Let questions be asked by generations to come

THE EDITOR: Our position is not hard and fast – we are neither for nor against – but if the Christopher Columbus statue is to be removed, this should not be an act in isolation. If there is a clamour for the removal of a colonial symbol, our question is: how will that action impact the lives and aspirations of the First Peoples?

Accompanying the act of removal must be a commitment from the local/national authorities, together with the people who are clamouring for the statue to be replaced with an indigenous monument, as well as a commitment to look seriously at the issues affecting indigenous peoples.

How do we address these issues?

First, an apology by the national authorities to the indigenous peoples for the enslavement, genocide, decimation and other atrocities committed against them.

There is precedent for a national apology, such as that which occurred in the Holy See, and the parliaments of Canada and Australia.

If these actions take place simultaneously with the removal of the statue of Columbus, I can see advancement of the indigenous peoples. If only the statue, I see no benefit.

If there are no tangible benefits, we would rather have the statue remain – to remind us of who Columbus was, what he stood for. Let questions be asked by the generations to come.

I go further. After removal of the Columbus statue, will we see equal aggression for the removal of the colonial religion, cultural practices and system of governance that we have inherited? We continue to be colonised in many ways. Will the removal of Columbus address this huge impact of colonisation?

The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community existed from the establishment of the mission in 1786, and it is the community that kept the indigenous voice alive over the centuries, leading to the recognition by the national government in 1990. There were no other organisations fighting the cause. Yet it is reported in the Newsday of June 14: “In June 2018, the mayor of Port of Spain said he was under no pressure to remove the statue. He said those opposed to it represent ‘a very small group,’ in reference to the First Peoples of Santa Rosa.”

A word to our indigenous brothers and sisters who have since emerged. Your voices will strengthen our cause. Our indigenous ways travel a path of wisdom, and our strength must not be again captured to accomplish the cause of those who may be working for profit with a different agenda. It is important to know the reason why we are being “courted.”

I also note that without expanding on our views, which have been repeatedly made to them and the public, it is stated in the media: “There are also impending discussions surrounding a replacement monument. The First Peoples of Santa Rosa and the Warao Nation (indigenous people) suggest a freedom fighter. The Cross Rhodes Freedom Project, led by Shabaka Kambon, agrees.”

For further clarification, the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community already has a design and costing for a monument to be placed at the Red House in honour to the presence of indigenous peoples as revealed during the excavations for its renovation. This project is halted because of lack of funds. While our preference is for the monument to be placed at the Red House site, it can be considered as a replacement for the Columbus statue, once the conditions we have set out are met.

Let questions be asked by generations to come!

RICARDO BHARATH HERNANDEZ

chief, Santa Rosa First Peoples Community