IT would be flying in the face of reality if we say that living together in a multi-cultural society, with its diverse cultures and customs is not without its challenges. We have had our own experiences, exacerbated at some specific junctions and always a lingering latent factor in our political-social life. But nevertheless, as a people we have managed to fashion our own ways of co-existence, accepting the fact that despite cultural differences, we are Guyanese and are comfortable with each other as citizens of a beautiful country. In fact, we do celebrate with each other on most occasions.

It further explains why throughout the decades there have been laudable attempts at fostering a better sense of understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for each other, by the observance of each other’s national festival days, ever since enshrined as part of our cultural calendar as national holidays. These occasions are often highlighted by the staff of some corporate entities, government ministries and related institutions, wearing the appropriate cultural clothing.

We have no doubt that this would have engendered a better sense of understanding of our rich cultural diversity. Truth be told, there is hardly an artistic cultural display at our National Culture Centre which is not a blend of our diversity.

The addition of a cultural day in our national schools’ curricula was an important advancement where, particularly the very young segment, dresses in garments representing their individual ethnicity. Indeed, it was another step in the right direction of educating early the youngest segments in their right to cultural embrace, while appreciating others.

Guyana is a country where all of its peoples, as ethnic groups or as individuals, have the inalienable right of cultural adherence, with free and unfettered practice of observance to customs with all that the latter entail. It is a right, fully enshrined in our constitution; therefore, it is a fundamental human right for every Guyanese citizen, irrespective of ethnicity, and whether old or young, for which there must be no denial.

Thus, one can appreciate the pride and joy that our very young Indigenous lad exuded as he left home all dressed in his cultural outfit for his school’s Culture Day at Mae’s School. What transpired when he arrived, as is being reported, was unbelievable for its occurrence.
Certainly, the schoolboy would have been mentally traumatised, and confused, given the fact that he was proud of his heritage, accepted its customs, only to realise that what he accepted and understood about himself and culture were not recognised and were rejected. Further, to be laughed at by his young peers, apart from being disrobed for the preference of dress worn on a normal day, was an insult to his youthful dignity and pride that was as painful as if suffering physical trauma.

It would be correct to conclude that the young lad suffered a horrible case of cultural discrimination, because he dared to exhibit by wear, his cultural garment which seemed not to be recognised as a right in his instance, as well as not being accepted in that particular school’s understanding of Guyana’s multi-cultural society.

We must ask whether there is a comprehensive understanding of Culture Day by this school as is observed and practiced in other educational institutions in Guyana. If so, why the pupil had been so callously and disparagingly treated, causing him to have a lesser view of himself?

Such a policy, for it is seen as such, which reduced the lad to tears must unreservedly be condemned and rejected, regardless as to the social status of the school. For it was unjust and unfair that while his fellow students were in their Culture Day clothing, without any objections, his was objected to and he was refused his rightful place in the school which his parents’ hard-earned cash paid for.

Multi-culturalism and diversity must always be encouraged, be nurtured, and be allowed to develop among our Guyanese nation of six peoples. Moreover, given the fact that it is our very young who will be the future citizens–men and women–and leaders of this rich mosaic tapestry of diverse peoples, there is no better time to commence this understanding of all ourselves, than at the young schoolboy’s age. Hence, an incident such as what occurred at Mae’s must not be allowed to re-occur; It is clearly an insult to all the efforts that the coalition government has been making to bring about a closer understanding and appreciation for each other as Guyanese.