Georgetown, Guyana – In a fiery exchange that has captured national attention, prominent businessman Terrence Campbell has delivered a stinging rebuttal to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent remarks during a press conference, where Jagdeo sought to diminish Campbell’s achievements by trivializing his time as a fast-food entrepreneur. Jagdeo had stated that while he was leading the country at age 35, Campbell was making decisions about “how much spicy chicken to fry and how much original.”
Campbell, never one to shy away from confrontation, responded with a detailed account of his accomplishments, contrasting them sharply with Jagdeo’s record. “At age 26, I was already a successful businessman whilst a certain gentleman spent much of his time idling and drinking coffee at the Demico outlet on Camp Street,” Campbell wrote in a statement that has since gone viral.
Campbell highlighted his earned doctorate in Economics and International Business, which he pursued while simultaneously managing operations across Guyana, Suriname, and the United States. “Church’s Chicken would come six years later,” he remarked, adding, “Unlike some folks, I have never been the recipient of a scholarship. I worked and paid the tuition for all of my tertiary education. My job was never the result of an ethnic census.”
In a blistering critique, Campbell drew attention to Jagdeo’s controversial tenure, stating, “I have never been accused of corruption and there is no allegation of blood on my hands. I have never been accused of associating with drug dealers.” These pointed remarks appeared to reference longstanding allegations that have dogged Jagdeo’s political career, including accusations of corruption and questionable associations.
Campbell also highlighted his positive relationships with employees, contrasting them with strikes and protests seen under Jagdeo’s leadership. “My employees never striked or rioted on me. I would venture to say that 99% of my current and ex-employees, of all ethnicities, respect me,” he asserted.
Campbell’s response also questioned the Vice President’s motives and priorities. “Why remind the nation for two weeks that you were President at 35? Why, with all of your accomplishments, do you compare yourself with the ‘fry chicken man’ in front of the national media?” he asked. “You and I are not in the same race!”
In a particularly cutting remark, Campbell addressed Jagdeo’s attempt to denigrate his work in the food industry. “What’s wrong with honest labour? Why try to denigrate any man’s labor? I thought you supported private enterprise. I can only imagine what you must really think about the cane cutters and the rice farmers!”
Campbell closed his statement with a tone of disdainful pity. “Who exactly was Irfaan referring to as ‘egotistically arrogant’? Yesterday you were a sad spectacle to those who can see. I feel only pity for you.”
The exchange has sparked widespread debate, with many praising Campbell for standing up to Jagdeo’s remarks, which some have labeled as unprofessional and tone-deaf. Critics have pointed out that Jagdeo’s comments do little to elevate political discourse, instead reflecting a tendency to belittle and mock rather than address substantive issues.
“Terrence Campbell’s intellect and achievements clearly bother Jagdeo,” one commentator noted. “When you have to stoop to petty insults about a man’s business ventures, it says more about your insecurities than his accomplishments.”