The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has launched an investigation into controversial remarks made by David Hinds, leader of the Working People’s Alliance during his online show “Politics 101”, on Monday, February 10, 2025.
The ERC said the statements are believed to have the potential to fuel division and undermine social cohesion and have raised concerns among the public.
According to a press release from the ERC, it has initiated a thorough review of the comments made during Hinds’ broadcast, with a focus on their potential impact on the nation’s social fabric.
The commission assured the public that it is taking this matter seriously and is conducting a detailed assessment of the statements in question.
Once the investigation is completed, the ERC will publicly disclose its findings and any subsequent actions required to uphold the principles of fairness, unity, and respect in Guyanese society.
In light of the situation, the ERC has called on all Guyanese, especially public figures and content creators, to exercise caution and responsibility when engaging in public discourse. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive and respectful conversations on public platforms, with the goal of preventing any further racial discord.
“The ERC remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a society based on mutual respect, where every citizen is encouraged to contribute positively to national unity,” the statement concluded.
A New and United Guyana (ANUG) had stated that it would be formally approaching the ERC to seek redress with the expectation that there will be a discontinuance of certain actions following what it described as “reckless and inflammatory remarks” made by Hinds on his social media programme.
“Every citizen’s egalitarianism affords them the opportunity to think and act independently in choosing political affiliation, without being subjected to such iniquitous labels or undergoing public ridicule,” ANUG said. “True leadership encourages critical thinking, respectful discourse and collaborative relationships, rather than resorting to insults focused on shaming individually or collectively [in this case our Afro-Guyanese brothers] for their personal convictions and preferences.
Dr Hinds’ recent emotional outburst clearly reflects the thinking of an unhinged individual who has control issues and is possibly an indictment of the political organization he leads.”
It continued that “the struggle for equality and justice is not furthered by fostering division among our own people. It is strengthened when we embrace diversity of thought and engage in meaningful dialogue.
We urge Dr Hinds and all political voices to reject inflammatory rhetoric and focus on contributing to the constructive, inclusive national conversation that Guyana deserves.”
In addition the party called for a public apology amongst other initiatives and a “push for a different kind of politics where respect and togetherness in nation building are paramount, everyone is welcome to respectfully promote their ideas and policies and the rule of law is adhered to.”
