Amid widespread condemnation of recent derogatory remarks made by David Hinds, a leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton Friday chose not to denounce Hinds, saying he has no control over the remarks.
Hinds recently called Afro-Guyanese who support the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) several derogatory names, including “house slaves” and “lick bottoms.”
“I have no say or control over what Mr Hinds says.
“Late last night I heard and I checked the details of what he said. I’ve heard people commenting on it and if what I heard is true, I would have chosen a different language,” Norton said when asked to comment on the remarks made at a press conference on Friday.
He added that no one should “decide that they have the right to determine” what an individual says.
Norton’s position is at odds with that of former mayor and PNC member Ubraj Narine, who said that “Hinds has crossed a line that no responsible leader or commentator should ever approach”.
Mr. Norton is the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and this party recently agreed to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections with the WPA.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a live broadcast, was among the individuals who condemned Mr. Hinds’ remarks. Condemnation has not come from senior members of the PNC; only the former Georgetown Mayor who hailed from the PNC Ubraj Narine condemned the remarks.
Reacting to Hinds’ outburst, Narine stated: “When leaders stoop to such divisive rhetoric against their own community, it begs the question: What does this mean for other ethnic groups in our political party and country, especially Indo-Guyanese and other minorities, if such figures were to gain power?”
