Opposition tactics personal, not policy-driven – Amerindian Affairs Minister on public attacks

…says she remains resolute

Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek has described recent public confrontations and online attacks against her as politically motivated, admitting that the incidents have taken a personal toll and, at times, left her feeling fearful but nonetheless resolute.

Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Browne- Shadeek addressed recent encounters involving members of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and its leader, United States indicted Azruddin Mohamed, including a confrontation outside the Amerindian Hostel, visits to her home and public criticism in recent weeks.
“I would be lying if I’m going to say that it has not affected me, because it has,” the minister said. “There are times that I always look over my shoulder to see if I’ve been followed, and there’s always that fear,” she added.
Browne-Shadeek said the situation has been compounded by commentary on social media, including remarks from individuals she knows personally.
“Persons would say, this is happening, don’t look at the comments, but I chose to look at it because it gives me a different perspective,” she explained. “When you go on social media, you will see the comments mainly from people who have known you for a long time… some of your family members as well, your friends.”
She said it is not only the content of what is being said but the identities of those participating in the attacks that have been particularly difficult.
However, the minister rejected the framing that the confrontations are about accountability.

Trying to tarnish reputation
“For those who really sit and analyse the situation… it’s all political,” she said. “The We Invest in Nationhood party, they are trying to tarnish my reputation. It’s not about holding people accountable.”
Referring specifically to the confrontation outside the Amerindian Hostel with US-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, Browne- Shadeek said one of the questions posed to her suggested the issue was personal rather than policy-driven.
“One of the questions that Mr. Mohamed asked me at that time was, why can’t I get work? You know, that wasn’t the issue at hand, and I’m not a person responsible for getting work,” she said. “It would have tell from that statement alone, it’s something deeply personal for him.”

Limited participation from opposition
The minister also drew attention to what she described as inconsistent conduct by opposition members in Parliament. Her comments come on the heels of the Budget 2026 debates, during which she defended the current and capital expenditure allocations for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Browne-Shadeek said she was disappointed by what she described as limited participation from opposition members during the scrutiny of her ministry’s estimates.
“When I started to defend the budget, the first observation I made was that they were absent, clearly absent,” she said.
She added that opposition members entered the chamber later in the proceedings and did not fully engage in questioning the ministry’s current estimates.
“As Shadow Minister of Amerindian Affairs, I expected that Ms [Dawn] Hastings would have been able to ask the questions for her benefit, as well as the benefit of the Guyanese people who were also tuned in live,” Browne- Shadeek stated.
While expressing disappointment, she said she was not surprised.
“They portray themselves to be disciplined…obeying the standing orders. But then when they leave those doors, it’s a whole different scenario. They go on the internet behind the keyboards, and then they start to talk and to peddle a narrative,” she said.

Resolute
Despite the ongoing criticism, Browne- Shadeek maintained that she remains resolute in her role and committed to advancing her ministry’s mandate.
“That would not affect me,” she said. “I’m strong, and I’m confident that I will overcome whatever is happening.”
She added that her years in politics, dating back to age 21, have prepared her for public scrutiny and political challenges.
“I’ve been around for about 11 years at a leadership level… and like I said, the people of Guyana would have put their trust in my party, and my party saw it fit to put me into this position. And I’m determined.”
The minister said she intends to continue advocating for Indigenous communities, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, women’s development, and cultural preservation.
“How I can prove myself is by doing what is right, by continuing to advocate for my people, making the kind of representation we need. And that will be my vindication,” she said.