Guyana’s location provides easy access to the many West Indian Islands. These islands were under some form of ruler ship from either the British, French or Dutch many years ago. It wasn’t long before that the people from these islands began to seek their own independence. The origins of the people were mostly the same parts of the world like Africa, India, China, and Portugal. Some even came from as far as the Middle East.

Many slaves and indentured workers toiled in sugar cane fields, rice fields, and the bauxite mining industries. Others tended to the fields of minerals, gold, and diamonds. The design of towns planning and the development of government was overseen by the colonists who taught the people cultivating and product developing procedures. Establishments and businesses such as breweries, rice and sugar exports, diamonds and gold mining and many more were productive. These industries brought in handsome profits only to be reaped by their governments. The slaves and indentured laborers found positive ways to bring about their own contentment. While most incorporated their cultures and customs with those of their fellow country men and leaders, holidays like carnivals were created and celebrated as a way to represent their country and to display their pride. These carnivals were conducted in a similar fashion, and their commonality can be seen in the way they celebrated and costumes they wore, but their own unique flair and significance. In the case of Guyana, Mashramani became the carnival. For the Bahamas, Junkanoo rocks, while Barbados’s Crop Over serves well at carnival time.
The name of each carnival represents the many African Tribes and their origins.

A perception of island life is easy and breezy, fun-filled tropical paradise with long laid back days and endless party nights. My visual is much more profound. I picture a cad laying in a hammock supported by the trunk of two coconut trees on a sand filled sanctuary surrounded by turquoise seas, white sand, and seagulls afloat. And within its splendor, exotic plants, creatures’ electric, peaceful blue skies, and a warm breeze swaying the trees to a hot island beat. I see an atmosphere infused with nature, surrounded by a lull and ease that lends a mystique, while with cotton frocks and cocktails to match, lasses frolicking like endangered species on a lost planet of a superb paradise only to be believed in dreams.

The earlier part of my life was spent in this paradise. I learned about its rich history and culture from books, stories and my own experiences. A part of my heart belongs to the souls lost and the pain they endured. While nations were developed, and legacies were secured, these people were the martyrs. I salute them, with my pride, profound respect, and eternal gratitude.