Prof. Renaldo McKenzie delivered a powerful final Lecture in Caribbean Thought that was climactic at Jamaica Theological Seminary, exploring Walter Rodney's Struggle for Democracy in Guyana exploring how this struggle for democracy and independence continues even today throughout postcolonial countries of the global south. Rev. McKenzie explained that Walter Rodney, a renowned historian and socialist from Guyana, was not only known for his academic work but also as a political leader. He was an active member of the Working People's Alliance (WPA) and a critic of the authoritarian Forbes Burnham dictatorship. Burnham, though claiming to be socialist, maintained a repressive regime in Guyana and had friendly ties with the United States. He held power through rigged elections and suppression of opposition parties and trade unions. Rodney, aware of the risks, chose to work within Guyana to bring about change. He was assassinated in 1980, drawing international condemnation from figures like Michael Manley, Maurice Bishop, and Fidel Castro. In his essay, written before his death, Rodney analyzed the nature of the Burnham dictatorship, exposing its corruption, incompetence, and tactics for consolidating power. He criticized the regime's personality cult and its attempts to appear as a democracy while suppressing fundamental rights. Renaldo raised and expounded on questions that Mr. Rodney seem to be answering in his Essay via Jacobin magazine:

1. Question: How can the working class challenge the Burnham dictatorship and assert its power?

2. Question: What is the significance of civil disobedience and non-cooperation in the struggle for liberation?

3. Question: How can national unity be achieved in Guyana, given its diverse racial and class divisions?

4. Question: What is the alternative to the Burnham dictatorship, and how can the people reclaim their rights and restore democracy?

5. Question: How can resistance be sustained against the violence and intimidation of the dictatorship?

Prof. McKenzie concluded this section of the Lecture with a summary, "Rodney's essay explores essential questions related to working-class power, national unity, and the path towards liberation in Guyana. His answers highlight the historical lessons of collective labor actions, civil disobedience, and the need for a government of national unity as a clear alternative to the oppressive dictatorship. He calls for a united and determined effort to reclaim democracy and build a just and equitable society for all Guyanese."

Part 2 of the Lecture: Afro-Caribbean Beliefs:

Prof. McKenzie then shifts gears to explore Afro-Caribbean Beliefs in Jamaica and to discuss a study that the class will be embarking on to ascertain how Caribbean people's attitudes towards their Afro-Caribbean Beliefs are changing. Rev. McKenzie discussed Afro Caribbean Beliefs especially those in Jamaica: According to Rev. McKenzie, "in Jamaica, there has historically been a negative perception towards African and indigenous spiritual practices, religious beliefs, customs, and faiths that draw influences from Urban Indian Heritage or African traditions. Rastafarianism, Obeah, Voodoo, Pocomania or pocco church, revivalists, and Muslim beliefs have often been marginalized, deemed as fringe, demonic, and unpopular, juxtaposed against the inherited traditions from European colonialism. The Judeo-Christian faith, such as Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and evangelicalism, has been favored and considered closer to the truth and the ideal. However, in the 21st century, with increased exposure, awareness, critical thinking, and a more liberal lifestyle, particularly among the younger generation, it is crucial to investigate whether attitudes towards Afro-Caribbean beliefs are changing. Listen to the full Lecture in Audio Podcast on any stream or watch on our Spotify or YouTube

Prof. McKenzie is Author of Neoliberalism and the upcoming book on Neo-Capitalism. Visit us Https://theneoliberal.com