(In tribute to the late columnist Allan Fenty: Stabroek News will be
running some of his earlier columns in his regular Friday slot. This one appeared on Friday July 31st 1998)
‘Emancipate’: “to release from power/influence and from legal, social, political, intellectual, mental or moral restraint or yoke.”
The above can be regarded as a working and realistic definition, by which those who will celebrate Emancipation or Freedom Day this weekend, can make some reasonable assessments and judgments – of themselves and their condition.
My friends, I crave the indulgence of yourselves and my editor – as I repeat once more, previous thoughts this column shared on the subject. (Brazenly I say to my Afro-Guyanese ‘relations’ You cannot blame this government for decades of any-thing!). Now, for the repeats: “Emancipation? Black what?”
Emancipation? Black What?” I ask frankly, after 160 years, what has the black man in Guyana got to show for his efforts – or lack of them? Twenty-eight years of ‘paramountcy’ and presidency? Immigration to other adopted homes? The ‘assertion’ and “empowerment’, the ‘identification’ and consciousness’ – as depicted on Malcolm X tee-shirts and caps?
…after all the talk about Black government and discrimination against non-Blacks for twenty-eight years I’m not sure I see that (allegation) reflected in any real stake in this country which Afro-Guyanese have inhabited much longer than others. Where is this black power’? “… can the Afro-Guyanese Associations… tell me: how many Afro-Guyanese own and work rice-lands? Are peasant cane-farmers? Own real big dredges? Department stores? Plant and sell thyme and eschallot? Import motor-vehicles, zinc-sheets, cement, and spare-parts? (Name seven (7) Black Lumber Dealers).”
“Frankly speaking, I recommend the consideration and enactment of real emancipation by those concerned. Otherwise, the Black man everywhere will forever be reduced to ‘black-power’ jerseys and caps. This week’s observance (of the one hundred and fifty-seventh anniversary) of the Emancipation of African-descended slaves in Guyana causes me to repeat a few comments I made on the theme of ‘consciousness’ (in 1995).”
I shared my view that in the face of perceived or real discrimination being practiced against them by this government, Afro-Guyanese are mobilising themselves to a renewed awareness of their past, their present condition and status, and planning for a justifiable stake in the future. But I had also alluded to my other view that there are some Afro-Guyanese leaders, against those being led – who seem to be using this period of time to consolidate or improve their own positions of influence under the guise of promoting ethnic identity and solidarity. And I had asked why there wasn’t this pronounced ‘consciousness’ among the flock during the previous government’s tenure.
Feeling slighted or denied by the politics of exclusion, many groups are banding together – from the multitude of Amerindian representative bodies to the numerous new-found organisations of Auto-Dealers, Contractors, Mini-bus Drivers and Martyr-making commemorative groups. Surely the Civic’s advent has ushered in a new “consciousness’ of rights.
Having stated all the fore-going, I must commend those local Afro-centric organisations who plan Emancipation vigils and other ceremonies. The education, celebratory and spiritual segments of these observances are informative indeed. Awareness of a proud heritage can imbue in young Afro-Guyanese a sense of pride and achievement – and the inspiration to go on to greater heights.
I ask only that this sense of identity be tempered with discipline and not arrogance; with a dignity informed by reason and responsibility and not uncalled for aggression against any other group. As Afro-Guyanese seek to ‘assert’ and ‘empower’ themselves, they have a justifiable right to be vigilant against any discrimination in high places; against any attempts to deny them their rightful place in history in the present and the future of this shared land. But the onus is on them – as it is on all Guyanese – to study, to learn, to qualify, and to achieve. Every individual or group has to earn their status.
So as I repeat my dubious assessment – that, in a way, Afro-Guyanese should actually thank the Civic government for making them heighten their “consciousness’ – I applaud the Emancipation observances – the libation ceremonies, the festivals of foods, literature, fashion, drama and music. Dare I hope that the politicians who claim the Afro-Guyanese almost as exclusive property’, don’t mislead, deceive and exploit their expectations? And will they – Black People Themselves – allow themselves to be so misguided, politically, that they engineer the postponement of their development? Think on these things! Happy Emancipation? No, A thought – provoking, constructive, planned weekend!
Freedom Day reflections
1) Postponed again: the Capadulla versus Viagra saga.
2) See Freedom Press ‘Emancipation’ magazine for this event. The Brigadier and team feature villages, personalities and issues who and which fashioned much of this nation.
3) I have inherited the knowledge and wisdom of the folklorists, the historians, the writers who promote every-thing Guyanese. That’s why I myself preach and challenge all others to do so in most of my media activities.
4) That’s why, perhaps, you must get interested in my Christmas annual competitions, my own native land, short-stories and words of wisdom on GBC and the new Channel 6 “Guyana Cook-up Show” (Talk about blowing your own Trumpet!?)
5) The letter writer discusses: when the Coolies landed in 1838. Coming too next Friday.
6) Even S.C. Rex revels in the Freedom these days.
7) Besides the ACDA Unit Trust, name 10 things Afro-Guyanese should do.
8) Welcome back, temporary resident John Bill Cotton Mair. Let’s get it on – media – wise!
9) So Bharrat – the Finance Man – is on his money- moon”?
10) Pure thoughts – even for the big truck – On tonight’s vigil in GT. Until!
