‘Politics 101’ is a programme hosted by Dr. David Hinds via facebook. This show is used to highlight various social and political issues. Last Thursday, Hinds raised the issue of the government manipulating Black Panther actress, Ms. Letitia Wright’s visit to Guyana. He was joined by trade unionist, Mr. Lincoln Lewis; journalist, Mr. Adam Harris and; ‘Straight Up’ host, Mr. Mark Benschop.
Letitia Wright is well-known for her roles in Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She was born in Guyana and migrated with her family at age eight to the United Kingdom.
Discussing events that may have caused Wright’s no show to the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G) event on February 1, 2023, Hinds noted that that she was late for her appointment to meet with Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine and the residents of Georgetown and its environs.
Pointing out that Wright did not show up for her appointment with IDPADA-G on Hinds also noted that children were waiting to meet the actress at the event and undoubtedly would have been disappointed by the no-show of their heroine.
Hinds stated “she had an unscheduled visit with the president which took three hours of her time as well as she was late for her UG appointment…”
He also played a short clip where Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton where he noted this is the second time the Government is engaging in such behaviour. According to Norton the Opposition “had a meeting with the Toshaos Council when they were in Georgetown and the Government took them to the President and kept them there until after 12 Midnight. So the meeting there was cancelled. Today we’re seeing the same thing. Letitia was scheduled for City Hall and now the President invited her for an unscheduled meeting, which is clearly an attempt to avoid her from coming to City Hall and even if she comes, City Hall would look disorganised. Is this what the President calls ‘one Guyana’?? This is clearly uncivilised behaviour.”
Hinds endorsed the sentiments of Mr. Norton, that the current Government is uncivilised.
The quartet of men also discussed the Wright issue. Harris shared, “that once there was a state visit, the mayor was integral. This Government wants nothing to do with anyone that ridicules it.” He also stated that reporters and children were disappointed when she didn’t turn up to IDPADA-G. However, he believes that it was out of Letitia’s control, and they have to deal with the Irfaan Ali administration and its selfish and vindictive attitude. This sentiment was also shared by Benschop.
Harris further noted that Ali claims he is for everyone, but he has ostracised people.
Turning attention to the president’s Men on Mission (MOM) and the money given to the president’s pet project compared to IDPADA-G.
The Government last September withdrew the state subvention from IDPADA-G after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in his August 19, 2022 press conference accused the leaders of misappropriating the money. The leaders, in a press conference on August 21, 2022 not only denied the allegations but presented a detailed outline of the spending which was also audited by the Government.
Harris noted that the Chief Justice called the ongoing issue with the Government and IDPADA-G, a national disgrace, however she stated that the issue should go to mediation. He then stated mediation can last up to 400 years.
Lewis informed that he saw Wright’s itinerary and from his perspective the government decided they will not entertain anything that has any input from the Opposition. He also noted the government has taken a similar attitude in the National Assembly towards the Opposition.
The trade unionist also highlighted that the Government is biased that even when an opportunity arises for them to be inclusive that they don’t see it. He pointed out that Letitia Wright belongs to Guyanese and apparently in the Government’s sight, the opposition is not Guyanese.
“They can’t see beyond discriminating and they have no bloody shame. That’s their problem… no shame. I am glad Adam made the point and I endorse it. I also believe that the attack should not be on Letitia Wright, but the Government of Guyana for what they are doing. They are using state funds to discriminate against members of the state,” Lewis emphatically stated.
He continued “no government should be involved in such, and we need to come out and tell them.”
