For this edition of Lifestyle, in keeping with the celebrations of 50 years of independence—Guyana’s Golden Jubilee—our theme is ‘Golden’.
In a historical piece, we trace the steps to independence. The article looks at how it all came together 50 years ago and who did what and why. Many of the movers and shakers are no longer in the land of the living, but their legacies live on as part of our history. What they did back then helped shape the path we have taken as a free nation.
For food writer Cynthia Nelson, Guyanese cuisine is as ‘golden’ as it gets. Authenticity is her watchword and Cynthia, as always, keeps it real. In ‘Guyana Gold: An appreciation of our cuisine,’ she shares reminiscences of eight food items that all play on the ‘golden’ theme. There are no recipes, but none of food items are unfamiliar to any of us. However, it is possible that we may never have looked at them quite this way before. And after now, will we ever look at them the same way again? How many ‘golden’ Guyana foods can you add to Cynthia’s list of eight?
Coming right after the West Indies’ amazing three for three in the recent World Cup series, writer Mark McGowan hits all boundaries with his ‘Five for Fifty.’ Admittedly, five for fifty would be a miserable cricket score for any team in any form of the game, unless of course, the other side was already 49 all out. In ‘Five for Fifty’ Mark has focused on five of the best Guyanese cricketers in the fifty years between 1966 and 2016, based on their individual contributions to the game, both in Guyana and further afield. Possibly, his picks are subjective, but he has selected five masters. If you were to choose, who would be listed in your five for fifty?
In ‘Golden Oldies’ writer Jannelle Williams looks back at the 1966 celebrations outside of the capital. She, with the help of five Berbicians, gives a glimpse of how it all went down in parts of the ‘Ancient County’. There is a distinct impression in the reminiscences of these sage elders, only one of whom was an adult at the time, that the mood of 50 years ago was one of unification—the spontaneity of strangers hugging and random dancing in the streets was precious. There was pride and amity in the claiming of a new motto and the embracing of a new flag, even among those who did not quite grasp what being independent meant. Yet it proved to be so fragile; 50 years hence, national unity is on our ‘to-do’ list. Is it possible to go back, even as we move forward?
However you choose to mark the Golden Jubilee, make it memorable.
A toast to the Golden Jubilee!
Cheryl Springer
Editor
April 25, 2016
