HOW does it feel to be branded a ‘bad’ and ‘evil’ communist, and later to be embraced by those very individuals as a ‘good’ communist? Or to be given a name that was never intended, but came about due to miscommunication by the then colonial authorities! These and many more questions can be answered by the former Minister of Local Government, and one of the most-long-serving members of Parliament, Comrade Harripersaud Nokta, in his book, “A Journey: A Challenge”, which was recently launched at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre in the presence of President Donald Ramotar, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and an audience made up of Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, and other well-wishers and friends.

This, incidentally, is the second book written by Comrade Nokta, who could be regarded as one of the most knowledgeable individuals — if not the most knowledgeable individual — on hinterland affairs.

Comrade Nokta has come a long way from the difficult colonial past; and from a very early age, he resolved not simply to endure the past, but to change it into something better and more humane. That opportunity to become an agent of change came about when he became a member of the PPP.

Immediately he was drawn into the struggle for a better Guyana, after being inspired by the likes of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife, Janet, as well as by other party leaders, more particularly C. V. Nunes — whom he considered as his political mentor — who inducted him in the field of politics.

He remembered with gratitude when Nunes had stopped by his parents’ home with his vehicle and called for him. Thinking it was yet another call for voluntary political work, he rushed out of his home, only to be offered a sum of $20 for his ‘voluntary’ services. It was not a huge sum, but it certainly was a significant sum in those days when money was hard to come by and every cent literally counted.

The gesture from Nunes, who was party Supervisor for Essequibo, brought tears to the eyes of Comrade Nokta’s mother, as this was the first time she would have received money from her son Harry, who dutifully handed over the full sum to her.

From then on, there was no turning back, as Comrade Nokta went on to ascend the political ladder, first as a voluntary organiser, then as a paid Party Organiser, then to Party Supervisor, then to Chief Organiser and Organising Secretary of the PPP. Because of his loyalty and commitment to the Party, he was also made a Member of Parliament; and when the Party came into office in 1992, he was made a Senior Minister of Government.

It was not smooth sailing for the young Nokta, who literally paddled canoes and rode horses to reach to his numerous destinations, especially in the hinterland communities. It took a lot of grit, determination and stamina to undertake some of the tasks assigned to him as a Party functionary; but, like a true disciple, he pursued his tasks with missionary zeal, which earned for him tremendous respect and brought to his Party much political capital.

It is no exaggeration to say that the political gains made by the PPP in the hinterland communities, in particular among the Amerindian people, are due in no small measure to the hard and sustained efforts of Comrade Nokta.

Those were the early days when anti-communism was at its peak, and when any mention of communism was greeted with much contempt and hostility among some segments of the hinterland communities. Communists were projected as ‘evil’ and ‘ungodly’, and people to be avoided and shunned.  

Despite the poisoned environment, Cde Nokta and his party colleagues boldly and fearlessly sold and distributed PPP and communist literature, and in the process won hearts and minds.

So intense and pervasive was the fear of communism that an Amerindian man, on seeing Comrade Nokta coming in the opposite direction with his German-made motorcycle, hastily dropped his bike and disappeared in the nearby bushes, trembling with fear.  
Comrade Nokta recounted how he had to calm the man down and reassure him that no harm would befall him. That man, incidentally, was an Organiser for the United Force, which in those days was one of the dominant political parties in that north-western region of Guyana.

Then there was this Amerindian woman who, on learning that Dr. Jagan was due for a visit at the home of a comrade (a sawmill proprietor where she was employed as a maid), began to cry profusely out of fear that Dr. Jagan, a ‘communist’, was coming to devour her.

These are anecdotes which may appear difficult to comprehend today, but they represented the depth to which communism was feared among unsuspecting Amerindians.       

Comrade Nokta is perhaps one of the few comrades who, until today, is in possession of his original Party membership card, and has never failed to have his card renewed every year for over half of a century. He is the only comrade I know of who always wears his Cheddi Jagan button, the original since 1961, which he has proudly retained until now.
Comrade Harripersaud Nokta could be considered a role model, especially for the younger comrades. He has certainly made his contribution, and continues to do so until this day, despite his advancing age. He celebrated his 75th birthday on November 22.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his 75th birthday, and to wish him good health and continued success in his political and personal life.