Dear Editor,

Those seeking the truth on the events of the 1969 Rupununi Uprising, the operations of the GDF and the Venezuelan influence can consult Northern Brazilian History. Most aspects are provided as a standard course in secondary schools in Northern Brazil (specifically Amazonas State). It is an unbiased version of the events that transpired since the Brazilian Government maintained close surveillance (and influence) on that region and its activities.

The Brazilian Military's "Red Line Project" (Projeto Linha Vermelha in Portuguese) sought (and still seeks) to prevent a foreign invasion of the Amazon, originating from Guyana. This resulted in the militarization of the northern borders, the construction of the Air Force Base in Boa Vista and a lot of attention being paid to events in Guyana. There is a wealth of information in the Brazilian Government Archives. It would be a good place to turn for the truth.

However, for those interested, the only reason Guyana was (and has not been yet) been invaded by Venezuela (and for Essequibo still remaining in Guyanese hands) was the firm opposition, by the Brazilian Government, to the Venezuelan invasion of Guyana. As a matter of fact, when advised by the Venezuelan Government (in 1969) of the impending Venezuelan troop movements (sanctioned by the US) in the Venezuela/Brazil/Guyana borders (i.e. the Rupununi area), the Brazilian Government deployed troops and its fighter squadrons to its Boa Vista airbase and essentially told Venezuela it would repel any Venezuelan invasion of Guyana. That was the only reason the outcome became what it is today. We do owe a lot of gratitude to Brazil for standing up for us.

The truth should indeed be told, and it should be told loudly and clearly to all in Guyana. We should teach the truth in our schools, about both the good and the bad, so that it would never be repeated again in our history. Ask the victims, and correct the sanitized version of events currently being told. Make Father Morrison's book a standard text in secondary school.

Restructure the Social Studies curriculum in our secondary schools to include objective post independence Guyanese history. Acknow-ledge the failures of our society, its exploitation by our leaders and define our pervasive race problems; an unbiased account however hurtful it may be to some. At least the young ones, whose minds have not yet been poisoned by someone's biased account of our failures (I will forever have vivid memories of accounts of the Mackenzie riots), may still have a chance to have the best gift ever from their adults - a country to be proud of.

As a wise man once said "Only the truth will set us free..."

Yours faithfully,

M. Samaroo

Return