Dear Editor,
I have taken careful note of recent remarks made by David Hinds and Winston Jordan. It is time to remind both gentlemen—and indeed all those in public life—that racial commentary has no place in the political arena of modern Guyana. Our country has endured too much from the racial divisions sown during British colonial rule, and it is irresponsible for any leader to perpetuate those wounds.
We must remember that Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, the founder leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), sought to bridge the racial divide between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese. While many may debate aspects of his governance, history will show that Burnham managed to bring support from across ethnic lines. He did not build his political legacy on racial division but rather on national unity. It is disappointing that many of today’s leaders in the PNC/R have failed to follow that example.
Winston Jordan, in particular, should be especially reflective. During his tenure as Minister of Finance, his behaviour suggested a man more interested in control than in service. There was little regard for empowering the party’s base, and many felt excluded and disregarded. For him to now speak with authority or attempt to call others out is, frankly, an insult to the legacy he failed to uphold. History may not remember him kindly.
No election in Guyana has ever been won by appealing to a single ethnic group. Those who believe they can build political castles on such narrow foundations are deluded. The Guyanese people are more aware now than ever. Let those “blind mice” who are leading divisive campaigns should take note—division will only lead to isolation.
We need leadership that unites, not divides.
We need visionaries who see beyond race and politics and speak to nationhood and development. Let us not be dragged backwards. The future of Guyana depends on it. Racial Rhetoric Has No Place in Guyana’s Future
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
