Dear Editor,
In his letter captioned “What if a brochure highlighted our African heritage?” (07.02.16) Mr. Robin Williams failed to address the salient points of my letter where I articulated that because of the absorption of Bollywood, the ubiquitous expressions of Indian culture in the media, in homes and communities, Indian forms of worship in the major religions, Indian clothing, Indian vocabulary, use of Hindi and Bhojpuri languages, and Indian food, there is indeed a distinct Indian culture in Guyana. I also argued that though this culture is distinct, it is not necessarily better (or worse) than other ethnic cultures in the country.
Mr. Williams wondered what if there was a world event taking place in the Caribbean 20 years or so ago (when the PNC was in power) and we had a brochure inviting the world to enjoy distinct African culture in Guyana. We have to ask ourselves, is there really a distinct African culture in Guyana, or in any of the West Indian islands? The only place I can think of where there is a semblance of African culture in the Caribbean is Haiti, where aspects of their traditional beliefs and religion are distinctly African.
When one thinks of African culture in Guyana, one thinks of Emancipation Day, when thousands of Afro Guyanese don colourful African wear and celebrate their African-ness. (I always looked forward to Emancipation Day when I could also proudly array myself with my African dashiki (from Ghana), and celebrate African heritage with our African brothers and sisters).
The only distinct African expression that I know of in Guyana is the “Long Lady” type masquerading and unique (wonderful!) dance that occurs mainly at Christmas time. Also, when I was a child, I remembered seeing some women dancing African style when Princess Margaret had visited the country. African drumming is also becoming more noticeable. Apart from these expressions, perhaps Mr. Williams could educate us on the distinctness of African culture in Guyana .
I personally have made several attempts to highlight African culture, and express great appreciation for the African heritage in Guyana, through my television programmes, radio interviews, etc.
I do not have any nexus whatsoever with the Government of Guyana, or the Cricket World Cup officials who prepared the brochure in question. I reiterate, however, that in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong to state that there is indeed distinct Indian culture in Guyana – as a marketing strategy which other Caribbean countries such as Barbados and Jamaica seemed to have capitalized on.
For to progress as a nation, we should not juxtapose race in every argument or situation; we need to be objective and circumspect – for the good of all peoples in the land.
Yours faithfully,
Devanand Bhagwan
