America’s Independence and Guyanese Immigrants

Jul 06, 2014 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Guyanese Americans, like others, are celebrating American independence this extended weekend, commonly known as July 4th celebrations.  It is the most celebrated of America’s festivals —  a time for travel, barbecue and picnic at the park as well as take in the spectacular fireworks. But July 4 is not just a festive period. It is also a time for reflection on the significance and relevance of the American revolution that ushered in democracy and freedom. The Declaration of Independence limits powers of the government whose purpose, as enunciated by the founding fathers was/is to “secure” peoples’ natural rights and to be free from the dictates of government or unjust rule.
The Declaration of Independence not only justified the American war for independence against an oppressive British rule but also identified the fair and just guiding principles on which the nation would be founded; it was revolutionary in that no other country had given so much freedom to its people up to that time. The rights of the individual were/are paramount and whenever there was a conflict between the people and the government over distribution of powers, the people won/win out. The written constitution, as well as its broad interpretation by the Supreme Court, safeguards the rights of the individual. Government has limited power and people have a right to remove their government and they have done so periodically at regular scheduled elections unlike say in Guyana.
According to the Founding Fathers, the peoples’ rights derive from “the laws of nature and of nature’s God”.  To say that all persons are “endowed by their Creator” with certain rights is to say that “these rights are derived from persons’ nature as human beings”.  So these are “God given rights” which cannot be taken away or curtailed and as such must be defended with one’s life. And many people have sacrificed their lives to defend those rights.
The declaration of independence paved the way for so hundreds of thousands of Guyanese and tens of millions of others to come and settle in the U.S to experience the American dream to enjoy a better standard of life than in their own countries.  Many other countries also used the American independence as a model or framework to struggle for their own independence and to structure and define their constitution.
On independence day and the extended weekend, Americans of all backgrounds, especially Caribbean nationals, demonstrate patriotism by hoisting the flag and partaking in traditional festivities. In Guyanese neighborhoods, the American flag flutter in the wind outside of homes, often next to a Jhandi.
July 4th is a patriotic day and it is heartening to see so many Caribbean people being absorbed into the celebration. It is a day people fly the American flag and think about their country. Many immigrants are so grateful to come to America, they actually pray to the flag. So the flag is revered and highly respected and people value the freedoms enshrined in the constitution. For many, especially those who emigrate from former dictatorships, like our Guyana’s two decades ago, July 4th has given people a taste of freedom and to own material possession and pursue education attainment unimaginable in their native lands.
Coming as immigrants, Guyanese and other Caribbean people show their pride in the new nation they call home by participating in activities (festivities) relating to nationalism cheering the nation. For Caribbean nationals, July 4th has meant opportunities to lead a more prosperous life, to acquire freedom and to get an opportunity to pursue one’s goals (with limited inhibitions) and to realize dreams (a car, home, higher education, wealth, foreign vacation, trip back home, etc.) that are/were virtually impossible in one’s homeland.  It is not surprising, therefore, that every Caribbean immigrant is glad and grateful to come to America.  But it is essential that people think of what it means to live in America and to live responsibly.
The different groups of people in America celebrate July 4th differently in accordance with the their culture and they add their own country’s independence celebration with it. Guyanese add their cuisine and beverages and sport activities (cricket, in particular at the park this weekend) and many also travel long distance or visit the beach.
Regardless of how they celebrate July 4, the various groups all have one thing in common – to stand up for their newly adopted nation against enemies and in solidarity against adversity.
Whatever people take independence to mean, it is valuable to remember that immigrants (and America is called a nation of immigrants) braved harsh conditions to settle down in America and they faced difficult times and many lost their lives fighting for independence. Guyanese should cherish and protect this freedom by participating in every aspect of the American life – joining the armed forces, registering to vote and go the polling stations on election day. Guyanese need  to meet one’s obligations to the state by becoming active participants.
Vishnu Bisram

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