minister of Public Service in 2020, Region Five was the slowest on the coastland to receive training, scholarships, and tertiary education opportunities.

“That has changed,” she said, adding that over 5,000 residents from the region have benefited from training and scholarships in the last five years.

Parag also hailed Region Five as the largest agriculture-producing region in Guyana, pointing to investments in food security, support for sugar workers, and infrastructure upgrades. She singled out the Hope-like Canal project in Region Five, which she said will reduce flooding and open new agricultural lands for farming.

Residents have also benefitted from small business grants, she added, stressing that the PPP/C’s record is unmatched.

“When a fly-by-night party comes and tells you they have copied from the PPP/C and can do it better, tell them it has already been done by the PPP/C—and it will continue,” she told the crowd.

Parag promised that a re-elected PPP/C would continue increasing old-age pensions, expand school grant programmes, strengthen public assistance, and give farmers and young people the space to thrive.

“When you vote on September 5, it is not just for the PPP/C,” she said. “It is to continue development and prosperity.”

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Financial Analyst, Joel Bhagwandin, on Sunday had cause to set the record straight following attempts by a section of the media to disparage and discredit China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), the Chinese firm currently constructing the new Demerara River Bridge.

An opposition-aligned reporter sought to link the construction company to criminal sanctions usually imposed by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and accused the Guyana government of putting the country at risk by awarding the firm the contract to build the mega bridge.

However, several analysts, including Bhagwandin, quickly debunked the spurious claims and explained in detail the difference between criminal OFAC sanctions and a capital market restriction.

It was noted that CRCC is not on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List but instead appears on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies (NS-CMIC) List.

Azruddin Mohamed announced his intention to run for President on Monday, May 26

“The Chinese company in question was sanctioned under a capital market restriction, not a full asset-blocking sanction.

“This action was taken pursuant to a U.S. Executive Order targeting firms linked to the Chinese military, prohibiting U.S. persons from investing in the company.

“Importantly, OFAC did not impose asset freezes or trade bans on this firm. It remains operational globally, and its engagement in infrastructure projects like the Harbour Bridge is not prohibited under international law,” Bhagwandin contended.

This type of restriction is completely different when compared to the criminal sanctions OFAC imposed on Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar, and several of their businesses.

The sanctions are reserved for money laundering, drug trafficking, public corruption, and gold smuggling.

According to Bhagwandin, these sanctions include full blocking features, meaning, “All property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen; U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them; the sanctioned entities are effectively cut off from the U.S. financial system.”

The Financial Analyst further concluded, “The sanctions are not equivalent in scope, intent, or impact. The Chinese firm faces investment restrictions, while the Guyanese individuals and entities face comprehensive sanctions for serious criminal conduct.

“Misrepresenting these facts undermines public understanding and distracts from the gravity of the offenses committed.”

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Vice President and General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo delivered a blunt warning on Saturday as he addressed thousands of supporters at Belle’s Square, Second Avenue, Bartica.

Jagdeo zeroed in on U.S sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, telling the Region Seven crowd that Mohamed’s promises were “empty” and his campaign lacked credibility.

Jagdeo also took aim at other opposition figures, recounting that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton recently did a walkabout in Bartica and “people didn’t even know who he was.” According to Jagdeo, Norton had to put a garland around his own neck to attract attention.

“These are the people who are our opponents,” Jagdeo quizzed.

He noted their lack of experience too, naming APNU’s vice president candidate Ganesh Mahipaul who he described as a former junior official in the Ministry of Local Government under the previous administration and Juretha Fernandes from Bartica – designated prime ministerial candidate of the APNU but who once served only as secretary to former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

He said  Norton himself held a title in the last government but “didn’t even have an office.”

“How could you ever entrust the future of this country, or our children, into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?” Jagdeo asked the crowd. “You wouldn’t hire them to run a small business, much less a country.”

from L-R: Azruddin Mohamed, Aubrey Norton, Juretha Fernandes and Ganesh Mahipaul

He said voters should not be fooled by lofty promises and cash incentives because Azruddin and the WIN party will not be in a position to deliver on promises made after September 1, 2025.

“Look at the numbers, look at what they do. They have not held any meeting of major consequence like ours,” Jagdeo said.

“When you vote on September 1, ensure that you don’t be misled. The future of this country and your children is in your hands, and you have to vote for a party you can trust.”

Mohamed was sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury for allegedly participating in a corruption network involving gold smuggling and other illicit financial activity.

Jagdeo told the Bartica rally that Mohamed has been “hiding from local media” because he does not want to face questions about the sanctions.

“How can you entrust your future into the hands of people who have absolutely no experience?

“Azruddin has experience only in gold smuggling and spending his father’s money.”

General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaks to a massive crowd in Bartica

The Vice President warned residents — particularly those in riverine and Amerindian communities — not to be swayed by cash offers or grand promises. He alleged that WIN operatives have been telling voters they will receive money if they support the party, but insisted such offers would evaporate once the election is over.

“They will come to Bartica… they will promise you money. But after September 2, Azruddin Mohamed will disappear. He will not win the elections; the PPP will win. And you will not get your money,” Jagdeo said, referencing reports from Georgetown where a woman was allegedly assaulted while trying to collect $50,000 she said was promised by Mohamed’s team.

Jagdeo contrasted WIN’s record with that of the PPP/C, urging voters to judge parties on delivery rather than rhetoric.

“We are the only party that did what we said. We will not make promises we cannot deliver on. Look at the changes in Guyana today — just imagine what five more years can do for our country,” he said.

Jagdeo reminded that Mohamed’s closest associates, now on his list of candidates, have had their bank accounts closed, leaving them financially crippled.

“Don’t let your village be considered a pariah village too.”

Calling for a decisive PPP/C victory in Region Seven, Jagdeo ended with a direct challenge to voters: “When they [WIN] come, ask them how they can guarantee the future for your children — they will have no answer.”

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A Muslim leader whose United States visa was revoked last year due to his association with OFAC-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed, has come in for grave insults, and lies peddled against him by members of the WIN political party.

Imam Badrudeen Khan, who heads the East Street Darul Uloom Masjid that is linked to the Mohameds, revealed via his social media page on Saturday that his visa was revoked because of his association with Azruddin.

Khan released two documents that detail the questions he was asked by officials from the Department of Homeland Security. He was asked specifically about his WhatsApp messages with Azruddin, how long he had known him, the last time they had made contact, and his relationship with him.

The document shared by Imam Badrudeen Khan

Khan’s post was shared in a ‘Guyana Forum’ WhatsApp group in which Charles Sugrim, an Executive Member for Azruddin’s party, is a participant.

Sugrim responded to the post by insulting the Muslim leader.

“His visa was revoked because he was filming a woman breastfeeding her child at JFK and sharing it with other contacts,” Sugrim wrote in the WhatsApp group.

Additionally, Azruddin’s sister, Hana, also lashed out at the Muslim leader on her Facebook page. She was at the time rebuking him for comments he made at a mosque about those who are unfit to lead Guyana.

Azruddin’s sister, Hana

Azruddin and his family are well-known Muslims and close to the community; he has been using religion as one of his campaign strategies as part of efforts to get votes at the September 1 general and regional elections.

In 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it sanctioned Azruddin and his father, Nazar Mohamed, as well as several of their companies. They were sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

The sanctions are reserved for money laundering, drug trafficking, public corruption, and gold smuggling.

Azruddin later launched the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, and he is running as the presidential candidate.

Editor’s note: Charles Sugrim’s designation has been updated from Campaign Manager to Executive Member. WIN representatives clarified his designation after the story was published. 

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