“From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r
To Corentyne’s lush sands
Her children pledge each faithful hour
To guard Guyana’s lands
To foil the shock of rude invader
Who’d violate her earth
To cherish and defend forever
The state that gave them birth”
Pardon my very negative assumption here – based on lots of enquiries – that too many hundreds of our citizens are not at all familiar with the words of our wonderful “Song of the Republic”. I suggest with respect, that we all should acquaint ourselves or renew our youthful familiarity with this 42-year-old national song in this Republic month. I’ve contributed the first verse above.
Every February and May cause me the now usual regret that these national anniversaries merely indicate what could have been. But do not despair fellow citizens – all of you who have freely opted like me, to live only here – I am not going to burden you with my list of lost opportunities over and between 42 and 46 years.
Both we who welcomed Independence and Republicanism, and those “born-Guyanese” now part of the Diaspora, with conscience and the ability to be honest in assessments, see and know only too well that too many of us allowed the politicians of our choice to mismanage our resources, our status and pride for political decades. Yes, we must accept that we the people are largely to blame for the consequences of our choices and our tolerance of racism, corruption and all the vices which have placed the Co-operative Republic of Guyana into the category of kleptocracy and drugs-trans-shipment location.
For the young citizens under 21, I issue an invitation to use the whole of next week’s anniversary celebrations to write down reasons why our little Caricom neighbours enjoy more order, discipline, institutional support and rectitude – and more comfortable standards of living.
Then let your representative organizations petition our government and Parliament with about 20 urgent remedies for the Republic.
Amidst all the parades, calysoes, soca and celebration, the above exercise would be a worthy contribution to the anniversary observance. Now, what is a Republic? Just why was there agreement to become a republic in 1970?
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A Republic song anecdote
The late attorney Cleveland Hamilton was a law student in England along with LFS Burnham.
Burnham maneouvred foreign support to eventually displace Cheddi Jagan as leader of this country in 1964. LFS Burnham was Prime Minister in 1969-1970 when the competition for a Republic song was launched. By then Cleveland Hamilton, poet/lawyer, had fallen out with Burnham. Thoroughly. Cleveland knew how petty Forbes could be at times.
So he used his old family surname Halley, when he submitted his Republic Song entry. He was scared of any “instructions” that Forbes might have issued to the organizers. Cleveland Hamilton won. Forbes smiled. I don’t know if he ever actually sang the words. (True story.)
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Make this Mash yours
Ho-hum. Last January-February I wrote a column titled “What does Mash mean to you?”
I feel I have the answer from thousands in sections of our population. I suppose they have their right to be indifferent, even to boycott. That position does not make them unpatriotic.
But that’s why I admire Trinidad and Suriname in these matters. All contribute to such national displays in some manner. Wholeheartedly.
Nevertheless, I appeal still to those stores and companies who avoid, to put up some flags; to attend the shows and conferences of your choice; to shepherd your children to all events. And it’s not too late to be a late entry on the road – with a costume or float.
Two parting shots: APNU’s YCT will be on the Road, February 23, but not the PPP/C and the government should not have to “pay for patriotism”. (Oh, question: why do you judge the whole Mashramani festival by just the parade on Republic Day? Discuss.)
Copycats— real talent
Would you believe it? Even I went to GT&T’s Valentine Night of Love this past Tuesday night.
Again I marvelled at the raw talent we still possess. Matured singers and young songstresses delivered sweet songs with competence. Whatever key or octave was wrong could be judged by the musicians. For me, the tribute, through sharp, accurate copycat renditions, depicted local ability.
How I hope GT&T and our music producers have recorded these singers’ profiles for future training and use.
Linden is very much now on our popular music scene—once again. My favourites Tuesday night were many but I must mention here Burnette, Candace, Jackie and Poonam. Throughout every year, beyond Mashramani, we must package and market these cultural “products”.
Ponder…
Bravo Mr Winston Brassington. He is quoted as wanting to see all had privatizations negotiations “come to fruition and the integrity of the process preserved.” Great! Over to Parliament.
Where can we research the February 23, 1763 Berbice Rebellion?
Do you know that the ICC (International Cricket Council) is very inconsistent in terms of the cricketing world’s IMCs?
Enjoy all Mashramani events—including the Republic Day Parade in GT.
’Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
