Dear Editor,
In 2006 I had a substantive discussion with former president Janet Jagan on the state of Guyana’s politics. The most crucial point made by Mrs. Jagan was that the letter section of the newspapers in Guyana posed the greatest threat not only to the PPP, but also to democracy and political stability in this country. I think Janet Jagan had it right then, and that her concerns are as relevant today as they were then. Allow me to substantiate my observations.
I refer to a letter by Nigel Hinds (Stabroek News 29/11/22) who clearly, and without ambiguity calls for a “race-based” political mobilization against the democratically elected government of Guyana. Here is Nigel Hinds in his own words – “It seems to me that we have to mobilize as a race within a multiracial environment to favourably change the disadvantaged state of most of the descendants of our ancestors” (SN, Ibid). To underline his point, Hinds further states that “no other group is going to initiate this and certainly their contribution will invariably only come, when forceful demands are made from them to share the power and wealth” (SN Ibid).
Editor, Hinds’ letter in Stabroek News under consideration here is nothing short of numerous violations of both domestic and international norms. Since when is it acceptable to openly call for a “race-based” mobilization to pursue political objectives? To boot, Nigel Hinds adds vinegar to the wound by twisting the context of National Security Adviser (NSA) Gerry Gouveia who sounded an alarm about calls for disruption of the political and economic condition in Guyana. The words attributed to the NSA, namely “Disrupt the economy, destabilize the country, and destroy public buildings and public infrastructure” are, in fact, the words of people who share Nigel Hind’s call for “race-based” mobilization.
Guyanese enjoy more than a free press. Yet, that freedom should be accompanied by a measure of responsibility.
Janet Jagan’s warning about the racialized sensationalism in the letter sections of our newspapers could not be more relevant today. I urge those who have institutional authority in the publishing world to exercise their professional responsibilities. Constructive debate should not be allowed to empower those who want “race-based” mobilization.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randolph Persaud
