David Hinds derogatory comments towards Afro-Guyanese “not a slip of the tongue” – McCoy

…“we cannot afford to let this kind of rhetoric take root” – fellow coalition colleague slams Hinds

In a scathing response to comments made by David Hinds, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy has made it clear that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Leader’s recent derogatory remarks aimed at Afro-Guyanese who have chosen to part ways with the former A Partnership for National Unity – Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) coalition is “not a slip of the tongue”.

Mc Coy described David Hinds’ statements as offensive, highlighting the deeply ingrained ‘racial and divisive ideology that continues to define the opposition’s political machine’.
“This is not a slip of the tongue. This is who they are, and this is what they think of the very people they claim to represent… His words betray the entire façade the opposition attempts to present to the public, exposing the toxic and divisive ideology they continue to peddle while pretending to be a part of inclusion for all Guyanese,” the Minister said.
Hinds, during his “Politics 101” programme, hurled a series of insults at Afro-Guyanese, calling them “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sell outs”, among others.
These comments were seen as a direct attack on the dignity of Afro-Guyanese who are exercising their democratic right to support a political party of their choice. According to Mc Coy, this is not a case of a “slip of the tongue” but rather a revealing example of the entrenched mentality of the APNU/AFC.
“His words drip with disdain and arrogance, reflective of the very mentality that has defined the opposition’s approach to race and politics in Guyana… David Hinds is, in fact, a central figure in the APNU+AFC political machine, and what he is expressing is exactly what we already know to be the opposition’s deeply ingrained mentality and disposition on race,” he added.
Mc Coy went on to argue that Hinds’ derogatory remarks reflect a deeper issue within the opposition, which has consistently used race as a tool for political gain while disregarding the welfare of the people. He emphasized that Afro-Guyanese, like all citizens, have the constitutional right to support any political party they choose.

Hateful rhetoric
With this in mind, Mc Coy called on Afro-Guyanese groups, particularly those that advocate for the betterment of their communities, to take a firm stance against the insults and lies being spread by Hinds and the opposition. He expressed hope that Guyanese are more motivated than ever to move beyond the ‘regressive and hateful rhetoric of the past’, embracing a future of unity, opportunity, and progress under the ‘One Guyana’ initiative.
“All Guyanese must stand up, stand firm and denounce David Hinds and the APNU+AFC. Afro-Guyanese groups who truly advocate for the betterment of their communities must be the loudest in rejecting the vitriol and deception that David Hinds and the APNU+AFC continue to push on a daily basis”.

Hinds has crossed a line
The former mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine has chimed in on the matter, highlighting that “Hinds has crossed a line that no responsible leader or commentator should ever approach.”
He stated that “such behaviour not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also fuels unnecessary division and animosity among people who should be united in their pursuit of a better Guyana”.
Like Minister McCoy, Narine called for unity on the matter, stating “We cannot afford to let this kind of rhetoric take root in our political culture. Guyana’s strength lies in its diversity and the shared aspirations of its people, regardless of race or political affiliation. Leaders must rise above petty insults and work toward fostering unity and understanding. I call on all right-thinking leaders to condemn Dr. Hinds and the highly disrespectful comments made to my Afro brothers and sisters”.

APAD
The Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) has irrevocably condemned the statements made by Hinds, highlighting that the body does “not share his political views”, adding that “to label Afro-Guyanese with such distasteful and derogatory terms simply because they exercise their right to independent thought is unacceptable backward thinking and contrary to the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold”.
APAD has urge all leaders to engage in discussions that foster understanding and progress rather than disrespect and division.