Independence Day revisited
By Tota C. Mangar
MAY 26, 2000, marks the 34th anniversary of our country's attainment of political independence from Great Britain. On this historic day in 1966, a new nation, Guyana, the only English-speaking one on the South American continent, achieved national sovereignty to become the 24th member of the then British Commonwealth of Nations, thus bringing to an end decades of British colonial rule. Guyana's road to independence was indeed turbulent. For a brief period in the early 1950s, its nationalist movement, the original People's Progressive Party, under the leadership of the late Presidents, Dr Cheddi Jagan and Mr Forbes Burnham, enjoyed overwhelming support from the working class and the masses in general as they pursued the objective of national unity. Their resounding victory at the 1953 general elections astounded many, including local reactionaries, the Colonial Office and moreso the US State Department. The mass-based party's tenure in office was only short-lived as Great Britain, under considerable American pressure, suspended the Constitution and overthrew the legally elected government under the guise of a `communist threat'. The ironical thing about it was that an interim government was imposed and comprised many individuals who themselves suffered defeat at the hands of the toppled nationalist candidates. As if that setback was not enough, the nationalist movement itself became severely fractured in 1955 and this paved the way for the intense political rivalry between our two foremost leaders, Dr Jagan and Mr Burnham. Unfortunately, it was this more than anything else, which also led to racial strife and insecurity. Subsequent events such as political and social instability, including strikes and disturbances, which erupted as a result of the Kaldor Budget and the Labour Relations Bill in the 1961-1963 period, clearly illustrated the turbulent waters that this nation had to endure. Loss of several lives and the destruction of properties and dislocation of people to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars were the sad reality of life during this unfortunate period of our nation's history. Under a new electoral system of proportional representation, Mr Burnham headed a coalition government. As Prime Minister he shouldered the responsibility of leading the country to independence while his former colleague and then bitter rival Dr. Jagan, served as Opposition Leader. With independence came the termination of more than a century and a half of British colonial administrative rule. At the witching hour of midnight, thousands of Guyanese of all walks of life stood proudly and cheered as the Union Jack was lowered and the National Flag went up to herald the birth of a new, independent Guyana. Among those who witnessed the highly significant and unique ceremony were the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Sir Richard Luyt, the first Governor-General, former Consecutive Colonial Secretary, Mr Duncan Sandys and Colonial Secretary, Mr Anthony Greenwood and 62 delegates from 47 countries worldwide. Of added significance and to the tumultuous applause of all who thronged Independence Square was that comforting `bear hug' embrace between Cheddi and Forbes, the architects of Guyana's freedom only minutes before the attainment of nationhood. That emotionally charged moment promised much, but in the final analysis realised very little. As part of Independence we saw the emergence of our new Guyana Coat of Arms. On it is seen the pride of our fauna life, two jaguars holding a pickaxe and stems of rice and sugarcane and facing each other proudly across a painted shield on top of which rests a visored helmet topped by the feathered crown of an Amerindian chieftain. Beneath a scroll-like banner boldly proclaims the Nation's Motto: `One People, One Nation, One Destiny' while on the shield itself there are three barrulets of azure blue symbolising Guyana's watery nature and its water potential. This Coat of Arms justifiably accords pride of place in our national minds and reminds us of our unity and sense of purpose. Independence brought with it our national flag, a slender golden arrowhead set proudly on a background of green and red and stands as a striking symbol of Guyana's journey into the future. The lush green colour symbolises the fields and forests of Guyana's assets, of which the country is richly endowed. The red triangle represents the zeal and dynamic nature of nation-building that lies before the young and independent nation while the deep black border stands for the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of its people. Finally, white symbolises our rivers, waterfalls and our hydro-electric potential of this `Land of Many Waters'. Our new National Anthem is a popular aspect of our Independence. Reverend Archibald Luker wrote the words of `Green Land of Guyana' in response to the nation-wide competition sponsored by the National History of Arts Council, while our distinguished Guyanese educationist and musician, the late R.C.G. Potter, composed the music. The title of our National Anthem is appropriate and expressive of colour and vitality and of land fertility. On the morning of the May 26, 1966, the National Assembly witnessed all the pomp and pageantry and ceremonial aspects of Westminster. In the historic Public Buildings, the Duke of Kent handed over to the country's first Prime Minister, Mr Forbes Burnham, the Constitutional instruments conceding to us the dignity and pride of Independent Nationhood on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Undoubtedly, the expectations of all Guyanese were very high at that point in time, and they certainly had every right to be. Our Prime Minister expressed high optimism when he said: "Thus our journeyings to Independence have ended. We face, however, the harder, but more emotionally satisfying and definitely more self-respecting task of making Guyana great among the nations - the tasks of building a free and just society." What can we say 33 years after gaining independence? We certainly share the joy, pride and dignity of being an independent nation. Our expectation was that with political independence, we would have enjoyed political stability, national unity and social and economic progress. Unfortunately, the stark reality is that today, our nation cries out in shame. In several aspects we are worse off now than then despite the very best efforts of many. As a matter of fact, political stability and national unity are as elusive as ever. Post-1997 election events and recent political and industrial actions are testimony to this. While some progress has been made on the social and economic front, the nation is still to rid itself of a grave economic crisis. Foreign debts continue to stifle us as we experience depressed world market prices for our products. We are still to fully accelerate our production and productivity drives. We continue to suffer from migration and consequential `brain drain' and capital flight. As we approach the new millennium and as we reflect on independence, let us show a greater sense of purpose and maturity, and greater mutual respect, tolerance and understanding of all Guyanese if we are to survive as a nation. Let us put nation first at this critical juncture of our country's history and in the face of a harsh and oppressive world environment. Happy 34th Independence anniversary to one and all! Long live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
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