Dear Editor,
The word from the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) regarding its inquiry into race-based employment at Gecom is: No evidence. No presence. No cooperation. I must conclude that in Guyana that usually means: no matter and no problem. Except that there is.
It is one thing for political presences to engage in rapid, reckless flights of hyperbole. Seeing that political figures are involved, there can be forgiveness for that disturbing art; but not on much else. Matters intensify when the practice of unsubstantiated claims rise to a dangerous zone in a roiled ethnic and social environment. Without a doubt, allegations of race-based practices at the ultrasensitive, ever-controversial Gecom represent such a zone. Better sense ought to prevail; the temperateness demanded of season and maturity should dominate. But it is that kind of season of tag teams and royal rumbles and generalized abandonment of the disciplined and responsible. I think the thinking is that of: horses for courses; and no fouling, no winning. Acceptable all around; expected and insisted upon, too.
Except that they are not. For no commissioner nor bureaucrat, no politician nor state agent, is going to be visible and voluble out there in the mean ugly street when circumstances flare beyond provocative rhetoric and palpable evasions into the real passions and spasms of elections fevers. That is left to the vulnerable faithful. I do hope that no one is going to play dumb or cute and say that they do not understand. Having said this, it is one thing for crude politicians with a target audience in mind and narrow objectives in hand to utter the divisive without tendering any evidence; sanctions for criminal mischief should be considered. I do not think that they are entitled to, or should be given, a free pass on something so consequential. Even as I say so, I recognize that the limitations of principle and vision and Guyanese elections traditions have desensitized and dehumanized to such an extent, that it is really distils to this: what is one more calculated assault? One more piercing barbarity? One more toxic environmental spill?
On the other hand, Gecom wears a different crown; it is one that must gleam. It is held to a different standard, a lofty and demanding one. It can neither shirk nor quibble nor make the decision to be AWOL like some lowdown private; it is the field marshal in so many ways. On the matter of materials related to race-based employment practices and the selection of the DCEO, this agency is not some unbridled, unsavory political group. It is, if I remember well, a constitutional institution that casts a truly national shadow in terms of each and every action it undertakes. Or refuses to undertake. The media reported that there was refusal re professional availability and documents to be delivered on just about everything by the Human Resources Manager. That is telling; revealing and damning, also. Because if all is aboveboard and there is nothing to hide, then there are no games to be played. No stonewalling. No subterfuges. No appearing of bobbing and weaving. This, too, spirals all the way up to the feet (and head) of the esteemed Chairman. Only the worst inferences follow; no one should need a walking stick to find their way as to which kinds.
For its part, the ERC was studious to the point of scholastic hairsplitting as to evidence presented and conclusions reached on Mr. Vishnu Persaud. Any other time I would appreciate the scrupulous care with the language. But no evidence or screened evidence leaves room for no conclusion. Given the comportment and production of Gecom in what was reduced to charade and masquerade (apologies to the disturbed), I come to my own conclusion: give what leads nowhere; hold back what exposes. Case closed.
Separately, the composition of that ERC team leaves the entity open to every criticism and dismissal in this distrustful land. As can be gathered from media shots, there was only one kind of people in the boardroom of exploration and deliberation. I think that the ERC, given the sensitivities embedded in the Gecom and the matter(s) under review, could have been wiser. No more needs to be said. Proceeding to the larger body of the ERC, I know and have regard for some of its members; unfortunately, the same cannot be said with a straight face for some others. For when I look at them, I see much of what is wrong, self-serving and weakening to this country and its opportunities and probabilities for progress. Not straight on anything. Clearly, there were some egregious errors committed, and this one goes all the way up to the president. How could this be? By any standards, those are no-brainers and should not see the light of day. The people, that is. Anytime they are near to anything positive and principled, those qualities shrivel into the serpentine. Yes, the presences can be that curdling.
Now a nation stumbles forward on a highway to somewhere. Perhaps it is a back alley to down there.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
