GUYANA | From Ally to Adversary: Dr. Terrence Campbell's Fiery Denunciation of Guyana's Leadership

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 30, 2025 - In a stunning political reversal that has sent shockwaves through Guyana's political landscape, prominent businessman Dr. Terrence Campbell – once courted as a potential prime ministerial candidate by the current administration – has launched a blistering attack against the very government he once considered joining, declaring Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo "the epitome of evil."
Campbell, who previously aimed his criticisms at the opposition A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, has executed a remarkable about-face. His transformation from government sympathizer to fierce critic illuminates the increasingly polarized political environment engulfing the resource-rich South American nation.
"This is a government of hatred and evil," Campbell declared in a searing indictment that pulls no punches. According to Campbell, the administration has weaponized state institutions against him, specifically the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which he claims is pursuing baseless money laundering allegations to silence his growing criticisms.
The businessman remains defiant in the face of these accusations. "Thank God, I pay CohnReznick approximately US$20K per year to disclose every cent in a 300+ page tax return to the IRS," Campbell stated, effectively throwing down the gauntlet to investigators by highlighting his financial transparency.
His most caustic comments were reserved for Vice President Jagdeo, whom he characterizes as a desperate politician "afraid of his political future" and willing to defame anyone who threatens his grip on power. The businessman painted a grim picture of Guyana under current leadership, lamenting the erosion of free speech and the alleged misappropriation of state resources.
In what would have been unthinkable months ago, Campbell expressed nostalgia for the previous administration he once criticized. "I miss the Coalition government. Hell, I even miss Harmon," he remarked, referring to former Minister of State Joseph Harmon – a statement that underscores the depth of his disillusionment with the current regime.
Perhaps most revealing is Campbell's disclosure that President Irfaan Ali had once approached him to serve as his prime ministerial candidate. "At that time Jagdeo had no issue with me," Campbell noted, suggesting that his fall from grace was precipitated by his outspoken criticisms of government policies, including questions about oil fund management, the GOAL program's implementation, and alleged preferential distribution of imported chicken to political allies.
The conflict has escalated further with businessman Ameir Ahmad accusing Campbell of making racist and threatening phone calls – allegations Campbell vehemently denies. He has called for an independent investigation, preferably conducted by Scotland Yard, including polygraph tests for all parties involved. "Mr. Ahmad is close to both the VP [Jagdeo] and the Commissioner, so there is a need for an independent investigation," Campbell insisted, highlighting potential conflicts of interest in local law enforcement.
As Guyana continues its transformation into an oil-producing powerhouse, the widening rifts in its political landscape raise serious questions about governance, transparency, and the treatment of government critics. Campbell's parting words – "A luta continua" (the struggle continues) – suggest that this high-stakes confrontation between a once-potential government insider and the current administration is far from over.
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