Dear Editor,
Guyanese are masters at masking their racial inclinations. Maybe but not surprisingly, in an attempt to deflect people’s perception of their actions, they seek to paint a picture of themselves growing up amongst people of another race and mixing feely with them. However, the words and actions of these very persons paint a very different story; it reveals who they truly are in the depths of their innermost beings – pretenders.
During the intervening periods between national elections in Guyana, the outward expressions of racism lies dormant with cleverly worn masks but as soon as the election season sets in, it is a different kettle of fish – the racial rants and writings come to the fore. Then the true colours of the ‘real’ person is revealed. Suggesting perhaps, that some persons patiently wait for the opportunity to erupt/exhale/speak their mind. Interestingly, many of the persons who spew race hate have to interact with persons of the very race to whom the racism is directed. E.g. travel on the same bus, sit in the same office, receive service at their hands, attend the same place of worship, live in the same neighbourhood.
Any objective observer will admit that race relations in Guyana is taking a beating. Guyana just does not seem to be able to get this monkey off its back. It has followed us like a shadow since the split of the first political party in the country during the colonial era. Why is it that Guyana has not been able to make admirable strides in race relations since attaining independence status? Our history tells us that our colonial masters pitted one race against another for their gain. But Guyana has shaken off the shackles of colonialism, or have we? Have we truly been emancipated?
The events following the March 02, 2020 national and regional elections have proven, yet again, that race relations in Guyana is not at a healthy place. It is sour. It should give no comfort to anyone to point out that poor race relations are not a Guyanese-only thing. Surely, it existed thousands of years ago and you can put your pot on the fire that it will exist until the end of time. Wars were fought due to race, slavery existed because of race, millions have been sent to the gas chamber because of race, … ‘Race hate mashing up the world’ [Guyana] – Eddy Grant.
The price that Guyana has paid for its fractured race relations is enormous. It includes, but is not limited to: Billions of dollars in losses to buildings and infrastructure.
I. Scores of lives lost and injuries sustained.
II. Damage to vehicles.
III. Psychological trauma.
IV. Distrust and hatred for those of another race.
V. Forced migration.
VI. Marginalization.
VII. Disapproval of inter-racial marriage.
VIII. Harbouring negative images of another race.
IX. Racial tensions and a climate of fear in the country.
Maybe you are disgusted with the foregoing. Maybe you are asking how many more have to suffer at the hands of racism. Maybe you are asking if there is an antidote for the poisoned racist mind. Without a doubt, you would want to give nuff respect to those who, by their influence/leadership, helped to pull us back from the brink in the recent West Berbice flare-up. Maybe you are asking what needs to be done to remedy this scourge.
At the national level, several interventions and suggestions have been made to forge national unity. These include:
I. Teaching National Policy in schools.
II. Teaching Civics and Social Studies in schools.
III. Establishing the Guyana National Service.
IV. Establishing The Ethnic Relations Commission.
V. Establishing Inter Religious Organizations.
VI. The call for coalition politics and Shared Governance.
VII. Establishing Commissions of Inquiry.
VIII. The establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion
The call for Constitutional Reform.
Where should we begin? At a personal level, we can all agree that we were all made in the image and likeness of God. We are all God’s creation. We are all part of the family of God. It is God who placed us in this nation. Let us honour God by loving each other and if we love each other we will not hurt each other. In addition, let us live our National Pledge and our National Motto. Down with racism. Guyana deserves nothing less. One love brethren.
Yours faithfully,
Bernel L.H. Wickham
