The concept “Ethnic Security Dilemma” has been bandied around Guyana for some years now and evidently with no uniformed perspective or mutual respect. None can deny that race, more pointedly than ethnicity, has been used as a great force to divide us even though we have more in common to unite us. None can deny that while the Constitution of Guyana proudly asserts the diverse identity of Guyanese and mandates a relation of peaceful co-existence by working together, in large part these remain platitude and elusive.
Every election politicians campaign on promises to build a united Guyana, a promise that is yet to be fulfilled as evident by the discontent. It is this discontent that manifests the dilemma, not only of exclusion but how it can be positively channeled to forge a society of mutual respect and inclusion of all, irrespective of race, class, political association or creed. How do we resolve this dilemma? Obviously, there would be differences in perspectives but when these perspectives operate not from a position of respect and willingness to listen to their other side the dilemma cannot be settled.
There has been an argument for partition given the disrespect and political unwillingness to do what is right to weld the nation together. Another argument has been for some form of federal system that would parcel out the country to racial groups. Such proposals, though understood given where they are coming from, could be counterproductive. Who is going to give up what? Every Guyanese, without exception, can make a claim to developing this country. Guyanese of all ethnicities reside throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The rich natural resources are scattered. These cannot be ignored.
It is arrogant and disrespectful to determine for another group when its dilemma is resolved. To even attempt to think you know what is best for the other is a violation of the right to self-determination. Racial conversations in this society are often driven by a level of dishonesty, selectively silencing the right of some to speak their truth or making assumptions about what the other is deserving. This arrogance threatens the socioeconomic, cultural and political security of all.
Each group in the society faces a dilemma. While the focus may be directed to the two major races, Africans and Indians, the dilemma of the other races is of no less importance. Ethnic insecurity cannot be resolved by window dressing or the assumption of placing a person from the group in a leadership role. Involvement must be meaningful to the extent where each group will decide who are their leaders or representatives and that will be respected by all.
The dilemma cannot be solved when the President says he wants a united Guyana but refuses to speak with the Opposition Leader who represents almost half the society. The fatuous argument that the ethnic security dilemma has been resolved, because the past Coalition Government comprised the People’s National Congress/Reform, whose support base is primarily African and the President of African ancestry, is just that. It is presumptuous and absurd. It is an argument that ignores during the same period African leaders were calling on the government to establish a political culture that would broaden the tent and have meaningful engagement with the Opposition, whose support base is primarily Indians.
Our ethnic security dilemma remains as long as any group feels excluded from meaningful political participation, there is ethnic discrimination and the right to self-determination denied.
Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago have similar demographics as Guyana but are making strides in addressing their problems. Suriname has taken the path of meaningful political inclusion as Trinidad and Tobago hosts national conversations, facilitated by the media, such as television. As a collective, ethnic representatives are respectfully sharing unique experiences and perspectives, and advancing proposals to solve their dilemma and by extension the nation’s. Conversations give recognition to the fact that each group best knows what matters to them. Guyana could be best served taking a page from our regional counterparts.
