Guyana’s academic gains – do they matter?

Nov 08, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,
It seems a foregone conclusion that Guyana has a lock on leading the Caribbean at the annual CSEC and CAPE examinations. It is now an established rite of passage that Guyanese students rule the roost in an array of metrics. I extend congratulations to students, parents, educators, and institutions, including the Ministry of Education, and its Honourable Minister.
With the appropriate respect and humility, I use the above as context to take into different places, and share what may be – would be- misinterpreted for whatever purposes. I tarry forth. We must overcome this fascination with number of subjects, the number of subjects topped regionally, and the regional comparisons, among other improper, unwise things. The foreign exploiters come here and look at a mere 10 subjects, and conclude that we don’t have what it takes: skills, talents, experience, and those mystifying convenient intangibles. Whatever the number (10 or 20), or the letters (BA, MBA, GOAL), they say that we are lacking. In deference to the dictates of the times, the language is subtle, graced with the purity of civility, but no more. This must register.
Let the disputes about local content capacity/capability register and emphasise to us – leaders, supporters, and the rest (traitors) – that we have do have is required; except that our leaders lie to us, make fools of us, invite outsiders to join in the fun. This is regardless of what the foreigners say to us; or how they say such. I know discrimination and bigotry when I see it, hear it, and for one simple reason: I have lived with it. For my Hindu, Muslim, and Christian brothers and sisters (that is how I hold them, regardless of who they are to me), I urge revisiting colonial India. The words ring: “Every native of Hindustan I verily believe is corrupt” (Lord Cornwallis). AND: “All the historical information…collected…in the Sanskrit language, is less valuable than what may be found…at preparatory schools in England” (Lord Macaulay). AND: Queen Victoria, Empress of India, saw Indians as her ‘children’ and was hailed by her doting subjects. Sounds eerily familiar today. AND: Sir Michael O’Dwyer hated with a passion any educated Indian.
Whether India, Africa, or Inca, my point is that centuries later, our laudable Guyanese peaks of excellence (CSEC, CAPE, UG, even UWI) count as ‘not having what it takes.’ The mighty VP himself said that we don’t have the requisites to audit Exxon’s bills. Today, Exxon is the perfect replica of what the East India Company was for the British in the mystic subcontinent: the British company was an expression and extension of the power of Empire. In Guyana, the Yankee company from the Confederate State functions as the articulation and actuality of American power, thanks to Guyanese political and civil society maharajahs, most of whom qualify for the label of Pindaris. PPP and PNC comrades worship at Exxon’s shrine, and profane this land and its many peoples. They profane me!
Damn it, our people can’t even eat at the same hour as them (GAWU). If not that, then I daresay there is the scantest regard for our 20 subjects at CSEC, 10 at CAPE, our honours degrees, valedictorian awards. I present this before foreign-kowtowing Guyanese, and say that it is time that we, the adults, think deeply and critically and comprehensively and instill those educational attributes in our young. To be nationalistic, and denounce those who degrade us. Those who rub shoulders with them at their meet and greet, and exercises in smile and guile, should know that they are held among the lowest of the low (I refer to one Thomas Carroll of Consulate fame).
Amidst these realities, I am intrigued by the swill and hogwash that pour from Guyanese lips and pens. Where is our dignity? Forget about nonexistent patriotic pride; simply have some individual self-respect. In sum, stop this pointless focus on academic statistics and fleeting bragging rights, and appreciate that we have a country to govern and build, and that we must do it on our own terms, govern it our way. And that means this: the foreigners do it our way, or not at all. Last, PPP/C, PNC, AFC, and the many other areas of stupidity need to come to their senses and admit: everybody cheats us, but we cheat ourselves the most. Start with a meaningful education process. Be rid of those who dismiss Guyanese, our brethren all.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

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Guyana’s academic gains – do they matter?

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