Prem Misir’s ethnocratic politics and nefarious propaganda
Commentary by Rickford Burke
Prem Misir, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, continually demonstrates his proclivities for blatant partisan politics, which manifest Guyana’s ruling People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) philosophy of racism. His prejudices are openly and recklessly promulgated by pen in the daily media, as he enmeshes himself into his party’s ethnocratic politics and promotes their nefarious propaganda as the State apparatus’ misinformation czar.
Misir must be assessed and held to the same standards as his colleague Pro-Chancellors in the Caribbean region and beyond. When measured against any objective standard and the required integrity, his fatally divisive conduct must certainly be an unpalatable embarrassment to his colleagues in academia and scholarship. There is no precedent for this misconduct anywhere.
The head of a state University, in any other country, who similarly demonstrates Misir’s repugnant and intolerable predilection for abrasive, ethnic-driven politics and bigotries, would have already been removed from that institution. What is required of University heads is informed, judicious, scholarly analysis of public policy, research on social disparities, etc., not dishonest revisionism and conclusions underpinned by an overt racist agenda. That is unacceptable.
Pro-Chancellor Misir’s rancid promulgations are skewed with mendacities, half-truths and poisonous, partisan bigotry. Though the disregard for truth and logic, readily exposes their falsity, they are forced upon the citizenry through the state media, from Misir’s fragile platform of academic dishonesty and self-righteousness, as well as with a brazen, supercilious posture.
His audacious political partisanship and activism are pursued with impunity, the deliberate complicity of the government, a week political opposition, lack of accountability and the absence of oversight of the executive branch of government by the Parliament. However, his racial fulminations, expressed through his partisan pen, must now be vigorously challenged by all honest brokers, as it perpetuates the worrisome ethnocratic political culture adopted by his party, the PPP, and represents a PPP strategy to remove African contribution to Guyana’s development and political and social maturation.
The Pro-Chancellor’s noxious attacks, on behalf of the ruling party, on the political opposition and it’s leader, are a pernicious desecration of the academic objectivity and independence he was commissioned to protect and promote when he signed his instrument of appointment. It is no wonder then, that the University of Guyana is perceived to have now lost its eminence, and has become an object of the vilest form of PPP vitriol and machinations. The faculty has been expressing outrage at this degeneration and political turmoil.
Misir’s divisive postulations are, in effect, “racialized,” revisionist distortions of Guyana’s history, which form mendacious political commentaries. He is one of the PPP’s most racist contemporaneous Goebbels, hiding under the guise of an academic. This naturally reinforces the reason why he has not earned any recognition as a member of our nation’s class of literati or intelligentsia. His appointment as Pro-Chancellor, as well as his anecdotal, and dishonest diatribes, have shown no scholastic fortitude, has diminished the standing of the UG and have markedly blemished the office of Pro-Chancellor. How much lower can we as a people go?
The congenital biases and political partisanship seated beneath his sordid robe, are like a parasitic infection that has afflicted the UG and exasperated genuine academics and professionals. They have judged him as the PPP’s Sword of Damocles dangling periously over the the academic community and holding it to ransom.
Before he was appointed Pro-Chancellor, Prem Misir served as Executive Director of the PPP government’s Information Agency (GINA) and was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information. As have manifested in his writings, he also operates as the head of GINA, (and) the PPP’s misinformation machinery.
It is time we call a spade - a spade. Prem Misir is a rabid partisan and an advocate of his party’s ethnocracy. He is no honest academic. If he wants to participate in his party’s ethnocratic politics, then he should unmask, and leave the Pro-Chancellorship to a true academic professional, and step fully into the “political kitchen.”
Until such time, we must all denounce his open, bitter partisanship as the head of a quasi-State institution, as well as the innate prejudices, racial and all, which he exhibits on a daily basis, and which makes the nation nauseous.
Rickford Burke’s Dangerous Path of Perception
Real Data Fail to Support Marginalization
By Dr Tara Singh
IN politics in particular, “perception” is even more powerful than reality. Some critics like Rickford Burke who readily embrace perception and racism have also shown a penchant to unleash them with reckless abandon. Neither caring for authenticity nor the rigors of sound scholarship, and ready to trample on morality, people like Burke operate in a world of illusion, but not without moving aggressively to sway others into their concocted realm of distortions and innuendos. While established science and religion have “truth” as their core principle, that is anathema to them. Accepting the truth will not only mean a massive transformation, but also, lead to the crumbling of their beloved fate of racism.
It’s the pursuit of truth that will eventually set us free; no matter how great may be our temporary advantage. Radical perceptionists aim to keep us in darkness, a situation where the blind leads the blind. They continue to bombard us with distortions. And if we are weak, we buckle under their relentless pressure. If we are strong enough, their mission collapses. And how do we become strong? By seeking the truth! The IT (information technology) revolution has endowed us with an infrastructure capable of enhancing our knowledge and wisdom that can eventually tear down the walls of darkness, and erect instead, a fortress of enlightenment. In this way, we can bring their misguided journey to a halt.
The truth must never become a casualty of expediency. We recognize that it carries a high price in the short run, but such sacrifice will pay enormous dividends later. Let’s be guided in our deliberations and actions by the scientific method, as well as, by the moral compass of our spiritualism. While there are instances when some type of perception may turn into the truth, more often than not, it remains just perception, and loaded with undesirable connotations. Our challenge, therefore, is never to allow perception to be a substitute for truth.
What’s the practical application of this approach, for example, to the social situation in Guyana? Some say that President Bharrat Jagdeo and his PPP/C government represent an “ethnocracy.” What’s the meaning of this, in layman terms? It’s a government of one ethnic group that is also a dictatorship. This is a classic case of perception or falsehood. President Jagdeo and his government were duly elected at fair and free elections. They did not rig the elections, as previous PNCR governments had done. In addition, the Jagdeo government contains 50% non-Indians, compared with the Patrick Manning PNM government of Trinbago that has less than 20% of Indians. If there is a dictator in a CARICOM country, then look to Trinbago, and not to Guyana. Yet, our critics including Rickford Burke conveniently ignore this situation and embrace Manning and his government, especially when Burke recently dispatched a letter to Manning describing the evils of the Jagdeo government and siding with the Manning administration; clearly, the logic here points to Rickford Burke as a racist.
President Jagdeo has shown a remarkable capacity to cross ethnic boundaries. It is known that the PNCR government presided over the economic collapse of the bauxite mining town at Linden, and that it is the Jagdeo administration that has infused it with new life. It’s no wonder that the PPP/C won a Parliamentary seat for the first time at Linden (a former stronghold of the PNCR), something which the critics had failed to perceive. The PPP/C won a sizeable number of Afro-Guyanese votes at Linden and elsewhere in the country.
By the pursuit of sound policies and “inclusionary” measures, the Bharrat Jagdeo government has even made greater inroads into interior communities, the once traditional strongholds of the TUF and the PNCR. But the process of “enlightenment” that sweeps across the country has not left the Amerindian communities untouched. In gratitude, they delivered, for the first time, a number of Parliamentary seats to the PPP/C. And how can we forget about President Jagdeo’s recent appointment of Ms Carolyn Rodriguez, an Amerindian, to the high-profile position of Minister of Foreign Affairs! What ethnocracy are they talking about? Are they using marginalization as a surrogate for exclusion from Cabinet-level power? “Rickford Burke, snap out of your dream, Burnham and Hoyte are no longer there.”
Rickford Burke, a PNCR activist, desperately fighting for Robert Corbin’s position, now a so-called democratic guru of the worst kind, and a bitter critic of the Jagdeo administration, has launched a scathing attack on Dr Prem Misir. Again, the basis of his argument is grounded in perception and innuendos. “Prem Misir, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, continually demonstrates his proclivities for blatant partisan politics, which manifest Guyana’s ruling People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) philosophy of racism. His prejudices are openly and recklessly promulgated by pen in the daily media, as he enmeshes himself into his party’s ethnocratic politics and promotes their nefarious propaganda as the State apparatus’ misinformation czar.”
This type of incendiary outburst by Rickford Burke is not scholarship, but a sordid attempt to demonize an outstanding Guyanese, one who rose from the sugar plantations to become the Pro-Chancellor of UG. The “racist” epithet better fits Rickford Burke and not Dr Misir, who has shown a capacity in his writings with seven (7) books to his credit and several research studies and articles, as well as, in his life to rise above racism.
And Burke claims, too, that Misir is exploiting the gowns of academia to dispense partisan politics. The University of Guyana (UG) has several senior academics and administrators who are clearly aligned with various political parties, and blatantly dole out partisanship. And let it be known that there is no such thing as a class of literati at this UG, who has the capability and integrity to recognize anyone for scholarship. No one in academia at the present UG could merit recognition as a scholar; and their political leanings are astounding.
Don’t confuse Dr Misir’s disdain for PNCR politics with racism. To some people, to criticize the PNCR is tantamount to become a racist. Don’t “pull down” Dr Misir because he is bold enough to show via research that Afro-Guyanese have not been marginalized by the PPP/C, as claimed frequently by critics. Upon what evil and racist road is Rickford Burke’s one-man Guyana Caribbean Institute for Democracy sliding?
Let’s examine the notion of marginalization. At the level of the Permanent Secretary, both Indo and Afro are fairly well represented. However, Afro-Guyanese hold an advantage in all other senior administrative and executive positions, such as, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Principal Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Accountant Heads, and Senior Personnel Officers. “There is an evolving ethnic mix in the hierarchy of control throughout the Public Service,” says Dr Misir.
Most Heads of Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools, are Afro-Guyanese. Only at the Primary level do Indo-Guyanese show competitiveness with Afro-Guyanese for Headships. Under the PNC/R regime, 70% of Afro-Guyanese were Regional Education Officers (REDOs). In 2006, Afro-Guyanese constituted 55% and Indo-Guyanese 45% of REDOs. There is a disproportionate number of Afro-Guyanese over Indo-Guyanese academic staff at the University of Guyana. “The ethnic imbalance among academics is astounding — 22% of Indo-Guyanese, as opposed to, 67% of Afro-Guyanese that occupy faculty positions.” Only in the Natural Sciences, is there any competitiveness in staff allocation.
Again, there are data in other areas of public life to refute the thesis of Afro-Guyanese marginalization. Between 1992 and 2002, for example, over 70,000 house lots were distributed to Guyanese, of which 29,287 were allotted to Indo-Guyanese and 25,810 to Afro-Guyanese in the 10 regions. This equitable distribution holds good also for Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese in the Education State Boards, as well as, other State Boards (Source: Where is Marginalization, Part 2 by Dr Prem Misir).
Having reviewed these data, we are puzzled to understand why these critics still speak about ethnic “marginalization.” Was marginalization a concept ever developed during the Burnham era? If so, why wasn’t it applied then to the social conditions of Guyana? Critics seemed to be more concerned about preserving the “rights” of a few, who had stolen power, rather than with the pursuit of the truth. Perhaps, if they dared, they would have been liquidated! For other critics, their time had come, and accountability was less important than enjoying the trappings of office.
The PPP/C government inherited a grave problem that they never created. Economic collapse, a huge foreign debt, double digit inflation, high interest rates, negative foreign reserves, and a battered population who managed to survive, but were left hopeless by years of PNCR tyranny. For 28 years, the PNC/R had been unable to lift the Guyanese people (Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, Amer-Guyanese, and Others) out of poverty and despair, and brought them instead to economic ruins. Yet the same critics had failed to chastise the PNCR government for their ineptitude.
Over the succeeding 15 years (1992-2008), was it reasonable to have expected the PPP/C to pull Guyanese out of that abyss of despair into which they were hurled? While most of the available evidence is positive, we must indicate here that most Guyanese are not yet happy with the fight against crime and corruption. The failure to capture the notorious Buxton Rawlins’ gang, despite massive injection of assets into the army and police, and other law enforcement agencies, still leaves Guyanese baffled. Will this gang be ever apprehended? Will the infusion of additional capital assets into the Police Force in particular necessarily lead to attitudinal transformation? Will this help to change the “culture” of the police?
On the positive side, inflation is in single digits; the national debt is less than
US$700 M; there is a healthy foreign reserve; growth is positive; and never before in the history of the country had there been a more inclusive governing structure than presently. In the absence of shared governance, inclusive governance is a step ahead of the Westminster Parliamentary model.
The government can do much better if only it gets the support of the PNCR and other opposition elements. Distortions and the spreading of fear hurt everyone. Poverty and unemployment exist, but these cannot be equated with marginalization, which is a conscious policy to leave defined groups behind in the process of development based on colour or ethnicity. No one believes that the PPP/C government is engaged in this deprecatory practice.
Let’s continue to bring alleged cases of racial discrimination to the Ethnic Relations Commission for adjudication. And yes, let’s stop peddling false information, and work together to build our country. More than ever, Guyana needs builders and not destroyers.
seema
29 Apr 08 at 10:05 am
Burke’s letter is not at all addressing marginalization, this is a personal attack. I think he should do his research on marginalization.
Burke, what is wrong with Misir being the Pro-Chancellor of the UG? There are a lot of Senior positions that are held in the UG with them being involved in both academic and political affairs such as Vincent Alexander who is the Deputy Registrar and a Member of Parliament for the PNC, Clive Thomas who is the Distinguish Professor and also a member of the PNC, Michael Scott who is the Deed of Faculty of Social Science and also a member of the PNC and there are a lot more but space do not allow me to go on and on.
This marginalization issue should not be one addressed only by political leaders but by all Guyanese.
Vindy
29 Apr 08 at 11:06 am
Rickford Burke we all know that you are fighting for Corbin’s position so don’t attack the PPP for your personal gain.
Vindy
29 Apr 08 at 11:32 am
With all the statistics that Dr Prem illustrated and Rickford Burke is still saying that Guyana is marginalize.Ok Burk lets turns it the other way lets say that Guyana is marginalize.Whats next.
This Burke does not understand the dynamics of Indian/African relationship in Guyana.
Let me put it this way. Different races and cultures that live side-by-side generally adopt the cultures of each other to a certain extent to promote trade, communication and understanding. In the last 100 years, Indians and Africans have been living side-by-side.
gabbi
29 Apr 08 at 12:09 pm
Of all the times chosen ,did it have to come at a time such as this?
Guyana,bombarded from scars that racial division has caused and recent massacre in which emphasis were placed on race and not lives needs to stand firm united and work for a prosperous Guyana.
Proof of Marginalization by the PNCR has not been indicated;yet political leaders such as the PNCR continues to stress the issue to raise segregation in our society.
please LET US GUARD OURSELVES AGAINST NEGATIVE INFLUENCE BY THE PNCR
gabbi
29 Apr 08 at 1:09 pm
that’s the best you ppp clowns have
well if this is the best and brightest of the lot…heaven and hell shall pass away before we ever move forward with you clowns at the helm
skettle or be skettled
rebelucion
29 Apr 08 at 2:05 pm
Ethnocratic politics is more than marginalization, it is an attack on the whole government that the PPP is an Indian Party. How can we say that the PPP is working for the interests of Indians? Since 1992 we can see that the PPP is working to satisfy the interests of all Guyanese whether you are Black, Indian, Amerindian, etc.
With this Government we have seen the development of Amerindian villages; this Government has also created an Amerindian Ministry that never existed in Guyana before. Recently, we can see the development of Buxton, where the Minister of Agriculture have set side $6 Million to start working on Drainage and Irrigation in the area. Those farmers that were already compensated who were affected by the clearing of the backlands will be compensated again.
By looking at these two examples, how can one possible say that the PPP is an Indian Party?
Byroe
29 Apr 08 at 3:25 pm
The only clown is you s**t prick can’t you see that this is the best comment you put there.BRING IT ON ANYTIME.We need more dunda heads like you on the forum.
gabbi
29 Apr 08 at 3:29 pm
How can this country progress when there is an opposition party that continues to create havoc and corruption?
Little or no respect they have for law enforcement agencies that they have said openly that they will not work with the armed forces.
How can they have a vision for this country when all they do is bruk it up?
Marginalization issue is just one of the tools they use to promote crime and violence.
Statistical evidence has been giving proving there is no marginalization in Guyana.
tyron
29 Apr 08 at 3:33 pm
don’t hold anything back grabbi king of the intellectual midgets. this site wont censor or moderate your prattle
well if this is the best
imagine the rest
disturb the devil
disturb the devil
don’t let him sleep
give ‘im hell
cause hell is all grabbi & co deserve
rebelucion
29 Apr 08 at 4:38 pm
tek all yuh stats n shovel it up yuh bamzi u ppp clones…all uh yall is the same people
n mad man tyron, opposition partee causin corruption?
u talkin sheer scunt…put dung the high.wine n tek u ass bak to de cane field yuh mad man yuh
lord byroe, prem know it all, grabbilicious, king bamzi vandi all yall ppp clones tek yuh stats an shovel it up yuh bamzi…ask min of agri montgommery help yall shovel
kesh
29 Apr 08 at 4:52 pm
look like burke get somebody dutty bucktuh stick up in the bamzee…y’all busy today eh..or y’all fallin short on the quota. if any uh yall lookin fuh wuk that payin galang down to the estate or send we something and we gon sen yuh some bread an swiss cheese money
rebelucion
29 Apr 08 at 5:11 pm
Let’s talk about the monies given to all the regions and see where there is discrimination. Who is supposed to get and who did not get. I looked at Burke’s letter, and it is all personal. Is dis the best dis lawyer man can do? Burke is not attacking the real thing so as to let us have a real debate. Corbin stronger now and he a wait for yu. You better watch out.
white hunter
29 Apr 08 at 5:42 pm
kesh…….
you are a real fool, when things happen you people always asking for proof and facts and when we give you the facts you reject them.
But i really don’t expect better form you……
burnham and Corbin brain wash you and all you people want is power.
tyron
30 Apr 08 at 12:14 pm
It seems that Burke is campaigning hard for Corbin’s position, but please if you continue to make yourself a jackass, then people will see you as a racist.
Byroe
30 Apr 08 at 12:41 pm
clownfish tyron i ask you fuh proof an facts?
memba wuh meh seh bout de shovel?
who is dis burnham and corbin yuh talkin bout? an brainwashin who?
ah waitin pon yuh rep.lie clownfish tyron
eh eh is lard byroe!
kesh
30 Apr 08 at 1:29 pm
[...] when you’re out and about looking for hard hitting analysis and information on and about Guyana, there are only two sources - dictator bhar.rat jagdeo and the Guyana Fishwrapper (the artist formerly known as the Guyana Chronicle) Guyana Fishwrapper: PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has strongly rebuffed claims by some Guyanese-Americans, chief of whom was Rickford Burke, President of the Caribbean-Guyana Institute for Democracy, who continuously accuse his administration of being racist and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of ‘ethnocracy’. [...]
“Rickford Burke is a liar! Guyana is a racial paradise” - Bharrat Jagdeo :: propaganda press! boycott Carifesta X
21 Jun 08 at 1:38 pm