Dear Editor,
A year has gone by since the death of Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon, one of Guyana’s most insightful, organic intellectuals who would have engaged in the development/political process. As a further reflection it must be acknowledge that ‘Cde. Roger’ or ‘Doc Luncheon’, was not only a stalwart of the People’s Progressive Party, but beyond, that he certainly drew inspiration from that generation of medical physicians who we could consider to have been his peers.
Although this would require some degree of affirmation or proof, the historical roles of Franz Fanon, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Nigeria’s Professor Babatunde Oshotimehin as well as India’s Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, could serve as a model for Luncheon’s humanistic vision. This is not to underestimate that as a Guyanese he was integrated into a small state environment compared to those cited above.
This is an exceptionally important factor that involves the broadest analytical insight and not exclusively from the neo-libertarian prospect that continues to dominate globalism as a system. Here in Guyana, Roger Luncheon transcended the mystification of the colonial, neo-colonial era pigmentocracy. Additionally, he embraced the working people as a primary option for people’s empowerment.
My own impression is that he became closely affiliated with Dr. Cheddi Jagan; possibly resultant from similarity of belief in a socialist future. Jagan and Luncheon were formidable not only in crafting and in directing governance priorities, but moreso in attempting to resolve the complexities of the <transitional> institutions of state after the restoration of democracy in October 1992. It is this historical trait identifying with services to the working people that characterised Roger Luncheon.
• How meritorious was his contribution in strategic terms? The same question could be posed with regard to his sterling efforts to reform the public service.
• Guyana’s Martin Carter, Ashton Chase, Eusi Kwayana, Dr. Bud Mangal, Feroze Mohamed, Derek Jagan, Dr. Frank Williams and Bharrat Jagdeo could be cited in this regard.
• The Irfaan Ali administration itself has inherited a diversity of issues, above all national sovereignty, climate security, food security and social capital development. But just as significant this current administration has gained a legacy based on an invaluable model of praxis.
Dr. Luncheon will always be regarded as a profound and incorruptible people’s leader, dedicated, selfless, and gifted as an evolue and patriot.
Sincerely,
Lawrence (Eddi) Rodney