Jaguar should not be used as hollow political brand, says PAC chair

Guyana’s national symbol, the jaguar, should not be reduced to a hollow political brand, says Robert Persaud, chairman of the National Protected Areas Commission (PAC), in a statement aimed at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Persaud’s comments come in response to the unveiling of political party “We Invest in Nationhood” (WIN), led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, which has adopted the jaguar as its party symbol.

“The jaguar is more than a powerful animal,” Persaud said. “It speaks to who we are as Guyanese — resilient and deeply rooted to this land. 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 stressed that national symbols like the jaguar are not mere decoration, but reflect the country’s shared history, culture, and pride. “They tell stories and they deserve care. Instead of turning the jaguar into a political brand, let’s honour it by keeping it where it belongs — with all the people of Guyana.”