Dear Editor,
Racism is a harsh reality that continues to pervade societies across the globe, and unfortunately, Guyana is no exception. Despite being a country with a diverse population composed of six different ethnic groups, including Africans, Indians, Amerindians, Chinese, Portuguese, and people of mixed heritage, racism is still a persistent issue. It manifests in various ways, from direct and overt acts of discrimination to more subtle, covert forms of prejudice and discrimination. Racism is a corrosive force that threatens the unity of Guyana, and unless addressed at both the political leadership and individual levels, the nation’s aspiration for One people or “One Guyana” will remain elusive, a fleeting reality.
This intolerance is not simply a social construct; it is a deeply ingrained prejudice that leads to hatred towards others solely based on their race. Most will agree, it takes a “special” type of person/with a particular mindset to harbour such animosity towards someone without knowing them, speaking with them, or understanding their experiences to have that devilish hate and dislike for a fellow human being. In Guyana, this hatred is often displayed in both overt and covert ways, through discriminatory practices in the job market, unequal distribution of resources, and even in daily interactions. For example, there have been reports and shared experiences by fellow Guyanese of businesses charging different prices to customers based on their ethnicity, a practice that not only perpetuates racism but also deepens the divide between the country’s various ethnic groups, especially Africans and Indians.
The fact that such practices occur in a country as ethnically diverse as Guyana is alarming and is cause for much concern. The two dominant ethnic groups, Africans and Indians, bear a significant responsibility in addressing this reality. Both communities must be deliberate in their efforts to change the status quo, but true progress requires more than just grassroots efforts; it requires leadership. Leaders at all levels, especially political leaders, must take a firm stand against racism in all its forms. They must not only denounce it publicly but also take concrete steps to address the systemic inequalities that allow it to persist.
Guyana’s motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” embodies the aspiration for unity among our country’s diverse population. However, achieving this oneness requires more than just rhetoric; it requires meaningful and deliberate actions. Our Leaders must ensure that their words align with their actions and that they actively work towards creating an inclusive and equitable society where all citizens are seen as Guyanese first, rather than being defined by their ethnicity or race. This means ensuring that opportunities for employment, education, agriculture, housing, and economic advancement are available to all, regardless of race. It also means addressing the subtle, everyday acts of discrimination and marginalization by people in positions to serve the general public, that adds to the eroding of trust and deepen divisions.
The concept of “One Guyana,” as championed by the government in theory is a noble one. It embodies the ideals of our motto, a nation where all citizens, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the country’s development. However, this vision, the articulated sloganeering can only become a reality if leaders from all sides of the political spectrum come together to address the root causes of racism. This includes not only addressing the gross economic inequalities but also fostering a sense of national identity that transcends ethnic lines.
But leadership alone is not enough. The fight against racism requires the active participation of every citizen. Each individual must take responsibility for their actions and attitudes towards others. This means challenging racist behaviours, whether blatant or subtle, and working to build bridges between communities rather than deepening the divides. It means recognizing the humanity in each person, regardless of their race, and treating them with the respect, love and dignity they deserve.
If the leadership and people of Guyana do not take these steps, the dream of “One Guyana” as embodied in our motto One People,. One Nation, One Destiny will remain a fleeting illusion. The country’s future depends on its ability to unite its people, to ensure that all citizens feel included in the nation’s development, and to create a society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. The fight against racism is not just a fight for equality; it is a fight for the very soul of the nation.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP
