At Guyana’s elections time just who raises the spectre of race first? Then how is that issue made an element of electoral consideration, further emphasized, and by whom?
I spent a little time musing on the above, knowing full well that the reports of racist insinuations or outright “racial sentiments and their consequences, are not as cut-and-dried as some reports make out. For example, the president is accused, by opposition opponents and editorial/letter writers, of making harsh, hostile race-oriented, incitement/filled remarks.
Justifiably I suppose, his views evoke strong, sentimental “outrage”. Especially in such a political, pre-electoral season of discontent and campaign strategies. My simple point for debate is this: if a protagonist first utters objectionable, unacceptable, race-tinged invective; then a plethora of opponents and/or righteous civic-minded citizens mount sustained criticism and condemnation, who can be indicted for prolonging such sensitive issues? Responsible citizens of conscience do have a right to voice disapproval of what becomes defined as “incitement”, but just how should politicians and press respond? When and if they understand that it is easy to either mislead or perpetuate antagonism amongst the gullible?
To me, Frankly Speaking, the elections-time race card does unnecessary things to a relatively tolerant community of Guyanese.
The right to “racial” pride
For one thing, the line between “normal” racial pride and blatant racism becomes blurred. Sub-merged during these periods is a group’s right to be proud of origin, ethnic group and race. I argue that we can be proud of Amerindian, African, Chinese or Indian heritage through “blood” and culture. Nothing is even wrong with preferring your own group!
It is when one group/”race”, is given official advantage (preference), or seeks to use their race to deny others fair opportunity or to derogate another group, that racism raises its ugly head. Racial sentiments of the divisive type then fractures this community whose members normally work, play, pray, eat and suffer together – in between elections.
I sigh in stress and anticipation when, in an election year, I see racial pride manipulated and politicized at such occasions or events like the International Year For People of African Descent, Phagwah Melas, Amerindian Heritage Month, Arrival Day and Emancipation Day. Just observe the politicians or their surrogates dress and speak at these annual happenings. Even Trade Union – inspired events assume political/electoral significance. It’s never hard to “go figure” what is being done to the gullible and vulnerable.
The Parties, The People…
I should, but won’t, spend time in attempting to analyse the nearly 24 “political parties” which approach the Elections Body (GECOM) at these times.
“Parties” on paper, or those with just a “leader” (and perhaps his family or employees) tend to creep out of the political woodwork, to seek Parliamentary seats, or fifteen minutes of fame. Or notoriety. Quite frankly, some groups feel they can insult my intelligence!
Oh yes, the season throws up impostors and pretenders galore.
A glance at the now three usual established suspects – PPP/C, PNC/R/1G, AFC – reveals very interesting developments this time around. The procedures for choosing respective candidates for the Presidency have laid bare certain inner workings, ambitions and the Parties’ considerations and priorities.
You voters must realize that it is all about assuming or maintaining political/governmental leadership of this society. But always consider carefully what influence the potential presidents would have over their own Parties and your lives, should they succeed. And which party and its/our new president would raise our national profile and personal standard of existence? Discuss seriously before you vote.
Finally though, it’s the people who attract my interest, attention –and despair!
Just who are these voters? And who influence them? The “people”, the voters, can be placed in numerous categories, by their “Race”, class (?), religion, age-group, experience, their literacy/intelligence and, even, gullibility. I won’t expand here, but I advance this personal view: that the literacy, intelligent-quotient levels diminishing amongst our young adults today renders them gullible to slick politicians. Most voters are still victims of our decades-long personality syndrome. Add that to the electoral tribalism which will be promoted – subtly or vigorously – by some, and what are we left with? More later.
Foreign community,
local Brigadier
Yes, it’s obvious that the retired Brigadier Soldier-Scholar has attracted my attention even though he – like “the others” – won’t attract any actual vote from this non-voter. But I like what his advent has done – and is doing. Hence my wonderment.
Is the USA still interested in Guyana as a geo-political entity neighbouring Venezuela and friendly with Cuba? Certainly Cold War attention has waned, except for the Chavez presence. But how do today’s Americans assess David Granger (and his Reformed PNC)? As against today’s PPP-no “C”?
I recall that the Americans engineered Cheddi Jagan’s 1964 demise. With a little help from the compliant British. Twenty-eight years later, as Guyana stagnated, the Americans let Desmond Hoyte know their feelings. Jimmy Carter sat next to Hoyte’s elbow and the rest was (our) history.
The same self-righteous Americans have churned out unflattering “Country Reports” about officially-corrupt Guyana over the past decade. Even though President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton can’t vote here, why do I feel that they hope the voters here will turn to the Brigadier at elections time?
After all, the Brigadier did train in Maryland, Washington DC and Florida, long after Mons in Britain. But what do you (sensible) voters think? Surely the former National Security/Defence Advisor will welcome British Security Assistance, recently rejected.
Discuss.
Ponder …
*1) My Election Slates, Y’all: Granger/Riehl/Amerindian Female Scholar; Ramkarran/Westford or Teixeira; Ramjattan/Holder; Ramsaroop/His wife or friend; Granger/Nagamootoo; Ramotar/Benn. What? I’m crazy? There must always be some Race-mix slate?
‘Til next week!
