In a heartfelt and emotional Facebook Live video, Tuschen resident and small business owner Joel Dodson shared his experiences of what he described as persistent harassment and discrimination against him and his business. Dodson, who operates a registered wash bay in the Tuschen Housing Scheme, alleged that he has been repeatedly targeted by a neighbor and local authorities, despite following all regulations.
Dodson, a long-time entrepreneur, explained that he has invested his hard-earned money into his small business, which provides car washing services. In the video, he emphasized that his business is fully registered and compliant with local laws. He also shared that, in an effort to resolve a noise complaint, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised him to modify his operations by adding soundproofing, which he complied with. Despite these efforts, Dodson claims he continues to face harassment from a neighbor who has filed multiple complaints with various agencies, including the police, the EPA, and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
The Facebook Live video shows Dodson walking around his property, demonstrating the distance between his shed and the public road, and pointing out other wash bays in the same area, none of which, he claims, face similar scrutiny. “There are about ten wash bays in this scheme, and mine is the only one being singled out,” Dodson said. “I am the only black man on this main road with a business, and I am the only one being victimized.”
Dodson also expressed frustration with a recent visit from a man he identified as Mr. Williams, who claimed to be from the Ministry of Housing. According to Dodson, Mr. Williams measured his shed and informed him that it would have to be removed, threatening to shut down his business entirely. Dodson stated that, while he understands that his wash bay operates in a residential area, his small business is not a large-scale operation and is crucial to his livelihood. “This is not a multimillion-dollar business. It’s just a small wash bay. I am not stealing from anyone. I am just trying to survive,” he said.
Despite his efforts to comply with regulations, Dodson says he feels that he is being unfairly targeted and that the situation is racially motivated. “I live here, I work here, and I have never left Guyana. If I can’t hustle here, where else can I go?” he asked, visibly frustrated. Dodson explained that the stress of the situation has taken a toll on him, and he has felt continuously victimized for years.
Political Activist Mr Rickford Burke issued a social media post on the matter. Burke questioned the involvement of Ministry of Housing officials in the situation, calling for accountability and transparency. In particular, Burke called on Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues to confirm whether Mr. Williams is indeed a representative of the Ministry of Housing and why he would be allegedly acting outside his jurisdiction by threatening Dodson’s business.
Burke also called for the immediate cessation of harassment, identifying the neighbor involved as one Ms Persaud, who allegedly works at the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Burke’s statement raised concerns over the role of government officials in what he described as the sabotage of Dodson’s business and livelihood.
As Dodson’s story circulates on social media, many are calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations of discrimination and harassment. Dodson, who remains determined to continue his business despite the ongoing challenges, is seeking help from anyone willing to step in and stop what he views as unfair treatment.
“I am frustrated, but I will keep fighting,” Dodson said in his closing remarks. “I need help. This is not fair, and I shouldn’t be facing this alone.”
