Migrant Support Network calls on all to be respectful to non-nationals
Dear Editor,
The Migrant Support Network of Guyana (MSN-GY) notes with concern a live video published on social networking site, Facebook, on Saturday, February 9, 2019 by social media account holder, ‘Guyanese Critic’, with the title, “DRUNKEN FOREIGNERS ATTACK GUYANESE CRITIC, IS THERE A GROWING PROBLEM IN GUYANA?”
MSN laments that both the live video as well as its complementary comment section carry problematic, xenophobic, intolerant language. If someone in their personal capacity does not want to have a cellular phone camera on them, then that person’s wish should be respected.
The first sign of objection to the recording by the person who was being recorded was 3 minutes and 7 seconds into the video that lasted approximately 7 minutes. Further objection to the video was expressed at 3 minutes 50 seconds.
It is unfortunate that instead of respecting the wish of the person objecting to being videotaped, ‘Guyanese Critic’ questioned, “Whah really wrong with ya bai! Ya know wheh ya deh?” He continued, “Is whah really wrong with all these people whah talkin’ a whole different language in dis country. Like everybody going mad in dis country or wah?”
It must be noted that to continue to hold a recording camera in someone’s face, whether national or nonnational, despite their protest is an act of provocation. MSN is also concerned about the questions asked by ‘Guyanese Critic’ as these questions border on xenophobic, intolerant language. It is even more apparent that ‘Guyanese Critic’ was under the impression that he has a right to conduct surveillance on non-nationals based on his status as a national of Guyana.
MSN is further mindful that in any engagement between a national and a non-national, the power dynamic swings in favour of that person who is a national of Guyana as they are perceived as having more rights within the sovereign space. Being mindful of this, it is our responsibility to ensure that non-nationals are afforded respect and dignity owed to them as human beings.
As such, it is irresponsible for ‘Guyanese Critic’ to provoke another person and subsequently claim to be a victim. MSN calls on all to be respectful to non-nationals, and further asks that we not engage in the very practice that we, as Guyanese, have suffered in some parts of the Caribbean and North America over the years, and which we indeed continue to suffer.
The Government of Guyana has signed on to the Global Compact for Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration which calls on signatories to work collectively to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance on the grounds of nationality. We, the undersigned, also call on all Guyanese to condemn and counter any expression, act and manifestation of xenophobia and related intolerance which goes against International Human Rights Law.
Yours faithfully, Derwayne Wills Vishani Ragobeer Lakhram Bhagirat Lyn Morales Ocrospoma Dreylan Johnson Arlene Andries Veena Ramdat
For The Migrant Support Network of Guyana