-and to the essence of our struggles and who we are

AS A teenager who had experienced the 1964 divisions wherein my family suffered losses of life in the Abary River, Mahaicony district, and on the Son Chapman during the racial clashes; when, in 1965, leading up to Independence, there were serious efforts made at a process of healing and coming together, the hope that blanketed the nation clothed the people.On the West Coast of Berbice, where I lived at the time, villages from Belladrum to Ithaca were decorated in the national colours (red, black, gold, white and red). Women, men and children were decked out in their Sunday best on the night that saw the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead. Villagers congregated at common areas, such as school grounds and playgrounds, not wanting to be left out.

When the radio commentator announced that Forbes Burnham and Cheddie Jagan hugged each other at the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, the crowd responded with cheers and tears. Though we were not at the National Park, the power of radio and delivery by that broadcaster allowed for our visionary sense to picture ourselves being in the Park and witnessing the moment.

That night I was at Yeoville — in the yard of Henry Wade, who incidentally will be buried next week — where many were gathered to celebrate and listen to the radio coverage. After the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at midnight on the 25th May, villagers beat their drums and danced in a celebration that lasted until the night of 26th May. On the 26th, villagers visited various communities, thanks to the spirit of camaraderie that saw owners of vehicles making them available to transport persons.

Outside of the newspaper, the radio was the only other mass media for getting information on what was taking place in Georgetown. Back in those days many did not own a radio, and this technology was not only an opportunity to get the news, listen to music, cricket, etc., but was also the medium around which villagers and families congregated, organised a ‘lime,’ shared experiences, and deliberated on matters of national, global and communal interests. The elders, informed and connected, also played a role in keeping villagers updated on the local politics and the progress leading to the issuing of the Independence Proclamation by Britain.

Let us not forget that Independence was not granted, it was fought for by our parents and forebears, some of whom gave of their blood, lives, sweat and tears. And though Jagan and Burnham became political rivals and sought to influence under whose leadership Independence should be achieved, they were united in the position that the time had come when Guyanese must be allowed to charter their own destiny.

For those of us who had the opportunity and privilege to be part of this monumental period of the nation’s history, a re-enactment or recount of same today would reignite the moments and impart something to those who didn’t live this experience. It brings into reflection that though nothing is amiss with parades and other celebratory events to mark the anniversary, such will be greatly enhanced by retracing events that led to Independence, including the players, major and rank-and-file, whose contributions made it possible and on whose shoulders we stand today.

Recognition of Independence cannot exclude, at the trade union and political levels, the roles and stories of persons such as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Forbes Burnham, Janet and Cheddie Jagan, Peter D’Aguiar, Jane Phillips-Gay and David Rose. It cannot exclude those who were pioneers in the music business, such as the Yoruba Singers, Eddie Grant, Aubrey Mann, Dave Martins and others. Neither should it ignore earlier local sportsmen and women, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, skilled artisans, professionals, etc.

Equally important is knowing the infrastructure (laws, institutions roads, etc.) established during limited self-government (1953-May 25, 1966) and the early years of Independence.

The 50th Anniversary has to be significant and memorable, not only for the celebratory events, but equally for the knowledge about those who paved the way, set about building the new nation, and made contributions in many ways to forging nationhood and indigenous identity. The school children and post-Independence generation should have the benefit of this knowledge. Such can take the forms of documentaries, local music and radio serials, panel discussions, school essay competitions on Independence, and other interactive/learning events.

Outside of entertainment, which also would have been more prudent using local artistes, it helps to have a structured sense of understanding and appreciation of what Independence means, the sacrifices made, and why it is important to work as a team, i.e. as Guyanese, to preserve Independence at all cost.

With Guyana facing border conflicts with Suriname and Venezuela, a sense of disconnect by Guyanese in proudly identifying with, seeing here as home, and wanting to fight, protect and develop Guyana at all cost is regrettable. People should seek understanding and reminders why we struggled, the achievements made, and the importance of staying the course.

Check around in countries where patriotism ranks high, admiration given, and association sought; this is so because persons have that sense of wellbeing, connection and investment, which leads to a territorial disposition and contributes to making that country what it is. Guyana and Guyanese need similar experiences. The 50th Anniversary presents the opportunity; let’s seize it.