In 1944 that ban was extended to include all literature published by Jehovah’s people. “Even copies of the Holy Bible containing no Watch Tower commentary but being simply versions published by other Bible societies were banned, that is, to Jehovah’s witnesses,” says a report in the July 1, 1946, Watchtower.

In April 1946, Nathan Knorr from world headquarters paid a visit to Guyana. He was accompanied by William Tracy, a recent graduate of Gilead. Their goal was to encourage the brothers and to appeal to the government to lift the ban. During a meeting in Georgetown, Brother Knorr explained to the 180 brothers and interested ones assembled that Jesus’ early disciples had no supplies of Bibles and books to help them in their ministry. Still, Jehovah blessed them with remarkable growth. Why? Because they kept preaching. So would God not do the same for his modern-day servants as they pressed on with the work? Indeed, he would!

Meanwhile, the brothers continued to pursue legal means to have the ban lifted. For instance, less than a year after the war ended, they obtained 31,370 signatures on a petition protesting the ban. The petition was then presented to the government. In addition, to keep the people of Guyana fully informed, Jehovah’s organization published a leaflet setting out the facts. The headline read: “THE HOLY BIBLE BANNED IN BRITISH GUIANA​—31,000 PERSONS SIGN PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR for the restoration of freedom of worship to all inhabitants of the colony, irrespective of creed.”

Also, Brother Knorr met with the colonial secretary, W. L. Heape, to seek a lifting of the ban. At the close of the 30-minute interview, Brother Knorr gave Mr. Heape a copy of the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” and asked that he read it carefully. Mr. Heape said that he would. What is more, he advised Brother Knorr that the ban on our literature was, in fact, being reconsidered by the nine members of the executive committee at that very time! This proved to be true, for in June 1946, the governor issued a proclamation lifting the ban.

Soon thereafter, 130 dusty cartons containing 11,798 books and booklets were released to the brothers. Thrilled to be able to offer literature again, the Kingdom proclaimers now numbering 70 distributed the entire consignment in just ten weeks. In August the brothers also commenced street witnessing, with excellent results. “Magazines were placed almost as quickly as local newspapers were sold,” reports the branch.

Even during the ban, the brothers continued to receive valuable spiritual food, thanks in part to a brother who worked at the general post office in Georgetown. He writes: “I felt obligated to ensure that copies of The Watchtower reached the branch. With the help of the sisters, copies of the study articles were either typed or mimeographed and circulated to the families for use at congregation meetings.”

1944: All publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses are banned.

1946: Ban is lifted in June. First Gilead missionaries arrive.

[Picture on page 147]

In June 1946, this proclamation was issued, officially ending the ban on our literature in Guyana