Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), and Lenox Shuman, Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), have formally objected to the use of the “jaguar” as a political symbol by the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by billionaire businessman Azruddin Mohamed.
In a letter addressed to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), John expressed deep concern over the appropriation of “indigenous symbols and imagery” by political parties in advance of the September 1 General and Regional Elections. He emphasized that the cultural symbols of Indigenous Peoples carry significant spiritual and traditional meaning, and their use in political contexts without proper consent risks misrepresentation and could create divisions within communities.
John described the use of the jaguar by WIN as an “offensive desecration” of a sacred symbol for Indigenous peoples, citing Articles 5 and 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Article 31 asserts that Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect, and develop their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
“The use of the jaguar as a political symbol is a breach of Indigenous rights,” John stated. He further referenced Article 149 of the Constitution, which protects the rights of Indigenous peoples regarding their languages, cultural heritage, and way of life.
Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the jaguar, John noted that the Arawakan People, known as the “Jaguar People,” see the jaguar as a central symbol of their identity. He urged GECOM to prohibit the use of Indigenous symbols, including the jaguar, eagle, and other cultural representations, as political party symbols.
The letter was also sent to the Minister of Amerindian Peoples Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. Shuman echoed similar concerns in his objection, reinforcing the need to protect Indigenous cultural symbols from political exploitation.
Last week, Robert Persaud, Chairman of the National Parks Commission and Foreign Secretary, also objected to the use of the jaguar, stating it is a national symbol.
WIN is one of 24 political parties that have submitted symbols for approval to GECOM ahead of the Nomination Day scheduled for July 14. GECOM is set to review the objections and approve the submitted symbols on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Political parties must submit their Lists of Candidates along with their pre-approved symbols on Nomination Day.
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