Prominent businessman and security executive Harold Hopkinson is using his platform to call for significant legal reform in Guyana, urging the repeal of laws that criminalize intimacy between men and the implementation of stronger workplace protections for the LGBT community.
For the 71-year-old, a well-known figure in the motor racing and sharp shooting communities, the advocacy is deeply personal. His motivation stems from his relationship with his 47-year-old son, Quincy, a medical professional who resides overseas. In a message released through the “Guyana Together” campaign for Father’s Day, Hopkinson revealed the emotional toll that national policy has taken on his family.
“It hurts deeply that he felt he had to leave Guyana because of our country’s outdated laws criminalising intimacy between men,” Hopkinson stated. He argued that these legal structures not only fail to align with the values of modern Guyanese society but also negatively impact the nation’s development by driving away skilled professionals. “They rob us of bright, hardworking people like my son,” he added.
Hopkinson, a father of seven, expressed deep pride in his son, highlighting their shared interests and close bond. In his campaign message, he issued a challenge to policymakers and fellow parents to foster an environment of fairness.
“We must stand against these discriminatory laws and pass laws that reflect our national values,” Hopkinson said. “Guyana is growing fast, and it is time for our country to also grow in fairness and respect for all people, including our gay citizens.”
Hopkinson’s video is the fifth installment in the “Guyana Together” series, which began in 2023. The campaign aims to showcase stories of love, acceptance, and allyship within Guyanese families and communities. Previous videos have featured:
Krystal Trim and family ally Eusebia Liverpool.
Model Kristal Inshan and fashion designer Avinash Narine.
Siblings Kaisha Davis and Tarique.
Romanie Viola Simpson and her granddaughter, Hollister.
The latest video campaign is scheduled to be broadcast on local television stations and shared across social media platforms.
