By 
On 9th July 2022, the President of Guyana hosted a delegation from Saudi Arabia that visited solely for investment opportunities in Guyana at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The President’s mode of dress when he hosted the Saudi delegation at the convention centre and his eagerness to submit to their demands elicited amusement, surprise, disapproval and even support from various quarters.
An anonymous Kaieteur News columnist (Peeping Tom) tried to defend this pitiful display of fawning and subservience by invoking Burnham. He/she touched on Burnham’s style of dress at events which many apparently found comical as if this would counter the public backlash that turned the most symbolic figure of power and authority in Guyana into an object of comedy
Burham died in 1985, a large percentage of the population were children during his reign or didn’t even exist so apart from his notoriety as the architect of political, social and economic upheaval in Guyana during the period when he wielded incredible power there isn’t a picture in the minds of many of the persona. How does Burnham’s style of dress relate to or excuse the President wearing a keffiyeh in Guyana to welcome Saudi visitors?
According to the columnist ‘There is nothing improper or unpatriotic about a Guyanese President wearing a guthra (sic) when meeting a representative from the Kingdom.’ Is the ghutra a regular feature/accessory of the President’s dress and does he even wear it when he visits the Masjid? Contrary to the adjectives the columnist used I feel words such as amusing, hilarious and obsequious would be a better fit to describe the spectacle.
There’s a saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Instead of our President showing ‘respect’ by imitating the Saudis it should have been the other way around. If the Saudis, who were visitors to our country had dressed like Guyanese, then that would have been seen as a mark of appreciation. It is unusual for Heads of State to don the traditional/foreign wear of guests when receiving them in his/her country.
Furthermore, did the President of Guyana host the meeting with the Saudi delegation in a mosque or at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre? While we all know that he is a Muslim, he is also the President of Guyana, a multicultural and multiethnic secular state; and he is usually featured in the media wearing suits. The departure from the norm and act of imitation which was seen as amusing resulted in some funny jokes and cartoons.
Another argument that was presented is that of cultural and/or religious similarity. However, Muslims in Guyana make up approximately 7% of the population and many from this group cannot be distinguished from Hindus, Christians or Atheists if walking on the street by clothing alone. Often people would categorise based on surname, wearing a hijab or other clothing associated with Islam but can we really say that the majority of Muslims in Guyana share similar cultural and social beliefs/norms with the Saudis?
And on the matter of a special desk for Saudi Arabia at the Ministry of Finance while this may be a good initiative is it the norm or preferential treatment? Presently are there desks for other countries at the Ministry of Finance particularly, countries that Guyana usually trades or has good relations with?
Apart from the investment and trade aspect are there commonalities between Guyana and Saudi Arabia? Persons have mentioned Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations and the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Turkey but there is so much more so why the pandering and what has been our historical relationship with the Saudis? Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by strict Sharia laws.
While it is great news that many new international players are showing interest in investing here the people who have been elected to manage the country for us should exercise due diligence at all times, have dignity and integrity; and make decisions that will benefit Guyana as a whole.
