A question of independence

To mark the anniversary of Martin Carter’s passing in December 1997, Gemma Robinson looks at Carter’s work on independence from 1966.

In 1965 David de Caires and Miles Fitzpatrick invited Martin Carter and George Lamming to edit a special issue of the journal, New World. The goal of the New World group was to debate the political and cultural future of the Caribbean. This special issue would be dedicated to Guyana and coincide with the formal declaration of its political independence. For Carter and the Barbadian Lamming it was a unique opportunity to explore the links between Guyanese politics, national identity and culture. The two took up the invitation and the New World: