Dear Editor,
At this time, we join in celebrating the 94th birth anniversary of a great Guyanese gentleman, an icon in his own right, Eusi Kwayana.
A letter published in the last Sunday Stabroek, written by Dr. David Hinds is a fitting tribute to Mr. Kwayana.
I urge the other national newspapers to publish that letter by Dr. Hinds for the benefit of all.
Many of us share the sentiments expressed in that tribute and there is no need for any embellishments.
In 1953, under the Waddington Constitution, which for the first time, gave ordinary people the franchise to vote.
The PPP swept the polls and secured 18 of the 24 seats. This was inspite of the propaganda by the ultra-right.
The 18 members, all immaculately dressed in white were led by Forbes Burnham, Chairman and Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the other 4 new Ministers, Dr. J.P Lachmansingh, Jainarine Singh, Sydney King (Eusi Kwayana) and Ashton Chase.
The other MPs were Fred Bowman, C.R. Wong, F.O. Van Sertima, Ramkarran, C.S. Persaud, S. Lachmansingh, Adjoha Singh, R.S. Hanomansingh and Mohamed Khan.
The group as they marched triumphantly to take their seats in the new Parliament, were proceeded by the three famous Js; Jane Phillips-Gay, Janet Jagan and Jessie Burnham, the first females ever to be Members of Parliament.
Of that group, the only survivors are Eusi Kwayana and Ashton Chase.
I remember Kwayana, slim and stately, marching with purpose and elegance.
I also recall his alleged five words spoken upon learning that the Governor, Sir Alfred Savage had intruded the Minister’s jurisdiction by giving orders related to the control of the Demerara River waterfront.
What we did not know then, it was in preparation for the landing of British Troops ahead of the suspension of our Constitution in 1953.
My mother quipped Savage is savaging us.
When Dr. Hinds is next in Guyana, I hope he can, with others initiate the naming of some school or Institution or a Monument to honour the Sage of Buxton.
He deserves such an honour.
Judging from his recent writings Kwayana’s memory and mind is manifestly magnificent.
On behalf of my wife, Dr. Jennifer Basdeo Green, family and friends, we wish Kwayana well on his birth anniversary.
Eusi, keep on batting, just make singles and you will meet your target, but keep your eyes on the Umpire.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green