Dear Editor,
Although I migrated from Guyana at the tender age of 6 and a half, I can still remember the ignorance that is present between mainstream ‘indo and afro-Guyanese’. I am aware of how common it is to hear both of these races bashing each other insensibly. I have observed the shocking and disturbing remarks based on colour and race, which are still very much alive in Guyana and among different races in other countries.
In regards to the Lusignan killings and the other violent incidents that have in the past occurred; Why is it that when a negative act is committed by a member of a race, all individuals of that race must feel the intensity? Does one man’s action have warrant over another because of the colour of skin? Why can’t a meaningless act of ignorance be that…why must it be any different? Some may argue that ‘one must know the history that Guyana holds’…I know of that history and I know that many countries have shared similar history…so why is it that the people of Guyana still hold onto that history?
Citizens of Guyana must remember that if you cannot live coherently in peace with diversity, you should not be in Guyana. Why? Because that country was never yours to corrupt. If you cannot stand a race or race(s) that is not yours then you need to go back to your ancestral land. I think that everyone needs to acknowledge that the recent killings were an act against humanity. Race should not be the motive behind the hate and anger.
Yours faithfully,
Renata A Shiwnath
