Peoples Cooperative

Peoples Cooperative and Disciples of Jones
Flag
Motto: The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit Giveth Life.
Anthem: He's Able
Capital	Jonestown
Largest city	Georgetown (claimed;(limited recognition)
Official languages	English
Demonym(s)	Templeite
Government	Unitary Apostolic Socialist Theocratic Absolute Monarchy
• Universal Father	Rev. James Warren Jones
• General Secretary	Archie Ijames
• Chairman	Ross Case
Legislature	Planning Commission
Independence from Guyana
• Declared	November 18, 1978
• Established	September 17, 1980
Population
• 1982 estimate	36,522
Currency	Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Time zone	UTC+4
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (not observed)
Driving side	left
Calling code	+201
Internet TLD	.prb

The Peoples Cooperative and Disciples of Jones, formerly the Peoples Temple and Disciples of Christ, often referred to as just the Peoples Cooperative is a de-facto sovereign state situated mostly in what was formerly Guyana. While the Peoples Cooperative claims full control over the entire territory of Guyana, its de facto administrative control holds over the Northwestern area and in-land to as far as Matthews Ridge. The Peoples Cooperative also holds part of Georgetown Northwest of it's foothold in Lamaha Gardens; however armed skirmishes and confrontation with the National Government of Guyana and local authorities of Georgetown make it difficulty overall to address it's full borders and administrative control over the city. The Peoples Cooperative's capital is situated in the settlement of Jonestown which was first established by the Cooperative in December 1969 as a humanitarian commune.

The Cooperative is known for its utopian ideals, with an emphasis on communal living, self-sufficiency, and spiritual exploration. Members of the community work together to maintain the farms and gardens that provide food for the community, while also engaging in artistic and cultural pursuits. Despite its apparent success, the Peoples Cooperative is considered a rogue state by the international stage, who view Jones as a dangerous cult leader. The community is heavily guarded and insulated from the outside world, with few outsiders allowed to enter.

History

In the United States

In the United States, George Wallace, a candidate from the Democratic Party, secured victory in the 1968 elections with Curtis LeMay as his running mate. Wallace's campaign aimed to reinforce traditional values in the face of a growing counter-culture movement and sexual revolution, which were reactions to increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Furthermore, akin to his predecessor Barry Goldwater, Wallace rolled back the Civil Rights Act and allowed for the persistence of segregation in the southern states, citing states' rights as his rationale. This policy decision drew significant criticism from African-American and minority communities, who saw it as a regression in the face of their efforts for equality. Martin Luther King Jr. found himself marginalized within the movement, while voices advocating black nationalism, such as Malcolm X, gained more prominence. Racial tensions had already given rise to street riots, and armed insurrections were waged against state governors in the South by groups like the Black Panthers and the "Black Revolutionary Army." Unfortunately, these actions only resulted in further retaliation against the black community by the Ku Klux Klan.

The Wallace administration implemented a series of stringent measures to combat what they deemed "terrorism" in the United States. This included cracking down on student movements within universities and instituting an "ideological loyalty test" in public workplaces to identify potential "fifth columnists." McCarthyist trials were revived to root out "communists" in the media and education system, alongside intensified efforts by the FBI's COINTELPRO to undermine the Civil Rights Movement, regardless of whether they were radical or reformist. The implementation of the "Act for the Restoration of National Order" in 1969 prompted an estimated 200,000 American youths and civil rights activists to flee the U.S. due to Wallace's draconian measures. While some members of the counterculture movement relocated to Europe, many sought refuge in South American nations like Surrealist Patagonia and Guyana. This mass exodus had a palpable impact on America's global standing, particularly in the eyes of the Third World.

Among those directly affected by Wallace's increasingly authoritarian policies was American preacher Jim Jones, hailing from San Francisco. The Peoples Temple was founded by Jim Jones in the 1950s which started as a religious group under the Disciples of Christ and later evolved into a political movement focused on racial equality, social justice, and communism. Jones gained popularity for his charismatic preaching and his message of unity and equality. Jones was a staunch advocate for desegregation and progressive social welfare policies. He was widely perceived as a charismatic preacher and faith healer, with strong ties to prominent leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. The FBI, however, had its sights set on Jim Jones and his burgeoning Peoples Temple movement. The Temple began admitting African-American members, leading to suspicions that Jones harbored Marxist sympathies. In a chilling incident, after Jones delivered a sermon in a San Francisco church and exited the building, he was shot by an armed assailant and quickly rushed to the hospital. To this day, debate persists about whether the assailant acted alone or had ties to the FBI. It was during this pivotal moment that Jones himself became radicalized, firmly believing that a fascist deep state in America was determined to eliminate him and his Temple followers.

Temple Beginnings

The Peoples Temple, was established in 1955 by Jim Jones in Indianapolis, Indiana, by Jim Jones. The group has garnered international attention and is often labeled as a religious cult due to its controversial practices in recruiting members through referrals from family and friends, as well as using coercive tactics to retain followers, including confiscating their belongings and isolating rebellious members. Many mainstream churches do not recognize the Peoples Temple as a legitimate religious organization but instead view it as a Marxist group masquerading as a church. While there is a lack of concrete evidence regarding fatalities associated with the church, concerns among observers persist that the group may be inclined toward extremist actions, particularly in Guyana and other locations. Jim Jones used the Peoples Temple to propagate a unique blend of Christian, communist, and socialist ideologies, emphasizing principles of racial equality. This approach appealed to counterculture youth and disaffected African-Americans. He referred to this dominating ideology as Apostolic Socialism. In the 1960s, Jones moved the group to California, where it established multiple locations, including its headquarters in San Francisco. At its peak, the Peoples Temple boasted 20,000 members and had connections with various left-wing political figures, including Pastor Cecil Williams, Governor Jerry Brown of California, and Lieutenant Governor Mervyn Dymelly of California. Before founding the church, Jones had shown an interest in communism and had been influenced by the charisma of figures like Hitler. He described his decision to form the church as a means to infiltrate and demonstrate his Marxism.

Jones' fiery sermons and his dedication to social causes attracted a diverse following. Working-class white individuals were drawn to his calls for assisting the poor, while African-Americans were impressed by his efforts to desegregate facilities and challenge racial inequality. These factors contributed to the rapid growth of the Temple in California. As the Temple expanded, it imposed stricter demands on its members, such as spending holidays with the Temple "family" rather than blood relatives, gradually isolating members from outside influences. Jones introduced the concept of "religious communalism," where members donated their possessions to the Temple in exchange for the group meeting their needs, aligning with Marxist principles while incorporating biblical references. While descriptions of the Peoples Temple often highlight Jim Jones' autocratic control, the organization had a complex leadership structure with decision-making power distributed unevenly among its members. Members were subjected to sophisticated mind control and behavior modification techniques. The Temple established a more formal hierarchy in the 1970s, with staff members at the top, predominantly college-educated white women, who carried out sensitive missions and embraced an "ends justify the means" philosophy.

The rank-and-file members, known as the "troops," were primarily working-class and black individuals responsible for various tasks within the Temple. They were drawn to the group's quasi-socialist approach and its combination of political education with traditional evangelical prayers and black gospel music. Additionally, Jones surrounded himself with white, privileged members skilled in various fields, who handled public relations, financial duties, and other administrative tasks, often holding well-paying outside jobs.

Established in Guyana

By November 1969, Jones led his followers to seek refuge in Guyana. The choice of Guyana was due to its isolation and underdeveloped state, as well as its socialist government, which managed to stay off the radar of U.S. authorities. The Guyanese Prime Minister, Cheddi Jagan, welcomed Jones and his followers due to a shared socialist ideology and the hope that the American expatriates could contribute valuable technical skills to the nation. In Guyana, the Peoples Temple's influence grew, with white Americans aiding in education and economic management, while African-Americans contributed by establishing schools, farming the land, and administering vaccinations in remote areas. The Guyanese government constructed Jonestown in December as a token of appreciation, providing a place for Jones' followers to live in a commune that adhered to socialist principles and unwavering loyalty to Jones himself. Gradually, Jones managed to establish a significant political presence in Guyana, and his followers became more and more entrenched in the government. Jones uses his power to silence opposition, and his followers become increasingly aggressive towards those who criticize him. As Jones consolidated his power, he began to implement increasingly extreme policies. In late 1975 Jones created a paramilitary force composed of his followers, which he used to intimidate political opponents and silence dissent. As Jones became more and more dictatorial, the international community began to take notice. Several countries express concern about the situation in Guyana and demand that Jones be held accountable for his actions. However, Jones and his followers refuse to listen to outside voices, and instead, they become even more repressive towards those who criticized them. As Jones continued to form a paramilitary force composed of his followers, the Guyanese government became increasingly concerned about the threat this posed to national security. They demanded that Jones disband his military force, but he refused, stating that it was necessary for the protection of his followers.

By January 1970, Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple had firmly entrenched themselves in Guyana's political landscape, leading to concerns that the Temple was beginning to operate like a "state within a state" under the leadership of Prime Minister Jagan. This development drew criticism from Forbes and the People's National Congress (PNC), who questioned Jagan's decision to allow a group of American expatriates to establish a presence in Guyanese territory. Nevertheless, Jagan defended his choice to permit Jones and the Temple to operate in Guyana. Unbeknownst to both Jones and Jagan, Forbes had been collaborating with the CIA and conservative business owners associated with the United Force party, with intentions to overthrow Guyana's Marxist government. Such a coup would have faced opposition from Britain against American interference in Guyanese affairs. As Jones and Jagan's relationship grew closer, the Peoples Temple began arming themselves with Cuban weapons and received training from Guyanese military officers. There were even discussions about potentially incorporating the Temple into the People's Progressive Party (PPP). This new development deeply concerned both Washington and Forbes.

CNC Coup and Jones Rise to Power

On February 23, 1970, Forbes and the PNC officially initiated their coup plans. Their objective was to seize the capital, Georgetown, capture Prime Minister Jagan, and assume control of the country to establish a transitional government in collaboration with the conservative United Force. The coup plotters received support from the CIA and dissident elements within the Guyanese Army to execute their plan. In the morning, all communication lines to Georgetown were cut off, and soldiers swiftly exited their barracks, patrolling the streets to enforce a curfew and surround the presidential palace. Artillery guns were aimed at the palace, and both the palace guards and British police officers were disarmed by the soldiers. Inside the palace, during a meeting between Jagan and Forbes, Forbes reportedly brandished a firearm, holding the entire cabinet hostage. Jagan, in a bid to prevent a civil war, acquiesced and allowed Forbes to assume control, declaring himself Interim President. However, Forbes had not anticipated that the Peoples Temple had been biding their time, awaiting an opportunity to act.

Following these events, a massive crowd of trade unionists and armed Peoples Temple members took to the streets to confront Forbes' forces. Street battles erupted between armed workers and the soldiers. In the end, the workers managed to overpower the soldiers, liberating both the Palace Guards and British policemen. In an unexpected alliance between workers and the British, they contested control of the palace and succeeded in capturing Forbes and his PNC co-conspirators. CIA officers narrowly fled the country to the Suriname border. Jones played a pivotal role in organizing this counter-coup. When Jagan was relieved and personally thanked for his role, he requested his friend Jones to relinquish power to his government, but Jones refused. Instead Jim Jones and the Peoples Temples took over Guyana's government on February 1973 just hours after Forbes' short presidency. Jagan was put under house arrest while Forbes was executed as a counter-revolutionary and enemy of the state by Jones' men through fire squad. By this time, the country is now under Jones' hands. In response, the Guyanese government issued an ultimatum, demanding that Jim Jones and his followers vacate the country and dissolve their organization. However, Jones and his devoted adherents vehemently refused to comply, leading to a violent and deadly confrontation between the Peoples Temple and Guyanese security forces. Tragically, in the ensuing chaos, lives were lost on both sides of the conflict. Ultimately, Jim Jones declared himself as the new leader of Guyana, proclaiming the establishment of the "Peoples Cooperative." He asserted that his rule was divinely ordained and categorized anyone opposing him as an enemy of the state.

Despite the government's initial attempts to reassert its authority over Jones, they encountered formidable resistance from Jones and his followers. The Peoples Temple had equipped themselves with weaponry and established a well-fortified perimeter around their territory, making it a formidable challenge for the government to breach their defenses. Jones initiated a campaign to appropriate land and resources from the surrounding jungles, the northwestern coast, and inland areas. Utilizing the resources from his previous humanitarian efforts and the arms from his paramilitary, Jones and the Peoples Cooperative successfully established a significant stronghold in the northwest corner of Guyana. The Peoples Cooperative had progressively expanded their influence over the region, with their followers holding crucial positions within the local government and law enforcement agencies. Jones capitalized on his charisma and persuasive abilities to gain the support of the local population, many of whom were grappling with poverty and in dire need of assistance.

Government and politics

The Peoples Cooperative consists of the following institutions that are associated with Temple leadership:

• Universal Father of the Peoples Cooperative - Head of state and government
• The Planning Commission – the legislature and central authority of the Peoples Cooperative
• The Red Brigade - the cooperative's Security Services

Law and security

The Peoples Cooperative has no official land army, nor an air force or a navy. The Security Services, referred to as the Red Brigade, do not dispose over heavy weapons and advanced military equipment. The Red Brigade is under the leadership of the Planning Commission headed by the Security Chief who answers to the Universal Father alone.

Additionally the Red Brigade fulfils the roles of:

• Civil Police
• Public Security
• Preventive Security
• Executive Security
• Intelligence
• Emergency Services and Rescue

Demographics

Population

The population located in the Northwestern territories around Jonestown are unique as twice as many females as males live within it's borders, Black females make up the largest group at 45%, with white females comprising 13%. Black males make up over 23%, with white males making up a tenth, and the remainder falling in the Mixed or Other categories. Of the population residing in PC occupied Georgetown, 53% listed themselves as Black/African; 24% as mixed; and .15% as white.

Education

The Cooperative provides free education to all children from the ages of five to sixteen years. The education system in Guyana is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary level consists of grades one to six, and the secondary level is made up of grades seven to eleven. The tertiary level comprises universities and other higher education institutions. Children provided with formal education through the Jonestown Elementary School. The school was established in 1974 and has a curriculum that emphasized basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as socialist principles and communal living. Schools staffed by both American and Guyanese teachers, and the curriculum is taught in English. In addition to formal education, children also receive training in practical skills, such as agriculture and construction, which were necessary for communal living.

Healthcare

The health conditions in Jonestown, Guyana, were poor and often inadequate. The Peoples Temple initially established the settlement in 1974 as a utopian community, but over time, the isolation, lack of resources, and poor living conditions took a toll on the residents' health. The settlement had limited medical facilities, and there were only a few medical professionals among the members of the Peoples Temple. The lack of medical resources meant that basic medical needs, such as medications and supplies, were often unavailable. In addition, the community's isolation from the outside world meant that access to advanced medical treatment was virtually impossible. There were no hospitals or medical clinics nearby, and transportation to more extensive medical facilities was often challenging and unreliable.

AStarting in 1978 a public healthcare system provides to the citizens funded by the Cooperative coffers and provides free or low-cost medical care to the population. There have also been significant efforts into increasing the quailty of facilities including increasing the number of medical schools and offering incentives for healthcare professionals to work in rural areas. Additionally, there has been investment in upgrading healthcare facilities and introducing new technologies to improve the quality of care.The Ministry of Health, currently Larry Schacht, is responsible for overseeing the healthcare system and ensuring that essential services are available to all citizens.

Religion

Religion of the Peoples Cooperative

  Apostolic Socialism (93%)

  Agnostic (6%)

  Christianity (1%)

The main religion of the cooperative is "Apostolic Socialism" centered around a mix of Christianity, socialism, and communal living with Jones himself as a spiritual leader. His teachings emphasize the importance of racial and social equality, as well as the rejection of traditional religious and societal norms. The Cooperative promotes this as a form of Christianity that rejected the traditional Christian doctrine and emphasizes the social and communal aspects of the faith. Jones believed that Christianity should be focused on helping others and promoting social justice, rather than individual salvation. The group's religious practices include regular services that combined elements of Christianity with Jones' own teachings. Jones often delivers sermons in which he expounds on his socialist ideology and encourage members to work for the betterment of their community.

There is, however, a small population who claim to still follow conventional Christianity and some who claim to be agnostic.

Geography

It is known for its dense rainforests, vast savannas, and diverse wildlife. The region is mostly covered by a vast geological formation covering a significant part of northern South America. Which is made up of ancient rocks and has some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, estimated to be around 2.5 billion years old. The region is also home to the Pakaraima Mountains, a mountain range that extends from Guyana to Venezuela and Brazil. The mountains are part of the larger Guiana Highlands, which cover a significant part of the northern South American continent. The area is also known for its dense rainforests, which are part of the Amazon Rainforest ecosystem. These forests are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and a variety of monkeys. The region is also home to several rivers, including the Essequibo, Mazaruni, and Cuyuni, which are important sources of freshwater and provide habitat for many aquatic species.

climate

The climate of the Peoples Cooperative is tropical and humid, with high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The region experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically runs from May to August, although rainfall can occur at other times of the year as well. During this time, the region experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, with temperatures averaging around 27-29°C (80-84°F).The dry season runs from September to April and is characterized by lower humidity and less rainfall. However, even during the dry season, the region still receives some rainfall, and humidity remains relatively high. Temperatures during the dry season typically average around 26-28°C (79-82°F).

Economy

The economy of The Cooperative relies primarily on agriculture, with a significant focus on the cultivation of rice and sugar, along with small-scale mining operations for bauxite and gold. Additionally, the nation boasts valuable exports of shrimps and timber. Notably, the sugar industry, a key contributor to the country's exports, is collectively managed by agricultural unions. The once privately-owned GuySuCo sugar company was nationalized by the government and transformed into a state-owned enterprise. The Cooperative maintains strict regulations on economic activities, allowing only a select few British and European companies to invest and extract resources, under the condition of adhering to a 50-50% profit-sharing arrangement agreed upon by Prime Minister Jim Jones. The Cooperative's economic model follows market socialist principles, with workers organized into cooperatives that democratically manage their workplaces, and goods are frequently distributed through market channels.

Despite boasting one of South America's highest standards of living and being recognized for its leadership in education, healthcare, and wealth equality, closely rivaling Cuba, The Cooperative remains an underdeveloped lower-middle-income country. Its GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) stands at $125 billion, with a GDP (PPP) per capita of $3,500 when adjusted for today's inflation. The country maintains a Gini index of 30.2, indicative of relative income equality, and possesses a Human Development Index (HDI) rating of 67.3, which is moderately modest for a South American nation. The Cooperative's most pressing challenges include a shortage of technical labor. In response, the government has initiated efforts to provide the Guyanese population with new skills. Furthermore, the country grapples with deficient infrastructure, originally developed by the British for transporting colonial goods. To address this issue, The Cooperative has embarked on a significant infrastructure development program, largely facilitated by loans from the Soviet Union. However, this has led to a substantial accumulation of external debt that must be managed with urgency.

The transformation of Jonestown, a once modest commune, into The Cooperative's capital city in 1970 marked a turning point in the nation's development. This transition elevated the city to the central economic and administrative hub of the country. The rapid development included the construction of high-rise apartment buildings, recreational parks, factories, hospitals, schools, power stations, and stores, effectively replacing the former capital, Georgetown. While the nation and the city have experienced significant growth under the Jones government's leadership, they have a long path ahead before they attain prominence on the South American stage. Notably, The Cooperative has encountered challenges stemming from an international economic embargo and sanctions led by the United States, significantly hindering its economic growth and impacting its already fragile economy. The nation has found itself increasingly reliant on generous donations from American citizens outside of The Cooperative, as well as loans from British and Soviet sources to sustain its economic stability. As a result, black market activities have become prevalent as individuals seek basic supplies, and the country regularly grapples with shortages, soaring prices, and inflation.