Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), Derrick John, and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman have written to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) objecting to the use of the “jaguar” as a political symbol for the recently formed, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, which is headed by billionaire businessman, Azruddin Mohamed.

In a letter seen by News Source, the NTC Chairman expressed concern over the use of “indigenous symbols and imagery” by political parties ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

“The cultural symbols of Indigenous Peoples hold deep spiritual and traditional significance. Their use in political campaigns, without proper context or consent, risks misrepresentation and may inadvertently create division within our communities,” the NTC Chairman said.

John told the Elections Commission that the use of the “jaguar” by the WIN party is an “offensive desecration” of one of the “sacred symbols” of the indigenous people.

Citing Articles 5 and 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the NTC Chairman said the use of the jaguar as a political symbol is a breach of Indigenous rights.

Article 31 states: “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and tradition cultural expressions,” in addition to their right “to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and tradition al cultural expressions.”

It says that in conjunction with indigenous peoples, States must take effective measures to recognize and protect the exercise of these rights.

“Under these articles, it is clearly stated that we have a right to protect our cultural identity, our cultural heritage and institutions. Complementary, Indigenous Cultures do not only grant recognition to formal institutions; we see our belief systems as institutions of themselves as we see our spiritual expressions as representative of such systems,” John wrote.

The NTC Chairman also cited Article 149 of the Constitution, which also addresses indigenous rights to protection, preservation, and promulgation of their languages, cultural heritage and way of life.

“The Arawakan People are known throughout academia and history as the Jaguar People,” John said in its letter to GECOM.

It was noted that Arawa translated from Arawak to English is Jaguar, and has been the symbol of the Arawakan Nation – the largest and most prominent Indigenous group of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana.

Additionally, it was pointed out that the Jaguar is also prominent on the Coat of Arms of Guyana along with the Cacique crown, and the Canje Pheasant.

“…we have no objection as we view the symbol of Guyana as A-political, part of our spiritual connection the “Guiana” and unifying,” he said.

He urged the Commission to permanently strike off the use of “Indigenous Symbols” by any political party inclusive of the Casique, the Jaguar, the Eagle, depiction of the Indigenous Art, the Makanaima , ee-gili (the Rain Spirit), and other symbols depicting same as political party symbols.

The NTC’s letter was also copied to the Minister of Amerindian Peoples Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

News Sources was also informed that the Leader of the LJP, Lenox Shuman also shared similar sentiments in his objection.

Just last week, the Chairman of the National Parks Commission and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud objected to the use of the “jaguar” as a political party symbol, claiming that it is a national symbol.

WIN is among 24 political parties that have submitted symbols to the Elections Commission for its stamp of approval ahead of Nomination Day set for July 14.

GECOM is expected to discuss the letters of objection, and is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols received on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

According to GECOM, political parties are required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on Nomination Day for General and Regional Elections along with a copy of their pre-approved symbol to the Chief Election Officer.

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