Dear Editor,
There is never a dull moment in my native land Guyana. When one believes things will get better, it gets worse. The past week was quite an eventful one, the latest being Mr. Ivor Thom.
Earlier in the week of September 16, 2024, a young Afro Guyanese entrepreneur, who operates a wash-bay in the community of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo took to his social media platform bringing the attention of the world to what he has been experiencing in his community. I publicly commend him for his bravery. Too long Guyanese are hurting in silence, but gradually they are building courage to speak out and speak up against wrongful acts being perpetuated on them. That young man, Joel Dodson, poured his lungs out of the frustrations he faced daily by neighbours.
Editor, where has the spirit of community cooperation gone? Where is the love and compassion for each other as Guyanese? Why should an individual endure daily persecution for working for an honest dollar to provide for his family, as we are reminded in Genesis 3:19, “by thy Sweat, thou shalt eat bread…?” It was painful to hear him reference several businesses doing similar activities as he is and he is the only target for his neighbours.
Hearing that officials from CHPA visited the location and were hard on young Dodson by allegedly casting a blind eye on the other businesses showed there was clearly a target on Mr. Dodson. Where are we heading as a society and how did we get here? If it was discovered that persons are operating businesses at their residence, then all should be guided accordingly by CHPA. Editor, may I also point out that wash bays have become a popular business for many individuals, more so, young people and these businesses are operated on Government reserves. In the video seen, Mr. Dodson is operating his business on Government reserves, as others are doing in the community.
Editor, I am compelled to briefly address an article carried in Stabroek News of Sunday, September 22, 2024 of a sad experience Mr. Ivor Thom, former Administrator of the Burrowes School of Art endured from the tongue of Minister Charles Ramson, forcing him to tender his resignation.
I can only imagine how humiliated Mr. Thom felt at the moment. I hope that he will not allow such utter nonsense by Mr. Ramson to break him, his spirit or discourage him from his focus. He must know who he is and his worth. I must applaud the affected students of the School for speaking out, in condemning the actions by Minister Ramson and whoever the driver was in the red SUV.
Minister Ramson should be reminded of his role, “a policy maker.” If a report was made against Mr. Thom, to him, then any good administrator would ensure that the report is forwarded to the Human Resource Department, through Mr. Thom’s immediate supervisor. Mr. Ramson, in my view, crossed the line!
Editor, I have had several encounters with Mr. Thom, very soft spoken, respectful and always willing to share his knowledge, a few adjectives to describe this son of Guyana’s soul. I therefore conclude that all right thinking Guyanese should raise their voice against the remarks made against Mr. Thom and call on Mr. Charles Ramson Jnr to publicly apologize to Mr. Thom. Our nation has been divided along racial lines. It is time for a National Reconciliation against this demonic spirit that has taken centre stage in our society. It is time leaders desist from such unsavory behaviours and end the blame game as to which political party or political leader is ‘racial or racist.’ May God help us as a Nation!
Sincerely,
Annette Ferguson, MP