Dear Editor,
It is with great consternation that I observed one
of the advocates of national unity in Guyana, Mr Lorri
Alexander, articulating 'commercial racism' in this
multiracial and multicultural society.
His unambiguous expression of "Blacks
Buy Black" was displayed on a banner
hanging on the front of the balcony of the Parliament
building on Saturday, 31st July, 2004 at the Libation
Ceremony organized by the National Emancipation Trust
to usher in Freedom Day.
Quite apart from being a racist expression that
desecrates the building that houses the National
Assembly, the highest decision-making forum of Guyana,
this message in itself is detrimental to the
descendants of Africans in Guyana since more than 90
percent of the commercial entities are owned and
controlled by non-Blacks.
Therefore, if we are to implement Mr Alexander's
recommendation, who would Blacks turn to for products,
for their "kith and kin" do not possess
sufficient commercial power to exercise enough
leverage in the market-place?
Commercial history and experience in Guyana, though
largely un-recorded compared to other aspects,
continue to show that to "Buy Black" almost
always rebounds to the disadvantage of Blacks.
A notable example was that during this and several
past Emancipation observances, African descendants,
who bought fabric to make African-styled clothing, did
so from East Indian-owned stores such as Avinash and
its subsidiaries.
A comparison of the prices with those at
Black-owned stores show that Blacks would have had to
pay exorbitant prices for the identical product.
To accept Mr Alexander's clarion call will be to be
'penny race-conscious-wise and economically
pound-foolish' for he would be exposing the already
poorly paid Blacks to higher prices.
In addition, often Black entrepreneurs discourage
their customers/clients by their approach when
transacting and/or negotiating business.
Blacks, too, are often times
prone to demolishing their own businesses through
corruption and poor management. We should never forget
the fall of Globe Trust Investments, whose
clientele comprised mostly Blacks.
Having regard to the economic realities of the
entire country, the National Emancipation Trust and
similar organisations would be better off advocating
that Blacks (and indeed any other race) should buy
products that will give them maximum satisfaction at
an affordable cost.
Such organisations as Mr Alexander's would also do
well to urge Blacks and other race groups to embrace
each other for their mutual economic and social
advancement.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd A. King
Editor's note:
We sent a copy of this letter to Mr Lorri Alexander
for any comments he might wish to make. There has been
no response.
