20/12/2023
๐ Good afternoon, dear friends, family, and followers!
I'm thrilled to announce the release of my Free Online Book, delving into my life journey as a Guyanese Migrant. These pages hold my personal experiences, and I'm eager to share this part of my story with you. Writing is a passion of mine, and I believe it's time for Guyanese voices to be heard on a global platform.
Guyanese individuals often aren't acknowledged for their storytelling abilities, and I aspire to change that. My sincerest hope is to bring recognition to all Guyanese writers and showcase our talent on an international stage.
Through these writings, I pray to touch the hearts and minds of those who read them. Life has presented us with numerous challenges, and we've navigated shared struggles. Now, it's time to collectively embrace the rewards found in our diverse experiences.
Join me in this journey of sharing, understanding, and celebrating our collective stories. The book is now available, and I can't wait for you to embark on this adventure with me. Let's spread the essence of our experiences far and wide! ๐โจ
"Journal of a Man Called Snow"
Entry Date: September 5, 2023
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A Life Between Two Worlds: Miami and the Memories of Guyana
As I sit in my office in Guyana, the echoes of the past reverberate through my mind. The room is filled with the heavy scent of aged wood and paper โ courtesy of my collection of journals and a message from the Spirit bequeathed through writings. The weight of the ink on these pages is almost as heavy as the weight of the history they carry. Today, my thoughts journey back to 1982โ1988, a pivotal period that etched the initial lines of my life story.
I was born in 1982, right at the cusp of the end of colonial rule in Guyana, a time of ideological chaos and ethnic divisions. The Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities, the two ethnic giants of the nation, were entangled in a bitter struggle for dominance. Add to that a dictatorial government that seemed intent on stifling freedom and growth. No wonder then, that many of the countryโs best and brightest were fleeing. It was a great exodus, a brain drain that saw Guyanese talent spread across the Americas, the Caribbean, and even Europe.
My family was among those who took the leap into the unknown. We landed in Miami in the mid-80s, carried by the winds of hope and the promise of a better life. My father, an experienced maritime professional, found it easier to adapt. He was a man trained to navigate uncertain waters, and this was just another voyage for him, albeit on land this time. My mother, on the other hand, faced a cultural upheaval. Every sight, every sound, every interaction was a revolution for her, an exposure to a world so alien to what she had known.
Despite the differences in their individual experiences, what I remember most vividly from those early Miami nights was the unity between my parents. One such memory is indelibly imprinted on my mind: a simple dinner, just a few pieces of chicken, but seasoned with love and the hard work of two souls trying to build a new life in a foreign land. My father had transitioned from navigating ships to securing buildings, taking up a role as a security guard. A job many might look down upon, but one that he embraced with the dignity of a captain steering his family through the storms of life. That night, as I watched them share those pieces of chicken, I felt the foundation of my worldview shift. It wasn't just food they were sharing; it was the load of dreams, sacrifices, and hopes. That was the night I learned the sanctity of partnership, the nobility in supporting roles, and the unspoken beauty of shared struggles.
As I look back on that time from my desk here in Guyana, I realize that the journey that started in 1982 has come full circle. I am back in the land of my birth, striving to contribute to its development, to be a part of the change I want to see. The teachings from those early years in Miami serve as my anchor, reminding me that no matter how turbulent the waters, unity and shared purpose can navigate any ship to its destination.
Here I am, a man spread across two worlds, yet belonging to both.
If you found this excerpt from my book compelling and would like to support my endeavors in producing more factual writings, I welcome and appreciate any contributions to further the development of my work. You can make a donation of any amount through Zelle to Account 1-646-427-7245. If you're in Guyana, you can also contribute in person. Your support means the world to me, and I'm immensely grateful for your generosity.
Thank you once again for investing your time in reading my writings. Your encouragement fuels my passion to continue sharing stories and experiences.
Your Network Brother;
Anthony Snow
Writer.......