Ethnic discrimination is pervasive

Jul 16, 2018 Letters

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Dear Editor,
I am glad that David Hinds tackles the issue where he alleges that Indo-Guyanese dominance has taken over Cricket in a recent letter under the caption: “There is a campaign to de-racialize cricket,” simply because such an allegation stimulates much needed discussions which can be of educational value.
But, disturbingly, Mr Hinds’s allegation is rapidly falling apart in the face of credible rebuttals – including from the PPP/C and from Mr Anand Sanasie, an official from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). But remotely, if his claim stands substantiated then it is destructive and it should never be tolerated in a multi-ethnic society.
Guyana belongs to every Guyanese, not just to one racial / ethnic group. And every citizen deserves a fair chance irrespective of race / ethnicity. Unfortunately, ignorance largely prevents Guyanese from engaging in fair practices.
For humanitarian reasons and for the good of our country, I will capitalize on this opportunity to shine the light on how a blind eye is largely turned to the glaring Afro – Guyanese dominance which is pervasive, shortsighted and destructive. Afro-Guyanese dominance is now a systemic problem under the APNU/PNC/AFC regime and this is encouraged because Afro-Guyanese are largely backers of President Granger.
An examination of the Public Service reveals that under the PPP/C roughly 70% of Afro-Guyanese people were represented. Today, this number has dramatically increased under the Granger regime. Further, a simple inspection across the length and breadth of Guyana and from top to bottom in places including – at City Hall, at GECOM, at the Bertram Collins College of The Public Service, and elsewhere reveal widespread dominance of Afro-Guyanese which compromises the welfare of Indo-Guyanese and others. Further, conflicts and racial rifts arising from such ethnic dominance is unavoidable.
One such conflict was played out before this country at our Jubilee celebrations when organizers who were largely Afro-Guyanese were accused of failing to provide accommodations for the PPP/C who represents a huge political base of mainly Indo-Guyanese.
And such common sense analysis underscores the reality in Guyana. Racial /ethnic dominance undeniably stifles progress and anchors us into poverty. And President Granger’s silence is a powerful endorsement.
Also, the Afro-Guyanese dominance jeopardizes the livelihood of Indo- Guyanese. Indo-Guyanese are forced into unemployment everywhere. Thousands of Indo-Guyanese have lost their jobs to Afro-Guyanese and are unable to regain employment in this country. Unfortunately, marginalized Indo-Guyanese, including the young and the talented among them are now forced to operate bodegas, selling plantain chips, potato balls, sugar cakes and pickles for their livelihoods and even under this harsh situation Indo-Guyanese are taken advantage by their fellow citizens.
Editor, Indo-Guyanese are disproportionately profiled, robbed and killed daily in their homes and on the streets for their sweat. This is the glaring disrespect and unfortunate reality facing Indo-Guyanese in this country. And the world needs to know this.
Undoubtedly, such harsh and depressing conditions force Indo-Guyanese into suicide and alcoholism. Editor, I feel the pain of the poor and voiceless to which as a member of society, I must at least take action by thrusting their voice into the news in hopes of bringing attention to their plight. Sadly, President Granger knows full well of the inhumanity which exists but he turns a blind eye. How can our president endorse such inhumanity by doing virtually nothing? Where is his heart?
And today, the Afro-Guyanese people are undeniably the dominant minority in our multi-ethnic Guyana because President Granger encourages and harbours this problem for political edge. Convincingly, variables, including – discrimination, racism, election rigging, nepotism, cronyism and corruption – also play major roles in driving ethnic / racial dominance.
Racial / ethnic domination of any kind can only be described as unintelligent, uneducated, shortsighted, destructive, immoral, racist, heartless and unacceptable. Racial dominance should never be tolerated. And I would also like to learn more about the cricket board saga since I am an advocate for diversity. Diversity is our strength. We must engage it to move Guyana and its people forward.
This is the intelligent thing to do. But then again, ignorance interferes with our ability to appreciate the benefits of diversity. And no doubt education is needed to eliminate ethnic / racial dominance in Guyana.
Sincerely,
Annie Baliram

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