Diplomat and senior lecturer at the University of Guyana Neville Bissember has called for the development of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address past governmental and institutional wrongdoings that have kept the nation divided.
Speaking at a panel discussion coinciding with the 60th Independence Anniversary on Monday, Bissember noted Guyana’s struggle for independence and sovereignty under difficult circumstances, including impositions by foreign and colonial governments and instigated racism that continues to affect the country to this day.
He urged that such a mechanism would allow for frank and truthful disclosures without legal ramifications and would assist Guyana in moving forward, much like it has done for nations such as South Africa and Rwanda, where the atrocities are incomparable to Guyana.
“We need to bring everything out… Enmore martyrs, Monica Reese, Satyadeow Sawh… we give the witnesses immunity… and let’s clear the air because there is a lot of blame on both sides,”
Bissember said.
He explained that the commission will act as a system of restitution delivered at the local level, with an emphasis on compensation and penance rather than punishment.
He added that, “The issues that we have between our Afro Guyanese and Indo Guyanese are nowhere close to what you see in Rwanda, yet these people could get together.”
Former President Donald Ramotar, who also took part in the Independence discussion, believes a Truth and Reconciliation Commission could help heal the nation given its many unresolved issues. He also urged the re-education of the masses and the rise of a national consciousness to further heal divisions and secure the country’s future.
