On the occasion of the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination the Alliance For Change expresses the hope that discrimination of any kind will be abolished, everywhere, and particularly, that based on race. For millions around the world and thousands right here in Guyana, there is the belief, whether real, or imagined, that they are being discriminated against because of their racial persuasion. All of our racial groups complain of experiencing discrimination of one form or another. This should not be.
In this new age of enlightenment we must recognise, and accept, that while we are different we must deepen the appreciation each other’s differences; whilst recognising that we are all equal even though not same.
Recent remarks made by the AFC’s Leader Raphael Trotman, capture our belief that the time is now for a new and better way of relating to each other- “To us therefore, it cannot any longer be Indians for Indians, Africans for Africans, Amerindians for Amerindians, Portuguese for Portuguese, Chinese for Chinese, and Mixed people for Mixed people. But rather, Africans and Indians for Africans, and Indians, and Amerindians Chinese, Portuguese and mixed inclusively, and alike. It is only when we stop living for ourselves, but for the sake of others, that we will truly experience the re-birthing of this nation. We are a multi- layered, multi-ethnic, and multi-partisan society. It necessarily follows that our state, our republic, has to be configured likewise if it is to survive and thrive.”
In the near future, the AFC, working in conjunction with Non-Resident Guyanese, intends to launch a national inquiry into identifying the stumbling blocks in the way of better race relations, and crafting a body of recommendations that can be adopted. Our racial and cultural diversity is actually our greatest asset therefore our success as a nation requires us to weave the stands together into a cohesive whole.
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