Dear Editor,
Guyanese in the Diaspora are very disturbed by the spate of firings (inclusive of those sent on forced leave) of staff based on ethnicity and political affiliation, since the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government came into power. Many Guyanese in the Diaspora, including those who did not support the APNU/AFC, welcomed the change in Administration, saying a change was needed to wake up the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leadership from its slumber and arrogant behaviour. However, they are now worried about the direction taken by the Government which they feel is driven by witch hunting.
They describe the behaviour of the new regime as vindictive, spiteful and bent on revenge. When the Administration took charge after the May 11 General and Regional Elections, many Guyanese in the Diaspora, though not supportive of the APNU/AFC, believed that the coalition should be given a chance due to the arrogant behaviour of several officials of the PPP/C. However, many are now having second thoughts about this second chance.
The Diaspora points to the firing and removal of staff and notes that some 90 per cent of those removed were of East Indians decent, many of whom were humiliated and belittled by Ministers during their removal from office. Those who have been supportive of the AFC wing of the coalition also expressed concern about the firing of Indians from their positions. They expressed regret at the actions of the coalition and cannot understand why the AFC is supportive of such actions. PNC supporters in the Diaspora prefer not to comment on and seem supportive of the actions of their party in terminating the employment of Indians and PPP supporters of other races. In a country where employment opportunities are limited, it will be difficult for these individuals to earn an income to maintain their families and provide housing for them.
The firing of Indians and PPP affiliates of other races brings back memories of the firing of Indians and PPP supporters after the PNC took office in December 1964. The PNC established an ethnic dictatorship that governed until October 1992.
Separately, at a trade show in Trinidad a week ago, I met several Guyanese supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition who also say they are worried about firings of staff based on racial and political affiliation and the sudden spike in violent crime. The Guyanese business men and women came to the trade show to solicit business.
The business people expressed anguish about the murderous rampage in the country and violent robberies, especially from those in the business community. According to them, the business community is targeted by bandits and not that much has been done, contrary to what was promised during the campaign. The business community is deeply worried about its safety and although they voted for the APNU+AFC coalition, because they were tired of the PPP and believed that change would be refreshing for business, conditions have worsened and there is no guarantee of security. People feel unsafe.
Some of them expressed regret for “the change” they voted for and are having second thoughts about voting out the PPP and replacing it with an Administration that is turning out to be different from what it promised. It is also a widespread sentiment that the majority of victims of robberies and other crimes are Indians and that the Government is not effective at combating crime.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram
