THIRTY years after his death, Guyana still remembers the significant contribution of founding leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and first Executive President of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C. These were the words expressed by now leader of the PNC and President of Guyana, David Granger, during the traditional floral tribute ceremony, held yesterday at the Mausoleum, opposite the Seven Ponds Monument in the Botanical Gardens, to commemorate the 30th death anniversary of the former leader.
A solemn, yet patriotic feeling enveloped the atmosphere as the music emanating from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) band forced recognition of historical struggles which fostered the acquisition of independence.
Burnham, who was also Guyana’s first Prime Minister, battled in this struggle for independence, afterwards fitting the role as a counselor, a guide, a leader and a teacher for his pioneering premiership, as was described by the President.
Lauding the efforts of the former President, for his “extraordinary, exemplary and visionary leadership”, Granger underscored the importance of Burnham’s guardianship of our young nation.
It is as a result of this, he said, that Guyana remembers Forbes Burnham with respect and reverence, and his compassion, even when, upon assuming office in 1964, he faced the challenge of repairing a “fractured nation” which had been wounded by the weapons of internecine war.
“We recall his efforts to restore social cohesion; to promote political inclusion and to nurture national unity. Guyana remembers his initiatives in deepening cultural awareness and understanding; in encouraging national art, dance, drama, literature and music and in constructing a National Cultural Centre where we can congregate to celebrate our oneness; our Guyanese-ness”, the PNC leader told those in attendance.
But not limited to cultural advancement, President Granger also assured the attendees that Guyana remembers his social policies. His keen commitment to educating the nation from nursery to university which was manifested through the construction of community high schools, hinterland schools and multilateral schools remain trademarks of the visionary leader.
The extension of social protection for citizens from cradle to the grave through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Burnham’s “grand plan” to house the nation through his massive construction of human settlements and schemes, were also among his achievements, President Granger stated.
According to him, Guyana remembers Burnham’s investment in infrastructure development, which included a national airline, an international airport, hinterland aerodromes, bridges, highways and sea defenses.
“We recall his efforts to ensure food security by promoting the promotion of local commodities. We recall his economic empowerment of communities; his uncommon commitment to the poor; his profound belief in the equality of women of ethnic groups and of social classes,” the Guyanese Head of State said yesterday.
He pointed out that one distinguished feature of this great leader was his “courageous and comprehensive” resistance to foreign aggression and the suppression of internal rebellion which threaten Guyana’s territorial integrity.
President Granger alluded to the fact that, even today, we wrestle against the same principalities and the same powers which still seek to appropriate our national patrimony; our land, our sea and our natural resources.
But thirty years after the passing of this leader, “Guyanese are heirs to a rich legacy bequeathed by Burnham (and) we draw strength from our founder leader’s exemplary record. We renew our collective effort to continue his life’s work and to create a good life for all Guyanese” the PNC leader said.
Chipping in with a few words at this commemorative occasion, Executive Member of the PNC, Basil Williams, who chaired the early-morning proceedings, boasted of the ability of the party, after 22 years, to commence the day’s proceedings with the leader of the PNC –a person who sits as the President of Guyana.
Burnham’s thoughts, memories, teachings and philosophies, Williams said, have all endured through thick and thin and through trials and tribulations. But now, an opportunity of redemption has been awarded, he stated.
Williams, who is currently Guyana’s Attorney General, said this opportunity of securing the reins of Government, has placed them in a better position to implement those policies which the founder leader and the people that he had with him in those formative years of this nation had postulated.
Following this was the traditional floral tribute where members of the PNC and supporting secular and religious groups were afforded the opportunity to present their floral arrangement around the Mausoleum, to pay their tributes.
A vocal champion of the anti-apartheid movement across Africa who played a key role in the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Burnham died at the age of 62 at around 10:45 am on August 06, 1985 at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
He had reportedly entered the hospital earlier for surgery but suffered a heart attack during the procedure.

By Ravin Singh