These discussions on ethnic relations are welcome, our politicians have perpetuated disharmony

Dear Editor,

Wonderful contributions to the ongoing and imperative discussions on ethnic relations in Guyana were made by Mr. Nigel Hughes, Dr. Eric Phillips, Mr. Ravi Dev et al.

Hughes offered solutions to this dilemma of racial discord and even violence between the two major ethnic groups which has prevailed for decades, by recommending a programme of collection and analysis of data pertaining to the impact of government’s policies on the various races and ethnicity. Phillips expounded on the beauty and potential of our dear homeland and the generational, socio-economic inequality between the two groups. It was suggested by another participant, that our history of indentureship and slavery be a major part of our curriculum and education (which to me was a welcome suggestion). The lack of this knowledge by the younger generation is perhaps contributing to the present disharmony between the two major ethnicities as they are gullible due to a paucity of historical knowledge. I would also recommend that our political and overall history be taught so that the young generation would not be misled and brainwashed. Even older citizens would benefit from such a programme. There was a suggestion during the discussions, that the tension and frustration between the groups is due to the socio- economic imbalance and the poorer group being treated unfairly, due to the incumbent Party utilising policies which support their progressive base. My opinion evolving from this is that the favoured group then develops arrogance and aggression towards the other group. Mr. Nicholas Boyer, head of the Private Sector Commission, said that there was no conflict between the groups as the younger generation were inter-marrying and generally displaying harmonious relations. However, this opinion was rebutted with the highlighting of the hatred for each other in the venomous language expressed by young and old of the two groups via social media, during the recent elections period. Former minister of the government and political scientist Henry Jeffrey, said that the Ethnic Relations Commission does not have the political power to create change in the ethnic division. They have no power or desire to mend this rift. In a recent letter to the Stabroek News, Ms. Ryhaan Shah stated that a similar discussion on ethnic relations sponsored by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the United Nations (UN), was embarked on about twenty years ago. However, she doesn’t expect anything to come from the ongoing conversations. This is an accurate representation of the powerlessness and despair felt by many citizens over this destructive issue.

Our politicians have perpetuated the racial disharmony, as is evidenced now by their emphasis on partisanship, to the detriment of much-needed attention and effort to the economic and social well-being of all our citizens. It is disgraceful that having faced social discontent and anxiety since the no confidence vote and culminating with the fiasco surrounding the national and regional elections, we continue to drown in the quicksand of racism, stupidity, self interest and authoritarianism. Shallow issues are contrived which take away valuable time. We have to efficiently and effectively combat Covid-19, renegotiate the oil contract and ensure that foreign bodies do not coerce us into playing by their rules. This will be easier for them to do if we have a long lasting and debilitating state of political, ethnic and economic strife.

The opposition party is justified in providing checks and balances over the ruling party for their benefit and primarily for the benefit of the populace. President Ali had invited former presidents to a meeting when he should have first met with the leader of the opposition, Mr. Joseph Harmon. I would think that is mandatory under the Constitution and parliamentary rules. Our former president has obviously lost credibility yet he was invited to a meeting but with earnest effort and good intentions for Guyana, Harmon could strive for acceptance,  a rebirth of the APNU and an effective Opposition.

I was listening to the former president of the United States of America (U.S.A), Barack Obama being interviewed on the programme `Hardtalk,’ broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Obama said that there would never be economic progress and social harmony if there is strict partisanship and the two parties remained divided and did not co-operate on important national issues. One of his frequent sayings was “We could disagree without being disagreeable.” While being interviewed on Public Radio 89.5 in the U.S.A, Obama also said, “What makes America great and special and important and exceptional is that the President of the U.S.A has sworn to uphold the Constitution and the various officers

in government are sworn to uphold the Constitution, that they abide by those ideals and values, even when it’s not politically convenient for you to do so. Even when you think it is wrongheaded.”

Many tenets in our Constitution are not known by our populace, are not publicized as readily as the U.S.A’ s and do not consist of those pertinent, basic ideals and freedoms that align with America’s and which each citizen should enjoy. Guyanese also need an education on their Constitution; when it is revised. We need Constitutional reform.

Guyana’s government callously and arrogantly by their actions, show that national interest is not their primary concern. One example is their dismissal of key and competent figures in the Public Service. A study should be done to determine if these dismissals were based on political affiliation or ethnicity.   Either one is an injustice.

Where is the media’s physical presence at vital times? Newspaper editorials are their main voices. They should provide a hotline number so citizens could call a reporter when they are in difficulty, such as facing national issues which the public should be made aware of. Their reporters could then be quickly dispatched to the scene.

The racial division continues to be exacerbated by the recent arrest of members of the family of Joel and Isaiah Henry, the two teenagers who were brutally slain in Berbice, months ago. This raises eyebrows and calls for the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the events surrounding their arrest. Based on the results of the investigation and if those results favour the Henry family, government should provide them with protection by the police.

People, NGO’s, the Opposition and the media houses need to petition and write letters to all the primary international governmental organizations around the world while staging non-violent protests. A Study has shown that if 3.7% of a population protest for a cause, it is likely to succeed. That is because it is likely that the police force will have at least one family member, relative, friend or associate among the protesters and that would make them reluctant to use force or violence. A clamour for change and democracy is likely to be heard and supported by the incoming Joseph Biden administration so that might also provide a recourse.

Yours faithfully,

Conrad Barrow