–PPP Councillor, fmr. national cricketer appeals to youth to reject racism; vote on policies, track record
FORMER national cricketer, now businessman and politician, Steven Jacobs, has entered Guyana’s political arena with a single motive: to contribute to the country’s development, despite the verbal attacks he faces as an Afro-Guyanese supporter of the PPP.
He shared these sentiments during a recent episode of Starting Point, where he reflected on the growth of both the sports sector and the nation as a whole. Jacobs explained that his decision was fuelled by a strong desire to be part of the solution rather than merely a critic.
“Most young people might look at politics, and you know, it might look polarised or unattractive. But do you then just sit by and critique? Or do you get involved so that you can make sure this country develops? And also, to help the future generation inherit a better Guyana. So, that prompted my entry into politics. I want to be a part of the solution,” he stated.
However, Jacobs’ ascension into politics did not come without its fair share of challenges.
He spoke about experiencing vile attacks and harassment that frequently happens to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters who are Afro-Guyanese.
Within recent months, Afro-Guyanese PPP/C supporters have opened up about facing some of the vilest attacks by members of the opposition and those aligned.
“I lost quite a number of friends and people I consider to be close to me because I joined the People’s Progressive Party. Sometimes it is overwhelming…But no political party owns my vote or owns me. We have a unique opportunity as young people to break the shackles of racism,” Jacobs firmly stated.
As a PPP/C councillor on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Jacobs noted that instead of focusing on the development of the nation, he is sometimes ridiculed for being a member of the ruling party because of his ethnicity.
“This is a democratic nation. We should be able to choose or be aligned with any political party that we consider holds our same ideology, what we want to see in Guyana.”
He further stated that one day, he hopes that politics can become just a battle of ideas.
With the General and Regional Elections rapidly approaching, he appealed to young people to use that opportunity to reject racism, attempts to divide the nation and put the country first.
“September 1 is an opportunity to vote for policies, track record, a list of necessary skill set and govern this country,” he stated.