Weekes: Youths can 'dismantle structures of racism'

PRESIDENT Paula-Mae Weekes says this country experienced an "eruption of bigotry," particularly on social media, in the wake of the 2020 general election.

Weekes issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and kept within its theme, youth standing up against racism, encouraging TT's younger generations to "push back."

The day falls in line with the anniversary of the killing of 69 peaceful anti-apartheid protesters by police in South Africa on March 21, 1960, whom she also honoured but lamented, saying, "Sixty-one years after this tragic incident, discrimination on the basis of racial or ethnic origin continues to perpetuate inequalities, hatred, misunderstanding and violence here in Trinidad and Tobago and around the world."

She noted, however, that in spite of restrictions imposed worldwide last year owing to the pandemic, millions of young people mobilised, in person and online, to engage in social justice campaigns, such the Black Lives Matter movement.

Conversely, she said, "We witnessed our own eruption of bigotry in the aftermath of the 2020 general elections with hateful rhetoric inundating social media leaving many to question the validity of the popular refrain 'all ah we is one'.

"Regrettably, the vitriol was not unprecedented or even unexpected as racism often rears its ugly head during everyday political debate and discussion."

While all hands on deck, Weekes said, is needed to put to bed the spectre of racism once and for all, young people can play an important and critical role.

"Their passion, energy and activism, noticeable during local protests last year in support of the broader global anti-racism movement, as well as during the more recent demonstrations against gender-based violence, are evidence of their capacity and desire to effect the necessary changes.

"They can reject the prejudice and bias of older generations and set the tone for frank and constructive conversations about race and ethnicity in this country.

She encouraged all young people to push back against racism "from the seemingly innocuous but offensive comments to blatant acts of discrimination.

"You can dismantle the structures of racism which still dog our nation 59 years after its Independence."

'Let us support people with Down syndrome'

In a separate message on World Down Syndrome Day, also observed on Sunday, the President shared her support for the Down Syndrome Family Network, noting its concerns about the impact of covid19 restrictions on children.

"The Down Syndrome Family Network reports that because children with Down syndrome develop best in an environment which is highly tactile and interactive, they are disproportionately affected by the closure of schools and other covid19 restrictions," Weekes said.

"Out of an abundance of caution, many people with Down syndrome have explored alternative ways of connecting with others to share their experiences, knowledge and ideas and increase public awareness and action about the condition without jeopardising their own health."

She commended the network and simiilar organisations for providing resources and information to people with Down syndrome and their caregivers about managing and adapting to the pandemic.

"It remains our duty to ensure that persons with Down syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and afforded the support and understanding they need to lead happy, productive and connected lives, especially during these unprecedented times.

"Today, as we don our colourful socks, it is up to all of us — government, NGOs, employers and individuals — to educate ourselves about the implications, realities and possibilities of Down syndrome and make the attitudinal and concrete changes that will ensure that people with Down syndrome thrive in our ever-changing world."