Saturday 4 April 2020

LETTER THREE

In history, some men rises to the occasion. In these times, Clairmont Mingo is THE MAN.
Clairmont Mingo is the name associated with this present fiasco, but there are others and many others behind him. These election events is equivalent to the fiasco of emanicipation. Talks and lots of talk between the abolitionists and the British Parliament and then the talks between the British Parliament and the Planters. No one was too keen on giving in to emancipation of the African Slaves in the British Colonies. Anxieties ran high in the slave communities. Rumors of freedom from the house slaves messaged down to the field slaves. For decades, only disappointments in waiting for that day to come. 
But that day did come, out of shame and shock.
In the colony of Demerara, on Planation Success, a God-fearing man was bonded to John Gladstone's Estate. He was a deacon in a church at Pln. Re-Sovenier, the neighboring plantation. His son, a skilled barrel maker was free to move around the plantations plying his trade. He took the news around the plantations concerning the progress of emancipation.
Frustrated by broken promises, the slaves became agitated.
A church meeting at Pln. Re-Sovenier, the slaves discussed the prospects of emancipation. The decision was the Demerara Slave Revolt. The planners enquired from the deacon his thoughts on the matter.
And Quamina agreed.
He was not involved in the revolt, yet his punishment was severe. The British Authorities deheaded him and displayed severed head and body at the Parade Ground.
The British Public read about the events. Apalled. Public opinion, boycott of British West Indian goods and Thomas Clarkson's endorsement of British India goods and commodities be purchased instead.
The public outcry and actions was the decision maker for the House of Commons.
Emanicipation.
The named Quamina is around several places in GT, perhaps as a reminder to Guyanese. 
Today, it is Clairmont Mingo. 
Perhaps, for a moment he is demanding that we think of the consequences, even though he is wrong in his actions.
We need an emanciption of the minds. For generations we know that this country needs an inclusive government.
This is the time for it, let there be a public outcry