Dear Editor,
It took 41 years for Dr. Walter Rodney’s demise to be openly acknowledged. The PPP under previous administrations did not get it done. Former President Donald Ramotar began the process with a Commission of Inquiry. This was swiftly circumvented by the Granger-led coalition government. The Cheltenham Commission however did uncover some factual details. But, the facts were known to all, except those deniers within the PNC who want to falsify history.
It is fitting that the current government is setting the record straight and correcting deliberate mis-statements and misinformation surrounding Dr. Rodney’s death. He did not die of “misadventure”; he was not “unemployed”. He was murdered/assassinated. He was a Professor of History, a Writer, a Scholar, a Freedom Fighter and Revolutionary Thinker. Indeed, he will forever stand out as a true Patriot and a Hero. He died a Martyr. His breath was snuffed out in the prime of his life by dangerous, cruel and callous people whose boast of their “sharper steel” will forever live in ignominy.
To Walter’s wife Patricia and their children, his friends, supporters and followers, this act of official respectful recognition may offer consolation. Closure may be elusive and may never happen; but it is comforting, and this may engender some peace of mind.
“True heroes (and heroines) never die.” Walter Lives!
Yours truly,
Gary Girdhari
