Dear Editor,
I look askance and remain in befuddlement as to which section of the population the “stink and dutty” show and events of that ilk are directed. The thinly veiled contempt of the title alone of the show beggars disbelief. Was the title an expression of how the artistes are viewed? Or how the attendees are viewed? Was it the performances? Was it emblematic of the government’s leadership philosophy? Questions that are not easily answered.
What it does indicate though, is the mindset and calibre, or lack thereof of the person(s) who came up with that title and those who signed off on it as appropriate. It is mind boggling that none other than the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Culture’s logo was featured on the advertisement. What does this say about the Minister, Charles Ramson? It is either that he is completely ignorant of the actual meaning of the word culture, or he is contemptuous of the Guyanese people. But then again when a minister’s dildo remark in the hallowed chambers of parliament does not even elicit a murmur of disapproval from the president and the other members of one’s own party, it is not surprising that the subject minister would see nothing wrong with a title like “stink and dutty.”
Guyanese culture is a unique and rich combination of African, Amerindian, Chinese, Indian, British, Portuguese, Dutch and Creole. Folk music, dance, story telling and of course the food. Like everything else, culture evolves over time and incorporates new traditions. Be that as it may, somehow it is rather insulting and disappointing that any Guyanese would think “stink and dutty” anything is fit to be a part of the rich Guyanese heritage.
Furthermore, given that Mashramani is uniquely Guyanese, why is it so hard for us to be creative and hone something that is ours? Why do we have to copy Trinidad’s carnival and have j’ouvert? As a nation, we have a propensity for copycatting all things foreign, and sadly, mostly the bad things.
There was a period when the celebrations on the eve of Mashramani involved well-organised concerts, performances by local choirs, skits, drumming and the like. Wholesome entertainment befitting of the occasion of celebrating the country’s status as a republic for the entire family. Do not misunderstand me and think that I am opposed to foreign artistes being hired to participate in such events. Not at all. My problem is with these types of shows being held in lieu of traditional cultural displays on such occasions.
In addition to the foregoing, reports are that the national curfew implemented at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, was rescinded on February 11th, just before the oil and gas conference was held in Guyana. Although, the curfew was lifted, the restrictions on parties and social events remain in place.
The Official Gazette of Guyana, clearly states that no person, shall host or attend any gatherings, except for religious services. Attendance at the aforementioned is restricted to ten people. Was there then some tacit agreement between the government and the show’s organisers that neither they, nor their patrons would be arrested for not complying with the provisos still in place? Moreover, there were reports that proprietors of other establishments were arrested for non-compliance. That clearly smacks of discrimination. Surely, the rules are applicable to everyone resident in Guyana. Different rules for event promoters with clear government affiliations does not augur well for President Ali’s often touted “One Guyana.”
What is even more disconcerting, is the fact that worldwide we are still in a pandemic. The videos that are circulating from the “Stink & Dutty” very clearly show the mass gathering of people packed together without as much as a mask between them. As there is evidence of the law being flouted, why have the promoters of the “Stink & Dutty” show not been charged and placed before the court? I sincerely hope, that over the coming weeks, the medical sector is equipped to deal with the upsurge in Covid-19 infection rates.
Again, it still unclear why particularly given the aforementioned, the government by way of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ramson would endorse a mass gathering event that is a clear violation of the restriction on gatherings? Further, where was Health Minister Frank Anthony in all this? Surely he cannot be that oblivious to what is going on around him.
It is a real shame that a government entity thought it fit that the country should celebrate 52 years as a republic in such a tacky and classless manner. Where do we go from here?
As with everything, the issue is one of leadership. Leaders set the tone and climate. Dildo utterances and now the “stink and dutty” appellation to a national celebration; President Ali do the right thing so we do not cultivate a “stink and dutty one Guyana.”
Yours faithfully,
Yolande Gittens
