Dear Editor,
The domineering ideology of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) could be mistaken for racism. While I am not ready to conclude that it is, the PPP/C must reflect on and modify its actions before reasonable, non-ideologically cemented observers are left with no other conclusion.
I write this letter to address the issue of emancipation observations. Emancipation, though mainly the concern of the Afro-Guyanese, is an important event in Guyanese history. It is the event that allowed for the coming of our beloved Indo-Guyanese brothers and sisters that has its own nuances, but the statement is still true.
I write anonymously out of necessity. It pains me not to attach my name, but I fear repercussions on my livelihood. Though I may be willing to face the PPP/C’s wrath, I cannot be selfish and must think about my loved ones. I should not feel afraid to express dissent in my own country. Yet I am.
Before I address the substantive matter, please permit me to declare my “positionality”.
I am an afro-Guyanese who is reasonably educated and think of myself as objective. I am not a – “never PPP/C” kind of Guyanese, but when I voted in the past, I voted for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). If I were able to vote when Dr. Cheddi Jagan was alive, I could easily see myself voting for PPP/C.
Notwithstanding the previous statements, for the period between 2002 and 2011, I was convinced that PPP/C was evil and corrupt. I recall protesting in the streets in response to what was described at the time as state-sponsored killings orchestrated by the PPP/C to “kill out black people.” I believed in the rhetoric at that time.
However, after the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) broken promises, and there were many, I refer specifically to the one to hold PPP/C leaders accountable for the killings, an act that would have been politically advantageous to them, even if not done in the name of justice. I am no longer convinced that the PPP/C was as corrupt and sinister, as I was led to believe. Please forgive me for what might come across as naivety – I was a teenager for part of that period. I recognize that people who are ideologically cemented on both sides may take umbrage with both positions, seeing either as naïve.
Nevertheless, I do believe that the PPP/C led by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and President Dr. Irfaan Ali has a domineering ideology. This ideology may or may not be racial, but it does exist. Unfortunately, the evidence/examples I will cite have racial complexions, but I choose to use a political lens as opposed to a racial lens. Disclaimer: I have already accepted the possibility of my naivety, but in my intellectual and philosophic tradition, I prefer to exhaust other possibilities before arriving at racism. For me, that is, a high charge and even higher in a multi-ethnic/multi-racial plural society, such as Guyana.
I am not sure whether the PPP/C was guilty of some of what it was accused. However, I have observed the PPP/C to be guilty of political dominance. They rule with a particular type of ideology that says – you are either for us or against us. They make no room for independent issue by issue thinkers like myself. In my estimation, this approach is not an appropriate way to lead a democratic, multi-ethnic society.
In a democratic, multi-ethnic society, it is best if all ethnic groups are strong, and you convince each group or individual to support you with their vote – with your arguments and your works. This approach aligns with the One Guyana platform/rhetoric of President Ali.
The specific issue with which this letter is concerned is how the government is handling emancipation observance activities. It is alleged that the PPP/C is deliberately establishing African groups comprising Afro-Guyanese who are not steeped in African history and consciousness, to detract and eventually replace the organisation that preserved African consciousness in Guyana for decades. I say alleged not to be coy, but because I wish to retain space in which other acceptable explanations can be proffered. Also, because I myself have become dis-illusioned with the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) for my own personal and social reasons. Nevertheless, I believe the PPP/C-led government is wrong to orchestrate an activity on the same day and in the vicinity of a traditional activity held by the ACDA for almost three decades.
I do not have irrefutable evidence that they are doing this, but it fits their track record. They did a similar thing to Critchlow Labour College (CLC) when they were in power under President Jagdeo, when he wanted to “manners” Mr. Lincoln Lewis who was critical of the government. They took away the subvention, claiming misappropriation, never proving it.
They did the same thing to the International Decade for People of the African Decent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G). Mr. Vincent Alexander who is involved with the leadership of IDPADA-G, a man who aligns himself with the opposition and is also often critical of the PPP/C. They again took away the subvention, claiming misappropriation, and again, did not provide any evidence that would withstand the scrutiny of an objective evaluator.
In this instance, they are providing incentives and monetary support for an alternate African celebration initiative that will distract and deter from an African initiative that has been going on for over 30 years. It further highlights this pattern, and I believe these acts are in an effort to ensure that there is no deep black consciousness in Guyana, and I do not think it is good for the PPP/C as a party and an organisation that may have potential as a government to lead this country. It is not good for Afro-Guyanese, and as a result, it is not good for Guyana.
I have stated my objection and now let me propose a way forward. I understand that a certain kind of politics will occur where the PPP/C will try to win over sections of Afro-Guyanese and will do so by providing some incentives. That is para for the political course. APNU did the same thing with a certain section of the Indo-Guyanese. However, this can be done in a way that acknowledges the dignity of Afro-Guyanese. This type of political manoeuvring should not and must not be done in a way that saps the dignity of Afro-Guyanese. I know without any fear of good faith refutation that ACDA has not been the most inclusive organisation, side-lining at times important cultural groups and people. I suspect that the same charge could be levelled against IPADA-G, though I am not personally familiar with this, perhaps because it is a newer organisation.
What I can say is that both organisations are net positive for the consciousness and dignity of Afro-Guyanese. Hence, the government must include these and other long-standing Afrocentric organisations when allocating funds for observation, celebration, and development, as well as when soliciting ideas for addressing Afro-Guyanese issues. It can be a good thing to have new organisations like the Association of the People of African Descent.
I acknowledge that some traditional African organisations and leaders may have good memories but poor judgement. Their methods may not be evolving in ways that are necessary, and as such is frustrating some younger folks – this is a matter for all Afro-Guyanese and should be on the agenda for African leaders and organisations, new and old.
Dr. Ali, you are President of this Co-operative Republic of Guyana on the platform of One Guyana. I urge you to move past the rhetoric and demonstrate that this One Guyana ethos extends beyond supporters of the PPP/C regardless of race.
Dr. Jagdeo, as a former president and current Leader of the PPP/C, please take a less domineering posture in dealing with Guyanese of any race who do not support the PPP/C. I am not remotely qualified to give you political advice, as it is my opinion that you are undoubtedly the most successful politician in the country’s history.
Drs Ali and Jagdeo, there is a section of Guyana that will never vote PPP/C and some that will always vote PPP/C but some of us are willing to vote based on policies and actions. This section of Guyana asks you gentlemen not to engage in actions that sap the dignity of Afro-Guyanese that are not PPP/C supporters. We are not in the class of “never PPP/C”; you can win us over with your actions. Treat us with dignity and respect. Treat traditional African leaders and organisations with dignity and respect. We will treat you and all other leaders from our current Government and the PPP/C with dignity and respect. After all, we are One Guyana. Or are we?
Yours Sincerely,
Concerned Guyanese
