Undoubtedly, Nandlall’s contemptuous statement reflects his party’s view of African Guyanese

By Lt. Col (ret’d) Lelon Saul- On Friday, 29th August 2025, at a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) political campaign meeting at the Stabroek Market Square, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said, “They insult you; they call you big batty Africans; they call you house slaves; they call you the nastiest things. Well, I want you to tell them that the National Hero of this country is Cuffy, and Cuffy was a proud and upstanding house slave. Nothing wrong with being a house slave.”

This contemptuous statement affirms Nandlall’s support for an economic system that oppressed millions of Africans and still negatively impacts the descendants of enslaved people. Furthermore, he downplays Cuffy’s opposition to slavery as evidenced by the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt.

Present at the meeting were several African Guyanese supporters of the PPP, including former Mayor and current Councillor Patricia Chase Green and Councillor Steven Jacobs. Subsequent to the statement, these attendees applauded Nandlall. It is unclear whether they fully understood his remarks. However, I have no reason to question their level of comprehension; thus, their approval of this abhorrent statement clearly points to selflessness and internalised racism.

There is evidence suggesting that the PPP has treated African Guyanese differently over time. Undoubtedly, Nandlall’s contemptuous statement reflects his party’s view of African Guyanese. His utterances were as easy as breathing oxygen and must have been a conceived idea he has of African Guyanese. A racist view that has no place in contemporary Guyana and therefore an apology cannot undo the damage and pain felt by African Guyanese.

My ancestors, who were enslaved on plantations in Berbice, valiantly resisted the inhumane system of slavery. I am a proud descendant and an embodiment of their spirit, character and fortitude.  And I say to my African brothers and sisters in the PPP, don’t be swayed by personal gains, think about the good of humanity. It was the house slave who had an obsession with personal gains and internalised racism – accepting his station in life and seeing his master as a superior being.

To my Brother James Bond, let me be pellucid. Anil Nandlall’s statement was contemptuous of African Guyanese and ought not to be defended or justified.  It appears that you may be singing for your supper, but my brother, don’t be a jellyfish, for heaven-sake demonstrate the character of a dignified and proud descendant of a true African.