Despite claiming to champion, the interests of Afro-Guyanese, the recent actions and rhetoric of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) continue to contradict these claims. This was highlighted by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who strongly condemned Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s recent actions and rhetorical remarks during a visit to Canada.
At a press conference on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo expressed his outrage at Norton’s disrespectful comments, where the opposition leader accused the PPP/C of paying Afro-Guyanese to “beat up” Indo-Guyanese at street protests. Jagdeo, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President, criticised the remarks as divisive and harmful, saying they reveal the opposition’s lack of respect for the Afro-Guyanese community.
“Can you imagine such a statement? And yet they claim to be bringing people together Jagdeo said. “He [Norton] clearly has no respect for young Afro-Guyanese men. They’d prefer if we did nothing to help Afro-Guyanese—no education, no scholarships, no skills training, no ownership of land, vehicles, or good jobs.”
Dr Jagdeo also criticized the Alliance For Change (AFC), accusing it of promoting the same divisive narrative. He pointed out that the opposition’s message seeks to keep young Afro-Guyanese, particularly men, in a state of victimhood. According to Dr Jagdeo, Norton’s recent comments make it clear that the opposition has little genuine concern for the welfare of Afro-Guyanese.
“This is the nonsense we have to deal with today,” Dr Jagdeo remarked. “They talk about uniting the people, yet you won’t hear the PPP/C degrading Afro-Guyanese or any other group. The PNC-R and AFC are stoking racism, using divisive tactics to keep the country divided.”
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C is the only party in Guyana that genuinely works to involve people of all races and religions, both in and out of office. He reiterated that the party’s mission is to work for all Guyanese, irrespective of ethnicity, and criticized the opposition for undermining these efforts.
Opposition’s Attitude Towards Afro-Guyanese
Dr Jagdeo has consistently condemned the opposition for its treatment of Afro-Guyanese, accusing the PNC-R/APNU and AFC of trying to hinder the community’s personal and professional growth. Earlier this year, Dr Jagdeo called out the opposition for selectively highlighting issues that provoked emotional responses from supporters while ignoring the broader progress made under the PPP/C government.
He also pointed to the poor treatment of Afro-Guyanese during the APNU+AFC’s tenure. According to Jagdeo, Afro-Guyanese were among the worst treated under their governance, particularly in regions such as Linden, where promises of job creation and housing went unfulfilled.
Dr Jagdeo argued that the APNU’s elitist approach only benefited a select few while most of the population continued to suffer. His remarks were echoed by opposition parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira, who distanced himself from the party’s racial politics and condemned the leadership for engaging in “dog-whistling” and race-baiting tactics.
Figueira, who has been vocal about his disagreement with the party’s divisive strategies, stated in a written response: “I will not participate in dog-whistling and race-baiting political tactics designed to keep our people divided.”
Figueira’s opposition to Norton’s tactics reportedly led to his removal from leadership roles within the PNC-R, including his replacement as Shadow Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport and his dismissal from his position as leader of the party’s Region 10 arm.
In addition, Figueira’s choice to defy Aubrey Norton’s well-known “handshake policy” by refusing to shake the hands of the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali.
Although Figueira did not directly confirm this, he stated: “I will not comply with childish directives, such as refusing to shake someone’s hand, especially the hand of the President of my country.”
It shows clearly that Aubrey Norton is not interested in supporting and helping his minority Afro-Guyanese voters but instead accusing the Indo-Guyanese of racism. Aubrey is playing the race card in Guyana.
Aubrey Norton must learn that Guyana is in South America, not Africa. He must also learn the word protocol in politics. By refusing to shake the hands of the President of his country, he portrays his lack of respect and manners. He is a disgrace to the Afro-Guyanese community. That is why thousands of Afro-Guyanese voters are joining the PPP party. Nigel Hughes does not think highly of Aubrey Norton. Hence, a leadership war is occurring inside the PNC/AFC parties. Two African leaders are fighting for Afro-Guyanese voters.
Dr Jagdeo concluded his remarks by urging the Guyanese to reject the opposition’s divisive rhetoric and focus on building a united and inclusive nation for all its citizens, regardless of race or background.