Figueira slams David Hinds’ “racist comments” as divisive, says they undermine national unity efforts

…expresses disappointment in PNC’s silence on matter

Former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira has openly condemned what he described as racially divisive remarks made by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-leader David Hinds, warning that such rhetoric undermines ongoing efforts to promote national unity. In doing so, Figueira also expressed disappointment at the People’s National Congress (PNC) for failing to repudiate Hinds’ remarks, saying the silence could harm the party’s image and mission. Speaking candidly during a public interview on ‘Starting Point’, Figueira addressed recent criticisms and sought to clarify his position following his resignation from the PNC and subsequent endorsement of President Irfaan Ali’s re-election. “Never in a million years will I accuse the People’s National Congress organisation of being a racist organisation, never; because it’s not. But the fact of the matter is, we live in an ethnically divided country, and we have supporters of both political parties… I observe our party not repudiating some comments made by Dr Hinds, eminent, Dr Hinds, political commentator, contributor and I’m opposed to some of his positions he would have taken publicly. I believe in some regard, it undermines the efforts being done to bring our people together,” Figueira said.

Back in February, 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.
His comments were condemned by the former mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine, the Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) and even Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy, who emphasised that it was not a case of a “slip of the tongue”.

APNU+AFC, however, has never addressed the matter.
Against this backdrop, Figueira’s sharpest criticism was directed at the PNC’s failure to publicly distance itself from Dr Hinds’ remarks.
“You can be Black-conscious—I am, and always will be—but it must never come across as hateful toward other races. The moment it does, leaders and organisations have a responsibility to reject those comments publicly. You don’t have to distance yourself from the person or party—but you must disassociate from the harmful rhetoric,” he said. He warned that failing to do so allows misperceptions to fester and could harm the party’s credibility with the broader electorate. While reiterating his respect for the party’s historic efforts to unify Guyanese, Figueira called for moral clarity and accountability in public discourse.
“The PNC, from its inception, sought to unify the people of Guyana. I’m also seeing a pronounced effort by the PPP/C to do the same. And that is what all leaders—political, religious and in the private sector—must champion: bringing our people together.”