Pt. Ubraj Narine Former Mayor of the City of Georgetown

Peace begins with the morning sun.

It was a pleasure to gather in love, remembrance, and gratitude—honouring the life, legacy, and beautiful memories of Amna Ally, surrounded by warm hearts and cherished company.

Narine Challenges Persaud Over Controversial S*x Offender Register Bill Former Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine has launched a scathing attack on the government’s proposed S*xual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026, arguing that provisions for a closed register of f…

Dear Editor,

The S*xual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026, laid in Parliament by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, is being advanced as reform. Yet the proposal to maintain a closed register for first-time sexual offenders exposes a serious lapse in judgment and a troubling distance from the lived realities of Guyanese families or may be the Minister wants to protect offenders within the PPP Party.

I referenced the Manusmriti precisely because the Honourable Minister is a Hindu. One would expect, at minimum, an appreciation for the moral clarity within our own Dharma on the protection of women and children (boys and girls). Instead, this Bill offers secrecy where there should be transparency, and leniency where there must be vigilance.

Any parent in Guyana understands the fear that follows every headline, every whisper in the community. We do not live in policy papers; we live in villages, wards, and neighbourhoods where information saves lives. A closed register deprives parents and communities of the knowledge needed to protect their children. It places the comfort and anonymity of offenders above public safety. That is unacceptable.

The Minister speaks repeatedly of public consultations. Guyanese are entitled to specifics. Which religious organisations were consulted? Which civil society groups? Which human rights bodies? Which political parties? Consultation cannot be a slogan. If it happened, produce the record. If it did not, say so plainly. Anything else insults the intelligence of the public.

From a Dharmic standpoint, the position is even more baffling. Manusmriti 8.364 states:

𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚̄𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐦̣𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧̣𝐚𝐦̣ 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢̄𝐧̣𝐚̄𝐦̣ 𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐦̣𝐬́𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐡̣

“The forcible violation of women deserves the punishment of death; of this there is no doubt.”

No one is arguing to transplant ancient punishments into modern statute. The point is principle. Our own Hindu texts leave no ambiguity about the gravity of sexual violence and the duty of society to stand firmly with victims. To advance a policy that shields offenders—even “first-time” offenders—cuts directly against that moral foundation.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection has failed the nation on this issue. Leadership in this portfolio demands empathy for parents, respect for victims, and courage to put public safety first. This Bill, as drafted, does not meet that standard.

𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐣𝐢 Dr. Vindhya Persaud, this is a moment for reflection and correction. Guyana’s children and women need protection, not excuses; transparency, not closed doors. Get it right. The country is watching. Incompetence at its best!!!!

Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt. (GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown

11.06.2026

Another $54.8 Billion, Still No Public Procurement Commission A national budget of $1.558 trillion should have been more than sufficient to address Guyana’s development priorities, stabilise public services, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Yet…

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚’𝐚𝐦 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Thank you for your steadfast mentorship and inspiring leadership. Your integrity, strength, and dedication continue to motivate and guide me.

Wishing you good health, continued blessings, and a wonderful birthday. 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈

Former Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine was interviewed by Afua Hirsch during a walk-through of Stabroek Market, engaging in an authentic, on-the-ground conversation on culture and diversity.

Afua Hirsch is a British writer, journalist, broadcaster, documentary maker, and former barrister, widely known for her work exploring race, identity, colonial history, and social justice.

The exchange also reflected on Narine’s tenure as Mayor of the City of Georgetown, highlighting leadership, inclusion, and the lived experiences of the capital’s people.
Afua Hirsch

Ubraj Narine Distances Himself from Social Media Image Suggesting Political Party Formation Former Mayor of Georgetown and former member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Ubraj Narine, has publicly distanced himself from a social media image that reportedly reference…

Fmr Mayor Narine Calls for Crackdown After Yarrowkabra School Assault The brutal assault of a student at Yarrowkabra Secondary School has reignited concerns about violence and bullying in Guyana’s education system, with former Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine…