-But Mr. Molotov, Channa – and Grey Goose!
You Guyanese Citizen! When last have you taken time to read and examine the words of our National Anthem, the song of the Republic and the many other National Songs?
What lovely loyal patriotism and motivation their lyrics (and idealism) exude and promote.
Apart from all that their verses constitute pure poetry.
As both student and teacher between the sixties and seventies, I was compelled to know and study those inspiring words. After all, there were also fewer distractions in those days compared to the recreational/technological offerings on hand now. And migration’s lure was not yet the effective, foreign–oriented intrusion it has now become. So I – and my generation – loved our patriotic national songs. Somehow, Cleveland Hamilton’s rather latter-day powerful song of the Republic forged its way among my top-five favourites in terms of Guyana’s National Songs.
But wait, since this week-end attends to Monday’s forty-second Independence Anniversary, I, we should consider the “Green Dear Land of Guyana”.
Our Independence’s Anthem
The weeks leading up to Forbes Burnham’s agreed-upon/consensual break-away from Britain, for the then long-delayed Political Independence for British Guiana were filled with expectant frenzy, a national fervour to be free – mentally, psychologically, constitutionally, culturally.
Mind you, too many of us were given to believing that political/constitutional, independence from Britain would also mean an economic, prosperous Independence replete with our own proud Defence Force (capable of repelling any invading greedy neighbour), an army of Diplomats to represent our independent nation/country and its causes, the management know-how to exploit and develop our abundant natural resources; the abilities to create new industries with new employment. Alas, how quickly we were to realize that political independence never guaranteed those economic expectations! Without the assistance from and dependence upon the same folks we wanted a healthy proud distance from! And when we began to chip away at their revered institutions years after May 1966, we submerged many a solid (democratic) foundation. To our collective detriment. Economically speaking, it’s back to square-one, forty-two years after. What Independence?
Oh man! In the weeks before May 26, 1966, we were in love with and proudly crazy over the new Golden Arrowhead – the National Flag (designed by an (American). We learnt and sang the words of our new National Anthem (written by an Englishman). Thank goodness that the music for the anthem was composed by a Guyanese – the urbane and creative RCG Potter.
The five national colours and the Coat-of-Arms and all the new national symbols of Independence overwhelmed the new nation to be. And always the inspiring words of the Anthem!
Recall some:
“Dear Land of Guyana, of rivers and plains
Made rich by the sunshine and lush by the rains
Set gem-like and fair between mountains and sea
Your children salute you dear land of the free”
Now peruse the sentiments: “lush by the rains” – no Great Flood of 2005 in 1966 or before; “gem-like and fair,” “land of the free.” Depends on perception, reality or perspective, I guess.
“All sons of one mother?” – So much doubt has been cast upon that ideal since 1966. Sons? One “mother”? I suppose individual groups’ Arrival Days and strands of culture still do not really diminish our national attempts at harmony. Oh but though we co-exist better than so many others, I often doubt whether we qualify to be Nation.
But again, it is the words and beautiful sentiments of our National Anthem’s last verse which give me reason for distress, remorse:
“Dear land of Guyana, to you will we give,
Our homage, our service, each day that we live
God guard you, great mother, and make us to be
More worthy, our Heritage – Land of the free”
Do we really give Guyana “our homage, our service?”
“Each day that we live!?” Satisfying our basic need(s) to exist might translate into service to country but, to me, frankly speaking it is a case of self-first country after – very much after. And I won’t even bother to discuss here the hundreds of thousands who left the “gem-like, hallowed shores of the Dear, Green Great Land of Guyana” since 1966.
Perhaps they’ve taken the “heritage” with them; perhaps they still serve their Native Land from afar in their chosen exile. But, I say, their physical absence has made us poorer since Independence. I ask that, over this weekend, you review and reflect upon the words of our National Anthem. Then think of the IMF, the World Bank (IBRD), the IDB, the CDB, USAID and Foreign investors as you contemplate the 42nd anniversary of our Independence.
In return, I’ll explain why I’m still glad to be Guyanese. I’ll tell you why I am pleased not to be English, American, Antiguan or Bahamian. Next time.
God guard you great mother…
The penultimate line of our Anthem asks for Divine protection and security. From natural and man-made disasters, I suppose. We are spared the recent natural horrors of Burma and China. We seem to prefer man-made versions.
So right now I ask for protection against Molotov cocktails made from channa and gas and other incendiary fuels and materials. From the chaos of destructive, violence-friendly protests and marches.
For in this land, when political “leaders” use “causes” and distractions for personal or partisan/objectives, one negative thing leads to another, ten times worse.
Mr Molotov was the Soviet (Russian) commissar who created the hand-held, grenade-type “bombs” thrown at enemy war-tanks during the Second World War. Our Guyanese Molotovs are using expensive, nutritious channa – in this food crisis – and costly fuel to make bombs! Last Friday they bombed the Ministry of Culture. The mini-bomb containers were Grey Goose Vodka bottles! Expensive taste, like the original Russian Mr Molotov would have had. Who are the well-off bosses of these local Molotov/Channa Bomb throwers?
Independence!? Until…
Let’s hold the President to his pledge. The Courts with their all-powerful judges notwithstanding, let us ask the President about his GRA tax-evasion, corruption probe, always.
Traffic accidents and murders. If human life has become so cheap here, would those minds care for lower animals?
Reasonable point: does the government advertise the concessions available for investor-negotiations?
Dr Cheddi Jagan argued in the Legislative Council, for agriculture to feed this country, long before 1966. Others in the council scoffed. But is it true that Cheddi’s comrades tried to sabotage Burnham’s Feed, Clothe and House yourself initiatives? Discuss.
Coming next week: Corbin’s Carifesta Challenges (3C’s). Kidnapping a festival – and holding it hostage.
’Til Next Week! [comments? allanfenty@yahoo.com]
