The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has condemned all acts of violence and racist behaviour at the current time, including attacks directed against Indigenous Peoples in wake of the release of some results from Monday’s general and regional elections.
The non-governmental organisation in a statement released yesterday also called on all Guyanese to condemn violence and other behaviour that may disrupt the national life, while urging the leaders of the respective political parties to promote calm, patience and respect for individual and collective security during what it dubbed “this period of uncertainty.”
Taking note of the racist remarks or comments that persons have been making, the APA called on all Guyanese to refrain from doing so. “We need to question ourselves about how we have allowed our society to sink further into this situation if we repeat it, encourage others to repeat it, or do nothing to erase it,” it said.
The APA specifically took note of the remarks made against the Indigenous Peoples who have been called derogatory names and have been chastised for not being grateful. “Historically, indigenous peoples have been among the most under-represented and under-served peoples with respect to fair participation in national decision-making processes and in receiving basic social services. Therefore, any such provisions by the State should be seen as its fulfillment of an obligation to one section of its citizenry in the same way it provides for others under different circumstances,” it, however, said, before adding that there is still a long way to go as it relates to bridging the gap between the Coast and Hinterland.
Further, the APA argued that hinterland populations are entitled to proper infrastructure, electricity, health and educational services just as much as any other Guyanese and if some of those necessities were provided to the Indigenous populations over the years, those acts must be seen as the government fulfilling its duties to citizens of the country and not as favours by any respective political party.
APA then urged Indigenous peoples to insist that their rights are not for sale and to understand that they have a right to be affiliated with any political party of their choice but at no time must they compromise their rights.
“We therefore reiterate the need for transparency and accountability of campaign funding, more focus on voter education and reform of our constitution. Let good sense and peace prevail,” it added.
