Reflections on the 57th Year of Guyana’s Independence Day

Today marks Guyana's 57th Independence Day Anniversary and this Memorial Day weekend is a perfect time to reflect. Today we pay tribute to those who struggled for independence and marks the end of colonialism in 1966 from Great Britain.

I reflect on my Indian ancestry and all they've struggled with through the limitations of my imagination. Then I fast forward to my parents eventually given the freedom to leave the country, starting a life in an unknown place and still carrying the pride of their East Indian heritage. Their history tells them its okay to leave a place for the potential of a better life. From India to Guyana to North America. I thank them all for their bravery and teachings. We stand here because of them.

I think about all of those we lost. The stories that were never told. Even though colonialism has ended, there is still oppression that exist in Guyana and in America with others and within our own communities. Many of us still have the inferiority complex that has been ingrained in our DNA from superiors and whiteness in America. This is also known as generational trauma and translates to depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and so much more.

We all have a voice. It's our most powerful tool to ignite change and stand up for ourselves and our people who’ve been victims of abuse for generations. We can use this and our love for our culture to support one another and to help better ourselves despite historical shortcomings. We can do this by trying to end the trauma by taking care of our health through seeking mental health therapy, dietitians and doctors. Helping yourself will also help others around you. To real independence and freedom. Happy Independence, Guyana and all of its diaspora!

<3 Jenny Gherau

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