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Sixty Years Later
Editorial…
(Kaieteur News) – On May 26, this nation will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee — sixty years as an independent nation. Yet the question still echoes across Guyana: we have Independence, but are we truly free?
Six decades after the colonial yoke was lifted from our necks should have been enough time for us to understand and embrace the true meaning of freedom. Independence was meant to bring national dignity, self-determination, accountability, and opportunity for all. But too often, it appears we merely replaced foreign masters with local ones.
At first glance, power today rests in Guyanese hands. Look deeper, however, and a painful reality emerges: too many of those entrusted with leadership answer not to the people, but to themselves, their allies, and foreign interests. Independence has become more of a ceremonial holiday than a living national principle.
Successive governments and political parties have failed to maximize the promise of this treasured freedom for the benefit of ordinary citizens. Information on critical national matters is released selectively — only when it serves political convenience and selfish agendas. Guyanese have painfully realized that the interests of political elites rarely align with the interests of the people.
This failure has become even more devastating in the era of oil wealth. The discoveries that once inspired hope for transformation now risk becoming symbols of squandered opportunity. Those steering the ship of state have structured systems to protect themselves first, while feeding citizens half-truths, distractions, and empty promises.
Independence cannot survive where leaders are free to manipulate national resources without scrutiny. The oil fund, our children’s inheritance and our nation’s safeguard must never become a political playground. Citizens have a duty to question fearlessly, speak boldly, and demand accountability relentlessly. Silence is surrender.
Freedom does not end at elections. Voting is only the beginning of self-determination. True Independence requires vigilance, courage, responsibility, and a citizenry willing to hold leaders to the highest standards.
There is no meaning in exchanging British domination for American, Chinese, or any other foreign influence. Neither can we celebrate freedom while homegrown predators enrich themselves at the expense of the people. That is not Independence, it is a new form of bondage.
Sixty years later, Guyanese must rise above political manipulation and dependency. We must think for ourselves, act for ourselves, and reclaim ownership of our destiny. No citizen should become a doormat for any leader or political machine.
The time has come to understand what Independence truly demands: national pride, accountability, courage, and collective responsibility.
The time to act is now.
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Back then, Guyanese could afford 1×6 pack Tennis roll or Butter Flap paying
cash, pack of red bread/ hard buns, i loaf pan or plait bread and children
could afford taking a snack to school. In the 1950’s, there was school feeding
of powdered milk conversion and real biscuits in the morning, all from GREAT Britain, schools then were under various Church denominations and stern.
Now, violence rules the school by the children, playing adults with weapons.
Teachers were stern, not hustling children, having sexual contact.
Guyana has come a long way in 60 years.