GECOM Chair rules against use of jaguar symbol by political party

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has ruled that the use of the jaguar, an element of the national Coat of Arms, by any political party is impermissible, reaffirming the symbol’s status as a representation of national unity rather than partisan alignment.

This decision was handed down by GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, following consultations and objections raised over the use of the jaguar by the recently established political party We Invest In Nationhood (WIN), led by US-Sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed.

Singh cited Article 7 of the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates respect for national symbols, as the basis for her ruling.

The ruling came after public objections were raised, most notably by Chairman of the National Protected Areas Commission (NPAC), Robert Persaud, who, in a statement issued on June 19, expressed strong disapproval of the jaguar’s use in a political context.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lennox Shuman, both of whom voiced their objection to the WIN’s proposed party symbol.