Dear Editor,
The Indigenous Peoples, often referred to as the “First Peoples of Guyana” are our national treasure that unfortunately, has been long taken for granted. Guyanese ought to be thankful for the indigenous people’s contributions to the formation and prosperity of the Republic. The name of the country “Guyana” meaning “land of many waters” is an indigenous endearment along with our rivers (Cuyuni & Mazaruni), the ten administrative regions, local festivity (Mashramani) and the plethora of tasty dishes have become a staple for every Guyanese. The Indigenous Peoples’ have cemented a rich history within the land in which they are the first inhabitants. Even though, many Guyanese are familiar with this rich history, there isn’t much public patrimony paid to the indigenous peoples.
Guyanese who are recipients of national awards, few have belonged to this sacred group. Often dubbed as the silent minority, the indigenous peoples are a major focus of the political spectrum for their ability to influence power shift. However, in the post-independence era, major political parties have taken the indigenous peoples for granted through neglect of basic services such as healthcare, security and economic opportunities. When elections are imminent, parties have resorted to doling out financial and accessory gifts in an effort to woo 10% of the population in order to tilt the power scales in their favour. Many have called for the Indigenous peoples to recognize the cyclic effect of oppression and deception by which politicians are utilizing them for power gains and for them to advance a transformational leader since the great Indigenous luminary, Stephen Campbell.
The recent events surrounding the rape of an Indigenous teenager by a former minister breathes disenchantment among the Indigenous communities. The current administration’s heartless, disrespectful and inconsiderate treatment of Guyana’s national treasure is evident. The vile in their cover up to first deny that the incident had occurred is laughable by the former minister’s first attempt to tamper with the criminal investigation. It followed the President’s lack of leadership in removing the former minister forthrightly and calling for an independent investigation by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). More recently, social media conversations and a letter has surfaced with the victim denying that the incident happened. A video published of this alleged victim apparently being coerced to read a prepared statement denying that the rape had occurred and offering sympathy for the alleged rapist is disheartening.
Many in the indigenous communities will watch these events in disgust for the level of disdain it has brought the victim’s family and the indigenous communities. It is evident that evil has no boundaries and will go very far to persuade the populace of its chicanery while violating the sovereign rights of Guyana’s first peoples. Moreover, these turns of events have demonstrated the ruling regime’s willingness at all cost to make this incident go away without seeking reputable justice and has opened the door to potential future executive and international predators to exercise rape with full confidence of no repercussions. The Guyanese pundits, activists and public personalities are to be applauded for staying steadfast efforts to ensure a more just society. As Martin Luther King said “the arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.”
Sincerely,
Collin Haynes MPH MBA