Home to a peaceful and united people
UNITY is achieved not when differences are overlooked; but when they are accepted and celebrated to move forward as one. This is at least how the residents of Lancaster on the Corentyne see it. As a community that reflects Guyana’s multi-cultural make up, Lancaster is home to people from all walks of life. It has long been a melting pot of people who have cultivated a unique sense of togetherness forged by generations of people determined to stand united.
Lancaster is home to people who have generational roots in the village, and those who grew up in the community as their family started anew as well as those who planned to pass through but stayed in the village of Lancaster. But whether they were born, raised, or a newcomer, the village of Lancaster is united despite differences.
In 1968 Colin Munroe came to live in the village of Lancaster through his own unique set of occurrences that led him to the community. The village is noticeably a farming community with tractors lining the side of the road. But the people stand out as the village’s greatest aspect. Home to just three hundred or so people, Lancaster is a welcoming community that has made it this far without hate or prejudice, a legacy Colin Munroe hopes will continue to live on.
Colin, more popularly known as Munroe, has lived in Lancaster for more than 55 years, spending most of his life in the village of Lancaster. Munroe remembers playing sports from his youth on the roads and back streets of Lancaster. He shared that, “Growing up here was always quiet. We used to play cricket and softball in those days. These were the popular activities at that time.”
Also happening all those decades ago, was the beginning of relationships that would build the community to what it is today. Lancaster has long been a mixed community, with people of all backgrounds coming to call the community home. “The people live together, whether Indian or black or whatever, they live together. If there is any activity going on, they all participate.” Munroe shared.
The young people have carried on this tradition among many other practices of the older generations. Farming is not particularly popular among the newer generation, but it seems to have taken root in the youth of Lancaster, Munroe explained. The village is an excellent place in terms of necessities, but it would seem as though work around the community is scarce. This has made a lot of young people who do not see themselves in carpentry or teaching become farmers.
In his years in the community, Munroe says that the people have kept him close to the community. Apart from the captivating natural scenery and humble, sustainable lifestyle, Lancaster is home to a loving people. “The community is interesting because of the way the people live. You can find unity between the races; we do not have racial tension in the community,” Munroe shared.
The impact of the decision of the first people of Lancaster can still be felt in how every holiday sees all ‘peeps’ celebrate as one. Munroe explained that whatever the occasion, the people of Lancaster come together to support each other in tough times and celebrate the good times together. “Older ones and the young ones now live the same kind of life, together. If there is a wedding or a funeral, all the races would be there,” he said.
As a young man in the village, he saw the way that his parents and grandparents interacted with each other. This has been carried through today, with the young people of Lancaster keeping the tradition of togetherness alive. “I think the young folks see that togetherness, and they grew up with it. The Older people gave us that togetherness. And today, it is more of a tradition.” Munroe said.
That tradition has come a long way and is credited with how the community has managed to survive. Moving forward as a community was only achieved due to the village’s sense of community. As Munroe shared, “If there is no togetherness, there cannot be progress.” As a father of five girls and one son, Munroe passes on numerous lessons to them as parents do. But the biggest lesson he says is that of love, “I am a big believer in love. I am not a strict church goer, but I read the bible. And I tell people, if you summarise the bible in one word, it would be love.”
