FOR a self-proclaimed ‘black leader’ to act in such a disgraceful manner is simply shameful, and must be condemned. ACDA’s leader, who called on African-Guyanese to initiate violent protests at such a time that the PPP wins the next general election, should know that this act is not only illegal, but is also immoral.

No decent-minded, socially conscious individual would make such an ignorant and hateful statement to the public.

Ogunseye’s line reflects the type of 19th century thinking that is inappropriate for such a time as this. He belongs in the 19th century, since he clearly lacks any conceptual or practical understanding of the term racism, and the implications of inciting it within the context of an ethnically plural society.

Politics is never constant, it changes invariably. And in Guyana, as in the case of any democracy, there is a system through which political change must take place. Ogunseye lacks basic civility skills. Like the typical school-yard bully, his fear of being the ‘loser’ prompts him to incite violence as a means of subjecting others to his will. He proclaims himself to be a ‘black leader’, fighting for the African cause.
Well, a basic lesson in politics would reveal to Ogunseye that the way to effect change in any democracy, is through the polls. Every five years, democratically held, free and fair elections are conducted for the people of this country to choose the government of their choice.

Clearly, Ogunseye either lacks the diplomatic skills necessary to reach out to these other groups, in order to persuade them to vote for the party which he supports, or his racial hate complex renders him unable to see beyond the ‘Africa cause’.

This says a lot about the character and mentality of this fellow. It also says a lot about his ability to mobilise and get in gear for Election Day, those he claims to represent. He clearly has no genuine interest in Guyana or the future of this nation. He is not at all sincere about uniting our peoples, but rather, he seems frustrated at the prospect of not acquiring political office, and is willing to sacrifice the African youth in his quest for such.

This is not the way to effect change, and all political parties must openly condemn this act. The way to empower the youth is in letting them know that whether African or Indian, Amerindian, Chinese or Portuguese, they have a right and responsibility to get up and get out of their comfort zones and vote, come election day.

These political parties cannot be docile in their approach to securing votes. They cannot expect to win any election if they just sit back comfortably in their arm chairs and avoid grassroot-level supporters.

Neither should they incite racial hate as a means of hijacking political office and “bringing Guyana to a halt”. Whose responsibility is it to get out there and campaign on their party’s behalf? Who will carry their message to the people, and mobilise support for their party if they are delinquent in doing so themselves? Can they honestly expect to secure majority votes, if they do not reach out to all Guyanese, irrespective of ethnic composition? And most importantly, would a sincere Guyanese leader, whose genuine concern is for the Guyanese people, their interests, and a better Guyana for all Guyanese, incite racial violence against his brothers and sisters of all ethnicities?

Ogunseye is not my leader! This false preacher must not be allowed to manipulate our youth into thinking that violence and hatred will bring about the Guyana of which we all dream. There is a right way, there is a wrong way, and there is a wrong way that seems right. Ogunseye is guilty of incitement, and the premises of his argument are all fallacies.