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REMEMBERING THE FATHERS OF INDEPENDENCE

Jan 25, 2016 Editorial

Even though the New Year is less than a month old, the government has launched Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations both at home and in New York.
In anticipation of the celebration, Guyanese from all walks of life have begun to focus on the continuing transformation of the ideas and hopes for the country since that historic moment on May 26, 1966.
Surely, the people will leave no stone unturned to make the celebrations successful. They will support the government to make sure its goal to unite the people, develop the economy and provide a better life for all is achieved in 2016.
At this time of the year, Guyanese generally cannot help but reflect on their leaders’ long struggle to end colonialism and foreign domination of Guyana.
There is widespread admiration for the fathers of independence: Forbes Burnham and CheddiJagan for the unyielding belief in their ability and fighting spirit to end colonialism in Guyana. They have made tremendous sacrifices, including risking their lives and freedom to shake off the chains of colonial rule.
But it was Forbes Burnham who captured the imagination and the spirit of the Guyanese people and galvanized their support and propelled them into the vanguard of the struggle for political economic, social and cultural emancipation. Burnham succeeded in achieving independence for the country, and on February 23, 1970, Guyana achieved the status as the first Cooperative Republic in the world.
His sense of purpose was fueled by his patriotism and his abiding faith in the people and was reinforced by their enthusiastic response to the progress of his government, which ensured that all Guyanese would have an opportunity to work and share in the economic well-being of the country.
He had the clear vision to create a system that would endure beyond his life time and continue the struggle for his noble ideals. His desire to Feed, House and Clothe the nation made him an iconic leader. He was a judicious and ingenious leader.
Prime Minister Burnham inspired the able-bodied, the educated and the working class to work hard to help build a prosperous country.He instituted a reward system of free education at the University of Guyana in exchange for young, energized Guyanese to volunteer to work in the National Service and on quasi-Government projects.This gave a new meaning to volunteerism and a vibrant image to the youths in Guyana. However, subsequent leaders did not build on this social model.
Forbes Burnham was famously not impressed by the domination and exploitation of the country’s resources by foreigners.
With charisma, energy and resolve, Burnham, with critical support from CheddiJagan, nationalized the country’s two largest industries, sugar and bauxite against the advice of some of his advisors. It was not a wise decision, but his primary goal was to end the pauperization of Guyana by conglomerates.
As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, every effort must be made to improve the plight of the poor and downtrodden.
There is the need for senior public officials with the fortitude to make the right decisions to take Guyana to its manifest destiny. If not, the attainment of 50 years of Independence would have been in vain.
However, the government has to turn the economy around, create jobs for the youths and make Guyana the bread basket of the Caribbean and the model of progress for the other small and developing countries of the world.
It is time for all to resolve their differences and plant the seed of unity and love for the good of the nation and to safeguard its 50th Independence in memory of Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan—the fathers of Independence.

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