By Mark DaCosta-Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis has raised concerns about the conduct of Black leaders within the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), contending that some have departed from parliamentary decorum and are using their positions of influence in ways that, in his view, reflect negatively on the Black community while supporting practices he believes are harmful to both the race and the wider society.
In a pointed analysis, Lewis argues that the erosion of truth, the weakening of workers’ rights, and the suppression of independent voices are undermining the moral and institutional foundations of the nation.
Lewis begins with a call to courage, insisting that “we must speak fearlessly” when rights are violated and lawlessness prevails. He warns that “a threat to one is a threat to all,” urging citizens not to remain silent in the face of injustice. According to Lewis, political loyalty is being weaponised, and some leaders have allowed themselves to be used in ways that diminish dignity and integrity.
He points to statements made in the National Assembly which he believes distort historical facts. Referencing attorney James Bond, Lewis said, “Bond, a lawyer who understands the importance of evidence, stood in the National Assembly and denied that students were recipients of scholarships.” Lewis argues that such claims attempt to erase elements of the country’s educational history and the sacrifices made by previous generations.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips is also mentioned in Lewis’ analysis. Reflecting on Phillips’ criticism of the Forbes Burnham administration, Lewis noted that Phillips himself benefited from state-funded education during that period. “When he stretched out his hands in the National Assembly to say that the less he spoke about the Forbes Burnham government the better, he was also indicting himself,” Lewis observed. He questioned whether those who rose through public investment now demonstrate consistency in defending truth and accountability.
Addressing newer political figure, Minister Keoma Griffith,Lewis urged him to remain mindful of his oath to the people. “Remembering to whom he took an oath and to whom he is responsible — the people,” Lewis said, cautioning against conduct that compromises integrity. He suggested that some leaders are placed in positions where they are expected to criticise their own communities, a dynamic he believes fosters division rather than unity.
Invoking an old proverb, Lewis stated, “A liar is a thief and a thief is a murderer,” emphasising that dishonesty in public life corrodes societal values. Leaders who sacrifice truth for political advantage, he argued, set troubling examples for younger generations.
Lewis extended his critique to institutional concerns, particularly the media. Referencing the pending closure of Stabroek News amid financial challenges, he questioned whether economic pressures were being used to silence independent voices. “How can the regime claim press freedom when efforts are being made to bring people to heel through economic deprivation?” he asked.
Workers and trade unions also feature prominently in his analysis. Lewis criticised what he described as the denial of union dues deductions, calling it an attempt to “snuff out their lifeblood and deny workers representation.” He contrasted the challenges faced by independent unions with continued state support for other entities, arguing that such disparities raise concerns about fairness. He also referenced unresolved termination benefits for bauxite workers as an example of workers’ grievances remaining unaddressed.
Lewis’ message to Black leaders within the PPP was direct. “There is still value in standing on your feet and fighting with dignity rather than living on your knees,” he said, urging them not to become “utensils to degrade yourself, your ancestors and a proud legacy,” but instead to defend constitutional rights and equitable treatment.
In calling for accountability, Lewis stressed that all national leaders — Forbes Burnham, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Desmond Hoyte, Bharrat Jagdeo, Davis Granger and Irfaan Ali — must be assessed by the same standard. “No one is sacred or above reproach,” he declared, maintaining that governance should be guided by fairness, transparency and respect for democratic principles.
Lewis’ commentary presents a forceful warning about the state of public life. He contends that dishonesty, suppression and economic marginalisation weaken democracy and damage the country’s moral foundation. His concluding reminder underscores his central message: “Now is always the right time to do what is right.”
