Dear Editor,
On Sunday afternoon last, I was appalled to witness first hand, a crude, barbaric display of homophobia and coarse language directed at young, enthusiastic Mashramani revelers. Their ‘crime’ in the eyes of the perpetrators was a choice of sexual orientation inconsistent with theirs. Those who travelled to the ancient county possess a passion for patriotism and a strong desire to entertain the people of Berbice with breathtaking choreography which wooed Georgetown spectators on Mash day.
Alas, this was not to be. It boggles my mind that, at a time when prominent religious and social leaders, local and international have issued statements asking for societal tolerance for persons perceived as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and no less a person than former President Barack Obama signed same sex marriage into legislation, terrorist thuggery was on full display in the vicinity of Lot 39, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam. Bottles were hurled at targets and at least three persons suffered bloodletting injuries and had to be taken to hospital for treatment; others applied first aid measures to their wounds. Were it not for the quick, decisive and strategic action of three shots fired into the air by a licensed firearm holder who was among those cornered by the menacing gang led by a ‘Mbaku’ wielding a wooden plank protagonist, families would have likely been mourning for loved ones as I pen this letter. I commend the gentleman and also the tenacity of the revelers, whom, though shaken and physically weakened to carry the weight of their costume backpacks, eventually regrouped and managed to ‘mash down’ through Main Street between the battle of the boom boxes.
Editor, I wish to make two comments on the foregoing:
First. I hope I’m correct in assuming that the hasty retreat of the four community police officers from the scene of the melee was in part, due to their prompt effort to obtain backup. A police patrol eventually arrived and apprehended suspects, despite efforts by some members of the community to conceal their whereabouts.
Second. This is directed to those persons who are consistently vocal about alleged suppression of freedom of expression. My view is this notion does not only apply to street protests, but is equally applicable to a public display of cultural and artistic expression. I therefore call upon those who profess to champion guaranteed human rights including that of freedom of association, to publicly condemn the actions of persons who desecrated the good name of the peaceful people of New Amsterdam; as well as the warm, hospitable residents of Berbice; and to unequivocally say ‘not in my name!’.
Yours faithfully,
Derrick Cummings
