I WRITE this letter, not to ridicule, accuse, nor cast blame or aspersion; it is also not to insult, disparage nor denigrate anyone,
Indeed, it seeks to crystallise or accentuate the state of truth as it relates to disseminating prevailing knowledge based on educational needs.
What do I mean by such a statement? First, facts are not necessarily truths. They may be to educate, inform, as well as to mislead, misinform or dis-educate. Secondly, one pivotal truth is that education is not synonymous with consciousness. One may be ‘educated’ and be in a position to impart information gathered through experience called knowledge, while at the same time his/her translation of those facts may be mis-educating recipients wittingly or unwittingly.
It is incontrovertible fact that useful information both educate creates and expands consciousness. But although an event, operation or occurrence may be considered education, it may also conversely do nothing to bring about consciousness.
It is indisputable that slavery and colonialism have totally ravished Black consciousness. As such, it is imperative that whatever the Black man and indeed, all non-Europeans are exposed to should be of the nature to both educate and provide consciousness. Permit me therefore to briefly identify and explain just one example of what I mean.
On Wednesday, February 16, 2011, one Mr Petamber Persaud, who does an excellent job, undertook an exhibition on his programme called ‘between the lines’ and made a presentation with a collection of books, all of which were on display on NCN television. He proceeded to give synoptic narrations of each of the books, giving their significance and importance to the Guyanese public.
He made it clear that those books were all written about Guyana and/or written by Guyanese stretching from the 16th century to the present. He began with a book written by Sir Walter Raleigh, tracing the many authors and the titles of these books in his collection.
Without a doubt, the exercise was not only intended to acquaint Guyanese with each book and its author, but also to educate the public as it was to encourage about the value of reading those books.
Indeed, I was very pleased with the inclusion of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s “West on Trial” and his “My Struggles for Guyana’s freedom” among the lot. What was truly astounding to me is that there was not a single word mentioned about Dr Walter Rodney or Dr Ivan Van Sertima nor Dr Jan Carew.
It is deeply troubling when those who are positioned to educate or give guidance in any society, either through omission or commission, vicariously rearrange minds to honour, admire, venerate, adore and rever their slave masters. Walter Raleigh was indeed a British explorer, but what was his impact on African people?
Even more bewildering is the classification, grouping, associating, affiliating and connecting the great Dr Cheddi Jagan with Walter Raleigh. The unavoidable questions that loom heavily on my mind therefore are:
1. Why the names of great anthropologists, genealogist, scientists, archeologists and historians such as the great historian Dr Walter Rodney, Dr Jan Carew and Dr Ivan Van Sertima, whose works are not only internationally acclaimed but are most pivotal for the revival of consciousness of African people were simply ensconced, ignored or considered not important enough to be mentioned?
2. From where are African people in Guyana expected to obtain their knowledge of themselves and their ancestral past, when characters like  Walter Raleigh are more important to be taught about here in Guyana?
3. How will the other ethnic groups of the world obtain the truth about Africa’s contributions to world civilization, when these books necessary for our consciousness are deliberately ignored or hidden?
4. Why is it seen as an act of educating the society by accentuating the escapades and exploits of European, while at the same time enslavement of Africans is an irrelevant topic to most people?

The time has to come when all African peoples will have to rewrite our own history if the lies, distortions, fabrications, half-truths and the iniquitous pattern of perceiving our people are to be annihilated.