I MUST begin by commending the vision President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have for ‘our deal land of Guyana’.If unity is realised, I am most optimistic that Guyana could reach new heights. But before I digress further, the focus of this narrative is a response to an op-ed written by Dr. David Hinds, “I salute the African Guyanese Sistren and brederen.”
As an Afro-Guyanese living abroad, I am utterly disgusted that the local media provides Dr. Hinds with an avenue to try and pollute the minds of the people with his hate-filled babble – which is often based on racial insensitivity and bias.
Moreover, he makes general accusations that appear to come from a place of racial intolerance. If that is correct, he should not be given a podium to speak to the masses. Although I am in favour of free speech, it is my firm belief that his persistent, racially charged opinions will have serious long-term consequences on a nation in healing. However, I see my fellow Guyanese as wise individuals and resilient. So I have no doubt they will be able to read his opinions and determine for themselves if they deserve merit. But for someone that is considered an intellectual and has garnered some respect, I am appalled that he has stooped so low to often write his often baseless articles.
It is interesting, because he is a part of the WPA, which is now in the ANPU+AFC coalition. This coalition was established on the basis of racial unity, yet his views seem to oppose what the coalition stands for.
In his article, he salutes and “big up” Afro-Guyanese, yet failed to properly acknowledge the significant role Indo-Guyanese, multi-ethnics and other minorities played in the outcome of the election.
This was some indication that there is less racial polarisation now compared to years past. Therefore, it is imperative that we also salute Indo-Guyanese and other minorities that may have voted for the PPP in the past for making this truly monumental and symbolic stand. They represent unity, as well, because their stance has created a much needed spark that should ignite further unification that we so need and crave.
Dr. Hinds mentions “mutual respect”, yet he fails to properly recognise non-Afro Guyanese and engages in tit-for-tat tactics with the PPP. This leads me to believe that he may not fully comprehend what that concept means. Furthermore, he mentions “unity”, yet he continually instigate matters that could potentially lead to racial conflicts and retribution.
Moreover, many of the matters that he chooses to shed light on appear to be accusations void of facts. I believe that Dr. Hinds is suffering from issues that are synonymous with tunnel vision syndrome whereby he sees only what he chooses to see. However, I am not surprised, because controversy is not new to him. It seems to follow him everywhere he goes – from his Buxton days under the Burnham era to present day Guyana and even in the U.S. where he currently teaches.
I sincerely commend Dr. Hinds for what he has done for Guyana in the past, but the time has come for him and all Guyanese to accept that both major parties should be held responsible for the dire conditions in Guyana. That said, what we should be focusing on is trying to devise pragmatic plans aimed at nation building. Dr. Hinds’ messages are built on racial division, and that is not a way to achieve progress and unity. His sentiments should not even be entertained anymore. There is a difference between trying to intellectually stimulate the minds of the people and instigating. He is doing the latter – even though he may argue otherwise.
We’ve just had a pivotal moment in our country’s history. Thus, it is a time for us all to reflect on our past, not lay blame, but to remind ourselves of the many mistakes we’ve made as a people.
We should look at the present to recognise and rejoice for the obstacles we’ve managed to overcome and what this recent victory represents. And we should look to the future for the potential greatness that us as a people and country could become.

Blessing to my country! And blessing to my fellow Guyanese at home and abroad!

NERO THOMAS