Dear Editor,
We the residents of the Liliendaal, Pattensen and Turkeyen communities, duly bring to your awareness social issues that seriously affect us. We are hurt, not angry, for anger emits a vibration of ignorance. We are aware that our human rights are being ‘walked over.‘ Our dignity, integrity, character, and general well-being are being undermined.
It is noted that $20 million has been donated to Somalia, while we residents languish in swarms of mosquitoes and poor infrastructure. No sanitary inspectors visit these areas for the spraying of mosquitoes. Fogging has not been done in years. The roads that were built were substandard and are now in disrepair. Canals are dug, most times, only after serious flooding.
Funds went towards promotion of cultural activities, shows, etc, of African heritage which do not depict current issues, as though that is the ultimate expression and definition of the African Guyanese. What about human development and social issues relating to the wider spectrum of our livelihood?
There are a few African organizations and associations in Guyana, but unfortunately, there is no leader with vision who has, within the eight-months span of 2011, astutely taken note of paramount issues. These so-called leaders focus on issues and events that benefit them personally.
“The International Year must become a milestone in the ongoing campaign to advance the rights of the people of African descent,” said Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
May our petition to President Bharrat Jagdeo serve as an impetus for the immediate discussion of issues and prompt action to remedy and improve our environmental status.
Yours faithfully,
Viere Seepaul aka Queen Mother Aishu
and 26 others
