Dear Editor,
An article published in the Stabroek News on July 17 about PNCR MP Mervyn Williams resigning from the chairmanship of the party Region 3 Regional Committee because he was offended by racially insensitive remarks deserves comment. The reported remarks are disturbing, and it is regrettable that such an opinion is viewed by some as having merit. What it signifies, however, is a deeper misconception that race in Guyana’s politics is a necessary element to influence the decision of the electorate and to govern. Mr Williams was right to resign, based on ethical principles. The representative who said that the PNCR was a black party supported by Blacks seems to be parroting a belief held by some. If this member is not cognizant of the fact that the PNC has members of others races, then he should leave the party and/or cease to hold any position in it.
It is overt statements like these which hinder the PNC from attracting members of other races, many of whom might be interested in joining the party, were it not for the mistrust that they have about the true principles of the party.
Over the years we have heard, and many have come to believe, that the PNC and the PPP are the instruments of the two dominant races in Guyana. This belief serves to exclude others of a different race from embracing either of them. What seems foolish, is the disregard of the fact that the PNC could not win an election without the support of other races in Guyana; as a consequence, such insidious statements should be left in the bar room and not expressed in a social or political setting. It shows gross ignorance of the electoral facts. These statements are indicative of the political mindset that is pervasive in politics in Guyana, where efforts are being made to minimize the stranglehold that racial politics has on the society at large.
My recent claim that Guyana needs more astute politicians is reinforced by this and other senseless comments. However, it is good that these remarks were made public, and it is now left to be seen how the leaders of the PNC react and whether they correct this repugnancy.
If we examine some of the appointments of the current government we will find that many of the decision-making positions are filled with individuals of one race. This type of pernicious biased behaviour by both political parties, does not lend confidence to aspiring and ambitious Guyanese who are confident in their abilities to serve at home, but who have to resettle in some distant land.
During my visit to Guyana last April, a young woman (a UG graduate) related that she was denied a supervisory position and told that she was over qualified. A few months later, the position was filled by a friend of the decision-maker who was not a UG graduate. In the meantime, Guyana continues to suffer and retrogress all due to the closed minds of some who are privileged, while others of a different race are excluded.
Yours faithfully,
Patrick Barker
