The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is calling for an independent investigation into recent allegations of corruption leveled against the Vice-President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo. The party also wants Jagdeo to step down in order to facilitate that probe.
The calls comes as Jagdeo, perhaps the second highest government official, is embroiled in a controversy following a episode produced by Vice News, an international media company, which places him in the centre of a bribe-taking scandal.
The allegation is that Jagdeo facilitates foreign companies to operate here, but he must be financially gratified before the green light is given.
According to the Opposition party, the PNCR, President, Dr Irfan Ali and the PPP “have an opportunity to be on the side of law and orderand ensure the revelations in the Vice News Report are thoroughly investigated and allow the law to take its course. To do otherwise is to be accused of complicity with the alleged crimes of bribery and corruption that VP Jagdeo is being accused of.”
It added that at a time when Guyana is poised to earn significant income from its oil and gas sector, it is imperative that action be taken to ensure that a good national example is set.
Further, it noted that failure to address the allegations against the VP will signal to all in Guyana that bribery and corruption are condoned by the PPP government.
The Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton has opined that VP Jagdeo “should do the decent thing and resign to facilitate an unbiased investigation”.
He added, “Failure to do so should result in the President relieving him of his appointment as Vice President and ordering a full investigation into the allegations against him. Failure of the President to do so will further indicate that the PPP is a corrupt outfit that does not only facilitate corruption,
but is itself corrupt.”
