President Dr. Irfaan Ali has warned Indigenous Guyanese to be careful of persons who “suddenly appear” in their communities during crises, arriving in “fast boats” with gifts and sympathy, while allegedly seeking to use their concerns for political or personal gain.
Speaking at the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month 2026 at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the President urged Amerindian communities to examine the motives of those who claim to represent them, especially during difficult moments.
The Guyanese Leader said there will always be persons who seek to use the legitimate aspirations of Indigenous peoples for their own interests.
“They may speak the language of empowerment, justice and representation, but ask yourselves, whose interests are they really advancing?” the President said.
He warned that some persons attempt to turn legitimate concerns into grievances, and grievances into political instruments.
“Be wary of those who come among you seeking to sow division, distrust and disaffection,” Ali said.
The President described such persons as “wolves,” quoting from Matthew 7:15, which warns of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly “ravening wolves.”
Ali said these persons often become active during crises, arriving with accusations, promises and criticism. However, he questioned whether they remain after the crisis has passed.
“When the cameras have gone, and the headlines have faded, who remains?” he asked. “Who is still there to help rebuild, to solve the problem and to stand with you?”
The President later sharpened the warning, telling Indigenous communities to be cautious of persons who appear suddenly during tragedy or crisis.
“So I say to you, our Indigenous brothers and sisters, be careful about those who suddenly appear among you when there is a crisis, arriving in fast boats, bearing hampers and expressions of sympathy, presenting themselves as champions of your interests,” Ali said.
He urged communities not to allow their grievances and aspirations to become “somebody else’s escape route for their own legal troubles.”
“Do not allow your concerns to be used as a ticket to avoid jail,” he said.
He said gifts can be temporary, sympathy can be convenient and political promises can disappear when a crisis has passed.
“Sometimes the gravest danger is the person who comes smiling, bearing gifts and claiming to be your friend,” the President said.
Ali told the gathering that representation should not be judged by who speaks the loudest when trouble occurs, but by who remains with communities after the crisis is over.
“Representation is not merely about who speaks the loudest when trouble knocks,” he said. “Representation is about who stands beside you when the trouble is over.”
