Do you realize that it was a mere thirteen years after 1763 that the American colonists, (rather “rebelliously”), declared their break-away and independence from Britain?.
However misguided sometimes, a peoples’ yearning for freedom from tyranny, even dependence at times, transcends race and is connected, across global locations, by a spirit of the human right to be free. (Oftimes, those who demand “freedom” never give serious thought to, or plan for, the implications and responsibilities of that freedom.”)
But I’m getting ahead of myself here.
I’m recording that as February ends, I’m reasonably satisfied that some thought has been “spared” for the observance of the significance of the 250th Anniversary of the mighty Slave Rebellion, in Berbice, of 1763. By both officialdom and private sources. There were video plays, documentaries on television shows, Republic lecture series, enhancement of the 1763 monument landscape, book launchings, TV Quizzes, newspaper supplements and talks to secondary and other school students. All commendable but still not enough! Oh? The year, another ten months, are still available? Okay.
I say again: It pleases me that the Culture Ministry’s choice of the site for the 1823 Monument and the consequential controversy, along with the current observance of 1763’s anniversary, has catapulted the history of the two uprisings into our consciousness. Somewhat. The media, the schools and “specific” entitities must maintain this academic momentum. Permanently!
So dare I look forward to tours to Magdalenenburg and Fort Nassau? Architectural works and Re-enactments right there? And both memorabilia and lasting economic projects with the 1763 theme?
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Kofi, Thomas and Abraham….
This might come off as somewhat superficial, cosmetic, and inconclusive. Because I have no space to really develop the theme and the linkages. However, I can still demonstrate that it was the same thirst and spirit which drove both our 1763 Kofi and Thomas Jefferson and his fellow colonists to seek freedom from their respective masters – the Dutch and the British, before and in 1776.
One of Jefferson’s freedom-fighter, Congressman colleagues had submitted a resolution declaring that: “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connections between them and the state of Grate Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved.”
“Eventually, Thomas Jefferson headed the “American” Congressional rebellion against King George III and the English. Thomas is usually regarded as the Author of the final official Declaration, though that document experienced numerous teething pains.
Two final preliminary points regarding that declaration proclaiming the American colonist- rebels quest for their liberty: accusing the British King of “absolute tyranny” against the American colonists and their colonies before and during the war on freedom’s American soil, it speaks of “the Right of a people to alter and abolish —-destructive governments” – a justification for revolution! Secondly, it is said that one sentence outlining the Declaration’s philosophy of Government is now a “Moral standard” and an inspiration for the marginalized throughout the world. It states that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Are not those sentiments applicable to Kofi, Atta, Accabreh, Akara and Gousarri, 1763’s freedom fighting slaves who sought to separate their humanity from Dutch savagery and “governance.”?
Read what Kofi wrote to Van Hoogenheim, Dutch governor of Berbice during the war of 1763:
“I have also learned from your Honour that the Lord Governor (Van Hoogenheim) is not the cause of this war, but this we know. For Messrs Planters and Directors are the cause of this war as they have severely mistreated the people and have treated them to floggings and whippings beyond tolerable limits. We could not bear that any longer as we do know that God is God who rewards virtue and punishes evil.”
It fell to the sixteenth President of the 78-year old American Republic, Abraham Lincoln, to confront the Issue of Slavery in America vis-a-vis the “All–men–are-created-equal” Declaration and subsequent Bills of Rights and States’ Constitutions. Lincoln articulated the American abolition theme and intent in numerous debates. He influenced himself to do what one declaration signer did – Freed his own Slaves. Signer William Whipple had freed his one Slave in his strong belief that he could not fight for liberty and own slaves.”
What a good year to consider freedom from all forms of tyranny. How could civil society lead this struggle here? Discuss…
Today’s Chinese…
The Guyanese Chinese descendants of those who arrived here one hundred and sixty-years ago developed themselves through enterprises in commerce and industry.
Chinese Guyanese wove themselves into the fabric of Guyana’s identity by their contributions to business, sport, food and our culture.
Frankly Speaking, as I grew up there were times when our Chinese friends seemed to make themselves invisible! They kept to themselves after 5:00 pm!
The new Chinese now here and arriving, are of a generation pledged to both personal and nationalistic survival. The China Status as a current economic powerhouse is under stress. More than one billion of its representatives have got to live. There or anywhere else friendly. China’s government paves the way for its nationals to survive and prosper in many under-developed, third world jurisdictions.
Our Guyana Government is obviously very friendly to China and its newest breed of citizens. I suspect that an executive blind eye is cast, as the loans and grants flow in.
I hope, however, that it is not true that Chinese businessmen and investors here already enjoy their own advantageous playing field, whereon even containers are addressed in a certain manner, thus denying the GRA millions in revenues. Nah, that can’t be so. More later…
Until…
.1) It appears that guilty murderers are still not being caught and/or cheating justice in our courts.
Will those responsible for the latest cocaine in the logs be caught? Be convicted?
.2) Recall when and where a slave was merely three-fifths of a human being?
.3) America is about to counter China’s economic cyber espionage and warfare. The USA says Spying should be for national security reasons only (?)
Til next week
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)