Dear Editor,
Many of our landmarks such as Bourda market carry the names of ex slave masters and those that mistreated indentured immigrants. As an independent sovereign nation with a long history of heroes that fought for our freedom, our rights and our independence, it is most befitting that we restart the process of renaming important parts of our country that still carry the names of these unscrupulous individuals to carry instead the names of our national heroes.
Those that led rebellions to attain freedom, those that fought for worker rights and those that helped bring about our independence should be honoured. Instead of Bourda market it could be named after Quamina, Jack or Amba who all played a significant role in the “massive 1823 uprising of 9,000 to 12,000 enslaved people”; or Bechu who “exposed physical abuse … sexual exploitation, judicial collusion, and the harsh exploitation of indentured workers”. Instead of Stabroek market it could be named after Dr. JB Singh who “was a pivotal figure in advocating for universal adult suffrage and Hindu cultural rights”; or after Janet Jagan whose sacrifices and achievements are well known amongst the older generations. (Reference: Library of Congress, Project Muse and Blackpast.org).
Many children will ask who these people are and this is precisely the reason why their names and sacrifices should be written into our history books and our present daily life experiences so that their contributions to our nation will always be remembered and respected. We must not neglect our heroes of the past upon whose shoulders we stand! For not honouring and remembering them may lead us once again to a path where others will exploit us. For many this has already begun to happen as we witness corrupt officials making bad deals for personal gain; and corruption running rampant across our country due to their greed. We have made too many sacrifices and have come too far as a people to now lose what we have gained due to the actions of the unscrupulous few amongst us. We must prevent future exploitation, and we must begin to do so by honouring our heroes and removing our oppressors.
Best regards,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Discussion