The recently formed Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IAAD) took its second community meeting to Golden Grove East Coast Demerara. The group, formed in response to reported rising discrimination by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, has committed to a series of actions to eliminate the problem. The United Nations expressly states the principles of equality and discrimination are part of the foundation of the Rule of Law.
The body at its meeting last Saturday at its meet reminded of its aim at sensitising society about discrimination as the body said it will continue to pursue action against discrimination. The event, held under the theme “Combatting Oppression and Discrimination,” had scores in physical attendance and thousands virtually, saw presentations from IAAD Secretary Lelon Saul, trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, Members of Parliament Maureen Philadelphia, Ricky Ramsaroop and Roysdale Forde S.C, Georgetown Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine, and agriculturalist Dr. Simpson DaSilva.
Presenters dealt with issues spanning the gamut of personal and community discrimination, government’s mismanagement of the economy and oil revenue, denying communities not considered supportive of benefits, the politicising of the Police Force, discrimination in the workplace, violation of workers and citizens’ rights and the rule of law, non- confirmation of appointment to the substantive posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice.
The issue of land rights and the role of Attorney General and Minister Anil Nandlall S.C, using his office to interfere in a private matter to deny the heirs of Cudjoe McPherson, former slave who was granted Transport #4226 dated 6th July 1851 for the Kingelly plantation he purchased, was also raised.
There were expressions of solidarity for Working People’s Alliance executive member, Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye, who submitted himself to the Police last Friday, accompanied by his lawyers, in response to a Wanted Bulletin. Ogunseye passed through the court on Monday and was released on $100,000 bail.
Government discriminatory policy prevalent throughout Region One to Region 10
Georgetown Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine speaking to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) record said the government has a discriminatory policy and prevalent throughout Region 0ne to Region 10, pointing out that as long as you are not PPP/C you are bound to be rejected by the government, and if you are not a part of the ‘one Guyana’ circle you are bound to get nothing.
According to the Narine it is a circle developed by the PPP to capitalise on the resources we have. In the midst of these resources, he questioned why should Guyanese be struggling every day when the nation has the resources to care for the vulnerable and needy. Listing a litany of discrimination by the government, including some directed at him in his capacity as mayor, Narine said Guyanese must be unafraid to expose this treatment and challenge the government. He also urged citizens “to stand for justice, stand for truth regardless of race.”
We must commit ourselves to educate the vulnerable about the danger
Lelon Saul, IAAD Secretary, in delivering remarks as Chairman urged Guyanese to pay attention to the government’s discriminatory policies and not be fooled by the crumbs they distribute. He said the evidence of the PPP discrimination is also manifested in the dysfunctionalities of communities and moral decay in society, as he called on society to support the IAAD’s commitment to restore societal standards.
Touching on several acts of discrimination that occurred when the PPP returned to office in August 2022, Saul said Guyana
“witnessed the wanton dismissal of scores of African Guyanese from the public sector, the lopsided distribution of COVID-19 cash relief, the unconscionable distribution of flood relief, the award of public contracts to friends, families, and favourites, the persecution of Africans Guyanese and other non-supporters of the PPP, the brutalisation of Caneview residents, the harassment of the Mc Pherson clan at Kingelly, the inequitable distribution of development benefits, and the persistent vilification of Afro organisations and leaders among other discriminatory acts.”
Folks, our fight in combating discrimination and oppression requires the raising of the level of consciousness among our young people and reminding people of the PPP’s transgressions and atrocities, he declared.
Government aptly clothes itself in ‘one Guyana,’ slogan because they care only about themselves
Member of Parliament (MP) Maureen Philadelphia, whose parliamentary boundary includes the East Coast Demerara area, outlined several discriminatory acts that have occurred under the PPP government. “We look around and we see so much marginalisation and oppression perpetuated by a government that aptly clothes itself in the slogan ‘one Guyana,’ because they care only about themselves.”
She pointed out that areas such as Buxton, Victoria, Plaisance, Haslington, not strongholds of the PPP, are deprived of infrastructural development. Stories were relayed of roads in these areas with potholes, posing threat to life, limbs and security whilst neighbouring villages, like Mon Repos, Lusignan and Enterprise, that are strongholds of the PPP, have newly paved streets devoid of potholes.
She reminded Guyana, the world’s fastest growing economy, recently passed the largest budget in history and expressed “many Guyanese will see little or no benefit from spending because of the government’s discriminatory policy and caring not who gets what other than the few among them.”
Noting the theme of the day’s event Philadelphia advised combatting discrimination and oppression requires acceptance “these exist, identify them and hold those responsible for perpetuating them accountable.” The MP told the audience “Change can only come when we actively pursue change, and I am here to tell you that we are the change we have been waiting for.”
The PPP must never rest in peace if we cannot rest in peace
Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, who delivered the Welcome, called on civil society, the international community and others to take note of what is happening in Guyana and come together, speak out, and avert the potential of disruptions in Guyana’s development process and harm to the most vulnerable.
Lewis told the audience “state discrimination is an act of political violence” and the PPP has been waging such violence against the citizens by “enact[ing] policies that hurt and destroy human resources and the very fabric of our society.”
He urged Guyanese to become Vice President Jagdeo -who is also the PPP leader- worst nightmare. According to the trade unionist the PPP leadership must “never rest in peace once we cannot rest in peace.”
The trade unionist said IAAD aims to“ raise the consciousness of all Guyanese that they are not helpless unless they turn over and give up the fight for basic rights and freedoms and unless they ignore the sufferings of their fellow citizens thereby further encouraging the abuses by the government.”
Calling for a coming together of all sections of society to combat oppression and discrimination, and making known only as a united force can Guyanese succeed, the trade unionist said the space and opportunities must be created “for frank, honest and open conversations on the state of affairs in our country.
