Ending racism must be a collaborative effort – UG-UNDP panel discussion

International Day for the Elimination of Racism

— media a “powerful tool” to end racism

In observance of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which was observed Sunday, March 21, 2021, the University of Guyana (UG) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a virtual discussion on race and racism in Guyana.
The webinar was attended by past and current students of the university.
The more than one-hour-long conversation titled: “Countering racism: A youth-led conversation” saw youngsters giving their opinions on implicit bias and bigotry. The panellists shared their experiences and that of others on experiencing racism/discrimination in Guyana and the role of the media, which they described as a “powerful tool” in helping to end racism.
Those who took part in Sunday’s panel discussion were physiotherapist and past Vice President of UG’s Student Society Malcolm Wills; past UGSS President Devta Ramroop, and UG students Elton Newton, Junisha Johnny, Deneka Francis, Tameshwar Rajaram, and Ezikel Alleyne.

They agreed that ending racism has to be a collaborative effort between religious organisations, schools, politicians, and other stakeholders.
Newton, who is pursuing a degree in medical rehabilitation at the tertiary institution, believes that Guyana has already embarked on efforts to combat the scourge of racism by holding discussions.
“Discussions like this are really important. You need to continue doing them, not just at the university level but you need to start early like in the primary schools. You can do community outreaches, community discussions. You also have to get organisations involved like the churches, mosques, and temples.”
Sharing his views, Alleyne, a chemistry major at UG, stated, “For anything to be accomplished, you must lead by example.” On this note, he pointed out that the Government and parents should lead the way in this regard. For her part, Johnny said she believes that just like with domestic violence, a hotline needs to be created to report incidents of racism.

“So that you can report any incident of racism you may have seen or you would have experienced. We have a commission, but I feel that something proper must be done or to form a new body. [In doing so] people will know that they will have consequences to face and I think it would put a great stop to racism.”
“We need to start from our leaders, our leaders need to show a leadership role and help us in combating racism. Because I think if our leaders don’t, I don’t think anyone else will. We as the youths should empower others not to show racism,” Ramjaram, a budding cardiovascular surgeon shared.
Francis stressed that penalties showed be imposed on persons who perpetuate racism.
“For the persons who are being racist, they should be given a fine. Something that is there so that they know I cannot keep doing this; this is going to be detrimental to my image,” the aspiring marine biologist said, adding that persons in public office and other places who spread racism should be fired.
Francis also encouraged persons who might have experienced racism to share their experiences via social media platforms.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator for Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka pointed out that being able to have such open conversation is important towards ending racism, not only in Guyana but around the world.
“It is people that need to shape the values of the society. At the end of the day all of this, racism, gender equality, prejudice, discrimination relates to the basic principles of human rights that every individual regardless of [their] race or gender or religion or sex or political affiliation [are entitled to].”
According to Tanaka, all individuals should be equally valued and respected. She noted that such conversations are essential to educating the populace on how to stand up for these human rights. The UN Resident Coordinator pledged that she will continue working with UG to continue discussions like these.
Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin disclosed that UG will be crafting guidelines to help the media on reporting on race. She promised that more conversations like this will be held.
The UN General Assembly resolution 2142 (XXI) adopted on October 26, 1966, proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to be commemorated annually. On that day, in 1960, Police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass laws”.
Proclaiming the day in 1966 which signifies the struggle to end the policy of apartheid in South Africa, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.