ACDA(African Cultural Development Association) has done what was long expected of it. It has pulled off the mask of seeking dialogue and gone ballistic on race. The organization’s self-described ‘riot act’ should be condemned by all responsible citizens, and those within ACDA who want to stay in the mainstream should let their voices be heard. Now is the time.
Now is the time also when we will be able to separate the extremist advocates of racial politics such as ACDA, from those that want a tolerant and progressive society where all Guyanese will move forward. The extremists in ACDA have just forfeited their right to be listened to. The organization should be brought before the courts and made to answer for inciting public disturbances.
Donald Ramotar has done the right thing by calling on the PNCR to declare where it stands. The call should be made for Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila Holder to do the same. There is a good chance that the WPA shares ACDA’s extremism, and if they don’t they should come out and say so. The nation needs to hear David Granger loud and clear. He must say in clear and decisive language that he condemns ACDA’s racial pandering. Robert Corbin should also do the same.
African voices within the PPP should also speak on this issue. There are many high-ranking PPP members, and many who also serve in high government positions, including the cabinet. They should also forcefully reject the provocation by ACDA.
There is bad news for this organization which has skirted the edges of extremism for the longest time.
The Guyana Defence Force is a professional military and will not be cajoled into cultural submission by groups like ACDA. It did not happen with ‘Fine Man’ and it won’t happen now. ACDA must also know that Guyana has a determined Commander-in-Chief, and that he will not allow this country to be tested by hooligans who are hiding behind a grievance concocted for electoral purposes.