Dr. Walter Rodney’s widow completes testimony – hopes COI will help to create unity in Guyana

Georgetown: Dr. Patricia Rodney recently completed her testimony before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) after she was cross examined by all Counsels attached to the Commission, and by the Commissioners themselves. Mrs Rodney took the stand on Monday when the sixth session of the COI began. Summing up, Mrs. Rodney in a display of courage, having withstood great adversity in her life, indicated that she just wants to get to the truth of what really happened to her husband. The family had been unable to claim his life insurance since the death certificate had stated that he died from misadventure. This had made it harder for her to move on financially.  She expressed hope that the COI would unite Guyanese and put her husband’s death to rest. The uniting of the people is what Dr. Rodney stood for. Mrs. Rodney told the Commission that she and her family have sought to maintain Dr. Rodney’s legacy through the Walter Rodney Foundation and other organisations formed. She pointed out that his works and published material have led to his recognition around the world. Keith Scotland, Attorney at law representing the late Dr Rodney’s brother, Donald Rodney, began the cross examination of Mrs. Rodney. Leading her through her statement, he focused on the harassment of the Rodney family and friends, house searches by the police and harassment in the late 1970s which all specifically targeted Dr. Walter Rodney. Mrs. Rodney specified that the harassment had extended to their in-laws and children. The family was not able to be part of a car pool to move the children to and from school, and attempts were also made to stop them from taking piano lessons. She also described the time when Walter Rodney was refused entrance to Bishops’ High School which his daughter attended. An army officer at the gate refused him entry, which was unusual at the time. Dr. Rodney found this to be ridiculous, she explained. Mrs. Rodney reiterated that the harassment experienced by Walter and her was not specific to themselves. She said that their friends who worked in the Public Sector were threatened with losing their jobs if they continued their association with the Rodneys. Additionally overseas friends were warned by immigration officials that they would be asked to leave the country if they visited Walter Rodney’s home. She explained that the harassment was aimed at frustrating the family to the extent of making them leave the country. Explaining that the constant searches of their home for arms and ammunition never turned up anything, Mrs. Rodney said her husband took it in stride. She added that for two weeks before he was murdered, an army vehicle manned by soldiers in uniform had staked out their home. She stated also that in late 1979, her husband had told her that he had been warned that a bomb would be placed in their car. Specific questions relating to the book Assassination: Cry of a failed revolution written by Gregory Smith saw her describing it as untrue.  Mrs. Rodney declared that the book was a direct attempt at character assassination of her husband. She specifically stated that the allegation in the book that Donald Rodney was part of the meeting with Walter Rodney and Gregory Smith was untrue. Mrs. Rodney stated that the fact that he was present was purely coincidence. She indicated that on the night in question Donald Rodney had dropped in. She pointed out also that Walter Rodney had made plans to meet with Smith at 7 pm on Friday, June 13, 1980, and at no point in time did Donald Rodney form part of the arrangements. Mrs. Rodney had to take her children out and instead of her husband dropping her off and returning for her, with the arrival of Donald, he told her to use their car whilst Donald dropped him to his meeting. Counsel Scotland brought out the fact that Donald Rodney was not involved in the meeting between Smith and his brother that night. Other allegations in the book she also discounted which included the claim that Dr. Rodney was attempting to secure arms. Christopher Ram representing the Working People’s Alliance brought out the fact that Dr. Walter Rodney at no time expressed violent tendencies towards the administration. He also revealed that the house searches had intensified from June 1979 to June 13, 1980. Basil Williams representing the interest of the People’s National Congress sought to clarify that the experiences of harassment that were described were through personal experience which she confirmed. She also explained during his questioning that she was unaware of any plans of the WPA to meet with Gregory Smith. She also denied knowledge of walkie talkies and/or explosives. Mrs. Rodney explained to Williams that while the move from Tanzania was voluntary to take up a position in Guyana, the move from Jamaica was not. On the issue of harassment, she admitted that there was a discussion that she should leave the country with the children, however, she chose to stay.