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Barbados hails Burnham as anti-Apartheid fighter
While Guyana provided a disunited front led by its government in paying tribute to Nelson Mandela on his passing, the Barbados Parliament came together as one and even acknowledged Forbes Burnham’s anti-Apartheid role.
As people complained in letters to newspapers, and on the social media, of the divided manner in which Guyanese political leaders approached this solemn time that is being observed across the world, President Donald Ramotar jetted off to the funeral activities in South Africa with a government and People’s Progressive Party team.
Freudel Stuart
He left behind Opposition representatives of the people in contrast to the example set by neighboring Trinidad and Tobago where Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar included members from the other side of parliament, amid similar gestures by world-leading democracies such as the US and Canada.
Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said, “Countries like Barbados, and in particular in the Caribbean, a country like Guyana under the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham took a determined position against Apartheid in South Africa, and against that system of oppression and racism”.
Stuart was speaking in that island’s parliament Tuesday in a sitting, specially set aside for paying tribute to Nelson Mandela.
Stuart had backgrounded his statement with examples of murderous action by the then South African government, including the 1960 Sharpeville massacre of 69 protesters, and killing of activists Steve Biko and Chris Hani. He also referred to international incidents of discrimination against black sportsmen such as English cricketer Basil D’Olivieira, and American Tennis player, Arthur Ashe.
Stuart’s presentation in the Barbados Parliament was followed by that of Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley, and a number of members of parliament from both sides of the House.
In a bipartisan gesture, they then proceeded as a group to sign a national book of condolence.
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