President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has criticized the media for its silence regarding the racist and derogatory comments made by David Hinds, the Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), against Afro-Guyanese individuals. During a recent episode of his program “Politics 101,” Hinds unleashed a tirade against Afro-Guyanese who have chosen to align with political parties outside of his own ideology, labeling them as “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sellouts.”

In a live address on Thursday, President Ali expressed his profound disappointment over the divisive language used to belittle a segment of the Guyanese populace, particularly from a party that historically championed the rights of all citizens. He remarked, “What an injustice coming from people who inherit the party of Walter Rodney, a nationalist, a true Guyanese, a patriot, a man who fought for every Guyanese.”

The president contended that the media’s inaction on this matter reflects a biased perspective among journalists and social commentators, despite the inflammatory nature of Hinds’ remarks, which aim to incite fear within the community. He pointed out that the outrage seems selectively directed at certain groups, especially those attempting to challenge the PPP/C government in the forthcoming general and regional elections. “They have made it very clear that their only motive and interest is to bring together every force that would help them in their unachievable idea of removing the PPP/C from government,” he stated.

President Ali asserted that these attempts are destined to fail, as the government’s accomplishments are evident and appreciated by the populace. Additionally, Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Public Affairs, condemned Hinds’ remarks, emphasizing that they reflect the APNU’s approach to race and politics in Guyana. McCoy noted that such outbursts reveal the toxic and divisive ideology that the opposition continues to promote while claiming to support inclusion.

The Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) also denounced Hinds’ comments, asserting that every Guyanese, regardless of race, has the right to choose their political affiliations. APAD stated, “It is contrary to the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold. We roundly condemn David Hinds and any form of divisive rhetoric that seeks to demean or diminish our people.”