Political, Civil leaders’ silence on WPA’s racist remarks “disturbing” – PM

Prime Minister Mark Phillips believes that the lack of condemnation by “political leaders” of the racist and inciting remarks made by WPA member Tacuma Ogunseye is most disturbing.
In a release to the press, the Prime Minister stated that Guyana is progressing rapidly, not only at the economic level, but as a united front; but there are a few bitter persons fighting for power, who are willing to use any means necessary — even if it means destroying the very fabric of this great country.
He added that not only were the statements inflammatory, but they were also made in complete contrast to the principles of what the WPA represented under Walter Rodney.
“These outdated, obstinate, and devious individuals who operate under the guise of WPA membership are as unpatriotic as they come. Rodney must be turning in his grave over the degeneration of his party,” the Prime Minister stated.
However, he added that the reality is that, in today’s Guyana, the WPA is no longer the ‘Walter Rodney WPA of the 1970s’. In fact, the current members are not only duplicitous, but delusional.
The WPA’s tailored attempts to conduct a series of rallies in Afro-Guyanese communities prove that they are clutching at straws. Those rallies were poorly attended, and further demonstrate their lack of relevance to the Guyanese population. Their hope of political redemption has failed at every corner.
“Mr Ogunseye did not stand alone. The inflammatory statements made by Dr David Hinds and his associates must also be condemned to the highest degree. Hinds’s cynical and race-hate commentary on his programme ‘Politics 101’ is an affront to the collective effort of the Government and the wider Guyanese society to promote racial harmony and to focus our people on the ever-expanding developmental path,” the Prime Minister has said.
He also said the deafening silence of organisations such as the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), and the recently launched Institute for Action against Discrimination is particularly noteworthy in this instance.
“I condemn the racism and racist statements, as well as calls for terrorism and any intentional actions aimed at fostering violent behaviours in Guyana. We must prioritise Guyana’s development, and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese,” the PM added.
Phillips took the opportunity to call on all political parties to come forward and strongly condemn this racially divisive commentary, which has the underpinnings of terrorism and hostility. He added that this attempt to rile Afro-Guyanese for self-serving reasons must end.
“Afro-Guyanese are smart people, they are kind people, and as an Afro-centric individual, I can tell you that we want to progress in the right way, in a law-abiding way. We thrive on respect, we are protectors and God-fearing individuals,” the Prime Minister has said.
The PM noted that Guyana’s democratically-elected Government is committed to the rule of law in Guyana and the enhancement of the democratic process, which remains fundamental to good governance and is a key pillar of the administration, and “we will not stand idly by and allow anyone to fuel the flames of hatred, racism, and violence in our society.”