Statements made by Dr. David Hinds on his programme ‘Politics 101 with Dr. David Hinds’ last week have ignited a firestorm of controversy. Hinds’ use of the term “leet beet” (lick beattie) to describe African Guyanese who have joined the Indian-dominated People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has drawn strong reactions. He explained that this expression reflects his concerns about a “dangerous development” in which the PPP is using some of its new supporters to solicit votes from poor communities in exchange for government and state resources.
Hinds described this practice as “vote buying,” a serious violation of both the constitution and democratic principles and argued that it undermines fair electoral engagement.
While his comments have sparked mixed reactions—ranging from support to criticism—the controversy has been magnified by a strong backlash from PPP leaders.
However, the intense reaction from PPP leadership exposes a deeper hypocrisy within Guyana’s political landscape. While attacking Hinds for his remarks, PPP leaders seem to conveniently ignore or downplay the inflammatory language regularly used by their own prominent figures, particularly Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo uses his weekly press conference as a bully pulpit to publicly insult and belittle opponents, including members of the media.
For instance, Jagdeo has repeatedly targeted Mark Benschop, the host of “Straight Up with Mark Benschop,” with derogatory remarks, including the infamous statement that Benschop was “smuggling lipstick and wigs in prison.”
Benschop, who was jailed for five years on charges related to an alleged coup plot under Jagdeo’s government, was never convicted of treason. He spent five years in prison, in solitary confinement, and was released after Jagdeo claimed to have “pardoned” him. The recent verbal attack on Benschop is widely seen as not just an insult, but a further reminder of the cruelty and fear that defined Jagdeo’s presidency.
Additionally, Jagdeo has been known to use derogatory terms for those who have left the PPP. Former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, for example, was called a “Neemakaram” (ungrateful) and “Katahar” (worthless) after he left the PPP to join the Alliance For Change (AFC) which collated with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in coalition government (2015 and 2020). Former AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan also faced similar slurs from PPP leaders for leaving the party and co-founding the AFC.
More recently, Jagdeo called former coalition Minister Cathy Hughes a “low life.” Her attempt to hold him accountable through the court was dismissed by Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, S.C.
Jagdeo’s comments have extended beyond mere insults. He has also called on his supporters to “chase out” opposition leaders should they attempt to visit their communities, after the no-confidence vote (December 2018) further escalating tensions.
As the debate over appropriate language in public discourse intensifies, it is clear that the issue of political decorum must be addressed, including the use of language, particularly from those who are paid by taxpayers. Society must strive to create universally acceptable standards of behavior that apply to all, regardless of political affiliation.
