Last Saturday, the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IAAD) was launched at Paradise, West Coast, Berbice, under the theme “Finding and asserting our place in the national consciousness and sustainable development.”
The event was well attended by residents in Region 5, opposition Members of Parliament, His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine – The Mayor of Georgetown, and other guests.
This group will serve as a human rights group that will provide support to persons facing discrimination.
The programme was chaired by the secretary of the IAAD, Lelon Saul. Saul started by expressing his gratitude to the guests for attending the event. He continued by saying, “Today marks the official launching of the Institute for Action Against Discrimination. It is our mission to fight for a country free of discrimination and a fair and just society.”
Saul also highlighted that the Constitution of Guyana guarantees several rights. He continued by saying, “Unfortunately, several of which are under daily assault. Most notably protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, political opinion and affiliation amongst others. Because this right is intertwined with others, affected citizens cannot rightfully and comfortably enjoy others, such as the right to participate through cooperative trade union, equality of persons before the law and protection from freedom of association. These are just a few.”
He mentioned that the ‘defacto president’ Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo commented against the terrorism charge of 12 Afro-Guyanese. He also noted that Jagdeo said that the charge was meant to send a message. Saul believes the Ali government does not believe in good governance and it’s a blatant disregard for the principles of the separation of power and rule of law.
“Even more troubling is the law enforcement officers’ willingness to be used as instruments of oppression. They are at the beck and call of the ruling cabal and are readily available to violate the constitutional rights of citizens. Even though Guyana is a signatory to the Convention, that is the
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, adopted in 1965” said Saul.
Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis delivered the Welcome remarks. He started his presentation by saying, “This is a new organisation of like-minded persons who are deeply concerned about the state of Guyana and our people. And who brings to this forum a wealth of knowledge and understanding and a goodwill for every Guyanese. A group of diverse people who recognize that the individual good is best protected and secured, when the good of the elected is reassured by accountable institutions.
Further, he said, “good institutions of the state, an accountable judiciary, an accountable parliament… a constitution that is sacrosanct. International laws, conventions and human rights must be respected. This is a human rights organisation. Brothers and sisters, [the government] drag their feet on sustainable development in certain communities, on the enforcement of those laws, on ensuring equitable land distribution, on ensuring our youth are given opportunities for personal growth and maximising their potential. They deny our cities, our regions and local democratic organisations – discriminating in the distribution of resources, creating impoverished communities and substandard public health systems and conditions.”
“Even national disasters and distribution of state resources are at times discriminated against. The fact that there was a need to establish an Institute for Action Against Discrimination, speaks volume as to the state of governance, ethnic relations and social justice in Guyana. This screams to you the people that all is not well in our beautiful country,” Lewis said.
He also highlighted that only those who feel it, knows it… and that we are aware of the existence of discrimination, marginalisation. “Enough is enough!” he told a rapt and enthused audience.
“Most importantly, my Guyanese brothers and sisters, we need to be careful. We must act and act now. And by acting this does not mean reckless maneuvers and scattered responses to the forces of discrimination in Guyana, it means bringing together our oppressed and marginalised people whoever they are, wherever they are, and whatever their issues of discrimination, to be consolidated into our strength, resources, skills and ideas,” charged Lewis.
The trade unionist noted that we need to mobilise and empower our people, which will show them that they too can have equal rights, justice and equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth. He also called for harmony in Guyana.
He posited “We can’t walk alone, if we walk as an individual, we’ll find ourselves being picked off one by one. The future must be bright for all, not just for a few at the top, with the rest of us taking the crumbs. That is not a recipe for peace in Guyana. It is not a recipe for growth and development; it is conditions set in place to pillage our wealth and create two Guyanas – one for the privileged political class and the other for the masses, who will continue to fight each other without recognising they are in the same boat, sitting at different points, feeling the impact of the rough waves of rough waters differently, but still facing the risk of a capsizing boat. “
He also highlighted the economic influences and other issues affecting Guyanese, pointing out that “ No country in the world has been freed from oppression without the oppressed themselves being directly involved and in the forefront. “
