Dear Editor,
I read with interest a letter in the Stabroek News 2024/12/11, titled ‘Why muddle his prevailing oil-rich developing country narrative and return to the macabre imagery of Jonestown?’ written by Neville Bissember.
I support the general tenor of his letter save towards the end when he states that ‘if anything, Jonestown represented the frailty of the Government of the day and the ease which Jim Jones and his crew were able to manipulate key players in the administration to comply with their wishes, bend the rules and turn a blind eye to their shenanigans.”
This is an unfortunate remark and I write from first-hand knowledge and briefly state two facts, one – Reverend Jim Jones presented to us a letter from Rosalynn Carter, wife of US President Jimmy Carter recommending Reverend Jones and his followers and actually preached at one of our prominent churches in Georgetown
Second, we were struggling against deep attitudes to get miners displaced by the problems and manganese miners to turn to agriculture and farming. Among Jim Jones’ proposals was the growing of food for local use and export. But third, and perhaps of greatest consideration was the geopolitical environment at that time. The Cold War and proclivity of Uncle Sam to protect its citizens in every corner of the globe. Further I say not.
I have no difficulty with the well presented contents of Bissember’s letter, save his unfortunate salvo referred to above.
Yours truly,
Hamilton Green
Elder