A debate in the Guyana Parliament took an unexpected turn when MP Vikash Ramkissoon responded in fluent Hindi after an opposition MP questioned his knowledge of the language.The exchange began when an opposition member claimed that Ramkissoon did not understand Hindi. After seeking permission from the Speaker, he said he would respond directly to the remark in Hindi.Ramkissoon addressed the House of Representatives, naming opposition members and issuing an open challenge. He said he was ready to debate on any subject at any venue of his opponent’s choice, including television, and the discussion could be conducted entirely in Hindi without reference to notes or documents.“No matter what you want to do, the main answer is not to read the newspaper.” (They decide the topic and I respond without paper), he said.He spoke calmly but firmly, claiming no excuse for his fluency in Hindi. The moment caught the attention of lawmakers in the room and quickly resonated beyond the chamber.The video went viral on social media and received thousands of views. Many users praised Ramkissoon’s conducting, describing the moment as a powerful example of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in governance.He further accused the opposition of using “coded language” to divide society and claimed that the party’s philosophy advocates equality before God. “It’s a tradition I follow,” he said.A large number of Guyana’s population are descendants of Indian indentured laborers, and although English is the official language, Hindi remains culturally important within the Indo-Guyanese community.The move comes amid re-warming of relations between India and Guyana. In November 2024, Prime Minister Modi visited Guyana. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in more than 50 years and was warmly welcomed by the Indian and Guyana society. Cooperation between the two countries spans energy, healthcare, capacity building and cultural exchanges and forms part of India’s broader engagement with Caribbean countries.
Who is Vikash Ramkissoon?
Vikash Ramkissoon is a Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. He was appointed to the ministerial portfolio on September 13, 2025.Ramkissoon has a background in finance, law and public services. He holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Delhi University. He later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree with distinction from the University of Guyana.Prior to becoming a Minister, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture during the 12th Parliament of Guyana from 2020 to 2025. During this period, he worked closely with agricultural stakeholders, particularly in the Essequibo-West Demerara region.Prior to entering public service, Ramkissoon established his career in the banking industry and served as Branch Manager of Demerara Bank Limited, overseeing financial operations.As Minister of Agriculture, his responsibilities include modernizing and diversifying Guyana’s agricultural sector and enhancing food security.
