38th death anniversary of Walter Rodney (Pt 2)

Dear Editor,
Politically, the coming to power of the People’s National Congress was a result of support received from internal and external forces, which worked to the advantage of that party, allowing it to rule for 28 years (1964 to 1992). Similarly, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s return to office was the result of the shift in the balance of the social/political forces – internal and external – which facilitated that regime’s rule for 23 years (1992 t0 2015).
The big challenge facing the nation as we remember Rodney is to understand the likely direction in which the country is heading. This is of paramount importance if we are to avoid the negative effects of internal/external influences and to take control of our destiny. In light of our known history, this is no small matter, since history has demonstrated that external forces and their interests have been the dominant factor in determining the political, social and economic direction of the country. Additionally, the domestic/internal contracdictions in the country and the struggle to resolve them have militated against our ability to resist the viciousness of the external forces and influences. In short “people’s power” which Rodney and the WPA invoked never matured to the point to facilitate liberation of the people and the country.
Given this reality, the obvious question is where do we go from here? Not surprisingly, the masses are, in their own way, daily asking the same question in search of an answer. I can not and will not pretend to have the answer to this question. However, I am convinced that this country, 38 years after the passing of Rodney is once again at the crosroads. But no two historical junctures are the same. They may be similarities but also differences. Our present economic, social and political situation in significant ways is more challenging in this post-independence period. Like any historical moment, there is the possibility of success or failure.
My candid judgment is that our national political leadership; both Government and Opposition, civil society forces and the masses are not up to the challenges we are faced with. Therefore, it is questionable whether the nation can achieve the necessary political and social cohesion needed to defeat the historical odds and avoid repeating past mistakes, for which we pay a high price of grave under development. The jury is out on this matter and we will have the answer sooner rather than later.
Political observers will not fail to comprehend the importance of the year 2020 to the future of the nation since it is an election year and, equally important, the year designated for the commencement of oil production. Added to those developments the year 2020 will be the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Walter Rodney.
In closing, it seems that at every significant juncture post 1980, Rodney stands before us reminding the nation of the need for self-examination and reflection.

Sincerely,
Tacuma Ogunseye