Justifying “scrape mentality” is justifying violence, criminality

Dear Editor,
I stood in utter shock and bewilderment as a group of opposition politicians, loyalists and groups sought to justify the so-called ‘scrape mentality’ in Guyana as they pursue scoring their cheap political points.
Dr Terrence Campbell and Dorwin Bess should be ashamed of themselves for seeking to normalise and justify the behaviour of the men and women referred to as ‘scrapes’. These men can never be taken seriously by any right-thinking and decent Guyanese who love their country and want to see it developed.
I was mortified to see leader of the Alliance for Change Nigel Hughes, and former PNC-APNUAFC Ministers Catherine Hughes, David Patterson, Annette Ferguson, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Simona Broomes in the same gathering as people justifying the ‘scrape mentality’. I acknowledge the comments made by Broomes and Hughes but will in no way acknowledge the ‘scrape mentality’.
I, personally, fail to appreciate the link between ‘scrapes’ and the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge and other Guyanese.
I fail to see how her memory is honoured through the opportunistic and vile actions of ‘scrapeheads’ or the ‘scrape mentality’.
I also fail to appreciate that rioting, looting and robbing innocent Guyanese is the way to seek justice for Adriana and get the attention of the authorities which the group claims has been “neglecting the scrapes”.
For the record, I support wholeheartedly the peaceful movement for justice for Adriana. I support her family every step of the way in getting to the bottom of how their daughter died. I support Guyanese in their vigils and other peaceful pickets against this seeming injustice that was meted out in this instance. I stand with them and I say that wrong is wrong, and could never be made right.
I don’t support justifying violence and criminality or ‘scrape mentality’. I do not support the acts of arson, theft and other despicable illegal acts that occurred on the day of terror and autopsy. I do not support the destruction of private and public property, stealing of items from stores and setting parts of critical infrastructure ablaze.
I will never support the ideas of calling for “scrapes”, the perpetrators of these crimes, to be seen not as criminals, but as untapped potential. I support the Guyana Police Force taking action against each and every one that participated in wreaking havoc on innocent Guyanese and businesses. I reject this aspect of the ‘scrape mentality’ that links bad, unruly and criminal behaviour with nonaction on the part of the authorities. We should never praise this behaviour or condone it.
I don’ want to see this “untapped potential”, if this is what the “scrape mentality” shows us it is. No, sir!
We must condemn the looting and destruction of private and public property, even as we are aware that there were opportunists who infiltrated the peaceful protest.”
After all, “Scrapes” or “Scrape Head”, is a derogatory slang or insult often used to describe people who are involved in criminal activities or viewed by society as troublemakers or delinquents. Simply put, it means calling the actions of this group of people ignorant and foolish.
I don’t believe in labeling or calling oneself a ‘scrape’ or ‘scrapehead’. I do not believe in referring to people, particularly, disadvantaged youth in such a way. Many of the young people who are called this way, I am sure have went to school and know right from wrong. They have common sense to appreciate that they are making bad choices. I would urge them to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them at a community and national levels to change the trajectory of their lives. No one wants to be a victim all their lives. Youths must be allowed to express themselves but within the confidence of the law.
Bess and the group may “stand with the scrapes”, but all peace loving, pursuers of justice, descent minded people are standing on the side of the law.
However, despite that the said they were against the violence and destruction, and not political, their intent was on riling up the people to continue the protests because it served all of their political purpose. Telling them to “rise” or claiming that they “are not calling for an end to protest, but a rise in purpose”, is evidence enough for me.
Going to Tuschen and keeping a press conference near the crime scene, is just their desperation seeping through their cold veneers. It was politically immature and nasty. It is not symbolic. It is playing petty politics and making it clear that this isn’t about justice for Adriana. Her death is being used as ‘collateral damage’, if it will help these so-called political patriots achieve their aim of winning the upcoming elections.
Finally, Guyanese will ensure that justice does not slip away from our grasp. We have to think strategically, intelligently and act wisely. Justice is only attainable if Guyanese are allowed to peacefully demonstrate while others go about their day. Justifying “scrape mentality” is justifying violence, criminality. Point blank.

Yours truly,
Michael Younge