60th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine Editor: Mark Archer Compilation: Kim Chung, MS Advertising: Franklin “Bobby” Vieira • New Nation Cover Design: Kim Chung, MS • Pixabay.com Anniversary Logo: Reilo Graphics, Email: reiloadv@gmail.com Photography: PNCR Public Relations Contributing Writers: Brigadier David Granger, MSM, MSS Robert Corbin, CCH Oscar Clarke, CCH Yvonne Harewood-Benn, CCH Hamilton Green, OR Rashleigh Jackson Mark Archer Hazel Woolford Urmia Johnson Ronald Austin, CCH Cheryl Sampson Abraham Poole Design, Artwork and Layout: Corbin Media Group 50 BB | Eccles | East Bank Demerara | Guyana Tel.: 233-3138 / 233-2940 Email: sales@corbinmediagroup.com Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/ceocmg Website: http://www.issuu.com/cmgguyana Original title: People’s National Congress Reform, 60th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine, 1957-2017 Author: People’s National Congress Reform Publisher: People’s National Congress Reform. Cover design: The cover shows the logo of the 60th Anniversary of the People’s National Congress Reform © Copyright 2017, PNCR. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.
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People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
60th Anniversary Souvenir Magazine
CONTENTS Message from:
Relection by:
His Excellency President Brigadier David Granger.............. 4
Chairman Hon. Basil Williams, M.P. S.C............................ 5
General Secretary Amna Ally, MP...................................... 6
Burnham’s Legacy cannot be diminished................................... 26
Hon. Annette Ferguson, M.P............................................. 7
Profiles: Linden Forbes Sampson BURNHAM SC, OE.................... 30
Messages of Congratulations from:
Rashleigh Jackson......................................................... 23 Yvonne Harewood-Benn, CCH........................................ 25
HUGH DESMOND HOYTE, SC......................................... 32
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH.............................. 34
Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, MSM, MSS.................... 36
PNCR Region No. 1 Barima-Waini..................................... 8
PNCR Region No. 2 Pomeroon-Supenaam........................ 8 PNCR Region No. 3 Essequibo Islands-West Demerara... 10
PNCR Region No. 4 Demerara-Mahaica.......................... 10
Leadership of the People People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) 1957-2017........................................................ 38
PNCR Region No. 5 Mahaica-Berbice............................. 12
We have never forgotten their courage....................................... 38
PNCR Region No. 6 East Berbice-Corentyne................... 12
A Historical Glance at the People’s National Congress............... 40
PNCR Region No. 7 Cuyuni-Mazaruni............................. 14
One People, One Nation, One Destiny........................................ 42
PNCR Region No. 8 Potaro-Siparuni............................... 14
CARIFESTA 1972...................................................................... 44
PNCR Region No. 9 Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo........ 16
Biennial and Special Congresses............................................... 46
PNCR Region No. 10 Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice..... 16
Conference of Amerindian Leaders............................................ 48
Message from:
Chronology of the People’s National Congress: 1957-2017........ 50
The National Congress of Women (NCW)........................ 17
Guyana’s Independence In Pictures........................................... 52
The Board of Trustees of the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (BEST)............................................... 17
Foreign Affairs: From disaster to prominence............................. 56
The Burnham Foundation................................................ 18
Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM)................ 19
PNCR United Kingdom Region........................................ 20
The North American Region (NAR) ................................ 20
The Jose Marti National Order................................................... 58 Campaign Posters..................................................................... 59 60 years of Service to the people of Guyana’s Education........... 60 Women’s Arm of the People’s National Congress its Leadership 1957-2017.............................................. 62
Relection by:
The Young Socialists Movement................................................ 63
Signatures................................................................................ 64
Oscar Clarke, CCH......................................................... 22
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MESSAGE from His Excellency
Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
T
he decision to establish a new party and the selection of the Party’s name, the People’s National Congress; the passage of a resolution for the establishment of the Women’s Auxiliary and the adoption of the name of the party’s newspaper, New Nation, were taken on 5th October 1957 at the congress held at the Globe Cinema in Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Forbes Burnham was elected Leader and Joseph Pryag Lachhmansingh, Chairman on that day. The FounderLeader, defining the emergent Party’s policy of national orientation, had written earlier: This party started as a working-class party and will never give up fighting for the workers; we will never, and can never, forsake them; the moment we do, we had better arrange for our political funeral… But the fact that ours is a worker-based party must not prevent us from having the intelligence to learn from the history of other countries and other liberation movements.
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We must be able and prepared to draw our strength not only from the workers but from all sections of Guianese – workers, farmers, businessmen, intellectuals and civil servants, regardless of their race. The Founder-Leader made it clear that the People’s National Congress had been established as a consensual association of citizens and not as an ideologically doctrinaire institution. The PNC, as it celebrates its 6oth anniversary, is proud of having remained faithful to the Funder-Leader’s vision and dutiful in its mission to serve all of the people of Guyana.
........................................... David Granger Leader of the People’s National Congress and President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
MESSAGE from the Chairman of the People’s National Congress
Hon. Basil Williams, M.P. S.C. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.
O
n this auspicious occasion, of the sixtieth anniversary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), we can celebrate the achievements of the Party with pride. The PNC in office championed hinterland development with the construction of the first Secondary Schools in the interior of the country, the construction of the Mahdia road and numerous hinterland airdromes. In the education sector; the construction of the University of Guyana Campus at Turkeyen, Cyril Potter College of Education, Kuru-Kuru College, the multilateral schools, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and many more institutions of learning were constructed under the PNC; free education from nursery to university was enshrined in the Constitution. In the housing sector; numerous communities were developed, including Tucville, Tucber, MelanieDamishana, Stevedore Scheme, South Ruimveldt Park and Gardens, Festival City, Roxanne Burnham Gardens,
Amelias Ward, Wisrock, Meadowbrook and many more. In culture the PNC instilled pride in local history and culture and under the leadership of our Founder Leader saw the birth of Carifesta, Guyfesta; the construction of the National Cultural Centre; the National School of Dance, the Burowes School of Art; the museum of African heritage and the Guyana Prize. It must never be forgotten that it was the PNC Government, under Forbes Burnham, which paved the way for each of the country’s major religious groups to observe their holy days as National Holidays. These are but a few highlights of our Party’s sixty years of service to the people of Guyana. We are proud of our service. We thank you for your support throughout the years. Long live the People’s National Congress Reform! Long live our Leader Brigadier David Granger! Long live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
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MESSAGE from the GENERAL SECRETARY
Amna Ally, MP
A
s we commemorate the 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), and share in the pride, dignity and achievement of our beloved Party, I want to assure that the PNCR is fully committed and will continue to work with all stakeholders to achieve political stability, national unity and social and economic progress for all Guyanese. Over the past 60 years, history would have recorded our Party’s continued resilience, dedication to nationhood, ingenuity and unwavering tenacity in building a nation which has established itself, with pride, as a democratic and progressive state. The freedom that us as Guyanese enjoy today was earned by the sacrifices of visionaries, patriots and freedom fighters such as Comrade Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Comrade Hugh Desmond Hoyte, among many who envisioned an equitable, a unified, free and just
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Guyana. Therefore, the greatest honour that we can give them is to continue to work to achieve the high ideals they had envisioned for our Party as well as that of this great nation of ours. The observance of the PNCR Diamond Jubilee provides the opportune time for us to celebrate and acknowledge their sacrificial role and priceless contribution both internal and external to our Party, which continues to shape our nation. As we commemorate our 60th Anniversary, let us reflect, let us be inspired and let us be motivated by their passion, dedication and vision as we seek to charter the course of the continued progression and development of the PNCR as well as that of our nation. Happy 60th Anniversary to the People’s National Congress Reform!
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
MESSAGE from Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Organising Committee
Hon. Annette Ferguson, M.P
S
ixty years as a political party paints a beautiful picture of longevity and strength and I am honoured to serve as Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Organising Committee to plan and execute activities to commemorate this historic milestone. I celebrate with all my comrades, the Party’s legacy as we work together to build, unite and strengthen the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). I am proud to be a member of the PNCR, which has been instrumental in the development of Guyana over the last 60 years. Comrade Linden Forbes Burnham was a visionary for our Party and all Guyana. He always saw ‘the end at the beginning’ and that’s why it is difficult, if not impossible, to walk the length and breadth of Guyana and not notice the contribution of the PNCR to Guyana’s development whether in governance, education, infrastructure or industry. The theme “united and strong: 60 years on” is refreshing
as it tells the story of who we are as a political Party. For this reason, the committee and I have spent many hours planning several activities to commemorate this historic milestone. This Magazine is one such project. I salute all the Party comrades for their faithful and unwavering support over the last 60 years. Congratulations to the Party’s leadership for being resolute in keeping the mandate of the party alive. On behalf of the 60th Anniversary Organising Committee, I wish everyone a Happy Sixtieth Anniversary. May the vision and passion for betterment of all Guyana, by our party’s founders and leaders ignite hope in your heart, as we are still “united and strong: 60 years on”! May God continue to richly bless the PNCR and its leadership as we march towards the Centenary. United and Strong: 60 Years On!
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
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Messages of Congratulations from
PNCR Region No. 1 Barima-Waini The steering committee, executives and members of the Party Groups in the Barima-Waini, Region No. 1, wish to acknowledge the unity and strength that have characterized the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) for over six decades and wish to also salute all stakeholders from the grass root level to the Central Executive Committee, past and present, for the maintenance of such noble virtues during a precarious and unique era. What an appropriate sixtieth anniversary theme, “United and Strong: 60 Years On”! Our founding father and subsequent Leaders have worked tirelessly in collaboration with the general membership to leave a legacy that is
solid; tried and tested like pure gold. It is now up to us, the present generation of the PNCR, to forge ahead with determined resolve to achieve our Green Economy and a Good Life for ALL Guyanese. We can do it! Yes, we can! Long Live the Peoples National Congress Reform! Long Live Our Leader and President, His Excellency Brigadier David Granger! Long Live the People of Guyana!
PNCR Region No. 2 Pomeroon-Supenaam Felicitations are extended, on behalf of the Regional Committee, member and supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) of the PomeroonSupenaam Region No. 2, to our Leader and President, Brigadier David A. Granger, members of the Central Executive Committee, other distinguished leaders, members and supporters of the Party, on the occasion of our sixtieth (60th) Anniversary. As our Party celebrate its sixtieth year of uninterrupted service to the people of this beautiful land of Guyana, we wish to thank God and our past and present Leaders; like Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, David Arthur Granger and many other distinguished leaders, for charting the course of this magnificent Party. We of the Pomeroon-Supenaam are elated to celebrate and share this momentous occasion with our loyal stalwarts and supporters across the Region ad country and to express our deep appreciation for their support and patronage in building and strengthening the Party over the years. I have deep gratitude for this opportunity in paying homage to the many activists who have left an indelible
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mark on the Party achievement. Space, regrettably, will only permit me to identify a few of the many stalwarts of the Party Region, who have rendered and those who continue to render yeoman service in helping to make sixty –years of Party life in our Region meaningful. Stalwarts like Ivor Alleyne (former Regional Chairman), Comrade Joseph Hill, Comrade Doreen Duncan AA, Comrade Olive Pearson, and many more too numerous to mention, who stood out as dedicated workers for the PNC and where their enthusiasm and insight were really inspiring. The Pomeroon-Supenaam Region is proud of our Party and the rich legacy we inherited from our Leaders. My exhortation, therefore to every activists of the Party is to remain united and strong in defence of our political, economic, social and other gains. Long Live the Peoples National Congress Reform! Long Live Our Leader and President Brigadier David Granger! Long Live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana! Leonard Dunbar Party Regional Chairman
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Messages of Congratulations from
PNCR Region No. 3 Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Comrades, this celebration of the 60th anniversary of our beloved and mature Party – the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), finds the PNCR as an influential member of a coalition government; a government of national unity destined to move Guyana forward to prosperity. Our Party remains committed to ensuring a modern Guyana boasting of equal opportunities for its citizens, full and equitable employment, high standards of education and innovation, advanced medical care, full accountability and transparency, and a clean and green environment. On winning the 1968 General Election, our Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham remarked, “We are a people in our own right, with brains and talent of our own, with knowledge of our own people and our own history, with an understanding of our own problems and our own resources, with an appreciation of the kind of world in which we live. We must apply our own brain power to our environment, develop our own philosophy and our own ideology. This is the best way of serving our people and the true alternative to strutting and fretting upon a petty stage seeking acclamations of a cynical audience.”
This message is applicable to us now as it was to the nation in 1968. The growth and development of the PNCR are important to the Party sustaining its label as the best institution to cooperatively govern the resources, general administration and livelihoods of the people of Guyana. As we embrace sixty, let us be resolute in our efforts to provide good and inclusive governance to Guyana. We must perpetuate a legacy of self-sufficiency, inclusiveness, and self-reliance. We must continue to be guided by the principles by which our Founder Leader conducted the affairs of the Party. May we remain the Party of choice for the electorate, and the development blueprint for the people of Guyana. Long live the People’s National Congress Reform! Thandi McAllister, Regional Vice-Chairman CEC Representative, Region No. 3
PNCR Region No. 4 Demerara-Mahaica
Greetings!
From the Chairman, leaders and general membership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Demerara-Mahaica Regional Constituency, found in the Region’s Districts Neighbourhoods and Groups we bring greetings to you in this the 60th year of our great Party. Our Founder Leader and Guyana’s first Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C., resided in Region No. 4 at Belfield on the East Coast. It was a direct result of his style of leadership that a number of Parliamentary Representatives for East Coast and East Bank of Demerara were elected to serve in the National Assembly. Additionally, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C., was the Parliamentary Representative for Buxton-Foulis, Grove-Haslington, Enmore-Hope, Unity-Vereniging-Canegrove. During the tenure of the PNC administration led by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C., GRECO (Guyana Radio and Electronic Company) was formed
in Region 4. Also Haslington was established as the first Co-operative Village and Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham O.E. S.C. addressed the Nation from Haslington. This was a historic event. Region No. 4 has always been the heart of the PNC and in this our 60th year of our great Party’s existence we must revisit that vision of empowering our Comrades at the group and neighbourhood level. We pray that Almighty God bless our Leader His Excellency Brigadier (retd) David Arthur Granger, M.S.M., M.S.S., and other Party high functionaries. Grant them wisdom to lead this party to electoral victory and the nation into the pastures of the good life. We also pray that our Party grows in unity and strength and to fight without failing for the working class and poorer Guyanese. God bless Guyana and God bless our beloved People’s National Congress Reform. Happy 60th Anniversary.
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Messages of Congratulations from
PNCR Region No. 5 Mahaica-Berbice The members of the PNCR, Region No. 5 sends congratulatory greetings to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
to its policy of National Cohesion have joined with other
We utter these congratulations with a sense of confidence, knowing the role our great Party played in the struggle for Guyana’s Independence and Republican Status under the distinguished leadership of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The People’s National Congress Reform made remarkable achievements in economic, political, cultural and social development of Guyana.
Today, we stand as a united force, uniting our people
Today, our Country is at a crucial moment of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and our Great Party, the People’s National Congress Reform true
Long Live Social Cohesion and Unity of all Progressive forces
parties to build this Great Nation and give its citizens “A Good Life”.
which is essential for the fulfillment of our objectives as we consolidate further our alliance and ensure its maximum effectiveness. Long Live the Teachings of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham! in our Country! Long Live the People’s National Congress Reform!
PNCR Region No. 6 East Berbice-Corentyne As we prepare to celebrate our 60th Anniversary of our great Party, and its accomplishments over the years, we can proudly say it was a challenging but rewarding journey for the Guyanese people. The struggle of this Party to ensure justice and equality cannot be overemphasized. This began when our founder Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham formed this Party to ensure that all Guyana was represented through direct and indirect democratic means. It was his vision that brought us to the point at which we are, and has enabled us to be celebrating a United and Strong 60 years. We must continue to represent the working class of the Guyanese society through direct and indirect representation. We must continue to embrace social cohesion so as to ensure that our country develops to its full potential, for without social cohesion we will continue to struggle economically and socially. We, the members
of the Region No. 6 Committee, therefore, encourage all members to support this important cause for a brighter and more unified Guyana which will allow us to transition into a brighter future for all Guyanese. As we celebrate, we must continue to ensure that the ideals of the party remain intact. As such, equal access to education must be a hallmark to ensure that all of Guyana progress. We, therefore urge all members to remain steadfast and vigilant, so as to ensure that our people are represented, and our government continues to provide that leadership that the Guyanese people deserve; a leadership that puts the best interest of the Guyanese people first. Long live our Comrade Leader Brigadier David A. Granger! Long live the People’s National Congress Reform!
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Messages of Congratulations from
PNCR Region No. 7 Cuyuni-Mazaruni Under the theme, “United and Strong: 60 years on”, Guyana’s most democratic Party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) celebrates sixty years reflective of struggle, solidarity and service to the people of Guyana.
their local organs are directly involved in the development of their community. This we believe is reflective of a party that believes in democracy. For this reason, the CuyuniMazaruni Region supports the PNCR.
The residents of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region celebrate this significant milestone mindful of the Party’s rich history in this part of the country. Many who are not here with us today struggled and laid the foundation so today we can enjoy the good life. The struggles of our forefathers should never be forgotten, lest we take for granted the opportunities afforded us today.
On behalf of all the residents across our beautiful and diverse region we commend the leadership of our Party for their steadfast and dedicated service to the people of Guyana and most importantly for upholding the democratic principles the founders of the Party fought for.
We believe in the principles of good governance. One such principle is “Democracy”. This principle would have seen Guyana having local government elections after a twentytwo year absence. Most importantly, local government elections empowered local communities. Added to that three new towns were created, thus strengthening local democracy. No longer are decisions centralized, residents through
Finally, our prayer for the Party can be found in this beautiful national song: “Onward, upward, may we ever go Day by day in strength and beauty grow, Till at length we each of us may show, What Guyana’s sons and daughters can be.”
PNCR Region No. 8 Potaro-Siparuni Sixty years on, the People’s National Congress (PNC) in government has managed to commence a rigorous developmental programme to establish the building of schools and hospitals, and pave the way for a massive agricultural drive in the North Pakarimas, where, among the produce were Irish potatoes, legumes, etc. In an effort to bridge the gap among widely dispersed villages and farming communities, foot paths, trails, roadways and airstrips were established. Under this stewardship, the first set of students from this part of the hinterland received scholarships to study abroad. Also, the first hinterland student to attend President’s College and the first recognized pilot of Amerindian ancestry came from the Potaro- Siparuni Region, Region Eight. We managed to train some of our residents to take up the role of: teachers, health workers
and administrators to oversee different aspects of regional development. In 1989, under the regime of The People’s National Congress, President Desmond Hoyte at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting proposed setting aside a conservation area in Guyana’s forest; this became the Iwokrama project the first conservation/biodiversity area in Region Eight. This renowned accomplishment had researchers the world over, target Guyana as a hub of biodiversity and environmental development. On behalf of the administration and people of the PotaroSiparuni Region, we congratulate the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on a successful sixty years and wish the party a long tenure of continued success and productivity.
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Messages of Congratulations from
PNCR Region No. 9 Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo We, the comrades of the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo Region; Region No. 9 bring special greetings on this most special occasion the Diamond Jubilee of our great Party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). We have recognized the relentless effort by our visionary Party, the People’s National Congress Reform, to give all Guyanese people a better way of life. This Party has always led the pathway with good constructive plans for governing our nation and knowledgeable human resources.
In these present time of our Party’s intervention to continue in leading this nation towards a better life for all Guyanese through a green economy, we the comrades of Region No. 9 stand resolutely with our Party and its leadership for all times, in its continued visionary endeavours. United and Strong Sixty years on. Long live the People’s National Congress Reform! Long live our Leader and President, H.E. David Granger! Long live the Co-operative Republic of Guyana!
PNCR Region No. 10 Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice The Regional Committee and members of the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region of the People’s National Congress Reform extend heartfelt congratulations and a profound feeling of pride as we celebrate 60 years as a Vanguard Party. We have supported this Party overwhelmingly from the start in 1957 until now, and will continue our support for another 60 years and onwards. The Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region has given its best effort to ensure our Party regained governance so that all the people of this great land of Guyana can have a “good life”. We celebrate with pride, we celebrate with dignity, and
The PNC Flag
we celebrate with the assurance that under the banner of the PNCR we will make Guyana great. We stand on the shoulder of those who came before us and will continue to carry the fight until national unity is achieved and ignorance and poverty eradicated. Long live the People’s National Congress Reform! Long live the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform! Long live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana! Sandra Adams Party Regional Chairman
The PNC 60th Anniversary Logo
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MESSAGE from
The National Congress of Women (NCW)
T
he National Congress of Women (NCW), the Women’s Arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes the Party on this its 60th Anniversary. Even as this great Party was founded on the 5th October 1957, we, the women are also celebrating 60 years for we too came into existence at that time. Sixty years ago, the Founder Leader of this great Party, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, gave his blessings to the formation of the People’s National Congress Women’s Auxiliary (PNCWA) under the Leadership of women like Jane Phillips-Gay, Winifred Gaskin, Hyacinth Godett, Lucille Cox-David and Vaulda Julien to name a few, and they provided great support to the PNC.
By the time the State Paper on the Equality of Women was tabled in the National Assembly in 1976, the name of the organization was changed to the Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM) in keeping with the Socialist
policies of the then Government. This group of women, led by the likes of Viola Burnham, Shirley Field-Ridley, Margaret Ackman, Jean Maitland-Singh and Urmia Johnson took the organisation to a different level. The fall of the Socialist Block brought about the abandonment of Socialist principles and the name change of the organisation to the National Congress of Women (NCW), led by Urmia Johnson, Yvonne Harewood-Benn, Cheryl Sampson and currently Volda Lawrence. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Party, the NCW pledge to continue mobilizing the women of Guyana. We pledge to continue our service to Party and country. Long live the People’s National Congress Reform! Long live our leader David Granger! Long live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!
The Board of Trustees of the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (BEST)
T
he Board of Trustees of the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (BEST), as well of the Awardees of this programme, extend heartiest congratulations to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Party.
We are pleased to be associated with the sixtieth anniversary celebrations of the PNCR since BEST was established in the year 2012 to continue the educational work of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Founder Leader of the People’s National Congress. Noteworthy is the fact that he served as Guyana’s first Minister of Education after the first elections which was held under Adult Suffrage in 1953. Throughout his life Forbes Burnham maintained an exceptional level of academic attainment and always emphasized the importance of education. Our present Leader, David Arthur Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, himself a scholar, writer and historian is of similar mind on the subject, and with a high regard for our Founder Leader, initiated discussion
on the formation of BEST. We have just completed five successful years of support to our awardees. As we celebrate this 60th anniversary of our Party, BEST is proud to tell that the first batch of nine (9) awardees excelled at recent CSEC results with the awardee from Anna Regina Multilateral School, Region #2, Nicholas Headley placing 6th in country with 15 Grade ones and 2 Grade twos. Special mention must also be made of Jerielle Thom of Region #5, who attended President’s College and passed with 9 Grade ones, 2 Grade twos and 1 Grade three. BEST will continue to support educationally talented children in efforts to build their own excellent records of academic achievement and to assist them to inculcate skills, values and attitudes of mind that will enable them to serve and develop Guyana. Congratulations to the PNCR, 60 years and going strong. Allan E. Munroe, AA Chairman of BEST
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 17
MESSAGE from
I
The Burnham Foundation
n 1955, the People’s Progressive Party was fractured because of ideological and strategic perspective differences, though there are those who revel in attributing the fracturing to Burnham’s ambition. From that very moment, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was at the center of the birthing of the People’s National Congress which was then referred to as the People’s Progressive Party - Burnhamite faction. In 1957, after the failed attempt by locals and foreigners, for example the Late Kwame Nkrumah, then President of Ghana and leading Pan Africanist, to mend the fractured Party, Burnham proceeded to complete the transformation of the Burnhamite faction into a different entity/party, the People’s National Congress, hence this year’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of the People’s National Congress. It is therefore with tremendous pride and a sense of history that the Burnham Foundation feels compelled to message the now PNCR on this the anniversary of its birth as a whole new political Party in 1957. The Burnham Foundation has as its mandate the preservation of the legacy of the Founder, the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, who also ushered in independence and republican status as Premier and Prime Minister of Independent Guyana and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, respectively. The Foundation also seeks to highlight the relevance of Burnham’s ideas to Guyana and the World at large, today. Of note is that Burnham created this Institution, the People’s National Congress which from its birth has played an integral and pivotal role in the development of Guyana as it moved from colonial (British Guiana) status, to independent (Guyana) status, and on to republican (Cooperative Republic of Guyana) status, which it still enjoys today. How could anyone not recognize the national institution, the current PNCR, which Burnham brought into existence and the role that that Party has played in bringing Guyana from Conflict to Peace, 1964 to 1966, when Guyana through Burnham’s strategic alliance and thinking united
the Guyanese people and under Guyana’s first majority regime since 1953 attained Independence. The PNCR has inherited a rich legacy to which it can turn for inspiration and guidance as it seeks to confront the ongoing challenges of nation building and development. Almost in every sphere of the nation’ s endeavours, today, there are lessons to be learned from Burnham’s thoughts and praxis, be they from his politics of coalition at home or dealings with foreign powers and investors, there are lessons to be learned, even if they are from his mistakes. The PNCR, therefore, owes to its Founder and to common sense and good judgement to refer to his teachings and praxis as they struggle for the achievement of nationhood and development, in which regards his postulations are still relevant. The occasion of the 60th anniversary should therefore be a time of reflection for the PNCR and, in Burnham style, a time of introspection. It is only through introspection that the Party stands to benefit from understanding its past; identifying its strengths and weakness, it’s successes and failures whilst reaffirming and sticking to its ideals as articulated by the Founder. The Burnham Foundation therefore takes this opportunity to congratulate the Party on its successes throughout the years and its sustained relevance to the growth and development of Guyana. We urge the Party, in the years to come, to continue referring the ideas of the Founder as a source guidance and inspiration. Be assured that in traversing that path that there will be convergence with the Burnham Foundation, albeit a registered non-governmental organisation. We stand for and work for, the Ideals of the Founder. We urge the PNCR to stay that course and look forward to continued collaboration in the name of, and for the ideals of , The Founder, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, S.C, O.E. Forbes Burnham Foundation
18 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
MESSAGE from
S
Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM)
ince the genesis of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), young people have always played a crucial role in the politics of the Party and the country. The youth in the Party throughout its six decades have been integrally involved in the efforts of strengthening the PNCR and National Development. The story of our beloved Party at 60 years is one that is punctuated with the legacy of great men and women, memorable moments in history and monumental accomplishments. Our Party, the People’s National Congress Reform, holds as one of its many objectives the duty of creating opportunities through which young people can be involved in the decision making processes of Guyana. Even as there is much to be jubilant about as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Party, we must now set our sights and redouble our efforts to reinvigorate our supporters and captivate and inspire new ones to come into the fold. Coupled with the legacy and projections for the future of the PNCR and of Guyana is the way young people are regarded. Investment in our youth therefore is a critical responsibility of our Party. The youth are filled with tremendous energy and towering ambitions. Any Party and/or society in the world is highly recognized and identified by its youth. Young people are the ones who have the abilities to bring about change, to better the world and to enhance its resources.
Young people must be inspired to be passionate and positive about the political process. Our politics should be about ideas, and our message should be one that moves youth into action. We must also be open and accessible at all times. To engage youth, the Leadership of the PNCR must be willing to answer any question. Our Party must be accessible on a variety of platforms, not only to broadcast our message but to listen and respond to questions and concerns. It also means seeking out young people who otherwise won’t seek out politics themselves. The Guyana Youth & Student Movement pledges its continued efforts to the promotion of the PNCR and working in synergy with others towards National Reconstruction and development and the realisation of the promise of a Good Life for all Guyanese. We are here to serve our membership, our Party and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and shall continue to be Agents of Change and Social Development. The GYSM congratulates our Party on the observance of 60 years at the forefront of Politics in Guyana and assures that through the efforts of the GYSM, our Party will remain strong and continue in its service to the Peoples of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Ryan Belgrave National Chairman
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 19
MESSAGE from
PNCR United Kingdom Region
W
e take pleasure in forwarding on behalf of the Members and Supporters of the Party in the United Kingdom, greetings and best wishes on the 60th Anniversary of our Party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). This Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated at this time when the Party is playing a major role in the progressive governance of our country.
reduction, and lower unemployment under our caring and progressive Party in Government.
We are proud members and supporters of this great Party, a bastion of democracy in Guyana and elsewhere and leaders of good governance in our beloved country.
Congratulations to the good men and women who lead our Party and government. May they continue to do so for a long time and in the interest of Guyana and fellow Guyanese.
However, while we acknowledge the physical and structural changes taking place for the good, we also recognise that much work has to be done to improve some citizens’ attitude to development.
Despite the thousands of miles that separate us we follow keenly the dynamics of change in Guyana and support fully the Party’s set goals for a good life for all, fairness, equality, peace and prosperity in our land.
Once again, please accept the United Kingdom members and supporters best wishes on this most significant milestone. Cheers!
We increasingly witness sustained growth and development, lower crime and corruption levels, higher standard of living of the working people, poverty
Long Live the Peoples National Congress Reform! Long Live our Leader, Brigadier David Granger! Long Live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!
The North American Region (NAR) The North American Region (NAR) extends its sincere congratulations to the Leadership and members of our great party on the occasion of its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Our achievements in and out of Government have been phenomenal and have always been driven by our desire to SERVE. The PNCR has never boasted of being the “PERFECT PARTY”, but our actions and decisions have always focused on “WHAT’S BEST FOR GUYANA”.
our continued support as we begin the journey of another sixty years. Let the vision of our Founder Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham be realized for this and future generations to have the “good life”.
The NAR applauds the commitment of the membership of the Party to remain “United and Strong”. We pledge
Respectfully, Members of the NAR
LONG LIVE THE VISION OF BURNHAM, LONG LIVE THE PNCR, LONG LIVE THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA.
20 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
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Reflections
Oscar Clarke, CCH
O
n the assumption to the Office of Premier of British Guiana in December 1964, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Founder Leader of the People’s National Congress promised to bind up the wounds which were inflicted on the population by the machinations of British colonialism, with their divide and rule policies, which resulted in racial strife between our two major racial group, the descendants of African slaves and of East Indian indentured labourers. He launched out on a crusade which took him personally to every village and town throughout the length and breadth of Guyana preaching the need for “Peace Not Conflict’, with the promise that “Government, like God, will help those who helped themselves.” This was the slogan with which he launched the self-help movement in Guyana, a movement which caught the fancy and became synonymous with the people’s struggle for a better life. During this period the Government partnered with the people in their villages to build something which they identified as important for the development for the village or community. Later this community self-help idea was to become an important adjunct in the overall policy of “Self Reliance” leading to the national programme to Feed, Clothes and House ourselves utilizing our own resources in the process. Also the “Be Local, Buy Local” campaign was launched to encourage the use of locally produced foods and other products of all kinds. Another important development of this strategy was the identification of the cooperative as the economic vehicle for making “the small man a real man.” In keeping with the “Socialist Thrust” which was popular among developing
countries around the world during that period, the Government promoted an economic model of a trisectoral economy Public, Private and Cooperative with the clear intention to eventually make the Cooperative sector the most dominant in the nation; hence the name the Cooperative Republic was adopted in the 1970 Constitution of the Republic. The choice of the Cooperative as the economic vehicle was based on the historical experiences of the majority of Guyanese who, over the centuries, were known to pool their resources of manpower, materials and finances towards the fulfillment of any desired objective. Several important steps were taken by the Forbes Burnham PNC Government to realize this lofty objective such as: 1. The establishment of a Central Government Ministry and the appointment of a Senior Minister with responsibility for this subject; 2. The establishment of a Cooperative College to teach and train Cooperative Managers as well as to promote the establishment and development of Cooperatives in the various sectors of the economy; and, 3. The establishment of Financial Institutions to support and promote the development of Cooperatives. These institutions came to be known as the COFA institutions - Guyana Cooperative Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank, Guyana Cooperative Mortgage Finance Bank, Guyana Cooperative Insurance Service, Guyana National Cooperative Bank, etc.
22 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Reflections
Rashleigh Jackson It is in respect of the last names objective, that of foreign policy, in which I was deeply involved, that I will focus my comments.
I
n order to fully appreciate the achievements of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and his Government during the first ten years in office, one needs to have a clear understanding of the situation which was inherited. Although the Government headed by Forbes Burnham held a majority of the seats in the National Assembly as a result of the 1964 elections, Dr. Cheddi Jagan adopted the slogan “cheated not defeated”, and he refused to demit office as Premier. He had to be removed by an Orderin-Council by the British Crown. This behaviour was preceded, while Dr. Jagan was Premier, by violence, racial strife, labour disputes, and ideological polarization. And Dr. Jagan left the Treasury bare. The priority policy objectives were made clear by Forbes Burnham. They can be described as follows: •
The security of the country and its people;
•
Healing the racial wounds, reconciliation and peace and structured national economic and social development;
•
The application of the process of decolonization internally involving inter alia the restoration to the people of their dignity, self-respect and sense of selfworth;
•
A foreign policy which would advance the national interests and accordingly facilitate the achievement of the abovementioned objectives.
Before he became Head of Government, Forbes Burnham had by his statements indicated certain critical foreign policy prescriptions. Two examples are illustrative. Firstly, in 1958, Burnham introduced in the Legislative Council a Motion calling for Guiana to enter into negotiations to join the West Indian Federation. The Motion was opposed by Dr. Jagan’s Government and was, therefore, not approved. Secondly, addressing the Trades Union Council in the early 1960’s, Burnham stated that an administration under him would be “no pawn or East or West”. These examples were harbingers of Burnhams’s commitment in the first instance to regional cooperation and in the second, to his conviction that an independent Guiana should eschew bloc entanglements and pursue a foreign policy which was geared to the advancement and protection of Guyana’s national interests. A necessary task in this respect was acquiring the infrastructure, including importantly appropriate skills, to effectively carry out and implement the policy assignments to, and responsibilities of, the Foreign Service. Recruitment of staff of a high caliber and their training were undertaken. Very early in his tenure as Head of Government, Forbes Burnham outlined characteristics he expected of a Guyana diplomat. He also specified some cardinal foreign policy objectives. In addressing a Diplomatic Training course in January 1966, he opined that a Guyanese diplomat would not have “armies, navies, air forces or nuclear weapons” to add persuasion to his words. The diplomat also had he said “no deep purses with the contents of which he can buy friendship, support…” What this pointed to was the need for advocacy skills and capabilities which indeed became a hallmark of the Foreign Service. As regards to foreign policy objectives, Burnham said to the diplomats in training that one was “to reintegrate Guyana into the Caribbean region ….. and the projection of the Caribbean personality on the international scene”.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 23
Reflections by Rashleigh Jackson During a debate in the National Assembly in 1967, Burnham explained that at the philosophical level Guyana’s foreign policy was “motivated by a desire to play an important role in the achievement of permanent peace …. and putting an end to the exploitation and enslavement of man by man”. He also dealt with the wisdom of exercising independent judgment on any international question, that is, the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. Looking back on those early years, it is remarkable how successful Guyana’s diplomacy was and how adroit were the advocacy skills and competencies of the foreign services. On the substantive side the achievements were manifold. There was the flowering of the Caribbean Project - CARIFTA, CARICOM, CARIFESTA, the benefits of Alliance Building - ACP; for example: Territorial Integrity issues (Venezuela and Suriname), projects promoting social and economic development, among others. Guyana then punched above its weight and commanded great respect in the world.
I end with the following observation of Jocelyn Dow: “Guyana was then, in the early 1970s, a country that was overflowing with imagination, possibility and vision. We were a front-line state in the nonaligned movement, fighting hard at the United Nations on the decolonization of Namibia, hosting the African Caribbean and Pacific meetings in Georgetown, and were at the heart of intergovernmental processes at the UN. Life was about the building of a national culture that would redress and transcend our colonial past. It was the beginning of the end of foreign domination and Western oppression. Guyana’s foreign policy was activist, forward-looking and committed to the war against injustice. One was proud to be Guyanese and associate with this internationalist solidarity”.
24 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Reflections
Yvonne Harewood-Benn, CCH
S
erving as a Minister in the Government of the People’s National Congress and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, was a most rewarding experience, one that I will treasure and remember all my life. From his example, you understood that you should always strive for excellence as mediocrity was not tolerated. I always was an avid supporter of the People’s National Congress, but it was in 1968 when I returned from the United Kingdom (after completing my studies) that I really became more involved. A group of “Returnees” were invited to Burnham’s Belfield Residence and after listening to the Founder Leader, we were all ready to work to help him achieve his vision for Guyana. Forbes Burnham saw a country where every human being regardless of race can live a life of dignity, of meaning, of worth; where youth is given hope and unlimited opportunity. While serving as the Principal of the Watooka Day School in Linden, I was asked to serve as the Regional Chairman. This was a most interesting period in my life both as a person and as a party official. Self-help activities brought about a sense of community, a sense of responsibility; the Wismar Rockstone housing
project became a reality, women were empowered; house wives surprised themselves when they made concrete blocks, did carpentry, worked as engineers and excelled at formerly ‘men only’ jobs, as they helped to build each other’s houses. Representing Guyana abroad as Counsel General in New York provided an excellent opportunity to inform Guyanese of the work of the PNC Government. My ‘cottage meetings’ in the Tri-State area held during my service there are still remembered fondly. Working in the Burnham Cabinet was an amazing experience, working with great minds like Mohammed Shahabudeen, Hubert Jack, Desmond Hoyte and Rashleigh Jackson made my Cabinet experience all the more memorable. Like most great leaders, Forbes Burnham always tried to give us opportunities to achieve our best; from him we leant that in order for our nation to develop we needed to make an extra effort to improve our personal efficiency and effectiveness. This was a great period in our country’s history and I was honoured to serve.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 25
All Guyanese are important and valued members of our community
Linden Forbes Sampson Burmham, SC, OE 26 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Burnham’s legacy
cannot be diminished I n his inaugural speech after the elections of December 1964, the newly elected Premier of British Guiana, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham addressed a fractured nation.
“This Government (the PNC Government) holds that all the people of this country are equally important. Whether they belong to a large group or a small group; to us (the PNC) the Amerindians are important; to us the Chinese are important; to us the Portuguese are important; to us the Europeans are important; to us the mixed races are important; to us the Africans are important; to us the Indians are important. In short, all Guyanese are important and valued members of our community. We cherish them and consider that as a Government it is our duty and privilege to guard, protect and further the real interest of all.” The People’s National Congress has a proud legacy of achievement as the Government of Guyana over the period 1964-1992. It was our Government under the leadership of Forbes Burnham that calmed racial tensions. It was under the People’s National Congress that the National Army, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was formed in 1965 and Guyana became an Independent Nation on the 26th May 1966, and achieved Republican status on the 23rd February 1970.
Multilateral Schools were built in the early 70’s as part of restructuring the education system.
It was the PNC that built the major infrastructure to promote development; the entire coastal roadways from Corentyne to Essequibo, the Mahaica-Mahaicony Agricultural scheme, the extension to the Tapakuma and Black-Bush Polder drainage and irrigation schemes, the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Linden Highway just to name a few. It was the PNC that ensured respect and recognition for all religions and significant religious observances; when we celebrate Phagwah, Deepavali, Eid-ul-Adha, or Youman Nabi it is an occasion to remember the PNC and Forbes Burnham. It was the PNC in Government that built all the monuments in recognition of the struggles of our ancestors; when we see the 1763 monument, the Non-Aligned Monument, the African Liberation Monument, the Damon monument, or the Enmore Martyrs monument it is an occasion to remember the PNC and Forbes Burnham.
President’s College, opened in 1985, was founded by late President Forbes Burnham, who launched the project in 1983 but died before the school opened.
It was the PNC that guaranteed workers security through the
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 27
Burnham’s legacy - cannot be diminished establishment of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). It was the PNC in Government that recognized the important role of our youth, reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 and expanded educational facilities all over the country, while ensuring that relevant institutions were built to facilitate their development. When we think of the Guyana National Service (GNS), the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus, the Critchlow Labour College, the Cyril Potter College of Education, the Multilateral schools and the provision of free education from Nursery to University, the free scholarships to children of the poor and our indigenous brothers and sisters to develop their talents and promote development; these are all occasions to remember the PNC and Forbes Burnham.
The National Cultural Centre was officially opened on the 16th May 1976 after the decision to erect the center was arrived at since 1971.
It was the PNC Administration that built the President’s College and the Amerindian Hostel. It was the PNC that constructed a modern international airport and named it Timehri in recognition of our indigenous people. It was the PNC that originally gave out titles to the Amerindian villages in Guyana and in the first decade in office built more than 18 interior airstrips and dozens of hinterland schools. The first decade 1964-1974 was a period of unprecedented development in Guyana, under the stewardship of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the PNC. The PNC has a great legacy and a proud record in office. The contributions of the People’s National Congress Government and our Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham, to the development of Guyana, can never be diminished or erased.
The University of Guyana moved into its permanent and fine new buildings in September 1968.
The Umana Yana was built by the Waiwai’s in 1972 for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Georgetown, Guyana.
One of several housing schemes built by the PNC administration in the 1970s.
28 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
On September 29, 1969, the National Insurance Scheme (N.I.S.) commenced operations as an agency within the then Ministry of Labour and Social Security under the guidance of Labour Minister, the late, Mr. Winslow Carrington. Under the PNC Government and the visionary Leadership of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, this social security scheme was launched with the aim of providing benefits for all workers of Guyana.
The two-lane Linden/Soesdyke Highway was constructed between 1966 and 1968. It was officially opened in 1969
The Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge was built in the late 1960s in Linden The Demerara Harbour Bridge (floating bridge) was officially declared opened on 2nd July 1978.
The Canje Bridge, located at Fort Canje, Berbice, was officially declared opened in 1978.
MMA - Trafalgar/Union Pump Station and Sea Sluice. Declared opened 17th August 1983.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 29
Profile
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham SC, OE (President: October 6, 1980 - August 6, 1985)
L
.F.S. (Linden Forbes Sampson) BURNHAM (February 20th 1923- August 6th 1985) was the first Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
left for the United Kingdom and read for the Bachelor of Laws honors degree which he gained at the University of London in 1947. A year later he was admitted to the bar of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London.
Early Years: Forbes Burnham was born in Kitty, then a village near the capital city of Georgetown, British Guiana on February 20, 1923. [Kitty is now part of Georgetown.] He was the son of James Ethelbert Burnham and his wife Rachel Abigail (nee Sampson).
During his student years, Burnham, noted for his oratorical power, was active in politics. He was elected President of the West Indian Students Union in London in 1947 and subsequently participated as a delegate of the Union in the International Union of Students’ congress in Prague and Paris in 1947 and 1948 respectively.
Young Burnham was a brilliant student. After primary education at the Kitty Methodist School he began his secondary education at Central High School and then went on to Queen’s College in 1935. A year later he gained the Centenary Exhibition as well as a Government Junior Scholarship, and the Percival Exhibition the following year. In 1942 he won the highest scholastic award in the country at that time, the British Guiana Scholarship, which was awarded annually to the scholar attaining the highest grades at the Senior Cambridge Examinations held locally. In 1944, he earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree at External Examinations of the University of London. Burnham then
Professional and Political Life: Burnham returned to British Guiana (Guyana) where in 1949 he became cofounder (with Dr. Cheddi Jagan) and Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In 1952 he was elected to the Georgetown Town Council, becoming mayor of the capital city in 1959 and again in 1964. In 1959, Burnham was elected President of the Bar Association of Guyana. He was also elected President of the Guyana Labour Union in 1963 and again in 1965. When the PPP Government came to power in 1953, he had the portfolio of Minister of Education, but following the suspension of the British Guiana constitution by the
30 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
British government, and the rift in the PPP, Burnham in 1957 became the founder and leader of a new political party – the People’s National Congress (PNC). The PNC was the main opposition party in Parliament between 1957 and 1964. In December 1964 the PNC became the major party in a coalition government and Forbes Burnham became Premier of British Guiana. He led the country to independence on May 26, 1966 becoming, under the constitution, the first Prime Minister of Guyana, as the country was now called. On February 23, 1970 Guyana became a republic. Burnham was a founding father of Caricom and a signatory to the treaty of Chaguaramas which established the Caribbean Community. The Treaty was signed by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago on the 4th July 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. Honours: In 1973 Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was awarded the Order of Excellence, Guyana’s highest national award. Over the years Burnham received many awards including; 1975- the Grand Cordon of L’ordre du Nil award from the government of Egypt; the Jose Marti award from the government of Cuba; an honorary Doctorate of Law from Dalhousie University of Canada. 1983-Cruseiro Du Sul, Brazil’s highest award. 1984- Star of Planinay, Bulgaria’s highest award. 1985- Order of the Red Star, Yugoslavia’s highest award.
Forbes Burnham’s Presidential Standard When the People’s New Constitution was promulgated on October 6th, 1980, Burnham became Guyana’s first Executive President, a position he held until his death. Forbes Burnham maintained a farm, loved horseback riding, and was keenly interested in cricket and chess. In 1951 he married Sheila Bernice Lataste. They had three daughters: Roxanne, Annabelle, and Francesca. His second marriage was to Viola Victorine Harper in 1967. From that union came another two daughters: Melanie and Ulele. After leading the country for 21 years, he died on August 6th, 1985 at the Georgetown Hospital in Guyana following a throat operation.
Forbes Burnham greeting Cuban President, Fidel Castro
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 31
Profile
Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC (President: August 6th, 1985 - October 9th, 1992)
at-Law of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and a Member of the Guyana Bar. He was appointed to Queen’s Council in 1969, which designation was changed to Senior Counsel in 1970 when Guyana became a Republic. Professional and Political life: Mr. Hoyte was a Life Senator and a member of the Supreme Council of the Presidency of the International Parliament for Safety and Peace, which has observer status with the United Nations; a member of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Federation for World Peace; a member of the international Advisory Board of the Hemispheric Congress of Tourism; and an Honorary member of the Board of The Americas United Foundation. He was also a Patron of the Errol Barrow Memorial Trust Fund (a regional Trust established in honor of the late Barbadian Prime Minister) and a Patron of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Foundation based in London. He entered Parliament as a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1968 and soon began serving in the cabinet. He was home affairs minister from 1969 to 1970, Finance Minister from 1970 to 1972, Works and Communications Minister from 1972 to 1974, and Economic Development Minister in 1974 to 1980. Following the December 1980 election he became one of five vice-presidents, with responsibility for economic planning, finance, and regional development, becoming a close associate of the President of Guyana and PNC Leader Forbes Burnham. In August 1984 he was made First Vice-President and Prime Minister. President Burnham died suddenly on 6th August 1985, and Hugh Desmond Hoyte became President.
H
ugh Desmond Hoyte SC was Guyana’s second Executive President. He served from August 6th 1985 to October 9th 1992.
Early Years: Born in Georgetown, Guyana in March 1929, Mr. Hoyte was educated at St Barnabas Anglican School and Progressive High School, before studying law in London, England. He received the B.A. and LL.B. degrees from the University of London. Mr. Hoyte was a Barrister-
During his Presidency, he initiated far-reaching electoral and economic reforms which strengthened the base of the democratic culture of Guyana, promoted marketoriented policies and stimulated economic growth. As a Minister of Government, he had at various times responsibility for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) affairs under the Lome Convention and was the ACP spokesman on sugar from 1981 to 1983. His portfolio also included Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs. As a member of its Conference, the Heads of Government
32 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
of CARICOM charged him with responsibility for promoting freedom of movement within the Community and for coordinating Caricom’s policy on the environment for the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 and generally. He was also deeply involved in the Trade Union Movement and was Legal Adviser to the Trades Union Congress and several member Unions. In his ministerial capacity, Mr. Hoyte served as Guyana’s Governor on the World Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank and headed many delegations to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the C ar ibb e an C ommitte e for D e v e l opm e nt an d Cooperation, the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting, ACP/EEC Meetings and other regional and international conferences on economic, financial and developmental issues. He was Guyana’s chief representative at the deliberations which led to the establishment of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and was a member of the Latin American Council from 1975 to 1983. He maintained a strong interest in regional and hemispheric affairs and spoke and wrote widely on this subject. Mr. Hoyte had a keen interest in ecological and environmental
At the White House with US President Ronald Reagan on 13 September 1988
At the White House with US President George H. W. Bush on June 19, 1989
matters. In this area, he worked closely with the London-based Commonwealth Human Ecology Council. He was the architect of the Iwokrama International Rainforest Project in Guyana, which he initiated at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1989. In July 1987, he hosted the President of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo, for a four-day visit, highlighting the close links Guyana maintained with the liberation struggle in Southern Africa. Hugh Desmond Hoyte died on Sunday, December 22nd, 2002. His body was laid to rest at the Place of the Seven Ponds in the Botanic Gardens on December 30, 2002.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 33
Profile
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH Immediate-Past Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform
and economic development. From 1966 to 1977 he was widely recognized as a youth leader skilled in organising, mobilizing and training young people for nation building. During this period, he held positions of Executive member, General Secretary and later National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement, the Youth Arm of the Peoples National Congress. It was his work in this organisation that propelled him to the forefront of the movement to secure national independence and self-reliance. Mr. Corbin has also been an elected member of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress for the past thirty years and has served as its Senior Vice Chairman and General Secretary. He was elected Chairman of the party at its Biennial Congress in August 2000 and was returned at the Biennial Congress in August 2002 for a further two-year term. Consequent upon the sudden death of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, he was elected Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform at a Special Congress held on February 1, 2003.
M
r. Robert H.O. Corbin, CCH, Former Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition of Guyana and immediate-past Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, has given distinguished public service for the past thirty-nine years as a Teacher, Public Servant, Youth Leader, Professional Social Worker, Politician, Legislator, Minister of Government and as a member of the Guyana Elections Commission. Born in the mining Town of Linden, his early upbringing was rooted in the Presbyterian Church where he spent many years actively working in the Youth Ministry. A graduate of the University of Guyana and the Hugh Wooding Law School he holds the Diploma in Social Work, (Dip. S W); the Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB); and the Legal Education Certificate, (L.E.C), of the Caribbean Council of Legal Education. As a social worker, Mr. Corbin worked in many hinterland and rural communities of Guyana promoting social
An elected Member of Parliament for twenty-four continuous years from August 1973 to October 1997, Mr. Corbin held a number of Ministerial portfolios. These included, Cooperatives and National Mobilisation; Youth Sports and National Service; Regional and National Development; Local Government; Agriculture and Forestry; and, Works, Communications and Public Utilities. He was also Deputy Prime Minister between 1985 and 1992. As an Opposition Member of Parliament between 1992 and 1997, he was Shadow Minister for Works, Communications and Regional Development. He was re-elected to Parliament at the 2001 General Elections and was elected Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition on May 2, 2003. During his years of service, Mr. Robert Corbin traveled extensively throughout Guyana, acquiring vast knowledge of the needs, challenges and potential of the various communities and actively worked in many of them, promoting their development. Mr. Corbin has ably led many delegations to various international conferences in pursuit of Government and Party Business, the earliest of which was as a member of the Guyana delegation to the Non Aligned Summit in 1970 held in Lusaka, Zambia. He has also effectively
34 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
represented his Party and country in numerous countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean. His indomitable strength in the face of adversity, his resolute calm in situations of crisis, his political acumen, leadership skills together with his vast knowledge of the history and development of his Party and country, have all served to fashion this man who has never faltered in his commitment to the Peoples National Congress Reform and Guyana. A protĂŠgĂŠ of the late, Dr. Ptolemy Reid and Forbes Burnham and a trusted advisor of the late Desmond Hoyte, Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, a committed nationalist is dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the Peoples National Congress Reform to realize its vision of a modern, prosperous, developed and united Guyana. Robert Corbin, a practising Attorney at Law is married and has five grown children. He has always been a keen sportsman and was active in athletics, swimming and other games. He still finds time to keep fit by playing squash. Among his hobbies are boating, hunting and horseback riding. In 2016, he was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour for his political service to Guyana.
African Liberation Monument
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 35
Profile
Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, MSM, MSS President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
B
orn in Georgetown Guyana, David Granger attended Queen’s College. After leaving Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, Granger joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an officer cadet in 1965, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He received his military training at the Mons Officer Cadet School, and the School of Infantry in the United Kingdom; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil, and the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria. He was appointed Commander of the Guyana Defence Force in 1979; he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. Granger was appointed as National Security Advisor to the President Desmond Hoyte in 1990 and retired from the military service in 1992. David Granger is a graduate of the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees; the University of the West Indies, where he received his post-graduate Diploma in International Relations; and the University of Maryland, where he was a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow. He also attended the Urban Policy Development Workshop at the University of California, Los Angeles; the Defense Planning and Resource Management course at the National Defense University, Washington DC; and the Counter-Terrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint Special Operations, University, Florida, USA. Granger founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992 and served as its Managing Editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana’s state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean. David A. Granger spent the 1995–1996 academic year as a Hubert H. Humphrey/ Fulbright Fellow at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. Brigadier Granger has written extensively on national defence and public security issues. He is the author of National Defence: A Brief History of the Guyana Defence Force, 1965 – 2005; Public Security: Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana; and Public Policy: The Crisis of
Governance in Guyana. He has also written several monographs, including Five Thousand Day War: The Struggle for Haiti’s Independence, 1789 – 1804; The British Guiana Volunteer Force, 1948 – 1966; The Guyana National Service, 1974 – 2000; The Guyana People’s Militia, 1976 – 1997; The Queen’s College Cadet Corps, 1889 – 1975; Guyana’s Coinage, 1808 – 2008; The Era of Enslavement, 1638 – 1838; and The Village Movement, 1839 – 1889. He is co-editor, with Winston McGowan and James Rose, of Themes in African–Guyanese History, and is former
36 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
publisher of the Guyana Review and Emancipation magazines. David Granger has received several academic awards, including the President’s Medal for the best graduating student; Dennis Irvine Prize for the student who has made the greatest contribution to all cultural life of the University; Council of the University Prize; Elsa Goveia Medal of Excellence; Guy de Weever History Prize; Earl Attlee History Prize; Mary Noel Menezes Award for History; Department of History Prize and others, from the University of Guyana. He also holds three national awards: The Military Efficiency Medal (1976), the Military Service Medal (1981), and the Military Service Star (1985) for distinguished military service. Granger is married to Sandra (née Chan-A-Sue) and has two daughters. In 2010, he made a successful bid to be elected as the presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform for the November 2011 general election and on the 26th February 2011, by way of a Special Delegates Congress, he was later selected as the Presidential
Candidate for the 2011 General and Regional Elections. The Party in demonstration of its commitment to national unity formed A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which is an association of political parties, organizations and civil society and whom all shared a common desire to ensure A Good Life for All Guyanese. This six party coalition - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) - was defeated by Donald Ramotar’s People’s Progressive Party/ Civic at the November 28th 2011 General and Regional elections. Brigadier David Granger was unanimously elected as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly on January 16 2012. Brigadier David Granger became the Leader of the PNCR when he was elected at the Party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress on the 29th July 2012. Brigadier Granger stood again as the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition, this time leading a seven member coalition that included the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), in the 11 May 2015 general election. The coalition secured the majority of votes, and Granger was sworn in as the 8th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on 16th May 2015.
Queen Elizabeth II and President David Granger meet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England - 26-04-2017
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 37
Leadership of the
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) 1957-2017 Party Leaders • Forbes Burnham • Hugh Desmond Hoyte • Robert Herman Orlando Corbin • David Arthur Granger Chairmen/Chairperson of the PNCR • JP Latchmansingh • Winifred Gaskin • Robert James Jordan • Robert Corbin, CCH • Winston Murray, CCH • Bishwaishwar Cammie Ramsaroop, CCH • Basil Williams, SC General Secretaries • Jai Narine Singh • Bertrand Abrams • Sydney King • Andrew Jackson (ag) • Hamilton Green (last elected General Secretary served from 1962 to 1974)) • Ptolemy Reid • Ranji Chandisingh • Seeram Prashad • Robert Corbin, CCH • Patrick (Pat) Mckenzie • Dr. Kenneth King • Aubrey Norton • Oscar Clarke, CCH, 1998-2017 (longest serving General Secretary) • Amna Ally
We have never forgotten their courage by Hamilton Green In 1955, when Forbes Burnham left the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) many members left with him, some of these comrades faced great hostility from family members and the communities where they lived. It was no secret that Cheddie Jagan and the PPP were intent on dividing the country into racial camps, and in the face of provocation and threats, these comrades stood firm. We have never forgotten their courage and their conviction. As we celebrate our Party’s Diamond Jubilee we mention some of their names and salute their courage:
• Abdul Salim - Corentyne • Jagnarine Budhu - Corentyne • Barakat Allly - West Coast Berbice (father of Amna Ally) • Abdool ‘Baby Boy’ Jhuman - Carlton Hall Mahaicony • Raikmon Budhu - Leguan • Charles Frederick Chan-A-Sue - North West District • Roopnarine ‘Pash’ and son - Leguan • John G Joaquin - Kitty • Jotis Ganga Ramson - Georgetown • John and Shirley Yhun - Georgetown • H. Singh ‘Duckie’ • Francine Wishart • Cheryl and Reggie Lopes • “Fa Fa” Mekdeci and Family • Joe and Mimi Viera • Ralph JaiSerrie Singh - Linden • Sattie JaiSerrie Singh • Carl and Yvette D’Aguiar - Linden • Seeram Prashad- Windsor Forest • Pandit Tiwari and sons - Windsor Forest • Bishwaiswar ‘Cammie’ Ramsaroop • Hyatt Ali- Georgetown • Fazil and Philomena Rayman - West Demerara • Alim Shaw - Essequibo • Mohamed Khan • Lola Willems • Yacob Ally (Mazaharally) • Eugene Francis Correia • Neville Bissember
38 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
A Historical Glance at the People’s National Congress
O
n the 5th October 1957, the PPP Burnhamite held a Congress at the Globe Cinema in Georgetown where it adopted the name – People’s National Congress (PNC). That Congress elected Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham as the Party’s First Leader with Joseph Pariag Latchmansingh as Chairman and Jai Narine Singh as General Secretary.
Having assumed the reins of the Government, in December 1964, the PNC Administration, under the leadership of Forbes Burnham, moved quickly to bind up the societal wounds, which were created in the body politic during the anti-colonial struggle and to prepare the people for National Independence and eventual Republican Status within the Commonwealth of Nations.
In an article entitled, “Where do we go from here?” the Party Leader said the following: “This Party started as a working class Party and will never give up fighting for the workers, we will never and can never forsake them; the moment we do we had better arrange for our Political Funeral. But the fact that ours is a worker–based Party must not prevent us from having the intelligence to learn from the history of other countries and other liberation movements. We must be able and prepared to draw our strength not only from workers but from all sections of Guyanese, workers, farmers, businessmen, intellectuals and civil servants, regardless of race.”
It is significant that in Government, the PNC also sought to restructure itself to make it a more effective political organisation. While maintaining the basic structure of a Leader and an Executive over arched by a Congress and a General Council, the Party decided in 1973 that there would be Biennial Congresses. Mr. Burnham declared that the Party would not be a mere election machinery but must become part of the nation-building process. As a result, the Party, especially the Women’s Arm, which had become the Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM) in 1977, and the Youth Arm, the Young Socialist Movement (YSM) in 1963, engaged in a number of major economic projects. At this period too, the Party sought to create a socialist society in which the poor was not disadvantaged and birth, gender or race were not a barrier to opportunity.
This policy statement, on the national orientation of the PNC, now PNCR, remains as valid today as it was when uttered by our Founder Leader, Mr. L.F.S. Burnham, on the 16th April 1957. Having lost the elections in 1957, Mr. Burnham sought to strengthen our Party by absorbing the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP), which were led at the time by John Carter and Rudy Kendall, respectively. The PNC participated in the 1961 elections and even though it received only eleven (11) seats, it recorded some 42% of the votes. The PPP’s percentage of the votes was only marginally ahead with some 44% of the votes but with 20 seats. It, therefore, became a matter of policy for Mr. Burnham to press for different but more equitable electoral arrangements. In 1963, the British Government, in agreeing with the argument of the PNC, and wishing to impose a system agreed to by all of the leaders, opted for Proportional Representation (PR). The PPP was defeated at the next elections in December 1964, and, in a coalition with the United Force (UF), Mr. Burnham became Premier and then Prime Minister of British Guiana. The PNC took Guyana into Independence in 1966.
In fact, the Party in Government had a tremendous track record. The entire infrastructure of Guyana – physical, educational, economic, cultural and political – was built between 1964 and 1975. All of the major housing schemes, arterial roads, drainage and irrigation schemes, to give a few examples, were built while the PNC was in Government. In fact, had it not been for the quadrupling of oil prices between 1973 and 1979, the PNC would have transformed Guyana in significant ways. The sharp and sudden oil prices triggered the worst global recession and the consequences for Guyana’s fragile and open economy were devastating, as they were for even the more developed and matured economies. A major chapter of the Party closed when Mr. Burnham died on the 6th of August 1985. Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte became Leader of the PNC and was confronted by a new set of circumstances. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world entered an era characterised by a new phase of globalisation. A democratic dispensation was born and market forces became the order of the day. The PNC had to adjust to these changes. Elections were
40 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
held on the 5th October’ 1992. The PPP just managed a majority in Parliament by forming an alliance with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). The PNC could easily have returned to the seat of Government had it not been for the controversial elections of 1997 and 2001. Under the stewardship of successive PNC Administrations, between 1964 and 1992, Guyana experienced not only significant political and constitutional advance but also unprecedented nation building efforts in every aspect of human endeavour. N e w I n s t i t u t i on s f or t h e Nat i on ’ s D e v e l o p m e n t a nd D e f e nc e w e r e established: Financial institution such as the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana National Co-operative Bank (GNCB), the Guyana Co-operative Mortgage Finance Bank (GCMFB), the Guyana Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank (GAIDB), the Guyana State Corporation and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Youth Corps, the Guyana National Service (GNS), and the Guyana People’s Militia, to guard and defend the new nation’s territorial integrity. In Education and Culture: we saw the construction of a new Teachers Training College, the University of Guyana campus at Turkeyen, the new Technical Institutions in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, new Multilateral Schools throughout the coastal belt as well as President’s College, the “School of Excellence”, and the Critchlow Labour College.
Lands Commission was appointed to demarcate the lands to be deeded to the various Amerindian communities throughout Guyana. Land titles were vested in the various Amerindian communities since 1976. Meanwhile, at the Caribbean regional and wider international levels, Guyana became internationally recognised for its leadership role in every international fora wherein it exercised its membership. At the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, in which it played a seminal role, during the decades of the 1970’s and early1980’s. In our Caribbean region, Guyana, under the PNC Government, was one of the pioneers for the establishment of Carifta, the fore runner of the present Caribbean Community. Prime Minister Burnham was one of the four Founding Fathers who were the original signatories to the 1973 Treaty of Chaguramas which established the Caribbean Community and Common Market. Over the years our Party modernised itself and brought within its ranks elements of civil society known as the Reform component. Thus was born the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). Mr. Hoyte died on the 22nd December 2002 and was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. O. Corbin. At his first Congress as Leader of the Party, Corbin signaled that the PNCR would work with all individuals and organisations that have a vested interest in taking Guyana out of its then economic quagmire.
Infrastructural Development: in housing; potable water supply ; sea and river defences; drainage and irrigation projects, in support of agriculture development at the MMA, Black Bush Polder, Tapakuma, and Boerasiri. There were major road networks development including: the Soesdyke/Linden Highway; the Corentyne Highway; the East Demerara/ West Berbice Highway; the West Bank and West Coast Demerara highway; and roads developed on the East Bank Essequibo and Essequibo Coast. There was also the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Canje Bridge.
On the 26th February 2011, the PNCR by way of a Special Delegates Congress elected Brigadier David Arthur Granger as Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General and Regional Elections.
Social and Cultural Development: the policy of free education, from Nursery to University, was adopted. Many new cultural institutions and activities were inaugurated, including: Guyfesta; Carifesta; the National School of Dance; the Burrowes School of Arts; the National Cultural Centre; and the Theatre Guild Playhouse.
Brigadier David Granger became the Leader of the PNCR when he was elected at the Party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress on the 29th July 2012.
National Religious Holidays were recognised, in 1967, to celebrate our country’s rich religious and cultural diversity. Our indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage was recognized by the establishment of the Amerindian Languages Project at the University of Guyana. The Amerindian
On the 15th July 2011, the Party in demonstration of its commitment to national unity aligned itself with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which is an association of political parties, organizations and civil society and whom all shared a common desire to ensure “A Good Life for All Guyanese.”
On the 14th February 2015 APNU joined forces with the Alliance for Change and contested successfully the May 2015 General and Regional Elections. On the 16th May 2015 David Granger was sworn in as the Eight Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 41
By Abraham Poole
Our National Motto: “One People One Nation One Destiny”, is prominently and proudly emblazoned on our Court-of-Arms and is continuously referenced, constantly repeated and permanently accentuated throughout the education system and is almost an incantation at formal occasions. These three phrases are infused with particular meanings and possess protective guarantees surpassing their linguistic potency. For us Guyanese they are like guardians watching and protecting us from insecurities born of ethnic rivalries and conflicts and from possible national disintegration.
Of course, the national motto transcends three timeframes and is as expansive as our three main rivers. Considering the past, it amalgamates our people’s varied history and origins into a singularity that sounds like E Pluribus Unum (Out of many One); it states the present as inscribed in the country’s Constitution that “Guyana is an indivisible, secular democratic sovereign state”; and for the future it contemplates a common destiny. It is impossible to exhaust its hopes, for the work of achieving its stated ideal can always be made more perfect. Our national motto is a realistic ideal and a permanent challenge. An understanding of our history and the nature of slavery, the plantation system and colonialism explains the need in our case for an ideal that supersedes the tumultuous experiences of our forefathers. The aftermath of slavery and indentureship militated against the cohesion necessary for a viable state that has a small population, abundant natural resources
but remains largely poor and underdeveloped. The work of healing historical wounds and building trust necessitated the flourishing of ethnic cultures and simultaneously the formation of cohesive national sentiment. The establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion on the 5oth anniversary of the country’s independence is an honest recognition of the unfinished work and the need for deliberate policy interventions to bring the Guyanese people into functional unity and the cohesive whole that the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, envisaged. As there are many causes and sources of rivalries and distrust among the ethnic groups so likewise the cures will entail many forms of intervention. While the history of inter-ethnic rivalries and competition may be traced back to the Colonial period it is the responsibility of Government and citizens to adopt measures of
42 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
cooperation in order that the nation may look forward to the gains of ethnic solidarity. Pre-Independence ethnic rivalries fears and distrust have been mollified and to some extent treated and explored over the past fifty years but not healed. Post- Independence experiences have reminded that the scourge of ethnic rivalry and polarization is yet to be totally removed and replaced by trust building among the major groups. In addition to trust-building initiatives, the Ministry of Social Cohesion also investigates the existence of any conditions that are systemic and contribute to such rivalry and insecurity. The story behind the Motto: The coinage of the national motto is ascribed to a gentleman now deceased, who distinguished himself in the field of education, in the vocation of politics, and who served in the country’s diplomatic corps. High Commissioner Brindley Horatio Benn is credited with submitting and suggesting the words for the national motto ahead of, and in a period
on national agitation for political independence. Before Guyana gained its independence in 1966 the people of the colony were permitted various degrees of limited self-government by the British. In one such phase in 1957 High Commissioner Brindley Horatio Benn served as Minister of Community Development and Education and during that time he organized the National History and Culture Week (1961-1964) under the theme, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, which was later adopted as the motto of independent Guyana. High Commissioner Benn had succinctly captured in a cogent manner what had been the thoughts and expressions on many thinkers and politicians of that period. It was simple and brilliant and immediately resonated with the representatives of the people and was acclaimed and accepted. When the time for statehood through independence arrived it was unanimously adopted - One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 43
CARIFESTA 1972
Prime Minister Forbes Burnham declaring CARIFESTA open in Georgetown, Guyana on 25th August 1972.
C
onscious of its responsibility to initiate a deliberate programme of cultural activity involving the mass of the people in the promotion of the Guyanese genius in the arts to develop the national sense of pride and self-worth and promote national unity, the PNC Government established a broad-based agency, the National History and Arts Council in 1964.
as many Guyanese, sixty-eight presentations were made at Mabaruma, Lethem, New Amsterdam, Uitvlugt and Corriverton. The National School of Dance was established in February 1974.
The most important cultural event in Guyana and the Caribbean during the first ten years of the People’s National Congress in Government was the 1972 Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA). Over the period August 25th to September 15th, 1972, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana was host to more than one thousand artists, actors, and dancers from twenty-eight Caribbean nations. More than ninety events were held at sixteen venues constituted a glittering, inspiring and entertaining pageant of dance, music, art, sculpture, poetry, drama, photography and book displays. In order to present these cultural riches to Students of the National School of Dance
44 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
PNCR Secretariat, Congress Place, Sophia
Biennial and Special Congresses 1974 December 14: Special Party Congress (Declaration of Sophia) To mark the 10th Anniversary of the PNC in Government 1975 August 18-25: 1st Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Towards the Socialist Revolution” 1977 August 12-20: 2nd Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Economic Liberation Through Socialism” 1979 August 22-26: 3rd Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Towards The Peoples Victory” 1980 October 25-26: Special Delegates Congress
1981 August 22-29: 4th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Organise for Production and Defence”
1989 August 14-20: 8th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “A Nation at Work – Energetic, Resolute, Productive”
1982 December 12: Opening of New PNC Secretariat, Congress Place, Sophia
1990 September 30: Special Delegates Congress Theme: “The Leader and the Party for All Seasons” 1991 August 1-4: 9th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “The Leader and the Party for All Seasons”
1983 August 14-21: 5th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Will to Survive” 1985 August 18-25: 6th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “We Can, We Must, We Will” 1987 August 10-16: 7th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Reaching Out Boldly for Progress”
1992 August 29: Special Delegates Congress Theme: “Hoyte Leading the Changes for a Better Guyana” 1994 April 29 – May 1: 10th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “For Party and Country – A New Vision, A New Hope”
46 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
1997 Special Delegates Congress 1998 11th Biennial Delegates Congress 2000 August 25-27: 12th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “PNC – Ready to Rescue the Nation” 2002 August 16-18: 13th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Rescuing and Rebuilding the Nation: Creating Opportunities for Success” 2003 February 1: Special Delegates Congress Theme: “Resolutely Forward Together’ To Elect a Leader for the PNCR after the death of Desmond Hoyte
2004 August 27-29 14th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “Building a Platform for Peace, national Cohesion and Reconstruction” 2006 July 30: Special Delegates Congress Preparations for 2006 General and Regional Elections
2007 July 20-22” Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “PNCR – United, Rejuvenated and Repositioned for the Next 50 Years”
2014 July 25-27: 18th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “PNCR for National Unity, Good Governance and Development”
2009 August 21-22: 16th Biennial Delegates Congress 2011 February 26: Special Delegates Congress Theme: “PNCR Working Together with Others to Free Guyana from Tyranny”
To Elect a Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General and Regional Elections
2012 July 27-29: 17th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “A United PNCR: Securing Our Future Through a Government of National Unity”
2016 August 26-28: 19th Biennial Delegates Congress Theme: “PNCR – The Vanguard of a Green Economy”
Flag Raising 50th Independence Anniversary 2016
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 47
Conference of Amerindian Leaders
G
uyana’s 50,000 + Amerindians made history in 1976. Over 200 of their Captains, Leaders and other Delegates assembled in Georgetown for the Fourth Amerindian Conference since 1969.
Here Prime Minister Burnham addresses 169 chieftains in the Parliament Chamber at the first such Conference of Amerindian leaders in Guyana’s history in 1969.
Opening the five-day parley at Parliament Building, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham said that the nation’s Amerindians have a splendid opportunity to make Cooperative Socialism work, and to teach a lesson in Co-operative Socialism not only to other Guyanese, but also to the people of the Western Hemisphere and the World. Other Ministers who had been actively associated with Amerindian affairs included Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ptolemy Reid; Economic Development Minister Desmond Hoyte; Comrade Hubert Jack, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; and Regional Minister Phillip Duncan - an Amerindian. During the five-day Conference, the Amerindian representatives unanimously passed resolutions re-affirming their loyalty to Guyana, the People’s National Congress and Government and pledging to defend the Republic’s 83,000 square mile territory with all their strength and ability. On Monday 5th April 1976, Parliament unanimously passed the Bill under which Amerindians received Certificates of Titles to lands they had been occupying for centuries. All together 61 Certificates were handed over to Amerindians on Tuesday 6th April 1976. (Guyana Today, 1976)
Dr. Ptolemy Reid handing over the First Certificate of Title to Captain Mary Williams of Mainstay - Waiaka. (April 6th, 1976)
48 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Chronology of the People’s National Congress: 1957-2017 Prepared by Hazel Woolford
1957 October 5th: The formation of the People’s National Congress. 1964 December: Mr. Forbes Burnham, the leader of the PNC formed a coalition with Mr. Peter D’Aguiar, the leader of the United Force party to establish a government, after the December 7th elections. 1966 May 26th: The Forbes Burnham administration led Guyana to political independence. 1966 May: The Burnham administration established the University of Guyana campus at Turkeyen. The land Was donated by Jock Campbell of the Bookers Sugar Estates (now GUYSUCO) 1967: Critchlow Labour College established. 1969: Critchlow Labour College was officially opened. 1969: Death of Guyana’s first Governor General, Sir David Rose. 1970 Feb. 23rd: Guyana became the first Cooperative Republic in this hemisphere. 1970 Founding of the town of Linden.
1973: First Biennial Congress of the Young Socialists Movement (YSM). 1974: The Declaration of Sophia; Address by the Leader of the PNC and Prime Minister at a Special Congress to mark the 10th Anniversary of the PNC in government. 1980: L.F.S. Burnham sworn in as the first Executive President of Guyana. 1980: Mavis Anita Benn sworn in as the first Executive Mayor of the city of Georgetown. 1985 August 6th: Death of the Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham. 1985 August 6th: Swearing in of Hugh Desmond Hoyte as the 2nd Executive President of Guyana 2002 Dec. 22nd: Desmond Hoyte died as Leader of the Opposition. 2002 February 1st: Robert Corbin was elected the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform. 2003 October 10th: Viola Burnham died.
50 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
2011 Feb. 26th: David Granger was elected Presidential Candidate of the PNCR 2011 July 15th: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was launched; David Granger was elected Chairman and Presidential Candidate 2012: APNU Chairman David Granger was appointed the Leader of the Opposition. 2012 July 29th: David Granger at the 17th Biennial Congress David Granger is elected the fourth Leader of the PNCR 2015 Feb. 14th: The Cummingsburg Accord is signed bringing into being the seven party Coalition, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) 2015 May 16th: APNU+AFC Coalition defeated the PPP/C at General and Regional Elections. 2015 May 16th: Brigadier David Arthur Granger was sworn in as the Eight Executive President. 2015 May 20th: Mr. Moses Nagamootoo was sworn in as Prime Minister and First Vice-President of the APNU+AFC government. 2015 June 10th: Dr. Barton Scotland appointed Speaker of the Eleventh Parliament. 2016 May 26th: Guyana celebrated the jubilee independence anniversary (50th). 2017 Feb. 20th: President David Granger, declared open the Chetwynd Learning Centre on the 94th birth anniversary of the Party’s Founder Leader Forbes Burnham.The centre is located at President Granger’s former residence at Thorne’s Drive, Durban Backlands and is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the ideas and philosophies, which are the legacy of the Party’s founder, particularly as it
relates to education. It was opened, to also house the Burnham Book Trust (BBT), the Burnham Research Institute (BRI) and the Burnham Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST). 2017 July: Oscar Clarke retired as General Secretary of PNC. 2017- July 1st: Amna Ally was appointed General Secretary of PNC. 2017 October 5th: Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the PNC. Notes: People’s National Congress Biennial Congresses: • 13th Annual Delegates Congress. April 1970, Queens College. •
2nd Biennial Congress. August 12-22, 1977. General Secretary’s report to congress. Theme: Economic liberation through socialism.
•
3rd Biennial Congress. August 22-26, 1979. Auditorium – National Exhibition Park. Theme: Towards the people’s victory.
•
4th Biennial Congress August 22-27, 1981. Chairman’s opening Address (A Season of Renewal). Theme: Organize for production and defence.
•
6th Biennial Congress. August 18-25, 1985. Theme: We can, we must, we will.
•
7th Biennial Congress. August 10-16, 1987. Theme: Reaching out boldly for progress.
•
8th Biennial Congress. August 14- 20, 1989. Theme: A nation at work energetic, resolute, productive People’s National Congress.
On the 5th October 1957, the PPP Burnhamite held a Congress at the Globe Cinema in Georgetown whereas it adopted the name – People’s National Congress. The first leader of the Party was Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. He served from 1957 to 1985. Burnham was succeeded by Hugh Desmond Hoyte, who led the party, from 1985 to 2002. When he died in 2002, Mr. Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, led the Party from 2003 to 2012. Brigadier David Granger became the Leader of the PNCR when he was elected at the Party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress on the 29th July 2012.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 51
GUYANA’S INDEPENDENCE In Pictures
In London, before Independence. From Left are Neville Bissember, Winifred Gaskin, Llewelyn John, Forbes Burnham, Eugene Correia and Mr. Hugh M.E. Chomondeley
The Duke of Kent being introduced to Premier Forbes Burnham at the airport by Sir Richard Luyt, Guyana’s first Governor General.
52 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Embrace between Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan before the hosting of Guyana’s new flag, the Golden Arrow Head. This event took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Park (National Park), May 1966.
The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Premier L.F.S. Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an independent nation. This event took place during the midmorning of Thursday 26th May 1966 in the Parliament Chambers. On achieving Independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth.
People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On! 53
GUYANA’S INDEPENDENCE - In Pictures
END OF COLONIAL RULE! Varying expressions of emotion are reflected on the faces of the Duke and Dutchess of Kent. Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Guyana's Governor-General Sir Richard Luyt as they see the country's Flag raised and hear its National Anthem played at midnight on Wednesday
The Golden Arrowhead being raised on the morning of Thursday 26th May 1966 by an army officer of the Guyana Defence Force, Lt. Desmond Roberts
The Golden Arrowhead being raised at midnight on Wednesday 25th May 2016 at Durban Park by Lieutenant Godwin Cameron of the GDF…. 50 years later
54 People’s National Congress - United and Strong - 60 Years On!
Foreign Affairs: From disaster to prominence
From left are Errol Barrow (Barbados), Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Eric Williams (Trinidad & Tobago), and Michael Manley (Jamaica) signing the Treaty of Chaguaramas on the 4th July 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago, thus the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was born. Its headquarters are located in Georgetown, Guyana
I
n December 1964, Guyana was a country which had been torn apart by racial strife, a country often mentioned in the world Press as a place of riots and other disorders, with little prospect of achieving Independence. It was a country with few friends. The other English speaking peoples of the Caribbean viewed us with a mixture of dismay or suspicion; they wished to have no part of the chaos that was Guyana. In the first ten years of the PNC in Government, Guyana achieved a position of leadership in the Caribbean and the rest of the developing world. Guyana under Forbes Burnham played a decisive role in the regional integration movement. In recognition of this the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) was
sited in Guyana. Guyana in the first decade under the PNC became a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement, a Leader so highly regarded that the entire Latin American group unanimously endorsed Guyana’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council. In sharp contrast to our poor image before the People’s National Congress came to office in 1964, by 1974 Guyana commanded the respect of people everywhere. Several of the World’s most distinguished leaders visited and major international conferences were held in Georgetown. Under the PNC in one decade Guyana moved from a country on the edge of disaster to the achievement of an honored place in the councils of nations.
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This monument commemorates the 1972 Conference of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned countries when it was held in Guyana, 8 - 11 August, 1972, in honour of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement: President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, President Pandit Jawaharlall Nehru of India and President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia; the leaders who initiated the conference of Afro-Asian countries.
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The Jose Marti National Order
Resolution of the Cuban Council of Ministers The citation reads: “The foreign policy observed by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana under the leadership of Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, has followed a progressive course. The country’s direct collaboration and solidarity with the African peoples in the struggle against colonialism and neo- colonialism; its active participation in the nonaligned countries movement - in which it has played an important role, determined particularly by the firm position adopted by Prime Minister Burnham; the efforts made towards the integration of countries in the Caribbean area; its identification with the struggle for the defence of the natural resources of the underdeveloped countries of the Third World; the progressive and independent leadership of its Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on the international sphere and its solidarity with Cuba’s revolutionary process, its condemnation in the international forums of the policy of blockade followed in regard to our country; and its initiative of establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba by the Caribbean States are eloquent proof of the consistently nationalists and progressive position taken by Prime Minister Burnham.
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he Revolutionary Government of Cuba in 1972 established the Jose Marti National Order for presenting to heads of state and government and leaders of political parties who have distinguished themselves for their internationalist solidarity in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and neocolonialism and for their friendship with the Socialist Revolution of Cuba. The Founder Leader of the People’s National Congress, Forbes Burnham was presented with this award on his official visit to Cuba in April 1975.
His friendship towards Cuba and his actions in favour of strengthening relations with our country are confirmed by his official visit to our country. This visit constitutes a significant contribution to the concrete and sustained development of the attitudes of solidarity towards the Cuban Revolution taken by our distinguished visitor Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. For the above reasons the Council of Ministers of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba unanimously RESOLVES “That Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana be awarded the Jose Marti National Order and that the insignia that represents this Order be presented on behalf of the Revolutionary Government by Comrade Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado, President of the Republic, in an official ceremony called to that effect and that the recipient be also presented with a certificate of this resolution.”
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GREAT TASTE, GREAT TIMES Please drink responsibly. 18+
PNC - 60 years of Service to the people of Guyana’s Education “For us education is the corner-stone of equality, and one of the chief instruments for the abolition of snobbery, the removal of discrimination, the development of creative beings, and the production of a race of men and women who will never surrender to mediocrity or dictatorship of any kind.” LFS Burnham (A Destiny to Mould).
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he period 1964-1974 can be described as a period of tremendous and unprecedented growth in education in Guyana. From 1962-1963, there were only three Government Secondary Schools with 1,386 students. In addition, there were 14 government-aided schools with 7,744 students and about 25 private schools with about 4,670 students. But under the People’s National Congress, by 1972-1973, there were 33 Government Secondary Schools with 15,179 students on roll, 13 government-aided secondary schools with 9,349 students and an estimated 10,000 students still in private secondary schools. In addition, in 1972-73 there were about 35,000 students in the secondary departments of all-age schools. Under the PNC’s education polices enacted in the first decade in office some 70,000 or fifty percent of the 138, 027 students in the nation’s 12 to 18 age group were receiving some form of secondary education. For the first five years in office the PNC’s major thrust was geared to meet the growing demand for school places. This led to the provision of accommodation for over 40,000 school places at the rate of 60 places per month. Under the PNC ‘Bottom- House’ schools where many rural children received their education in insanitary conditions were abolished. During this period 36,503 primary school places were provided while the number of primary schools was increased from 358 to 398, a total of 40 new schools. While the first five years of the PNC in government was one of reconstruction and stabilization, the second five years period was characterized by a series of very significant activities. Looking back at the first decade of education in Guyana under the PNC administration it must be recognized that provision of basic accommodation for students was in itself a tremendous physical achievement, matched only by the efforts to increase the richness,
LFSB Turning the soil for the building of the University of Guyana.
University of Guyana
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relevance and scope of the educational experience. From its inception in October 1957, the People’s National Congress has always made education a central plank for the development of Guyana. Over the years, successive Party leaders have opined on the benefits of making Guyana an Education Nation. In his address at the Ceremonial opening of the Eleventh Parliament of Guyana, PNCR Leader and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger said, “Guyana cannot become ‘One Nation’ if gross disparities persists between the hinterland and the coastland, between the educated few and the a semi-literate mass and between the very rich and very poor. We shall foster the growth of a united nation in which cooperation prevails over confrontation.” Like Burnham, President Granger is keenly aware that education is the cornerstone of equality; the key to eradicating poverty, ignorance and bigotry.
Cyril Potter of Education - CPCE
As the PNCR celebrates its 60th birthday we continue to be committed to the goal of creating an education nation. Our country stands on the threshold of greatness. Guyana is a land filled with potential and opportunities to be exploited. However, these dreams cannot be realised unless we create the conditions and build the education infrastructure that produces the Scientists, Technicians, Engineers and Mathematicians to take us into modernity. The PNCR continues to be in the vanguard of the development of education in Guyana. The Party has a proud legacy in the education sector during our stewardship of this nation.
Multilateral School
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Women’s Arm of the People’s National Congress its Leadership 1957-2017 By Urmia Johnson
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n the 5th October 1957, the Women’s Arm of the People’s National Congress (PNC) was established. The Organisation was initially called the People’s National Congress Women’s Auxiliary (PNCWA)
National Chairman: Viola Burnham, January 1976 to August 1990
The National Congress of Women (NCW), the women’s arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) was originally called the People’s National Congress Women’s Auxiliary (PNCWA). When the PNCWA was founded, the officers were referred to as Chairman and General Secretary. In 1976, when the Organisation changed its name to the Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM) the officers were renamed National Chairman and National Secretary. Around 1996, the National Chairman began being referred to as the National Chairperson.
National Secretary: Doreen Small
National Chairman, Chairpersons and National Secretaries of the National Congress of Women (NCW) from the 5th October 1957-2017 Peoples National Congress Women’s Auxiliary - Formed October 5, 1957 Chairman: Jane Philips-Gay (First Chairman) 5th October 1957 to January 1976 General Secretary: Winifred Gaskin, First General Secretary General Secretary: Margret Ackman (succeeded Winifred Gaskin) Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM) - The PNCWA was renamed the WRSM in January 1976, and this phase lasted until May 1994. There were two National Chairmen during the WRSM period – Viola Burnham and Yvonne Harewood-Benn.
National Secretary: Urmia Johnson
National Secretary: Ovril Yaw Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM) National Chairman: Yvonne Harewood-Benn, August 1990 to May 1994 National Secretary: Ovril Yaw National Secretary: Jennifer Ferriera National Congress of Women (NCW) – The WRSM was renamed the NCW in May 1994. There have been three National Chairpersons during the period 1994-present, Urmia Johnson, Cheryl Sampson and Volda Lawrence. National Chairperson: Urmia Johnson May 1994 to July 1996 National Secretary: Murtlene Dennis National Chairperson: Cheryl Sampson, August 1996 to August 2016 National Secretary: Genevieve Allen National Chairperson: Volda Lawrence, August 2016 National Secretary: Linda Gomes-Haley
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The Young Socialists Movement an excerpt from a brief review by Robert Corbin, CCH
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The Young Socialists Movement (YSM) - the fore-runner of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM)
he formation of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM) is interrelated to the formation of the People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1957 though it must never be forgotten that the PNC had its beginnings long before then. What occurred in 1957 was a deed poll from “Burnhamite PPP” to the PNC; the Burnhamite PPP being part of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which was split in 1955 after problems of tactics arose within the Party. The PNC, therefore, was an integral part of the struggle for political independence in Guyana, which began in the late 1940’s with the formation of the Political Affairs Committee leading to the establishment of the PPP with Forbes Burnham as its first Chairman, (this is mentioned to correct misrepresentation being peddled by some detractors in Guyana.) It was in the milieu of these political events that many young people inspired by the vision and commitment of Cde. Forbes Burnham followed him after the split. At the time no formal organisation existed, but it was those very young people who later became the embryo of the YSM. The years 1957 to 1959 could be considered the embryonic stage though it was not until 1960 that the first national inaugural meeting was held at the LCP Hall in Third Street, Georgetown. Before the inaugural meeting, several groups existed and more were formed. For example, there was the Eldorado Youth Alliance, with names such as Jocelyn Headley and Winston Bentham; there was Stonewall Jackson getting a few groups together with names such as Joyce Harris (Green), Leon Beresford, Nola Sinclair, Sammy Trauss, and Gordon Muller. However, the Leader, Forbes Burnham with his usual vision saw the need for a well- organized and structured National Youth Movement; hence he initiated a number of meetings at his Clarke and Martin Law Office with the objective of placing the organisation on a more solid basis. To aid this, Burnham placed Cde. Stanley Hugh a
youthful-thinking associate of his to manage this exercise. The result of all of these initiatives was the first national inaugural meeting in 1960 with the organisation being formally named the People’s National Congress Youth Organisation (PNCYO). The meeting saw Winston Bentham being elected the first Chairman with Michael Dorne as Vice Chairman, Rudolph Daison was elected Secretary, but he left the country for studies after a few months and had to hand over to Sammy Trauss, who also left to further his studies after his term of office was completed. Joyce Harris (Green) was Assistant Secretary, while Gordon Muller was elected Treasurer. Congresses The drive for the establishment of groups throughout the country was intensified and the next Congress in 1962, again at LCP Hall, saw a mammoth country-wide participation. Most of the same names dominated the executive with a few additions such as Oscar Clarke and Nola Sinclair, who became Secretary. From 1962, there was no turning back and the years ahead saw the organisation growing stronger with every Congress. With the exception of 1963 when only a Conference was held to amend the Constitution, (the name was changed to Young Socialist Movement as it was felt that the name more accurately reflected the objectives of the organisation), Congresses were held annually until 1973. Congress locations - 1964, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara; 1965, Number 29 Village, West Coat Berbice; 1966, Dolphin Government School, Georgetown; 1967, New Amsterdam; 1968, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara; 1969, Linden; 1970, Anna Regina, Essequibo; 1971 Linden; 1972, Corriverton, Corentyne; and 1973, Queens College, Georgetown. Some memorable names: The years also saw many other featuring in leadership positions. Winston (Kweku) Nurse, whom I still consider our most outstanding Secretary for Foreign Affairs; Vernon
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The Young Socialists Movement Andrews, I remember him for his debating skill consistent with his ability for jest; Vernon Simon, I remember him in the controversial election in 1966 at Dolphin Government School; Eustace Hall, I remember him for his great ability to walk rather than ride a cycle - incidentally he visited more groups than those with bicycles; David Granger, I remember seeing him tearing down posters of the Queen at Dolphin Government School during a Congress; Clem Matthews (now deceased), I remember him as our Spanish interpreter, when immediately after the Cuban Revolution we were regular listeners to the lengthy speeches by Fidel
Castro on Radio Havana; Howell Benn, I remember him at the Number 29 Village Congress with the cows (only those who were present could really understand the joke); Ovid Morrison, I remember him for his ability to obtain food for Congress and his tight control of YSM funds while being Treasurer. There were many more names like Kenneth Denny, Walter Cambridge, Jeffrey Thomas, Leo Mathews, Harold Trotman, Compton Ross and Kenneth Shortt, but only a detailed history of the organisation could amplify this.
Campaign Posters
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