Dear Editor,
Dr Mohan Ragbeer is a very distinguished man. Born into abject poverty, he attended Queen’s College, qualified as a physician in England and returned to serve in what was then British Guiana. He was Dean of the UWI medical school in Jamaica and was Professor of Pathology and medical education at McMaster University in Canada. Dr Ragbeer has written two huge books, entitled The Indelible Red Stain; destruction of a tropical paradise, a cold war story: Book 1 The man from Port Mourant: journey into darkness and discovery and Book 2 Fire, Killings, Exodus: The firebrand from Central Kitty. One cannot do justice (even by way of comment) to such a monumental work in a letter, so let me just mention a few highlights.
He weaves the story of pre-independence BG, especially the politics, into his life story. He narrates a journey he took by ship to England and reflects on the situation “back home” as he sails. He uses the same technique when, as part of an investigative team, he goes deep into the interior, to get to the truth behind a murder. He is a keen observer and possesses Proustian powers of recall. He is also extremely erudite and his writing is elegant and precise. As a sixth form QC student, he founded the Lictor magazine and, in the very first issue, scored an in-depth interview with Dr Cheddi Jagan. The scoop provides valuable insight into Dr Jagan’s thinking and psyche. It later slipped from Dr Jagan’s own lips that it mattered not that his supporters did not share his Marxist ideology. They had given their support, and he and his party would execute the agenda. A deadly disconnect.
Dr JB Singh, of the British Guiana East Indian Association, has risen several fold in my estimation. His speech, urging inclusiveness, patience and restraint, is a classic of perception, prudence and sagacity – and is eerily prophetic. Alas, his sage advice, the product of experience and maturity, was ignored. Oh, what might have been, but wasn’t! Instead, events were set in train which eventually led to nearly half a million Guyanese being literally out in the cold.
Forbes Burnham comes across in the image many have of him. Besides his oratory, he was power hungry, cunning, opportunistic, ruthless and a skilled tactician. Clearly anti-Indian too.
Dr Ragbeer looks up to his sister Mahadai and brother-in-law Magan ‘Tulla‘ Hardeen. In fact, he considers himself to be their disciple. This is disarming in a man of such towering intellect and attainment, and speaks volumes for his humility.
Tulla was a businessman and, though he was not an academic, he was very well informed, a clear thinker and had many interesting discussions with Cheddi. Tulla also counselled moderation, in vain.
Guyanese Indians and Africans who are heavily invested in the image of their respective ‘great leader,’ and hold on tightly to that, will take issue with some parts of The Indelible Red Stain. Those who can think for themselves and have the integrity and courage to face the truth (however painful) will appreciate the good doctor’s splendid contribution. Burnham and Jagan were brilliant. So bright, they created a missing generation.
Yours faithfully,
Rukmin Singh
