APNU’s MP Sydney Allicock’s recent statement in the National Assembly

describing the Rupununi as the “most backward place in the Caribbean” is shocking, disgusting and incomprehensible, and is an assault on his fellow Amerindian brothers and sisters of that wonderful community.
Mr. Allicock needs to tell the National Assembly, the Amerindian people, particularly those who live in the Rupununi community, by what measure or yardstick he has concluded that Rupununi is the “most backward place in the Caribbean.” If he cannot produce credible evidence to support his outrageous statement, then he surely must withdraw it and apologise to the National Assembly, the Guyanese people and most importantly, the people of Rupununi.
Or is Mr. Allicock using his level of intelligence as the yardstick to conclude on the level of backwardness in the community. If he did that, then his conclusion would be correct; but he is certainly wrong in his methodology as he surely cannot use his level of intelligence as a determinant of the entire community, because he would be more the exception than the norm.
In fact, it is somewhat surprising that the Speaker of the National Assembly has not asked him to withdraw his statement and offer an apology. It is true that today, under our democracy, there is freedom of speech, but that does not give anyone the right to make wild, baseless, unfair and unsubstantiated statements.
This statement borders on lawlessness, and should be vehemently condemned by the entire society, regardless of which side of the political fence they sit on, because it a matter beyond politics. It is a matter of decency and respect.
It is not surprising therefore, that Mr. Allicock’s statement has drawn sharp rebuke from several quarters, including the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Region 9 Education Committee, and the Local Government Ministry.
President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Jacquelin D’Aguiar, noted that, although there are issues in the area, a general statement of such a nature cannot be made about the entire Rupununi, since there have been improvements in several areas.
She said: “I don’t know why he would say that…He’s probably talking politically but I am not.”
D’Aguiar maintained that there have been continuous improvements, especially, in the health and education sectors.
Ms. D’Aguiar is perfectly right, because indeed there is need for a lot of improvement in the community and no one in his/her right senses would deny that. But equally, none in his/right senses would deny the significant improvements that have taken place in the community, much less to describe it as the “most backward place in the Caribbean.”
Would Mr. Allicock deny that the people of Rupununi are better off today than 20 years ago?
The mere fact that Rupununi today boasts a Chamber of Commerce and Industry grouping should tell Mr. Allicock that it is a reflection of the growing commercial and industrial activities in the community. Is not this an indicator of development Mr. Allicock?
Today many people in Rupununi have access to electricity, potable water and the internet; schools are better equipped and manned by an increasing number of qualified teachers, there is a brand new modern hospital at Lethem, the annual rodeo event is attracting an increasing number of tourists etc.
Mr. Allicock, would you describe that as backwardness? If you do, then the people of Rupununi would more than likely prefer to remain “backward.”