Dear Editor,
I am moved to respond to Mr Gordon Forte’s letter ‘Race appeals to naked greed’ (SN, June 5) to point out that in Africa people of the same race engage in tribal wars, and in India people of the same ethnicity have religious conflict.
It appears that humankind finds reasons for wars no matter whether they look the same. But that’s another story. We certainly have our troubles in Guyana and they do have racial/ethnic reasons because, unfortunately, we as a body of people are unwilling ‒ not unable ‒ to resolve them and for all kinds of reasons, greed certainly being one of them.
I am surprised, however, that anyone would suggest creating a nation of mixed race people as a solution.
I believe as stated in the Guyana Constitution and the UN Human Rights Charter that we each have the right to our race, ethnicity, religion, and the right to honour our history and heritage. These fundamental rights will remain intact because most of the people of the world agree with them.
They are the selfsame rights that Mr Forte enjoys when he marries whomsoever he chooses and becomes as mixed as he chooses.
I am happy that Mr Forte and his mixed race family are so happy despite our country’s problems. I assure him that there are Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese and Portuguese families in Guyana who are enjoying as much plain happiness.
I hope my assurance helps Mr Forte to feel better.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
