THE WORKING People’s Alliance (WPA) on Wednesday announced the death of Tchaiko Kwayana, wife of former politician Eusi Kwayana.
Kwayana, an American by birth, lost a battle with cancer and died on May 6, 2017,while in the United States of America. In a statement to the media, the WPA said the party’s fraternity is deeply saddened by her death and expressed condolences to her husband and children.
“The untimely demise of Sister Tchaiko is also a great loss to the party at home and abroad. The historic role she played in the struggle of the African community and the Guyanese nation predated the formation of the WPA,” the statement said.
According to the WPA, Kwayana’s activities here had its genesis in the work of the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) in the late 60s and early 70s and her decision to come to Guyana was influenced by her work and struggle in the African community in the USA as well as the African diaspora and Africa.
“Tchaiko or Sister Tchaiko as she was fondly called was among the early wave of activists who responded to the appeal made by ASCRIA and the Pan African Secretariat — which at the time operated in Guyana — for Africans in the diaspora to come to Guyana and participate in the political process, which at that time was being led by the Forbes Burnham administration.”
Since her arrival, Kwayana was immersed in the struggles of the African community and Guyana as a whole, and according to the WPA,“her commitment to our people and country was a lifelong endeavor.”
“From the moment she answered the call to serve to the time of her death, she remained unwavering in her support of the Guyanese struggle for liberation, racial pride, political and racial reconciliation and the empowerment of women and children and the elderly,” the statement added.
She played an integral role in the organisation’s work to promote “cultural revolution” while in ASCRIA and sought to re-awaken African self-consciousness. “As a member of Ascria, Tchaiko supported the political decision for the formation of the WPA and worked to advance its cause.”
Meanwhile, the Party noted that Kwayana’s commitment to the liberation of the Guyanese masses was exemplified by the role she played in the group “Women Against Terror”when on several occasions she was caught up in confrontations against the supporters of the administration.
“She did not escape the violence that was unleashed against the political opponents of the government in the period of the seventies and eighties and received a sound beating on North Road in the vicinity of Bourda Market on September 17th, 1983 while participating in a protest demonstration for the recognition of democratic and human rights in Guyana.”
As a result of what has been described as political victimization and economic difficulties,she was forced to return to the USA to seek employment to maintain her children. Years later she was joined by her husband Eusi.
“Even in that difficult period of adjustment she continued to pursue her cultural, educational, political and community work as she nurtured her family. Her life was one of devotion to family, the African Nation and Humanity in every part of the globe. Her star shines brightly in our continued struggle for true emancipation.”
Kwayana will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 16 in Atlanta,Georgia.