Jagdeo’s lecture in Miami was well presented and received

Dear Editor,

“We black people…” These words were uttered by someone whom countless Guyanese would be shocked that these words came from his mouth. But yes, Guyana’s former president and current leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday evening in delivering the 18th annual Eric Williams Memorial Lecture in Miami, did say “we black people” and “we are black people” as he spoke of the people of the Caribbean.

He also identified one of the reasons for US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s popularity, the failure of the status quo (meaning mainstream politicians and political parties in the US) to address a number of stereotypes and misconceptions, one of which is that black people are lazy and criminal and “just want to live off welfare.”

This is just not true, Jagdeo told his audience of Caribbean Americans and others, including a Bahamian delegation that included Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell.

In an earlier letter to the press, I had indicated the resentment by many Guyanese to the invitation extended to Jagdeo to speak at this prestigious lecture series and to my sharing information on Facebook about the event.

I am in no way associated with the organising of the event, but was accused of trying to legitimise Jagdeo, who many feel is racist, corrupt and ultimately responsible for the deaths of people during the reign of the phantom squad during his tenure as president. I also said in that letter that I am in no position to legitimise or dismiss anyone.

Well, on Friday night Jagdeo sought to, and was successful, in further legitimising himself. While I did not agree with some of his arguments, I would be dishonest if I said anything other than the fact that his lecture was informative, thought-provoking and well presented.

He displayed a familiarity with the issues regarding global trade and development, Caribbean integration, or lack thereof, and US domestic politics. He offered suggestions/solutions to some of the challenges he identified facing the Caricom region.

His presentation was well received and some attendees later told me “he was statesmanlike.”

Notwithstanding all the ranting and raving on Facebook about Jagdeo’s invitation, not one Guyanese who feels so strongly about his alleged wrongdoings during his tenure as president turned up to ask any questions of him. No one has even written a letter to the Eric Williams Foundation requesting an explanation of the invitation extended to Jagdeo.

I asked two questions of Jagdeo and one had to do with Guyana. My question had to do with the Venezuela claim, which I make sure I raise in every public forum.

His answer was in keeping with the Guyana position on the claim and he said it is difficult to predict how a Trump presidency would impact the controversy.

At the cocktail reception which followed, I quite audibly greeted Jagdeo as “my black brother” and then proceeded to quietly ask of him to juxtapose his “we black people” against his “beating drum in the morning” remarks just prior to the last election and those reportedly made during a recent speech in New York.

He explained that on both occasions, sections of his remarks were excluded so as to remove the context and meaning of what he said. He told me he had explained this at press conferences in Guyana.

Like him or hate him, Jagdeo will continue to be a key factor in the political life of Guyana for the foreseeable future.

Regards,

Wesley Kirton