Dear Editor,
Mariaba, also known as modern Santa Rosa, is one of the oldest Amerindian communities in Guyana, with a colonial history dating back to the 1800s. Over the years, many great leaders have emerged, all dedicated to improving the lives of their people. Their shared goal was to make Santa Rosa/Moruca a better place through hard work, commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. The early leaders were committed to the Christian faith, strictly followed its teachings, and sought guidance and inspiration from elders and the Almighty, which laid the foundation for their successful leadership.
One of these outstanding leaders was Stephen Campbell, an Amerindian political advocate who represented his people in Parliament. He was a humble and God-fearing man who, along with subsequent leaders of Moruca, inspired other Morucans to become politicians and diverse professionals who served at the national level. With Toshao elections beginning this week across the hinterland, the contesting candidates of all Indigenous communities need to reflect on their communities’ progress and consider where they are heading. They should also appreciate the hard work of those who will be leaving office because their term has come to an end.
Those coming on the scene must continue to work together to unite their people and not practice gutter politics promoted by the incumbent government and the opposition. They must be able to show the coastal partisan politicians that vindictiveness, such as closing projects started by the former Toshaos administration, will not be abandoned but sustained for the betterment of all in communities. Indigenous people are living in an interesting time, where modern-day experiences are different. Social media and the internet have made it easier to analyze and assess leaders. While there is a need to transform and urbanize Amerindian communities, it is important to be mindful of the negative impact of building concrete jungles in traditional indigenous villages. This could potentially affect local customs and practices, which may be detrimental to the Indigenous way of life.
Therefore, constant dialogue, critical thinking, and analysis by modern Toshaos and communities are crucial to maintaining a balance between outside influence and the indigenous view of development. Contemporary leaders need to be open-minded and work with a holistic development approach of material, moral, and other aspects besides the conventional model of the “good life” promoted by modernity. Toshaos and councillors should be aware that modern development also has a flip side. It is essential to address the issue of polluting the environment with plastics and educate residents and business places to keep the surroundings clean to have a healthy community. Leaders should also take a closer look at those in need, mainly elders, those who are shut-in, and other poor in villages.
Most of our Toshaos are smart, hardworking, and demonstrate good leadership skills to dialogue with powers that be. However, some tend to be accused of corruption and other human weaknesses. These negative behaviours compounded by the lack of morality and good values seem to reflect some leaders not being perceived as good role models in our villages by young people, in contrast to earlier ones who were not perfect but strived to lead their people, grounded on moral and ethical standards. As we approach the election for leaders in communities beginning this week, I wish the contesting candidates all the best, and I hope that the hinterland people elect Toshaos who have rounded leadership skills and qualities to lead their respective communities in these interesting times in Guyana’s hinterland.
Sincerely,
Medino Abraham SJ
