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The Jonestown tragedy should not be exploited for financial gain

Dec 13, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

A letter from the tour operator offering Jonestown as a dark tourism destination was recently published in the press. What the tour operator and the Ministry of Tourism is suggesting is quite premature and unempathetic. The recent objections raised by the survivor and ex-congresswoman who is planning to ask the White House to step in and stop the use of the site as a tourism destination should give pause to those trying to exploit this tragedy for financial gain.

Jonestown has been neglected for a long time and would benefit from an annual wreath laying at the memorial erected with the involvement of the U.S. Ambassador. This will help place the appropriate spotlight on this unfortunate event. The tragedy will remain in the minds and hearts of the Americans, and if they feel so inclined to learn more about their past, the opportunity to participate and visit will present itself. The least we can do if this was to occur is accommodate their needs and curiosity if they choose to tour the location. But it must continue to be an unfortunate American tragedy. If their ambassador embraces the idea of the annual wreath laying then the tragedy of Jonestown will no longer be seen as a tragedy that the Americans had tried to sweep under the Guyanese rug, and more importantly it will have their support for its correct use. That being one for mourning. We must also consider the families of those affected by this tragedy and ensure that any visit to the site or wreath laying at the memorial is done with them in mind. Co-ordinating this effort with the other established Jonestown memorials must be a key consideration. They should be the first ones that are invited to the ceremony led by the American Ambassador to Guyana. Over 300 children died in this tragedy and we must not allow others to exploit their memory for financial gain. Those impacted by this tragedy must be given the opportunity to express their feelings and continue the healing process.

This tragedy led to a major break in our country’s relationship with the U.S. We must also remember the impact it had on our country, the way we were perceived as a nation afterwards, and the sadness that came upon our land. The joyous hospitable atmosphere of Guyana and the good nature of our people were temporarily forgotten by those outside of Guyana. If we are determined to make Jonestown a highlighted part of what is Guyana then we must ensure that it is done respectfully and correctly, so as to heal and not exploit. The American government must play a key role in the healing process. What the tour operator has suggested sounds more appropriate for the history books and a school lesson. Unfortunately, the empathy needed to step foot on the location of this tragic incident has fallen short of what one would expect. The families and those affected must be protected from exploitation.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jamil Changlee

(The Jonestown tragedy should not be exploited for financial gain)

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