Mike Persaud, a resident of Queens, NY takes issue with some of us who were surprised about the now infamous statement attributed to Moses Nagamootoo in which he said “I am not an Indian”. I watched the video tape of Moses Nagamootoo’s presentation at Naresa Palace several times. Your readers can find the information on the internet, just Google it. There is no point in the presentation where Moses attempted to reaffirm his ethnicity as an Indian. Let us assume for now that Moses may have mis-spoken about his ethnic origin, his words tell another story. Rather than taking on the challenge of accepting his ethnicity, why could he not simply say that he hopes to be the representative of the Indian interests on the coalition and they have nothing to fear. He could have avoided the current controversy. Mike Persaud has also directed us to Moses’ book Hendree’s Cure, as evidence that Moses is an ethnically-conscious Indian at heart. I am not convinced this represents evidence to this effect because this piece of fiction, a valuable piece of literature, I would add, was more about life and culture of the Madrassi villagers of Whim. I am willing to concede that Moses was probably not denying his ethnic background. However, if the majority Indians vote for the PPP/C, Persaud must respect that as their choice. Mr. Persaud should focus on one question which remains troubling to many voters in the upcoming elections in Guyana. For most of his adult life Moses argued that the PNC rigged elections. Why is it that because he now joins the APNU, Moses can now argue that there were “alleged rigging of elections” under the PNC? This is precisely what Mike Persaud was disappointed about when he hosted David Granger at his home. He was disappointed that Granger would not apologise for historical wrongs done by the PNC. Mr. Persaud, there are guilty parties on both sides. Let’s play fair.
VISHNU MAHABIR