Wildlife conservation body chairman objects to jaguar as political party symbol

Last Updated on Thursday, 19 June 2025, 23:44 by Writer

The Chairman of the National Protected Areas Commission (NPAC), Robert Persaud on Thursday objected to the use of the jaguar as a political party symbol.

“Turning this national symbol into a party logo strips it of that shared meaning and tries to turn it into something small, partisan, and representing only a few,” he said in a statement directed at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The jaguar is the symbol of Azruddin Mohamed’s political party named We Invest In Natìonhood (WIN).

Mr Persaud said Guyana’s national symbols represent all Guyanese, reflect their shared history, culture, and pride. “Using them for political purposes undermines their meaning and divides the very people they’re meant to unite,” he said.

WIN’s symbol became public during a meeting that GECOM held with political parties.

The NPAC Chairman said the jaguar is more than a powerful animal that speaks to who we are as Guyanese; resilient and deeply rooted to this land.

He said in Guyana, national symbols like the jaguar are not just decoration as they carry weight, tell stories and deserve care.

“Instead of turning the Jaguar into a hollow political brand, let’s honor our national symbols by keeping them where they belong, with all the people of Guyana,” he said.

Political parties will early next month submit their symbols to GECOM for approval.

Nomination Day is July 14.