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By Keeran DannyThe Late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham’s legacy of struggling for African liberation was celebrated yesterday as the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) celebrated his 28th Death Anniversary at the Mausoleum, Botanical Gardens.Delivering remarks during the early morning ceremony, Vincent Alexander,Tedy Bruschi Patriots Jersey, Chairperson of the Burnham Foundation, said commemorating Burnham’s death ensures his achievementsKamana Burnham approaches his father’s resting place during the wreath-laying ceremony.are etched in citizens’ memories.Burnham’s many contributions to humanity, particularly his struggle for African Liberation during an era of enslavement and mistreatment of Africans, was highlighted at yesterday’s function. This year, the South African Government indicated its intention to bestow Burnham posthumously The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo. Reportedly,Taylor Gabriel Falcons Jersey, because of unflattering comments about Burnham, South Africa did not proceed with the award.But,Brian Poole Falcons Jersey, according to Alexander,Mike Mitchell Steelers Jersey, Burnham’s track record of fighting for African Liberation,Javon Hargrave Steelers Jersey, particularly apartheid in South Africa,Tyson Jackson Falcons Jersey, would denounce the withdrawal of the award. He listed several instances where Burnham’s struggles to achieve his dream of African liberation are registered in history.For instance,Artie Burns Steelers Jersey, in 1960 Burnham was arrested in Great Britain for protesting against the barbaric apartheid policies of South Africa; Guyana with Burnham’s leadership championed legitimate concerns of the South African people in CARICOM, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth and the United Nations; contributions from Guyana’s treasury to aid freedom fighters; a national signature campaign for the release of Nelson Mandela; and naming of a street in Guyana in honour of Nelson Mandela.According to Alexander,Louis Lipps Steelers Jersey, Burnham also chaired the Commonwealth Sanction Committee which helped to chart the Commonwealth’s policy on the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in Zimbabwe and apartheid in South Africa.Another significant undertaking of Burnham was “facilitating the refueling of CubanDr. George Norton lays a wreathplanes in Guyana which were ferrying troops to Angola as Cuba joined the armed struggle against Apartheid South Africa’s attempt to stymie the liberation struggle of MPLA to decolonize and liberate Angola.”The Chairperson said the PNC does not speak for Burnham since he is spoken of and in many ways “is still around”. He said party members would leave the commemoration ceremony recommitted to his ideas of making Guyana a better place.Those who partook in the wreath-laying ceremony included Burnham’s son Kamana Burnham; former Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin; PNCR Chairman Basil William; PNCR Vice Chairman Dr. George Norton; Executive Member of Guyana Youth and Student Movement Dave Danny Jr.; Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette; Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon; and Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green. Leader of the Opposition David Granger was unable to attend, as he is currently in the hinterland.Forbes Burnham became the first Executive President of Guyana in 1980, having led the nation to Independence in 1966 and to Republican status in 1970. He was born on February 20, 1923 and died on August 6, 1985. He is remembered as a leader, visionary, innovator,Lawrence Timmons Steelers Jersey, builder, educator and a giant who has bestowed this country. |
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