Dear Editor,
I am a proud and precious descendant of the African slave who toiled on our plantations and who were mercilessly beaten by the European plantocracy.
Volumes have been written about the horrors of slavery and in his book The Overthrow of Colonial Slavery by Robert Blackburn, he reminds us that the plantocracy and aristocracy made fabulous fortunes out of slavery.
In all this, the women played a vital role to help nourish our men. Our women with unbelievable resilience delivered children in the open spaces sometimes, digging a hole in the ground as their cradle.
On this occasion, the role of black women, even as I write with tears in my eyes, must never, never be underestimated.
As Deputy Mayor and a product of that evil period, I pledge in the Council and beyond to ensure that our women understand their role as Mothers, Wives, Caregivers and in some circumstances, sole breadwinners.
I pledge on this anniversary to work with my fellow Councillors so that Guyana and our brave women will enjoy God’s grace and generosity he has given to us.
Women must be the target beneficiary of this gold, oil and gas and no national disasters. Our women deserve no less.
Ms. Denise Miller
Deputy Mayor (Elect)
