Guyana : Triumph or Tragedy

One Caribbean Nation.

The Guyana Flag

Once more we witness the tragedy of Guyana rather than the expected triumph from the exciting and promising news of its economic revival as a result of oil discoveries and a growing eco-tourism product. We seem to be going rapidly from triumph to tragedy because the ugly and destructive forces of racial division have once more surfaced in its electoral process. This tragedy has now become pronounced.

We would be lying if we posit that we did not expect such a development. Historically, the East Indian population and the Afro population, have always supported one of the two major parties. And while in recent years, a state of normalcy seemed highly possible, we have consistently been informed of dangerous underlying racial tension.

Thousands of Guyanese had abandoned their beloved country as economic prospects plunged and the hope of racial unity rapidly faded. Many in the Diaspora had vouched to “never return”. However, with the economic fortunes pointing toward a more prosperous period and growing anti-immigration sentiment within the host countries in the Diaspora, many decided to restore their faith in their country and believed that " a rising tide lifts all boats". That optimism has now been crushed or severely damaged and we can only hope it’s a temporary development.

The efforts of Caribbean leaders to intervene in the growing conflict regarding the charges of electoral irregularities are a positive development. However, they cannot appear to be favoring either of the two major parties and some may conclude that getting involved was a mere cosmetic exercise. We do not agree with such a position. As we move toward a more unified Caribbean, we should not sit on the fence, when there are dangerous matters to be considered in any of our CARICOM member countries.

While we await the outcome of the current impasse, we remain convinced that it is now the Guyanese people, who will ultimately determine whether this episode will result in a permanent triumph or tragedy. We are convinced that unless the different races and ethnicities in the region, are prepared to see themselves as one Caribbean people, the hope of a united Caribbean Nation becomes a more difficult challenge.