Dear Editor,
In the midst of having a peaceful discourse with Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran at the corner of the road adjacent the Whim Police Station and Magistrate’s Court, Guyana Times journalist, Nafeeza Yayah and myself were interrupted by a young lady who butted in while Ramsaran was speaking about the court matter involving former President, Bharrat Jagdeo which had just concluded in the court there. “Who is this woman,” I thought? “And what is her damn problem butting in our conversation?” which was being recorded, by the way. I had noticed her earlier with Attorney-at-Law in the Jagdeo court case, popular anti- government, just-turned politician, Christopher Ram, but never gave the lady much thought.
I would later learn that the woman was women rights activist Sherlina Nageer, Facebook name, ‘Lina Free.’ I would later learn, too, that she had messaged me earlier in the year complimenting me on my bold stance on coming out as gay in the press two years ago in the Stabroek News and my views on the LGBT community and such like issues in Guyana. I also learnt that Nageer was also involved in a similar confrontation with police and law enforcement officials at the opening of the Guyana Marriott Hotel last week. It is my view that it is her raison d’etre to have these public confrontations- like episodes, especially whenever media are present.
Earlier today (Tuesday), I saw a new purpose and a whole new meaning to the entire Bheri Ramsaran-Sherlina Nageer incident. Social media and the local Guyana (opposition) media were flooded by the events that transpired.
Overarching the entire matter were the insults hurled by Ramsaran to the woman. I began to engage posts on Facebook and other Social Media forums and while I did not condone or defend Ramsaran’s actions or remarks, I mentioned how the bigger picture was overlooked in the entire matter; that this was planned to go the way it did and yield the results it yielded—in the end—a Minister of the Government was ‘exposed’ in public for ‘derogatory’ remarks he made to a woman—an activist nonetheless.
It was shameful. Not only the Minister’s heat-of-the-moment- remarks, but the political mileage by this individual to get the official fired up, baiting him as it were to hurl such nasty insults. He did apologize earlier yesterday afternoon. But this is certainly the example whereby any and everything is being used during this election season to turn events into opportunities for gains. I know Minister Ramsaran at a personal level and I end by saying that I have known him to have the utmost respect for women, and he is a strong defender of the health policies he has been instrumental in shaping in Guyana over the years.
Notwithstanding, and while Ramsaran’s remarks to her should be condemned, so too should we (condemn) Sherlina Nageer’s well- thought out ploy. During the entire confrontation one of her friends was busy taking photographs. It was well planned.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Suseran
