Although the title of this volume should not surprise readers, the subtitle is at least partially misleading. Simms’ book is clearly meant for the general public rather than the professional student of Guianese affairs. Yet only the almost totally uninformed will find the background material on the history of British Guiana prior to 1953 enlightening. The author has used only a few sources and those not too well. He does succeed, however, in delineating those elements in Guianese society which have served to fragment the population along racial lines into two major groups—East Indian and Negro—and several smaller groups.
Simms is at his best examining events between 1953 and the mid-1960s. This, the main portion of the volume, was written after a visit to the country and discussions with the principal figures in events Guianese. The political thought of Cheddi and Janet Jagan is traced from its origins through and past their first electoral success in April 1953. The 133 days in power in 1953 are described in detail. And the ridiculous spectacle of the majority People’s Progressive Party (P.P.P.) acting as if it were a minority party and not in power is told in such a way as to leave no doubt in the reader’s mind that Simms is not an admirer of the Jagans. As the author follows events from 1953 to the 1960s, it is shown that the Jagans and the P.P.P. have not learned the necessary relation between responsibility and power. An explanation of Cheddi Jagan’s public “performances” in and out of British Guiana leaves the further impression that he has no real understanding of the power structure in the world at large.
Simms carefully examines the political role of Forbes Burnham, both within the P.P.P. and as leader of his People’s National Party. All the significant men and women in the less important parties are mentioned, with particular attention to Peter d’Aguiar. The narrative is carried past the constitutional changes which instituted proportional representation and permitted Burnham to form a coalition government with d’Aguiar’s forces. Though Simms emphasizes political change, he notes the social factors which are reflected in political activity. The essentially racial orientation of the two major political parties seems destined to restore the Jagans and P.P.P. to power as the East Indian population continues to grow rapidly.
Simms’ hopes for the future of the Burnham regime, expressed before independence was granted, do not negate the fear of further violence, nor does the author expect Cheddi and Janet Jagan to relate the Marxist terminology they use to the reality of Guyana. The volume is recommended for a concise view of what happened in British Guiana in the twelve years preceding independence.
