I REJECT and condemn unequivocally the call of Dr. David Hinds, a representative of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and political activist, to boycott the launch of the government’s programme celebrating the proclamation by the United Nations (by virtue of UN Resolution N Res 64/169) that 2011 is designated the ‘International Year for People of African Descent’. Context is always important. In August, 2010, David Hinds once again called for Buxtonians to refuse an invitation to the reception in honour of Buxtonians held by President Bharrat Jagdeo at State House.

David Hinds also called for Buxtonians to reject President Jagdeo’s visit to Buxton on August 18, 2010. On both occasions, the vast majority of Guyanese people (especially Buxtonians) answered a call for refusal and rejection, that is, they refused and rejected the calls of David Hinds and retorted by words and by deeds: we, the vast majority of Guyanese people of all races, creeds, religions, ages and sexes, are committed and yearning to work together in the interest of the common national development objective.

We have seen, heard or read about our past and we know what the future can be like. What we also know in our hearts and souls is that the only way we can harness our potential as a nation is if we work together.

For too long, the unwanted leadership of David Hinds and the like have festered their disease of virulence and acrimony for their self-centred and self-interested political motivations. Their voices for division and disunity are the voices of evil and regression. 

The people give politicians their strength. In the past we have seen some politicians use race as a force for division in order to satisfy their personal and political gains.

Today we discern similar actions in the call for a boycott of the launch of an event for Guyanese of all races to celebrate African-Guyanese culture. The vast majority of Guyanese people have recently rejected the divisive and regressive calls of David Hinds and the like. We must do so forevermore.