Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has clarified comments he made last week about Barbados, stating that he was in no way criticizing the nation, but was instead, mocking United States sanctioned Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed who recently visited the island.
Jagdeo made the clarification during his press conference today, following backlash over a snippet of his remarks that circulated online, prompting criticism from several Barbadian social media users who viewed it as an insult against their country.
Last week, Jagdeo had commented on Mohamed posting images of himself in Barbados saying, “…he is posting up like if Barbados is any big destination,” and suggested that Mohamed should have chosen Paris if he truly wanted to make a statement.
At today’s press conference, the Vice President explained that his comments were being deliberately misrepresented to shift focus away from the real issue, which he said is the consequences individuals face when associated with sanctioned persons.
“Barbados is a beautiful country, but I wasn’t criticizing Barbados,” Jagdeo clarified.
He added, “…The point I was making is, you have to go to Barbados and basically palava… Barbados is like home, it’s like traveling to Lethem. You don’t need a visa. That’s the point I was making.”
Jagdeo said his remarks were intended to mock Mohameds family, not to diminish the value or beauty of Barbados.
Further, he noted that he has long-standing relationships with the Barbadian people and leadership, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, whom he described as “a fantastic person.”
He added, “My friends in Barbados, they knew otherwise. They know I wouldn’t do that. But these clowns have a way of diverting attention from the real issue.”
