Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to compliment the Guyana Chronicle for its editorial January 22, 2018, “Renaissance of the Guyanese musical tradition.”

Just last Sunday, I had written a piece, “PNC Nation”, in which I elaborated on the cultural policies of the first PNC government, and illustrated my argument that the cultural expressions of Indian-Guyanese (and other “hybrids”) had scant, and at best token, representation in the national symbols of our country. I expressed my fear that the present government, dominated by the same party, might recapitulate that historical practice.

In our culturally plural society, unless every group can see themselves reflected in the cultural perspectives, practices and products that serve to define our nation, there is always the danger of the excluded group(s) becoming alienated and feeling “marginalised”. This is not conducive to a more harmonious society.

The editorial’s explicit call for Indian musical expressions to be included on the curricula of our schools is therefore very welcome but, should be broadened to also include the musical forms of our Amerindian Indigenous peoples to join the Western and African canons, – and Steel Pan, which is assumed to cover our “West Indian heritage.”

As the line from the original anthem of the short-lived West Indian Federation says, (and later adopted by Trinidad and Tobago) – “Here every creed and race find an equal place.”

Regards
Ravi Dev