By Mark DaCosta- Veteran trade unionist Lincoln Lewis has delivered a powerful condemnation of certain political figures who, in his view, have demeaned the African community during recent campaign events. Through impassioned rhetoric, he asserted that individuals like Lennox Craig and Prime Minister Mark Phillips do not embody or represent the true essence of the African identity but, rather, act as instruments of a harmful narrative that seeks to marginalise that community. Lewis emphasised that this issue transcends personal character; it is emblematic of a broader political culture that aims to suppress the dignity and legacy of African Guyanese people.
In a recent article in his Eye on Guyana column, Lincoln Lewis voiced his deep-seated rage at the treatment and portrayal of the African community by certain political leaders within the PPP/C. He lamented how these leaders, allegedly paraded as representatives of their race, contribute to a discourse that undermines the profound history of resilience and accomplishment of the African people in this nation. “Let the world know who the African Guyanese are,” he asserted, firmly grounding his argument in the historical struggles and triumphs that have shaped their identity.
Lewis drew attention to the pernicious tactics employed by the ruling party, accusing them of exploiting weak-willed individuals to further an agenda that trivialises the community’s heritage. According to him, such behaviour not only shames the individuals involved but also dishonours the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality. He noted with disdain that these figures appear to relinquish their dignity in exchange for approval from their political masters, reducing significant cultural achievements to mere performances.
“We have stood tall in every field,” Lewis passionately declared, asserting that the African Guyanese people have consistently contributed to various sectors, striving for excellence in areas including law, politics, education, and science. He pointed out that the actions of certain leaders are not merely personal failures but illustrate a larger, systematic effort to diminish their worth, relegating them to mere caricatures rather than honourable representatives of their heritage. “No amount of stage vulgarity… will change that truth,” he affirmed, reinforcing the notion that such actions are symptomatic of broader societal issues.
The essence of Lewis’s message lies in his determination to reclaim the narrative surrounding African Guyanese identity. “We are not jesters. We are not property,” he affirmed emphatically, highlighting the profound disservice rendered by those within the ruling party. In his view, the degrading actions witnessed by the public are clear indicators of a conscious strategy designed to diminish the significance of the African race while wielding political puppets to distract from systemic issues.
His call for unity was unequivocal, urging all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity or background, to collectively denounce the behaviour that has become emblematic of the current political climate. By condemning these actions as harmful not just to the African community but to the nation as a whole, Lewis’s resolve is clear: the legacy of pride and resistance must be preserved and celebrated, not mocked.
Lewis concluded with a call for change, insisting upon the need for leaders who embody dignity and strength: “Our duty… is to preserve the honour of those who came before us.” As he rallied support for a renewed commitment to Black excellence, the message was unambiguous: the African community will not allow their identity to be ridiculed, their history to be forgotten, nor their dignity to be compromised by political gamesmanship. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the determination to stand firm against oppression remains paramount for the future of our nation.
