Dear Editor,
Much has been said by many about whether or not the South African Government should confer the Companions of O R Tambo Order on the late President of Guyana LFS Burnham. Not surprisingly, the debate has been both enlightening and polarizing, given the life and contributions of both President Burnham and Dr Walter Rodney. Moreover, the debate on the interplay these men had will continue for many decades to come, with my prediction being that no conclusive position will be reached as the views expressed by many will just be divergent opinions.
Specifically, what would continue to be absent in the debate would be a comprehensive list of the facts, the evidence, and an appropriate forum to test the many issues raised on the circumstances that resulted in the death of Dr Walter Rodney. Moreover, noting that we have already lost many of those who were directly or tangentially involved and with no mechanism in place to get the testimony under oath of those who are still around, it is clear that Guyanese will be locked in an unending downward spiral with no acceptable outcome for all parties.
Meanwhile, I examined the criteria used by the South African Government to confer the O R Tambo award; and I will argue that if Wikipedia is accurate, then we can all make a determination as to whether or not President Burnham or Dr Walter Rodney would qualify for the award. This is what Wikipedia provides on the award criteria:
“The Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo is a South African honour. It was instituted on 6 December 2002, and is granted by the president of South Africa, to foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests and aspirations through co-operation. solidarity, and support. The order has three classes:
* Supreme Companion of OR Tambo (Gold), for heads of state and, in special cases, heads of government,
* Grand Companion of OR Tambo (Silver), for heads of government, ministers of state, supreme court judges, presidents of legislatures, secretaries of state, ambassadors, commanders-in-chief et al.,
* Companion of OR Tambo (Bronze), for legislators, envoys, senior military officers et al.”
Given that the criteria listed above are accurate and cover all eligibility requirements, then I believe that Guyanese can agree on whether or not President Burnham or Dr Walter Rodney can be conferred with the award. Put differently, I would be surprised if the government and people of Guyana and the government and people of South Africa cannot make this determination.
Yours faithfully,
C Kenrick Hunte
