THE curtain comes down on the Year of National Renaissance. This designation was apt, given the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary and importance of learning from, and reflecting on, our history pre- and post-independence. A revisitation of this cannot escape the contributions of all the people who came — voluntarily or involuntarily — to these shores, and have called it home. Each group has helped to enrich this nation with its unique way of life; inclusive of religious practices, foods, mores, dress, knowledge system, and so forth. Together, through various forms and systems, each fought for the right to self-determination. And whereas our enslaved, indentured and colonised forebears have valiantly fought against systems of oppression, the oppressors have also fought similar systems at some point in their history.

Every civilisation or group of people fought for their freedom, independence and identity. For instance, the British fought the Greeks to establish their individual identity, and Europe became a continent of diversity as opposed to being a continent considered one country. Diversity creates new cultures, languages, interpretations of civilization, which all create healthy competition that moves the world forward. Without healthy competition there would be no progress. Civilisation will stand still without diversity, from which springs different perspectives and the avoidance of stagnation is ensured. Different people look at the world through different lenses, which allows the utilisation of others’ experiences and inexperience as a gauge on how to progress.

Ours is a society of at least six peoples, all of whom have formed the foundation of a rich diversity. Should this be properly harnessed, respected, and allowed to bloom and grow in harmony, it can be very productive to our development. As we reflect on the various contributions of each group, put them in correct perspective and build on them, the possibilities are endless. The possibilities from the foundational premises which are identified in our national ethos, such as National Anthem, motto, symbols and songs, education system, dishes, topography, natural resources, territory, language, economic sectors, and system of governance, are endless. These must be relied on in the continuous process of building this great nation that belongs to us.
Where our forebears, through struggle and hard work, fought for equality, dignity and respect, and toppled systems of oppression, fortifying these require from every one of us further action. Their experiences and achievements must not only be used to sing their praise and reflect on their bravery. These must at all times serve as impetus to progress; reminders why it is our responsibility to protect, deepen, and strengthen them to further our growth and development; and enable us to bequeath to future generations a world better than what we have inherited.

As with human nature, there will be missteps, but where resides a preference to focus more on the negative, not as lessons to learn from but to wallow in, we must strive to overcome. Overcoming means experiences that have shaped this civilisation are not only worthy of being told, the negatives eschewed, but the infrastructures and institutions that have made us who we are must be equally preserved and respected.

Our history comprises of those held in bondage and their captors. The cultures of both groups have created a fusion called the Guyanese culture, which is unique to us and is worthy of our pride. As with the Romans and Greeks, who have been around long before the current calendar, where their civilisations -conquered and conquest – have been retained for prosperity and knowledge, so, too, much we seek to preserve our history and accomplishments.

As a people, we have more in common that unite us than divide us. And these we must make important pillars of our civilisation. No group is without reproach. More importantly, each wants a piece of the nation’s pie and to be treated as its sons and daughters. This sense of ownership is well placed, and with it comes corresponding responsibility to protect and preserve what is within and treat each other as we would like to be treated. The infrastructures – laws, time honoured principles, international conventions and charters – are already in place to make this happen.