Dear Editor,

The passing of Dr Joshua Ramsammy brings back memories of this man who fought against the dictatorial rule of the PNC under Forbes Burnham for free and fair elections and human rights. Joshua stood up to the Burnham regime helping to form the Ratoon Group and the Movement Against Oppression which all merged to form the now Working Peoples’ Alliance.

Dr Joshua Ramsammy’s struggle was so effective that he was slated to be cut down. However, he survived the attempt on his life when he was shot near the Guyana National Co-operative Bank. He lived on to struggle fearlessly against Burnham’s regime.

The present PPP/C government should introduce a new honour and call it the Order of the Revolution. They should give it to those who struggled for freedom, democracy and human rights. Those who should be at the top of the list are Dr Walter Rodney, Dr Joshua Ramsammy, Dr Clive Thomas, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Mr Eusi Kwayana and Mr Paul Tennessee. Though some of them who fought for rights and democracy have betrayed the struggle of Dr Walter Rodney by joining the opposition PNCR, they still deserve it.

Dr Joshua Ramsammy will long be remembered for his militancy, his struggle and determination to bring about a better Guyana and not to accept dictatorial rule.

Yours faithfully,
Baldeo Persaud