Dear Editor,
Though it may be an oxymoron, I’m proud to be Guyanese in Barbados. This sense of pride comes as I witness the lavish preparation as Barbados celebrates her 42nd anniversary of independence on November 30.
Guyana celebrated her 42nd independence anniversary on May 26 this year. What is significant is Guyana’s celebration of 38 years as a republic last February 23. That act of attaining full-fledged status as a republic in 1970 was the completion of the process of independence. No longer was the Queen our head of state, Guyana was to chart her own course utilising the best of the models of the past.
Trinidad & Tobago became a republic on August 1, 1976 but retain appeals to the Privy Council, though the Caribbean Court of Justice is located within her shores.
Change is often resisted and one can imagine the criticism levelled at Forbes Burnham for the decision to become a republic and abolish appeals to the Privy Council. It is interesting that the Jamaica Gleaner reported on March 6, 1901 that, “Thinking men believe that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has served its turn and is now out of joint with the condition of the times.” Burnham, must have been a thinking man, joined decades later by Caricom leaders.
Caricom countries cannot claim on the one hand to be 100% independent, while on the other, hold on to institutions which say we are not. There must be a complete breakaway from the old colonial ties, such as the elevation to the rank of Queen’s Counsel, reciting oaths of office swearing allegiance to Her Majesty and police forces carrying the title ‘Royal.’
Esteemed Jamaican constitutional lawyer Dr Lloyd Barnett has refused the appointment to the inner bar in Jamaica until the title of Queen’s Counsel is replaced with Senior Counsel. How much longer must he wait?
Some opponents of republican status fear that this would show a slow grab for power and a disregard for tradition and democratic values. Sir Henry Forde, QC, who headed the constitutional commission in Barbados noted, “We have also had the experience of a succession of native governors, all but one of whom have been local Barbadians, and they have discharged their duties with impartiality and decorum and reflected the people’s highest values and aspirations.” Still, Barbados retains the monarchy 42 years after gaining independence.
Guyanese of my generation know of our unconditional independence and view the monarchy as an outmoded and regressive institution that has no real relevance to Caribbean people. How fortunate we are as Guyanese, that “this fair land of ours, has broken the bondage of far distant powers.”
Yours faithfully,
Dawn A Holder
