Independence symbolism and a tattered Republic

THIS nation observed its 51st anniversary of independence on Friday. Aside from the pomp and ceremony surrounding the event, we must begin frank and honest conversations on the state of our relations, what have been bequeathed us, and what we are doing to advance or cast them aside. Having read the anniversary messages, there was the noted general theme of national unity; but as a people, we are more divided and are floundering more than we were 51 years ago.

Guyana’s independence was fought for by every group in this society, inclusive of the races, trade unions, and the political parties at the time. There was disagreement as to which political party and leader independence should be achieved under, but never was there any disagreement by the local forces that Guyanese were not ready and capable of charting our own course. The national motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” was embraced by all.

Household Plus’ anniversary message with the pictorial representations of Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Peter D’Aguiar, the three main political leaders at the time, is a reminder to bring the nation to its senses. On the eve of independence, while I observed the event as a young man in the house of Henry Wade at Yeoville, glued to the radio, all Guyana knew of the embrace between Minority Leader Jagan and Prime Minister Burnham in the wee hours of 26th May 1966, when this major freedom was sealed.

I maintain that these men were political rivals, not enemies.  From the account of others who knew them, including Jagan’s son, Joey, inspite of political differences and station, they maintained a relation of mutual respect and cordiality. The symbolism they set in 1966 should have been maintained, even more so now when “national unity” is sounding like a pledge. Instead, Guyanese once again witnessed the current  political leaders who are relatively older than Jagan and Burnham were in 1966 incapable of replicating the symbolism.

The Opposition is part of our structure of government. Mechanisms must be found, along with the requisite protocol, to have their inputs in the planning and execution of national events.  Last year, there was the embarrassment with seating arrangements, and it was hoped that after spirited public ventilation on the matter, including the Opposition’s input, 2017 would have seen them seated.  If efforts were made to have the Opposition play a role in keeping with the national unity APNU+AFC campaigned on and promised, the people and the Opposition rejected it, we must be so advised.

This nation is being held under siege by men and women who cannot rise above infantile politics.  The leaders of 1966 displayed camaraderie in spite of having just emerged from the racial upheavals of the 1960s that many today still blame them for. The evidence show that 51 years after, in a less acrimonious climate,  leaders are incapable of emulating the positives in others.  Their predecessors saw observation of national events worthy as an act of their presence and the symbolism it demonstrated of oneness.

Under the Bharrat Jagdeo government national events became opportunities to exclude sections of society and it must stop. The APNU+AFC was hired to mend the divide and must work assiduously to bring about healing. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) was one of the organisations that stopped receiving invitations to state functions and this practice continues in 2017.

Prior to Jagdeo’s presidency, the  GTUC was invited to national events.  The labour movement is the forerunner in the 20th century fight for internal self-government, including universal adult suffrage (one-man-one-vote) and independence. I am well aware that addressing this could create opportunities for idle chats and not dealing with the principles and actions of national unity that birthed the nation, which must remain the focus.

This nation would find it hard attaining national unity with the current attitude of the political leadership on both sides of the divide. They keep forgetting by whom they are elected, are paid by, and whose interest they are expected to serve. No one wants to govern and everyone wants to rule.

Governing requires placing importance on forging relations and fearlessly managing through laws, time-honoured principles, universal declarations, international conventions and charters. Ruling is not guided by these tenets but by diktat.  Let me make it very clear– the importance of having all participate in national events does not take away from any being held accountable under the law for their stewardship. This is a nation of laws and the Rule of Law must reign.

It is being observed that the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government’s continuation in giving more prominence to independence than republicanism and I hope this is corrected for 2018. Republicanism is the nation’s ultimate achievement of freedom. Just as the wedding anniversary is celebrated instead of the engagement, and abolition of slavery celebrated instead of amelioration, so too it must be for republican status over independence. The focus of taking the nation backward or downplaying key achievements is projecting lack of political maturity and visionary leadership.

The PPP/C started this nonsense on the baseless thinking the 23rd February did not fit into their identity politics. Such view must not be allowed to submerge the events of the 1763 revolution, which laid the foundation for 1838, 1917 and 1966,  who were involved, and the country’s,milestone achievement in 1970 under Burnham’s leadership. The agreed date between Britain and Guyana was not without negotiation and compromise. The PNC in opposition rightly fought to ensure republic maintains its deserving prominence on the nation’s calendar and it must remain so. The society must work in achieving the stage where the contributions of every group is  acknowledged.

Independence and republican events in Georgetown were historically held at the National Park which was fittingly renamed from the Queen Elizabeth Park. This park is being left to decay as millions were thrown to build the unnecessary and under ulitised D’Urban Park named in honour of a colonial governor. This is another backward and visionless step. The boasting in 2016 of the size of the national flag hoisted there saw no pride allowing it to fly tattered in the intervening period, insulting our forebears’ struggles and achievements.

The importance of the symbolism in hoisting the flag at a specific time is now contemptuously treated by a government comprising many actors who are of military backgrounds and are expected to know better.  It was no accident that the Union Jack was being lowered at midnight on 25th May 1966 and the Golden Arrowhead  being hoisted, reaching the apex of the pole at the crack of 26th May. Hoisting the flag before the specific day and time is not re-enactment of the event nor appreciation for the centuries of struggles that made it possible; it is laziness, contempt, and outright disregard for what it means to be an independent nation.

National unity cannot be achieved by only talking the talk; it must be buttressed with upholding the principles to make it possible. So far, the government, opposition and their agents have demonstrated they are not serious about unity. The term unity is being dangled like carrots in front of the masses who genuinely desire it.  Until the masses stand up and hold their leadership and themselves accountable for its attainment, the society will continue to wallow in despair.

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