Alliance for Change, Member of Parliament Raphael Trotman, is applauded for his boldness in taking the conversation about race to the National Assembly. At Monday’s sitting scheduled to debate the 2020 Budget, Mr. Trotman understood in this volatile environment the House could no longer remain silent on race relations. It is hoped his call to fellow parliamentarians to pay heed and collectively work to bring closure to the deep wounds, which have been cut open as a result of the recent murders, will not fall on deaf ears.
Parliament is Guyana’s highest-decision making forum and those sitting in its hallowed halls have the option to be part of the problem or part of the solution. Mr. Trotman merely reminds his colleagues of their duty to country and citizens. Members of Parliament have an obligation to address the racial animosity which has become a public health issue. Not only are lives being lost, people injured and threatened, but the toxicity of race relations has given rise to justifiable concern the lives and welfare of specific demographic(s) are facing existential threat.
The murders of Joel Henry, Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh have jolted the consciousness of a nation whose leaders are notorious for being long on talk and short on action. We are living dangerously and it is time to take the bull by the horns. Since two Sundays ago, when the Henry teens slaughtered bodies were discovered, the hostility poured unrestrained. The murder of Singh a few days later, reportedly a friend of the slayed teens, increased the rage.
President Irfaan Ali has promised these cases will be treated with the “highest priority.” At the time of writing (Tuesday morning) there remains a news blackout as to whether any charges will be made. In the meantime, finger pointing, racial rancour and acts of provocation, which serve more to divide than unite, proliferate. Some have seen opportunity for political mileage and are making the proverbial hay while the sun shines, due to inaction by law enforcement. Others argue racial animosity benefits only one party. In the midst of it all, there is only one certainty, that is, there is no innocent or guilty race.
Over Guyana’s evolution there have been racial violent confrontations. The point is made not to address who may be the aggressor or felt compelled to retaliate, at any given time, but to say all are guilty and “enough is enough!” The race hate and disrespect for the other cannot continue. We are all Guyanese. Most importantly, the Constitution celebrates our diversity and guarantees our equality.
Regardless of how we came, or what our initial contributions were, we are all here and have contributed. Without exception, no group can claim superiority because none has the bonafide. Science has advised every race (group) evolved from one race and one continent, making irrefutable our common humanity. Similarly, when we need critical care it remains inconsequential whose blood, limb or organ is donated save for ensuring a perfect match. We are all homo sapiens (Latin word for “wise human”) and should be acting better than the lesser animals.
In spite of the aforesaid, the racial divisive politics of yesteryears, particularly between Indian and African, remains. The inclination to ascribe criminal tendencies to one race and victimhood to the other remains prevalent. And respect for the common law principle of innocence until proven guilty is selectively applied. Even a cursory examination on social media sites and in some mainstream media would reveal the minefields Guyanese have to tread. The hate and distrust are public, real and ugly.
Mr. Trotman’s presentation is a sobering reminder the House is a purposeful place and could rise to the occasion. Right-thinking Guyanese support his call for action because positive race relation is worth more than finger thumping, being reported in the news, and recorded in the Hansards. It requires action and it is way past time.
