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The political masquerade of the 50’s and 60’s dealt a severe blow to racial harmony

Mar 13, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
The drums are beating, frenzied some may say, but would the vibrations reach the Rupununi or the Corentyne coastline? Lyrics are sung laced with poison, but how many will take a drink of that cocktail, as Election Day draws closer for the mantle of leadership to change hands.
The critics, taking great advantage of free speech, are highlighting the alleged wrongs of the present administration, but there is unwanted danger in the hate, not even thinly veiled, it’s in your face raw and obscene.
For too long, since our forefathers bare feet touched this land, shackled or not, the dark shadows of hate, distrust and betrayal have touched our lives.
The political masquerade of the 50’s and 60’s dealt a severe blow to racial harmony and conspiratorial whispers in dark corners blackened many a fair mind as men of our own flesh and blood, of genius minds in the political arena fought for power.
The obsession pushed love and tolerance on the sideline as hate took centre stage, engaging intolerance, racism and violence.
The different colour of hands that could have joined together and make for us a nation of one, were not allowed to touch.
The sordid tales of our past no one wants repeated, hate, more or less the enemy of one’s thoughts that borders on evil had been a thorn in our side for too long.
This country and its people have come a long way from then to now and the love denied, then, is now embraced by most.
The Burnham era created and unleashed fear and intimidation in one race, the Jagan period, short though it was, brought some measure of relief and hope for a change, but his death shattered those hopes and fear returned, unforgiving, with a deadly venom.
The exodus continued, but for those who stayed, there were strong hopes and positive thinking that someone will come along to bridge the divide, that oneday there will be change.
The hopes of a people were fulfilled when Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, young, dynamic and charismatic, a leader with genuine interests at heart won the love and admiration of the masses, as he held hands with the six races to start the rebuilding process of love and unity.
Race relations is of great importance in nation building and it is one of his successes in his role as President of this country that will take this nation forward and to greater heights for as long as his successor follows this trend and allow improved relations between the races to continue on a smooth path.
Critics will want to pour scorn on this fact, but if only they can for a few moments look around with a fair mind, not at the small picture where there are still pockets of race hate, but at the bigger picture of the camaraderie of the people, at work, at play, at school, in fashion, in dance, music and drama – it’s a beautiful thing, really, that has blossomed and should be allowed to flourish.
Let hate not be resurrected to cause segregation, let not the new leader be arrogant, selfish and pretentious, but truly dedicated and committed and even though, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s role as President of this Cooperative Republic was not perfect, no politician is, he is still loved by the people.
A country that is a paradise that we can love and appreciate, whether rich or poor, it’s people can hold hands as we strive for a better tomorrow.
Maureen Singh

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