Democracy is not only about Elections, but more importantly, about the way a society is governed.
Genuine democracy strives for justice for every citizen and the recognition of every religious, ethnic or social group.
Further, it must take account of the history of a State and the contribution that each group made to its development, embracing ancestral piety.
This month is Emancipation month and we were encouraged by the statements made by President Ali that he would ensure fair play for all.
I congratulate him on those fine words and expect that his subordinates in every sector would seek to make a reality of his Statement.
To the representatives of the EU and the ABC countries in Guyana, Captain Gerry Gouveia, PSC, now Presidential Advisor, Kit Nascimento et al, we compliment you on your robust crusade for democracy in Guyana and ask respectfully if you will publicly state if you subscribe to the above concept of democracy and look forward to your response to what follows.
KINGELLY VILLAGE, WEST COAST BERBICE
This village and the contiguous farmlands were acquired by the descendants of African slaves after Emancipation and has been accepted for many generations as ancestral lands.
Last week, Mr. Nandalall, AG stated that these are State lands, but even if they are, is it not passing strange, that hours after President Ali was sworn in, that certain folks sought to occupy these lands; no advertisement and no evidence of an administrative process.
Reminiscent of Mr. Latchmansingh, two decades ago, clearing ancestral lands, south of Plantation Paradise, E.C.D.
A human chain prevented the bull-dozer operator from continuing this operation.
Today, that area is known as the Dazzell Housing Scheme.
At the end of slavery in 1838, the Manumitted Africans came out of the most inhumane, cruel and barbaric experience known.
The freed slaves combined their resources and purchased several abandoned plantations along our coastal belt.
After Emancipation, the previous slave-owners (white Europeans) were handsomely compensated but not one red cent for the slaves whose blood, sweat and tears, with their bare hands dug canals and built dams to civilize our entire coastal belt.
When the immigrants came, that infrastructure was in place and there were improved conditions.
We pray and wish for unity and love based on mutual respect and morality and non-discrimination.
It may be of passing interest, that the new Prime Minister of Suriname, Chan Santokhi, in spite of Covid-19, made it to the NCC, to embrace President Ali.
There was no similar enthusiasm for the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Keith Rowley.
As we seek a response from the EU, ABC reps, Gouveias et al, this Statement initiates a process to educate, agitate to liberate.
I ask the EU, ABC and the Gouveias if it is democratic to deny the children of the African slaves unconditional access to these areas, where the blood and bones of their ancestors still cry for reparation.
I ask them to say: If Black Lives matter !
If Black lands matter !
If Black labour matter !
If Black liberty matter !
It is either yes or no.
We also expect a response from the diplomatic representatives and Advisor Gouveia, whether the black lives, of Ronald Waddell, Courtney Crum Ewing, Shacka Blair, George and Shafeek Bacchus, Inspector October Selwyn Andrews and the four hundred other who were slaughtered matter?
Answers from the above named entities and individuals are necessary if there is to be unity based on equality and mutual respect.
Answers from our new administration are also necessary if we are to proceed based on shared values, which include due regard to descendants of the African slave.
We publicly seek answers as we, this month, Emancipation month, celebrate the centenary of that great venture by Marcus Garvey when he articulated the plight of the African in the West and proposed a menu of measures to satisfy the often stated mantra of the United States, that we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.
To our Guyanese sisters and brothers who are already seeing signs of persecution, be fortified by the powerful declaration made exactly one hundred years ago, by Marcus Garvey, which drew attention to discrimination against people of colour and urge that we take our rightful place in society.
The declaration exactly a hundred years ago, inspired Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, which has become a sort of anthem for Black people everywhere.
We must neither be tricked nor be intimidated by methods similar to those of the imperial plantation owners.
Regards
Ghana Day Committee
1823 Coalition
Mourning Families for Friends in White
Pan African Movement (Guy) Branch
