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“Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham had a vision of building a nation of equality, a vision still relevant and worthy.” So says Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Roysdale Forde S.C in remembrance of Burnham’s death anniversary. Today marks his 39th death anniversary. Putting context to his statement Forde says Guyanese came out of chattel slavery, indentureship and colonisation and after gaining political freedom Burnham sought to pursue social and economic freedoms. “He was committed to national unity and the use of the nation’s natural resources mainly for the people’s benefit.”
Forging national identity, unity, economic upliftment
The senior counsel recalls that under Burnham’s leadership Guyana secured independent and republic status, and his work in forging national unity remains unparalleled. This he says is evident in all the symbols of nationalism.
“The Coat of Arms, which incorporated all the regions, the acknowledgment of our First People; the national motto, One People One Nation One Destiny that epitomises the aspiration of the Guyanese people; the name of the national flag, among others, are part of his vision in building a nation that acknowledges and appreciates its diversity and the importance of all,” he says
In pursuit of that self-attainment Forde recounts that Burnham worked to disentangle what he recognised as economic control over the country’s natural resources and wealth by a system operating through multinational corporations.
“This led to his vision of nationalisation that resulted in an internal and external backlash that placed the country at odds with international interests, further capitalised by those internally viewing the political opportunities that became available.”
Such are the challenges of young and emerging nations, he points out. This notwithstanding, he says, Burnham left us a nation of laws, formulated to suit our nation-building needs, and like in other countries, a foundation for others to build on and give more meaning to. He left us with a strong sense of Guyanese pride, respect for and celebration of our diversity, the parliamentarian asserts.
Retracing the influence of religion in society during the colonial period where acceptance and opportunities for ascension were determined by the Christian faith, Forde says Burnham was determined to respect and positively nurture society’s diversity. “He acknowledged the equal importance of the Hindu and Muslim religious by days for national celebration.”
Also, he points out, it was the Burnham government that decriminalised African religious practices by repealing the Obeah Ordinance, added symbols of African-ness such as the 1763 Monument, and renamed streets in honour of local heroes, nurturing acceptance of racial identity, struggles and achievements previously denied or ignored. “Today, every ethnic group has a pride of place and is allowed free expression thanks to his vision.”
Regional and international input
Turning attention to Burnham’s leadership on the regional and international stages Forde says he had a vision of developing strong alliances, knowing full well that small nations such as ours could not stand alone. “He strongly believed and dedicated his work to Caribbean unification. For Burnham, he saw the survival of small Caribbean states within a context of Caribbean unification and interaction of this unified body in the global space. In this way, Burnham differed from other thinkers for whom CARICOM unity was a threat to specific interest.”
Forde says Guyana’s oil and gas wealth does not change the fact the country’s best interest comes from a deep, united and regional relationship. According to him, it is not that other global influences and interests are not important, but those within the immediate sphere offer one safety and security of borders and other national interest. “Mr. Burnham understood this and set the example in co-founding and establishing regional and international ties.”
Ideas of great men never die
According to the parliamentarian the ideas and works of great men never die, though their souls may depart this earthly plain. “So, it is with Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E, S.C, the man who became the first prime minister of Independent Guyana, the first president with executive responsibility of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; the man who holds the title as ‘The Caribbean Man of the 20st Century;’ a man who was widely admired by friends and foes alike.”
Forde thinks it is timely, as Guyana marks another death anniversary of this great son of the soil, for Guyanese to make every effort to learn from and build on the experiences of the past. “Ours is still a nation to build and we must not shirk from our responsibilities,” he asserts.
