THE FATHER OF THE REPUBLIC
February 23rd this year will be 46 years since the late Forbes Burnham transitioned Guyana into the first Cooperative Republic in the world. But far from receding into the obscure recesses of Guyana’s patriotic leader, Burnham has retained an amazingly strong presence in the minds of many.
He lives on through the continuing relevance of his transformative ideas; his inspiring vision of people; his outstanding leadership and his ineffaceable example of humble and selfless service to the nation.
Forbes Burnham took over the leadership of Guyana at a critical time in the midst of racial hatred but delivered the nation with his grand project of modernization, which transformed the lives of many for the better.
Guyanese were fortunate to have Forbes Burnham as their first President because of his political thinking, vision for a prosperous Guyana and also of his humanity. He was, by nature, plain-spoken, sometimes brutally honest, which made his opponents wary of crossing his path, but there was a cool side to him.
He did not suffer fools gladly or had time for phony people or time-wasters. For him, greatness mattered but his humility mattered more. Here was a leader who had faults and made mistakes, and who it was alleged had rigged elections, but through it all, he was a patriot who had a common touch with people and did not consider himself too important or too aloof to offer words of advice to anyone.
The great affection which Guyanese have for Burnham was revealed in their overwhelming grief at his passing in 1985. It was because he made everyone feel good about themselves, about being Guyanese first and their ability to achieve greatness on a world scale despite the limitations and small size of the country.
Besides leaving many better off than he found them, most Guyanese gratefully appreciated the fact that he genuinely cared about the country.This cannot be said about most politicians today.
A Fabian socialist, Burnham was wedded to a political philosophy that emphasized equality and social justice for all. His policies to feed, house and clothe the nation, redistribution of the national wealth and free education at the tertiary level were grounded in his belief to make the small man a real man. Truth be told, Forbes Burnham would not have allowed a 50 percent salary increase for Ministers when Public Servants are given 5 percent annually.
He naturally would not have allowed such generous pensions to which Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers today are entitled, especially in cases where, beyond warming a seat and occupying a position, they have done very little to help the poor. For most of them, being a Minister has become a one-way ticket to richness.
Many who were not wealthy prior to becoming Ministers seem to delight in their wealth shortly after being appointed. Furthermore, Burnham would not have overburdened the taxpayers by having such a bloated cabinet. He saw politics as a selfless service; not to become rich. He would have preferred to be pennyless than to be dishonest or corrupt.
If the present crop of politicians were in tune with his philosophy, they certainly would not have been so selfish, aloof and arrogant. In terms of development, their actions have impeded progress, and their idea of patriotism is very limited. Understandably, this happens because they have no ideological foundation. They stand for nothing and fall for anything.
If the government is serious about nation-building, Burnham’s speeches should be made required reading in every secondary school.
It is important that the youths of today, who are the leaders of tomorrow, receive such exposure to acquire an understanding and appreciation of the ideological foundation on which Guyana was built. Forbes Burnham was in our time, but he was also above all time. He was truly a man for all seasons. Long may he live in the hearts and minds of all Guyanese?
It shows who are the people that really care for this mashramani. Never was in Guyana for one. Don't know the significance of it. Let them carry on with their voodoo dancing.