Dear Editor,
We at Pro Guyana are dismayed but unsurprised by the ongoing contest of attitudes between Mr Mark DaCosta and Ms Melinda Janki, not least because their sentiments are probably widely representative. National development requires promoting and acknowledging diversity of opinions and views. In the Guyanese context, we must embrace a new paradigm which allows members of each ethnic group to pursue their own goals – whether economic, social, cultural, or political – without intimidation or feelings of discomfort. Reducing racial insecurities is essential. For example, Guyanese of African and Indian descent must be free to organize themselves into groups to pursue goals unique to their cultures without feelings of resentment, suspicion, and insecurity from other ethnic groups. Similarly, Indige-nous People must feel free to discuss issues of land reform without repercussions including discrimination and victimisation.
Additionally, national progress for Indigenous People must reach far beyond superficial development, such as handing out a few solar panels that can only light one bulb. The overarching narrative on national development must articulate the historically critical issues of the still unresolved Amerin-dian land issue, the question of sub-surface mineral rights, the right to practise one’s culture, for example, all within the broader framework of holistic development of the country.
Simply, if these issues are not at least recognized at this stage of our history, they will be a hindrance to achieving the goal of fairness and social justice – prerequisites for viable unity. In light of the vast economic power historically vested in the hands of our Indigenous People, we must indicate a compassionate understanding of these issues if we are to make headway toward the creation of a developmental state.
Development of the hinterland, and the democratic advancement of our Indigenous People, must rest on much more than the legalised taking of Amerindian property.
Yours faithfully,
Hubert Wong
Terrence Simon
Tarron Khemraj
