Call to Rename Landmarks After National Heroes to Combat Exploitation

In a letter to the Editor published in Kaieteur News on November 12, 2026, Jamil Changlee argued that it is appropriate for the nation to begin renaming significant locations that currently bear the names of individuals who were former slave masters or those who mistreated indentured immigrants. Changlee stated that as an independent sovereign nation with a substantial history of heroes who fought for freedom, rights, and independence, the process of renaming these places should commence.

Changlee proposed that Bourda market could be renamed to honor Quamina, Jack, or Amba, all of whom played a significant role in the "massive 1823 uprising of 9,000 to 12,000 enslaved people," or Bechu, who "exposed physical abuse … sexual exploitation, judicial collusion, and the harsh exploitation of indentured workers." Furthermore, the writer suggested that Stabroek market could be renamed after Dr. JB Singh, who was a key figure in advocating for universal adult suffrage and Hindu cultural rights, or after Janet Jagan, whose accomplishments and sacrifices are known to older generations (Reference: Library of Congress, Project Muse and Blackpast.org).

Changlee emphasized that children need to learn about the contributions of national heroes, and therefore, the names and sacrifices of these figures should be incorporated into the nation's history books and daily life experiences to ensure their contributions are always respected. The writer asserted that neglecting these heroes from the past could lead the nation back to a state of exploitation, noting that corruption is currently widespread across the country due to the greed of unscrupulous individuals. Changlee concluded that preventing future exploitation requires honoring the nation's heroes and removing oppressors.