Burke Blasts PPP’s “One Guyana Worship Experience” as “Blasphemous” Political Ploy

Human rights activist and President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), Rickford Burke, has launched a blistering attack on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, accusing it of weaponizing religion to manipulate African Guyanese voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.

In a statement that has stirred intense controversy, Burke condemned the government’s recent “One Guyana Worship Experience” at the National Stadium, labeling it a “blasphemous” political maneuver rather than a genuine religious gathering .

“Christians should not be fooled by this PPP gimmick,” Burke declared. He questioned the event’s authenticity, asking why it was marketed with the PPP’s election campaign slogan, “One Guyana,” if it was meant to be a spiritual event . “This event was clearly part of the PPP’s campaign for the upcoming local government elections. They think they can use the Christian religion as a ruse to trick the African Guyanese population in Georgetown to vote for them,” Burke stated.

The activist did not spare Christian leaders who participated. He specifically denounced pastors who he claims are “taking money from the PPP government to lead their people to the PPP,” branding them as “corrupt and craven” and “proxy colonialists” .

“The PPP has the same church members under subjugation,” Burke added, accusing the clergy of betraying their congregations for political gain. He drew parallels to historical exploitation, stating these pastors are “like the Africans who work with slave masters to capture their own to sell to slave masters” .

In his post on social media , Burke invoked the PPP’s historical record, reiterating claims that the party was responsible for the extrajudicial killings of over 1,400 African Guyanese young men via alleged “death squads” during the 2000s . He accused the PPP of operating an “ethnocracy” that systematically denies African Guyanese communities equitable access to state funds, calling the administration “the most racist and corrupt government in the Western Hemisphere” .

The PPP government has not yet issued a direct response to the specific allegations regarding the worship event. However, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has previously rebuked Burke’s organization for fueling divisions, urging critics to engage directly without harming ordinary people .

As the election season heats up, the intersection of religion and politics in Guyana is expected to face increasing scrutiny, with Burke vowing to continue his vocal opposition to the PPP’s oppressive tactics .