Opposition Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira is the first among his colleagues to condemn comments made by Dr. David Hinds, an Executive Member of the opposition Working People’s Alliance (WPA) for “callously” characterising Afro-Guyanese.
Dr. Hinds found himself in hot water when he aimed disparaging comments at Afro-Guyanese who are aligned with governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – a predominantly East Indian Guyanese supported and manned party. Professor Hinds’ characterisation of these individuals has caused a few heads to turn, especially those at the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) that are now on the verge of launching a probe.
Figueira, in a recent letter to the editor, said that Dr. Hinds’ words “have caused significant stir and concern among the people of this country” and “runs contrary to the values we must uphold as a people’.
“The deliberate and feral use of language that has the ability to perpetuate ethnic division and social strife irrespective of the message he believes he was seeking to communicate, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I condemn them unequivocally!” the MP remarked.
Figueira also pointed out that Guyana’s history is one marked by slavery, indentureship, and engineered ethnic tensions and that for much of the country’s past, the society was divided along ethnic and racial lines, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and discord.
He noted that in this environment of healing and growth, Guyanese must continue to foster peace and inclusivity.
“No group or organization in this country is beholden to another. No group is superior or subservient to another. No leader has a divine or other right of ownership and control over any ethnic collective. Every citizen, regardless of their ethnic background, has the inalienable right to choose their path freely and without fear of reprisal from any among us.
If we, as a nation, are to succeed, we must embrace and hold sacrosanct, the diversity of our people, respect their right to freedom of association and reject any form of rhetoric that seeks to divide or harm us,” Figueira emphasised.
In schooling the professor, Figueira continued, “When a leader, especially one who claims to represent a specific ethnic group, uses language that is exclusionary, intolerant, or dismissive of others, it undermines the very foundation of our democracy. A nation built on the principles of freedom, equality, and mutual respect cannot afford to have its leaders stoke the flames of division.
Such rhetoric is not only counterproductive to the aspirations of our motto and efforts to unite our people. It is dangerous, as it can erode the trust and unity that we have worked so hard to cultivate.”
As an opposition Member of Parliament, Figueira said that he feels a deep sense of responsibility to not only hold the government of the day to account, but also other leaders of influence in society, as he strives to lead by example.
“I call upon all of my colleagues, across party lines, to understand the weight of their words and the responsibility they bear as leaders of our beautiful, diverse, and emerging country.
In this critical moment, we must all remember that words can either unite or divide. We must strive to use our voices to inspire peace, for unity and progress, and for a brighter future of our children,” the MP declared.
