Plea for Guyana Indian Arrival Day

THE EDITOR: In last week’s sitting of Parliament, the PPP Government decided that they will send for further study, the proposal by ROAR and other Opposition members to designate May 5 Indian Arrival Day — and a national holiday.

I am not alone when I say that I find this decision absolutely astounding. The fact that the PPP Government of Bharrat Jagdeo is so pig-headed and stubborn when it comes to supporting a simple resolution to declare a holiday which will formally recognise the contributions of the East Indian population causes one to lose faith and trust in this administration run from Freedom House. This action contrasts poorly when compared to the PPP decision to declare a national holiday to celebrate the victory of a boxer — two years ago. This was done immediately — without pausing for study or contemplation, yet today, the PPP are saying no — to recognising the contributions of East Indians to Guyana. One wonders if there is a double standard here or is this simply the modus operandi of Mr Jagdeo and his ministers? The more we look at this example, the more we wonder why Guyana is so behind the times when it comes to recognising the Indian inhabitants of our nation? This is complicated when we also see the Ministers and President funding Aboriginal Programmes and Heritage and that of Africans as celebrated last week.

Our frustration is compounded when we see our President snub the government of India and take a pass to the Parvasi Day celebrations in New Delhi this past January. To rub salt in the wounds, the President will again snub the Indian heritage of not only his family, but that of 50 percent of the country, in March, when he will visit communist China, instead of India, a key partner, which can assist in Guyana’s growth and development under a truly democratic framework. It is time the PPP stopped playing games and truly recognise the contributions of Guyana’s East Indian people who have worked and are continuing to work to make Guyana a better, more prosperous country, regardless of the many challenges and obstacles we have faced. The time has passed for studies and talk — it is time for the PPP to recognise Indian Arrival Day.

KRISHNA PERSAUD
Guyana