The Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud, has strongly criticised the use of Guyana’s national Jaguar symbol by the recently announced political party, “We Invest In Nationhood,” which is led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.
Mohamed, who the United States sanctioned for alleged gold smuggling and related financial crimes, recently named his new political party and unveiled its logo, which features the Jaguar.
In a statement issued to the media, Persaud noted that Guyana’s national symbols, such as the Jaguar, are meant to unite all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, and should not be used for partisan purposes.
“Guyana’s national symbols represent all of us. They reflect our shared history, culture, and pride. Using them for political purposes undermines their meaning and divides the very people they’re meant to unite,” Persaud said.
He further explained that the Jaguar is more than just a powerful animal, but a representation of Guyanese resilience and connection to the land.
“For generations, the Jaguar has stood as a symbol of national strength and unity. 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 added.
Persaud cautioned that national symbols carry cultural weight and meaning, serving as reminders of Guyana’s shared story and collective identity.
“In Guyana, national symbols like this aren’t just decoration. They carry weight. They tell stories. And they deserve care,” he stressed.
He called on political leaders and the public to honour and protect Guyana’s national symbols by refraining from using them for narrow political branding.
“Instead of turning the Jaguar into a hollow political brand, let’s honour our national symbols by keeping them where they belong, with all the people of Guyana,” Persaud concluded.
