Dear Editor,
The alleged rape and sodomy of the 15 year old Indigenous girl by a government minister should be condemned by all, also, the way the process is being handled. This contemptuous behaviour clearly shows bias where money run things – an unfair reality which makes me sad because poor and vulnerable girls, indigenous people etc., continue to be treated like the wretched of the earth, to cite Frantz Fanon, in this country.
Rooted in total lawlessness and indisciplined behaviours or the ‘don’t care a dam’ attitude and culture by authorities, promoted by this regime towards the poor, reached a climax that it must be stopped. This is also a warning to lapsed parents to take a serious responsibility at home to educate their daughters about predators chasing after young girls. Furthermore, it is also hoped that the rape culture of vulnerable girls etc., by those in authority be condemned and brought before the courts. When this is done, it may empower victims to come out and expose more of these offences, because when people do get off and continue with this in this sick society, it only harms the victims in other forms. Editor, I’m speculating and I could be wrong, but if the minister who got himself into trouble is thrown out, he could very well expose others who have done likewise.
This being said, the founding father of the PPP, Cheddi Jagan, must be rolling in his tomb because of what his party members are doing to poor people in this country.
Also Stephen Campbell, who fought for our recognition, which the PPP has capitalized on for votes in communities by giving hand outs and making us victims of skullduggery without any significant and concrete developments; he too must be turning in his tomb, asking why his grand-daughter, who is the current minister of Amerindian Affairs, is so silent on the issue of the alleged rape by one of her colleagues. This act of silence must also be asked of the Indigenous People Commission, which was formed some years ago, why are they not saying anything on this issue?
In concluding, it pains me to see how we Amerindians are still be used and abused by the ‘coastlander’ political hegemony in Guyana in the 21st century. A sad reality which begs for a pragmatic response: to form bottom up organizations from communities to become strong and united; accept government handouts but don’t vote for them nor the opposition; create a third force by uniting region one, with the largest Amerindian community, with the other regions; to fight for our rights until we have a parliament that make laws respectful of our people, and not to treat us like third class citizens and the wretched of the earth in our own country.
Sincerely,
Medino Abraham MSc,
Researcher
Empowering Indigenous People in
Guyana