Dear Editor,
Regarding the controversy surrounding the Atlantic Reader Series, and how fairness and balance can be achieved without members of particular ethnic groups feeling marginalised or misrepresented, and the dilemma of state institutions, which are supported by taxes being seen as favouring certain ethnic groups, cultures and/or religions by the material they produce for public consumption and the activities they engage in, I have a suggestion and I do hope that concerned members of the public who feel strongly about this issue will offer suggestions/solutions that are feasible and not just focused on the problems. However, certain factors need to be considered: Guyanese society is multicultural and multi-ethnic; state institutions are tax-payer funded and represent the secular state.
Editor, if I want to learn about Indo-Guyanese culture or the traditions of the Indigenous peoples, who should I ask or where should I seek this information? Even if I were to do my own research on the internet, I might not find enough relevant information. Although the ancestors of Indo-Guyanese came from India, our culture, including traditional dishes, is unique and has evolved. For instance, if one visits an Indian restaurant, you will find that some of the food they prepare are foreign to us, and even the ones we are familiar with, taste differently and are prepared differently. Therefore, the most suitable persons to write about the cultures, traditions and religions of the various ethnic groups in Guyana are the people from the ethnic groups who possesses that knowledge and are willing to do the required research; be immersed and passionate about promoting their culture; are held in high regard where accountability is concerned, and sees writing about their culture as an act of service to the community.
Editor, I am suggesting that grants be given by the relevant agency to a group of prominent cultural activists and intellectuals, or a nationally recognised cultural organisations of each ethnic group to produce a book about the culture, traditions, religions etc., of that group. Since preservation of one’s culture lie with the children of today, the book should be child friendly meaning; clear use of language, not too lengthy or wordy; liberal usage of pictures and drawings and relatable to the present time. Using Indo-Guyanese culture as an example, the book can cover topics such as: a brief history of Indian migration to Guyana (parts of India they came from, ships, reasons, unique circumstances, number of persons etc.), dress, food, music, instruments and dance; art, religions, traditions, festivals and observances and names. Also, some basic Hindi words and phrases like good morning, hello, thank you and the names of family members. And a chapter on notable male and female Indo-Guyanese who have impacted society in various fields like politics, literature, culture and business. Since only few are ever known nationally, or internationally, ordinary persons like a farmer, housewife, nurse, driver and clerk can be added as well. Aside from a physical book, a CD/DVD can accompany or the book be placed entirely online.
I suggest that a committee comprising of educators, cultural activists, media personnel and other relevant persons be established to review and approve these books and others that will be placed in public schools, if such a committee does not already exist. In addition, school libraries, especially at the secondary level should have a special corner for books authored by Guyanese that are appropriate for children, as well as well-received books written by others on Guyana and/or the people of Guyana. This would foster a sense of national pride in children and may serve as motivation for potential writers. Editor, for a book on Indo-Guyanese/Indian-Guyanese heritage, culture, traditions and religions, I believe that a group made up of Ms Rhyann Shah, Swami Aksharananda, Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack or persons of similar stature, who would view this task as a labour of love and community service rather than tedious work, take up the challenge and be proactive in the promotion of Indian culture.
Many persons grow up with just stereotypes of ethnic groups, other than Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese, because of the lack of readily available information and immersion. It would be interesting and informative to read about the cultures of the Indigenous peoples, Guyanese-Portuguese and Guyanese-Chinese; local associations, intellectuals and/or culture groups of the ethnic group could prepare relevant materials to be placed in secondary schools. And although Portuguese-Guyanese and Europeans are listed separately when demographics are stated, Portugal is in Europe, and the only other European group that has significantly shaped Guyanese society are the British, a text could be prepared by a local organisation/group to inform Guyanese children about British customs, traditions, culture etc., and about Britons who contributed to Guyanese society.
Editor, according to the Government of Guyana ‘In 2022…we have budgeted $1.3 billion to directly support culture and arts in Guyana, including $100 million to promote culture and the arts’ (https://dpi.gov.gy/1-3b-injected-to-advance-culture-arts-in-2022/). Since government is keen on supporting culture, I suggest small grants be given to a group of well-respected individuals collectively, or to a credible organisation representing each ethnic group, to prepare a book on the culture of that group. However, it is up to the relevant persons/organisations to champion this or whatever suggestions that they have regarding the promotion and/or recognition of their culture. Even if the books are not used directly in the classroom, or placed on book lists, they can still be made available to students in school libraries and be used as research material for Social Studies assignments/homework, English book reports and other writings; and other relevant subject areas. However, what should be seen as most important would be their presence and availability to Guyanese.
Sincerely,
Narissa Deokarran
