Last Updated on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 20:21 by Writer
President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday warned Amerindians against politically motivated persons, who arrive in fast boats, in their times of tragedy to avert possible imprisonment.
“Do not allow your grievances and aspirations to become somebody else’s escape route for their own legal troubles. Do not allow your concerns to be used as a ticket to avoid jail,” he told the opening of the Amerindian Heritage Month 2026 cultural extravaganza at the Amerindian village in Sophia.
The Guyanese leader issued the warning just days after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed—who is wanted by the United States (US) to face trial for alleged financial crimes—and several parliamentarians of his main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) travelled aboard his fast boat to Port Kaituma and Mabaruma where they met with survivors and relatives of the more than 100 deceased persons in the MV Barima ferry tragedy.
They also donated supplies to those affected, warned them against signing government documents in exchange for cash and offered them counselling and legal services.
The President told the Indigenous Amerindian community that they should be careful about those who suddenly arrive in fast boats bearing hampers and expressions of sympathy and presenting themselves as champions of your interests when there is a crisis.
“Be especially careful when people seek to turn your legitimate concerns into a vehicle for their own political or personal survival,” he said.
He said sometimes the gravest danger is the person who comes smiling bearing gifts and claiming to be their friend.
He said gifts could be temporary, sympathy convenient, and “political promise can disappear when a crisis has passed.”
In a stirring appeal to the Indigenous Amerindian community, he repeatedly boasted about improved conditions and livelihoods through investments in the village economies, schools, roads, electricity, water, youth development and economic opportunities.
“Look beyond the crisis and ask who still will stand with you when the fast boat has gone because in the final analysis you know who has stood with you for the long haul. You know who has invested in your communities and who has worked with your leaders,” he said.
The President acknowledged the impact of the “great tragedy” and promised to stand with those affected in “every season”.
“The PPP civic (People’s Progressive Party Civic) government stands with you today. The PPP civic government has stood with you through difficult times and as we build the Guyana of tomorrow the PPPC government will continue to stand by you,” he said.
The Indigenous Amerindian vote, together with a sway among coastland voters, is crucial in the outcome of any general and regional elections.
