‘MOVING from Exploitation to Expression’ is a series of carefully selected books titled the ‘Guyana Classics Library’, a series of publications that would foster pride of place and inspire further development in Guyanese Literature and further development of state of Guyana.

That expression, ‘Moving from Exploitation to Expression’, is taken from the series’ preface which was written by former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, and would be better appreciated in context:
“The Guyana Classics Library will republish out-of-print poetry, novels and travelogues so as to remind us of our literary heritage, and it will also remind us of our reputation for scholarship in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology and politics, through the reprinting of seminal works in these subjects.
“The Series builds upon previous Guyanese endeavours, like the institution of CARIFESTA, and the Guyana Prize. I am delighted that my government has originated the project and has pledged that every library in the land will be furnished with titles from the Series, so that all Guyanese can appreciate our monumental achievement in moving from Exploitation to Expression…”
The Guyana Classics Library is published by the recently established publishing house, The Caribbean Press.  One of the books reissued by The Caribbean Press, capturing the ideals of the series preface, was ‘Indian Notices’ by William Hilhouse.
The book, ‘Indian Notices’, was first published in 1825, when the author took the colonial administration to task while he was still in British Guiana from 1815 to 1840.
‘Indian Notices’ is subtitled ‘sketches of the habits, characters, languages, superstitions, soil, and climate of the several nations; with remarks on their capacity for colonisation, present government and suggestions for future improvement and civilization. Also the ichthyology of the fresh waters of the interior’.   
That lengthy subtitle forms part of the Table of Contents which include an Introduction by M. N. Menezes, Key to References, an Advice to Readers, a Postscript, Supplementary notes and Selected Bibliography.
‘Indian Notices’ is a slim volume, amounting to ninety-seven pages, but it hurled many potent poison darts at abusers of the Amerindians. The darts hit home in such a manner that Hilhouse invited the wrath of all in authority.
Menezes, in her introduction writes, “This “Las Casas” of British Guiana did not hesitate to condemn the abuses of the system of government over the Indians, and his outspoken and unwelcome candour won for him the hearty dislike of Governors, Members of the Courts, Protectors of Indians, and Post-holders.
“He became a thorn in the flesh of Governors D’Urban, Carmichael Smyth, and to a lesser extent, a Light.” He was labelled “a mischievous meddler” and “a visionary and eccentric person of unsettled and wandering habits.”
Labels did not deter Hilhouse, whose goals seemed to be to champion the cause of the Indians and to gain knowledge of the interior. It is just as well that Hilhouse continued in his quest, because ‘Indian Notices’ was foundation to “enable abler hands to advocate the cause thus brought forward.”
In his postscript, Hilhouse gave advice on how to go about the advocacy. “There is one avenue to the heart of the Indian, that is always closed to the stranger, and to the European in authority over him. Time and unremitting kindness alone opens this door of his affections, as he makes it a point of honour to lie to all the world, but be true to his friend.”
To read ‘Indian Notices’ is to get in touch with Amerindians as living beings with a right to all the rights due to human beings.

(To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 226-0065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

What’s Happening:
The current issue of The Guyana Annual magazine will be dedicated to Braithwaite, author of ‘To Sir with Love’. Tributes, reviews of his publications, and related articles are invited for possible inclusion in the magazine. You may also submit poems, short stories and articles of interest. For further information, please contact me at the above telephone number or/and email address.