By Mark DaCosta- The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has strongly criticised the government’s handling of the first United Nations (UN) Decade for People of African Descent, asserting that Guyana has not lived up to its commitments to tackle racial inequality. As the UN launches its second decade of this initiative, the WPA has called for greater attention to be given to issues of discrimination, justice, and recognition for African Guyanese.
The United Nations declared the first Decade for People of African Descent, spanning from 2015 to 2024, to raise awareness and promote policies aimed at addressing the enduring effects of structural racism, particularly the long-term impact of slavery and colonialism on African communities. The second decade, which officially commenced in January 2025, is seen as an urgent call for action as global inequalities persist.
The WPA has welcomed the UN’s renewed focus on the issue but expressed concern over the lack of progress in Guyana, a nation that has long struggled with ethnic tensions and unequal resource distribution. According to the party, the government’s failure to engage meaningfully with the African Guyanese community on these matters highlights a broader reluctance to address structural discrimination in the country.
A Decade of Struggles for African Descent Communities
The UN’s initiative was first launched in 2015, recognising the historical and ongoing marginalisation of African peoples globally. The initiative sought to empower individuals of African descent by addressing issues such as racial discrimination, unequal access to education, healthcare, and economic resources, and a persistent failure to acknowledge the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
While the first decade saw some international efforts to confront these challenges, including awareness campaigns and policy discussions, the WPA claims that Guyana, despite being a signatory to the initiative, failed to honour its commitments. In particular, the party points to the government’s withdrawal of financial support for the local umbrella organisation, the International Decade for People of African Descent-Guyana (IDPADA-G), as a sign of systemic disregard for African Guyanese needs.
A Missed Opportunity for Progress
The WPA has voiced its frustration with the government’s approach under the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Despite the previous administration, led by David Granger, committing to provide an annual subvention to IDPADA-G, the PPP government quickly rescinded this support after taking office. The withdrawal was based on unsubstantiated claims that the organisation misused funds, an allegation that remains unproven.
In the years that followed, the WPA argues that African Guyanese have continued to face systemic violence and economic inequality, with extrajudicial killings and land disputes remaining prevalent. Furthermore, African Guyanese workers, especially those in the public sector, have reportedly struggled with stagnating wages despite the country’s increasing revenues from oil exports.
“Structural discrimination against African Guyanese does not exist,” said the government, according to the WPA, ignoring extensive evidence of racial and economic imbalances across Guyana. “The government’s failure to engage with the needs of the African Guyanese community has left the country’s national cohesion at risk.”
Calls for Action in the Second Decade
As the second decade of the UN’s initiative begins, the WPA is calling for a series of specific actions to ensure that African Guyanese are not left behind in national development. The party urges the community to “aggressively take steps” to hold the government accountable, with WPA spokespersons quoting Frederick Douglass’ famous words, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.”
The WPA has outlined several demands aimed at addressing the grievances of the African Guyanese community:
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Reinstating the government’s annual subvention to IDPADA-G, recognising the vital role the organisation plays in the fight for justice and recognition.
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Introducing African Guyanese history into the national school curriculum to educate future generations on the contributions and struggles of this community.
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Establishing an African and African Guyanese department at the University of Guyana to foster a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the African diaspora.
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Creating an African Guyanese task force to recommend specific measures to address racial discrimination and promote equity in the distribution of state resources.
“The government must honour its obligations to its darkest citizens, who have disproportionately suffered as Guyana evolved,” the WPA asserted, emphasising the need for tangible action and the elimination of systemic racism.
A Strong Defence of IDPADA-G
The WPA also took the opportunity to praise the work of IDPADA-G, highlighting the organisation’s resilience despite the ongoing political challenges. “For us, IDPADA-G is our Organisation of the Decade,” the WPA declared, encouraging the group to continue its important work in advocating for African Guyanese rights and recognition.
The launch of the second decade presents an important opportunity for Guyana to redouble its efforts in addressing racial inequalities. The WPA’s call for greater government responsibility and concrete measures reflects the urgency with which the African Guyanese community seeks meaningful change in the face of enduring challenges.
