Dear Editor,
Based on readers’ comments to my letter, captioned ‘Social activism is needed now more than political activism’ (SN, November 10), I get the impression that not many understand the type of social activism I am advocating. I am therefore making another attempt to get the message across.
I also acknowledge Mr Lincoln Lewis’s letter (‘The government has the responsibility to allow every citizen access to the state’s resources for his/her development and ensuring it does this requires political activism’ SN, November 13). I have a tremendous respect for Mr Lewis’s contribution to trade unionism in Guyana, both during the PNC rule and at present. Indeed, he has given his adult life to the cause and today seems frustrated that after all that work it is worse than when he started. I mentioned his name in my letter because I felt that due to our acquaintance it would be okay to suggest to him to use his energies in a different approach.
I am in no way discrediting the type of social and political activism in which Mr Lewis is engaged, but, at the expense of our community and Guyana, we are overlooking what I think is a very important aspect of a deeper social activism, which is desperately needed.
My theory is to train our people to be able to develop themselves regardless of the party in power. I noted that even after 28 years of PNC rule, generally, our social development did not show positive trends. Dr Jagan warned about the danger of our dependence on government jobs.
My brand of social activism is about changing a mindset, which is amplified by some responses to my last letter.
One blogger commented, “There is no progressive leadership in the black Guyanese community. Those who occupy positions of power are self-centred. They are quick to tell you about their association with Mr This or Mr That, and not that these associations could further the interests of black Guyanese, but they minimize the relevance of black community experience and life. Even in New York, the discussions of black Guy-anese centre on parties and women. My Indian Guyanese brothers, however, tell me about the properties they own and the businesses they are thinking about getting involved in.” A fair assessment of the trends.
Consider this response from another blogger: “If they partying they are well engaged with higher education. Do you know how many Guyanese Blacks do exist right under your nose, not BSc and BA but MSc, MA, PhD MD… I can go on and on to fill the page.” This amplifies the problem facing our community. When will we understand that higher education, while good, does not necessarily transfer to wealth accumulation? Wealth transforms and strengthens one’s position in the political process.
I have a relative, a professor in economics, who lectures at a university in Detroit.
He was complaining that his pension would not be enough and he may have to return to Guyana to stretch the money, but Guyana is another problem. So, I asked him about his investment portfolio.
He has none. “I don’t trust the thing,” he said. He noticed my shock and confessed, “I know, what can I say? Two friends left Guyana at the same time. One became a professor, the other became rich.” Education institutions basically teach you to function as an employee. Getting the tools to transfer to being self-employed or an employer is what my social activism promotes. I recommend reading the book, Rich Dad Poor Dad.
The comments of these two bloggers aptly represent my point of view:
“The essence of the political struggle among many (not all) of the various Afro-centric groups is to take back political power from the PPP by any means. I believe that Mr Skinner is suggesting, in a subtle way, that that can be done by focusing on accumulating economic power and pride in the African community. Political power will follow if you can show leadership supported by economic power”; and,
“I must agree on one thing, that there is much work to be done in the African community and on Mr Skinner’s agenda for entrepreneurial training and implementation.
The difference between the races seems to be one where the professional and public services are the desired career goals, and for the other all areas including agriculture and commerce are desirable. Time for the first to do the same, even in face of real obstacles. Just one old man’s view.”
There are a few African entrepreneurial Guyanese but they all, basically, have to face obstacles on their own. There is no support body or group and we do not trust each other to form inclusive groups like the Chinese, Koreans, Jews and Middle Eastern nationals. That also needs to be addressed. The Casique Hotel is an example. These three bold entrepreneurs made an investment but fell short, and other than some assistance from the government there was no African body to lend some assistance.
In my case I got a timber concession from GFC and wanted financial assistance. What the bank gave me was not enough. I needed a partner and approached Mr Lewis for suggestions. He told me that there was a group of African Guyanese businessmen whom he would get to help. He told me that it was not publicized but the objective of the group was to help persons in my situation.
The idea was believable because one of the names mentioned had a stone quarry.
I spent two or three months in GT, checking with Mr Lewis almost every day, (that was not the cell phone era and the only phone service in Ituni was the police station) away from work on my concession, desperate to get the hook-up. I eventually gave up after hearing too many excuses.
I left Guyana without having the opportunity to find out if the organization really existed, but the concept is great. We need something like that. We need to establish brotherly love. We need to be truthful to each other, we have to start trusting.
Most of all we must find our entrepreneurial niche. The Chinese dominate in food, Koreans in the hair and cosmetics industry, Indians in gas stations and convenience stores; African nationals operate taxis, work in drug stores and health care. What’s our niche?
Mr Lewis wrote, “I urge Mr Skinner to pitch his tent and get to work.” Well, I am already at work. I am sharing my views in letters. It takes time and don’t forget the pen is mightier than the sword. Just recently I addressed the absence of the rule of law in Guyana, and before that I wrote about the negatives of crime and drug-pushing on our development.
A blogger wrote: “Bravo Mr Skinner, I agree with the overall thrust of your letter regarding social activism. The points you raise[d]… are valid and speak the truth to an audience that seems to be unwilling to listen.” Let us pray that those of us who are in a position to do something find this approach worth-while.
Yours faithfully,
F Skinner
“Wealth transforms and strengthens one’s position in the political process.” Oh-oh. So this “one man one vote” thing we’ve been told about is not the truth; it’s the $$$ that really count, not the vote. Thanks for the advice, Mr Skinner.
This letter is too long and therefore fails to engage the full attention of the reader. Why don’t you research the art of condense writing styles so that your story telling has more brevity.
I thought it was just me BR. My hair hurt trying to read all that.
Sky my hair fall out.
Sky my hair fall out.
Of course in the final analysis its democracy for the rich. It ignores other aspect of democtracy such as economic and cultural rights while it emphasises political and civil ones. Most of us do not have the money to enjoy the rights we and our foreparents have fought for.
MX it is the $$$ that count. After you vote politicians generally only think about you next election time. Elections have consequences that’s why there are campaign contributions by the $$$ people. At election time in GT big $$$ people give to both parties. A win win situation. Your vote gives some one the ability to pull the levers. That’s why we need to be educated. We must be able to function regardless of who is pulling the strings.
Interesting letters by Skinner and Lewis . Interesting discussions. Interesting observations. Thanks for elevating the social discourses.
On cross-referencing activism it’s found:
1. F.Skinner believes social activism is the way to development and wealth creation (letters dated Nov. 18 and 10)
2. Lincoln Lewis identified development and wealth creation by referencing his activism to elimnate of poverty, education as a mean to, rights protection as a means for,and the government rejections of two entrepreneurial attempts in the bauxite sector
(letter dated Nov 13)
Skinner sees social activism as the expense of politcal activism. Lewis sees political and social intertwined.
Academics, lobbyists and politicans advocate for an interdependency. The question is can one survive without the other or do they need each other to survive?
Very good Raj. You are the only person who was able to separate the arguments and identify the base on which each argument is built. Now that you did, you will see F. Skinner is making no sense.
Even Jagan and Burnham were smart enough to know that you take the social issues and work them into the political process and that is where the change takes place. Jagan, specifically, saw the sufferings of the sugar workers (a social issue), identified with these workers, ended up forming a political party and became president. It is the way political parties are built. The core (or base) of a political party is a composition of many active social groups. Each of these groups is called a constituent.
Just remember this guys, “If you are not at the table helping to decide then you are being cooked in the kitchen as the meal”. Lewis wants to be at the table, Skinner thinks it is not helpful or necessary to be at the table. You can guess which one will likely get the best from society.
Raj, the points you raise are all valid but more to the question you asked, can one survive (social activism v. political activism) without the other, I would have to say no; they’re not mutually exclusive but interrelated.
Mr Skinner, if you are in Guyana, you have not walked around, because if you did, you will realise that we do not want large buildings to show how well we are doing, but surprising to you we are not doing so badly as you might believe, your problem is that you have not looked in the right places.
Milton. Mr.Skinner may have to use a doppler radar to find them. The few blacks who accumulate A FEW DOLLARS are conceited and unwilling to invest. Having money means little. Wealth is money’s worth and that’s what matters. Until we as black people understand that concept, we will always remain right where we are. NOWHERE. Mr. Skinner should not have to look in the right places, black wealth should be staring him in the face.
Diamond Dog ! Maybe you should crawl out of your third world enclave and maybe, just maybe, you would have the necessary tools to decipher the fortified and progressive African families in the midst. If the professor does not have a portfolio , it is because of his stupidty. There is TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity- College Retirement Equity Fund). As for M. Skinner, if everyone sells, who then is left to buy.
You need to interact with the ordinary people to undeerstand the problems they face. The gap between the rich and the poor is far too wide. We have Daimler living and donkey cart living standards.
The governemnt is suppose to balance the equation by way of our natural/natinal resources. But corruption put paid to that.
BF, I get it and I believe we get it. But in your next letter, be bold. The title should read: Black Guyanese Invest and Save your way to Prosperity. There is nothing racist about you boldly advocating prosperity for the community in which you have a stake. Doing so does not mean that you divorce yourself from the larger Guyanese community, but that you recognize the need for development in the Black Guyanese community. ISNM
Mr Skinner started a great discource and that is much needed. The tools for success as an individual or an etnic group or country is available. Skinner is making his contribution, he is sowing good seeds. what r we doing? Don’t be like Bismat.
The economic structure that most seems to have accepted ensures that a few makes it at the espence of the others. The bible said those who have would be given more and those who have not even the little they havre shall be taken away. Money beget money.
Mr Skinner,What is the intent of this letter, is it to blame african and free the govt of its duties? Well one must ask, why do political parties ask us for our votes and why we must pay taxes.On the casique hotel, why the govt did not give the assistance to that project as was given to BUDDIES,The govt shouted help for all but as usual it was for public consumption.Let any private media house ask for a comment on TI report on corruption the response will be a busing out of both the media and TI. Hope we are not advised to give up our right to participate in the governance process.
Interesting letter but sinister in intent. But here is my simplistic observation. It’s historical and hard to break since we have different value systems.
Skinner (I take him as Indo-guyanese)clearly sees wealth as progress, and a supposedly black blogger, he mentioned, sees higher level education….well the premise of his is that if you have wealth, you can acquire educational services….simple but full of holes. For the other, it might be that with such high level education, you are competitive and would never not have enough to get by with….again full of holes given Skinner economics professor relative. You see Skinner frame of reference are those hussling Indians in Queens with their buying and selling businesses and big time hussle by the ones with some college education. His reality does not include the many black guyanese who have acquired high level professional careers quietly going about their business in Brooklyn, DC, Toronto, London etc. He fails to understand that we do not runaround and brag about our wealth and the million dollar homes some of us live in and the Mercedes, BMW and so on we drive to drop off our wives to her professional jobs and our kids to colleges and universities. We just don’t carry on because we own a lil business and a house in some rejuvinated parts in queens. He has a valid point though, many of us have becomed self centred and do not engage our selves like the indogyanese through their religous ceremonies and other binding associations and relations.
Second, he suggests that guyanese blacks thrive on immediate gratification while guyanese indians in NY, thrive on deferred gratification by acquiring properties…good…I think it were guyanese indian who were charged recently in NY with ripping off their own ‘mattie’indians in real estate scamps. Atleast partying and womanizing don’t make you a white collar criminal of illgotten assets…and this is similar in Guyana. Our foreparents came to these parts for different reasons: one group came with the promise of untold riches while the other was forced into slavery and untold human suffering…with a carnival party one a year and ’studding’ for the preservation of the gene pool, the enjoyable past time. As time went by education became the pride of one while it became a vehicle of wealth accumulation to the other and from this pride. So you see our historical circumstances continue to define our perspectives.
Evan. Money talks. BS walks. Education must create wealth, or it’s a waste of time. In today’s world, the ends justify the means.
Evan,
Very good thoughts and well articulated.There are few who have the intellectual capabilities to participate in this discussion.It is time persons understand that drinking beer or rum is not wrong. Both products are produced legally unlike cocaine.
The society respects money more.Even if you steal it or get it by drugs. This is the value we have been taught. Its no difference with all the races. The society has made money god.We need money and not each other. We need money it buys education clothes and drinks. It allows you to buy airline tickets but no one pays attention to the labour both brains and manual that was put into making the plane. We are alienated from each other as we do not need each other, we need money. It makes the world turn,
So much for our socialisation.
Evan, interesting analysis but I think you’re being too harsh on Mr. Skinner. I respect your opinion and see your contribution as an effort to elevate the discussion on not just this issue but others that I see you weigh in on from time to time.
I’m the one who told Skinner bravo on his last letter (see last paragraph of the instant letter) but I was only partially quoted; I went on to say that both social and political activism are needed. In my opinion, the more voices that come to the fore, it sets the stage for a movement that could transform Guyana because I think we can all agree that what the PNC and the PPP have done to Guyana over the past 45 years has been a tremendous dis-service.
I think the current situation is crying out for strong leadership. It is difficult for me to wrap my mind around the reticence on the part of all Guyanese to directly confront the myriad of problems that is preventing EVERYONE from peacefully coexisting and rising above petty partisanship.
Look, I understand how you feel because I sense a degree of defensiveness borne of the tiredness that comes with being an achiever over here (USA and I suppose Canada to a lesser extent) where all Blacks are painted with a broad brush and here comes Skinner seeming to do the same thing with “our” beloved Guyana. He seems to be placing the blame for Blacks being in the condition they’re in squarely at their feet without recognizing that much of it has to be laid at the government for creating and propagating a separate and unequal society where Blacks are marginalized.
At the end of the day there is space for all of us to ventilate valid concerns for the reversal of the plight of not just Blacks but for all of Guyana to move forward into the society of respected and admired nations but we can’t do it without us recognizing that all are involved and all are consumed.
I will end by saying that no one should feel comfortable that the problems that exist today that affects Blacks frontally will always be confined to that group because tomorrow it could just as easily be another group as evidenced by the 14 year old that tortured; the demographics of the victims of marginalization and torture are changing because those in power feel do not feel constrained by any sense of decency or higher moral calling to place country above race.
Bishop. The people get the government they deserve. Under the Burnham administration, who prospered most, the Indo guyanese. They did not sit on their hands and mope. They used all means necessary to achieve their goals. Crabwood Creek is a prime example of an industrious people who turned adversity into prosperity. Most Black men are only interested in WINE, WOMEN AND SONG. The women care about Fashion, Other Peoples’ Business and Men. Most Indo guyanese are producers. Most Blacks on the other hand are consumers.
Georgie. Stick to the script. We are talking about the situation in Guyana. Who are the power brokers in Guyana and why. Show me the black wealth.I do not need tools to decipher wealth. Enough talk, talk,talk.
Dear Diamond Dog,
For your edification, please read Evan Thomas
DD, it is not necesary to put down another group to make yourself feel good. I feel very good without putting down anybody.
In fact, I don’t have the psychological need to put down another group/party/religions etc. I feeeeeeeeeeeel goooooood about myself.
Mike. I am not putting down any one. I am fed up with my black race remaining at the bottom of the economic ladder. I also feel good about myself. Your grand parents took risks and built a successful business. It’s time for my people to get out of their comfort zone and stop complaining. Enough talk. Time for action.
This had to do with the history also.
MR.SKINNER,.. .PLEASE CONTINUE THE THEME,.. you have the losers on the defensive… you will not get through to them,.. their outlook is frozen in the past… BURNHAMISM IS THEIR PHILOSOPHY,… they embraced it so that they could claim,.. the “great leader’s” philosophy, was the local improvement on marxism…. LFSB,.. WAS THEIR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE,… AND AFTER HIM THEIR WAS NO HOPE…
Am I hering right? Did Burnham practice any form of Marxism? I was not aware of this.