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Let us commit to finding and using necessary ethno-labels

May 07, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Why do Guyanese keep on describing Guyanese as AFRICANS and INDIANS? The two words continue to incorrectly point out that we are from different countries. If the use of the words are because our fore-parents came from those two countries, then how far back to our roots should we go? Why stop at Africa and India? As man evolved in Africa, should we all be Africans? According to the Bible, Adam and Eve were in Iraq, so should we all be classed as Iraqis?
Over time, people ended up in different parts of the world, formed new communities, gave name to the land they occupied, and are referred to by the names of their countries. Their identities are closely linked to the names of their countries. Why is it different for Guyanese?
At this time when there are increasing calls for oneness and inclusivity, should we not find appropriate words that assert our Guyanese identity when we talk about each other?
Words are very important. Though we may not have the use of perfect words, we should try and find those which best explain what we mean. When it is necessary to differentiate between the sub-groups, Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese seem better choices. Since my Irish born wife became a naturalized Guyanese, she is affectionately referred to as Guy-Rish. Maybe Guy-African and Guy –Indian are more appropriate ethnic labels.
Let us commit to finding and using necessary ethno-labels to the benefit of our NATION.
Nuff respect to our Mixed and Amerindian folks.

Yours sincerely,
FaiyaZ Alli

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