The leadership of the PNC was confronted in Melanie, East Coast Demerara, where Parliamentary Leader Terrence Campbell reportedly referred to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament James Bond as a “house slave”.
Campbell was among PNC supporters who confronted Bond as he engaged with community residents. The remark has drawn strong condemnation because it was directed at an Afro-Guyanese politician in the context of his political decision to support the PPP/C.
The incident has once again brought attention to the use of racially charged language within parts of the Opposition and raised questions about the political culture fostered by some PNC leaders.
In a democratic society, citizens have the right to support whichever political party or candidate they believe best represents their interests. Political allegiance is a personal choice and should not be determined by ethnicity. Critics argue that no political party can claim permanent ownership of any racial or ethnic community’s support.
Citizen Delon Moffett publicly condemned Campbell’s alleged remark, arguing that individuals who claim to represent the interests of Black Guyanese should not attack or insult Black citizens merely because those citizens make political choices that differ from their own.
Moffett’s criticism highlights a fundamental principle of democracy: Guyanese citizens must be free to exercise their political freedom without being subjected to racial insults, intimidation or accusations of betrayal.
Another citizen, Asif Williams, also criticised the confrontation and questioned why Bond was being targeted while Bond was engaging with residents in an area traditionally regarded as a PNC support base.
The controversy has also reignited concerns about similar language previously used by Opposition figures. Working People’s Alliance (WPA) leader and PNC Member of Parliament Dr David Hinds has faced criticism for using terms such as “house slaves,” “lick bottoms,” “slave catchers” and “sell-outs” to refer to some Afro-Guyanese who support the PPP/C.
The repeated use of such terminology creates a troubling impression that some Opposition figures believe Afro-Guyanese citizens are obliged to support a particular political movement on ethnic lines.
That position should be rejected.
Guyana’s political system depends on citizens being free to make independent decisions at the ballot box. An Afro-Guyanese voter who supports the PPP/C is no less entitled to that choice than an Afro-Guyanese voter who supports PNC, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), or any other political organisation.
James Bond’s political history illustrates the evolving nature of political allegiance. Having previously been associated with the PNC, he later aligned with a different party, showing that politicians, like ordinary citizens, can reassess their views and pursue a different political path.
That should be accepted as part of democratic life rather than treated as grounds for racial condemnation.
The latest controversy therefore places a responsibility on PNC’s leadership to review its political messaging. If the Opposition seeks to broaden its support and persuade more Guyanese that it can govern, it must present credible policies, practical solutions and a positive national vision.
Attacking citizens or politicians with racially charged language does not demonstrate effective leadership. Instead, it risks deepening divisions and alienating the very voters the Opposition needs to win over.
PNC leaders should recognise that Guyanese voters are not the property of any political party. Ethnicity does not determine political loyalty, and supporting another party does not make someone a traitor to their community.
Political leaders should be judged by the policies they offer, the solutions they propose and the way they treat citizens with whom they disagree.
Guyana needs a strong and effective Opposition, but that Opposition must challenge the Government through ideas, evidence and accountability rather than racial rhetoric.
The controversy surrounding Campbell’s alleged remark should therefore serve as an opportunity for PNC leaders to reconsider the tone of their political engagement. If they genuinely want to build broader national support, they must persuade voters—not to shame them for exercising their democratic rights.
Political competition is essential to democracy, but racial insults and divisive rhetoric have no place in a country that should be working toward greater unity and respect among all Guyanese.