Youth leader and medical student, Nikhil Sankar recently responded to statements made by the leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes at a recent party press conference. Sankar, in a letter to the editor, expressed an interest in tackling a debunked conspiracy theory.
See below Sankar’s full letter to the editor:
Reference is drawn to remarks made by Exxon Attorney and AFC leader, Mr. Nigel Hughes at the AFC’s latest press conference (3/1/2025).
Upon being questioned about his repetition of the debunked conspiracy theory that the PPP was involved in the death of 1,200 Afro-Guyanese men, Hughes declared the following: “Well, I’ve been practising law for 37 years, and between 1992 and today, I have represented the families of several people who have either been shot, killed or murdered by the Guyana Police Force. And the numbers that I have and the circumstances in which people have been shot and killed, I believe that the number I gave is accurate.
“And just to remind you, Shaquille Grant was put to lie on the ground with five other people in Agricola, shot through his head. If you want to go back to what started the whole problem in Buxton with Shaka Blair, we can do that. Since 1992, I have more than sufficient bases on which I can say that”.
The aforementioned remarks constitute a masterclass in deflection and retreat.
Deconstructing his statement reveals a dangerous political playbook for failing Opposition politicians in Guyana: Combining conspiracy theory with emotional fallacy to exploit racial tension. Therefore, it is imperative to recognise, debunk and expose those following this playbook to ensure political survival at the expense of the Guyanese people.
Hughes commenced by arrogantly talking up his credentials and years of experience as an attorney, undoubtedly, with the intent of adding credence to the wild statements which followed. He made vague mention of representing “the families of several people” who he claimed were killed by the police force.
On this basis, he deemed the “1,200” figure correct. No evidence. No list of alleged figures. Not an iota of information to justify his ramblings. Instead, we get pure conjecture coming from Hughes. In matters of public discourse, on an issue such as this which has divided the Guyanese people, this “defense” is as spineless as it is pathetic.
Now, Nigel Hughes has represented a litany of figures relating to the Crime Wave: Some victims, as well as some of the most notorious murderers during this period.
Mr. Hughes unsuccessfully represented the late Mark Royden Williams, aka “Smallie”, in his 2022 trial for the murder of GDF officer Ivor Williams. Williams was murdered during an armed confrontation between the military and gunmen on January 23, 2008, at Buxton.
In 2021, Mr. Hughes successfully represented ‘Smallie’ in his trial for the murders of Rajesh Singh and Fazil Hakim in 2007.
For persons in rural areas, Mark’s name brings back dark memories from the early 2000s. ‘Smallie’, along with James Anthony “Sally” Hyles were fingered as part of the group led by “Fineman” Rawlins, which committed several heinous crimes.
All occurred during the crime wave period, and all have deeply scarred the psyche of the Guyanese people. In 2018, the CCJ acquitted both men. Only Hyles walked free, as Williams was already sentenced to death for his role in the Bartica Massacre. Guess who represented Hyles.
Hughes’ remarks followed up a Facebook video he and his party uploaded, claiming that the PPP “oversaw” the “state executions” of Sash Sawh, Quindon Bacchus and even the Henry Brothers!
Only a sick and twisted mind could produce these vile conspiracy theories, compounded by the fact that he offers no tangible evidence, nor proof to support ANY of these dangerous claims. All of the fluff, zero of the substance. However, this is utterly on-brand for Nigel Hughes.
In December 2012, my primary school head teacher (in Eccles) quickly dismissed us all and urged us to hurry home at once. I had not an inkling as to the circumstances surrounding this decision. That night, I watched on television the violent havoc unleashed upon Agricola, where countless citizens were beaten and robbed, and buses were burnt.
Later, I learnt that Mr. Hughes’ much-criticised ultimatum he gave President Ramotar to sack then Minister Rohee, apparently sparked the whole ordeal in Agricola. This twisted, albeit lazy, playbook of division will not work in 2025.
Insert yourself into a narrative, play on emotions, darting away without fully committing to the narrative and avoiding scrutiny. This modus operandi has repeatedly worked for Mr. Hughes, most famously with the 33>32 saga. However, as we approach another Election cycle, we must demand and actively work towards creating a new political culture built upon the tenets of unity, truth, democracy, as well as prosperity for all of us.
Better must come from Mr. Hughes, as it is evident that unity is but an inconvenience to those grappling onto the remaining vestiges of relevance.
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