The Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine, at the recent launch of the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IAAD), at Paradise, West Coast Berbice, opened his presentation with a quote from the late President Forbes Burnham and Founder Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC):
“All the people of this country are equally important, whether they belong to a large group or a small group. To us, the Amerindians are important. To us, the Chinese are important. To us, the Portuguese are important. To us, the Europeans are important. To us, the mixed races are important. To us, the Africans are important. To us, the Indians are important. In short, all Guianese are important and valued members of our community, and we cherish them and consider that, as a Government, it is our duty and privilege to guard, protect and further the real interests of all.”
The Institute, which was launched Saturday 11th March, was not only lauded for its recognition there is discrimination in society and determined to address the scourge, but the mayor used the occasion to share his personal experiences. He highlighted the discrimination he faces in administering the municipality, the roadblocks being put in place to inhibit his mayoral function, and the withdrawal of security which are established norms.
Ubraj informed when the Government arrested him, placed him before the court, or tarnished his reputation, those activities fueled his drive and made him more passionate about fighting for human rights.
The government is not only attacking Afro Guyanese, but also attacking Indo Guyanese, Amerindians, Chinese and Europeans, the mayor stated. They attack in various ways, and it is mainly because those persons support another political party, whether PNC, the Alliance for Change (AFC), etc., and as long as you support those parties you will be attacked in various ways and on different occasions, he shared.
“We must be able to identify what is democracy, but we have a government that circumvents democracy in all angles and forms. We have a local government system, where the laws are very clear. The Government goes to Parliament, creates various acts, and the President manages the country and majority of the persons [as though] there are for them (e.g.: NDCs and Town Councils) and eventually it will circumvent democracy. They are taking control of every part of democracy.”
He charged the audience to be educated about these things or you’ll be in the dark,” said the mayor. He continued by encouraging young people to read the laws of Guyana and know their rights.
His Worship added that discrimination is at every level in this country, at this point in time, and shared that his political work makes him get discriminated against. He assured “I will fight for all six races in Guyana, because my founding leader said so. We must have a voice… We must be reminded about our own actions…”
He closed by saying, he is only fearful of God, but he is not fearful of any president, vice president, or politician and encourages young people to do research and don’t listen to ‘hear say’.
The mayor also distributed several coconut plants.
Member of Parliament (M.P) Nima Flue-Bess, also spoke at the launch. She noted that launching the organisation is significant and shared examples of her being discriminated against.
The M.P stated that the discrimination didn’t stop her from performing her duties, since she took an oath to serve. She shared a synopsis of the Caneview/Mocha East Bank Demerara matter that is engaging her attention and relayed stories affecting citizens in her constituency.
She said, “As the institution that will deal with discrimination, I know you will be bombarded with complaints; however, I trust that we can all put our hands together for the work of the organisation. I hope that we won’t only write but see action. It is time for us to act…. It is time for us to unite. And unite for a common goal and protect our birth right.”
In closing she wished the institution success in its endeavours.
