The Red House on High Street is famous for its bright red wallaba shingles. The 19th century, 3-storey colonial style building houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. The edifice has recently gained heightened attention after a rather public battle between the Government, the Opposition and to some extent the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) – the organisation with oversight of the activities of Red House.
The Research Centre was established in 1999 to promote research into and publish materials on the life, work and ideas of Dr Jagan. The prime land on which Red House sits was leased to the CJRCI for 999 years for ,000 per year. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition Administration was initially adverse to the small fee being charged and had started engaging the directors of the Research Centre on the possibility of transforming the Red House into a hub for all former Presidents. The Management Committee, objected to this move, and told the Government to find independent sites for the establishment of similar research centres for the other Guyanese leaders.
The CJRCI Management Committee had even proposed to pay a higher lease but Government never responded to the offer. The documents explained that the AG undertook to convey the proposals to his principals and provide feedback but this never materialised. Then followed the actions which can only be deemed as unjustifiable. President Granger, on December 30th announced that the Red House lease will be revoked, based on advice from his Attorney General that the agreement is invalid. The occupants were then given 48 hours to relocate, to make way for the Guyana National Trust, its staff, stores and equipment in that building without, it seems, any thought or consideration for the preservation of the documents and materials housed at Red House. Clearly, the Government was not concerned about the safety of such materials
This order, however, was successfully challenged by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of the CJRCI.
While the matter was still pending before Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings- Edwards on December 30, 2016, Ministry of the Presidency workers descended on Red House where they removed the padlock and tore down the Cheddi Jagan Research Institute sign; even though a court order has blocked officers of the State from entering or removing any artefacts from the premises/building. A major commotion ensued outside of the landmark site as the workmen stripped the building of its identity and barred the gates to the premises. Even as the matter is still before the courts.
Subsequently, there was vigil on December 30, 2016 by PPP supporters that sparked off a counter-vigil by PNC members including Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence. The move by the APNU/AFC Government is characteristic of authoritarian Administration, lacking respect for the rule of law. By their actions, they also demonstrated their disregard for historical issues.
These developments have sparked immense public outrage, with countless Guyanese condemning the Government for its unjustifiable attack on the legacy of Dr Jagan – who significantly contributed to the struggle for a free, independent and democratic Guyana. Many, from all quarters, believe that this entire fiasco will have serious repercussions for Guyana and that it could have been avoided.
This very Administration has, time and again touted the notion of Social Cohesion, and the importance of bridging the divide that exists in Guyana. The most recent actions over Red House point in a very different direction and does nothing to reinforce the Government’s position on the matter. The Government had stated that by 2021 Guyana should see a clear improvement in relations and interactions among the various ethnic and race groups in the country. They also anticipated there would be a mutually positive appreciation of the cultural diversity of different groups at the national and community levels. This will never materialize so long as we have a Government bent on displaying total disregard for issues of national interest and determined to impose their political will.
