Eusi Kwayana, formerly known as Sydney King, is a prominent Guyanese politician and playwright.
Eusi Kwayana [Photo: Eusi’s Facebook page]
Born on April 4, 1925, in Lusignan, British Guiana (now Guyana), Eusi has had a remarkable career marked by his dedication to political activism and cultural expression.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
His family relocated to Buxton when he was seven years old. Despite facing financial challenges, he pursued education and became a primary school teacher at the young age of 15. This early exposure to education and community dynamics laid the foundation for his future political engagement.
POLITICAL CAREER
In the 1940s, Eusi began his political journey at the village level. He joined a group of politicians, led by Cheddi Jagan, to form the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) around 1947.
After the PPP’s victory in Guyana’s first election under universal adult suffrage, Eusi served as Minister of Communication and Works in the PPP government of 1953. However, the British government’s suspension of the constitution led to his detention in 1954, along with other PPP members, for fear of civil unrest.
FORMATION OF ASCRIA AND CONTRIBUTION TO WPA
After leaving the PPP, Kwayana founded the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA), a grassroots political group with a Pan-Africanist agenda.
ASCRIA later merged with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) after a brief association with the People’s National Congress (PNC) of Forbes Burnham.
This former educator played a pivotal role in the WPA’s collective leadership and collaborated closely with the late Walter Rodney.
CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Apart from his political endeavours, Kwayana is also a celebrated playwright. His play ‘The Promised Land,’ performed by a young cast from Buxton, won the ‘Best Play’ Prize in the Youth Category at the British Guiana Drama Festival of 1965.
Furthermore, his cultural contributions extend to his authorship of several books, including works on Guyanese history and social change.
PERSONAL LIFE AND LEGACY
In 1971, Kwayana married Tchaiko Kwayana – formerly Ann Cook – a pan-Africanist and civil rights activist from Georgia, USA.
Their union was characterised by shared ideals and a commitment to organisational building.
In 2002, Kwayana retired from parliament and relocated to California. As of March 2021, he resides in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing to inspire through his writings and legacy of political activism.
References
- https://www.stabroeknews.com/2017/05/15/features/elder-sister-mother-aunty-teacher-cultural-ambassador-three-tributes-tchaiko-kwayana-24-june-1937-6-may-2017/
- https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2012/07/29/passing-the-baton/
- https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2021/03/31/eusi-kwayana-controversial-and-outspoken/
- https://guyaneseonline.net/2012/09/09/eusi-kwayana-toronto-visit-sept-27-oct-6/
