Political discourse should be platform for ideas, solutions, constructive debate

The recent outburst by WPA’s David Hinds on his weekly show Politics 101 is both deeply troubling and disrespectful. Using derogatory terms like “lick batty Africans,” “house slaves,” and other inflammatory language to describe Afro-Guyanese who do not align with his political ideology, Hinds has crossed a line that no responsible leader or commentator should ever approach.

When leaders stoop to such divisive rhetoric against their own community, it begs the question: What does this mean for other ethnic groups in our political party and country, especially Indo-Guyanese and other minorities, if such figures were to gain power?

Political discourse should be a platform for ideas, solutions, and constructive debate—not a battleground for insults and personal attacks. It is one thing to disagree with someone’s political stance; it is entirely another to vilify them with degrading language, especially when those being attacked share the same cultural and ethnic heritage.

Such behaviour not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also fuels unnecessary division and animosity among people who should be united in their pursuit of a better Guyana.

It is especially concerning that these comments come on the heels of an agreement between the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) for the upcoming elections. As a member of the PNCR, I find it unacceptable that anyone aligned with our political cause would use such disparaging language to describe fellow citizens—let alone those from their own community.

If David Hinds can so easily belittle Afro-Guyanese who disagree with him, what reassurance do Indo-Guyanese and other ethnic groups have that they will be treated with respect and dignity under such leadership?

We can not afford to let this kind of rhetoric take root in our political culture. Guyana’s strength lies in its diversity and the shared aspirations of its people, regardless of race or political affiliation. Leaders must rise above petty insults and work toward fostering unity and understanding.

I call on all right thinking leaders to condemn Dr. Hinds and the highly disrespectful comments made to my Afro brothers and sisters, who have forged a path of resilience and determination, having being enslaved for centuries.

My Afro brothers and sisters have suffered in the past during the colonial era, and we must not allow them to suffer in this modern era. I strongly condemn the words echoed by David Hinds, They do not reflect the values we should uphold as a nation, and they have no place in our political discourse.

Instead of insulting and belittle Afro-Guyanese, you should have remind them about their history and struggle that their ancestors been through, many of us doesn’t have the knowledge of our ancestors and sometimes our decisions we make is for betterment for our family because many of our own leaders use us for their own benefits and left us in the dark to continue to struggle on our own.

If our leaders were better, our people shouldn’t have gone astray, but we must ask ourselves that what we have done to enhance our supporters and constituents life, list ten things we have done for them.

I believe our people need vibrant leadership, leadership that will be taken on responsibility and not gossiping, insulting, and degrading our people. Conferences and seminars should be held on a regular basis to in light our supporters, especially our young men and women. We must understand that if we continue to insult and not inspire our people, we all will be fail leaders.

If we continue like this, the PPP will trample on us at every opportunity they get. We must stand united against the autocracy PPP government not to insult our people, let us engage with them, and listen to their cry not to walk past them. Politics is about demonstrating leadership at every level. Political parties are bigger than all of us.

In the lead-up to the elections, I urge all political leaders and commentators to commit to dialogue and constructive criticism being cognizant that we are in an election year. focus on what truly matters: the issues affecting our people, the policies that will drive our nation forward, and the unity that will ensure a prosperous future for all Guyanese. Let’s reject divisiveness and embrace the shared humanity that binds us together.

Yours truly,

Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA

Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor

City of Georgetown