Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter captioned “Our Relations With India should not be at the expense of our core values as a nation” by Colin Bascom J.I. G (UK). I was born in this country among many of my African brothers and sisters and still live in Clonbrook comfortably and honourably. Permit me to enlighten Mr. Bascom since he lives in the UK and migrated during the Burnham regime as did many other Guyanese in England and elsewhere.
India has one of the most dynamic economic systems with an 8.7% growth. It gives loans and assistance to many poor countries in Africa and the Caribbean. It is unfortunate that Africa is not in a position to give us loans or Scholarships. We should be grateful for any help we can get.
The Scholarships to India are given to both races. Had it not been for India we would have been unable to get a cricket stadium of international standard, also the traffic lights, among other things. Many specialist doctors in Guyana are from India and some from Africa.
There is a new terminology which I have learnt since 1993 and that is marginalization.
We are hearing that the African Guyanese population have been marginalized and impoverished. During the 28 years of the PNC era both races suffered and Mr. Bascom left to seek refuge in England. I wonder why? Indians were the silent sufferers, no one to complain to.
Mr. Bascom, the Indians struggled. Those who gave up ran, as you did. But those who remain toiled, they were unfortunate.
No hand out was given to us, no jobs, no housing, we became criminals when we were caught with contraband. Vehicles were taken away and we were also charged for over pricing, because of price control.
At Buxton Mr. Burnham gave the community a garment factory where the disciplined services uniforms were tailored.
The market was rehabilitated. Today there is neither market nor garment factory. Where is the Melanie Super Market outlet and the one at Golden Grove KSI. There are more wage earners in the public service than those who toil in the farm from 4am – 7p.m every day.
When Mr. Hoyte came to power and opened the free market those Indians who had saved their pennies took advantage of the system. It was a level playing field for all races.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Jagdeo
