On previous occasions we have offered surveys of different areas of Guyanese literature, from its origins in the oral literature of the native Amerindians in the pre-Columbian period, through the beginnings of the scribal literature—both Dutch and British—covering the colonial literature up to the founding of modern Guyanese national literature. These accounts have mentioned the pre-Independence literature and Guyanese literature since Independence.
Last week there was a brief comment on patriotic Independence verse, quite fitting at a time when there is an extensive, ongoing celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. It is very topical at this time to revisit the literature in a survey of how Guyanese literature has developed in 50 years and what advancements may be isolated in 50 years of Guyanese literature since independence.
As neat and decorous as that might appear to be, it comes with a