Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed speculation surrounding his recent limited public appearances, saying he remained fully engaged in government work and focused on delivering on promises made to the Guyanese people.
Jagdeo made the remarks on Monday as he resumed public engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, following several months out of the spotlight.
Addressing reporters, the Vice President said there had been widespread speculation about his health during his absence, including claims that he was seriously ill.
“They are speculating about me, they said I’m sick, I have cancer,” Jagdeo said, brushing off the rumours.
He explained that his reduced public visibility came after the elections, when his role shifted from aggressive campaigning to planning and implementation.
According to Jagdeo, the government is now addressing major tasks, including plans to build 40,000 homes, addressing a range of national issues, and ensuring the economy continues to grow without suffering from what economists refer to as Dutch disease.
He said that while he may not have been in the public eye as often, he was still working behind the scenes on matters of national importance.
“When you’re not in the public domain, you’re working, but working on things of a different nature,” the Vice President said.
Jagdeo said he was unconcerned by the commentary from critics and political opponents, stressing that his main priority remains moving the country forward and ensuring citizens receive the support they were promised.
“I don’t care too much what they think about me once the country moves forward and our people get assistance,” he said.
He also announced that his weekly Thursday press conferences will resume, though he indicated that the focus will now be more on government work and implementation rather than partisan political matters.
“My press conference will resume, but they will address mainly government issues, not so much a political issue,” Jagdeo said.
The Vice President maintained that the campaign period is over and the administration’s attention is now squarely on fulfilling the commitments it made to the electorate.
