Home Letters Coalition’s strategy of attacking those who debunk racial rhetoric has extended to...
Dear Editor,
The APNU/AFC Coalition consistently insists on portraying Guyana as a nation divided along racial lines. Listening to the Budget 2024 debates, this has been repeated several times.
I want to say that when individuals, particularly Afro-Guyanese, assertively refute the Coalition’s narrative, aiming to showcase genuine progress towards fostering a unified ‘One Guyana’, they find themselves targeted for criticism. Afro-Guyanese citizens who benefit from the policies and initiatives of the PPP/C Government, or publicly express support for the party, are often subjected to attacks by the PNCR-led Coalition. Derogatory terms like ‘house-slave’ and ‘soup-drinker’ have become unfortunate labels for Afro-Guyanese PPP/C leaders, members, and supporters.
This strategy of attacking Afro-Guyanese who debunk the Coalition’s racial rhetoric has now been extended to the international stage. President Dr Irfaan Ali, recognised for his robust and transformative leadership during an Official Visit to Accra, Ghana, received the prestigious Global Africa Leadership Award. The acknowledgment highlighted President Ali’s commitment to fostering “One Guyana” through unity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity; as well as his principled leadership during heightened tensions related to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.
Predictably, the usual critics responded with criticism, directing their disapproval towards the African Prosperity Network (APN) for honouring President Ali. Organizations such as the Burnham Foundation, along with prominent figures like former Georgetown mayor Hamilton Green and IDPADA-G Chairman Vincent Alexander, both linked to the PNCR, objected to the award. Alexander even suggested there were ulterior motives, insinuating that the award might be a ploy to gain business favour in Guyana. In a published letter, Alexander went as far as cautioning Ghanaians against repeating historical injustices related to slavery.
Editor, I must point out that young people want to move past this rhetoric. But this might be wishful thinking.
Sincerely,
Ryan Newton
