By Mike Persaud – Letter in Stabroek News – 06 May 2019
May 5th marked the 181st anniversary of Indian Arrival Day (IAD) in Guyana. There had been some debate about whether to call this event a “celebration”. In Guyana it is called simply, “Indian Arrival Day”. Celebration or Observance – it makes little difference.
Reflecting on these last 181 years in Guyana (as well as in Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad, Jamaica and elsewhere), and on the development and progress of Indians – socially, economically, culturally, levels of freedom enjoyed – I would say it was a good decision our ancestors made when they signed up to go to the sugar colonies.
I have visited some of the villages in the Indentured Belt (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal), saw economic and social conditions there, and formed my considered opinion that we, the descendants of those indentured are better off today than had our ancestors never left. (I suspect this statement will stir debate and argument – that would be a good thing to stimulate thought). Continue reading
Guyana’s Economy: We must demand what’s justly ours – By Lincoln Lewis
We must stand our ground and demand what’s justly ours
The strength of a country, whether liked or despised, lies in the uncompromising spirit of its citizens to defend and protect it at all cost, because such is considered intrinsic to their survival and development. If a people cannot stand up and fight in defence of the freedoms achieved, it would bring into question what manner of persons they are.
I return to the issue of our migration (immigration) challenges, because I feel strongly about it even as the question is being posed, who amongst us are the Cuffy, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. Men who delivered leadership, started, developed and shaped our struggle for self-determination. We need their thinking, their conviction, their tenacity to propel us forward as an independent nation. Continue reading →
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