Wait a minute! Have you read the editorial in last week’s Sunday Stabroek? If you have not then go find your copy of the newspaper or visit the National Library and ask for it. It is captioned ‘Renaming.’
The leader deals with the recent renaming of New Garden Street to Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and laments the non-preservation of historical naming.
This is a matter that has raised concerns in the Guyana Consumers’ Association. A few years ago we wrote to the Mayor criticizing the change of street names and asked for it to be stopped. The Mayor and City Council responded but evidently have forgotten the issue and we may now be exposed to several changes if we do not raise our voices in protest.
Now many persons may be loathe to raise a voice for fear of offending the recipient. We are not opposed to some form of recognition being given to persons who have exhibited exceptional talent in some field of endeavour, but we do strongly object to changing the names of streets that we have lived with all our lives. Some persons are suggesting that a shrine in a well-kept garden be the alternative.
There is now a suggestion that some part of North Road be named after Desmond Hoyte as he lived in that street. With all our admiration for Mr Hoyte we would suggest that some other form of recognition be given. It always fascinates me that North Road is south of Church Street and South Road is North of Croal Street.
Some years ago the City Hall attempted to eliminate the names of the Georgetown districts and gave a number to each district. There was widespread objection and consumers did not comply. We soon returned to the district names as we know them.
There is a lot in growing up in a certain street and in a district. Born in Lamaha Street and growing up there, it has become part of me, and what happens in Lamaha Street is of great interest. Persons who grew up in Albouystown share a certain culture and are pleased to tell you of all the residents who made good in life; they give the reasons for it.
What about the many thousands of Guyanese who now live overseas. When they hear of the Shiv Chanderpaul Drive they may well wonder where it is located and ask what madness is going on in Guyana.
The editorial points to the fact that there are many new areas and new roads that could be used to honour persons that the City Hall wishes to honour. It points to the Rupert Craig Highway that offended no one. Not a teardrop fell when the naming took place. There is also the Clive Lloyd Drive.
On one occasion High Street between the Pegasus and Lamaha Street was renamed ‘Cheddi Jagan Drive.’ Dr Jagan was incensed and had all the new signboards removed the following day.
The renaming of places can also be done by the populace without the consent of those involved. The Public Buildings has in the public eye been renamed the Parliament Building. Tell any taxi driver that you wish to go to the Public Buildings and he will most likely ask you to give him the directions. The invitation to the state funeral for the late Janet Jagan was for ‘Parliament Building’ and not ‘Public Buildings.’
Let us read a paragraph from the editorial:-
“Georgetown’s history, as said above, is contained in its names. It is, as has been noted on several occasions, the only plantation city in the world, and its past of estates, drainage and street development is encapsulated in its nomenclature − even North Road. If one is going to capitalize on that history one should be seeking to preserve the heritage of names, which in themselves tell us a huge amount about where we have come from.”
The editorial ends with the plea, “please, Mr Mayor, no more renaming.”
