Different rules for different people

The subject of the interview was the remarks made by Dr Elizabeth Sieusarran earlier that week where she was fearless in asking some hard questions and confronting the raw issues of the socio-political scene in Trinidad as it pertained to the Indo community. It was clear from the start that the intention of Henville and Roberts was to intimidate and discredit Ms Harrylal in the same way that the general public has been doing to Dr Sieusaran since her statements were quoted out of context by a daily newspaper.

Throughout the interview the articulate Ms Harrylal was relentlessly badgered by the Gayelle duo and constantly interrupted while speaking. However, like a true professional she maintained her equanimity and grace and emerged the winner with her head held high. On the odd occasion she was allowed to finish her answer Henville and Roberts were unable to comprehend the higher dimensions of her reply, such being the low level of their mindset.

It is standard practice of courtesy that a guest should have the last word in an interview, but in this case Henville shouted at Ms Harrylal who was making her closing statement. This was very disrespectful but Ms Harrylal did not buckle under the pressure. In fact she radiated her dignified demeanour right to the very end.

The personae of Henville and Roberts were exposed on national television. They obviously had no intention of listening to Ms Harrylal’s explanations and never tried to understand her point of view. Had it been Selwyn Cudjoe, the Gayelle duo would certainly not have been so hostile, but in this country there are different rules for different people.

The line of decency was crossed as Roberts in typical ranting style ventured into Ms Harrylal’s personal life when he asked about the ethnicity of her past boyfriends. This was totally ferocious, unwarranted and Roberts was rude and out of place. Henville should have intervened immediately to protect her guest and put Roberts in his place. Again, if it were Selwyn Cudjoe this would never have happened; he would have been treated with veneration by Henville and Roberts. When Cudjoe was indulging in his anti-Indian diatribe where were Henville and Roberts?

The cantankerous Roberts exclaimed that his mother wears a sari everyday but this had nothing to do with the issue. In light of Dr Sieusaran’s speech some relevant questions would be — When last did Roberts wear a kurta? When last did he attend an Indian cultural show (not chutney)? When last did he listen to a Bhajan or a Ghazal? Has Roberts ever expressed disappointment at the demise of Mastana Bahar? Has he ever celebrated Indian Arrival Day or participated in Divali celebrations? Has Roberts ever tried to trace his roots on his mother’s side? Apart from a "hurry hurry come for curry" attitude, has Roberts ever tried to educate himself on the traditions and culture of his mother’s ancestors?

In conclusion WARD wishes to publicly declare our support for Dr Sieusaran whose Anglo names were mocked by the tactless Roberts on Power 102FM, and also for the tough, self-sufficient heroine Nirmala Harrylal who has proved beyond a doubt that she is a woman of substance. To uphold her composure in the face of Roberts’ and Henville’s open hostility is no mean fate.

SHIVANNA DIPNARINE, JULIE BICKRAM, ANNA LISA BASSO, ANATARA MUNGAL, VIDYA RAMSINGH AND JUDY GOSEIN FOR WARD (Women Against Racism and Dictatorship)