Written by VASSAN RAMRACHA
RASHLEIGH Jackson’s ‘‘Compromise is not a four-letter word” in the SN of 10-18-13 inspired some critical questions, hopefully, which can lead to the quest for a meaningful compromise. Ken, a blogger, commented about another blogger’s reaction to Jackson. He observed that the response was “dripping with suspicion and mistrust…you are not the only one in this boat”, he implored. Most (SN) APNU bloggers are in your ship paddling in the opposite direction. To this Mr. Jackson is recommending ‘compromise’ Ken explained.Now, I have no problems with acceptable compromises. Ken asked some refreshing questions which are followed immediately by my re-ordered responses, offered in hopeful return my many concerns will be addressed.

Compromise is not a four-letter word we all know. Concerning the necessity of racial balance in the armed forces, Ken wrote: “I must say I am baffled. 1 – Is there a strategic effort by our armed forces to exclude Indians? Yes, under The PNC government, Guyana’s predominantly black armed forces, pledged loyalty to Forbes Burnham, not to Guyana by its PNC Sophia declaration of 1976, But the armed forces are taxpayer- funded and directed by the political party in power. Can you see why Indians find their exclusion?
Repulsive? Indians’ exclusion was predetermined by loyalty not to Guyana.
But to the PNC which had usurped political power by rigging elections.
Indians were considered unqualified by black standards but required to be loyal to the PNC.

2 – Would Indians feel more comfortable with an Indian-dominated?
police force or a fully professional police force? Yes, Indians right now want a professional, armed force that is racially and ethnically balanced. Balsam Singh Rai as Guyana’s first Home Affairs Minister had made excellent progress. Minister Rohee’s SWAT is the second coming and the PNC fears losing their advantages. Now my question is: do you want (a) a professional and Indian-dominated force or (b) a professional Indian government or (c) a professional Indian business class equally duplicated in shared governance? At what time period, did the current GDF/GPF becomes confirmed professionals? Was it under stewardship of the PPP/C? Ken, no country or ethnic group has placed their security exclusively in the hands of another.
The PPP/C government must find a way to conscript Indians into Guyana’s armed forces by affirmative action, unlike National Service by the PNC did with ulterior motives.
Federalism will do that. Additionally, is there any study that blacks can develop business skills or is it a genetic requirement? An idiotic question, isn’t it? This only shows that Indians too are capable of asking idiotic questions and our common Guyanese linkages.

3 – Is it the desire of Indians to join the armed forces, but their(armed forces) current demographics dissuade them from participating? Yes,. many Indians were forced out of the armed forces by their black officers who gave them ridiculous tasks, like climbing up a coconut tree.
Recently, three Indian recruits died under mysterious circumstances and it has been hushed up. The Special Service Unit (SSU) was racially balanced by Dr Cheddi Jagan. The PNC destroyed that original nucleus racial balance and fired Major Abdul Sattaur, its first Sandhurst-trained commander. The current top-heavy black brass has no sensitivity or training to accommodate Indian foods, needs or cultural practices and the PNC had cared less to rectify it. The PNC preferred Indians planting rice and pineapples where they posed no threat.

4 – Do you have any study that demonstrates that an increase of Indians In the armed forces would increase its efficiency? A very provocative and unnerving (actually offensive) question. Has any study demonstrated otherwise and vice-versa for Africans? Indians are poised to achieve near racial equal representation in Trinidad. Why?
Eric Williams rapidly moved to ensure increased Indian recruitment After the 1973 black power disturbances, so that an all-black armed forces could not overthrow him. With Granger’s PNC currently in a war
mode it’s only predominantly black Guyanese, who will, by PNC preference, be thrown against any Venezuelan invasion.

5 – I do have lots of theories that I share with friends about (a) black men and their “child father” syndrome and (b) Indians and suicide rates, but without a study I concede that I have no authority on
the issue and gladly retract. One of my theories is that Guyanese Indians have a higher sense of family values and maybe the armed forces don’t seem attractive to them in light of the risks to them and family.
Do you believe that this could be a deciding factor for the racial imbalance in our armed forces? The theories shared by you to friends on the (a) black “child-father”syndrome are not my immediate interests
except when it impacts upon me adversely. (b) One of the main reasons why Indians have a higher suicide rate is a component of your accurate view of Indian family values. Shouldering family responsibilities is
paramount, unlike the reneging syndrome of the black “child father” relationship which emancipates them from responsibilities. Among other things, Indian suicides are due to their rigid cultural and religious
ways. Indian conservative culture still disavows a loose life unlike the creolised dating, illicit sex and street carnival whining up which makes it objectionable. There is massive pressure for Indians to excel in
academics. Cognisant that we are considered the country side dregs of society who cannot speak proper English and do not wear shoes when we go to town, we become automatic targets for bullying.
Isn’t the PNC guilty of committing the original sin which destroyed Guyana? Indians were not the beneficiaries of eating the forbidden fruit. Responses are invited and are most welcome.