The xenophobic attacks on Haitian immigrants is an attack on humanity and an attack on the essence of what it means to share this space we call Earth. The attacks have further exposed the rancour in the expressions of many who occupy this space we call Guyana. No, their motives are not about protecting the nation. Let’s not pretend that these recent rants are in the spirit of love, peace or unifying us as a people. Those responsible may have convinced themselves and others that they believe in equality, may have pretended to be for one people, one nation, and one destiny, but by their works you know them.
The attacks on the Haitians traveling to or through Guyana is an attack on people of African descent. Haiti is a multiethnic country but with a majority being of African descent, those are the faces we have been seeing in Guyana in their search of a better life. The ‘better life’ that the Haitians are seeking, is the same ‘good life’ that many Guyanese are seeking. But does it mean that we cannot occupy the same space, and both accomplish the same hope? Does it mean that Haitians are coming here to rob Guyanese babies of the milk from their mothers’ bosoms? The instigators of the anti-Haitian sentiments may find reason to convince us this is so. Yet many Haitians are not granted work permits here and move on to other countries.
