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HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

Feb 25, 2018 Editorial, Features / Columnists

On February 23, thousands Guyanese celebrated Guyana’s 48thRepublic anniversary under the theme “Let’s Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48.” For many, it was not only an occasion to celebrate, but also to reflect on the state of the country 48 years after it was declared the first Cooperative Republic in the world by the late Forbes Burnham.
February 20 marked his 95th birth anniversary. As the architect of the republic, his followers honour the legacy of Forbes Burnham.  Forbes Burnham was a visionary leader who used his skills and ornate speeches to whip up excitement when it was flagging and gave inspiration where it was needed. He offered hope to the hopeless and provided vision when it was necessary.
He was courageous, immensely brilliant and genuinely passionate, but he was no saint. His ideals and ambitions to transform Guyana into a Cooperative Republic claimed the admiration of those who believed in him and the right to a free and independent Guyana.
He was a patriotic leader, who has retained an amazingly strong presence in the minds of many. His legacy lives on through the continuing relevance of his transformative ideas; his inspiring vision; his outstanding leadership and his ineffaceable example of humble and selfless service to the nation.
He took over the leadership of Guyana at a critical time in the midst of racial tension but delivered the nation with his grand project of modernization which transformed the economy and the lives of many for the better.
He was, by nature, plain-spoken, sometimes brutally honest. Many disliked him for that trait. He did not suffer fools gladly or had time for silliness. For him, greatness mattered but humility mattered more. He was a leader who had faults and made mistakes, and who allegedly rigged elections, but through it all, he was a patriotic Guyanese who was never too aloof or arrogant to offer advice to anyone.
A Fabian socialist, Burnham was wedded to a political philosophy that emphasized equality and social justice for all. His policies to feed, house and clothe the nation and redistribution of the nation’s wealth were grounded in his belief to make the small man a real man.
The great affection which his followers had for Burnham was revealed in their overwhelming grief at his passing in 1985. He made Guyanese feel good about themselves and their ability to achieve greatness on the world stage despite the limitations and small size of the country. He was a sincere leader.
Yet his detractors hated him with a passion so intense that they supported every effort to topple his government. Walter Rodney was the chief attacker. Rodney formed a political party that pledged to bring about Burnham’s end. When Rodney died in a bomb blast the fingers pointed to Burnham who denied any involvement.
No one should forget the great risk of unpopularity he took to fight for the rights of all Guyanese to become first class citizens. Had it not been for his indomitable spirit, his remarkable ability and his sterling qualities, the things he fearlessly fought for would not have been achieved. Whether we agree with his sentiments or his political ideology, we must acknowledge that we are indebted to him. He was a transformative leader with a vision for a better Guyana, but sadly, he did not live to see the fulfillment of the things for which he stood or the ideals for which he fought.
Forbes Burnham was in our time, but he was also ahead of his time. He was said to be a man for all seasons and his legacy lives on.

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