I recently stumbled upon an article written by Dr. Bertie Ramcharran in the Stabroek News on July 23, 2009 about inclusive governance in Guyana.

Dr. Ramcharran seems to be presenting Guyana as if it were an ethnocracy, instead of a democratic electoral state. Dr. Ramcharran should note that the people of Guyana are all at liberty to decide who they want to vote for in order to choose their government.

Guyana is a plural state but there is no need to establish a pluralistic constitution, because this will only segregate people instead of bringing them together. The reality is that the races of Guyana are presently coexisting and are tolerant of each other, but it is the politicians and people in high positions who are guilty of giving people the perception that this country is marginalised, creating segregation, and hostility among our people.

Conflict instigators usually resort to lamentation that the Government today is for the East Indian population and does not represent any other ethnic group. This is a myth since other races hold high positions country-wide and have access to all their fundamental rights. Anti-Government commentators claim that this Government only looks after the interest of the East Indian people and discriminates against the other races. The question is then why are there other races of people in high positions? These anti-government commentators then claim that those persons in high positions from other ethnic groups are mere tokens. What I want to know now is, suppose we had no other ethnic group and only East Indians in high positions, then what would these anti-government commentators then say?

It is therefore evident, that the purpose for such writings is an effort to stir up conflict and segregate Guyanese. Let us not fall prey to falsity and perceptions, instead let us focus on the reality and live as one.
KIMBERLY JAMES