Dear Editor

It is disrespectful for one to deny the grievances of Professor David Hinds regarding the historical significance of the slave trade.

Mr. Freddie Kissoon ought to have known that Guyanese of African heritage have endured hundreds of years of oppression. Their ancestors were forced onto slave ships and used to enrich the Dutch, French and British colonial empires, while receiving nothing of value for the mistreatment.

This is appalling to deny Professor David Hinds his right to tell his story. As someone whose great-grandparents were Europeans who lived a life of privilege during the British rule, I understand where Professor David Hinds is coming from. My ancestors came to British Guiana from Europe and received the best jobs under the British, while Guyanese at that time lived like second class citizens. Therefore, the European slave trade and British indentureship affect us today. Please don’t deny one the right to express their grievances.
Regards,
Riaz Hamid