On February 23rd, 1970, Guyana declared itself a “Cooperative Republic”, loosening all connections with the British monarchy, and making way for a leadership that would be freely chosen by is people. The Governor General was replaced with a Head of State by a ceremonial President. Relations with neighbouring countries, once severed by a high-handed government were improved, and Guyana became a force in the Non-aligned Movement.
Life prior to 1970 was less than comprehensive. The 1968 general elections allowed the then ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) to govern exclusively, winning some 30 seats from the overall 53. The remaining 23 seats were unequally shared between the budding People’s Progressive Party (PPP ) with 19 and the United Force (UF) with four. Many observers; however, had claimed that the elections were stained with manipulation and coercion by the ruling party. It is reported too, that the PPP and UF had formed part of Guyana’s political landscape, but were ignored as the then Prime Minister Linden Forbes Burnham converted the mechanism of state into “an instrument of the PNC”.
But those days are long gone, and according to leaders of the two main political parties in Guyana, citizens, while hoping for improved lives, need to take stock and work towards the fulfilment of this and other objectives regarding the collective betterment of their country.
Major step
Opposition Leader, Brigadier (retired) David Granger has agreed that Guyana becoming a republic, 44 years ago, was a major step in its sovereignty, allowing it to display its political maturity. He said that Guyana has made significant strides in achieving its objectives, noting that the occasion was a significant constitutional event, which helped the country to achieve political growth. The establishment of a democratic presidency and systems of honours, he noted, are symbols of accomplishments in this regard. He said also that the country was able to set up its own Court of Appeal, and Local Government. Generally, progress was made.
“We have made some economic strides also, in terms of developing a system of housing schemes for the working people and have been able to diversify our economy,” Granger told Guyana Times International on Friday.
He, however, pointed out that the past 24 years have seen a massive eruption of events that require urgent attention.
“We are trying to rectify those movements, for example, criminality has soared particularly narco trafficking; this did not exist 24 years ago.” He said that much still needs to be done in order to “fulfil the dreams of the people who brought us to republican status 44 years ago”.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, while expressing similar sentiments shared by the Opposition leader, said he hopes citizens of Guyana would be able to “learn the lessons from our history and would get in step so that we would be able to realise our motto of becoming one people, one nation, one destiny”.
New leaf
He pointed out that Guyana’s 44 years of republicanism is also in sync with its 48 years as an independent nation. He continuously married the two occasions, noting that he sees no particular difference between them. The prime minister said the country should be “turning new leaves from these adolescent years to becoming matured”. Hinds stressed that the country, as an independent unit, has achieved much, however, more still needs to be done.
The prime minister said that Guyana is now at a time when closure must be made to the “chapter of winning and the opening of a new chapter of being independent”. Clarifying this point, he explained that much has been said by citizens about the days of colonialism; a system of leadership under which Guyana was subjected. However, each Guyanese has the ability to make things better for him, he said.
“Before independence, we would say, look how the colonial master have us living. After that we have to say, look how we have ourselves living.” He explained that the lives lived by Guyanese are a mere reflection of how good each citizen is in producing goods and services for the benefit of others. The prime minister contended that a better life for all can be had if every citizen perseveres. “I think that where we are now, we can have an improved life, if we are considerate and caring about each other and ourselves.”
Asked if he thinks the objectives set out in 1970 were achieved, Prime Minister Hinds said that he chooses not to look at what people are proclaiming, but what has happened. He said he remains hopeful that Guyanese, especially those of the younger generation, would fully comprehend the importance of reflecting on the past and making wise choices that will improve their lives. He therefore urged all Guyanese to be responsible citizens and their brother’s keeper.
Guyana, officially named the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is the only nation state of the Commonwealth of Nations on the mainland of South America. It lies north of the equator, in the tropics, and is located on the Atlantic Ocean. Guyana is bordered to the east by Suriname, to the south and south-west by Brazil and to the west by Venezuela.
