“Centering any discussion on racial equality in Guyana requires an assessment of the content and of the equality as enshrined as a principle at the core of the constitutional system, that is, the Constitution of Guyana.” So says shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde S.C., in a recent presentation to the Buxton 1st August Movement and the Society for African Guyanese Empowerment, hosted under the theme “Centering Racial Equality in an oil rich Guyana.”
The senior counsel told a well-attended gathering at Tipperary Hall, Buxton, the Constitution of Guyana declares a commitment to the ideals and principles of equality and non-discrimination but these ideals remain elusive as a result of non-enforcement, absence of political will, among other factors.
For instance, he pointed out, the Human Rights Commission has never been established, thereby materially contributing to the “perpetuation of racial inequality that sickens this country.” Touching on the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Member of Parliament (MP) noted it has largely been a failure because the agency has not been allowed to discharge its function as provided for under the constitution.
Citing the Constitution Preamble, which stated the people of Guyana should “forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental rights, and the rule of law;…” a fired-up senior counsel told the audience this has not materialised as evident in government discriminatory practices, pervasive socio-economic injustices and violations.
As Opposition MP, Forde has been the leading counsel challenging the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government non-compliance with the Constitution in the court; bears front row witness to the exclusion of the A Partnership of National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) from meaningful decision-making at the executive, legislature, regional and local government levels.
Inequality in Guyana
Zeroing in on economic inequality, the shadow minister referenced the work of Cambridge University Assistant Professor Dr. Collin Constantine, that relied on a 2022 Survey Data and pointed out whilst 43 % of the population is Indo-Guyanese they “account for a larger percentage of the top 10 % income group;” contrasted with Afro-Guyanese and Mixed-Guyanese which are “under-represented in the top 10%, but over-represented among the bottom 90% income earners,” suggesting the total accrued “to the bottom 90 % exceeds their share of the total population.”
The senior counsel told a captive audience, the economic disparity is across race and class lines, resulting in ethnic dominance and intra-class inequality. Further, data confirms the oil and gas wealth has had no “observable impact on income inequality among the races,” he noted.
Given Guyana’s newly exploited resource, the country is ranked among the world’s fastest growing economies. In 2023 Guyana’s oil and gas revenue is projected at US$1.63 billion and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 37%
The MP highlighted that in the midst of significant wealth there has been no dent in poverty, drawing attention to data that suggests 32% of the indigenous population live in poverty, 20% of Afro-Guyanese and 15% of Indo-Guyanese. He also cited UNICEF’s data drawing attention to the increase poverty-related deprivation and absence of social protection in oil-rich Guyana.
Responding to the troubling statistics Forde has signalled the need for action by the citizenry in the absence of passion or political will power by the government to address the income inequality among the races and the wider issue of racial inequality.
Time for action
He warned the discovery of oil and consequential wealth will not create economic equality, social stability and inclusion if there isn’t radical change in the systems to promote equality and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
“The reliance on and use of the redistributive justice principle in the Constitution must be the basis for an equitable Guyana. We must break down, crack and crumble the edifice of structural and systemic discrimination for equality to have any prospects of being realised.”
Further, he encouraged, Guyanese must, in this “Oil Rich Guyana,” ensure that prosperity and wealth are placed in the hands of all, particularly the poor of all the races, in a manner that leaves no group or race behind.
The politician said the State must be made to walk the extra mile to end economic and racial inequalities and that journey must commence immediately. “Guyana must Rise!” he charged.
The August 10 event billed as the Eusi Kwayana Symposium also saw presentations from IDPADA-G Chair, Mr. Vincent Alexander; former minister and activist, Mr. Simona Broomes, columnist, Mr. GHK Lall; and apostle Nigel London. The event was chaired by Working People’s Alliance Executive, Dr. David Hinds.
