The Guyanese culture also embodies kindness, generosity and support of one another in difficult times. Guyanese tend to be compassionate; it’s usual to insist on cooking and cleaning for neighbors who have suffered tragedies, such as the death of a family member. Their expression ‘hand wash hand, make hand clean’, meaning that people can’t do without each other, does a good job of describing their supportive, interdependent community. Ramesh shared a poignant anecdote: ‘Even though I left 30 years ago, people know when I’m back in Guyana. The phone won’t stop ringing, and the people are warm, welcoming, generous, and even the poorest will find something to give to you; at the end of a day I have a car boot full of coconuts and vegetables.’
Their origin is a source of pride and identity for London’s Guyanese. Gwen Adams, a psychiatric nurse, describes it as ‘the foundation of your identity and who you are. It influences your diet, lifestyle, friends, and religion’. She listens to the song Guyana Baboo by Terry Gajraj to remind her of home. Guyana-born Brian Haley, a Liberal Democrat who ran to be his party’s candidate for the Mayor of London election in 2012, is equally proud of his origins. He describes witnessing the moment when the British flag was lowered and the Guyanese flag raised as ‘a wonderful experience that filled me with pride’.
Many of the Guyanese in London continue to see Guyana as their home. A large number are members of hometown associations and attend their events, retain their distinctive rhythmical accent, and socialize with Guyanese friends. Their heritage also plays a large role in their family lives. Betty Why, a retired nurse, told me: ‘My grandchildren get excited when they see the Guyanese flag. As children my two daughters used to draw the national flag, and I raised them to know the president, the rivers and the counties.’
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Guyana Doll | ©Theron Mohamed
Guyanese culture and identity are alive and well in London. However, the community may face problems in the future: many fear that the younger generation of Guyanese is less interested in their heritage. They perceive Guyana as a holiday destination rather than a home, and have no real connection to it. Ramesh said: ‘There is an absence of news or connection to Guyana, we have no real perspective on events over there. Young Guyanese are indifferent, with no enthusiasm, they are self-interested.’
Dr. Christopher Johnson, a Guyana-born Cambridge University graduate, blames Guyanese parents for not explaining their culture to their children. He said: ‘I think it’s about sharing experiences, not telling them ‘this is what we used to do when we were growing up’. It’s about how we communicate with children, and how we can make them feel comfortable with the information we’re giving them, and a lot of adults don’t understand how to deal with their children when it comes to that issue.’
Ceara Roopchand, a Guyanese student in London, disagrees. She believes the younger generation is more proactive and passionate about Guyana’s development, whereas the elderly accept the way things are and do little to improve the situation. She said: ‘My grandma turned her back on Guyana and didn’t teach my mother Guyanese culture. My mum had to pick it up from her friends and family, and she raised me to be Guyanese. Now I am determined to help my country develop.’
Passionate and tenacious, many of London’s Guyanese continue to embrace their national identity and culture, and support their native country. However, they are faced with the challenge of how to in instil their love for Guyana in to the younger generation of Guyanese, many of whom lack a connection to their homeland. Failure to do so risks these powerful ties fading and even disappearing in the future, and Guyana will suffer if its citizens abroad turn their backs on it.Without their support, poverty could rise and development could stagnate, a deeply concerning fate for a nation that so many hold so dear.
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Publish date : 2021-08-13 03:00:00
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