Latest update February 19th, 2025 1:44 PM
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Kaieteur News- The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has said that it has taken note of several negative remarks made by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member, Dr. David Hinds on his online show aired on Monday, February 10, 2025.
In a statement, the Commission noted that it is currently scrutinizing and investigating the statements made, which are believed to have βthe potential to sow division and disrupt social harmony.β
WPA member, David Hinds
The ERC said it remains steadfast in its mandate to promote harmony and respect among all ethnic groups in Guyana. In accordance with its constitutional responsibilities, the Commission has initiated a review of the statements made during the broadcast and is diligently assessing their impact.
The Commission assures the public that it is taking this matter seriously. Once the investigation is concluded, the ERC will make public its findings and any actions deemed necessary to uphold the principles of fairness, unity, and respect.
At the interim, the ERC urges all Guyanese, particularly public figures and content creators, to exercise responsibility in their communicationβespecially on public platformsβto ensure that discussions remain constructive and do not contribute to racial discord.
βThe Commission remains committed to fostering a society where mutual respect prevails,β the ERC said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hinds in a letter to the editor defended his remarks. He noted while his words should be attributed to him, it is being used to taint the legacy of the WPA, Dr. Walter Rodney.
βMy sin lies in my courage to raise in the open a dangerous development whereby the ruling party is using some of its new converts to go into selective communities to solicit the votes of poor people in exchange for government and State resources,β Dr. Hinds said.
He described such action as βvote buying,β a practice which he said that is not permitted by the constitution or by statutes and flies in the face of democratic engagement.
Dr. Hinds noted that as part of the Walter Rodney cadre of Freedom Fighters, βwe fought for the right of Guyanese to join any political party of their choice.β
βWe fought for the right of political parties to recruit in any community. I will fight to protect and preserve those rights till the day I die. But we did not die and go to jail for the right of political parties to use State resources to buy votes. I will fight against such practice till the day I die.β
He noted that while his critics are preoccupied by his descriptive words, but they ignore his message.
βI chose to use folk language. The words used are borrowed from the title of a calypso sung by Trinidadian Calypsonian Cro Cro.β
He continued βWhere is Walter Rodney in all this? Well, fifty years ago, Rodney addressed a similar phenomenon. He also used folk language. I am in no way comparing myself to the great man.β
βBut for the education of the PPP leaders and the wider society, I quote from Rodney in his own words from one of his books titled, Peopleβs Power, No Dictator,β Dr. Hinds added.
βFor a small nation,β he noted βGuyana has produced a discouragingly large number of lackeys and stooges who hide in the shadow of the βComrade Leader.β
He noted that βGuyanese constantly complain of βsquare pegs in round holes.β
He said, βThe square pegs are the misfits and soup drinkers who flourish because each one is prepared to be his masterβs voice. This is a double tragedy in this situation.β
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