The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has noted with grave concern the recent utterances, attributed, through a Facebook post, to Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, and statements made by Mr. Hilton Sandy, People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for Roxborough/Delaford in the Tobago House of Assembly, Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Sandy’s comments were made at a recent public political meeting for the constituency mentioned. In a statement issued Monday, the IAC said it finds it extremely alarming that leading members of the Opposition in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago would not hesitate to make bold pronouncements that are insensitive, irresponsible and which demonstrate wanton disregard for people of Indian ancestry.

Further, the IAC sees such reckless statements to be inciting as they can present opportunities for the seeds of disharmony to be sown and which can have dire consequences for all. Mr. Sandy has subsequently noted in a statement that he was “overwhelmed by the exuberant atmosphere and erred by referencing what has been perceived as a racial statement”. He has since apologised to all who are offended.

While Mr. Sandy has issued an apology, the IAC demands that the political Opposition be more responsible in their discharge of their duties and must always be cognisant of the sensitivities within the populace and not be carried away when addressing a constituent comprising generally of one ethnic group. To say that the “exuberant atmosphere” led to such careless utterance is no excuse.

The IAC would like to reiterate that these politicians be always conscious of the dangerous situations their actions can engineer and the harm that can befall a nation of diverse people. The IAC therefore demands, as Mr. Sandy did, that Mr. Granger issue an unconditional apology to all Guyanese, especially those of Indian ethnicity. The IAC has tremendous difficulty in trying to comprehend why someone like Mr. Granger, who aspires to lead this nation, would endeavour to make the comment attributed to him.

The IAC would like to remind Mr. Granger that in this modern era of technology, the use of social media, which has extensive reach, must be done responsibly. The IAC wishes to categorically state that it will not tolerate any form of Indian bashing and also will not tolerate politicians making statements which can pit one ethnic group against another.

The IAC calls on all organisations from civil society and the nation as a whole to forthrightly condemn Mr. Granger for his irresponsible rant, and demands an unequivocal and immediate apology. The IAC also urges all to ensure that the peace and harmony that exist amongst the peoples of Guyana, is not derailed by reckless statements such as the one alluded to.