Dear Editor,
I tend to seek out Sunday’s columns written by Dave Martins, among columns from other distinguished writers, through the medium of the Sunday Stabroek. It was timely and necessary that he tried to highlight the magnificent contributions that Jamaicans have made to the world. However, some of his statements have gone askew with excessive praise for them in areas where their accomplishments have not been impactful or widespread. The world knows that they have made a monumental mark by producing world renowned singers and athletes. I would not say that they have outstripped Guyanese in leaving a transformative print on history or being a more reverential people. I take umbrage as a Guyanese patriot when Guyana is compared with our Caribbean sister countries and deemed as having less potential and desire to improve. Admittedly, our politicians have messed up and consequently damaged all aspects of a good and progressive life for a large number of our citizens. Guyana’s natural beauty, infrastructure and resources have been damaged and depleted to our detriment. However, our educational systems pre and post independence have produced people who have been exemplary and leaders throughout the Caribbean and the world. To support this statement I refer to Sir Shridath Ramphal, Baroness Amos, Martin Carter, Pat Thompson, Ian McDonald, Dave Martins, Dr. Compton Bourne, Sir Ronald Sanders, Sir Clive Lloyd, Michael Parris, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye and countless others. Former President Forbes Burnham was instrumental in creating CARICOM.
So, to quote Martins, “so often it’s Jamaicans getting it right and so many of the rest of us standing on the sidelines” is attributing excessive accolades to my dear Jamaicans who are a part of our unified Caribbean group. Guyanese deserve no less such praise and recognition.
Yours faithfully,
Conrad Barrow
