WPA’s Ogunseye needs to be held accountable

Mar 24, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Heal Guyana is calling for WPA’s Executive member, Tacuma Ogunseye to be held accountable for his divisive and racist remarks during a public meeting held in Buxton, where he called on the Afro-Guyanese members of the armed forces to wage war and advocated for a day of national resistance and African uprising, during the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE).

“It has been nearly two weeks since reports of Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye’s heinous public utterances shocked the nation. Countless messages of condemnation have since been published from concerned organisations and private individuals across the country, including the Chairman of Guyana’s Joint Services, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, who has unequivocally reaffirmed the force’s commitment to remaining apolitical and upholding peace in the service of all Guyanese. “How has the unapologetic Tacuma Ogunseye not been held accountable?” asked Sharon Lalljee-Richard, Founder and Chairperson of the local non-profit Heal Guyana.

“Within our country, every day, we have Afro and Indo Guyanese working together to build themselves and secure a better life for their families. Within the community of Buxton itself, there are many decent, hardworking residents who are fighting the good fight, to raise their children with sound values and to be able to educate them despite being surrounded by negative influences. Under the guise of caring for Afro-Guyanese, selfish, power-hungry politicians who go into these communities and incite violence and race-hatred, contribute to the difficulties these families face by raising crime rates, adding stigma, and making the environment unsuitable for children to be raised well. No politician or person who genuinely cares about you would encourage you to do something illegal that would jeopardise your liberty. Look for and follow those who positively advocate for the development of your children and community. They are the ones who truly care about your well-being!” Lalljee-Richard added.

Since its inception in December 2017, Heal Guyana has been actively involved in peacebuilding efforts aimed at promoting ethnic unity. During the previous general election, the organisation worked with the presidential candidates and executive members of several political parties which were contesting in the election to issue statements that called for a peaceful, violence-free election. Guyana’s current president, Dr. Irfaan Ali of the PPP/C, Brigadier David Granger of the APNU-AFC Coalition, Ralph Ramkarran of ANUG, Dr Asha Kissoon of TNM, Lenox Shuman of the LJP, and Rondha-Ann Lam of the TCI were among those leaders.

Sincerely,

Heal Guyana

• Heal Guyana, Local Government Election (LGE), organisations, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, Tacuma Ogunseye