The ongoing conversations about statements made by Dr. David Hinds regarding African Guyanese joining the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which Hinds described as a “dangerous development,” continue to generate debate.
Guyanese continue to discuss the merit or demerit of Hinds’ “leet beet” (lick beattie) statement, which he contends represents what he sees as a dangerous trend, in which the PPP is using some of its new supporters to solicit votes from poor communities in exchange for government and state resources.
Hinds argues that this practice is “vote buying,” a serious violation of both the constitution and democratic principles, and undermines fair electoral engagement.
Conversations about Hinds’ statement largely continue to ignore statements and actions by government officials, including President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, other ministers of government, and well-known media personality programme that Jagdeo frequent and the host is known for using the most profane language.
Critics have argued against the duplicity of holding some accountable while ignoring similar or worse behavior from others, particularly government officials and their interactions. Society has now grown immune to Vice President Jagdeo’s weekly verbal assaults on opponents, and media workers have become accustomed to the constant inundation of insults. President Ali has also insulted media journalists, and rather than an outcry, a section of the media and society has even gossiped about it.
In 2022, President Ali tried a similar tactic with Dr. Hinds. Unlike many, Hinds refused to accept the insult and labeling.
On June 28, 2022, the president made a stopover in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, the proud black village where Hinds originates, to verbally assault him. The president, standing on the road and engaging members of the community, saw Hinds passing by and referred to him (Hinds) as a “joker.”
Hinds, who later appeared on the programme ‘Straight Up with Benschop,’ said he wanted to ask President Ali “if he could spell ‘joker,’ but didn’t want to embarrass him further…he is such an unintelligent little boy.”
Recalling the incident, Hinds said the president was in Buxton ECD, at a corner shop with his friends, and as Hinds was passing, he asked the people about the gathering. When he was told it was President Ali, his response was, “you all have an esteemed visitor.” After hearing Hinds’ voice, President Ali reportedly said, “who is that joker.” Hinds attempted to respond, but security personnel reportedly intervened and ushered him away.
Hinds pointed out that regardless of what one may say about Guyana, previous presidents dignified the office in a way that President Ali has not. He rhetorically asked, “Can you imagine a Forbes Burnham, Cheddie Jagan, or Donald Ramotar behaving in that manner?”
The word “joker,” in the ears of African Guyanese, whose ancestors endured centuries of human degradation, is demeaning and, for some, retraumatising.
In a society of diverse groups, each with unique historical experiences, leaders should respect diversity and engage in communication practices that are inoffensive. And if a mistake is made, they should acknowledge the misstep. President Ali never did.
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