Racial and gender equity must be a priority at regional institutions and all State agencies

May 19, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I thank Chris Persad for his missive “Why not promote the Indian Deputy Secretary General to head CARICOM?”(KN May 17). Race should not be a factor in the selection of a Secretary General of CARICOM, but the perception among many, Indians in particular, is that race influenced the non-selection of a very qualified, experienced Indian Surinamese.
It is pointed out that there are also racial inequalities in hiring and promotion at the Caricom Secretariat; such inequalities also exist in government employment around the region. Mr. Persad specifically drew attention that the deputy is a female Indian who was not offered the top position. Instead she was by-passed.
Since CARICOM’s founding on August 1, 1973, no Indian was ever chosen as Secretary General. There was an Assistant or Deputy SG in the form of Surinamese, Dr. Albert Ramdin, about a decade ago. He was not promoted to SG. Ramdin also served as Dep. Secretary General of OAS in Washington. So he had experience and skill to be SG of CARICOM.
The current Caricom Deputy SG, Dr. Manorma Soeknandan, is also an Indian Surinamese. Mr. Persad rightly queried why Dr. Soeknandan was not promoted. This is the second time an Indian Deputy SG, has been by-passed or not selected for the top position.
Dr. Carla Barnett of Belize was selected last week for the position. No doubt it is great to have a woman at the helm and it is the first time that a female has been selected to head the body. Dr. Soeknandan has had the experience for the position and she has been engaging Caricom member states. She was the perfect choice.
It is critical that Indians are appointed at senior-level positions at Caricom and other global institutions. Racial and gender equity must be a priority at regional institutions and all state agencies. State and Caricom employment provide job security. We must ensure there is fair and balanced employment based on ethnicity and gender. Equity and diversity enhance problem-solving effectiveness. It is critical to have an inclusive workforce by recognising and utilising the talents of all; no group must be marginalised.
Caricom must ensure that its hiring is adaptable and innovative and reflects the racial composition of the region; it must also reflect the composition of Guyana’s diversity. There must be equal opportunity for all and elimination of racial discrimination in government. Indian women have been under-represented in state employment in Guyana and also at the Secretariat at Caricom for decades. In addition, there has not been Indian women in senior roles at Caricom. The regional body must root out racial bias from their hiring and recruitment processes and the overall mindset of those who oversee the organisation. Race must never be a barrier to hiring and advancement of career staff and the selection of someone to lead the organisation.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

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