Dear Editor,
This letter serves to express concerns over the government and society’s misrepresentation of the United Nation’s ‘International Year for People of African Descent’ (IYPAD) as evident in its launching and continued public perception. Let me from the outset make it abundantly clear the IYPAD is premised on the acknowledgment of: 1) African racism, and 2) outlining how it can be eliminated. That discrimination is premised on contempt for the UN Human Rights Declaration that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and it cannot be a celebratory event. As outlined by the UN, ending racism requires engagement in acts that respect Africans’ social, economic, political, civic and cultural rights, including creating the environment for understanding, respect and involvement in national decision-making that impact their wellbeing. It is therefore unfortunate persons are under the assumption that IYPAD is one of celebration, to be accompanied with merriment and the superficial. It is not OK to ‘celebrate’ discrimination against oneself or another, under any guise. This is an affront to the UN, society and moreso Africans, and it must stop now.
The IYPAD is dedicated to serious work to reverse the wrongs. The government by virtue of its constitutional custodial role continues to violate Africans’ rights. This has also created the environment for some to think such behaviours are acceptable.
This government continues to perpetuate its contempt for human rights with its misleading tactics and exclusion of those who seek conformity to the UN’s objectives, with the support of some. This is very troubling. I say to all Guyanese, of all racial hues, if the President can say to this nation his Indian ancestry comes after his citizenship, thereby equipping him to address the IYPAD launching, and speak to what Africans should focus on, then moreso, all must understand and respect the rights of Africans, who by virtue of their descendancy and citizenship have a personal responsibility to advocate, protect and achieve IYPAD’s objectives. We call for an adherence to our constitutional rights and the UN’s mandate and shall resist any effort, by anyone, to ignore or rewrite them.
At the launch President Jagdeo, “called on those gathered to realize that the real struggle is not within Guyana, but in the global environment, where a few big powers dominate, [declaring] that people need to see beyond boundaries, and that the opposition needs to join his government in calling for reparations at the global level” (SN, Jan 20). Here is the President, in his usual dictatorial style, telling Africans where their “real struggle” lies, seeking to interpret their reality in total disregard for their right to self determination. One cannot correct external wrongs without first correcting the internal. Hence Africans must first confront and overcome the “real struggle” within our boundary, under this administration, before joining to confront the external. The government can only demonstrate its genuine-ness about fighting the global wrongs by first correcting them at home.
The President said “his government will remove obstacles to the development of African people wherever… [they are] found” (KN, Jan 20). This statement must serve its purpose. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), a rights organization, on January 17 dispatched a letter to the President naming 25 areas of “obstacles to the development of African people,” and expects the President will now walk the talk by removing them consistent with his constitutional responsibility and obligation to the society. The said letter does not fall within the realm of pleasantry, and the President’s reaction or lack thereof to its contents, will be closely followed.
Minister Frank Anthony acknowledged Africans’ land-owning achievements, yet this official in 2007 played a prominent role in Parliament defeating the opposition motion to establish a “Land Commission…to determine the issue of ancestral land rights of African Guyanese.” This matter is again raised in the GTUC’s letter to the President and also by others. It is hoped Minister Anthony and President Jagdeo will work toward making it a reality soonest. Property ownership is a right and in instances where the documentation for these lands has been misplaced, the records scattered and/or formal land titles were not received, corrective action would require government’s intervention. Where lands have been coveted, the government should provide legal support to the complainants, since the settlement of land disputes is in the purview of the state.
The government’s entire programme to mark this year must be released to the public, and the same subjected to modification in keeping with constitutional rights and IYPAD’s objectives. Such realization and respect are not benevolence or a favour.
Where racism exists the government is obligated to work with the affected to eliminate it. President Jagdeo, not even by virtue of his office and/or citizenship, exercises any inherent right to ignore the voices and constitutional desires of those discriminated against, or refuse adherence to IYPAD objectives. As Chief Public Servant, paid by our tax dollars, he is duty bound to serve all, consistent with his oath of office to honour and uphold the constitution. The nation must hold him accountable. The year 2011 is not dedicated to African jollification. This is a year for reversal of wrongs. It must see the adherence to IYPAD’s objectives and the upholding of constitutional rights which will realize tangible achievements.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
