Dear Editor,
Today many Guyanese may not appreciate the significance of the independence day of Ghana formerly known as the ‘Gold Coast’.
There were celebrations in parts of Guyana including Channel 9 on Mandela Avenue yesterday at 1:00pm.
At this time when Guyana and the Caribbean are in the throes of trying to make our independence meaningful and to overcome the problems of human weaknesses, greed and the persistence of a lingering pernicious colonial mentality amongst some, it is useful for all Guyanese to reflect on the significance of the environment which led to the struggle in this Western African nation for self determination fifty five years ago.
After the plunder of the resources of India, Africa, South America and elsewhere by the European imperialist powers, the international economic problems allowed World War I (1914 – 1918). These conditions led to the stress which allowed for European Civil War better known as World War II (1939-1945) – a tragic wasteful conflict.
Equally tragic was the division of much of the world by the victors of the war (Western Europe, United Kingdom and United States). All the while, the former British Colonies increased their demand for self determination and political independence.
British India was the first to gain its independence in 1947.
We are aware of their internal challenges which led to the establishment of Bangladesh and Pakistan. During this period colonies in Africa and the Caribbean stepped up their demands for independence and gave urgency for freedom.
The Gold Coast was the first to gain their freedom on March 6, 1957 under the illustrious leadership of Kwame Nkrumah who became its Prime Minister. This country of 20 odd million was renamed ‘Ghana’ after Independence.
For a large portion of people in Guyana this was always considered a day of celebrations.
Earlier, convoys from the villages populated by descendants of freed slaves saw this as their victory. Along the East Coast, Corentyne, West Coast Demerara, West Bank and Essequibo people converged at certain places to celebrate Ghana Day.
It is good that Channel 9, Ms. Blackman, Professor Dr. Norman Ngaqui and others have recently revived this activity, they ought to be complimented since we need to keep alive all of our history, so that our so called six races that make up Guyana will know of their respective ancestral links and struggles and our common fight against imperial exploitation. Together this will not only help to bring us closer but give us the intellectual vigour to make a reality of the country’s motto and goal of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, J.P.