Indian Action Committee replies to Carl Veecock

Dear Editor,
The Indian Action Committee (IAC) has noted remarks by Carl Veecock of Markham, Ontario in another section of the media on August 24, 2016 in a Letter to the Editor regarding the IAC’s recent visit to President Granger to discuss the organisation’s ‘upcoming play on social cohesion’.
The IAC, however, wishes to make clarification that the organisation’s visit to President Granger was not based entirely on the ‘upcoming play on social cohesion’, but to discuss several issues that the IAC felt that HE should be apprised of. The full meeting of the IAC with President Granger consisted of:

1. Unity play
The IAC first informed President Granger of its recently-completed stage play titled “I am US”, written by IAC Executive Member Neaz Subhan which deals with the problem of social cohesion in Guyanese society as general elections approach.
The IAC invited stage actors and cast members Mr Godrey Naughton and Mr Kirk Jardine to explain the objectives of the stage play to President Granger. The IAC presented a copy of the stage play to President Granger.

2. ERC establishment
The IAC enquired into the restoration of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and was given the assurance by President Granger that the ERC will be restored when Parliament reconvenes after its recess.

3. 100th year of last ‘coolie’ ship
The IAC informed President Granger that the last ‘coolie’ ship from India arrived in British Guiana on  April 18, 1917 and that the organisation has planned a series of cultural events, including a stage play to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the arrival of the SS Ganges which brought 437 persons.
The IAC suggested to President Granger that this commemoration coincide with the unveiling of the 1838 (Indian Indentured) Monument, which is a gift from the Government of India to the people of Guyana. The IAC led the call for the 1838 Monument during the time of the previous Government.  The Monument has been completed and is ready to be shipped to Guyana for installation at Palmyra, Region Six, Berbice.

4. Communal land concerns
The IAC requested clarification from President Granger on what he meant by “anomalies” and “controversies” pertaining to communal and proprietary villages established by formerly enslaved persons between 1839 and 1860, and his proposed communal lands commission to deal with these problems.
The IAC was informed by President Granger that no lands will be taken away from anyone, but problems relating to land ownership involving the descendants of the commonly owned lands involving land titles will be resolved by this commission.
The IAC intends to follow up these matters with the President.  Further, the organisation will reach out to other stakeholders, including the political Opposition, religious groups, the international community and civil society on these and other matters relating to the Indian community.

Yours sincerely,
Saira Alli
Secretary
Indian Action
Committee