Prof. Renaldo C. McKenzie delivered a powerful final Lecture in Caribbean Thought that was climactic at Jamaica Theological Seminary, exploring Walter Rodney’s Struggle for Democracy in Guyana exploring how this struggle for democracy and independence continues even today throughout postcolonial countries of the global south.
Rev. McKenzie explained that Walter Rodney, a renowned historian and socialist from Guyana, was not only known for his academic work but also as a political leader. He was an active member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and a critic of the authoritarian Forbes Burnham dictatorship.
Burnham, though claiming to be socialist, maintained a repressive regime in Guyana and had friendly ties with the United States. He held power through rigged elections and suppression of opposition parties and trade unions. Rodney, aware of the risks, chose to work within Guyana to bring about change. He was assassinated in 1980, drawing international condemnation from figures like Michael Manley, Maurice Bishop, and Fidel Castro.
In his essay, written before his death, Rodney analyzed the nature of the Burnham dictatorship, exposing its corruption, incompetence, and tactics for consolidating power. He criticized the regime’s personality cult and its attempts to appear as a democracy while suppressing fundamental rights.
Renaldo raised and expounded on questions that Mr. Rodney seem to be answering in his Essay via Jacobin magazine:
1. Question: How can the working class challenge the Burnham dictatorship and assert its power?
2. Question: What is the significance of civil disobedience and non-cooperation in the struggle for liberation?
3. Question: How can national unity be achieved in Guyana, given its diverse racial and class divisions?
4. Question: What is the alternative to the Burnham dictatorship, and how can the people reclaim their rights and restore democracy?
5. Question: How can resistance be sustained against the violence and intimidation of the dictatorship?
Prof. McKenzie concluded this section of the Lecture with a summary, “Rodney’s essay explores essential questions related to working-class power, national unity, and the path towards liberation in Guyana. His answers highlight the historical lessons of collective labor actions, civil disobedience, and the need for a government of national unity as a clear alternative to the oppressive dictatorship. He calls for a united and determined effort to reclaim democracy and build a just and equitable society for all Guyanese.”
Source:
Walter Rodney and the Struggle for Democracy in Guyana (jacobin.com), 6.13, 2020.
Part 2 of the Lecture: Afro-Caribbean Beliefs:
Prof. McKenzie then shifts gears to explore Afro-Caribbean Beliefs in Jamaica and to discuss a study that the class will be embarking on to ascertain how Caribbean people’s atitudes towards their Afro-Caribbean Beliefs are changing. Prof. McKenzie highlighted the fact that many Caribbean peoples including himself had scorned certain aspects of their traditions emanating from Africa and less than those of Europe, such as Jamaicans scoff and laugh at Jamaican Revivalists and Rastafarians but are more readily accepting of Christianity and other traditions from Europe. as if nothing good can come from themselves and from their ancestors and heritage. Rev. McKenzie discussed Afro Caribbean Beliefs especially those in Jamaica: According to Rev. McKenzie, “in Jamaica, there has historically been a negative perception towards African and indigenous spiritual practices, religious beliefs, customs, and faiths that draw influences from Urban Indian Heritage or African traditions. Rastafarianism, Obeah, Voodoo, Pocomania or pocco church, revivalists, and Muslim beliefs have often been marginalized, deemed as fringe, demonic, and unpopular, juxtaposed against the inherited traditions from European colonialism. The Judeo-Christian faith, such as Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and evangelicalism, has been favored and considered closer to the truth and the ideal. However, in the 21st century, with increased exposure, awareness, critical thinking, and a more liberal lifestyle, particularly among the younger generation, it is crucial to investigate whether attitudes towards Afro-Caribbean beliefs are changing. This study aims to explore the shifting attitudes of Jamaicans and the factors contributing to these changes, considering demographic variables such as location, age group, educational levels, income status, political affiliation, denominationality, and religious beliefs.
Prof. McKenzie concluded with this: Jamaican religious traditions have a rich and diverse history, particularly within Afro-Caribbean communities. When over 750,000 African captives were brought to Jamaica from regions such as the Bight of Biafra (present-day Ghana) and west Central Africa during the late 18th century, a variety of African and African-influenced religious practices began to emerge.
We are conducting a study exploring the Changing Attitudes towards Afro-Caribbean Beliefs. If you’re interested and would like to participate. please visit this link and learn more.
Voices United: A Petition for Democracy in Haiti
Prof. McKenzie is Author of “Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance,” and the upcoming book on “Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo-Capitalism and the Death of Nations.” Renaldo is doing a Doctorate at Georgetown University and graduated with a Master of Liberal Arts and then a Master of Philosophy from University of Pennsylvania.
Written by Yoan Bianic, at The NeoLiberal Post.
The Lecture was held on July 17th, 2023 and available in Audio Podcast and via YouTube.
The NeoLiberal Post is a publication of The NeoLiberal Corporation by Renaldo McKenzie.
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