The main opposition People’s National Congress Reform party and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana have both expressed concern over alleged racist remarks made by political activist Tacuma Ogunseye at a public meeting over the weekend.
Bishop Edghill
But the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) executive member has tried to put into context recent comments he made, which some are fearful could fuel racial riots in Guyana. In an interview with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, April 19th, Ogunseye said he was merely calling on Afro-Guyanese to engage in constitutional struggle for shared governance after the 2011 elections if the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were to win another term in office.
“The winner-takes-all political system is not in the best interest of Guyana. It creates the possibility of race domination. We (ACDA) believe that the African community should fight for shared governance in a constitutional struggle though protest or all other things that are part of a political struggle to win constitutional reform for shared governance,” the political stalwart explained.
He is not optimistic that there would be change in the near future. As such, Ogunseye believes that shared governance is the ultimate solution to Guyana’s problems. He contended that all political parties, including the PPP/C, are well aware of this ultimate solution. “…the PPP sees shared governance as evolutionary,” he lamented.
The activist is seemingly disappointed that while the joint opposition political parties (JOPP) have declared their collective intent to pursue a national unity government if elected, the coalition has failed to outline what actions would be taken should the PPP be re-elected.
Oscar Clarke
In an attempt to further explain the statement of there being “no Guyana without shared governance”, Ogunseye said the whole notion of “One People, One Nation (and) One Destiny” would be pointless if a particular set of people continue to be marginalized; hence the idea of a Guyana will be in vain.
The Ethnic Relations Commission has said it is particularly concerned at comments which were made at an ACDA public activity last Saturday, April 16th.
In his defence, Ogunseye said that, given the culture that has been created, whereby protestors must be shot, he is hopeful that the army is professional and carries out its mandate as outlined in the laws of Guyana.
In its statement, the ERC said it would be engaging with the ACDA executive on this issue; but Ogunseye was clear in his position that that body, in its “unconstitutional” state, cannot call him to any meeting.
Not us!
Tacuma Ogunseye
Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which has traditionally attracted Afro-Guyanese support, has disassociated itself from Ogunseye’s statements. PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke, in an invited comment, said the PNCR was not interested in creating any racial divisions or inciting any sort of revolution before, during, or after the national elections. The party also said that no one other than its executive members is authorised to speak on its behalf.
And the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) also voiced concerns about Ogunseye’s remarks. In a statement, the CIOG said Ogunseye’s statements are “unequivocal in their effects to incite the feelings of racial animosity and discord amongst our people; and in all probability will result in violence, mayhem and destruction.”
The religious body does not believe that this approach should be taken to achieve a government of national unity. “Whilst we recognise the rights of Mr Ogunseye in articulating the aspirations and hope of our African brothers and sisters, we find these particular statements, at this time of the approaching elections, unwise and counter-productive to these very causes,” the CIOG has said. “We therefore encourage Mr Ogunseye to exercise patience and self-restraint, seek a peaceful and progressive path, and to withdraw his statements and apologize.”
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