Dear Editor,
Last Saturday, all Guyanese celebrated African Emancipation Day at home and abroad and also in the rest of the world. This day and event was commemorated rightly so as a national holiday. Some refer to it as “Freedom Day” and, Bob Marley made the distinction between emancipation and freedom by saying, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” Slavery is, perhaps, the most despicable, devious, degrading and discernable atrocity committed on the human race by mankind. Being captured and shackled was when “The iron entered into our souls,” lamented Caesar, a formerly enslaved man. The slave trade provided political power, social standing and wealth for the church, European nation-states, the New World and their colonies.

“If one minute’s freedom had been offered to me, and I had been told I must die at the end of that minute, I would have taken it,” Mum Bett had said.” Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett or MumBet, was the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts (Brom and Bett vs Ashley 1781). The abolition of slavery occurred at different times in different countries. It frequently occurred sequentially in more than one stage – for example, as abolition of the trade in slaves in a specific country, and then as abolition of slavery throughout empires. Each step was usually the result of a separate law or action. All slaves in the colonies became free after a period of forced apprenticeship following the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 in the United Kingdom and it was abolished in 1838. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States as passed by Congress on January 31, 1865.

Freedom and Independence are also not the same. It was Rabindranath Tagore who once said “Emancipation from the soil is no freedom for the tree”. Without economic, political, cultural and social equity, there is no freedom, there is no Emancipation. Freedom is a basic human right and above all, economic freedom and economic independence are basic human rights. According to The African Federation Development Association, Emancipation is three pronged: the first Emancipation occurred in 1838 and centered on “Freedom” from chattel slavery; the second Emancipation was called Independence in 1966, regarded as “Freedom” from colonisation and economic slavery and the third Emancipation is for us to embrace at this time. Their call is a request to move beyond Emancipation and Independence and towards economic freedom, social justice, racial respect and harmony. With the abolition of slavery, this eventually paved the way for a new type of slavery in then, British Guiana, known as “Indentureship of mainly East Indians.” Barack Obama reflected that, “A freedom that only asks what’s in it for me; A freedom without commitments to others; A freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideal, and those who died in their defence.

To this day, Guyana still finds itself searching for an equal freedom for real emancipation to realise a liberal independence. Gandhi advised, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” The domineering and devious ideology of a hand-picked few still influences many from the mass and misguides their thinking, rationality and actions. This unfortunately, stifles their growth mentally, economically and socially and disallows the functionality, the individuality and the identity as a person to be truly representative, unilaterally. More Guyanese need to start thinking outside of the box and to face reality to not allow themselves to be brainwashed anymore and to start thinking for themselves. Only a few days ago, democracy was restored to this beautiful land Guyana as the will of the people was finally granted. But democracy continues to be on trial with a new twist and dimension because the new government will be tested and challenged for its survivorship. Also, will the PPP/C Party be allowed to implement their manifesto, supporting, complimenting and upholding democracy, or, will they be thwarted by subversive elements, detrimental to the nation at large? In the past, there have been reckless and heartless behaviours supplementing this issue. A timely reminder from Mark Twain would perhaps be helpful, “We have three precious gifts: the freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and the prudence to never use them both.” The national community is now calling on all stakeholders to move beyond any political injustice and towards social justice through a conscious application.

Mia Mottley, former CARICOM Chairwoman recently pointed out that, “there must be space for all, regardless of who wins and who loses.” The electorate has spoken and CARICOM, the most legitimate interlocutor according to Mr. Granger himself, has certified the election recount result as creditable and confirmed that the PPP/C Party won the election by 15,413 valid votes. Finally, the APNU+AFC Party has conceded and GECOM was allowed to complete the election process. It was Abraham Lincoln who pointed out that, “A Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from earth.” The APNU+AFC Party can not only want to protect its constituency alone anymore and it must pay attention to inclusivity for other sensitivities and must recognise respect for the balance of the divide because Guyana is a multi-racial society. No party must lead innocent Guyanese down the wrong track that will prove very detrimental to people. All people must have an equal opportunity to enjoy the good life and not only a few whose bread is already well buttered for the rest of their lives. Take a look and see who owns the mansions, driving luxury cars, receiving fat salaries, servants and security, paying no bills and doesn’t have to worry about the next meal. Not the man in the street who has to struggle daily and facing starvation, poverty and sickness, with death awaiting at the door!

It is time for all party supporters to pay keen attention and realise if and how they are being used and abused at their own expense for the benefit of a few only. It is time sober minded, honest and conscientious people wake up and smell the coffee. It is time to lock arms with each other regardless of creed or color or political influence and form a united front again. It is time to roll back the old times when you could have gone to a neighbor’s home and pick their fruits from their yard without reservation for religion or ethnicity. That is the Guyana that the new generation should envisage, strive, build and protect by demanding leadership change if necessary in any organisation immediately, if it does not ingrain this ideology.

Last Friday, our loving Muslim sisters and brothers with families celebrated the auspicious holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha, known as the feast of the sacrifice. The prophet Ibrahim was openly willing to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael to please the Lord. It was his unshakable faith and unwavering obedience that saved his son. Today, it is that type of faith that is required to save this nation, a faith in yourself to act righteously and not follow unrighteous leaders. Do not be influenced by the tongue twisters and liars who cunningly deceive you with their foolishness and craftiness. George Orwell, the author for Animal Farm wrote, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
As we tread tenderly this week on to a new horizon, many burning questions are roasting on the hot coals and the fire is dancing and darting, flickering and flaming with passion. Will the significance of the Muslim holiday influence the thinkers and players of tomorrow? Will the observation and preservation of Emancipation Day’s celebration proclaim a cause and effect in the hearts and minds of the “die- hard” and persuade them with rational practicality? Guyana is agitated, edgy, impatient and has the world of expectations and wants answers, results and changes yesterday, not today nor tomorrow. People want to cross the finishing line today that leads to a rainbow bridge, despite the PPP/C Party taking stewardship of a ravaged and bankrupt economy only a few days and is now in pampers. Guyanese have been kept on a leash and imprisoned for the past five months away from sunlight, fresh air, proper food, adequate exercise and needed relaxation. They want to unshackle this hold, relinquish this strangulation and free themselves from a depressing state of oppression. Guyanese don’t want to be left in limbo any longer and that is why they are impatient and looking forward to this new government to remove the knee from their neck so that they can once again breathe freely. Guyanese are once again awake and vigilant and their priorities remain, food on the table, effectively managing COVID-19 repercussions, work, virtual education and harnessing crime. The rhythm from the beat of the Congo drum and tabla must be in sync with the dancers of all parties, in tune with the melody of the people and harmonise in symphony with the needs of priority.
Respectfully,
Jai Lall