In a strong public rebuke, Minister of Local Government Priya Manickchand sharply criticized Dr. David Hinds for what she calls regressive political tactics. According to her, these tactics are not driven by genuine concern for marginalized communities but by political opportunism — a pattern her government promises not to tolerate.
Minister Manickchand argued that Hinds’s recent commentary, especially concerning poverty-stricken areas like Tiger Bay, reflects “old, backward politics” rooted in race-baiting and division rather than solidarity. She believes such approaches undermine the progress Guyana is making under the current administration. She emphasizes that these are not just attacks — they are attempts to destabilize trust in the government’s work and hinder national development.
The Minister notes a clear difference between her government’s vision and that of her critics. She emphasizes that her administration is focused on uplifting underserved communities through practical, ongoing interventions—not dramatic displays. Her commitment, she states, is to “real transformation” in areas such as youth skills training, local business opportunities, and community-policing initiatives. These, she believes, are more than mere handouts — they are foundational steps for lasting social and economic change.
Minister Manickchand also issued a broader warning to caricature politicians who rely on outdated narratives of race, poverty, and division. She stated that the government will not support those who continue to use these themes for political gain. Her message: the old politics of hostility and finger-pointing have no place in a Guyana striving for unity and progress.
Importantly, she reframed her criticism not as a personal attack on Hinds alone, but as a defense of a broader principle — the importance of One Guyana. She emphasized that this isn’t just a political slogan, but a guiding philosophy for her ministry. As she explained, unity cannot be superficial; it requires discarding divisive rhetoric and embracing collective responsibility. Her message advocates for a politics of service rather than spectacle, emphasizing meaningful action over soundbites.
In her response to the opposition, Minister Manickchand also affirmed that the government’s goal is not to dwell on the past but to build a future based on inclusion. She called on political actors to reject manipulative strategies that divide communities and instead support policies that empower everyday people. These policies, she said, must be backed by accountability, not just promises.
Several observers see Minister Manickchand’s comments as a direct reply to Hinds’s repeated criticisms of the government’s social welfare policies in Afro-Guyanese communities. She made it clear that she views these criticisms as less about true advocacy and more about political point-scoring. Her tone was determined: she will not let her ministry’s efforts be overshadowed by what she considers cynical, race-based commentary.
Minister Manickchand’s wider message to the nation is very strategic. She intends to steer political discussion away from division and toward collective progress. Her focus on politics prioritizing service — not conflict — is a call for a new political culture in Guyana: one where local government is not just a power platform but a genuine tool for community upliftment.
In conclusion, she stressed that patience for “old politics” is fading. She said that when it comes to nation-building, Guyana needs to move beyond outdated approaches. For her government, the path forward depends on trust, accountability, and unity — not on reviving divisive tactics from the past.