Dear Editor,
I have never seen so much commotion, furor and brouhaha following a visit to an area by a President or head of government. President Jagdeo’s visit to Buxton was the subject of an editorial (SN, September 6) and numerous letters (some supportive of and others opposed to the visit) in SN and KN and perhaps also on the blogosphere. Contrary to what some others felt, I thought the SN editorial was fairly balanced, except that I don’t agree that the visit was “an undisguised act of political opportunism.” I see no harm in the President visiting Buxton at the invitation of community groups and announcing a series of development projects to uplift the community. I think the President has honourable intentions for Buxton. The entire community and the nation as a whole stands to benefit from the visit.
Thus, I am in disagreement with those who view and portray Jagdeo’s visit in a negative light and who felt he should not have gone to the area. There was nothing demeaning about the visit. The President did not disrespect anyone and he was not disrespected. He interacted with the villagers and they were pleased that he was there to listen to their grouses and to offer them assistance. Not to single out Prof David Hinds, I agree with the SN editorial that his reaction to and analysis of Jagdeo’s visit was too harsh. Buxton needs all the help it can get and the President did not descend into the village giving handouts to a “conquered” people. No one pandered to Jagdeo or “begged” him for help. So contrary to what Dr Hinds penned, Buxtonians did not compromise their pride and dignity by welcoming their President. They enhanced their own and the village’s reputation with the visit.
Many of my colleagues have commented that Prof Hinds has deviated markedly from his reputation of penning balanced, objective commentaries in the NY Caribbean Daylight during the anti-dictatorial struggle in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They say Hinds has shifted from offering a solution to racial tensions to focusing on only one race.
Jagdeo’s Buxton visit should have been used to promote African-Indian relations. Instead, some have sought to use it to divide the community. Fortunately, there was mostly positive feedback of the visit from the villagers. It was mostly politicians and critics who complained about the visit. They would have preferred the President not visit the area, perhaps because they thought it would enhance the President’s image (and/or support) in the country.
Instead of being critical of Jagdeo, Dr Hinds and other critics should have asked the President to visit the village more often and urge him to give a long-term commitment to the village. They could also have complained that the presidential pledges were not enough. They should have suggested or pinpointed the needs of the village and challenged the President to meet those needs. Old people always say you don’t attract help by condemning the people in a position to help to you. So attacking President Jagdeo does not help the village. In fact, some people feel that with all the criticisms over the visit, the President, instead, should have gone to Hubu Back Dam which can do with all the resources it can get.
Buxton had acquired a negative stereotype over the years because of the militancy of some unwanted characters who had controlled it. Bro Eusi Kwayana, one of the most respected Buxtonians, and Dr Hinds had condemned those characters who preyed on innocent passers-by and surrounding villagers. The village, now at relative peace after the militants have been chased away, needs to be rehabilitated. It is hoped that the President’s visit and his commitments for Buxton will lead to the creation of jobs for many and put the village in the positive light that it so badly needs. I agree with SN that any plan for development should have the blessings of the community as they must be partners for any progress to take place. It is noted that President Jagdeo has followed up on his commitment by donating 20 computers to villagers.
In conclusion, Buxton is the winner with Mr Jagdeo’s visit and I hope the President can repeat the act in other villages.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
