Daaga defined true Independence

In just eight years after independence in August 1962, a young Afro Trinidadian from the hills of Laventille changed the course of our history as he strove to give a new, serious wellthought out meaning of economic independence which was the tenor of his concern when he commanded marches in Portof- Spain and notably from Portof- Spain to Caroni. This Caroni March was aimed at uniting the two dominant races---East Indians and Africans.

Mankandal Daaga (formerly Geddes Granger) opened up new opportunities and recalibrated what is the meaning of true independence.

At the outset of 1970, a new breeze of political change was blowing from Laventille which echoed throughout the landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.

In several meetings with him, I was fully immersed in his humility, oratory, concerns for the poor, the oppressed, sincerity and wisdom.

He maintained respect and in return the masses gave him that respect. Political thinkers, sociologists and historians must revisit his work as he attempted to change the dialogue of this nation.

My only disappointment with Daaga, was that he was not able to cool the temper in his neighbourhood which today has become a major sociological issue.

As we observe his passing at the age of 80, Daaga’s main pulpit was not in the Parliamentary Chambers of the Red House, but Woodford Square which he renamed the People’s Square.

Daaga had no political throne or any form of coronation, but he received both of these from the masses.

The works of Makandal Daaga were monumental as he campaigned against colonialism in all its forms—the ownership of the financial sector, notably banking (Royal Bank of Canada, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank of Nova Scotia, and Barclays Bank) and the vast energy resources of Trinidad and Tobago, which were owned and managed by American and British interests.

The genesis of Daaga’s role in shaping a new Trinidad and Tobago was the inauguration of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC ) as a result, and in response to, alleged discriminatory practices against Caribbean students at the Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) in Montreal, Canada in 1969.

There were also protests at UWI, St Augustine when then Canadian Prime Minister, the late Lester Pearson on an official visit here, opened Canada Hall.

At the helm of that disturbance was Rose Douglas, who after several deportation orders from the Canadian Immigration, was finally lifted back to his Dominica home, and he later became prime minister. Daaga caught the attention of the world press, as they landed in Trinidad and Tobago to record the misgivings of Dr Williams.

Kings and prime ministers and politicians do not have power…it is the people who have the power, and this adage Daaga fully exploited in his timeless philosophy in which he espoused the people are the governors.

As former prime minister and now Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, enunciated about Daaga: “As a pioneering politician, a social activist, a political elder and a statesman, his forthright wisdom and boundless energy will be missed, and will never be forgotten. His fight was for the people, and in his life time, he was able to win power and indeed, did all he could to govern for the people.” It was Daaga who gave the mighty Dr Williams a run for his life, and the latter started yielding to the thoughts of Daaga. We remember quite well how Dr Williams’ had summoned his ruling People’s National Movement in September 1970 and announced a rewritten People’s Charter in order to appease not only the Black youths, but the national populace.

At all levels of governance, Dr Williams had to change ministers and diplomats to show that there was a true representation of the national populace.

Daaga may not have dined with kings or royalties or the top echelon of the world’s governance, but he lived not because he could breathe, or because blood flowed in his veins, but because he had surrendered his very being to the cause of national development and the traits of real nation building, so that every man, woman and child could inherit and enjoy the prosperity and resources which God had endowed this piece of his creation.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago or City Hall should rename Woodford Square ‘Makandal Daaga Square’. It was there that he started his sojourn to remake Trinidad and Tobago.

It was there this country’s new political history was inaugurated.

This honour would be a fitting gesture to a man who gave his life for the economic prosperity and welfare for all.

(Editor’s Note: Columnist Andre Bagoo is on vacation)