PART VII: Operations in 1963-64
- Naturally, they must go first to their friends and neighbours in the Caribbean and
South America*, then to the United Nations, next to the underdeveloped countries
and finally, to the imperial giants (old and new).*
- The position which the leaders will present to the people they visit will have to
be carefully worked out in advance. In particular, the schemes for the re-organisation of sugar, bauxite and Local Government must be clearly set out for the neighbouring territories so that a certain measure of regional support may be mobilised. It is not inconceivable that some of the neighbouring territories would want themselves to undertake similar programmes of reform.
- Further afield in Africa, Asia and Europe, the main task will be to clarify the
notion of ‘neutralism’ and to force the dominant powers to think through the international and national implications of the idea of peaceful co-existence. For this purpose, the relation between national programmes of reform and development and international assistance† must be worked out.
- The end of the third phase should be marked by Independence Day – shortly
after the leaders return home. While they are away, the second line of leadership
will be managing the operation at home.
In the context, there is a great need for men of the second line to learn to make
decisions on their own with reference to policy decisions and programme needs and not to the charismatic leaders.
- Concurrent with the passing of the three phases spelt out above, a start has to be
made with the programme on the basis of resources already mobilised or easily mobilisable. The approach must be experimental. The following tasks may profitably be put on the agenda:
- Three advance models of rural re-organisation based on say, Black Bush,
Tapakuma and a Demerara sugar estate. The aim here would be to make a beginning with the creation of the Local Authority, the integration of all agriculture along desired lines, the building of the villages, etc., as sketched in Part VI.
- The introduction of National Service on a modest scale initially. This will be needed for the purpose of (i).
- Introduction of new national holidays, new national dress, of working hours suitable for the climatic conditions.
- Modest beginning of national education programme by radio. The Extra-Mural Department of the University will need a heavy allocation for this.
- Re-organisation of the Public Service Commission to make it responsible
for all man-power questions.
* One of the big mistakes made by the branch of the leadership now in office was to have gone abroad before attempting to unify the country after the ‘61 elections. Colonially, the imperial master was given precedence over the local people. Now ‘health and business reasons’ have called the other branch to Imperial Headquarters in the middle of the coalition talks. “Massa bull, Massa cow!”
* The following countries suggest themselves:
Surinam, Brazil, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Algeria, Ghana, Egypt, Tanganyika, Ceylon, India, Indonesia, Japan, China, Sweden, U.K., U.S.S.R., Canada, U.S.A.
† While abroad, the tenders ought perhaps to take the opportunity to arrange for assistance for some of the projects in the long-term plan. For example, they may want to put up the following projects to certain Governments (including the U.N.):
Rural Electrification – U.S.A.
TV – UNESCO and U.K.
University of Guyana – U.S.S.R. and U.S.A.
New House of Assembly – U.K.
Roads – Trinidad.
Plant and Equipment for Urban Industry – U.S.S.R.
Bauxite and Hydro-electricity – Canada.
Land Valuators and Agricultural Planners – U.N. and Surinam.
Equipment of Sugar Estates – U.K.
A close look at the countries chosen for aid in particular projects will reveal certain principles. For example, peaceful co-existence, therefore U.S.A. in the country (Eastern-oriented leadership), USSR in the towns (Western-oriented leadership), also, respect for existing interests, therefore, Canada for bauxite, U.K. for sugar; further, small and underdeveloped countries must also give aid and neighbours must think regionally, therefore, Surinam and Trinidad for help in agriculture and roads, respectively.
For the overriding Ideological basis for seeking aid, see Foreign Policy, above.
