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Last evening Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, and Working People’s Alliance Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds, addressed a very large gathering at the Buxton Line Top, East Coast Demerara, as part of the village’s Emancipation activities. These activities are organised by the 1st August Movement and another prominent village group.
The Line Top was abuzz with activities. The gathering was entertained with cultural presentations by the famed Yoruba Singers, drumming, dance, poetry recital, among other activities. There were ethnic foods and drinks for sale. The group of predominantly Africans, with a sprinkling of other races, was proudly adorned in their African attire. Speaker after speaker spoke of the proud history and resilience of the Buxtonians.
David Hinds, roused the audience tracing the bittersweet history of Africans, including their contributions to laying the foundation for modern Guyana and entitlement to their fair share of the nation’s wealth. He said Africans, as any other race in the society, deserve to be treated equally. The political scientist lashed out at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s discriminatory programme and accused them of engaging in acts that marginalise African Guyanese.
Hinds told the enthused and attentive crowd, “we [Africans] are here to renew our covenant with Guyana, and say, what is in the earth of Guyana must be equally distributed for all Guyana.”
Touching on the oil and gas revenue, the WPA executive member reminded the gathering that the cash grant proposal made by Professor Clive Thomas, to pay each household G$1 million (US$5000), is doable. Guyana is now ranked among the world’s fastest growing economies, and this year’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is pegged at 30%. This year Guyana is expected to generate US$11.2236 billion in crude oil export, a 14 % increase from the 2022 figure. Of this sum, the Government of Guyana is expected to receive US$1.6 Billion
Hinds called on African Guyanese to mobilise themselves in endeavours to hold the government accountable and ensure they benefit from the new economy. “The wealth must be divided equally. African people, Black people, we want our share.” The WPA executive member was very emphatic in making known that “equality” is a must if we are to live in peace and harmony as diverse groups in society.
Norton, who was the main speaker, in his presentation, made known to a receptive audience that he differed with Hinds on the issue of equality and said there can be no equality among un-equals. He did not hesitate to say his speech was political, given the overarching influence politics has on people’s daily lives. He touched on the issues of political, social and economic emancipation for the African race, returning to his usual talking points of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government favouring only friends, families and favourites whilst the ordinary man and woman, across ethnic groups, are deprived.
Norton, who is also leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of the A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) gave extended attention to what a future APNU government will do, whilst acknowledging that all government make mistakes, and the mistakes the APNU+AFC government made will not be repeated in a next APNU government.
Whilst making no mention of what he will do as Opposition Leader to hold the PPP/C government accountable, Norton sought to guarantee to the public a ‘new APNU government will got your back.’ There was a noticeable effort, on his part, not to mention the Alliance For Change (AFC), with whom the APNU merged in the last two General and Regional Elections (2015 and 2020).
In April 1840, Buxton Village was established on the East Coast, Demerara. The 500-acre plantation, New Orange Nassau, was bought from owner James Archibald Holmes, by 128 Africans for $50,000. This purchase came two years after emancipation. The plantation, which was converted to a village, was renamed Buxton in honour of Fowell Buxton. Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, 1st Baronet Buxton of Belfield and Runton was an English Member of Parliament, brewer, abolitionist and social reformer.
