ERC opens investigations into statements made by WPA Co-Leader Dr. David Hinds

The Ethnic Relations Commission has announced that it has launched a probe into statements made by Co-Leader of the Working People’s Alliance, Dr. David Hinds on his “Politics 101” podcast, which is broadcast on social media.

In a Sunday statement, the ERC said it is currently scrutinizing and investigating the statements made, which are believed to have the potential to sow division and disrupt social harmony.

“The ERC remains steadfast in its mandate to promote harmony and respect among all ethnic groups in Guyana. In accordance with its constitutional responsibilities, the Commission has initiated a review of the statements made during the broadcast and is diligently assessing their impact. The Commission assures the public that it is taking this matter seriously. Once the investigation is concluded, the ERC will make public its findings and any actions deemed necessary to uphold the principles of fairness, unity, and respect”, the Commission said.

Dr. David Hinds, continues to come under criticism over statements he directed at some Afro-Guyanese on his Politics 101 podcast last Monday night.

During the broadcast, a combative Dr. Hinds after opening his show with the popular Trinidadian calypso song “Lick Bottom African” by Trinidadian calypsonian “Cro Cro”, declared that in Guyana, there are also many “Lick bottom Africans”, who he said would be “Lick Beetee Africans” in Guyanese creole language.

“Lick bottom Africans, we in Guyana call them Lick Beetee Africans, Lick Bamsi Africans, and we got plenty of them in Guyana. Lick Bottom Africans, ah so shame of some of the black man them…Lick Botto Africans, Lick Beetee Africans, is only we does behave so you know, is only we, well some of we, nah all of we, but enough of we does mek we self an ass, Lick Bottom Africans the Trinis does call them and Lick Bottom Africans the Guyanese does call them”, Hinds declared.

In the Cro-Cro calypso, the veteran singer made reference to Afro-Trinidadians and their treatment of Afro-Trinidadian political leaders and the fighting among themselves.

Hinds said there should have been more calypsonians like Cro-Cro in Guyana.

“Lick bottom Africans, sell-outs, all kinds of talk they giving us as to why they behaving like house slaves and slave catchers, we got to talk it as it is”, he stated.

His statements have been heavily criticised. On Thursday night, President Irfaan Ali said the comments by Hinds were racist and inflammatory, and he believes the comments were designed to instill fear among the population.

Questioned on the issue, Opposition Leader and Leader of the PNC Reform, Aubrey Norton, said while he might have chosen better words, he has not studied the comments. He said he cannot control what comes out of the mouth of another political leader. The PNC and WPA recently announced a partnership heading into this year’s elections.

Meanwhile, A New and United Guyana in a statement condemned the remarks by Hinds and also said it would be making a formal complaint to the Ethnic Relations Commission.

Dr. Hinds has said he will not apologise for his remarks.