will work to dismantle intellectual racism” – President

On his third visit to Pakuri (St Cuthbert’s Mission), President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that he would continue to work directly with the people on the ground to develop communities throughout Guyana, all while dismantling intellectual racism from the bottom up.

The President’s comments come more than a week after the firestorm created by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member Tacuma Ogunseye during a meeting in Buxton where he made comments that have since been denounced by cross-sections of society and even members of the Opposition.

President Ali assured Pakuri that the community was integral to development and he would continue to visit communities across the country and work with residents on the ground, even while “intellectual racism” continues to be spouted by ‘leaders’.

“I want to assure you that you are an integral part of the development agenda. No community is going to be left be- hind. Whether you’re on the highway, the hinterland, riverain community or urban centre, we are going to go there and meet you. This is my third visit to this community. And every single community we are trying to visit.

“We want to hear from the people themselves. I believe, very strongly, that those at the top who seek to use all kinds of unethical ways to divide us and separate us as a people will fail. They will fail, because I will work at the bottom with the people of the country,” President Ali further said.

In a message of unity paired with determination, the President made it clear that it was the people who must drive the change and moreover, also take a stand against racism. For his part, he assured that he would continue to endeavour to dismantle racism.

“I will work with you individually, in your communities. And we together, the people of this country, will dismantle the intellectual racists that exist in our country who always want to divide us. That cannot take us forward,” the President said.

“It is us; it is you on the ground who must show them, demonstrate to them that you don’t want to be a part of that. You want to be in a country that is united, strong, free and one in which development comes to your community and life. That is what is important for us. And that is what is important for the people of this country and for the development of our country.”

Elimination of racial discrimination

Incidentally, today marks the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In a statement, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips assured that the Government remained committed to ensuring citizens’ equal access to benefits from Guyana’s development, including in education, healthcare and employment, regard- less of race.

“We will not condone any form of discrimination be it in the workplace, in the access to education, health, security and all other areas. However, like many other nations, our history depicts instances of racial conflict that have left deep scars on our people,” the PM wrote.

“While confronting this reality and acknowledging the painful episodes of our past, we must continue to forge ever forward to create a future free of inequality. As leaders, we are responsible for creating a peaceful, productive and prosperous environment where every citizen is valued, respected, and feels a sense of belonging, regardless of ethnicity, race, or religion.”

He, therefore, noted the importance of leaders leading by example, adding that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote equality and justice.

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