–Laments being sidelined before and during elections
If the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) expects Guyanese to see it as a multi-ethnic party, then it needs to start treating its Indo-Guyanese members with greater respect. This is according to former Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.
Narine, a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), recently appeared on the Freddie Kissoon show, where he criticised his party for failing to listen to his concerns before and during the 2025 election season.
He said one of his main grievances was that the APNU was taking its base for granted and ignoring complaints he raised following grassroot engagements.
“My voice isn’t heard in the APNU… I was only invited to two meetings before the elections. I wasn’t appreciated. I want to know if I, as an Indo-Guyanese, am unwanted in the PNC or APNU,” said Narine.
Given the internal turmoil, Narine said he was not surprised by the election results, save for the high number of seats won by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured a total of 16, compared to APNU’s 12.
He also made it clear that his statements should not be interpreted as disappointment over not being selected for Parliament.
“My problem, or what I faced, when I demitted office under Aubrey’s leadership, was that I was tremendously sidelined. I still try to make my voice heard because I know the party needs Indo-Guyanese.
“No political party can win an election with Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese alone; you need both sides,” said Narine.
In this regard, he referenced “unhelpful” comments by Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, who earlier this year criticised Daniel Seeram for abandoning the APNU ship for the PPP ahead of the elections. Dr. Hinds had said Seeram, who was appointed Region Four Chairman by the APNU, never genuinely worked for the position, but was granted the honour as a form of “ethnic window-dressing.”
Setting the record straight for Dr. Hinds, Narine made it clear that he is one Indo-Guyanese who will not accept such treatment.
Narine stated, “I am one Indo-Guyanese who wouldn’t tolerate window dressing; that’s why I’m speaking out. I would not sit back like some do, watching the party deteriorate and sink to the lowest point without trying to correct what is wrong in the party.”
The former mayor said he is PNC at heart but maintains he has a right to ensure that the voices of Indo-Guyanese are heard within the party.
He added, “I have constituents I represent in this country. People look up to us, Indo-Guyanese, being part of the PNC to represent them as well. Forbes Burnham built a multi-ethnic party, according to the constitution of the party. Why are you pushing us away?”
