Based on readers’ comments to my letter, captioned ‘Social activism is needed now more than political activism’ (SN, November 10), I get the impression that not many understand the type of social activism I am advocating. I am therefore making another attempt to get the message across.
I also acknowledge Mr Lincoln Lewis’s letter (‘The government has the responsibility to allow every citizen access to the state’s resources for his/her development and ensuring it does this requires political activism’ SN, November 13). I have a tremendous respect for Mr Lewis’s contribution to trade unionism in Guyana, both during the PNC rule and at present. Indeed, he has given his adult life to the cause and today seems frustrated that after all that work it is worse than when he started. I mentioned his name in my letter because I felt that due to our acquaintance it would be okay to suggest to him to use his energies in a different approach.
I am in no way discrediting the type of social and political activism in which Mr Lewis is engaged, but, at the expense of our community and Guyana, we are overlooking what I think is a very important aspect of a deeper social activism, which is desperately needed.
My theory is to train our people to be able to develop themselves regardless of the party in power. I noted that even after 28 years of PNC rule, generally, our social development did not show positive trends. Dr Jagan warned about the danger of our dependence on government jobs.
My brand of social activism is about changing a mindset, which is amplified by some responses to my last letter.
One blogger commented, “There is no progressive leadership in the black Guyanese community. Those who occupy positions of power are self-centred. They are quick to tell you about their association with Mr This or Mr That, and not that these associations could further the interests of black Guyanese, but they minimize the relevance of black community experience and life. Even in New York, the discussions of black Guy-anese centre on parties and women. My Indian Guyanese brothers, however, tell me about the properties they own and the businesses they are thinking about getting involved in.” A fair assessment of the trends.
Consider this response from another blogger: “If they partying they are well engaged with higher education. Do you know how many Guyanese Blacks do exist right under your nose, not BSc and BA but MSc, MA, PhD MD… I can go on and on to fill the page.” This amplifies the problem facing our community. When will we understand that higher education, while good, does not necessarily transfer to wealth accumulation? Wealth transforms and strengthens one’s position in the political process.
I have a relative, a professor in economics, who lectures at a university in Detroit.
He was complaining that his pension would not be enough and he may have to return to Guyana to stretch the money, but Guyana is another problem. So, I asked him about his investment portfolio.
He has none. “I don’t trust the thing,” he said. He noticed my shock and confessed, “I know, what can I say? Two friends left Guyana at the same time. One became a professor, the other became rich.” Education institutions basically teach you to function as an employee. Getting the tools to transfer to being self-employed or an employer is what my social activism promotes. I recommend reading the book, Rich Dad Poor Dad.
The comments of these two bloggers aptly represent my point of view:
“The essence of the political struggle among many (not all) of the various Afro-centric groups is to take back political power from the PPP by any means. I believe that Mr Skinner is suggesting, in a subtle way, that that can be done by focusing on accumulating economic power and pride in the African community. Political power will follow if you can show leadership supported by economic power”; and,
“I must agree on one thing, that there is much work to be done in the African community and on Mr Skinner’s agenda for entrepreneurial training and implementation.
The difference between the races seems to be one where the professional and public services are the desired career goals, and for the other all areas including agriculture and commerce are desirable. Time for the first to do the same, even in face of real obstacles. Just one old man’s view.”
There are a few African entrepreneurial Guyanese but they all, basically, have to face obstacles on their own. There is no support body or group and we do not trust each other to form inclusive groups like the Chinese, Koreans, Jews and Middle Eastern nationals. That also needs to be addressed. The Casique Hotel is an example. These three bold entrepreneurs made an investment but fell short, and other than some assistance from the government there was no African body to lend some assistance.
In my case I got a timber concession from GFC and wanted financial assistance. What the bank gave me was not enough. I needed a partner and approached Mr Lewis for suggestions. He told me that there was a group of African Guyanese businessmen whom he would get to help. He told me that it was not publicized but the objective of the group was to help persons in my situation.
The idea was believable because one of the names mentioned had a stone quarry.
I spent two or three months in GT, checking with Mr Lewis almost every day, (that was not the cell phone era and the only phone service in Ituni was the police station) away from work on my concession, desperate to get the hook-up. I eventually gave up after hearing too many excuses.
I left Guyana without having the opportunity to find out if the organization really existed, but the concept is great. We need something like that. We need to establish brotherly love. We need to be truthful to each other, we have to start trusting.
Most of all we must find our entrepreneurial niche. The Chinese dominate in food, Koreans in the hair and cosmetics industry, Indians in gas stations and convenience stores; African nationals operate taxis, work in drug stores and health care. What’s our niche?
Mr Lewis wrote, “I urge Mr Skinner to pitch his tent and get to work.” Well, I am already at work. I am sharing my views in letters. It takes time and don’t forget the pen is mightier than the sword. Just recently I addressed the absence of the rule of law in Guyana, and before that I wrote about the negatives of crime and drug-pushing on our development.
A blogger wrote: “Bravo Mr Skinner, I agree with the overall thrust of your letter regarding social activism. The points you raise[d]… are valid and speak the truth to an audience that seems to be unwilling to listen.” Let us pray that those of us who are in a position to do something find this approach worth-while.
Yours faithfully,
F Skinner
