I WAS recently tasked with completing a critical evaluation paper for my final- year studies at the University of Guyana. I was asked to answer a few questions in the process, and one of those questions is; “What are new forms of colonization faced by Guyana?” I was not puzzled at all. Rather, my thoughts were a bit fuzzy because I understood that there are still many oppressive systems in this day and age, but I did not have a specific label to explain my thoughts. Alas, after doing some research, I came across the term neo-colonialism. Suddenly, it all clicked. It also helped answer many unanswered questions I’ve had about the state of our country, and I hope it can help answer your questions. Neo-colonial states are dependent on the former colonial masters (Europeans) for specific economic and political intervention. This dependency and exploitation of ‘independent’ colonies are maintained for the sole purpose of benefiting the erstwhile colonial masters. For practicality, Guyana is still dependent upon Europe for funds and interventional help when needed. Capitalism and globalization are also oppressive systems and ideals that affect former colonies.These former colonies from the Caribbean and Africa cannot make decisions without consultation with former colonial masters. They can be faced with severe consequences if they are not compliant. Given all of this, are we really independent and they’d like us to believe? In short, the concept of neo-colonialism refers to all policies, infrastructures, systems and aspects that contribute to society by indirectly encouraging ideals and practices associated with colonialism. In essence, a country or state might be “Independent” in writing but external former-colonial states are still influencing it. These influences are camouflaged and disguised most of the time through “developmental aid,” “foreign aid” or “support.” When we sway from their ideologies and practices, there is always a need for “intervention.” This cycle ends with us promoting constructive and practical leadership. If leaders fail to set positive examples for the country, then it’s obvious that we will need “intervention.” It’s up to us to prove them wrong. We owe it to our ancestors and ourselves to rid these systems.

How then can we break these cycles of oppression? My father always said to me that “there is no such thing as too much knowledge.” That has proved prosperous to me throughout my time at the University of Guyana, and that includes my time spent learning new concepts during this course. As such, education should be used as a tool to address the various legacies left in Guyana. Research papers, evaluation papers, essays and even modules should be dispersed and made easily accessible for the citizens of Guyana. The content of the information dispersed should be indigenized to Guyana and should remain factual to the truths our ancestors faced. The Ministries of Education, Culture, Finance and Human Services can also execute campaigns and outreaches in rural areas. This can be done to allow Guyanese to self-actualize and break out of any generational cycle caused by colonialism. Most importantly, Guyana ought to rid the state of colonial systems, laws, regulations and ideals that promote oppression in any form. From our constitution to our schooling systems, political segregation and even the outdated infrastructure that was built. I do not believe that there is a place for reform. Rather, a structural deconstruction needs to occur, followed by building new indigenized systems.

While I’d like to see a deconstruction of colonial systems occur in Guyana, I do not think we will be able to accomplish that for now. It simply isn’t possible given our current context. We are currently undergoing an economic shift from being a developing country to being a developed one. This is good, but we still aren’t entirely free from “massa.” We have obligations and commitments to our partners in the oil industry. Guyana is also known for borrowing money for development and/or receiving foreign aid. Certain obligations and requirements should be made with donor countries before receiving finances from them. I consider myself an optimist, and I am hopeful that we will be able to make these indigenised structural changes one day. Hopefully, the oil industry allows Guyana to become prosperous, which will ultimately allow us to be autonomous.