Truth of Burnham's visionary leadership must be told

By Hon. Annette Ferguson, MP

The People's National Congress Reform on Monday 20th February 2023 observed the Centennial birth anniversary of its Founder and Leader, Guyana's First Prime Minister and First Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., SC. The celebrations are being done in collaboration with the Forbes Burnham Foundation and will run until the 20th February 2024.

There have been many accomplishments by the late LFS Burnham, but many have and are still attempting to discredit and downplay the contributions of this great visionary Leader who was ahead of his time. From my readings and analysis of the work and contri- butions of the Late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham O.E., SC, I have concluded that he was a patriot with an enormous vision for Guyana and its six races. I have heard of the many challenges he faced with his political opponents, but this did not deter him from his major objectives such as - taking Guyana into Independence on May 26, 1966, seeing our nation become a Republic, on February 23, 1970 and moulding Guyana's destiny. I listened to his speeches, interviews and how he dealt professionally and candidly with journalists, locally and internationally. I have also read a few of his articles and have concluded that, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was indeed a gift from God who was birthed here in Guyana for a purpose.

The late Linden Forbes Sampson

Burnham did not just lead Guyana to Independence or Republican Status, but he created institutions such as the Bank of Guyana, CARIFESTA, Co-Operatives, Agri- Bank, Mortgage Finance Bank, National Insurance Scheme, for which he was highly condemned and criticized. This institution was referred to as "SIN," by Burnham's political opponent, the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Monies from this same Scheme were later used by the PPP Government to construct the Berbice Bridge and other projects outside of its mandate. Also, credit should be given to Mr. Burnham for the establishment of regional structures, which now see the decentralization of Government programmes. Burnham also established the Local Government System, which allows for NDCs and Municipalities to be governed by residents and officials from their local areas. Education was a top priority for LFS Burnham. During his time, he constructed Multilateral Schools and President's College which is downplayed today by those sitting in the seat of Government. Yes, it was Burnham who allowed "education to be free from Nursery to Tertiary," and ensured it was enshrined in our Constitution. This free education was abolished by the PPP in 1994. Other established learning institutions are, University of Guyana, the Government Technical Institute, CPCE, to name a few. May I further hasten to say that many in the current PPP/C party, whether Leadership or otherwise benefitted from "Free Education" under the PNC administrations.

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