Dear Editor,
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent visit (19th- 21st November 2024) to Guyana has confirmed the views of many, particularly those in the African community, that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leaders are deep in their programme to diminish the presence of African and other non-East Indian Guyanese. This was on full display based on the length to which the Jagdeo/Ali regime stooped to promote East Indian ethnic interest, particularly when compared to that shown to an African vice president, when he paid a three-day state visit to Guyana from 4th to 7th December 2021.
The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a country that has historical linkage to Guyanese of African descent was not seen as worthy enough by this regime to have had similar preparation that would allow Guyanese of African descent to meet and interact with him. This West African country is a popular destination for many in the diaspora who are either invited to take up residence in Ghana, as well as those who see the country as an opportunity to return to see the famous “Door of No Return,” so called because it was the final walk from freedom to a life of horror and captivity. Ghana also has an active citizenship programme for the sons and daughters of Africa in the diaspora.
The schedule the Ali/Jagdeo regime set for the Ghanaian Vice President, while in Guyana, included meeting government ministers, members of the Ghanaian diaspora, paying a visit to the University of Guyana, and co-hosting a press conference with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Absent from this schedule was the opportunity for the African Guyanese community to meet with Bawumia. Were it not for the Ghana Day Committee, a non-governmental organisation working independently, advocating through an informal channel for the vice president to meet African Guyanese, such a meeting would not have been possible.
On the other hand, the government made sure Modi’s meeting with the Indian Guyanese community was part of his official programme. Evidently, there was different treatment by this regime towards the African community. Modi’s reported statement that Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and Irfaan Ali are ‘ambassadors to Indo-Guyanese,’ in this ethnically divided society is not only insensitive but significant for Jagdeo and Ali who manage their office like an ethnocracy. Whereas Modi identified an ambassadorial role for the former and sitting president, in the multi-racial state of Guyana, it is important for these men to remember that their national role supersedes all others when elected to serve in a position of constitutional national importance, and for which they are also paid to deliver without biases. Be it race, class, religion, creed, etc.
Ghana’s Vice President should have had similar treatment as India’s Prime Minister. Both men were on state visits, representing the Head of State and their country. In this land of plenty, with more than enough for everyone, it is time the PPP’s programme of discriminating against other groups come to an end.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Lewis