Dear Editor,
The election campaign has started and race is already the pivotal issue highlighted. Of course, what was launched in New York is unofficial, but let there be no mistake: the pre-2015 election mentalities and related activities are already in motion. The preconceived tone and texture is set in stone; both are raw and rank. As if to corroborate this belief, spokes (people) close to the party’s hub weighed in with pointed references to the composition of state boards and presidential advisers. Taken together, I think this is worth a look, a different look.
In Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago (referenced because of its near identical demographics and sometimes parallel politics) Indo-centric parties and governments have, indeed, manifested a better record and better statistics with regard to the inclusion of different faces, and a more rainbow-like tableau. There is greater inclination to accommodation, which leads, unfortunately, to the same shabby conclusion. That is, the ethnic balancing act dyed and flavoured with cosmetics and optics contributes heavily to the same bureaucratic and governance antics that have failed successive generations.
As an example, it is reported that a senior non-Indian appointee from the old people said that those who want to change the world are free to do so, but as for him, he is looking out for number one, who is himself and himself alone. He is/was not alone in such thinking. For the still sceptical, I urge a closer look at that GPL matter wending its way through the court, which is but another instance of those who overreached at the expense of the taxpayer.
While the presence of a face from the brethren may comfort those members of the public, the core principles and operating mannerisms of the character, as unveiled, can burden the hopeful with freighted dismay. The crux of the matter is this: if the selected (and elected too) are about self-help, self-service, and self-gratification, then racial composition of whatever body does not matter one whit. For the members in such a group or body would function primarily, if not exclusively, to further the interests of those who blessed them and who are likeminded in terms of personal and party priorities.
On the other hand, Afro-centric political parties and governments, whether here or in TT, are more rigidly assertive in identifying their own for key positions across the spectrum. It could be the cabinet, judiciary, or state-owned entities, among other sensitive places. There is greater drive, and a more confident, if not aggressive, posture when it comes to hiring and empowering from the fold. At first blush, I tend to associate this as more of a comfort level with proven loyalists, than being outright racist in intent. There should be no hedging here; there is some of the latter present, but I believe it is more of the former, and a willingness to take a stand and take the plunge, regardless of public opinion, or the appearance of the situation.
Another point worthy of consideration is that Afro-centric political groups do not have the luxury of a heavily populated ethnic cross-section from which to choose. Thus, the successful parties settle for what preponderates in-house, and which is familiar and confidence enhancing. However scrutinized, things boil down to trust and reliability, to known quantities.
Editor, whether Indo dominated or African dominated political parties, I find the track record troubling, even as I recognize the spoils and rewards system at work. As someone who advocates meritocracy, inclusion, and country first and foremost, the history of practices laced with prejudice and colour limits have injured and debilitated local society for the longest while. One would have thought, and hoped, that the shadows of yesterday would be banished; instead, they return in thickened and lengthened embrace, as stated so sharply in New York.
I see no end in sight, but only more to come now that the main man raced ahead to deliver a big bang in the Big Apple. Like I said, campaigning has kicked off with one side on the field. No pun intended, but it might be a one trump affair.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
