Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has refuted claims of the current administrations apartheid approach in its governance. It was Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton back in August who accused the current administration of having an “apartheid approach” to the way it governs.
Norton alleged that there were irregularities concerning the awarding contracts and stagnating wages and salaries of public servants and incomparable with the cost of living.
While being a guest on the Guyana Dialogue, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn when asked about the opposition claims said that they are over exaggerated and misconstrued.
“This ridiculous mouthing on about an apartheid state in all places of course like Guyana, is way out of this world and far away from reality. It is true that we have challenges in respect to our colonial history in respect to how we were developed, the divide and rule under the British.” The Minister stated.
Apartheid is defined as a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination. Minister Benn further noted that in spite of Guyana’s ethnic relations, Guyana has developed into a cohesive state over the years.
“I am quite certain that given the fact that we have gone to each other's schools, we work and live in the communities together […] there is no emerging or apartheid state in Guyana. It is a ridiculous statement. It is a statement made by those who have a vested interest in creating division in Guyana.” He noted.
He noted that a portion of the political spectrum has made efforts to fuel Guyana’s racial divide, adding that there is no evidence of the claims made by the Opposition.
