Toolbox

Burnham motion wins full backing

The National Assembly last night unanimously endorsed a motion brought by Opposition Leader Robert Corbin to give due recognition to the work and contribution of Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

Corbin, leading off debate on the motion, said its approval – particularly the archiving of his speeches and works - would promote a dispassionate analysis of the contribution of Burnham for the benefit of posterity’s own judgment. Speaking for the government, Prime Minister Hinds also endorsed the motion and it was fully supported after hours of debate.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds (right) and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin speaking on the motion to honour the late President Forbes Burnham yesterday in Parliament. (Jules Gibson composite photo)

Corbin said that “we in the People’s National Congress… recognize him (Burnham) as a visionary, who was a founding father of an independent Guyana. His vision was to establish an egalitarian society where all races would enjoy social justice and political and economic emancipation.”

Corbin added that the pursuit of these objectives at the height of the Cold War was considered to be dangerous by the West for the Caribbean region as the successful efforts could have empowered other leaders in Latin America and Africa to follow similar socialist policies in opposition to the West.

Consequently, Corbin noted, Burnham faced severe obstacles both internal and external as he introduced economic policies and programmes to lay the foundation for the psychological, cultural and economic liberation of Guyana.

Corbin took the opportunity to assert his conviction “I believe… that Guyana has nowhere to go and has no realistic chance of revitalization without peace and reconciliation, a peace that is based on justice and a recognition of the rights and aspirations of all Guyanese whatever their ethnic or racial origins or whatever the social background and religious beliefs. This indeed was part of the vision of L.F.S. Burnham.”

Corbin recollected that four years ago in his first address to his party congress as leader, he had stated, “If Guyana is to move forward, there must be a paradigm shift. We cannot continue in this vicious cycle. For cohesion to be achieved, we have to close the chapter of the past… let us have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

Burnham had assumed political power in Guyana in 1964 with a PNC/UF coalition subsequent to the imposition of Proportional Representation by the departing colonial machinery. His tenure has been the subject of much controversy with respect to the issues of rigged elections, repression, the killing of historian Dr Walter Rodney, the banning of food staples and economic malaise. He died in office in 1985.

The 23rd anniversary of his passing was observed on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Hinds, registering the Government’s support for the motion, said Burnham’s career was an extraordinary one which was due mainly to the personal skills and abilities which nature had blessed him in extraordinary huge proportions.”

Hinds quoted a work from Ashton Chase which posited: “He was a failure, he was a success, he was a builder, he was a destroyer, he was a strategist, he was a schemer.”

Hinds posited that the unity of the Guyanese political landscape in 1953 with both Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan forming a major democratic entity constituted great potential. However, subsequent occurrences which resulted in the split along with the damaging corollaries are deeply regrettable.

Other parliamentarians including AFC Leader Raphael Trotman also spoke in support of the motion in the context of Guyanese 20th century political history.

One of the resolve clauses calls for the National Assembly to give “due recognition to the service of Mr. Burnham to the National Assembly and Guyana by requesting the Government to have prepared and published a collection of his speeches spanning his tenure in the National Assembly for display in the Library of the National Assembly.”

The resolve clause had moreover recommended that the National Assembly “calls on the Government to designate a State Institution to be responsible for historical Research and Documentation to chronicle and archive all of the works of each of the Presidents of Guyana for the benefit of future generations of Guyanese.”

Another resolve clause called for the mounting of full sized portraits of each of the Presidents of Guyana in the Chambers of the National Assembly.

Comments

About Comments

We thank all readers who have contributed to this site since its relaunch. This section of the website is intended to provide a forum for reasoned and reasonable debate on the newspaper's content and we hope that readers make full use of it as many have already done.

The comments section is an extension of the newspaper and what it has become well known for over its history: accuracy, balance and fairness.
In recent weeks a large proportion of the comments posted have contained attacks on other users, slander, coarse language and profanity. Comments of these types will be deleted.
Comments which contain gratuitous and incendiary references to race and ethnicity will be struck.
We reserve the right to edit/delete comments for length, any libel and taste. We moderate all comments so be patient while your message waits to be approved.
Curious about the little images next to each commenter's name ? Go here and sign up using the same email address you used to register for Stabroeknews.com then upload your image and confirm it.

88 Responses to “Burnham motion wins full backing”

guy123
on August 8th, 2008 6:04 am

this is a very great step this administration has taken in the direction of healing the nation,this is what we need in Guyana to send a message to those loyal to the PPP that it is ok to move on now,there is no more need to keep lamenting about Burnham’s wrongdoings,our nation is struggling to move on,this one little move could be seen as a start of peace among the peoples of Guyana.
Please all you haters,accept this as a good thing for our country,stop the phycological warfare and let there be peace,it is time!! Anyone who does not agree with what is happening is guilty of wanting our country to suffer because of their own malice,give it up Burnham is dead,your aggression is to your fellow countrymen.STOP IT.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:52 am:
I agree with you we should move on. It is good for our national health. In all honesty we can not forget the atrocity committed by the regime on the people and state of Guyana. Just to point out one, the reopening of the 1899 boundary award. The elder men,told him not to do it, but he did not care

[Reply to this]
hitman4hire
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 8:18 pm:
I have no interest in giving burnham any support cause I think he was the worse president Guyana ever saw. My reasons for believing so, is that growing up I was told stories by my mother about how East Indians would have to wait in long lines to get food stuff for hours and when they finally got up to the front they were given flour that was no good which was infested with weevils…and the stories go on and on.
malaika06
on August 8th, 2008 6:55 am

Hear! Hear!

Corbin for once has achieved something sensible and issued words of substance. Good to know that the PPP led government has acknowledged that LFS Burnham is an integral part of our history.

More importantly the fact that both main political parties can agree to recognise Burnham’s contribution to the country, is an indication that they can work together.

However, I sit back and await now all the closet racists, “haters” and generally the Guyanese who just love to criticise because they can, to come crawling out.

Let’s have a national discussion on Burnham’s contributions, his vision and WARTS and ALL. It;s the only way we can heal and move forward

[Reply to this]
torbo
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 8:51 am:
MALAIKA06 OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY THIS IS BIG UP TO CORBIN AND SAM HINDS AND THE REST OF THEM.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:53 am:
leave sam hinds out.

malaika06
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 12:06 pm:
Torbo

You know, I don’t particularly like Corbin and don’t have much respect for him either as a political leader.

But I believe that I’m rational and matured enough to acknowledge when people do the right thing, even if I don’t like them. So I ent in no way “bigging up” Corbin.

I sincerely want to see Guyana rise up out of the morass it’s in and realise its true potential.

This is just but one tiny, infinitesimal, minute, teeny step in that LONG journey towards acknowledgement and embracing of our past to head into the future a proud and great nation.

Too long those folks in the Caribbean, our so-called brothers and sisters, have taken “de eye n pass us”. We can and deserve better!!!
amen-ra
on August 8th, 2008 7:11 am

I welcome this initiative, it was long overdue, good move mr. corbin and thanks to all parlimentarian who recognise mr. burnham’s contribution to guyana.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:54 am:
i want to know the vote count,fo and against.

[Reply to this]
jbrownboy14
on August 8th, 2008 7:20 am

It is evident that the political longevity of either Burnham or Jagan would gave been an issue of discussion had they not done what was required for their own survival. However controversial their works and rule may be in retrospect, casualties was inconsequential in the eyes of the larger political powers (judge) of the day,but only in the eyes of the disaffected and the disillusioned those actions quite rightly which have resulted in any form of emotional, physical or financial insecurity have received our attention. In my book, both Burnham and Jagan did their master bidding’s, a classical example in Guyana social and political history, of one who did not is found in the life, work and demise of Dr. Walter Rodney, my kind of hero however imperfect history may judge him to be.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:59 am:
well said,in the wrld of duality they were the players.

[Reply to this]
carolscott
on August 8th, 2008 7:41 am

i agree and have been waiting for Corbin to have the courage to do this.

[Reply to this]
ankoko
on August 8th, 2008 8:01 am

If history were ever to judge anyone to be perfectly perfect then I submit that history is biased. I don’t know if anyone ever made this statement before but I do hope I’m not repeating anyone.
Politics also make for strange bedfellows. The history of Guyana is inseparably connected to the doings of L.F.S. Burnham and C.B. Jagan who shaped British Guiana’s foundation as the the independent nation of Guyana.
There should never be any issues as to the acknowledgement and archiving of their works.
I do hope that this action by the National Assembly be seen as a step forward inpreserving our history and moving on in oue exciting future. That those who try to rewrite our history use their energies and abilities to achieve the stated visions of those leaders who have passed on.
My interpretation of those visions - Simply put - “An independent and progressive Guyana for ALL Guyanese”
Shall we work to fulfill these dreams???

[Reply to this]
cochore
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 1:58 pm:
Ankoko you’ve got to be careful mentioning C.B. Jagan in relationship to Guyana. The stubborn facts show that Jagan had nothing to do with governing Guyana until after 1992, because he was always in the opposition.

However, those same stubborn facts will show that Dr Jagan had everything to do with British Guiana not Guyana. Ankoko my friend you know that, those stubborn facts are a mean bunch who normally run around together in cliques while calling themselves HISTORY.

By the way, let me remind you of a few things about British Guiana. The national flag for British Guiana was the Union Jack and the national anthem was ‘God save the Queen’. Ankoko banna…. I don’t think that Dr Jagan would want to associate his legacy with that.

Therefore my friend Ankoko, those stubborn facts which like to call themselves HISTORY, will not record anything positive about Dr Jagan until after 1992. So it looks like that sly fox Burnham did it again, because he already figure out a way to keep the whole enchalada to himself. Bannas! ain’t that thing called history a cruel bitch?……

[Reply to this]
vatvic
on August 8th, 2008 8:16 am

I can’t believe that the PPP and even Ravi Dev’s petite party supported Corbin’s motion/proposal in parliament; Man, you can never trust politicians, Never.

I wonder what’s the trade off?

Then Hear Sam Hinds, lampy pampy, hop-an-a-drop, spin;
“He was a failure, he was a success, he was a builder, he was a destroyer, he was a strategist, he was a schemer.”
Cripes.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:28 am:
Pnc is doing damage control. Their ideology is banrupt.They need, something to hold on to. Or else, this empty void will continue to destroy the pnc.
Can you imagine the pnc surviving for 28 yrs in opposition, with members being harassed, jailed, no jobs etc?
The very thing they destroyed in Guyana is saving them; equal opportunity, democracy, fraternity, nationalism.

[Reply to this]
optimistic pessimist
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 7:07 pm:
bbuckman yuh miss de bus with this observation son! Is not de PNC doing damage control is de PPP practicing “crumbs feeding” politics. Is lil crumbs de feeding the PNC so dat they could seh, “Look, yall can’t seh we neva do nuttin fuh yall.” You gun tell me dat all dem PPP folks who hate Burnham so gun agree to this??? The decision to fully support this motion by the PPP smacks of Central Committee direction and control… is crumbs dey feeding yall lil crumbs!

mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:07 pm:
bbuckman, you are on the point, unlike what optimist ressimest said. I agree with you.

Chemist
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:11 am:
A very small minded opinion Vatvic!!!!!!!!

[Reply to this]
Sheik Ally
on August 8th, 2008 8:18 am

I have been following the Guyana news daily. The amazing thing the present PPP-CIVIC government did was to allow this motion to go parliament and support given. The Guyanese people must ask themselves if they can remember if the PNC did this for the # l Guyanese Freedom Fighter and Statesman, the Late Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan or anyone else when they were alive, and should understand that healing is necessary but not at the expense of the grave security problems that face the nation both internally and externally. The PNC leadership thought it priority to bring this motion to parliament ,yet the necessary committment and undivided support to stop the spiralling crime wave across the nation daily seem less important. The PNC AND ITS SUPPORTORS WAKE UP FROM THE SLUMBER,remember God is the only True Forgiver,stop supporting directly or indirectly any crime. All guyanese citizens wake up, do not turn a blind eye to any crime for you will be ask to account by God. Let us unite under Truth. SA/CANADA

[Reply to this]
torbo
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:07 am:
SHEIK ALLY please lets move on its time the healing begin, let us all live like
one people one nation one destiny

[Reply to this]
gap1
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:56 am:
Healing begins with an apology. It is psychologically symmetric. In fact, I had argued years ago that had Corbin apologized for the PNC’s wrong doings under Burnham, he would have won more seats in the last General Election. More Guyanese would have given the PNC a second look.

The PNC cannot be wrong and strong. They should sieze this moment and apologise.

The nation of Guyana is like a woman, you wrong her, you have to say you’re sorry before she can begin to forgive you, and it is wrong of Corbin or anyone of you on this board to expect that the nation will heal otherwise. Get over your unrepentent selves already! It is important.

deflect
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:55 am:
I agree! The “grave security problems that face the nation both internally and externally” need more commitment from all concerned. However, until the government (which is in control of the security apparatus of the country) can demonstrate to all Guyanese and the rest of the world that they are not just paying lip service to solving our security dilemma; that they are fully committed to respecting the rule of law; that they are prepared to accept dissenting views as normal in any democratic society and not see them as destabilizing the government; that freedom of speech is a basic hallmark of a democratic nation, only then will the people of Guyana develop the will to move forward in the healing process necessary for development.

This move to support Corbin’s motion is a welcome sign that some sense still resides in the corridors of power. It is hoped that more good sense would prevail to facilitate the healing process.

[Reply to this]
pepie
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:52 am:
Boths sides need to give the Guyanese side an Apology. They both did us wrong

[Reply to this]
mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:10 pm:
The PPP did this at this time because Ms Gay McDougall from the UN is in Guyana carrying out racial assessments made by the PNC, so to appease the situation, the PPP succumbed and passed the motion. Fear is the key.

[Reply to this]
coolieman
on August 8th, 2008 8:27 am

Corbin should apologize for the wrong that he (Corbin) Burnham and the PNC did to Guyana and that would have closed that chapter so that the healing can begin. Stabroek News should give more of what was said during the motiom

[Reply to this]
torbo
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:08 am:
COOLIEMAN, stop looking back you will crash stop it man get over it have a nice day my brother

[Reply to this]
La vie est bonne!
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 2:57 pm:
coolieman is so full of hate he can not see properly.
wake up and smell the stench and dont’ deny there is a stench.

freetorun
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 4:46 pm:
when you guys crying about forget about the past, [pnc 26 years] can we at the same time tell u guys that slavery in guyana was abolish 174 years ago and forget about it,
and stop make ref. about my forefathers bondage.

pepie
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:54 am:
Both PPP and PNC needs to apologies to the people of this Country.

[Reply to this]
cochore
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 2:19 pm:
Coolieman I agree that the PNC should apologize for their atrocities while in Government. But the PPP just had their National Congress and mind you, they are the Gov’t of the day and nobody apologized to the Guyanese people for Joint Services failures with NOT solving the crime problems.

[Reply to this]
mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:13 pm:
coolieman,
I do believe what you say is right…the PNC, Corbin, Hamilton Green and the rest should apologise for the destruction they brought Guyana, and if not for one thing, because of all the criminal intent on behalf of the PNC, they were not prosecuted or hung…they’re still free.

[Reply to this]
BADLALL
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:25 pm:
Corbin is on record for a truth and reconcilation commission like what happened in South Africa. So far the Jagdeo PPP govt is not interested … Mr moderator I would like to see the auditor general’s report in SN.

[Reply to this]
Chemist
on August 8th, 2008 8:31 am

This is a good initiative. This is an opportunity for individuals especially youths to learn about the history of their country and not to have a polarised view of where Guyana was for this can truly determine the future. Highlighting our past leaders and their works without regards to current politics is surely a way of knowing our history, our present and how we can mould our destiny.

[Reply to this]
MS_msprobe
on August 8th, 2008 8:35 am

Certainly a welcome initiative! My question is when Guyana will have a visionary leader like Burnham and Cheddi? Are we going to see any visionary leading in the next century? What corbin said ….hmmmm keep reading the books of burnham.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:44 am:
Please, let the truth be told. Burnham tried to implement most of the ppp development plans, in a divisive Guyana.
It should not work, and it did not work. Guyana needs the kind of nationalism of the mid forties, to mid fifties.
Today we have freedom, democracy.oppertunity, but no nationalism

[Reply to this]
deflect
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:58 am:
Is there an implication by this statement that Desmond Hoyte cannot be counted among the visionaries of Guyana’s past leadership? If so it is certainly a disservice to his legacy of demonstrative courage, a trait sadly lacking today, to move Guyana in a different and positive direction from that of his predecessor despite the odds.

Jagdeo and his government had and still have a great opportunity to continue with the gains made under Hoyte’s leadership of the country. Maybe this public acknowledgement of Burnham and the PNC’s contribution to Guyana’s development is a step in the right direction I dare say.

Let us wait and see if this move by the Government of supporting the motion will be followed by concomitant action, or maybe, on the other hand, it was merely just paying lipservice to an idea which time has come.

Talk is cheap! Action, positive action that is, can and will pay dividend. I wish the current and future leadership of Guyana would possess and / or demonstrate Desmond’s courage. Wishful thinking? Only time will tell. Let history be the judge.

[Reply to this]
torbo
on August 8th, 2008 8:46 am

I AM TOTALLY SURPRISE OF THE OUTCOME OF THIS MOTION, I HOPE THEY CAN WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE AND PASS MORE OF THE OPPOSITIONS MOTIONS, WELL PARLIMENT IS WORKING ONCE AGAIN
IN GUYANA

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:54 am:
Yes, this great house is the forum for the national debates. Only then we can have peace, progress and prosperity.
A Guyanese must not lift his hands against another Guyanese. We must go back to days when it takes a village to raise a child.
Bbuckman get nough lash, from teacher Henson, and Blackman fuh limin on the road. We the people have to raise our consciousness to higher level. This can only be done trough education and good behavior.
Start by controlling what your children watch and see,even from you.

[Reply to this]
pepie
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:56 am:
bbuckman you sound ANGRY and thats a bad sign. I hope you are not one of our PMs because if you are…..God Help US

Roula
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 1:37 pm:
PPP and PNC are just long time friends. Burnham and Cheddi are eating right now at the same table as they did before. Soon another motion shall be put on the table, Barrat needs to be recognized for cleanning Sofia erea. And Corbin needs also some recognition for refusing to use the word “Mo fire”
Some of us need to see a motion that would provide FOOD for Guyanese people. Burnham and Cheddi are dead, deal with thr living one!
2fast4u
on August 8th, 2008 8:58 am

Kudos to Corbin for finally doing something right.Burnham was a visonary,A true leader.Produce or perish,National service & on & on.No imported wheat flour,sardines or potato.Cassava flour,rice flour were norms of the day.Boy I remember when we had to eat smuggle food from Suriname.Gasolene was so abundant we had to line up for 6 hrs.We had 28 years of bliss & tranquility.Guyana was making huge strides.Who has failed to learn from the past is bound to relive it.Guyana needs to heal togehter & recognise Burnhams contribution to Guyana

[Reply to this]
gtmassive
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:11 am:
You can be sarcastic for all you want! Remember the value of our dollar when he was around, as compared to now?

[Reply to this]
mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:17 pm:
what was the value ? who had the dollar? what was there to buy with it (except bribery) and where else in the world was it accepted?
Dinstinct
on August 8th, 2008 9:02 am

Thanks to Burnham adminstration he may me and hundreds of thousand Guyanese flee that wonderful country!!! Well Mr.Carbin you working!!

[Reply to this]
guy123
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:30 am:
And look how happy you are in the Big Apple,or you don’t like it there?Think of all the relatives and friends in Guyana who would do anything to be in your shoes!!! Now say THANK YO MR BURNHAM BUDDY Lol!!

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:27 am:
i spoke to him as a school boy on the phone ,for picketing parliment. claiming democratic rights.
i learn much of my authoritarian ideas from him.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
on August 8th, 2008 9:15 am

Forbes Burnham made his mark as minister in the ppp government in1953 as minister of education. The suspension of the constitution and the removal of the govt from office, some wonder if the British will ever allow free elections in Guyana again. The new govt a legislator was hand picked. Forbes saw his opportunity, not to struggle with the nationalist party but collaborate with the imperialist. The newly formed pnc was filled with the collaborator and imperialist and undemocratic forces. This is not racism this is history.
Burnham, was once interviewed by European journalist, who asked; “why do you rigged your own elections” to which, Forbes replied, “madam! Theses election is not for us”, such was the disrespect he had for the Guyanese people.
Some of us who are Fabian in our ideaology, claims dictatorship, bring stability and progress. This is laughable. During his years at the helm, Guyanese of all ethnic background flee this sacred land.
I remember, one morning in kitty Georgetown, Forbes was ridding his horse. An old gentleman said, “ah,forbes ahwa yo bann all dem food ting fah”.To him Burnham replied, “two ting me nag a ban, is rope an poisons if you don’t like it ,you can hang yourself, or drink it.”
What are in these qualities to be proud of?

[Reply to this]
MS_msprobe
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:34 am:
Gud boy (or man)… You know your stuff, but Corbin forgets the bad part and only talks about the good. Only the good things people talk about when someone dies. But we still have to give Burnham points because today its 200+ G$ to 1US. What was the rate to the US then? Can you remember?

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:56 am:
one fuh one

malaika06
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:46 am:
No!

It was four to one. I distinctly remember that

pepie
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 12:07 pm:
He is honest, after all

freetorun
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 4:51 pm:
g$2.76=US$1

mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:22 pm:
All y’all guessing, its been so long that no one remembers, and so long that the money was no good to use. I don’t remember what the dollar value was myself, but I do know it was known as “monopoly” money, good only in Guyana, so what was it worth? bbuckman has it right, one fuh one, because it was worth only in Guyana…NO WHERE ELSE.

gap1
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 11:56 am:
To Burnham’s credit though, and I am no Burnham’s fan but it was rediculous that Guyana used to import salt-fish and apples and grapes etc etc.

He did ban a lot of stuff yes, the flour was a stupid idea and he wrecked a lot of milling businesses along with it, but many of the products that he banned, Guyanese ended up producing on their own and did pretty well with it anyway!

We had no choice, of course but the end results were not too bad in that area.

[Reply to this]
malaika06
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 5:32 pm:
hear! hear! again.

mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:26 pm:
Malaikao6
looks like you don’t know much about Burnham. If I told you he was an addict to condensed milk would you believe me? Well he banned condensed milk from Guyana so he alone can eat it. Do you know how much fried and baked chicken Burnham and his entourage wasted on the GAC plane when he travelled, while Guyanese starved?
Myfun1
on August 8th, 2008 9:21 am

What an achievement, I am somewhat surprised but really happy that for once the PNC & the PPP can find common ground on meaningful and historical Legislation. Hopefully now the healing process can begin, it is time to bury the hatchet and create a political social and economic envoronment that benefits all Guyanese regardless of ethnicity or political conviction.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 9:58 am:
me want common ground in economics and development.not development and distruction.

[Reply to this]
LoveGT4Real
on August 8th, 2008 10:37 am

I think this could serve as an example of what could happen if and when the political leadership in Guyana chooses to put country first.

I do support the notion that all of our leaders should be honored for their respective contributions to our country. This would be easily achieved in a “true democracy” where we respect the views of those who disagree with us, as well as treat with equal respect, persons who differ in race and or religious backgrounds.

It grieves me whenever I think of where Guyana could have been had there not been a split between Burnham and Dr. Jagan.
The potential that a racially united Guyana has is simply mind boggling. We would be virtually unstoppable when our human and natural resources are considered.

My children, and your children should not be made to suffer because of the ills of the pass…………..atrocities that were committed before I was even born.

Let’s be serious about healing Guyana so that future generations would be freed from the prejudices that plague us today.
I make a special appeal to our older folks who would have suffered first hand, to lead this charge and let’s close this horrible chapter.

[Reply to this]
rupert
on August 8th, 2008 10:50 am

Is this the agenda that Corbin and PNCs are contributing to Guyanese society?
(Is there critical support in the making? Is a third term in the making??)

It continues to be more of the same nonsense about Jagan and Burnham.

What have they exactly done? Where are the Guyanese to build Guyana.? Why have they all left Guyana? Where is the development? Who force Guyanese to migrate because of there devastating “socialist” economic policies? Why are Guyanese continuing to migrate??? The rest of the Caribbean have stable society and has moved far ahead.

After 41 years of rule of Jagan and Burnham( another form of Jaganism), all the educated Guyanese, top leaders, top mangers, top educators ( who were mainly Afro and respected at that time) , businessmen(I am not talking about the master drug people attached to the PPP) have left the country.

Both the PPP and PNC after 41 years can only show a depleted stock of Guyanese and ultimate bottom of the leadership(???) scale to President of Guyana and opposition leader.

The man(Burnham) that abandon all the democratic path to follow Jagan into Marxist Leninist governance is also being hailed as a visionary leader.

After 41 years they (Jagan and Burnham) have taken all we had (as Guyanese) and will take all we are going to have as Guyanese until we have nothing left.

[Reply to this]
gap1
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 2:06 pm:
Sobering thoughts, my friend. Thank you for bringing this prospective to the blog. We all need an overdoze of reality. Enough with Jagan and Burnham! Let’s move on. But maybe this is one of the “moving on” process. Maybe we need a little patience here.

After all is said and done, Guyana is only an embryonic forty-something, in comparison to America’s youthful one-hundred and thirty-something…in comparison to……How old is England?

Alfred the Great (reigned 871-899) is the first monarch known to have described himself as ‘King of England’ but was he or was he not? Who cares? They’ve had plenty of time to sort that out.

Let’s be patient with ourselves as a nation. Guyana deserves it.

Thanks anyway! Appreciate!

[Reply to this]
pepie
on August 8th, 2008 11:44 am

Now, this is why I love being Guyanese because we quarrel and we fight but gosh the making up is always heartfelt.

A Great Political move by the PPP in supporting this motion and a good step in the right direction for a better future for Guyana. Our politicians are now realising the bigger picture, which is nothing comes before the Guyanese people; not a Political Party, an Organisation or Person’s with great egos and god knows we had a few of those. Therefore in order for us to move forward as a country we need to stop the fighting from all sides.

Please note that none of our leaders are without faults. When Mr. Burnham died I was 13 years old. So, I don’t know much about the man and his vision. I have heard and read for and against arguments about his policies, some of which I benefited from and some which caused me great pain. Example Burnham bedding, White mouth, massive retrenchment in the early 80’s at Guymine, which placed my entire family on the bread line. As a result I was force to assist by selling on the streets after school but there was free education from which most of us who now write in these papers are proud recipient of. The same goes for Dr. Jagan too. I bet he had his vision for us as well but unfortunately time did not permit him to implement them. But we must be thankful for his strength, tolerance and his determination, all too evident, in the return of fair and free election (A Part of democracy) back to these shores. However, his failures - far from as many as Burnham, was his inability to shake the pull from his ethnic constituency and as a result he made statements that would forever be etched in the psyche of Guyanese – one made in the late 50’s and the one in Canada while as president.

My advice to future leaders is to always be cognisant of the elephant in room, since our society is multi ethnic and multi-racial.

The Jadeo Administration still has a golden opportunity of making us feel comfortable with ourselves, putting this country back on the right track and returning the respect we once had. Mr. President let us not wait for the next administration. Don’t live for now but for the life after; ensure your Portrait is hanged alongside the two names mention above.

As I borrow the words of Senator Barack Obama and say, this is our time, let’s start a new chapter, let’s turn the page.

[Reply to this]
momohunny
on August 8th, 2008 11:46 am

Haters! Critics! Frenemies! They all came out! Beautiful Guyana let me see all the dirt you have inside of you come out! Ask yourself, “Have I forgiven someone lately?”. It starts with us! Move on! I believe it’s an individual thing first of all. It starts with me. Let’s forgive and move on or we will all become sick citizens. PEACE!

[Reply to this]
torbo
on August 8th, 2008 12:09 pm

where is mackypuppy and gopie ?? i hope yal celebrating this great achievement
that just took place in parliament. mackypuppy and gopie i am rejoiceing here
in my armchair as u always say mackypuppy

[Reply to this]
malaika06
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 5:37 pm:
woof!, woof!,

Dog!, doggg! doggg! Where is the dog called Macky?????

[Reply to this]
miltonbruce
on August 8th, 2008 12:55 pm

Thank you Mr Corbin. I’m just sad that my friend Mr Walter A Jordan passed before seeing this moment.

[Reply to this]
lucky
on August 8th, 2008 1:46 pm

I have been reading all the comments about this. I am not against speaking the truth, but will everything he did will be on the table so that the youths who were born after his death can read what he did and how the people suffer when he took power and rigged all the elections. Let the young ones know how he fooled the UF and give Peter D finance ministry knowing fully well he will dump him in the next rigged elections. If u are going to recognize his work let all the truth comes out and then let the leaders of the PNC apologies to the Nation and then we move on. The whole truth and nothing else.
May god bless our country and let peace come back.

[Reply to this]
shyboilex
on August 8th, 2008 1:54 pm

Both sides did wron and i think this is a great step forwardand towards a new beginning.

[Reply to this]
Desilusionada
on August 8th, 2008 3:45 pm

Seems the Assembly agreed that “His vision was to establish an egalitarian society where all races would enjoy social justice and political and economic emancipation.” His vision. Hmmm. Well, the deed’s done and we need some decisions on how we’re going to collect his work and what we want done with the collection. Where will all this be on display? Further, it’s time we fashioned a list of stalwarts that we should also honor.
1. Ashton Chase
2. ?

[Reply to this]
freetorun
on August 8th, 2008 4:56 pm

corbin is only trying to regain his legitimacy with his people again, nothing more from the truth. the game is on once again.

[Reply to this]
WRodney
on August 8th, 2008 8:27 pm

Laad a mercy, Walter Rodney must be busting up from his burial place.

The commie PPP in bed with King Kong.

Laad help GY

[Reply to this]
rwilliams
on August 8th, 2008 8:38 pm

Burnham’s regime was characterised by rigged and fradulent elections, dictatorial rule, repression of the press, political assassination ( Dr. Walter Rodney) and murder, repression of private business and farmers, economic collapse, food and fuel lines, blackmarketing, malnutrition, starvation, massive migration and exodus, etc; etc.
Burnham’s reign is one of the darkest chapters in Guyana’s History !
In the minds of most Guyanese, Burnham’s memory is a regrettable one.
It is not one they are proud of !
This political ploy by Mr. Corbin and supported by the PPP, will not change this or history !

[Reply to this]
mackydog
In reply to the above comment on August 8th, 2008 10:43 pm:
rwilliams,
correction…”burnham’s reign IS the darkest chapter in our history” …not one of them.

[Reply to this]
Greg
In reply to the above comment on August 9th, 2008 2:21 am:
This is an extremely harsh assessment of Burnham and being a person who normally admire rwilliams contributions I have to ask, “How old are you my friend?” How much of your assessment is based on hearsay? Your assessment threw snipets of the negative side of Burnham but there is also a positive. Your assessment looked at Burnham the socialist but what what about Burnham the scholar, the intelluctual, the visionary, the master politician, the public speaker, the wise cracker and humorist?

It is a pity that Burnham (and the PPP) took socialism as a conduit of development for Guyana and he had a damning character of being egotistic, but if you should take away Burnham’s political ambitions and he was just a plain public servant you end up with a exceptionally gifted Guyanese, who few of our sons and daughters, past and present can emulate.

Burnham was bugged by socialism, an ideology embraced by many of the new breed of leaders, which the the US and the UK firmly tried to curtail. No wonder there were hardships. Burnham ended up in the wilderness in relations with the US an UK. To this day Cuba is facing embargos. Their boxing team for the olympics training with the most out dated equipment and methods. Only recently they were allowed cell phones. So much for hardships.

Your venom do not also consider the oil crisis of the seventies, which affected every single country in the world, at a time when Guyana was in its infancy. Rigged elections? Yes he did ( no excuse for that) but even in democracies, parties in office try every type of dirty scheme to remain in power. Voting irregularities, forged voters list, voting scams and deception are all part or the election process in the US. Consider “Operation chaos” perpetuated by the Republicians against the Democrats, whereby a popular radio host had republicians registering as democrats and voting for Hilary to upset Obama.

A proper assessment of the man named Forbes Burnham by the young and the up and coming historians will only be understood when we have the opportunity to look at him from all angles. That is why the Govt. decission is a step in the right direction.

[Reply to this]
guy123
In reply to the above comment on August 9th, 2008 3:38 am:
Well from all the comments that I have read from people oppossed to the motion,it sounds like this is no more than a racial issue,so in my humble opinion,I’m afraid your opposition to the motion is understood,but at the end of the day it will make no difference,because something as important as that is not going to be stopped because of those people with a race hate problem,I would suggest you all give it a rest now,no one is listening,the motion is going ahead anyway,there is soon going to be something else for you to vent your feeling about,this one is over,it’s a done deal.Ta ta.

[Reply to this]
birds
on August 8th, 2008 10:19 pm

Congratulation’ are in order to Mr Robert Corbin, Opposition Leader and Leader of the PNCR. who have introduce the motion to Parliament to give due recognition to the work and contribution of Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Also it is highly commendable on all the Members of Parliament who supported this motion.

For all those who have vented their bitterness about LFSB it shows how you are still living in the past. Many just speculated and assumed what had happened during the years of the PNC was in Office.

Some people have short memory, a motion was also move by Parliament to recognize Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PNC Members of Parliament supported that motion. So living in the past will only prevent those from moving forward.

[Reply to this]
deobalram.com
on August 8th, 2008 11:45 pm

It is good to see the various political parties come to one common consensus and give Burnham his due. Good or bad, history will speak for itself. Let the healing begin; there are a lot of unnecessary negative bloggers being posted.

Whatever happen to LFB’s vision of one people, one nation, one destiny; come on Guyanese let’s get with the program.

[Reply to this]
kaikan
on August 9th, 2008 5:56 am

It is indeed a great day that the Guyanese Parliament can acknowledge national leaders, Burnham, Jagan and those that followed. The time has come for Guyana to move on. There is a reason rear a view mirror on automobiles is so small……. you can’t go forward by looking back.

But if we must look back, let’s tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Forbes and Cheddi were like two peas in a pod. First and foremost, they were Guyanese, and they wanted a free Guyana. Secondly, they were politicians, and politicians are generally crooks who exploit the masses to satisfy their personal interest. They both did just that in their own way. When Cheddie was Premier, Forbes was beside him. Even after they split into PPP- J & PPP-B, they remained committed to each other. In public and in parliament they presented themselves as foes, that’s what politicians do…….. make personal deals then put up a front.

The time has come for all Guyanese to focus on the future and build the nation. That’s what Cheddi and Forbes wanted in their own way…. so let’s just do it.

When I think of Guyana, I think of the young American now running to be President of the USA…….. His mother is white, his father black….. What does that make OBAMA???? I say it make’s him AMERICAN. How can he deny his mother for his father or his father for his mother??? Well, like OBAMA, the struggle that gave birth to Guyana has two parents Cheddie B, Jagan and Linden FS, Burnham. For good or bad which one should we deny????
For all those who like to demonize Forbes and or Cheddi, I just want to say one thing to them ….. Just ask Joey Jagan how he feels about Forbes Burnham who was his godfather. And then take it one step further ask him how he feels about his father a Hindu/ Indian and his mother a Jew/ White…. Ask him which one he is prepared to deny???? I bet he will say he love equally.

Sand and Cement are so different, but when you mix them together and add a little water you get concrete… ..yes strong concrete.

When you think of all the ingredients you need for bread and roti, they are all different, but blended together and subjected to the popper heat you get good healthy, nourishing food.

So fellow Guyanese, let us move on to build our nation and put petty differences aside, there is much potential in each of us. Let’s us use that potential in a productive way and invest in the growth and development of our Dear Land of Guyana

[Reply to this]
Satish
on August 9th, 2008 6:32 am

It is not sufficient to say a Guyanese President should be honoured for their contributions to Guyana.
We need more objectivity. We need the full story – warts n all.

I agree with ANKOKO who I think says
‘There should never be any issues as to the acknowledgement and archiving of Guyana Government policies and works’.
I would go further say there should also be retroactive analysis of Guyana under British rule and future proof regulation that every government’s tenure must be laid down objectively because this will be the HISTORY OF GUYANA.

President Hoyte, for instance, stood at a dangerous crossroads and gods bless him that he did the patriotic thing. Now we need to write these things into our history books.

Academic editors of such works must be culled from open minded and objective folk who are beyond reproach. If we look hard enough, we can find them.

I endorse the opinion of “An independent and progressive Guyana for ALL Guyanese”
Now let us get our history lessons correct and move on into the future.

[Reply to this]
abdullah1994
on August 9th, 2008 3:28 pm

I simply dont see what the fuss is all about. All the PNC motion asked for - that Burnham - the dictator - his speeches be up in the Library of the Parliament and that his photo be put up on the walls as one of the Presidents of the country. It was not a big deal for the PPP. It would have should them up as small-minded if they had refused.

This would not change the fact that Burnham was he was - as aptly described by Ashton Chase and quoted by PM Sam Hinds. No one can change history - the records of one’s actions are there for all to see. Burnham was never a principled person- if he was them he would not have support the United Force to travel a path that finally caused the collapse of our economy and the persecution of thousands of us.

These things cannot be forgoten - but one needs to made the separation from Forbes Burnham - the dictator - and the Guyanese people. I agree that there is great need for the unity of our people - but that cannot done with the current corrupt PPP -led administration. We need a new grassroot movement - which is taking shape - and will emerge into a Regional South American federation that will take us to Highway to Happiness.

[Reply to this]
sfrancis
on August 9th, 2008 11:35 pm

How could recognition be given to someone who destroyed Guyana and caused the deaths of so many people.

[Reply to this]
ShadInToronto
on August 11th, 2008 6:23 pm

Another ploy by the PNC to re-write history and confuse Guyanese …. as wise ol’ Abe said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time”.

As part of Burnham’s corrupt regime, Corbin is only deceiving himself with calims like this “we in the People’s National Congress… recognize him (Burnham) as a visionary, who was a founding father of an independent Guyana. His vision was to establish an egalitarian society where all races would enjoy social justice and political and economic emancipation.” Total bovinae manure!!!!!

Burnham’s vision was Guyanese worst nightmare!!!!

[Reply to this]
StoneP
In reply to the above comment on September 3rd, 2008 10:24 am:
Well said.

[Reply to this]
nips
on August 13th, 2008 7:53 am

Am I missing something here what did Burnham do for Guyana?
Allow innocent people to be killed,raped,rob,starved,banished our hope for a clean country and divided the country into black and brown?

[Reply to this]
srayman
on August 14th, 2008 8:47 am

I would just like to say that it only make sense to recognize Burnham and the PNC, if we are going to be truthful and examine their total effect on the country: is it criminal, destructive or cooperative and constructive. I do not want to use truthful language which some might find distasteful but let me just say that until the PNC becomes a constructive organization in the country, they should not be allowed any access to power in Guyana. Recognizing the contributions? of Burnham, who was a brutal despot and demagogue, is not a step in the right direction. I am not a scholar but I think it would be useful to remind readers of a few things:

* this is how Sir Patrick Renison described Burnham in 1958, ‘Mr. Burnham is the only alternative leader of national size. He is not an attractive character like Dr. Jagan. The West Indies do not respect him so much and he will never attract the world press in the same way. He is CYNICAL, SUPERFICIAL, UNRELIABLE, PREJUDICED and IRRATIONAL. But he is the man who appeals to the African masses, and with his wit and cleverness he shows no signs of losing his leadership.

* about the 1964 Pre-independence elections that brought Burnham and the PNC to power. This is what Harold Wilson said about it, ‘ the elections in British Guiana is just a fiddled arrangement tantamount to rigging the elections against Dr. Jagan’. Those of you who have read the British and USA’s Declassified Documents will know that Burnham and the PNC were just CIA tools used to undermine the PPP Gov’t and remove them from power and eliminate the threat on communism as seen by the Americans.

We should never forget the racism, attrocities, the destruction to the economy and how many industries were nearly destroyed, how many have been killed and how many have suffered (we still do not know how many people were killed during the early sixties), at the hands of Burnham and the PNC since 1960. There is a lot more ugliness but I will leave it to Guyanese to educate themselves about the history of Guyana since the 1950’s. The PNC needs a radical change if they are going to be accepted as a legitimate political entity. Here’s hoping for progress in Guyana.

[Reply to this]
srayman
on August 14th, 2008 12:14 pm

A little addition to my previous comment: Reality, PNC Power - the PNC’s grip on Police, GDF and Civil Service needs to be loosenened for the Gov’t to have real control!

[Reply to this]
StoneP
on September 3rd, 2008 10:22 am

Burnham had no intention of creating a society whereby all people would live equally. He pitted the races against each other and that gave him his power. Racism was rampant during his Presidency. The PPP and PNC used racism to accomplish their goals amongst many uneducated Guyanese men and women.
Guyana suffered immensly during his reign and is still suffering because of the damage that was done. However, the mentality of politicians need to change also in the current environment to reconstruct the country. Too many of these guys are for themselves only and care nothing for the country.

[Reply to this]