As we celebrate another year of Emancipation in Guyana, we the Africans in the diaspora, the descendants of former slaves must recognise that we do not have to crawl on our knees and beg for what is enshrined in our Constitution and Laws of Guyana and United Nations charters protecting human rights and dignity.
We are a resource rich nation, among the fastest growing economies in the world, and Africans Guyanese, like every other Guyanese, must enjoy the wealth of this land that the blood of our ancestors watered and made opportunities possible for all others.
We are not asking for more than we deserve. We are demanding what we are entitled to have. Regardless of whatever bad (or good) contract has been signed in our oil and gas arrangement with the international community, whatever benefit is forthcoming to Guyana must not see the African denied.
And for this Emancipation Year, 2023, we deliver this message to ExxonMobil, and all concerned, have a conscience. Do not participate in any activity that adds further insult to the historical grievances; violations; exploitations of labour and wealth; and denials of rightful economic benefits of the African people. Do not allow the trampling on African Pride.
The state of the Africans in Guyana is being eroded by an uncaring, unconscionable racist government; a government prepared to widow dress its concerted efforts to place Africans in Guyana on the fringe of society, to do harm to the Black family. To borrow the derogatory mischaracterisation of our humanity, our emotions, our abilities and social adaptations, used by the colonial masters of the 15th to 19th centuries, to justify their egregious behaviour to subjugate us into slavery in order to build a case to prop up greed and unwillingness to do their own work to build their own nation.
The issue of reparation we must remember. It is still a case to be prosecuted. And if this generation does not get it, the generation to come must not believe it is not possible for they must continue to strive for outstanding wages owed to Africans. We must never cease the struggle for reparations. We owe it to our ancestors.
Whilst we are free from chains, we are still economically, politically, mentally enslaved and as a result socially bound by inhumane conditions under which we are socialised. We were conditioned one way and we must recondition ourselves so we can teach our younger ones. For many this is hard to do because we have been conditioned by others to think the African man, woman and child is lazy, unfit to lead and not deserving to equally participate in society.
We must debunk these myths and stereotypes because we have been a successful people. We have moved the most earth, with the least sophisticated tools, to build the most powerful nations on earth. The riches from oil to uranium, gold, diamond, titanium, balata, trees, copper, manganese, cobalt, etc from Africa have been used not to empower Africa but others. We were blessed with a continent of riches, whether it be the flora, fauna, the mineral wealth and physically strong. Be proud!
African Guyanese, on this day, as must be for every day, we must be proud of our heritage, proud of our ancestors. From Forbes Burnham, Jane Phillps-Gay, Winifred Gaskin, Eusi Kwayana, Sir John Carter, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Quamina, Damon, Cuffy, those names unknown to us who would have fought the barbarism of slavery, and those that have continued the struggle unto present day.
Let this be a day, a month, every month and day, one of pride and self-recognition.
Happy Emancipation!
