Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 03, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
I have noted the concerns raised by Mr. G.H.K.Lall, in Stabroek News, pg7, August 29th, 2016. The writer urges the “disbanding of the Department of Social Cohesion” while describing it as a “game changing step.” The contradiction in terms is stark and incomprehensible. One cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. In the local vernacular “you cannot whistle and drink soup at the same time.” I choose to believe that the thought expressed by Mr. Lall in advocating the disbandment of the Ministry is a lapsus calami (slip of the pen) and certainly was not intentional.
It is now fifteen (15) months into the life of the new government and here it is an intelligent and patriotic Guyanese has advanced terminal language in respect of a fledgling Ministry, which he has described as “game changing”. Since the motives behind the birth of this Ministry are agreeably lofty and its success would ensure alleviation of the ethnic, gender, racial and other forms of hostility based on our differences, which for too long has plagued this nation, we must be resolute with the mission of community and social cohesion. It has been working in the European nations and there is no reason why we cannot borrow from those good practices and attempt social cohesion in Guyana. The Ministry must remain steadfast in achieving its mandate and not be distracted by pessimists.
Mr. Lall posits that “…this nation neither wants nor needs or has any use for social cohesion.” I wandered if he has a proposal for the promotion of social interaction, harmony and integration of the people of Guyana, in the absence of an entity/Ministry, designed with such a mandate. Is he aware that there were efforts to foster social cohesion in Guyana after the stormy tensions at the end of the 1990s and the turn of 2000?
Does he know that UNDP supported those initiatives and credits itself with a reduction of the racial and ethnic violence/tensions at elections because of their interventions? Guyana has enjoyed a reduction of major incidences of pre and post- election violence since 2006, and it’s the interventions at the community level, undertaken by UNDP to foster social cohesion that has resulted in this. Many of those initiatives were not sustained, and my understanding is that a Ministry of Social Cohesion would build on those experiences.
I know not if Mr. Lall is a recent remigrant but the sentiment that “this nation neither wants nor needs or has any use for social cohesion”, does not comport with the realities of the current social norms in Guyana. That there is much work to be done in this regard is beyond dispute. We as Guyanese do not venture forth because the task is easy. We venture forth because the task is hard. The allurement of the rewards of success is what sustains us.
The true Guyanese spirit encourages each other in thought, word and deed. The true Guyanese spirit is not one that stands afar, peering through a periscope pointing out gaps. The true Guyanese girds his loins, stands in the gap and with courage, faces the new dawn. This bespeaks the true spirit of cohesion. Despair not. With you on board “as a vocal cheer leader for social cohesion” (your words sir) we are together galvanized to achieve our goal of one people, one nation, one destiny. Let us remember always that a cohesive whole is a sustained antidote to a fragmented people.
I conclude by asking you Sir, is there harm in attempting to bring together the divided people of Guyana? Tell us if there are disadvantages in working together to achieve national unity. Is there a reason why we should not try to eradicate (or at best alleviate) the existence of poverty and inequality. Regardless of how long it takes, investing in a Ministry of Social Cohesion, will yield positive results for all Guyana. I trust that you rethink your position.
Cleaveland Hutson
Social Cohesion Advocate
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So far I am not clear about the meaning of social Coheasion. I am getting getting it mixed up with national mobilization. If the aim is to create a nation of one people, then it is doomed.
There can be unity in diversity where we can be allowed to maintain our respective cultural identity yet be national in outlook. However, for this to be successful there must be justice and fair play. We have to learn to social equals. Justice must not appear to be done, but it must be done within the frame work of the legal systems
We need legal institutions to which peoples’ grievances can be addressed and the necessary actions taken. Things like a race relations commission that can deal with questions of discrimination. This should be an independent body outside government control. There are several retired judges and professional neutral experts available to serve. So far all we have is talk and pandering but very little action.
Come on Mr President, give this priority so you can prove that you are president for entire Guyana and not only your base