Frankly Speaking:Another International African Event

What? The Politics of Perks?

It’s not one event. Rather it’s a year long programme of events. And it is not actually merely African, or for Africans only. It’s one of those scores of United Nations’ days, weeks, months and years that Guyana – UN Member State – seems obliged to participate in. Actively!

So what am I going on about today? Well, for reasons curious – and professional, I think, I was invited to sit in, last Friday, on a session which was the first to initiate grand planning for a UN observance, another UN “year”.

2011, our scheduled election year is also the UN Year for People of African Descent. (Up front let me inform that “people of African descent” must be taken to mean Africans (in Africa) and the grand Diaspora of the world’s peoples with African “blood” in their genes, veins and souls.) The (usual) official information is that “UN Resolution A/Res/64/169 proclaimed the year beginning January 1, 2011 as the International Year for people of African descent with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society and the promotion of greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.”

In support of the above stated objectives, the UN has invited recommendations on possible activities to be undertaken in celebration of the year.

The Guyana National Commemoration Commission has been asked to consider this note and submit recommendations.

If you have the time – and interest – you must re-read the part about “in relation to their full enjoyment of political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society – and the promotion of greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.”

You know, Frankly Speaking, those are words which tend to get me crotchety and cynical these days. Oh, I ask myself, why can’t I, in acceptable tolerance appreciate the well-meaning intent even idealism of such laudable, even achievable objectives? Why? Because I always seem to suspect institutionalised international bigotry being sold as concern. But no! Who am I to think such of the world’s prestigious forum – the United Nations Organisation?
But why? Here we go again?

So at the gathering, partly through my little intellectual mischief, but really wanting to contextualize the year-long event to understand its origins and rationale, I asked a few questions early on.

Just why did the UN think it appropriate and/or timely to designate 2011 the year for Africans? Are not People of Colour, including Africans, the majority on the Planet? Do these “years” and observances really achieve anything significantly lasting for the subjects – in a material, substantial, psychological, mental sense?

Whilst one participant thought that the UN reasons and motivation (or motives) were now unnecessary, as the occasion was a fait accompli, other responses to me were rich in speculation – and belief. One gentleman offered that one segment of the world’s population was affected by conscience which is now manifested by concern. Concern over the treatment of Africans over the centuries through European hegemony which reduced other races to mere “drawers of waters and hewers of wood.” Another spoke of the “Year” being one conduit to identify African – descended candidates for an international African Parliament. Then there was the view that perhaps the UN was setting the stage, establishing an enabling environment for the whole question of reparations for Africa, for slavery, for land and property appropriated by slave-masters and settlers. Oh how this latter issue always intrigues me, but I’ll leave it there. For now.

Frankly Speaking, for me, whatever the considerations resulting in the year, these observances highlight as many contradictions and hypocrisies as they accentuate African history, legacy, achievement and contributions to world development. Yes they are not completely useless. The present generation is reminded of the glory and the decimation; the heritage and the oppression. (Just the other day the UN had us observe the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave (trade). Remember? But, my friends, what solid, substantial meaningful, lasting gains ever result from these grand global occasions? Lots of monuments and memorials, even as Africa’s descendants remained doomed to their post-slavery status? So, what is to be done?
A meaningful, productive observance

The noble planners of Guyana’s programme and contribution to the UN “year” have already hinted at proposed local “activities”. I won’t detail anything at this stage.

Rather, let me agree with those who want to see the 2011 “year” do certain things. “Things” like these, for example: revisit parliament’s position on the issue of post-slavery “ancestral” property in Guyana – if only to identify, traditionally and legally, land still owned by slavery’s descendants who purchased that land; at the very least, secure funding to drain, irrigate and develop into modernity communities founded by Guyanese Africans; secure international funding to establish big business-enterprises in specific locations across Guyana – this must include power-generation plants, maritime transport and manufacturing concerns with an eye to exports; establish economic links with ethnic-specific concerns in Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil and Jamaica.

Do the above, along with your museums, monuments and musical groups and history texts and your “year” would have achieved something, my Afro-friends.
Parliament – Perquisites

“Perquisite” – casual profit; that coming to the Lord of the manor, beyond regular revenues; customary right or gratuity. “Perk” is a shortened form of perquisite. And perks, these days, can mean the actual benefits of office as well as the un-official, private rewards or inducements some holders of high office manage to attract. Or invite.

Those of you who will still actually vote must look your candidates in the eye and ask: what different they’ll do, how better; and how their programme will benefit your street village, community, town or workplace. Ask them just how they will inspire you and your community to recapture civic pride, the spirit of self-help and love of country before – you migrate; your very willingness to contribute.

Find out how much a Member of Parliament earns. It is public knowledge which you are entitled to know. Consider side benefits. Study “the politics of perks” and self-aggrandisement among your 2011 candidates. Just the other day the Roop Group politician – one who is not needy – declared that “working for a few seats in Parliament is not my idea of changing Guyana…”

I agree. But tell that to our selfish politicians of perks. (You’ll soon understand why I no longer vote.)

‘Til next week!