Former Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, was cleared of all charges related to exciting racial hostility and alleged cybercrime in a ruling delivered this morning by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Daly dismissed the case, stating that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that Mr. Narine had incited or attempted to incite racial hostility against any individual or group. She also noted the lack of evidence to support any charges under the Cyber Crime Act.
The charges originated from remarks made by Mr. Narine in 2022 during his tenure as Mayor, where he questioned the President’s differing treatment of vendors outside the Georgetown Hospital compared to sugar workers and speedboat operators. He had also raised concerns about potential religious bias in the President’s reluctance to collaborate with him, citing his Hindu identity in contrast to the President’s Muslim background.
In her ruling, Magistrate Daly clarified that Mr. Narine’s comments amounted to a comparison of treatment between two groups and did not convey any intention to incite racial hostility. “There was no hostility,” she stated. “I could not find evidence that hostility was excited by the accused.”
Following the filing of the charges in 2022, Mr. Narine was removed as a Reserve Member of the Guyana Defence Force, a decision that faced criticism from various civil society and political commentators.
Mr. Narine was represented in court by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, who expressed satisfaction with the verdict, asserting that the case was politically motivated and lacked legal merit. “This verdict reaffirms that speaking up against perceived injustices is not a crime. Mr. Narine remains committed to the people of Guyana and their democratic freedoms,” Wade stated.
With the legal matter now resolved, Pt. Ubraj Narine expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the ordeal and reiterated his dedication to public service and national unity.
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