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65
Contents
Celebrating East Indian Heritage
40
94
19
Editor’s Note
5
Old Mandirs & Mosques
8
Of Guyana
Abbi Shud Go Back to
De Ole Days
12
Prashad Nagar
14
Davendra Bishoo
19
A History
Room Attendant to Test Cricketer
25
92
08
2 - Horizons 2012
65
Carambola
23
Pioneering
East Indian Women
25
Lyla Kissoon
34
Alana Seebarran
38
Sonu Nigam
40
Judge A.B Majeed
53
Hyderbad - City of Pearls
57
Shiv Chanderpaul
62
The Art of Accessorising
65
Parenting
77
The Star Fruit
The Inspiring Journey of a Humble
Essequibian
Eshri Singh & Tanuja Raghoo 80
38
62
Father Daughter Duo
Professor Suresh Narine
84
Giving Back to My Homeland 89
Dr. Hughley Hanoman
91
National Chowtal Samelaan
92
Lentil
94
100 years of Arya Samaj
Movement
98
Youth - Their Choices
101
84
57
23
3 - Horizons 2012
Editor’s Note
What started out as an ambitious diary of the history of
Indentured East Indians and their descendants in Guyana has
evolved into so much more. Horizons captures the footsteps
of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of
the Indentured Immigrants as they moved from Guyana
further afield breaking new grounds, scaling horizons and
leaving indelible imprints on the world stage- Shivnarine
Chanderpaul, Eshri Singh, Dr. Suresh Narine, Judge Majeed
bound by humble origins, Guyanese parentage and laudable
achievements.
Who doesn’t want to know the whereabouts of people
who created history in their country? Indian women who
made life changing decisions to step into male dominated
preserves will forever be etched in our minds as the firsts
in diverse fields – Ena Luckhoo, Savitri Balbahadur, Seeta
Boodhoo, Jean Ramkhellawan….In these exciting times
when so many things are changing at a rapid pace, I say
to my sisters- ‘Take a page out of these women’s lives and
become the unrepentant trendsetters of today!
Sonu Nigam!!! One of God’s gifted children, the charismatic
Sonu and his compelling performance in Guyana will
forever remain appealing memories embedded in our minds
perhaps only to be bettered by him in the years ahead - An
unforgettable rapport between audience and artiste which
accentuated the synergy between an outstanding singer and
his music.
A
s Editor of now the seventh issue of Horizons, I have
enjoyed fascinating journeys through many peoples’
lives, vicariously travelled to historic sites in far flung
corners of Guyana and immersed myself for weeks in history.
Compiling this magazine over the years has taught me that
yes, deadlines are difficult to meet and pictures that we think
would capture the essence of a person or story are rarely
unearthed. In spite of all of this, I can say that the entire
Horizons’ team feels an immense sense of satisfaction when
a smile lights up the face of a reader as they peruse each
glossy issue of this magazine filled with moments frozen in
time through rare snapshots and the bold strokes of writers’
pens as they chronicle legacies, anguish, successes,
memories and countless stories from the past.
No country progresses without the positive input and
energies of every one linked to and living in it. Guyana is
in an enviable position because Guyanese in and out of
Guyana care enough to help where the need arises. I have
always felt that therein lies true spirituality. We all share
a common history of struggle. Armed with the resolve to
conquer the vicissitudes and tear down barriers which divide
I can say that without a doubt we are poised on the brink of
a brilliant future.
As I put this issue together, I learnt how to accessorize, about
the challenges of parenting, care and compassion for babies
and abused children, that our foreparents had implicit faith
in the Supreme, and why young people make their choices
as they do but more importantly I learnt the true meaning
of ‘Kabhi alvida na kehna (never saying goodbye) when I
look at each tangible reminder of our ancestor; their clothing,
food, temple or mosque, and each one of us…..
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud M.P
Editor
5 - Horizons 2012
Guyana's East Indian Immigration & Heritage Magazine
Horizons is published annually by:
Advertising & Marketing Services
213 B Camp Street, P.O. Box 101582
Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-5384
Fax: 592-225-5383.
Publisher
Lokesh Singh
[email protected]
Editor
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
[email protected]
Advertising Sales
Adrian Pryce
Amrita Mangal
Graphic Design & Layout
Mensah Fox
Contributing Writers
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
Deomattie Seeram
Ananda Latchman
Keeran Persaud
Leonard Gildharie
Tajranie Rampersaud
Justice Prem Persaud
Chevon Singh
Avenash Ramzan
Zahrah Alli
Omkaar Tewari
Oluatoyin Alleyne
Charles Ramson Jr.
Pradeep Singh
Dr. Narendra Singh
Photography
Fidal Bassier
Sandra Prince
Tajranie Rampersaud Pradeep Singh
Carl Croker
Deomattie Seeram
Ananda Latchman
Troy Parbhoo
GINA
Tanuja Raghoo
Adrian Narine
Dr. Suresh Narine
Dr. Narendra Singh
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Fax: 592-225-5383
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© Copyright 2012. Reproduction of any material
without the permission of AMS is strictly prohibited.
AMS reserves the right to determine the content of
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appreciation to all parties who have assisted in making
this publication a reality.
Bath Eptute Mandir, West Berbice
Old Mandirs and Mosques
of Guyana
By Deomattie Seeram
A
drive through many villages in
Guyana will yield many sights
of interest; one of them, the
common occurrence of temples and
mosques side by side. Not a common
finding in many countries including
India where our ancestors came from.
Our East Indian ancestors came to
Guyana then British Guiana in 1838,
174 years ago, bringing with them their
culture, customs and religions. About
84% of the East Indian immigrants
were Hindus, of Bihar and North India.
Some 30 percent of the East Indians
were from agricultural castes and 31
percent were laborers. Brahmins, the
highest caste, constituted 14 percent of
the East Indian immigrants.
About 10 percent of Guyana's
population is Muslim, representing
76,528 individuals.
So devout in their religious beliefs were
our ancestors that they built mandirs
and mosques (masjids) to fullfill
congregational worship. Today, some
of those structures still remain and
are being used with some modification
being done to the buildings. A count
was done in 1917 which revealed that
there were 46 mosques and 43 Hindu
temples around the country. Most of
these temples were in Georgetown,
the East Coast Demerara and Berbice.
Only twelve were on the East Bank
Demerara, West Bank Demerara, and
Essequibo.
In Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice
deep in the canefields, there exists
and ancient mandir of which only the
top is visible. On speaking with the
villagers of Ankerville, it was learnt
that this mandir was built by the first
batch of East Indian immigrants who
came to Guyana. A few decades ago,
the mandir began to sink. One villager
commented that God is powerful
because twice the current management
of the sugar plantation, Guysuco was
unsuccessful in its attempt to destroy
the mandir. She said that the mandir
suffered a few cracks but did not
break. Her grandparents had said that
the British took care of the mandir by
cleaning the surroundings and lime
washing the lingam (representation
of Lord Shiva) that was in the mandir.
Legend has it that when prasad is
offered at the mandir, an alligator with
a gold galihaar (necklace) comes out
and eats the offering.
Bath Back
daam
8 - Horizons 2012
congregation. Presently, a new masjid
is being constructed to accommodate
the congregation. The sod turning
ceremony was held on 1 June, 2008.
The Adelphi Masjid which is situated in
Canje, East Berbice was constructed
over 100 years ago. Today, the
foundation of the original masjid
remains. However, the walls and floor,
ceiling have been redone. People still
go to the masjid and pray on a daily
basis.
VERSAILLES HINDU TEMPLE
Bath Estate, West Berbice boasts
another old mandir. This mandir said to
be over one hundred years old was built
by our East Indian ancestors who lived
on the plantation which housed logies,
schools, hospitals and their masters’
living quarters back. The lingam which
is in the mandir was said to be the size
of an egg when the mandir was first
built. Today it has increased in size.
Recently, villagers of Bath Settlement
have recognized the value of this
mandir and have begun to upkeep it.
Additional works were done at the
mandir and a shed was built. Villagers
go to the mandir to pray mainly on
Maha Shivratri and Indian Arrival Day.
Another old mandir that dates back to
the indentureship period is situated
on Bath Backdam. This mandir is very
small and houses a lingam. Villagers
paint it and pray mainly at the mandir
on Maha Shivratri. Some villagers offer
their prayers at the mandir when they
are passing daily to go to work.
It is said that the first mosque in South
America was built in Guyana by the
Around 1920, a group of Hindus living
in Versailles approached the Versailles
indentured Muslims sometime in the
1860’s in a village named Philadelphia
on the East Bank of Essequibo. At
first, there was no building on the site,
but the area was marked off in the
traditional Islamic manner to signify a
sacred place where Muslims met in the
open to carry out ritual worship. Later,
the indentured Muslims constructed
the first masjid, which was a structure
made of mud and palm leaves. Today,
the masjid is no longer there, but a
monument was dedicated on 29 August
1999 in remembrance of the first ever
masjid that was built in Guyana.
The Queenstown Jama Masjid dates
back to 147 years ago. It was the
principal masjid in the capital city
‘Georgetown’. It is said that in 1890
about 400 Muslims were living in
Queenstown and the steady increase
of Muslims prompted Moulvi Gool
Mohamed Khan to spearhead the move
to construct the masjid. The previous
Masjid’s foundation which is the original
structure became weakened and
could not accommodate the growing
Adelphi Masjit Canje
9 - Horizons 2012
Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice
Sugar Estate management for a plot
of land to build a temple. Versailles
Plantation had bought the Malgre Tout
Plantation which was established in
the 1800s and operated it as a sugar
estate well into the 1900s. However, by
1920 the factory there was in ruins so
the request was granted and a wooden
structure with a mud floor was built on
the abandoned Malgre Tout Plantation.
At the same time, a tall conical shaped
concrete structure called a Shivala
(temple of Lord Shiva) was constructed
from the bricks of the abandoned Malgre
Tout Sugar Estate. It was plastered with
cement, painted in white and a stone
lingam was placed nearby surrounded
by a jasmine hedge where devotees
threw dhar early in the morning to Lord
Shiva. The main temple was painted in
a dark maroon colour while the inside
was whitewashed with lime given by
the Versailles Estate management.
The Versailles Shivala was one of
three such structures built in the colonythe other two were located on the East
Coast of Demerara and West Coast
of Berbice – all designed by the same
architect who hailed from Lucknow
in India. However, the chief builder
supervising the construction was a
holy man from Varanasi (Benares)
in India fondly called Banana Sadhu.
The name was given since he brought
bananas from the local growers as
far as Canal # 1 and rewarded every
person with one banana for each brick
brought to the construction site. When
the bananas ran out, legend had it
that he carefully collected the bricks,
recorded the names of those who
brought them, and ensured that the
person received their allotted share of
bananas. Several sacred trees to the
Hindu were planted at the same: the
peepal, bael, neem tree, several types
of mangoes, kowa (jack fruit), jack nut
(katahar), and bread fruit.
The first official priest at the matya was
Pandit Loknauth from Lucknow in India.
Versailles Hindu Temple, 1900's
Versailles Hindu Temple, today
He had come to the colony in the early
1900s and was assigned to Platation
Versailles.
Years have passed but the places
of worship built by our ancestors still
remain as sanctuaries for many as
testimony to their faith in the Supreme
during their years of hardship.
“Abbi Shud Go Back to
De Ole Days”
By Pradeep Singh
T
hese striking words were uttered
by 94 year old George Bhairo
of No. 47 Village, Corentyne,
Berbice who was born on March
25th1918.In an interview with Horizon
magazine, he related that his Aja
Bhairo and Ajie Jasodra originally
from Uttar Pradesh came to Guyana
as indentured labourers. They landed
here in 1889 on the ship “Sheila” with
hundreds of others bound for Port
Mourant.
He noted that his Aja who was already
married to Jasodra left his parents’
home in anger after a misunderstanding
with his mother. Jasodra followed him.
It was during this time that they heard
the news about ships taking people to a
rich land of new opportunities and they
eventually decided to sign their names
to take the trip. Mr. George related that
after his grandfather emerged from his
state of anger and received news that
his mother was coming to see him at
the Calcutta docks, he tried to withdraw
their names and avoid the journey. He
was unsuccessful. He boarded the ship
with his pregnant wife without getting to
meet his mother for the last time. His
Aja cried bitterly regretting his hasty
action. His Ajie gave birth to her first
child (a girl) aboard the ship. The baby
died during child birth and her body
was thrown into the sea.
When they arrived in British Guiana,
they had to live ina logie on one of
the sugar plantations in Berbice. The
couple had six children; two boys Balbadar and Bejai and four girls;
Julia, Parvati, Rajpati and Sughee. The
children resided in the logie with them
until they got married.
George related that his grandfather
didn’t work in the fields and refused to
do so when he was asked to because
the work was very hard and they
weren’t any incentives. When he was
George and Niraani Bhairo
12 - Horizons 2012
asked what he used to do in India, he
told them that “ah does look after dem
cows”. He was given the responsibility
of looking after the cattle on the estate
After some time his Aja received a letter
from his Bhowjee (Sister-in-law) in India
relating that his brother had passed on
and that she wanted him to return to
get his brother’s children married. That
letter brought tears to his Aja’s eyes
because he was so far away from them
and he couldn’t go because he had his
own responsibilities and family to take
care of. George felt that his Aja was
a very brave and courageous person
and keen on traditions. He used to play
'Kusti' (traditional wrestling on soil),
'Pari' and also sang 'Biraha'.
When the five years were up his Aja
chose not to return to India. He took
all the savings he had and purchased
eleven rods of land in Letterkenny,
Corentyne where he moved with his
family.
George was the second of eight
siblings. The others are Katherine,
Peter, Ajodia (Harold), James, Kedhar,
Kisson and Nithaani (Bethya). Of these
Katherine was the eldest while Nithaani
was the youngest.
They were all given the opportunity to
obtain a Primary Education and they
attended the Auchlyne Scott School
(now Auchlyne Primary). However,
only Kedhar and Kisoon went on to
Secondary School. Kisoon later wrote
his GCE and he excelled.
George’s Aja took him out of school at
the fifth standard and put him to learn
tailoring. He used to sew long pants
for twenty cents. In addition he used to
helped with tending of the cattle.
George got married at the age of 19 to
Niraani on April 14th 1946. She was
only 16 years old. He vividly recalled
the ceremony which was done at night.
He brought his Dulhan (bride) home
on a donkey cart which was decorated
beautifully. He narrated that he did not
want to get married but he dare not
refuse as all the arrangements had
been finalised by the parents of both
parties. He said he had no idea of what
the discussions were because he was
not allowed to be around when the
elders were finalising the marriage. He
realised one day when his parents told
him not to go to the backdam and when
he requested the reason, his mother
reluctantly informed him that his father-
13 - Horizons 2012
in-law was coming over to 'engage him'.
His marriage to Niraani (Didya) lasted
for fifty six years but ended in 2002
when she passed away. The union had
produced five children; three boys and
two girls. He is the grandfather of 23
and a great-grand father of 25.
George has no regrets in life, and would
not change anything that has made him
the person that he is today. He is one
of the three surviving children of his
parents and enjoys fair health, good
speech and still moves around. He still
reads a lot and has a good command of
the Hindi language
When asked about what advice he
would give to people today, he replied
that “ it would be a waste of time cause
nonebody na listen these days, dem
young people na get none respect and
righteous thinking today”. However,
he urged that “ abbi should gu back to
de old days; dem should respect their
parents; them ah abbi god on earth,
abbi neva see god but abbi see abbi
motha and fatha every day”.
A History of
Prashad Nagar
Guyana's First Planned Residential Community
by Justice Prem Persaud
I
n the 1950’s the city of Georgetown
encompassed
areas
bounded
on the east by Irving Street and
Cemetery Road, and on the south
by LaPenitence. Further on the east
were Newtown and what is now Bel
Air Park. To the north and west were
and still are the Atlantic Ocean and the
Demerara River respectively. Sheriff
Street was a mud dam and areas to the
east were Campbelville, Blygezight,
Bel Air, Sophia, Liliendaal, Pattensen,
Turkeyen, Cummings Lodge, Industry,
Ogle, etc.
The Bel Air area was predominantly
rice lands owned by Bel Air Estates
Ltd. In 1957 Mr. HARI PRASHAD
purchased a portion of the Bel Air
estate which was referred to and called
area “H”. But who is/was Mr. Hari
Prashad? Of very humble beginning in
the Mahaica Creek area where he was
born and grew up, Mr. Prashad joined
the local/labouring community in hard
work in the fields. He cut logs which
he parceled and sold, but still had the
time in the evenings to read and study
the Ramayana with his relations, the
Mr. Hari Prashad
Gossai family, and involved himself in
religious, social and cultural activities.
He later migrated to Georgetown where
the call of the land still echoed. He
bought lands and built houses which he
sold. But his was a restless soul and in
the early fifties he went with his entire
family to India where he spent some
time. He later returned and devoted
his time and energy to the real estate
business.
In the late 1950’s when
Bookers was offering lands in Bel Air
The First House Built in Prashad Nagar
14 - Horizons 2012
Mrs. Amla Devi Prashad
for sale he grasped the opportunity and
invested his all in the purchase.
The plot of land he purchased
comprised 76.847 acres and it is
bounded on the north by Bel Voir
Court, on the west by a reserve
between the plot and Campbelville,
on the east by Sophia and on the
south by the Cummings Canal. Land
now south of the Cummings Canal is
Lamaha Gardens. The reserve to the
formed themselves into community
groups and rebuilt the roads by selfhelp efforts.
The original title was obtained from
Bookers in the names of Harriprashad,
his wife Amla Devi Prashad and
a respected physician Dr. Jairam
Bissessar.
The original transports
were passed by them to the several
purchasers of lots.
East Georgetown Sunatul Jamaat
Central Vaidik Mandir
west was a canal that ran from the then
East Coast Railway line south to the
Cummings Canal. In or about 1965
that canal was filled up with garbage
and became a land-filled area which is
still a Government reserve. As hinted
earlier, west of this reserve is the
Campbelville/Blygezight area.
The plot of land purchased by
Mr. Prashad, area “H”, was a flat
abandoned rice field. He decided
to create a housing estate thereon,
and had it surveyed and palled in
accordance with the layout shown on a
drawing dated May 1957, designed by
Mr. Aubrey Barker, Town Planner. He
named the area PRASHAD NAGAR.
NAGAR, a Hindi word meaning a city
or town or a division or district.
There are 404 house lots , with varying
sizes, namely, 120’ x 60’; 124’x 60’;
Sanskritik Kendra of The Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha
106’ x 50’; 70’x 47’ and 53’x 80’. The
bigger lots were offered for sale at
between G$3500.00 and G$4000.00
each. The smaller lots were offered
for sale from between G$1800.00
andG$2600.00. Many persons who
purchased were farmers who could
not pay off immediately and they were
allowed to pay G$100.00 per month
until final payment.
They planted
their holdings and sold the produce to
meet up with their installments of one
hundred dollars per month. Those who
purchased and could not complete were
refunded their total deposits/payments
when the respective lots were resold.
And they were resold for the original
price.
Electricity and water were
provided. The roads were originally
built with burnt-earth. Mr. Prashad kept
maintaining the infrastructure and the
plot holders contributed three dollars
per month.
Later the purchasers
15 - Horizons 2012
PRASHAD NAGAR IS ONE OF, IF
NOT THE BEST, HOUSING SCHEME
and is within the Greater Georgetown
area. There are six (6) primary streets
namely, CHANDRANAGAR STREET
which is on the north and runs from
east to west: DELHI STREET on the
west which runs from north to south,
and forms the western boundary of
the area: GANGES STREET on the
east which runs from north to south
and forms the eastern boundary of
Nagar: KAKA STREET which is the
southernmost 10street and abuts the
Cummings Canal. This street runs
east to west. KAKA is a very dignified
and respectful term for a paternal
uncle or “CHA-CHA”.
This street
was named after Dr Kaka Kalilkar, an
Indian philosopher who was visiting
Guyana at the time and was a houseguest of the Prashads. Some people
refer to Kaka Street as OMAI STREET.
The significance of this defies
understanding. Similarly some people
refer to Ganges Street as the “Eastern
Highway”. By no stretch of imagination
or otherwise is this street a highway, but
had probably been so conceptualized
by the early town-planners.
There are a number of lots north of
Chandranagar Street which backed
lands on the north which are south of
Bel Air Promenade. There are however
some other major streets, namely,
Bissessar Avenue which runs from
east to west, and named after that
very good friend of the Prashads, Dr
Jairam Bissessar, medical practitioner
and famous and caring Gynaecologist
who held the first transport with them.
Another is Sachibazaar Street, which
also runs from east to west, south of
Bissessar Avenue. This street was
named after one of the daughters of
the Prashads. Chandranagar Street,
referred to earlier, was named after
Original House Today
the eldest child and daughter of the
Prashads. Other streets in the district
are Shribasant , Deobirana, Munipur
and Purshottam, all named after
the four sons of the Prashads. Two
other streets, SHANTINIKETAN and
ROHINITAL, were named after two
other daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Prashad.
Other streets named after relatives are
Nanhooji Terrace, Jasmatbina Terrace
and Damanbeer Terrace named after
the father, mother and elder brother
respectively of the writer of this article.
SANTRAM STREET was named after
the father of Mr. Hari Prashad , and
AMLA AVENUE EAST AND AMLA
AVENUE WEST were named after
the wife of Mr. Hari Prashad, Amla
Devi Prashad. There are some other
streets – AGRA STREET, BOMBAY
TERRACE and CHEDDI STREET
which do not need any explanation.
Lest I be accused of shy modesty
or concealing the facts a street,
PREMNIRANJAN PLACE which runs
off Chandranagar Street to the north
in a crescent was named after me, the
writer hereof.
In 1970-1971 when Mr. John Ford was
Mayor of Georgetown he initiated a
campaign to have the name PRASHAD
NAGAR removed and to be renamed
by some obscure sounding appellation.
I protested and reminded those to
whom it concerned that PRASHAD
NAGAR was a privately developed
housing estate and no one has the
right, authority or else to dictate a name
for the project. The Hon Prime Minister,
Mr. Forbes Burnham requested that
Mr. Ford quietly back away from any
intention to change the name. It may
not be inappropriate for me to mention
that Mr. John Forde later had his name
inscribed when the East Street Canal
was filled in and then renamed JOHN
FORD CAR PARK.
Incidentally, I must point out, the
owners of the Scheme lost control of
the administration of the area when
by the Municipal and District Council
Act, 1970, the area became vested
in the Georgetown City Council. As
a matter of fact the boundaries of the
city of Georgetown, by that piece of
legislation, were extended on the south
to cater for all properties up to and
including Plantation Rome on the East
Bank of Demerara, and on the east up
to and including Cummings Lodge on
the East Coast of Demerara. Wiser
counsel must have prevailed and there
was no attempt to extend the boundary
northwards or westwards!
Six areas of land were reserved and
dedicated for social, cultural and
religious purposes.
Regrettably
all the lands were not utilized for
16 - Horizons 2012
the purposes for which they were
intended.
Sachibazaar Street was
identified as the commercial centre
of the scheme, but it did not attract
entrepreneurs at that early stage in its
development. The Georgetown “Green
Belt” was violated without objection
from the authorities and businesses
of all shades and description began to
mushroom in areas east of Vlissengen
Road, Georgetown.
An area, 280 ft x 140 ft – Plot “A”
named GANDHI PARK was dedicated
as a children’s playground. It is south
of Premniranjan Place and was fenced.
It is opposite the Vedic Mandir which
is on the North side of the street. The
public has little or no access to it as it
was vandalized and used for pasturing
donkeys, horses, and it now appears to
be some sort of a parking lot.
Plot “B”, an area west of plot “A”
measuring 130 ft x 70 ft was identified
as a car park, but has since been
converted for residential purposes.
Plot “C”, an area of 156ft x 140 ft – is a
public park and situated in Shribasant
Street and bounded on the east and
west by Amla Avenue East and Amla
Avenue West and on the south by
Cede Street.
Plot “D”, an area of .9198 acres is at the
junction of Amla Avenue East and on
the south by Purshottam Street. It was
dedicated as a site for a Church and
School, and vested in the Diocese of
Guyana. It had remained unoccupied
for many years and eventually; quite
recently, it was used as a residential
complex.
Plot “E” is called “Nehru Park”. It runs
north to south from Bissessar Avenue
to Sachibazaar Street and measures
576 ft x 62 ft. This plot is beautifully
kept by residents and a kind-hearted
Sheriff Street Business Enterprise and
it is serving the purpose for which it
was dedicated.
Plot “F” is not without considerable
interest. It is a plot dedicated for “Local
Administration and Community Centre”
and it is about 160 ft x about 186 feet.
The land immediately south of this plot
was reserved for a car park. The land
is in Sachibazaar Street, on the south
side. This plot was given over to the
Mahatma Gandhi Youth Organisation in
1961 and in that year the corner- stone
for a huge structure was laid by the
then Governor Sir Richard Luyt. (He
had loved his Dal Puri which he called
“Flattened Bake”). Scores of steel
rods and tons of stone and sand were
stored on the grounds for construction
to begin. But some residents, three
in number and who were very closely
related to officials of the Gandhi Youth
Organisation protested. The Attorney
General’s Office of the day intervened
and filed an action in the High Court.
A restraining order was granted by the
Judge and all operations ceased. The
objection taken by the authorities was
that the land should not be given to any
particular organization and should be
reserved for use by members of the
public. The matter never went to trial
and remained in limbo.
Shortly after Mrs. Viola Burnham, wife
of the Prime Minister approached me
with a request for the land to be given
over to her Organization, the WOMEN’S
REVOLUTIONARY
SOCIALIST
MOVEMENT. (WRSM).They needed a
place to house a workplace/factory to
produce wares. I respectfully declined
on the ground that the matter was
pending before the Court, but in any
event it was first given to the GYO.
They eventually found a place on the
East Bank of Demerara, at Coverden,
where a factory was set up and they
produced VANCERAM wares, etc.
Prashad Nagar is a relatively quiet
and peaceful community. There are
religious organizations established
there, namely, the SANSKRITIK
KENDRA of the GUYANA HINDU
DHARMIC SABHA in Ganges Street,
the ARYA SAMAJ movement with
its CENTRAL VEDIC MANDIR in
Premniranjan Place, and the MUSLIM
COMMUNITY catered for by the EAST
GEORGETOWN SUNATUL JAMAAT
in Sachibazaar Street.
There are
also the GEORGETOWN AMERICAN
SCHOOL at Delhi & Chandranagar
Streets, and the NEW GUYANA
SCHOOL in Delhi Street.
The foregoing is a short history of
Prashad Nagar which I have attempted
to do as a result of requests from a
number of citizens who wish to be
aware of all aspects of life in Guyana,
more especially during the “good old
days”.
with some local cricketing giants from a
very tender age.
EARLY YEARS
Born to Cousila and the late Mohanlall
Bishoo on November 6, 1985, and bred
in the sugar cane village of Albion, East
Berbice, an area called Doctor Bush
to be specific; Bishoo developed an
inclination for the game from very early.
This was by no means a surprising
occurrence, as he was bombarded
by the heavy reverberation of ‘willow
against leather’ bellowing in his ears
from the nearby Albion Community
Centre ground.
A former student of Cropper Primary
School
and
Lower
Corentyne
Secondary, Bishoo decided to try his
hand at competitive cricket by joining
the Albion Sports Club at age 11.
However, his first opportunity would
come two years after when he was
selected as a leg-spinner and lowerorder batsman in the club’s Under-15
team.
Devendra Bishoo
From Room Attendant
to Test Cricketer
The Story of the Little Leg-spinner from Albion
By Avenash Ramzan
A
West Indies leg-spinner, Devendra
Bishoo, may be tempted to give you
his own version: ‘once you mix with
cricketers, you will play cricket.’
Putting that analogy into perspective,
As Horizons traces the career of the
26-year-old, it becomes evidently
clear that it’s not just Bishoo’s love
for the game that has brought him
international acclaim, but moreso, the
fact that he started rubbing shoulders
s a journalist covering the cycling
beat over the years, I have had
cause on many occasions to
ask the long-serving national cycling
coach, Hassan Mohamed, “what keeps
you going?”The response has been
the same every time: ‘once you mix
with the young, you will always remain
young.’
19 - Horizons 2012
Impressive performances at the club
level caught the eyes of the Berbice
Cricket Board selectors and he was
drafted into the County team where he
emerged as the leading bowler in 2000.
A call up to the national Under-15 team
the same year saw him on the standby
list, bizarrely, because of him being
“small statured”, he tells Horizons.
The following year, he made his
national Under-15 debut, snaring 2-28
from 10 overs against the Leeward
Islands to kick start a three-year stint
at the youth level for Guyana. During
that time, he was dominant at the InterCounty competition, which is primarily
used to select the national team.
At the Under-17 level in 2003, he
captured a record 23 wickets from
a mere two games, including an
astonishing 9-44 against Essequibo at
the Everest Cricket Club ground.
As a young member of the Albion
Sports Club, it was mandatory that
Bishoo and young cricketers his age do
certain errands whenever First-Class
cricket was hosted at the venue.
A national player now, Bishoo was
assigned the duties of room attendant
of the senior Guyana team, affording
him the opportunity to rub shoulders
with the likes of batsmen Shivnarine
Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan,
whom he would later play Test cricket
with, and the phenomenal spin-twins,
Mahendra Nagamootoo and Neil
McGarrell, who himself and club-mate,
left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul,
would replace on the senior Guyana
team.
“It was a real great experience being
among those players, especially Shiv
[Chanderpaul] and Sars [Sarwan]. Just
being around them was like a learning
curve for me, as I always wanted to be
like them you know- play at the highest
level,” Bishoo related.
Growing up in a single-parent familyhis father passed away a few years
after his birth- was tough for Bishoo,
but with help from his uncle Munniram
Lalbeharry, who gave him his first
cricket bat, inspiration from watching
the Guyana players in action, and
support and motivation from his
mother, he was able to graduate into
the Under-19 level, and subsequently,
into the First-Class arena in the
2007/08 First-Class season against the
Combined Campuses and Colleges
at the National Stadium, Providence,
during the Carib Beer Four-Day Series.
“It was tough because it was my mother
alone, and all we used to survive on was
NIS and Old Age Pension. Whenever I
had to travel to Georgetown to play, the
club, my uncle and grandmother, and
my first coach, Vemen [Walter] used to
take out money from their pocket and
help me,” Bishoo revealed.
While he is thankful for the support
he received from everyone, he is
particularly grateful for the role Walter
has played in his career.
“You know Vemen is like a father, friend,
coach, big brother…a real inspiration in
my life. He spotted my talent early, and
I think he is the one that I should really
thank for all that I’ve achieved in cricket
so far.”
Walter said of Bishoo, “He’s always a
very disciplined player, up to this day.
When he first joined the club, he was
a diminutive guy, but you could see he
was tough. He used to run a lot and
he was very enthusiastic and I was
impressed with his attitude.”
BIG LEAGUE
In his First-Class debut, Bishoo made
an instant impact, bagging 5-29 from
18 overs and 2-18 from 12 overs in a
drawn encounter against the CCC- a
match in which Chanderpaul made
a brilliant 207 not out. That proved to
be the start of a sustained run in the
national team, as he and Permaul
formed a solid partnership, becoming
the backbone of Guyana’s bowling
after the sudden axing of Nagamootoo
and McGarrell.
His attacking style of bowling had a
major impact in the 2010 Caribbean
T20 where he finished with ten wickets
in four games at the mean average of
8.20, conceding just 5.12 runs an over.
His Man-of-the-Series award in that
tournament tipped him as one of
the players to watch out for in the
Champions League Twenty20, where
he immediately impressed with the
prize scalp of Indian master batsman,
Sachin Tendulkar, of Indian Premier
League franchise team, Mumbai
Indians.
His boyhood dream and father’s
dying wish of his son playing for the
West Indies came one step closer to
realization when the pint-sized player,
who had by then captured 86 wickets
from 21 First-Class matches and 29
from 13 regional One-day games,
was named in the provisional 30-man
squad for the 2011 World Cup in Asia
in February-April.
Though he didn’t make the final 15 for
the trip to India, Bangladesh, and Sri
Lanka, Bishoo’s day in the maroon
was always imminent for he was one
of the few genuinely attacking and
wicket-taking spinners in this part of the
hemisphere.
As destiny would have it, the
effervescent
all-rounder
Dwayne
Bravo was injured early in the West
Indies’ World Cup campaign; Marlon
Samuels refused the offer to return to
international cricket, and Bishoo was
drafted into the squad, albeit much
debate from some quarters of the
cricketing circles.
Bishoo being presented with his W.I Cap on debut by Team Manager Richie Richardson
20 - Horizons 2012
In the ill-fated quarter-final against
Pakistan, he conceded 24 runs from
his five overs as the Asian side romped
to a 10-wicket victory.
“Obviously, I was nervous when the
skipper handed me the ball against
England,” he confessed. “But Sars,
Shiv and Chris [Gayle] were helping
me along, and once I found my line and
length, it became easier.”
He added, “The experience was good;
I enjoyed every moment of it. The
atmosphere was electrifying.”
Bishoo, who became the 167th West
Indian to play ODIs, added that the
Indian batsmen were the toughest to
bowl against, taking into consideration
their proficiency against spin bowling.
He arrived in the sub-continent with
the burden of expectation and the
weight of the critics on his shoulders.
Here it is, the humble young man from
East Berbice being entrusted with the
biggest task of his fledging career on
the most colossal of events- the Cricket
World Cup.
Bishoo‘warmed the benches’ for the
clash against Ireland, but was called
into action against England in Chennai,
India, on March 17. He responded
immediately with two wickets in eight
miserly overs on the trot, and another in
his final two overs for fantastic figures
of 3-34.
His maiden international wicket was
that of Jonathon Trott, followed by Eion
Morgan and Luke Wright- all frontline
batsmen.
Next up was tournament favourites
and eventual champions, India. With
a powerhouse batting line-up featuring
Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh,
GautamGambhir, ViratKohli, Suresh
Raina, and Yusuf Pathan, Bishoo
bowled with precision and ended with
1-48 from 10 overs, including the wicket
of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni- a
wicket-keeper batsman with 5,933 ODI
runs at an imposing average of 48.23
at the time.
Less than two months later- May 12 to
be exact- he was handed a Test debut
against Pakistan in the first DigicelTest
match, capturing 4-68 from 25 overs in
the first innings to play a part in the 40run victory for the West Indies.
“While getting Sachin’s wicket was
a great feeling, I think the greatest
moment was actually playing for the
West Indies at the very highest levelthe World Cup,” he reflected. “Getting
those three keys wicket in my first
game against England gave me a lot
of confidence, and also the motivation
to keep working hard to stay on top of
my game.”
Work hard he did, and the extra effort
and dedication did not go unnoticed by
the International Cricket Council (ICC)
as he was voted Emerging Playerof-the-Year 2011 at the ICC Annual
Awards ceremony in London last
September.
Bishoo had played five Tests in the
voting period - August 11, 2010 to
August 3, 2011 - and took 21 wickets at
an average of 35.42. He also picked up
19 wickets at 21.57 each in 11 ODIs.
"I could not believe it when I was
nominated for the ICC Emerging
Player-of-the-Year, but to win it feels
great," he said upon winning the
21 - Horizons 2012
accolade. "I would like to dedicate the
award to my father. He played a great
role in my life and encouraged me to
play cricket. After he died I made a
promise to always give my best and
reach for the top.
"I also want to take this opportunity to
thank everyone who has helped me
along the way and also a special 'thank
you' to the fans who have supported
me. I hope I can continue to represent
the West Indies with pride and improve
my bowling and keep taking as many
international wickets as I can. I'd like to
thank the support staff and my teammates of the West Indies and Guyana
for all the support and guidance."
Previous winners of the Emerging
Player Award are IrfanPathan (2004),
Kevin Pietersen (2005), Ian Bell (2006),
Shaun Tait (2007), AjanthaMendis
(2008), Peter Siddle (2009) and Steven
Finn (2010).
TOUGH TIMES
A year after making his international
debut and competing on the world
stage, Bishoohas been put through his
toughest battle yet- being dropped from
the West Indies team aftera few poor
performances, compounded by the
presence of the Trinidad and Tobago’s
mystery spinner Sunil Narine and the
ever-improving Dominican off-spinner
Shane Shillingford.
While he is deflated, he is not
despondent.
He tells Horizons that he is confident
of making it back to the top, and what
better place to start that journey than
the Albion Sports Club where the
sound advice of Walter and the love
and support of relatives, friends and
fans are in abundance.
*** At the time of writing,Bishoo had
bagged 40 wickets at an average
of 39.55 with career-best figures of
5-90, while in the ODI arena he had
captured 20 wickets from 13 games at
an average of 23.80 and career-best of
3-34. In 36 First-Class outings, he has
collected 150 wickets at 29.24 apiece.
Carambola
The Star Fruit
A
ppropriately named due to
its appearance when sliced
across the middle, Star Fruit
is also known as Carambola. Native
to Southeast Asia and the Indian
subcontinent, Carambola was brought
to our land over 150 years ago. While
this name may not be familiar to you, I
am referring to the five- finger fruit as it
is popularly known here in Guyana.
Carambola comes from a tree known
as the Averrhoa carambola, which is a
slow growing tree can reach up to 30
feet in height. Apart from producing
the fruit, the tree produces a small bellshaped flower which is usually a red
to purple in colour. The tree thrives
in tropical regions, such as Guyana,
and can bear flowers year round and
fruits 3 to 5 times a year under these
conditions.
Unlike many other fruits, an entire
Carambola can be eaten. Yes, that
includes the skin as well. Star fruit’s
texture is crunchy, firm and juicy! A
ripe carambola will be sweet with a
slight sour undertone while a young
carmabola will be quite sour. So how
can you tell the difference between a
young carambola and a ripe one? A
young carambola will be green in colour
and very firm while a ripe carambola will
have yellow colour with brown ridges
along the five edges of the fruit. A ripe
By Zahrah Alli
carambola will also not be as firm as a
young one.
Some have compared the taste of a
Carambola to that of a pineapple, an
orange, an apple and even a lemon!
Your taste buds may have a different
opinion.
Like many other fruits, star fruits provide
numerous benefits but there are some
risks as will from consuming this fruit.
Let’s look at these risks first. Carambola
contains oxalic acid which is harmful to
kidney patients. Persons with kidney
failure, kidney stones, under dialysis
treatment and even chronic renal failure
should not consume five finger due to
the presence of this acid. Consumption
can cause hiccups, muscle weakness,
seizures, insomnia, vomiting and even
mental confusion.
Don’t have a kidney problem? Well
then the benefits from carambola are
numerous for you! Let’s take a look at
them:
•
•
•
Rich in ascorbic acid, star fruit can
help to maintain bones, teeth, skin
and your immune system.
The little amounts of B vitamins
present can help lower cholesterol
and reduce risk of stroke and heart
attack.
Vitamin A aids your vision and
appetite
23 - Horizons 2012
•
Rich in soluble fiber, consumption
of the fruit can reduce cholesterol
levels and keep your bowels
healthy.
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT STAR
1. Rinse/lightly wash the fruit in water.
2. On a cutting board, cut very
shallowly along each of the five
ridges to remove the brown outer
edge, should the fruit be ripe
enough to have this.
3. One end of the fruit will be flat
and the other will come to a peak.
This peak is where the stem was
attached and should be cut off.
4. Now you can begin to slice the star
fruit. Your slices can be thick or
thin, it’s entirely up to you!
5. Using the tip of your knife, discard
any seeds which you may come
across in cutting your slices.
Now that you have the perfect star you
can get straight to eating! It may also be
used as a garnish for a delicious dish
you have prepared, as part of a salad
or dessert or I’m even told it makes a
great tasting juice. Whichever way you
choose to consume your five- finger,
ENJOY!
Fun Fact: Did you know a single cup
of sliced carambola contains 37.2mg of
vitamin c.
Celebrating Pioneering
East Indian Women
From Indentureship to Today
By Ananda Latchman
P
arampara!!! Many of us may remember Amitabh Bachchan bellowing this word which means
tradition across the big screen in the movie Kabhi Khushi Khabhi Gham. And just as Shah
Rukh Khan, broke tradition and made the movie a super hit with unforgettable moments,
the same way these independent, spirited and dedicated women broke male dominated career
moulds in their time, and paved the way for the present and future generations of women. It
was tradition for men to be the bread winner, make up the professional working class, to be
educated and independent and for women to be at home. In some parts of India this is still the
tradition, the norm. However, 174 years ago women came from India to Guyana and became the
strength of their families and the backbone of their culture. The women featured in this article
will be remembered as icons by Guyanese as the women who broke Parampara in their time and
cemented their place among the independent, educated and respected working class.
25 - Horizons 2012
Pioneering Women
Ena Luckhoo - First Female Lawyer
I
n the matters of
truth, law and justice,
there is no difference
between large and
small problems, nor
is there a difference
between men and
women, for the law
does not discriminate
between
genders,
and neither did Ena
Luckhoo. She proved
this by becoming the
first female lawyer
of Indian descent in
Guyana.
Evelyn Ada Luckhoo,
commonly
referred
to as Ena, was born
in New Amsterdam,
Berbice on 17th August
1923. She was the
youngest of six children
to
father
Edward
Alfred
Luckhoo,
O.B.E. Solicitor and
mother Evelyn Maude
Luckhoo. Being the
youngest in a large
family with siblings
Irene, Edward, Lionel, and Lloyd made
her completely spoilt, especially by her
three older brothers, who were also
very protective.
She was a student of Ursuline Convent
and Berbice Girls’ High School in New
Amsterdam until 1931, after which
she attended Bishops’ High School,
Georgetown, where she completed her
secondary education. She was not only
successful, but passed with honours at
both the Junior and Senior Cambridge
Examinations.
Even though she was brought up in a
prominent legal family, the decision to
become a lawyer was not made directly
after High School but after deliberating
for a few years. Only after witnessing
many battles and listening to daily
discussions of legal points amongst
her brothers, which she found very
interesting, did she decide to take up
law as her profession. She was articled
to Lloyd Luckhoo; she served in his
Chambers for four and half years. After
this period she was eligible to sit the
Law Society Examination, and qualified
as a Solicitor in 1949. Thereafter,
she joined the Firm of Luckhoo and
26 - Horizons 2012
Luckhoo, Legal Practitioners. At the
firm her practice was limited as she did
not want to appear in the Magistrate’s
Court and thoroughly enjoyed being
instructing Solicitor in Criminal cases,
preparing pleadings, Conveyance,
Divorce and Matrimonial matters.
In 1956 she experienced what few
persons experience in a lifetime, love
at first sight, when she met Dr. Peter
Byrne, a Veterinary Surgeon from
Ireland. Her feelings of love were
reciprocated and they married in 1957.
Her marriage brought more happiness
to her life as she had her two children,
Adrian and Denise, to complete her
family.
However, being wife and mother did
not keep her out of the professional
field. She continued to practise law,
performed the duties as Mayoress of
Georgetown having been designated
to do so during her brother Lionel’s
term of office as Mayor in 1955 – 1956
and 1960 – 1961 and she also had the
privilege of being Honorary Consul for
Sweden.
Throughout her career, and working at
the Firm of Luckhoo and Luckhoo she
achieved significantly. However, she
recalls that one of her most memorable
moments as a lawyer was the case in
which Noor Mohammed was charged
with murder. She and her brother
represented him. He was convicted of
the crime, but they were granted leave
to go to the Privy Council where their
Appeal was successful. At the prison
when she told Noor Mohammed he was
a free man he fell on his knees and said
“Thank you God, thank you Sir, thank
you Missus – I will never do it again!!”
She continued to practice until 1975,
but at this time, her husband Peter was
desirous of returning to his homeland
and so, they decided to take up
residence in Dublin, Ireland.
Where can we find her now?
Her love and husband, Peter died in
1990 and after much deliberation she
decided to return to the warmth of
the Caribbean and to Trinidad, since
her sister and son reside there. She
continues to lead a hectic life there as
Vice-President of the Mayfair Ladies
Bridge Club and former Director
of Harbour View Ltd – a block of
Apartments where she now resides.
She attends the Races at Arima Race
Course regularly and is always excited
when the horses in which she has a
share wins. At 89 years old, she is still
going strong, pursuing many activities
and still makes time for her children, 5
grandchildren and 1 great grand.
Savitri Balbahadur
I
Principal Cyril Potter College of Education
t is said that a child's first teacher is
his or her mother. It seems fitting that
women should take the leadership
role in teacher education; a field that
was once dominated by males. The Cyril
Potter College (CPC) of Education is
the institution which awards the Trained
Teachers Certificate in Guyana. In the
late 70's, the trend of predominantly
male Principals at CPC changed and
more women became Principals. Mrs.
Savitri Balbahadur was the first woman
of Indian descent to head the College.
Mrs. Balbahadur, born on October 4th,
1945 attended the Bishops’ High School
from 1957-1964 where she wrote her
‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. During her five (5)
year stint at the University of Guyana,
1964 – 1969, she pursued a BSc in
Biology while working as a teacher
at the Rama Krishna Primary School.
However, this was not her first job; she
started working in the public sector at
the Inland Revenue Department but
later moved to Rama Krishna Primary
when it operated under a shift system.
This allowed her to attend night classes
at UG and still maintain a full time job.
At Rama Krishna she honed her skills
in teaching and subsequently went on
to achieve her Diploma in Education
from the University of Guyana during
the period 1969 – 1970. This enabled
her to move from the arena of Primary
to Secondary education. She taught
Biology at Richard Ishmael Secondary
School for approximately a year and
then moved to South Georgetown
Secondary School. In 1971, Mrs.
Balbahadur earned the coveted
Government of Guyana /Canadian
International Development Agency
(CIDA) Scholarship for the Teachers
Supervision program to the University
of Western Ontario in Canada. On her
return in 1972 she began working at
the then Guyana Teachers College
in Battery Road, Kingston. However,
dedication to her studies and career
did not prevent her from having an
equally fulfilling family life. On August
20th, 1972, she got married to Mr.
Pooran Balbahadur and later went on
to earn the most respected title held by
all women; that of “mother” when she
gave birth to her only child, Avinash
in 1973. At the Cyril Potter College of
Education, formerly known as Guyana
Teachers College, she continued her
services as a Science lecturer and was
further promoted to Principal in 1995,
becoming the first female Principal of
Indian descent in Guyana. After six (6)
years as Principal, Mrs. Balbahadur
retired in September 2001. This did
not stop her career in educational
development. She went on to work as
the field manager for the CIDA funded
‘Distance Education Project’ from
October 2001 – 2009. After 47 years
of working as a teacher and educator,
Mrs. Balbahadur retired from her
illustrious career.
Where can we find her now?
Mrs. Balbahadur continues to play an
active role in her community and in the
education field even after retirement.
27 - Horizons 2012
She does voluntary work at the Dharmic
Rama Krishna School; she is also
a member on the Board of Dharmic
Rama Krishna School, Chairperson
for Guyana Book Foundation Board of
Directors and member of the Bishops’
High School Board of Governors. She
also plays an active role in organising
her mandir activities. She not only
represents Indian women educators of
our time, she is truly a woman of who
wears many caps and wears them well.
Christina Ramjattan
First Woman In Guyana's Politics
I
n today’s political society, women
have an equal role in decision making
and policy control. However, were it
not for a few women paving the way,
having their voices heard, fighting for
freedom and standing up on behalf of
Guyanese women, then women today
would not have the equal opportunity
and privileges that they have. Senator
Christina Ramjattan, one of the first
women in Guyana’s political world and
a part of the women’s activist group,
was one of the women that paved
the way for this equality and women’s
influence in politics.
Ms. Ramjattan joined the People
Progressive Party (PPP) in 1960 at the
Grove location; this was headed at that
time by Reepu Daman Persaud. In 1961
Dr. Cheddi Jagan appointed her as
Senator as she was the representative
of the Party in the Linden District and
he noticed her dedication towards the
fight for Independence. She became a
central member of the party and served
the PPP for approximately 40 years.
by the police thereafter and became a
voice for women and Indians in general
having escaped the catastrophe of
Wismar. From 1965 women became the
visible the live-wires of the PPP party.
Home-grown activists had sprung up
everywhere with Christina Ramjattan
taking the lead in Georgetown.
She was one of the fortunate women
who escaped the Wismar tragedy
in May 1964 and lived to tell its tale.
Unfortunately, while she escaped
Wismar, her father died along with
many other Indians who suffered as
houses at Third Alley, Linden were
set on fire and the whole area became
an inferno as gangs roamed, looting,
burning and terrorizing the 1,600
Indians who lived there. Every man,
woman and child was attacked as they
tried to escape. She was interrogated
When PPP/C won the 1992 general
elections, His Excellency Dr. Cheddi
Jagan in his first address as President,
publicly spoke of Ms. Ramjattan’s
part in achieving independence and
progress in our country: “While I
congratulate you, let me applaud in our
midst today the former Minster, W. M.
G Wilson, Senator Christina Ramjattan
and Mrs Annelise Kelshall, widow of the
late Jack Kelshall, all of whom played
such a magnificent role in our struggle
for national and social liberation”.
Ms. Ramjattan passed away in 2010
after a life of struggles, independence,
sorrows, happiness and many years in
the political arena.
Dr. Sita Boodhoo - First Medical Doctor
G
rowing up, many little boys and
girls want to become doctors.
But not many can claim that
they were among the select few to
achieve this while living in an age where
men were the doctors and women were
at home. Nor can they claim to be one
of the first women of Indian descent to
achieve this. However, Sita Boodhoo
can make both claims!
Sita Boodhoo was born and raised as
a Georgetown girl, hailing from Duke
Street Kingston. She commenced
her secondary education at the then,
all girls Bishops’ High School. Upon
completion of her secondary studies,
she was determined to study medicine
and was awarded a scholarship to
Trinity School of Medicine – Dublin,
Ireland. On completion of her medical
studies, she returned to Guyana where
she married Mr. Eustace Hanoman
and took up a post at the Georgetown
Public Hospital Corporation where she
was able to practice medicine and give
back to her country. Whilst serving as
a doctor to many, she gained another
prestigious title; mother to four, three
(3) boys and one (1) girl. Unfortunately,
Sita Boodhoo succumbed to cancer
28 - Horizons 2012
in 1969 after leading a short but
productive life.
Sita Boodhoo Hanoman will be
remembered as the ‘woman in the sari’,
as it is said that she wore her sarees
on a regular basis, even for work. But
more importantly, she will always be a
part of Guyanese history for her work
in the medical field, for serving her
country in an era when women were
not as recognised as they are today
for being pillars in the working world
and for being one of the first women of
Indian descent to earn the designation
“Doctor”.
Shakira Baksh
First Guyanese Beauty on the World Stage
W
hen we think of beauty
pageants, modelling and
acting, not many of us would
think of an Indian Guyanese woman
choosing that career path in the years
gone by and succeeding in the quest.
But successful she was! We are
referring to none other than Guyanese,
born and bred, Shakira Baksh. Born
to a Muslim family on February 23rd,
1947, Shakira was the eldest of four
children. Unfortunately, at the age of
5 she lost her father. However, her
love for fashion and designing was
born from that event, as her 23 year
old mother started to design and sew
stunning dresses in order to take care
of her four children. Shakira’s dreams
and aspirations of a career in fashion
designing were put on hold when she
went to work as a secretary in order
to assist her family. There, her boss
saw her unique features and potential
and encouraged her to enter the Miss
Guyana contest. Shakira not only won
that contest but she became the first
Miss Guyana to place in an International
Competition, when on the London stage
in 1967, at the tender age of 19, she
placed third (second runner-up) in the
Miss World Competition. This became
her stepping stone into the world of
modelling. Thereafter she worked as a
professional model in advertisements
for four (4) years, becoming well
known for her roles in commercials for
brands such as Maxwell House Coffee
and other popular companies. After
her performances as a model and in
commercials; her exotic features were
noticed by British actor, Michael Caine
who dubbed her as “the most beautiful
woman in the world”. On January 8th,
1973 Shakira married the man who
is known for films such as Alfie, Get
Carter, Batman Begins, The Dark
Knight, among many others. She then
went on to act opposite her husband,
Michael Caine and Sean Connery in
her first and last Hollywood movie “The
29 - Horizons 2012
With Daughter & Husband, Actor Michael Caine
Man Who Would Be King” in 1975.
Mrs. Caine, as she is now referred
to, decided to give up her acting and
modelling career to stay home and take
care of her only child and daughter,
Natasha, who was born a year earlier
in 1974.
Where can we find her now?
Shakira resides in London with her
husband Michael where they are still
going strong after 39 years of marriage.
Her initial love for fashion design
which was influenced by her mother
is being utilised as she works from
home designing jewellery. Her pieces
are usually made in India and sold in
the major Department stores all over
England and America. Her current love
interest is art a where she is trying her
talent in painting landscapes.
Clarissa Riehl - First Female GDF Officer
A number of incidents occurred
concurrently to shape her life thereafter.
In 1969 she resigned from her job at
the Inland Revenue Department and in
September of the same year, married
the love of her life, Mr. Thurston Riehl,
an Anglican Priest of German descent.
When the time came to make the
women’s arm of the Army permanent,
she made the decision not to become a
permanent officer as she was focusing
on other aspects of her life. She has
one child, Indranie who was born in
1973.
Where can we find her now?
Clarissa leading GDF Women Army Corps in Parade
T
he highest spiritual quality, the
noblest property of mind man can
have, is that of loyalty. Defending
one’s country in a time when there was
uncertainty in the future of the country
is a brave decision and the first woman
of Indian descent who took up the
gauntlet and showed her dedication to
Guyana by joining the Guyana Defence
Force from its inception was Clarissa
Riehl.
Born Clarissa Sabita Hookumchand in
Tempie, West Berbice on March 23rd,
1945 she was the second child of eight
siblings to her Berbician parents. At
great sacrifice, her parents sent all of
their children to school so that they could
become educated and independent. In
order to fulfil her academic pursuits
and complete her secondary studies
at Berbice Educational Institute in New
Amsterdam, Clarissa left her parents’
home in Tempie, West Berbice to stay
with her Nani (maternal grandmother)
during her years at school. With this
family support, she was able to write
the GCE O’ Levels and the Senior
Cambridge Certificate and successfully
complete both in 1964.
Armed with her educational certificates,
Clarissa moved to Georgetown where
she started her first job at the Inland
Revenue Department in 1965. It was
during her years of work as a Clerk
at Inland Revenue, that Clarissa
developed an interest in the army.
Still under the British rule, she made
attempts to join the women’s arm of
the British army called the Women’s
Royal Air Force, but her attempt was
met with rejection as they were not
enlisting persons from overseas at
that time. Shortly after, the British
army came to Guyana to quell the
racial disturbances and one regime,
headed by Colonel Pope, remained
to fashion a Defence Force for the
newly independent Guyana. They used
as a base for the Army, the British
Guyana Volunteer Force, and Colonel
Stephenson – Inspector of Taxes at
Inland Revenue and a colleague of
Clarissa was called to serve. He knew
of her interest and encouraged her to
become part of the women’s arm. She
applied and was interviewed by a panel
of six British Officers, the “steely blue
eyes” as she referred to them and one
Guyanese – Colonel Martindale. She
joined as a Cadet in 1966 and trained
for four months. On completion of her
4 months training, she became the
first female of Indian descent and one
of the first four women, to become a
ranked officer in the Army, earning
the rank of second Lieutenant in 1967,
with the responsibility to head her
own platoon. The women’s arm was
a reserve section of the army. For two
years, she continued her job at the
Inland Revenue Department and was
given time off to attend the Army’s one
weekend per month military training
and their seventeen day “summer”
training.
30 - Horizons 2012
After marriage, she began studying
law and acquired her legal education
from the University of Guyana and
University of the West Indies. She
obtained an LLB Degree in 1977 from
the University of Guyana and her Legal
Education Certificate (LEC) from the
Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad
and Tobago in 1979. In 1979, she
worked for two and half years at the
DPP Chambers. In 1982, she sat on the
bench as a Magistrate and then Senior
Magistrate and then returned to the
DPP Chambers in 1989 as Assistant
DPP where she stayed until 1992. She
joined the People’s National Congress
(PNC) led by Mr. Desmond Hoyte and
became a Member of Parliament in
1992, subsequently becoming Deputy
Speaker of the House in 1997, where
she served until 2011. Now, Mrs. Riehl
has her own private law practice where
she spends most of her time.
Bernadette Persaud - Professional Painter / Artist
and then wrote her GCE ‘A’ Levels at
St. Joseph High School in Georgetown
in 1965. Subsequently, she returned
to her birth place and taught English
Language and English Literature for
three years at the Bush Lot Secondary
School. She was transferred to the
Charlestown Secondary School where
she continued to teach both subjects
along with Art and commenced night
classes at the University of Guyana.
Bernadette graduated in 1972 with a
Major in English and Minor in History.
In 1968, she got married to Mr. Byro
Persaud and had her first and second
son, while teaching and studying.
I
t was once said by the famous painter
Pablo Picasso that “Painting is just
another way of keeping a diary” and
Bernadette Persaud has indeed kept a
diary of Guyanese traditions, ancestry,
ethnic identity, beauty and the political
history of her country. She is not
only one of the first women of Indian
descent to make paintings and artistry
part of Guyana’s culture, but one of
the first artists to explore, in depth,
East Indian themes, iconography,
artifacts and Arabic Calligraphy. It can
also be said that she is one of the few
Guyanese women artists to have her
works showcased on the International
art scene.
Bernadette Indira Joseph, born on
March 17th, 1946 in Bush Lot, West
Coast Berbice hailed from a large
family with many siblings. Her father,
a school teacher from the Essequibo
Island, Leguan, travelled due to the
nature of his job and met her mother
in Berbice while teaching there.
Bernadette was the first of nine siblings
born to her parents. Her early years
were spent in Berbice but by the time
she was ready to start Secondary
School, her father was relocated to
the mining town of Mackenzie/Linden.
She spent five (5) years, 1958 –
1963, at the McKenzie High School
graduated with her GCE ‘O’ Levels
Mrs. Persaud thinks her passion and
talent for the arts was awakened by her
father at an early age when he bought
paint supplies to encourage creativity
in his children. "He was talented at
drawing and painting and made very
skilful, realistic soft sculptures - as
teaching aids." While working at
Charlestown Secondary, she attended
an Art's Teacher Seminar; her talent
was noticed by the Director of Art, Mr.
Denis Williams who encouraged her to
attend the new Art School he planned
to start. In 1974, Mrs. Persaud enrolled
as a part time student at the Burrowes
School of Arts where she gained
a Diploma in the field. She began
teaching at the St. Roses High School
in 1977. However, that experience was
short lived as due to her out-spoken
manner and political activism; Mrs.
Persaud was dismissed, like many
others, in 1980, from not only St. Roses
High. She then threw herself into her
paintings and developed a career as
a serious artist. After painting for a
few years and accumulating her art
pieces, Mrs. Persaud held her first and
very successful exhibition at the John
F. Kennedy Centre in Georgetown in
1984. Her career as an artist took off;
in 1985 she became the first woman to
win the National Visual Arts Exhibition
and Competition, sponsored by the
Department of Culture; and as they
say, the rest is history, and it is indeed;
it is Guyanese History.
She continued to contribute to the
education of Guyanese students
31 - Horizons 2012
and this time in the field she was
passionate about, as she joined
the Burrowes School of Art once
again - at the invitation of Mr. Denis
Williams - in 1991, as a teacher. Her
contribution to Guyanese history was
acknowledged when she received one
of Guyana’s National Honours – The
Golden Arrow of Achievement, in 1997,
for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to
the Cultural Mosaic in the field of the
Visual Arts.’ After spending eight years
at the Burrowes School of Art, she left
and joined the University Of Guyana,
Creative Arts Department in 2000 to
teach Art. She retired after seven years.
Her painting career did not suffer as
she had many exhibitions, including
International exhibitions in India –
Triennale in 1997 and again in 2005,
Mauritius – 2009, the Five Myles Gallery
showcasing “Guyanese Contemporary
Expressions” In New York City in
2011. She has exhibited with the
Guyana Women’s Artists in England,
at the Commonwealth Institute and in
Canada. Mrs. Persaud has also had
solo exhibitions in Jamaica – 1999 and
Trinidad and Tobago – 2004 where her
outstanding talent was showcased.
Where can we find her now?
Mrs. Persaud still resides in Chateau
Margot, Guyana with her husband and
sons. She continues to paint with the
aim of having another international
exhibition next year. She currently
holds the position of Art Editor for
Guyana’s Arts Journal, a position she
has had since its inception in 2004.
Mrs. Persaud says that in the long run
what fuels her vision is the struggle to
“find a new colour and an authentic
God”.
Jean Ramdulari Ramkhelawan
First Woman Engineer
C
ivil engineers have one of the
world's most important jobs:
with creativity and technical
skill, civil engineers plan, design,
construct facilities essential to modern
life, ranging from roads, bridges, to
highway systems and are responsible
for shaping our country’s infrastructure.
Jean Ramkhelawan holds not only the
title of Civil Engineer, but the coveted
title of the first woman engineer of
Indian descent in Guyana. With
determination and resiliency demanded
by this taxing profession Jean has been
able to contribute tangibly to Guyana’s
development as a civil engineer.
On May 13th, 1955, Jean entered the
world as the third child of her East
Coast Demerara resident parents.
There were many rough patches for
this large family living in Industry, as
her father was a cane cutter and her
mother was a housewife. Overcoming
those hurdles, she attended Cummings
Lodge Secondary School on the East
Coast from 1966 – 1972 where she
successfully completed four (4) GCE
O’ Levels. Her first job was as a typist/
clerk at the Ministry of Public Works
in 1974. She took another step in life
when she got married in 1975. Shortly
after her marriage, in 1976 she was
transferred to the Materials Division
of the Ministry and started working as
a Materials Technician in the lab. Her
curiosity about the field was aroused
while working in the Civil Engineering
Lab at the Ministry of Public. This innate
inquisitiveness and quest to learn
more made her join the Government
Technical Institute (GTI) in 1978. She
graduated in 1980 with her Ordinary
Technician Diploma in Building and
System Civil Engineering (City and
Guilds). Still maintaining her full time
job at the Ministry and not satisfied
with just a Diploma, she enrolled at
the University of Guyana in 1982 to
study Civil Engineering. At that time,
Engineering, which was her passion
was a field dominated by men. In her
class, she was the only female among
sixteen males. Not intimidated by the
male presence she was able to hold her
own. As she was treated equally and
garnered their respect. After four years
of hard work and keeping pace with all
the men, she graduated in 1986 with
her BSc. in Civil Engineering. While she
was breaking barriers in her academic
and professional life, she was also a
wife and achieved motherhood in 1976
when her first son was born. She has
five children.
By this time her contract with the
Ministry of Public Works was also up,
but she decided to remain there with
an upgraded position, that of Foils
Engineer. In 1992 she was promoted to
Chief Materials Officer and then Deputy
Chief Road Officer before resigning
from the Ministry in 1994. She left the
public service completely in 1994 and
started consultancy for a series of
private firms. Her first consultant job for
E and A Consultant Services entailed
supervising construction of roads and
minor design works. She worked for a
series of companies including Seeram
Brothers and DIPCON Engineering
Services before returning to the Public
Sector in 2000. At the same time she
started lecturing at the Faculty of
Technology – University of Guyana.
In 2005, she simultaneously lectured
and did a short course in Project
Planning and Project Management
at the Critchlow Labour College. She
resigned from the University in 2006 and
enrolled for the Masters Programme at
the University of the West Indies (UWI)
Trinidad. Jean graduated in January
32 - Horizons 2012
2009 with a distinction in Construction
Management.
Where can we find her now?
Mrs. Ramkhelawan’s distinguished
career and achievements were
augmented with time and she
continuously works for the development
of Guyana’s infrastructure. Currently,
she is working with a consultancy firm,
supervising the East Bank of Demerara
‘four lane highway’ Extension Project.
From 2010 to March 2012 she served
as the President for the Guyana
Association of Professional Engineers
(GAPE) and on concluding her 2
year service, she remained as an
executive member for GAPE. She is
also a member of the IDB Civil Society
Consulting Group and a member of the
American Society of Civil Engineers.
She continues to work in the field
she loves and the field she had to
overcome many hurdles to conquer.
She encourages young women to
upgrade themselves and says “if you
have a skill then go for it, regardless of
age, race, gender and social class”.
T
hese women were born during
the years when women had little
to no say in the working world,
when women were expected to stay
home, when they did not have a voice
in open society and when they were not
treated as equals. They lived through
the days when Guyana was ruled by
the British, battled for independence,
survived racial warfare, lined up for
food items, studied via candle light and
fought for their place as equals in all
fields and areas of work and life. More
importantly, they accomplished all this
while serving simultaneously as wife,
mother, sister, friend and patriot. The
women featured today will move on,
some have already passed on, but what
will never change is the impact they had
on Guyana’s society, the influence they
had in their professional fields and the
way they shaped and paved the way
for the present and future Guyanese
girls and women!
Lyla
Kissoon
Imbued With A Fighting Spirit
By Oluatoyin Alleyne
and suggested on his return that they
start making mattresses and furniture.
She loved the idea, so initially they
gave the jobs to “bottom house people”
who made the furniture on order, but
later they decided to open their own
business. They approached the then
Premier of Guyana Dr Cheddi Jagan
along with two other business owners
to open factories at what is now known
as the Ruimveldt Industrial Site, but in
those days was canefields.
“He said to us, ‘Go ahead, I wish you
all the luck, take the land, develop it
build factories, find jobs for people and
I would be happy,‘” Kissoon recounted.
The factory was built in 1960 and
her husband invited persons from
overseas to teach Guyanese how to
make certain kinds of furniture; they
have never looked back since.
T
he matriarch of AH &L Kissoon,
one of the oldest furniture
businesses in Guyana, Lyla
Kissoon, has credited the company’s
human resources for its endurance,
coupled with her fighting spirit. Being
widowed in her thirties with five
children, Kissoon was forced to battle
on and keep the enterprise going
through tough times.
During an interview at her Main Street
home, 82 year old Kissoon recalled
that she was 18 years old when she
started working in her father’s business
– Sankar Brothers Ltd – where she
remained for three years. During that
time she married Alston Kissoon who
was working with his uncle’s business,
George Sookhoo’s Ltd.
said, ‘I got thrown out by my uncle and
aunt and I can’t go back,’ and I said to
him, ‘Ah, don’t worry, if you can work for
others then you can work for yourself.’
She approached her dad “who was
very kind,” and the couple then began
to search for a place to start a dry
goods business. They first rented a
small space in the Bernard & Company
building at the corner of Camp and
Robb Streets. That building later
became theirs when the owner wanted
to sell; they purchased it through the
bank. Their business was opened
in December of 1951 and according
to Mrs Kissoon they did very well,
“because my husband knew about dry
business and I didn’t know about dry
business, but I didn’t take long to catch
on.”
“One day I came home and I saw him
sitting on the steps looking very sad,
and I asked him what was wrong. He
Her husband travelled to purchase
items for the store and it was during
one of his trips he noticed mattresses
34 - Horizons 2012
“Unfortunate,”
is
how
Kissoon
described her husband’s acceptance
of an offer in 1966 to travel to India
on a mission. She said her husband
had hesitated about taking the trip but
eventually decided to go. “He went and
the plane crashed on January 24, – Air
India – and everybody died… he was
forty-four,” she said.
“I was left with five children… and the
reason why I did not go with my husband
to India was because Christopher [one
of their sons] was taking his Common
Entrance in April and I said if I left he
wouldn’t do his lessons…”
She described the days after her
husband’s death as very trying, and
for one week after his death she kept
“waiting for him to come, and then I
realized that I have children, they have
to go to school, they have to live, I had
to feed them.” In the ensuing weeks
she changed her religion to Catholic as
her children attended Catholic schools,
“and not a day would pass and a Sister
or Father would not come and sit and
talk with me.” And in the end with grit
Carifesta people coming in and he
went and looked at it and said ‘You
know, I want to take these houses from
you,’ and I asked him why he can’t just
use them,” Kissoon said, but he later
passed a Compulsory Acquisitions Act.
She was paid $30,000 for the twelve
villas and $1M for Takuba Lodge, which
under the act was at 1936 prices, she
said. “But you know the 1936 prices
was no price at all, and you look back
at these things and say, you know one
has to leave it all; you come empty
handed and you leave the same way.
Now where is Mr Burnham? He is gone;
has he taken Takuba Lodge with him?”
Plantation Hope Estate was taken away
from her mother also under the act, and
according to Kissoon her mother was
never the same way after because,
“she pined away.”
A Young Alston & Lyla Kissoon
she did not think she had at the time
Kissoon said she took matters into
her own hands and started visiting
the factory and ensuring the business
continued. She also travelled overseas
and visited persons who were in
the same business. She extended
invitations to them and they would
holiday in Guyana at her expense and
teach her staff about the making of
furniture.
Burnham “took it away from us.” “We
had Russians living at the top of the
Takuba Lodge and he [Burnham] said
that the Russians would shoot him and
that was one of the reasons he took it.”
Kissoon had also built the Echilibar
Villas in Campbellville which she had
planned to rent, but these were also
taken away by Burnham. “He had the
“But that was life for us during the
Burnham regime and very often the
PPP say that I was very friendly with
Burnham, but that is not true. Viola,
his wife and I went to school together;
her children and my children went to
school together, so we were friends
still you know, although he did all those
things to me I am not a person to keep
malice.”
When former President Desmond
Hoyte took over following the death of
Burnham Kissoon described him as
being “different; he honoured me, he
gave me the Arrow of Achievement and
he made me advisor to him for the term
he was there.“
“I have discovered in life for me that
if I make a decision that I must do
something, I must do it; if I only change
my mind it goes wrong, and I think that
is one of my chief successes in my life
personally…” Kissooon said about her
successful enterprise.
“Moving with the times” was also
something that kept her ahead as, “you
can’t remain stagnant in my business.
She said it was with this in mind she
bought Takuba Lodge – which now
houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– and she had hoped to rent it out.
But the then Prime Minister Forbes
L-R: Dr. Cheddi Jagan Lyla & Alston Kissoon
35 - Horizons 2012
situated. Luckily, she said, they had acquired the building
opposite so they quickly began to operate from that location
which they still do today.
Kissoon said her best business asset has “been the people
who work for me,” while pointing out that you must take care
of your employees and help them when they need help.
Some years after her husband died Kissoon married Hemraj
Kissoon with whom she had a daughter. She described her
six children as “being well educated and can take care of
themselves.” She has 14 grandchildren and seven great
grandchildren.
The Kissoon matriarch said she had approached Presidents
Cheddi Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo in an effort to have
Takuba Lodge returned to her, but they both refused.
Unfortunate events have followed Kissoon throughout her
life, but she quickly pointed out that she has kept going.
She recalled that the Park Hotel, which she owned, was
destroyed by fire as well as their business at the corner of
Robb and Camp Streets, where the Republic Bank is now
In her younger days she hunted, fished and danced in her
spare time, but because of failing health she now “listens to
beautiful music and I admire dancers.” She was also a great
entertainer and the huge dining table in her Main Street
home that she has lived in for the last 51 years tells the story.
She still has a desk at home from which she works, even
though she has been very unwell. If she does no work on
any one day she would tell herself at the end of it that she
had wasted the day.
“I must tell you too that all the people that I have known in my
lifetime have either died or gone away. The only two people
that are friends with me are Magda Pollard and Carmen
Jarvis; those are my only two friends that went to school with
me,” she said with a small smile.
(First printed by Stabroek News)
Alana Seebarran
Miss India Worldwide 2012
B
eautiful and vivacious Alana
Seebarran was crowned Miss
India Worldwide 2012, from
amongst 35 contestants around the
world by a panel of judges which
included Bollywood actors Aftab
Shivdasani and Aarti Chhabria at the
23rd edition of the pageant held in
Paramaribo, Suriname.
Alana who received her training in
dance at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic
Sabha’s Sanskritik Kendra and
participates annually in the Sabha’s
sold-out show dance and drama
production Naya Zamana was also the
winner of the Best Talent piece for the
evening.
Apart from Pageantry, Ms. Seebarran
loves nature, acting, dancing, listening
to music, and spending time with
her close-knit family, especially her
brothers. She related, “Growing up as
the only girl made me very tough and
helped me to hold my own around the
boys.”
Alana is a final-year student majoring
in Marketing at York University in
Canada, where she has been an active
participant of the York University’s
South Asian Alliance dance troupe.
She is also a dedicated Sunday school
teacher at her Church. Last yea,r she
made brief appearance in the movie
‘Breakaway’ which was filmed in
Canada.
38 - Horizons 2012
As the reigning Miss India Worldwide
2012, Alana Seebarran has become
a motivational speaker, with a
focus on providing guidance to less
fortunate children and school dropouts
throughout Guyana and internationally.
Alana hopes to eventually be a
spokesperson for Breast Cancer and
HIV/Aids awareness campaigns –
platforms that are close to her heart.
In addition, she is the face of King’s
Jewellery World and New GPC Inc.
About her Miss India Worldwide
success, Alana says this, “Every
achievement in life is dependent on
hard work and sacrifices. I have learnt
to be self-reliant and to believe that I
can conquer everything.
Sonu Nigam
Captivates Thousands at Guyana National
Stadium With Phenomenal Performance
By Dr Vindhya V. Persaud
40 - Horizons 2012
Kya hua tera wada/
Woh kasam woh iraada…
T
hat’s where it began as most
of his fans know. At four years
old, Sonu Nigum was on stage
performing the timeless, exquisitely
innocent hit from Hum Kisise Kam Nahi.
“That promise/ that desire” written into
the first lines of the song can capture
something of the man. It certainly lends
itself to the energy of his recent concert
in Guyana. His talent is a promise
in itself. The desire? In truly great
performances desire and fulfillment
are the things exchanged between the
artiste and the audience that – even if
only for the duration of a show – blurs
the lines of where one ends and the
other begins.
History was made in Guyana when
India’s No. 1 singer Sonu Nigam gave
a non-stop, energetic and mind blowing
three and a half hour performance
before a captive audience of thousands
at the Guyana National Stadium,
Providence on April 28th, 2012. The
glittering mega-concert hailed as the
best show ever in Guyana exceeded
expectations as Sonu Nigam reached
beyond the standard performer’s act
to share dimensions of himself; his
evolution and passion for music, fully
expecting the audience to walk with
him as he transcended time and genre.
What remains in my mind is that Sonu
Nigam gave a performance of a lifetime
displaying an unparalleled capability
to transform his own songs to reflect
where he is now as an artiste. Attuned
to his gestures, mood and his innate
ability to wrest the best out of any tune,
his talented musicians followed the
maestro’s skillful direction taking the
audience on a musical rollercoaster
getting them to sing, clap, dance and
to even become gripped in devotion.
With his playful encouragement, the
audience received critical praise from
the superstar for singing a few lines
of his song melodiously after a few
attempts. Even Guyana’s President
Donald Ramotar did not escape and
sang a few bars of ‘Suhani raat dhal
chuke’ with Sonu, much to the delight
of the mammoth crowd. The President
emphatically declared after the singer’s
electrifying marathon of singing and
dancing,
“I want to congratulate you. You are
a very strong man. It was the most
sustained and best performance that I
have ever seen for very long time. And
I hope you will come again.”
The feverish excitement which gripped
the mammoth crowd of fans from every
part of Guyana was whetted by vibrant
dances from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh
and beautiful renderings of yesteryear’s
melodies including ‘Bahon mein chali
41 - Horizons 2012
aa’ and the ever popular ‘Piya Tu’ by
three-time All India National Award
winner for best vocalist, Gunjan Singh.
A spell was cast when the voice of
world renowned and iconic singing
sensation Sonu Nigam reverberated
from the depths of the backstage
broken only by the frenzied roar of
appreciation from fans of all ages as
the singer burst onto the stage with
electrifying performances of ‘Shukran
Allah and Kal Ho Na Ho’. In a virtuoso
performance which showcased his
range and sent the crowd wild, Sonu
belted out hit after hit from a litany
of movies including Kabhi Khushi
Kabi Gham, Raaz 2, Main Hoon Na,
Dabangg, Salam- E- Ishq and Rang de
Basanti. His undisputed versatility and
perfect control over pitch and voice
control came to the fore when he burst
into soprano parts of his duet songs and
launched into a mesmerizing medley
of evergreen hits of Rafi Saab and
Kishore Kumar. Ever the consummate
performer, Sonu charmingly perched
on a monitor and effortlessly recreated
the quintessential melodies of Mohd.
Rafi-‘Chahunga mein tujhe, Pathar ke
Sanam and Madhuban mein Radhika,
evoked tears and devotion with bhajan
‘Tum Viniti suno’, and spontaneous
singing with ‘Kaise bani’, the applause
was prolonged and thunderous. Never
at a loss for a rejoinder, Sonu thanked
the audience saying, ‘only in Guyana
(and the Caribbean) would I get a
chance to sing this bhajan.’
Gone were the vestiges of exhaustion
which Sonu had exhibited on arrival at
the Cheddi Jagan International Airport
after the grueling 33 hour trip from India
when he performed a hipshaking, showstopping routine for one of the biggest
hits of his career ‘Bijuriya’. Every female
in the audience was wooed and won
when Sonu caught and threw kisses
and received corresponding ‘sighs and
Hais’ to his own as he sang "Tumse mil
ke" from Main Hoon Na.
This man who has gifted the world
with the timeless beauty of his songs,
stated simply that he was useful to
the world because he could sing, and
who unerringly transmits his passion
for his art to his audience and shares
his journey through life with every
song, nuance and performance has
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – By Dr.
Vindhya Vasini Persaud
Sonu Arrival at CJIA
not lost touch with his beginnings
as he never forgets to remind all to
remain true their roots and to cherish
their parents as tomorrow may never
come. That thought echoed in my head
as he brought the curtain down with
a magnificent crescendo of the heart
achingly beautiful "Kal ho na ho" baring
his soul and saying through music what
he believes.
Sonu Nigam was in Guyana performing
for the first time at the Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha’s magnificent event
to commemorate 174 years of Indian
Arrival and in aid of the construction
of the Shelter in Berbice for children
who are victims of abuse. The shelter’s
building design was unveiled on the
eve of the concert by President Donald
Ramotar and Sonu Nigam, along with
the Executive of the Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha, when the Sabha
hosted a gala dinner at the Pegasus
Hotel. The Sabha’s Shelter will be
named “Dharmic Sabha Baal Nivas”.
All the proceeds from the concert will
be used in construction of the shelter.
I sat down with the practical, intelligent
and immensely talented Sonu Nigam
during his whirlwind visit to Guyana
and got witty, profound and nostalgic
responses on various facets of his life.
Though well-known for his humility
and altruism, he is, more importantly
maybe, honest. He is unpretentious. He
is human. Perhaps that is what makes
his performances so extraordinary.
Greatness, yes. A legend, sure. But
all of that and also just a man who
lives by a handful of rules: work hard,
make time for introspection, kiss your
kids, respect the masters on whose
shoulders you stand. Enjoy!
Vindhya: What motivated you to jump
into the arena of singing?
Sonu: I was a musician by default. I
never decided to become a musician.
I am intrinsically a musician.
My
father and my mother used to perform
42 - Horizons 2012
on stage and when I gained my
consciousness I saw them performing
on stage and I thought that was the way
the world functioned and I understood I
could get the notes right, I could play
the instrument right, get the beats
right and I was good in performance,
I was good in playing the keyboard,
singing, copying people, imitating,
getting the styles of various singers.
At that time I used to listen to a lot of
Rafi Saab, Kishore Kumarji, Mukeshji,
Talat Mahamoodji, Hemant Kumarji,
Mahendra Kapoorji, Manna Da, Lataji,
Ashaji of course …
So I used to study their styles and I
realised as I was growing older that
besides the fact that I was a topper in
my school – I was good academically
and also in sports and everything…so
everything was happening conveniently
but music was part of my life. I have
been performing on stage from the
age of four years back in 1977. Kya
Hua Tere Waada, Woh Kasam Woh
Iraada…, that was the song my father
Sonu With Members of the Dharmic Sabha
used to sing on stage and I learnt that
song without him teaching me and one
fine day I just wanted to go on the stage
with him and he allowed me to come on
stage and that’s where it all started.
Vindhya: If you had to look back and
pick the most memorable moment in
this illustrious career of yours….
Sonu: I don’t know if it has anything to
do with anything professional because
I do not really consider music as my
career. Music is in my system. So I
don’t take my career too seriously. I
don’t really think that I have to achieve
this and that. Yes, of course, we are
in this field we want to do our best, we
want to sing well, we want to be loved
by people but when I go on stage it is
a different world all together and when
I sing in front of a microphone it is a
different world all together. I want to
give my best but I do not look at my
performance as something which I
have to aggressively take care of. So I
am not someone who measures life by
how much money I made or which are
the places I visited or which awards I
got. For me the special moments in life
are the birth of my son.
Sonu attends Dinner at Pegasus
Vindhya:
And he is following in
Daddy’s footsteps, I see.
Sonu:
He’s got music in his system
43 - Horizons 2012
Sonu With Executive Members of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha
With President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha
Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud
too. So for me these things matter,
being with my family, being with some
good friends, having a lot of good
friends around myself… so for me,
career is career.
Vindhya: You achieved a lot in a very
short space of time; in terms of your age
and a lot of young people are looking
at you and they want to hear what you
have to say; what motivates you, what
drives you… what do you want to say to
the young people especially in Guyana
at this point in time?
Treasurer of Sabha
Savitri Sukhai Makes a
Presentation
44 - Horizons 2012
Sonu: All I can say is hard work never
goes waste. Don’t wait for the teacher
to turn up and teach you music. I never
learnt from anyone personally. I just
for a couple of months learnt from
Mohammed Saab and a year from
Ghulam Mustafa Khan Saab, but most
of my work has been done from just
listening, analyzing people, and when
you analyze people, you don’t criticize
them, you don’t judge them. I see a lot
of youngsters sometimes wasting time;
discussing who’s good and who’s bad.
I like him better, he’s not good. For
instance, there are people comparing
Rafi Saab with Kishore Kumarji wasting
their time. You can’t compare Rafi
Saab and Kishore Kumarji. You just
study them. Respect Kishore Kumarji
for what he is, Rafi Sahab for what
he is, learn from them. So I’d say
keep a positive approach to work and
understand that anybody who has
made it in this world as a singer, as an
With H.E. Donald Ramotar
President of Guyana
afford bicycles, who could not afford
expensive toys, video games for me.
But we were a close knit family. Of
course, I think I have evolved much
more than what was given to me by my
parents; that is my own journey. But I
think the foundation was very good.
Vindhya: How have you transferred
that to your son? You are a dad now.
actor, as a politician, as a business man
has got some acumen. You just don’t
become respected in a field if you have
nothing. You have to have something.
So you are blessed with something.
So when you are criticizing someone’s
talent or when you are judging two
people or when you are calling
someone lesser than you, you are
disrespecting God’s gift to him or her.
So I feel one has to keep a very, very
positive approach and it’s crucial. I
have seen a lot of talent go waste in
being negative and they do not even
realize that time just flies by and they
have just wasted the time on Facebook
criticizing people and the person whom
they are criticizing is making money,
is doing well, is respected and they
feel great just criticizing someone. So,
one is hard work and the second thing
is that you don’t really have to worry
too much about where you are going
or what your goal is, you have to keep
working in the present and let work lead
you where you want to go because you
never know where you reach is better
than what you perceived.
Vindhya: You seem to be very
passionate about what you do, very
motivated and very focused. How
has the inspiration or influence of your
parents played a part in you being you?
Sonu: Well they are simple people
first of all and that’s important. Not
that any other parent who is not simple
and who loves luxuries is lesser than
us but I love the fact that my parents
are simple. They know how to lead life
with the least of resources. We have
been brought up in a lower middleclass family in India who could not
45 - Horizons 2012
Sonu: The only rule that me and my
wife have about raising a kid is don’t
wait for him to become older and
behave himself. I am saying a lot of
people allow their kids to misbehave
just on the pretext that he is a small
kid he will learn later on. If he is
misbehaving whether he is six months
old or two months old or four years old
or six years old… you’ve got to stop the
child at that moment because things go
out of your hand. Anyway, he is a very
good kid, he seldom troubles us but
you know kids are innocent souls and
they need to be checked right there that
moment. That’s what we do to Nevaan.
We do not let him cry unnecessarily. I
haven’t seen him sitting and crying like
I have seen with other kids.
Vindhya: So he is not spoilt at all
Sonu: No, Not at all, we let him have
lots of fun, I play with him, I kiss him,
I smooch him. So that way he is
pampered but we do not……… that’s
my thumb rule we do not want to wait
till he grows older then check him. We
check him now!
Vindhya: You mentioned a lot of the
Late Greats. I know many people will
say you have been most influenced by
Rafi Saab, how has he influenced you?
Sonu : They are our seniors. They are
the reason why I am in this profession.
They are the people who have taught
me indirectly. They haven’t taught
me personally, but I have learnt from
them. I have studied their music visited
their school of music in terms of all the
songs…. how to express in a song how
to emote in a song, where to breathe,
where not to breathe.
Vindhya: You have captured every
nuance basically by just listening?
Sonu: Yes, I am sure they had their
own teachers, they had their own
inspirations too and the cycle goes on.
Vindhya:
You
have
travelled
extensively, in many parts of the world
experiences probably differ or vary.
What are your thoughts – travelling all
over the world; coming to this part of
the world being here in Guyana. You
haven’t seen much…
Sonu: I wish I could have come a bit
earlier and seen…….. there was that
falls that you mentioned?
Vindhya: Kaieteur Falls
Sonu: Kaieteur Falls, I wish I could go
there… 20 mins…… (smiles). The next
time I come, I will come via a shorter
route. This time I didn’t have the time.
But, yes, I always get fascinated by
places where people from India visited
and stayed 150 years or 175 years
back. One of the first places I visited
like that was Fiji Island and I was really
fascinated that these are the people
whose forefathers came so many
years back in Fiji and now they are
still in touch with the Indian Culture,
the religion, the rituals and of course,
Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and
Surinamese in Holland and now
Guyana for the first time. I just heard
about French Guiana and I want to
go there someday probably. So I get
fascinated by places like that and I was
discussing just now that the people over
here are incredibly more connected to
the roots than we Indians are because
we take it for granted. When you are
too far away from your roots you want
to reach out to your roots. I’m really
looking forward to the show tomorrow.
I have heard so much about this place
and hearing good things about all the
46 - Horizons 2012
publicity you all have done and I’m
really glad that we did not let people
down. It is a responsibility when you
commit to a place and of course, when
the place is as close as Guyana….
your country… as close as Guyana
neighboring country (laughs)
just colleagues and all we meet then
with lots of mutual respect.
Vindhya: You have sung various
genres of music what would you say is
your favourite?
Vindhya: What do you want to say to
all your fans and the people who love
you so much in Guyana?
Sonu: I don’t categorize music like
that, as I said I don’t judge. I don’t judge
people, I don’t judge music. I don’t say
my music is better than anybody else’s
music so I listen to everything and I get
inspired by everything whether Indian
music or in fashion music.
Sonu: Do they understand Hindi?
Vindhya:
You are in the music
industry what is it like interacting with
your co-stars in the industry? Is it what
we read?
Sonu: We have our friend circle, but
we don’t get opportunities to be with
our people so often. I have a couple
of friends from the industry but most of
my friends are out of the industry. Not
because I detest the people from the
industry; it is only because all of us are
so busy in our lives. If I am performing, if
they want me, I’ll be out.., if I want them,
they will be out performing somewhere
or working or shooting somewhere. So
we don’t really get to mingle with our
fraternity that much but yes, I have a
couple of good friends around me. Of
course when we meet; people who are
Vindhya : Thodi si, like me.
Sonu : I can just say Guyana – Dekho
main aa Guyana.. Look have come
Guyana … see I have come…. Every
show is a prayer for me whether it is
in India, whether it is abroad. The last
couple of years I have been travelling
and performing like a maniac. Last
six months have been very tough and
tedious. But there are some places
that you really want to touch, you want
to be a part of it. Guyana was always
on my list. Long time back, about 13
– 14 years back we were touring in
America and we had come for a show
in Suriname and on the way back we
got stranded at the Georgetown airport.
I said okay … Guyana! They have
Indians why don’t we do a show…
Vindhya: Here you are today!
Sonu: Finally we are here.
Vindhya: You have an extensive tour
47 - Horizons 2012
schedule ahead of you and I am sure
you just want to get back home after
this trip, rest and prepare for that. Is
that what the rest of this year will be
like for you? Touring? Or is there some
time dedicated to recordings, movies ?
Sonu: Things are happening, but
work is work. I also want to give some
time to myself. So what I am doing, as
soon as I land in India I take off to the
Himalayas. I am going for a trek of ten
days to the mountains of Himalayas. I
want to give some time to myself. It has
been 6 years since I last went to the
Himalayas, 2006. It is high time that I
do this. I love to spend time with myself
I don’t want to be just career oriented.
I wouldn’t work for too long I realize…
I am not the kind of person who will be
into the work or into the system. Either
I’ll work less or I’ll quit after a bit.
Vindhya: What will happen to the fans
out there?
Sonu : The fans will grow old too…
Vindhya: I don’t think they’ll stop
listening to your music or loving your
voice
Sonu :I will keep a balance. These
days I am overdoing myself … I am
really overdoing myself but I think the
rest of the year after July would be
better.
Vindhya: Heard you are a fitness buff
and very much into spirituality. Yes?
Sonu: If I say I am into spirituality then
I am not spiritual because people who
claim the most are the least spiritual.
48 - Horizons 2012
It is not something to claim, it is an
internal journey. You don’t need to tell
people how much you know about God
because if you know about God you
don’t tell this to anybody. I feel that my
journey within has begun and I don’t
really showcase that. I don’t dress up
like someone who is going through a
transformation inside, I don’t talk to
49 - Horizons 2012
people like that, I don’t preach I just
allow the journey to take place inside
me, outside I am the same person.
With sincerity and humility, and clearly touched by the love,
warmth and hospitality he received in Guyana, Sonu promised,
‘I will give you something to remember me by for the next few
years’…..He did!
From a Memorable Steamer Trip
to Florida’s Judiciary - The Inspiring Journey
of a Humble Essequibian
F
or most folks, there is a specific
time that they could look back
on what could be considered the
turning point in their life. Their entire
perspective would have changed in
that moment, at that crossroad leading
them forever in a new direction with an
invigorating passion.
For Alli Baksh Majeed, now known
popularly as A.B. Majeed to friends, or
Judge A.B. to the legal world in Florida
and the USA, his was when some cow
droppings fell on his mother’s white
‘orhni’ while on a steamer trip from
Anna Regina to Wakenaam, an island
in the Essequibo River.
In the pecking order of things, even
the cows seemed to have been worth
more than the little boy and his mother
who were relegated to a lower deck of
that steamer where persons of a lower
economic standing were supposed
By Leonard Gildharie
to be. “It was my first awakening to
injustice, economic injustice.”
Senate. His is a remarkable story of
patience and perseverance.
Young A.B. could not understand it.
The despairing image of his mother’s
face inflamed both a passion and an
anger that led him to fight his way to
higher education in the United States.
There he clawed his way through
college and law school, rose to become
a prosecutor, and then resigned to
campaign to become a judge. He lost it
all, and then won it all.
Humble Beginnings
Alli Baksh Majeed is now the only
judge of Guyanese Indian-descent in
the State of Florida. A few years ago
he was elected by his fellow judges to
serve as the President of all the county
judges in the State.
Growing up in the 1950s, there were
no high schools in the county. Primary
school; sixth standard was one’s
academic ceiling.
A.B. is now contemplating retirement
as a judge and the possibility of another
elected office, maybe the Florida
53 - Horizons 2012
Majeed grew up in Anna Regina, a
village on the laid-back Essequibo
coast, with rice farming being the
main source of living for most families.
He was the last of four brothers. He
remembered all too clearly the fishladen streams, the beautiful birds and
the trees full of delicious fruits.
“Whoever wanted to go to high school
had to come from a wealthy family to
go to Georgetown.”
That changed in the mid ‘60’s when
I was intrigued by their way of life; their
economic capitalism; their democracy;
their freedoms.”
But obtaining a visa to the United
States was no easy task.
“It wasn’t easy for me to get a student
visa. When I applied for one I was
denied, because my parents lacked
the resources to guarantee that I would
not become a public charge on the
US government. This was a stringent
requirement of the US embassy.”
Judge A.B. Majeed & Mrs Majeed (at centre) with President Cheddi Jagan & Mrs Janet Jagan
the then Premier, Dr Cheddi Jagan,
converted a government office to a
high school at Anna Regina. There
were 100 spots available and Majeed
made it through an elimination test.
“That singular act of going to high school
opened the door to the mountaintop
for me and my classmates. My whole
mental concept of my abilities changed.
I began to dream impossible dreams.
Had it not been for the Anna Regina
Government Secondary School, I
and many others would be singing a
different song today.
“Life, while idyllic in Essequibo, was
not without its hardships. The roads
were all mud and there was flooding,
particularly around Christmas. In our
younger days we had no electrical
lights; no running water, so we had to
wake up early in the morning and fill up
the tub with fresh black water from the
trench so my mother could use it during
the day.”
It was also a time when crime was
unheard of and people left their
doors open. His three years at the
high school – 1965-1968 – were
marked by some of Guyana’s worst
political turbulence. During that time
young A.B. was exposed to Guyana’s
leading politicians. He was struck by
the eloquence and resonant voice of
Forbes Burnham, the political theories
of Cheddi Jagan and the capitalism of
Peter D’Aguiar.
“Janet Jagan was also quite impressive,
and represented our district in Anna
Regina, and all the ladies used to refer
to her as “Bouji (brother’s wife).”
It was a struggle for the family to find
the $22.50 needed to pay for A.B. to
attend the Anna Regina Government
Secondary, but his brothers took to
the field, determined one of their own
would do the family proud.
“I am forever grateful to them for this
sacrifice. Their job was to come up with
the $22.50…what you would call an
unbudgeted expense.”
During High School, A.B. juggled
studies and work. He rose early,
milked the cows, cut the grass and
went to school. It was juxtaposed with
Chaucer, Tennyson, Shakespeare,
French, Latin, Algebra and Geometry.
With no electricity, the battle was to use
the sunshine to ensure that as much
studies as possible were pushed in.
While quite a few of the 100 students
dropped out because of the rigours, the
remainder stuck to the tasks.
“For a number of us, we did not let
go…I was like a drowning man clinging
to a raft…It was not if I could afford to
hold on…it was I could not afford to let
go.”
USA Bound
It was during this time that Majeed
decided that he wanted to go to the
United States to further his studies.
“I had an opportunity to go to Canada,
but I used to read a lot about the USA.
54 - Horizons 2012
His break came when a Peace Corps
volunteer from the US, serving in Anna
Regina at the time, promised to assist.
“He contacted his parents who
were wealthy people. They had to
sign affidavits, taking the place of
my parents, guaranteeing that I will
not become a public charge. It was
through the generosity of this American
family that I got to America. I went
with a student visa directly to Howard
University in Washington D.C.”
Majeed’s immediate goals included
earning a degree and returning to
Guyana as a social worker.
Washington D.C. was a whole new
world. Different climate. Different trees.
Different birds. Different food…and that
new creature called winter.
“It took some serious adjustment. In
Guyana you have a lot of time with few
demands. In America you have a little
time and lots of demands.”
While at Howard, A.B. did well and
qualified for an academic scholarship.
He graduated magna cum laude and
Phi Beta Kappa.
A.B’s outspokenness and leadership
skills caught the attention of his college
professors who encouraged him to
pursue law.
After Howard he enrolled at the Catholic
University School of Law, a school that
was almost 100 percent non-minority,
and graduated with a Juris Doctor
Degree.
“It was culturally difficult. But we
were welcomed by everybody and
professors treated us with great dignity
“I served as a prosecutor in front of
a most wonderful and kind hearted
judge. He knew of my desire to become
a judge one day. He motivated and
mentored me. For you to become a
judge in Florida you must practice law in
Florida continuously for more than five
years. Immediately after my five years
I began investigating the prospect of
becoming a judge.”
that I can’t lose.” The veteran judge was
subsequently re-elected unopposed for
the next six years.
His friends thought he was crazy.
Altruistic by nature the Judge gifted a
quantity of school supplies to school
children of the Bolans Primary School,
Antigua as they reminded him of his
dreams years ago. Passionate about
nurturing the academic aspirations of
the young, he said, "Education is the
ultimate equalizer in life,no matter how
humble your background. Had I not
gone to high school, I would be a dirt
farmer today."
“They said they loved and respected
me, but I had the wrong name,
wrong colour, wrong religion, wrong
nationality, wrong accent. Everything
was wrong.”
To run for the judgeship, Majeed had to
quit his job as a prosecutor.
“So I had no income. I moved out
of my beautiful house into a smaller
apartment. I had no job, no income, no
house, no health insurance. But I had
confidence and a supporting wife. She
backed me all the way. Together we
agreed that I won’t grow old saying. I
could have, should have, might have
become a judge. I did not come to
America to be told I can’t do it.”
His three daughters and wife were
good campaigners. He lost that first
campaign in 1992, but earned a wide
variety of friends and supporters. Lady
Luck soon smiled on A.B. Majeed.
and respect. Along with me was a
black female from Howard, and as life
would have it, she also came to Florida.
Justice Peggy Quince became the first
Black Female Chief Justice in the state
of Florida.”
Some years later, Majeed took his
little son, Noah, to Catholic University
School of Law and showed him the
name Alli B. Majeed inscribed on a
wall especially dedicated to all the law
school graduates who became judges.
Lost, Won
Majeed became a felony prosecutor
in Brevard County, Florida, in 1985,
having practiced law in Philadelphia
for several years. He is a member of
the Bars of Florida, Washington D.C.
Pennsylvania, and New York
“When I lost the election, one judge
got sick and he retired. His seat
became eligible for appointment by the
Governor.”
The jobless Guyanese became one of
21 lawyers who submitted for interviews
before a special Judicial Nominating
Committee. The list was reduced to
four and submitted to the Governor.
He was appointed by Governor Lawton
Chiles as a Brevard county judge in
1993, where he serves to this day.
He is the first Guyanese and the only
person of Indian origin to currently hold
that position in Florida.
“I submitted for elections many times
after that… the word in 1992 was that I
couldn’t win. The word now, in 2011, is
55 - Horizons 2012
“America allowed me to dream dreams
I could not dare to dream. America
allowed those dreams to come true. I
am what I wanted to be. I’ve been there
for 18 years; I am looking forward for
retirement.”
Undaunted by a terrorist bomb attack
in Tajikistan, Judge Majeed along with
Judge Gosset of US District Court,
Omaha recently visited that country a
few days after the incident to train 22
judges to become international teachers
at the USAID built training centre there.
“They were not accustomed to seeing
people of my religion and my colour
who were American. And that was
a good and positive thing for them to
see.”
Over the past years, Majeed has
received numerous awards, given
many speeches, and was the subject
of countless articles in the media.
“I pride myself in treating every citizen
who appeared before me with dignity
and respect. I always remember the
economic indignity that visited my
mother in that steamer on the way
to Wakenaam. I never forget that
the journey, from the bench where I
am sitting to the podium where the
defendant is standing is a very short
one. As they say in Guyana…”it nah
tek laang fuh table tun…”
Alli B. Majeed while a proud and patriotic
American now, emphatically states that
he will never forget that “Guyana is
wheh me navel string bury…”
First Printed by Kaieteur News
Charminar
Hyderbad - City of Pearls
My Journey to India
L
ife is filled with millions of dreams,
some are realistic while others
are not as attainable. But, if you
want to live your dreams, you just have
to be brave and take that one little step
that can make them come true – take a
step forward, face the world and jump.
In 2009 I took that jump and applied for
a scholarship halfway around the world
– destination Bharat (India).
When I bid farewell to my parents
and took that next step at the Cheddi
Jagan International Airport, Guyana,
I was alone after over two decades in
this world surrounded by known faces.
I didn’t know what to expect. Was I
scared? I don’t remember being afraid
because I was armed with the most
important things my parents could
have given me: wisdom, strength and
independence.
My first couple hours alone were crazy
as I traversed major airports, dealt
with broken luggage and ran all the
By Tajranie Rampersaud
way to check-in so that I wouldn’t miss
my next plane. Things were new and
wonderful, from the sunset in the sky
to the sprawling cities I spied out of
my window seat as the plane touched
down at different locations. I remember
not having much thoughts except that
maybe these new experiences were an
indication of what the rest of my time
would be like: completely contrary to
my expectations.
So, here is a glimpse into one of my
many dreams that I lived…
I lived in Hyderabad, fondly referred to
as the City of Pearls, for two years. A
more diverse place I couldn’t ask for.
Members of the Indian society refer
to it as the City of the Nawabs but I’d
like to think of it as the “Mecca of India”
due to its strong Muslim presence. Like
the people, the culture was diverse
and I was fortunate to be a part of
many activities such as Ramadan
celebrations (my Muslim friends had
57 - Horizons 2012
me take dinner with them as they broke
their fasting), Nowrúz (Iranian New
The Author
Golconda - Hyderabad in the background
Chowmahalla Palace
Golconda
Hyderabad - Chowmahalla Palace
Year also referred to as the Persian
New Year) and Pongal (the Telugu
celebration for the beginning of spring
and kite flying time).
One fond memory of Ramadan was
being assigned a human alarm clock my Aji (Persian for ‘sister’). She would
go to bed at midnight however; she
had to be up by four in the morning
to get ready for the day. I am a late
sleeper and sometimes tend to work
through the night as I love the peace
and quiet of the night. So, she would
knock on my dorm room door and say,
“Aji, 4 o’clock.” Another fond memory of
Ramadan was breaking fast one night
at the In Orbit Mall in Hyderabad with
my Aji and Akhi (Arbic for ‘brother’) and
my other Persian and Arabic friends.
It was the only place that had a wide
variety of food to choose from and
since we didn’t have kitchens in our
dorm rooms, a good common ground
to ensure everyone was happy. Even
though I’m a Hindu, I did fast a couple
days because I had great respect for the
different cultures that surrounded me.
Being in the Mecca of India made me
more accepting of the Muslim culture,
especially since at home I have many
Muslim neighbours who would include
the entire street in their celebrations
through the sharing of food.
I mentioned the celebration of the
Persian New Year, Nowrúz. It was
always a wonderful time for friendship
and laughter, for great food and
togetherness. Being without our
families, we all tend to gather together
for each other’s special days. I
remember that on the two instances
I celebrated with my Aji and other
Persian friends we jumped a fire. As
we each took a turn to jumped the fire,
we said something in Persian (which
I could have barely pronounced but I
held the meaning in my mind) which
basically entailed us saying that we’re
58 - Horizons 2012
cleansing ourselves of the bad deeds
of the year past and look forward for a
brighter tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ll say
the right words but I do believe this is
something I would like to continue as
it’ll keep me close to my Persian friends
and memories that I cherish deeply.
Pongal was the kite flying celebration
in Andhra Pradesh where the dominant
local language is Telugu. I tend to
refer to the dominant culture in the
area as being Telugu; it is really
Andhra culture. Pongal is a festival
of prosperity celebrated with lots of
colours and happiness. However, what
I remember most from this festival was
being with my friends, sharing a meal
together and then trying to raise our
kite on the roof top of my friend’s home.
The meal was spicy but superb with so
many different flavours that all of my
taste buds were satisfied. However,
the best part was trying to get that one
kite to fly. There were about a dozen
of us and one simple, little kite. Some
decided to stay in the cool house but
some of us were more determined and
wanted to see that kite go up. We went
to the roof and, looking around, saw so
many other children on their roofs with
their kites high up. We tried and tried
but the wind just wasn’t helping us. Our
kite ended up in the surrounding trees
several times, took a few nose dives off
the roof and got tangled in the clothes
lines. The kite didn’t go up but we
definitely had fun trying and I think the
children on the other roofs felt superior
because a bunch of university students
couldn’t raise one little kite.
However, when I think of sharing my
Hyderabadi adventures with you, a
one day tour some other firangies
(foreigners) and I took around this
magnificent place comes to mind. None
of us knew the local language, Telugu,
or enough Hindi for conversation at that
Charminar Scenes - Hyderabad Mecca Masjid
point in time. We were four girls setting
out for the day in a land where women
are taken care of and often protected
by the males in the family. In addition, a
city of six million people and hundreds
of roads is not easy to traverse. But,
what’s the use of letting these minor
things stop you from exploring, from
learning, from living? So, here is a
glimpse into that adventure...
Early that morning we four (one
American, one French-German, one
German and one Guyanese) biked to
the main gate of the university campus
and easily got into a shared rickshaw
which took us to Mehidipatnam, the
main bus stop some 45 minutes away.
We boarded a bus for the Old City
where women were garbed from head
to feet, men wore kurtas and long
pants and the general thoughts were
conservative. We were four young
ladies in western garb and not an inkling
of what was expected or acceptable.
59 - Horizons 2012
We bravely entered the Old City and
were happily surprised. Apparently,
when the locals meet foreigners they do
their best to help them out; sometimes
they help themselves out in the process
also by charging high prices for
merchandise – hey, everybody has to
live and when we converted the money
it wasn’t anything significant. We were
given directions and were able to enter
and explore the architectural wonder
Charminar, which means four towers in
English. One story states that a former
ruler had the structure built in the late
1500’s to celebrate the eradication
of the plague in the city. Years later,
Charminar is on every tourist map of
Hyderabad and the surrounding fruit
and vegetable markets and choori
bazaar (bangle market) are a never
ending wonder for tourists.
Having toured this structure and taken
our very touristy pictures, we strolled
through the markets and had our
he’ll take us around for five hundred
rupees (Rs. 500 – about GY $2000).
The thing is, we didn’t really want a
guide as exploring on our own had
proven to be much more entertaining
and educational throughout the day.
However, he was persistent and didn’t
give up with a “nahi bhaiya” from me.
He brought his price down to Rs. 125
even when we told him we didn’t have
the money to pay. His English was
good but I still think the message got
lost in translation somewhere.
Dhandia celebrations
pictures taken with locals. Well, not me,
I look like a local because I’m of East
Indian descent. However, my blond
hair and blue eyed friends and African
looking friend were quite a novelty for
the locals. I was happily taking the
pictures for those who asked.
made me think of riches and luxury, of
a powerful history of the Nawabs. The
power this room seemed to possess
was truly worthy of a palace of over
200 years old located in an area of
Hyderabad where traditions were still
held close to the heart.
Having lived the Old City life we decided
to go to visit Chowmahalla Palace,
which was right around the corner from
Charminar. Upon entering the palace
gates I was transported back into a
time of princes and princesses, kings
and queens, royal court and untold.
The gardens were well tended and
the fountains magnificent. The actual
structures were intrinsically designed
and made me think of hundreds of
people working together to produce
this masterpiece. It has been restored
wonderfully and even had a little
beverage shop where we sat and had
lemonade and just gaped in awe at the
wonders we were fortunate enough
to be surrounded by. The palace
was so big that we just gave up on
seeing everything that one day. The
most impressive room was the throne
room. The seat for the ruler was in
the middle and there were carvings
all around. However, the most awe
striking elements were the chandeliers;
definitely not more than twenty but
their sheer size and wonderful designs
One would think that after visiting
two such amazing historical places
we would be tired and our adventure
would come to an end. Au contraire,
we went on to explore the neighbouring
museum and walk over the bridge
connecting the Old City to the outskirts
of the more modern metropolis so we
would see the natural life instead of a
touristy take. We explored the area and
came across the public gardens where
we frolicked like children. However, we
were determined to end this adventure
in a place where we would see the sun
setting over this glorious city. We had
quite some trouble finding a rickshaw
to transport us to our next destination,
Golconda Fort. However, after much
persistence and bargaining (I do
believe that this is a favourite pastime
among the locals and tourists) over the
fare, we were off.
My first memory of Golconda Fort was
getting out of our rickshaw and being
bombarded by tour guides and post
card sellers. One of the guides took
one look at my friends and stated that
60 - Horizons 2012
Anyways, we ended up having a guide,
whether we wanted one or not or
could afford him. He took us through
the amazing ruins of what was once a
strategically located military base that
protected the city. It was designed for
function and beauty and boasted of
training areas as well as gardens and
reservoirs for water. One interesting
point was the design of the ‘look-out
area’ and the base of the fort. When
you clapped at the base the person
at the lookout point can hear you loud
and clear and vice versa; this was one
of the main methods of transmitting
information quickly. Another interesting
point was the many temples we came
across in the fort: there were temples
and mosques. Even though Hyderabad
is seen as a Muslim area since creation,
it is a place that encouraged diversity.
Finally, at the top of the fort we were
able to look over the City of Pearls as
the sun set. The afternoon faded into
beautiful colours and finally twilight.
This was most definitely a day well
spent. Oh! We paid our guide Rs. 500
because he was an entertaining man
and rather knowledgeable and he
happily posed with my blond hair, blueeyed friends for a picture.
I doubt that if I were given a chance to
go to India again I’d choose anywhere
else as a base. Hyderabad has truly
become a part of me and has greatly
influenced the person I am today. From
the mixture of people to the mixture of
cultures and time capsules, it is a place
of diversity that makes one feel alive. I
don’t know if my friends will support this
but I do believe that I am Hyderabadi...
at least by two years of association.
Until this Hyderabadi’s next adventure...
Shiv Chanderpaul
World's #1 Test Batsman - 10,000 Runs & Counting
By Avenash Ramzan
S
hivnarine Chanderpaul has
become the 10th batsman and
the second West Indian to pass
10,000 runs in Test matches, reaching
the mark on the fourth day of the third
Test against Australia at Windsor Park
in Dominica from April 23-27, 2012.
In keeping with much of his career,
Chanderpaul passed the landmark in
the midst of a desperate Caribbean
fight in the fourth innings to stave off
defeat at the hands of the Australians
on a deteriorating pitch, moving forward
from his inimitable stance to push a
delivery from Michael Clarke wide of
mid-on and go to 14 for his innings.
"I have been batting well and spending
a lot of time at the crease, and to reach
10,000 Test runs is something special
for me. It was one of the goals I set
myself and I believe I have reaped for
reward for the hard work I put in over
the years,” he said afterwards.
"When I go to bat, I know I have a job
to do for the team and the people of the
West Indies. Test cricket is the ultimate
form of the game and this is where you
want to perform and give your best. I
will keep striving for more."
Chanderpaul reached the milestone in
his 140th Test, emulating Brian Lara's
feat of also passing 10,000 for the
West Indies.
The possessor of the crabbiest
technique in world cricket, Chanderpaul
proves there is life beyond the
coaching handbook. He never seems
to play in the V, or off the front foot,
but uses soft hands, canny deflections,
and a whiplash pull-shot to maintain a
Test average of around 50. While the
cricket world was obsessed with Lara's
62 - Horizons 2012
unquestionable talent, Chanderpaul
has shown that there are alternate
ways to be consistent and prolific in
Test cricket over a long period of time.
When Chanderpaul started out, he
had a couple of problems: first, a low
conversion rate of around one hundred
to every ten fifties, and secondly, his
physical frailty, widely thought to be
hypochondria. That myth was exploded
when a large piece of floating bone
was removed from his foot late in 2000,
and, suitably liberated, he set about
rectifying his hundreds problems,
scoring three in four Tests against India
in 2001-02, and two more in the home
series against Australia the following
year, including 104 as West Indies
successfully chased a world-record 418
for victory in the final Test in Antigua.
Since then, he has hardly had any
prolonged lean periods, and has
managed to keep his own standards
at a remarkably high level despite the
perennial problems that West Indies
have faced. On the few occasions
that West Indies have tasted success,
Chanderpaul's contributions have been
equally vital - in the Champions Trophy
triumph in 2004, he contributed greatly
with a consistent performances.
the recent series against Australia,
in which he got to the elusive 10,000
runs mark: he ran up scores of 103*,
12, 94, 68 and 69, for an aggregate
of 346 in five innings. The secondhighest aggregate for West Indies in
the series was 186, which amply sums
up Chanderpaul's Test career.
A stint as West Indies Captain followed
in 2005-06, and though he celebrated
with a double-century in front of his
home fans in Guyana, it was clear that
captaincy was affecting his batting, and
in 2006 he gave it up to concentrate on
his main job.
Perhaps his greatest contribution,
though, has been in holding together
West Indies' fragile batting line-up after
Lara's retirement. With a couple of other
senior batsmen, Ramnaresh Sarwan
and Chris Gayle, not being available
due to various reasons, Chanderpaul's
contributions have been immense, as
he has defied bowling attacks in all
countries and all conditions, often with
minimal support from the other end.
One of the best examples of that was
Photos: Fidal Bassier
Model: Farzaana A. Khan
The Art of
ACCESSORISING
Fashion By Anjee's
By Omkar Tewari
65 - Horizons 2012
D
azzling,
elegant,
chic,
sophisticated,
casual,
fun,
artistic, style, glam, beauty,
frills, attitude, swank, modern, play,
traditional –ACCESSORISE!
An accessory to an outfit is like food is
to the body, essential!
When it comes to accessories,
many individuals are unaware of the
appropriate items that will work best
with their outfit. No matter how much
fashion experience you have in the
clothing world, even the best of us
are at a loss when it comes to adding
spunk and pizzazz with accessories.
There are so many options available,
it is easy to throw up your hands and
agree to live a life completely devoid of
any accessorie. Instead, examine this
article carefully before you swear off
these delightful items that will bring life,
style and add polish to any outfit.
For the women folk accessorizing
starts first and foremost with the very
important concept of knowing what
look you want to sport, your style
should be a reflection of what you like
and your personal taste; therefore the
end result of your completed look will
depend greatly on your individual taste.
Secondly the most important task of
selecting jewelry, hair ornaments,
shoes, hand bags and scarves comes
into play In fact the broadest definition
of accessories includes everything
except the outfit itself, which means
hair styles, nails and makeup.
It’s easy to ruin an otherwise
fabulous outfit by choosing the wrong
accessories. However, on the flip
side, it's easy to make a very simple
outfit look great with the right choice
of accessories. If you don't know what
to do when it comes to accessorising
the good news is that it is easy to learn
a few simple guidelines to stylishly
accessorise and complement your
outfit. Acessorising greatly depends on
YOUR PERSONAL TASTE!
Accessorising your Indian outfits and
depends a great deal on the nature
of the event, whether it is religious
ceremonies, weddings, cocktails or
just parties. The timing of the event is
also important to consider; whether day
66 - Horizons 2012
Model: Tonya Singh
67 - Horizons 2012
time or night. Depending on the event
you can decide whether you want to go
simple or heavy on the accessories.
Things You'll Need
Imagination
Jewelry
Clothes to Match
Step One
Colours and Clothing
The very first step is to know what
colours you will be wearing. If you are
wearing neutral or darker shades, you
may want to accessorize with something
colourful. Complement patterns with
solids. If you're wearing patterned
clothes, then choose solid colours in
accessories, and vice versa.Prints and
patterns are very important to keep
in mind when choosing accessories.
What your outfit looks like determines
choice of the right accessories. Clothes
are an important part of accessorising,
so it is best to make them as tasteful
and stylish as possible.
68 - Horizons 2012
Model: Taruna Tewari
Step Two
Choosing your accessories
Choose accessories which will enhance your outfit. Look at your outfit's
colour, feel, and texture when choosing appropriate accessories. Work to find
accessories that will successfully benefit a variety of wardrobes, stretch your
budget and utilize items available to you.
When shopping for accessories, as with clothes, you will find your most flattering
looks by understanding the colours and styles that suit you best.
The first rule of thumb is choosing colours and themes that go well with your
outfit. If you're wearing neutral, plain colors, you can wear almost any colour of
jewelry. Shiny or antique gold, silver and bronze are usually the most popular
types of Indian jewelry. However, you can spice up your look with more chunky,
colourful and contemporary pieces.
Bring attention to your best points and minimize your worst - therefore
accessorize focal points! Choose a body part to focus on and stick with it. Focal
points are those points on the body that attract attention such as the ears, neck,
arm/hands or feet. The aim is to attract attention to focal points and detract the
same from your figure challenges!
The second rule of thumb,if you choose earrings whether baris, barij humkas
orjhumkas opt for the elaborate ones when donning a sari,gagrah-choli or
Anarkali, leave your neck bare! If you choose to adorn your neck, feel free
to load it with necklaces dainty and chunky alike, but wear the tiniest, most
understated earrings possible; tiny rhinestone studs or pearls. An arm band/
amulet known as –baaju band in Hindi is an excellent choice to adorn the arm.
It is an unusual look. For wrists and hands, do not wear bangles/bracelets
and rings at the same time and definitely do not wear on both hands! Don't go
overboard!You can wear a few rings on a bare hand for an interesting look.
69 - Horizons 2012
Step Three
Hair, hand bags, shoes.
Traditionally Indian women love to
adorn their heads and foreheads with
beautiful jewelry such as jhumars,
sir bindis, and various types of hair
ornaments. Fresh flowers are also an
excellent choice for accessorising your
hair especially for those early morning
and outdoor functions. You could use
flowers behind your ear, around your
bun or upswept hairdo or along the
length of your braid.
Just ensure that you do not look like
you have a flowering tree on your head
and become an attention grabber at the
next event for the wrong reason…
Step Four
Harmonize Accessories with your
Outfit
When choosing accessories, such as
shoes, handbags and clutches to wear
with an outfit, the most important thing
is to harmonize these with your outfit.
By harmonize I mean make sure that
there is some common element or
70 - Horizons 2012
theme between the accessory and
the outfit. This could be colour (either
picking out a similar hue or choosing
some other colour element to echo
such as: cool or warm; muted, sheen,
or shiny; light, medium or dark).
For example, if you're wearing a
light coloured sari then pair it with
contrasting light coloured elegant
slippers with rhinestones or beaded
work rather than dark coloured, heavy
looking shoes, TIP*( be sure to know
the height of your slipper or shoe
before draping your sari to achieve a
classy finish). The same rule applies
for yourpurse/clutch; choose a light
contrasting elegant looking clutch,if
you want to wear the brightly coloured
courts or pumps that are in fashion
now, wearing a choli (blouse) in a
similar color has an "eyes-up" effect
that is, when someone's looking at you
their eyes are drawn from your feet to
your top. This has a lengthening and
therefore slimming effect. This is a
good thing for most women!
Pairing your Anarkalis, shalwar
kameez, and gaghrah-cholis with
trendy high heels -and pumps is
definitely a plus!
Step Five
Harmonize Accessories with Each
Other
In addition it is a good idea to harmonize
accessories with each other. For
example, choose similar coloured
shoes and handbag. However, take
care to have some contrast in your
look. Complete sameness can be
boring and aging.
Dos and don’ts in accessorizing
An important rule to keep in mind
when selecting accessories would be
to select accessories to match the
neck line of your blouse or outfit, for
example if your blouse carries a wide
round neck, it would be more suitable
to wear a huge necklace with a more
round finish and if your neck line is a
deep “v –neck” choosing a necklace
with a more pointed finish would be
more appropriate, for outfits with high
71 - Horizons 2012
necks and tunic necks, neckwear is a
NO!, huge earrings are preferred for
this style of neckline.
Do strive to follow current trends when
accessorising your wardrobe; sport
your personal taste. As Fashionist
everywhere peruse fashion magazines
to determine what is considered “in”
or “out” when it comes to accessories.
Some of the more popular magazines
such as; Femina, Asiana Weddings,
Star among others may provide some
useful tips for you when accessorizing.
Do strive to have a few signature pieces
of jewelry. Many individuals work
around a particular piece or a theme
when it comes to accessorizing their
outfits.Look to include a few signature
pieces of your choice that can easily be
added to any wardrobe.
Accessorizing Don'ts
Don't
get
TOO
excited
with
accessorizing. Everything should be
worn in moderation.
Don't flash all your jewelry at once.
Don't choose an accessory that
overpowers your outfit. Remember,
it is called an accessory because you
use it to work with your wardrobe, not
completely overshadow you or your
clothing. Avoid large, flashy, or brightly
colored items that can take the focus
away from you.
Don't wear every current trend at once.
Although it is important to stay up to
date with today's hottest trends, it can
quickly become “a don't” when worn all
at once.
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Don't choose the same, tired pieces
each time. If your signature look
includes a particular accessory, look to
incorporate it in unique ways with each
outfit. Work to keep your signature
item fresh and innovative.
Remember a polished appearance is
achieved through balance, so don't go
overboard with your accessories and
focal points. Too many can appear
flashy, overdone or inappropriate. Too
few can result in a drab or uninteresting
look. As a rule of thumb, three focal
points are the maximum, although less
may work better for a particular outfit or
occasion. If you're in doubt don't wear
it!
HAPPY ACCESSORISING!!!!
74 - Horizons 2012
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Parenting
A Son’s Reflection
By Charles Ramson Jr.
A
ll parents really want to see their
children fulfil their potential.
Unfortunately, children are not
born with an accompanying usermanual or a “How to raise a successful/
productive child” handbook. I know my
parents, along with many other parents,
certainly wished there was one.
This article about parenting is written
from a unique perspective, that is,
from my reflective perspective of what
parenting techniques worked on me
when I was growing up and some
observations about the current state of
general parenting practices.
in-waiting” know very well that the job
of parenting is a full-time one. As a
parent, you cannot call-in sick; you are
on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year for the rest of your life.
With our increasingly busy schedule,
it now means that we have less time
dedicated to the job of parenting.
Moreover, children today have their
ipods, computers, televisions, video
games, and mobile phones etc which
compete with a parent’s consequential
influence. Some kids even have access
to one of these items 24 hours a day
while they see their parents for just a
couple of hours a day (if they are lucky).
We know enough about the way in
which the world works today that
education and information are more
important than any other asset that
one may possess. So with all the
distractions and changes facing
children today, it is not difficult to see
why parents become so frustrated with
their children. Parents and “parents
N
Learning The Value of
ETITIO
COMP
I think that for far too long the rather
damaging argument was allowed
to gain currency that competition is
unhealthy. I believe that parents should
encourage their children to compete in
every aspect of life. I am sure that all
parents realise or would realise that the
77 - Horizons 2012
world functions as a result of competition
and that human beings are inherently
competitive individuals. Some children
dislike running in a race or sitting exams
not because they would not perform
well but because they are afraid of
losing. My view is that parents should
encourage their children to get involved
in extra-curricular activities that have
some element of regular competition
in it. It will allow their child to embrace
the act of competing even if only from
a sub-conscious angle. Amongst other
things, competition teaches children
discipline: the discipline to manage
their time effectively, the discipline not
to succumb to the peer-pressures of
smoking, consuming alcohol and drugs,
and the discipline to work towards their
goals.
Reward Outstanding
NCES
ORMA
F
R
E
P
Amongst other developments that I
have noticed, the one that concerns me
deeply is when I see parents rewarding
comprehension,
maths,
science,
and computer education while still
encouraging their child to get involved
in other group/team activities. With that
foundation built solidly, that child could
branch off into any career direction that
they are interested in while still being
able to work with others.
LET YOUR CHILDREN LIVE THEIR
OWN LIVES
I think too many of parents’ expectations
are placed on their children at a young
age. I always think it is good to push
your children and encourage them to
be better but do so without imposing
your choice of career on the child.
There is no career or profession that
guarantees employment. There is no
career or profession that guarantees
a good income. In fact, I know many
lawyers around the world who were
“laid-off” on account of the global
financial crisis and credit crunch. Yes
it is true that it would be great to have
a doctor or lawyer or engineer in the
family but you must allow your children
the opportunity to choose. I know of
artists, singers, sportsmen etc, who are
multi-millionaires. By contrast, I know
of doctors, lawyers, and engineers who
have not seen their first million dollars
and are unlikely to make that type of
money because they do not enjoy their
job or profession. By allowing your
children to choose their own careers,
you (the parent) have allowed your
children to be happy with that career.
lavishly average performances. I think
it is a great idea to reward children
but only reward them when they
have had outstanding performances.
The problem with rewarding average
performances is that it imbues the child
with the belief that they do not need
to work hard in order to succeed. This
is a problem because the system of
the world functions in a very different
way. The “working world” has a reward
mechanism that encourages workers
to work harder so it rewards the people
that work the hardest and the people
with the best performance indicators. I
definitely understand a parent’s desire
to give their children the best and
wanting their children to have all the
items, comforts and opportunities that
they (the parent) never had. My view is
that the better way to do this would be
for parents to positively reinforce their
child’s success by linking that success
with a proportionate reward. That would
encourage their children to work harder
and to make themselves better.
BALANCE IS
KEY
While I think school is important, I also
think it is important to have a balanced
upbringing. I sometimes speak to
employers who say, “you could send
me the kids with the 14 CXC subjects
but if they have no inter-personal skills
then there is not much I could do with
them”. My opinion is that parents
should encourage children to focus
on getting the basics at school right,
that is, reading, writing (which includes
grammar and spelling), speaking,
78 - Horizons 2012
ENCOURAGE ENCOURAGE
ENCOURAGE
Finally, I think that parents should
make it a point of duty to encourage
their children. Make your children
believe that they can do anything they
want once they set their heart and mind
to it. Criticism is important because it
highlights your shortcomings, but
criticism without encouragement can
break your spirit. Today, children face a
very different world with many different
dangers and challenges. Teaching
your children that “falling is a part of life
and getting back up is a way of life”, will
prepare your children to deal with all
those dangers and challenges. Maybe
children were not born with a usermanual, but the love of a parent for
their children could help them to fulfil
their potential.
Eshri Singh
T
he journey of father-daughter
duo; legendary broadcaster Eshri
Singh and trendsetting TV host
Tanuja Raghoo spans generations and
countries and clearly illustrates a passion
for the propagation of culture in all its
facets. Tanuja walks in the footsteps of
her popular broadcaster father Eshri by
taking news, music, the arts and culture
in her distinctive style via television not in
Guyana but New York.
Many Guyanese would have woken up
to the familiar voice of Eshri Singh on the
airwaves of the then “Radio Demerara” as
the sun broke through the clouds. With a
broadcasting career that spans 52 years
and a presence on earth for 80 years,
Eshri is nostalgic when he recalls his days
in Guyana.
Eshri Singh was born in Adventure Village
on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana. His
parents, Mahadai and Sahadeo Singh
who were indentured from India to British
Guiana settled at first at Golden Fleece
on the Essequibo Coast. The family then
moved to Georgetown while Eshri was
still a child. His early education was at
the Broad Street Government School and
later at the Modern Academy in Albertown.
The Principal there was the no-nonsense
Mr. R.A Cheeks. After passing his exams,
Eshri worked at Booker's Shipping in
Georgetown.
In 1956, an event occurred that was to
change his life. The General Manager
The Indomitable Father Daughter Duo
Eshri Singh and Tanuja Raghoo
of the local radio station 'Radio
Demerara' was Rafiq Khan. He was a
brilliant broadcaster and was the first
Guyanese to speak on the BBC World
Service. Rafiq Khan was looking for
someone to do an Indian program on
the station. Ronald Appru, a friend
of Eshri, recommended Eshri for the
job. Eshri did the audition and was
offered a part-time job. Introduced by
the immensely popular Ayube Hamid,
Eshri began broadcasting on New
Year’s Day in 1957.
In those days, 'Radio Demerara' was
operating from William Fogarty's
Limited. It later moved to South Road
opposite the Georgetown Cricket
Club (GCC) and then to High Street.
At 'Radio Demerara' Eshri had the
good fortune to meet with some of
the stalwarts of broadcasting and they
included Pat Cameron from “Woman's
World” and Olga Lopes-Seale from the
“Radio Demerara Needy Children's
Fund”, Lloyd Boodram who did 'Man
in the Street', Mathew Allen from the
'Oldies' fame and the popular Balwant
Singh. In spite, his hectic schedule
Eshri found the time to go to London
80 - Horizons 2012
Eshri Singh With Singer Mukesh (Centre)
ITV channel 77/503 on Time Warner
Cable. Haresh can be seen on 'Aap Ki
Khushi' on Saturdays. (Coincidentally
that was the name of his father’s radio
programme in Guyana)
Tanuja's program 'Caribbean Spotlight'
is also on Saturdays and there is no
doubt that Tanuja is a star in her own
right!
to complete his Bachelors of Science
Degree.
During his tenure at 'Radio Demerara'
Eshri was lucky to meet several stars
from India who toured Guyana. The
first was the inimitable Manna Dey,
the playback singer. Manna Dey was
followed by other top Indian artistes
such as Mohamed Rafi, Hemant Kumar,
Mukesh, and Lata Mangeshkar. Eshri
was on hand to greet them all and he
was even the Master of Ceremonies at
their performances. He recalls that the
'Lata show' at Albion Sports Complex
in Berbice attracted such big crowds
that people lined along the roadside
just to get a glimpse of her. Another
artiste who left a great impression on
Eshri was the singer Mukesh. He was
a perfect gentleman who lived a simple
life. Eshri feels, “it will take another
100 years for India to produce the
'
likes of Lata, Kishore, Rafi, Mukesh
and Manna Dey. They come only
once in a lifetime.” Mohamed Rafi, in
particular, was happy to see Muslims
and Hindus living in peace in Guyana
and this probably inspired him to sing
that famous “The World is One” song.
In 1957, Eshri married the love of his life;
Sindrowtie Singh. He remembers fondly
the day of their marriage when 'Radio
Demerara' sent a crew to the temple to
record their wedding ceremony and the
famous Bal Gangadar Tilak sang an
appropriate wedding song. Sadly, she
passed away two years ago.
Their union produced two wonderful
children Haresh and Tanuja. Eshri
describes Haresh and Tanuja as,
“two devoted children. I hope all
parents would have children like
them. They possess qualities that are
indeed exemplary.” Both Haresh and
Tanuja produce television shows for
le to
p
o
e
p
e
k
li
ld
I wou
say that
I made a contrib
ution toward
'
the propagation of our culture.
81 - Horizons 2012
Eshri is happy that he left Guyana
for New York. In 1984, the then
Minister of Home Affairs Yvonne Benn
instructed Eshri to play English songs
on his early morning radio programme.
Eshri vigorously protested and even
appealed to the Opposition Leader,
Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The atmosphere
in Guyana was stifling his creativity
and he knew that he made the right
decision on landing in America. In
1989, Eshri began his television career
on Channel 48/88 in New York and a
year later he began producing shows
for ITV. He has since opened the door
for countless independent producers.
One day, Tony Shafiek took him to
meet a gentleman by the name of Scott
Sisskind and a long relationship was
forged. Scott Sisskind requested Eshri
and Tony to host programs for the First
Republic Mortgage Bank on ITV. This
lasted for a number of years and Eshri
has nothing but gratitude for Scott
Sisskind.
In 2007, Eshri went on a voyage of
self-discovery in India. In the course
of his long and distinguished career,
Eshri Singh has met many persons
who have in some ways influenced his
life. He would like to pay tribute to Rafiq
Khan who was great to work with and
Ayub Hamid whom Eshri describes as
a legend. These days Eshri receives
the adulation of many admirers and
friends. Recently, he was honored in
Toronto, Canada, as one of the great
celebrities in that community. He is
thankful for the love and affection that
has been showed to him.
How would he like to be remembered?
He says with a laugh, “at least they can
have a memorial for me!” On a serious
note he continues, “I would like people
to say that I made a contribution toward
the propagation of our culture.”
Tanuja Raghoo
And his daughter Tanuja…
Tanuja Raghoo is the only daughter of Sindi
and Eshri Singh. As a youngster, Tanuja
attended Stella Maris Primary School
and then proceeded to St. Joseph’s High
School. After graduating, she migrated to
the United States in 1983 with her parents
and brother Haresh.
A New York resident since 1983, Tanuja
came with her parents to pursue the
American Dream. She holds a BS degree
in two majors, Psychology and Business,
and an MBA in Business/Finance. Tanuja
has worked as a Senior Consultant at
Principal Financial Group, a reputable
Insurance and Investment company in the
Wall Street area, and also held the position
of Senior Analyst at Kaye Insurance
Brokerage.
However it did not take her long to follow
the broadcasting trail. Presently, Tanuja
is an accomplished, well-respected
Guyanese Television Host/Producer. She
began her tenure in the television industry
nearly 25 years ago. She is the proud
Founder and President of Caribbean
Spotlight Television Programming, the
first full-service Indo-Caribbean Media
Network in New York, launched in 1986,
which airs several television programs on
three channels, Time Warner Channels,
Channel 96 and ITV Channel 77 and Cable
Vision Channel 242.
Tanuja first entered the media business as
a co-host with her father, Eshri Singh. You
can say that Tanuja was inspired by her
father. With unparalleled professionalism,
an effervescent personality, and humility
as hallmarks of her character, she
continues to strive for excellence in
broadcasting, and is highly regarded
as the best Indo-Guyanese and IndoTanuja with her family
Caribbean broadcaster in New York.
She has interviewed many prominent
individuals including President Donald
Ramotar and First Lady Deolakshmi
Ramotar Bollywood stars like Shah
Rukh Khan, Karisma and Kareena
Kapoor, Asha Bhosle, Hollywood stars
David Hasselhoff, Michael Bolton and
Steven Seagal. She is highly regarded
by her peers, as an outstanding
interviewer and presenter.
Tanuja’s goal is to selflessly promote
the rich culture of Guyana and the
Caribbean across the airways. For
82 - Horizons 2012
her ongoing commitment and service
she has earned many awards over
the years from various organizations,
senators and city council members,
including Mayor of New York City,
Michael Bloomberg for her outstanding
work in the Media and her community.
She was most recently was nominated
for the Lifetime Achievement Award, a
Proclamation presented by New York
State Senator, Joseph Addabbo.
Tanuja is married to Vishi Raghoo
and is a dedicated mother to their
two children, Ashley and Vinesh. The
couple is also the founders of Friends
for Charity, a non-profit organization
dedicated to the service of poor children
around the world.
Together Tanuja and Eshri are voices
that resonate with passion and
enjoyment as they continue to share
with us their love and vision for Indian
culture, the arts and music.
Professor Suresh Narine
Internationally Acclaimed Guyanese Scientist
a need to do something morally and
ideologically sound.”
S
ome people continue to dream
while others stride confidently
up the ladder of success. A high
school classmate of Suresh Narine
declared emphatically “Suresh is
definitely one of the members of our
class who is successfully living the
dream life.”
Professor Suresh Narine is the Director
of Trent Centre for Biomaterials
Research, and Senior Professor of
Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry
at Trent University in Peterborough,
Ontario, Canada. Over the past
decade, Dr. Suresh Narine a soughtafter expert and a leader in the field of
biomaterials has made it his mission
to change the way the world creates
and uses everyday materials. As an
internationally-renowned biomaterials
researcher, he is dedicated to
discovering ways to create the same
materials we know and rely on, like
plastics, and use in a range of products
from drug delivery polymers to car
bumpers, from more environmentallyfriendly agricultural oilseed crops
such as soy beans and canola,
instead of pertroleum.He has written
two seminal textbooks in the area of
lipid crystallization, and co-authored
numerous scientific publications and
patents. In a world of finite fossil oil
resources, it is a field that is gaining
urgency and momentum.
“Our research offers an alternate
solution – to employ agriculture (fats
and oils) to create renewable feed
stocks that then can be converted
using science to create materials more
environmentally benign and more in
sync with the natural carbon cycle to
abate and combat climate change,”
Dr. Narine explains. “This is a way to
keep the lifestyle to which we have
become accustomed, but without the
destructive impacts.” He continues, “At
the end of the day, it is research I can
be proud of, something I can happily
tell my children about as it satisfies
84 - Horizons 2012
Born in 1971 in Herstelling, East Bank
Demerara, Guyana, Suresh is the only
son and the youngest of four children.
His late father worked for the Guyana
Sugar Corporation and his mother was
a housewife. He attended Providence
Primary School and then Queen's
College where he was the captain
of Moulder House and a member of
the Prefect Council body. Suresh
also represented Queen’s College in
debating and elocution competitions.
After completing his “O” and “A”
levels at Queen’s College, Dr. Narine
migrated to Canada in 1991, to attend
Trent University, where he completed a
B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry and an
M.Sc. in Condensed Matter Physics.
He went on to complete his Ph.D. in
Food Science (with an emphasis on
Material Physics) at the University of
Guelph in 2000.
Recruited
by
prominent
food
manufacturing company, M&M Mars,
straight out of his Ph.D., he first made
a name for himself by helping to create
a process and technology of printing
edible ink on chocolate surfaces.
Next was a prestigious role as one of
two Alberta Value Added Corporation
Chairs with the University of Alberta,
where he built the Alberta Lipid
Utilization Research Program, focused
on the utilization of fats and oils for the
production of industrial materials, high
value edible applications, and cosmetic
ingredients. As an NSERC Industrial
Chair in Lipid Utilization, Dr. Narine
also built the world’s leading agri-food
materials science lab and plant facility
and, among other feats, developed the
technology to convert canola oil and
other vegetable oils to biodegradable
plastics.
In 2009, Dr Narine was appointed
head of Trent University’s Biomaterials
that Dad is cool and what Dad does
is good for the world. Although it may
sound clichéd, I also find the reverence
with which our Guyanese people hold
educational accomplishment a great
source of inspiration.’
Research Program. A press release
from Trent University stated that Dr
Narine, an internationally renowned
expert in biomaterials, had been
awarded one of two chairs by the
Ontario Research Chairs Selection
Panel. The award, confirmed by
Minister
of
Environment
John
Gerretsen symbolized and celebrated
the scientific expertise emerging at
the university with the recent launch of
both the Trent Biomaterials Research
Program and the Centre of Knowledge
in the Environment. Dr Narine said he
was honoured by the award, and that
the chair not only represented a highly
opportune and important addition to the
University’s research and development
strengths in the areas of Chemistry,
Environmental and Resource Science/
Studies, Physics, and Materials Science
but it would also assist in creating new
pathways for Trent students to learn
about and gain important experience in
the emerging field of green chemistry.
“Instead of looking for minerals in the
ground, we look for minerals in plants…
we look for gold in plants…‘green gold’
so to speak,” the Professor said.
Why science? Suresh feels that
being able to do science has been a
privilege. “A privilege to help unravel
the mysteries of this wonderful world
that God has built for us, a privilege to
help harness science to ensure a better
future for our children, and a privilege
to be in charge of the development of
young minds.”
“I tell my students to be relentless in
the pursuit of excellence, and I try
constantly to adhere to my own advice,
although I am not so sure I am often
successful at this.....actually, I never
really wanted to do science - I wanted
to major in English and Medieval
History. I have a deep love for literature
and of this period of history, and spend
most of my free time, if I am afforded
any, indulging my love for these areas.
However, as a person from the third
world, I felt that I needed to have a
career in science as it is so relevant to
development.”
Who inspires him? ‘My earliest source
of inspiration came from my mother,
an amazingly strong woman, who
taught me to question authority, to
think for myself, and to reach for the
stars. I remember her saying to me
- "you are the only one who can limit
yourself", and....because sometimes I
could be rude...."a disciplined tongue
can sweeten the entire world." She
continues to be a source of inspiration.
In addition, I have three wonderful
children, who still at the age of 11 believe
Since 2005, Professor Narine has
also functioned as the Director of the
Guyana National Institute of Applied
Science and Technology (IAST), and is
recognised in the Caribbean as being a
pioneer of biofuels – he is responsible
for the design and implementation
of biodiesel technology in Guyana
which has had significant economic
and poverty alleviation impact in this
country. He established a commerciallyviable biodiesel production facility in the
Northwest District of Guyana, garnering
an investment of $4 million and creating
employment for 180 people - a boost to
Guyana's development. In addition, Dr.
Narine is credited with the resuscitation
of the Institute of Applied Science
and Technology to a state where the
institution is once again among the
leading applied science institutes in the
region. Dr. Narine has implemented
a large program at the IAST to
bioprospect
for
pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals and cosmoceuticals in
the rainforests of Guyana, in keeping
with this country’s Low Carbon
Development Strategy. He opines that
7000 years of anthropological wealth
in the form of indigenous medicine
can be harnessed from not only the
rainforest, but also the variety of flora
on the coast of Guyana, to produce
cosmoceuticals, nutraceuticals and
pharmaceuticals. Recently, he was
engaged in teaching indigenous women
to produce chocolate from cacao
grown organically in the North West of
Honda VTX 1300 motorcycle, exploring
the back roads around Peterborough,
and making cross-country trips every
year.
With all the accolades and acclaim he
has received, what does Suresh cite as
his most memorable day?
The day before I defended my PhD
thesis, I learnt that I was the father-tobe of triplets. This was the single most
scary but happiest day of my life.’
Guyana, which led to the launching of
the Green Gold Chocolate brand. Dr.
Narine is the author of Guyana’s AgroEnergy Strategy.
In 2011, Suresh received Canada’s
Top 40 under 40 Award. The Top 40
under 40 awards recognize Canada’s
most innovative and visionary young
leaders. Recipients are selected for
their outstanding vision and leadership,
innovation
and
achievement,
impact, community involvement and
development strategy
"I had an opportunity to meet and
learn about the other 39 recipients of
this award, and am overwhelmingly
humbled to be included in such an
accomplished group,” said Dr. Narine.
“I am also deeply honoured to be so
recognized in Canada - a country
which seems to have equally adopted
me as I have adopted it. I believe that
my being chosen as one of the award
recipients is an endorsement of the
value of global citizenship and of the
kind of multi-stakeholder approaches
to harnessing science for sustainable
development that I have been
involved with throughout my career.
I feel privileged to enjoy this type of
recognition in Canada whilst still being
actively committed to and involved
in the promulgation of science and
technology solutions for development
in my home country of Guyana."
Later that year, he was also awarded
in his homeland by President Bharrat
Jagdeo. Present for the awards
ceremony were Dr. Steven E. Franklin,
Trent University's President and ViceChancellor and Dr. Neil Emery, VicePresident Research & International,
who were in Guyana for the purpose
of signing a Letter of Intent regarding
collaboration opportunities between
Trent University and the Institute of
Applied Science and Technology in
Guyana.
“One of the greatest honours in our
lives relates to being recognized by
one’s country,” said Professor Narine.
“For me, this award from President
Jagdeo, with whom I have had the
distinct pleasure to work closely on
developmental activities related to
science and technology in Guyana,
is more of an endorsement of the
values associated with patriotic duty,
global citizenship, and the social
responsibility of science, than it is of
my person. I believe that this award
helps to celebrate and to punctuate the
importance of the Guyanese diaspora
in the development of our country.
Celebrating, as it does, nearly six years
of involvement in Guyana, the award
also recognizes the value of Canadian
- Guyanese partnerships, and the value
of an approach which places social
development at the forefront of science
and technology policy.”
Recently, Dr. Narine was appointed as
the Chair of the board for CGX Energy
Inc., a Canadian company trading on
the TSX, which has been prospecting
on and offshore Guyana for petroleum,
adding yet another dimension to his
multifaceted activities and interests.
Apart from the world of academia
and business, Dr. Narine writes and
performs Guyanese dialect poetry
and plays Indian drums (tabla and
dholak). He is compiling a dictionary
of Guyanese Creole. As if life weren’t
fast-moving enough, Dr. Narine has
been known to speed things up on his
86 - Horizons 2012
Suresh is the proud father of triplets:
Vandana, Rudra, and Geetanjali.
Awards received:2005
• Growing Alberta Leadership Award
for Innovation
• University of Alberta’s Student
Union Award for Leadership in
Undergraduate Teaching
• Professor of the Year with the
Department of Agricultural, Food
and Nutritional Science at the
University of Alberta.
2006
• Trent University Distinguished
Alumnus Award
2007
• Special Achievement Guyana/
Canada Award from the Guyanese
Diaspora in Canada
2010
• $1.25 M Ontario Research Chair in
Green Chemistry and Engineering
from
the Council of Ontario
Universities,
in
collaboration
with the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment
• $3M
Natural Sciences and
Engineering Research Council
of Canada (NSERC) Industrial
Research Chair in Lipid Derived
Biomaterials
sponsored
by
Elevance Renewable Sciences
and the Grain Farmers of Ontario
2011
• Named one of the Top 40 Under 40
Leaders in Canada
Presidential Award, Hon. Bharrat
Jagdeo, President of Guyana
(For contributions to the field of
science and technology in Canada
and for contribution in this field to the
development of Guyana)
87 - Horizons 2012
Giving Back to
My Homeland
By Dr Narendra Singh
Dr. Singh with Minister of Culture Youth & Sport
Dr. Frank Anthony & Dr. Seepersaud Chatterdeo
Ryan Hinds, Dr M. Rambaran, Dr. N. Singh & Dr Heather Towes
T
hree years ago I travelled to
Guyana to be entertained by our
beloved West Indies cricket team
at the magnificent Providence Stadium.
After another crushing defeat, I licked
my wounds and decided to visit the
Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC),
not for psychiatric help for being a
fanatic West Indian fan, but rather to
visit the home in which I grew up. My
father, Mr. Chetram Singh, was the
administrator of the hospital when I was
a child and we lived in a house in the
hospital compound. I had left Guyana at
the age of 14 in 1972, and discovered
that although so much had changed,
so much had remained the same.The
house no longer exists, and has been
replaced by a large medical building.
I walked the grounds on which I grew
up as a child and was overwhelmed by
emotions and nostalgia.
Dr. Clive Bowman, the Chief of
Pediatrics was kind enough to take
me on a tour of the Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU) and the Pediatric
ward. During the tour,I was overcome
with sadness at the conditions of the
wards, but impressed by the patient
care provided under very challenging
conditions.During this visit and my
subsequent research, I gathered some
intriguing data. The neonatal mortality
in Guyana, though improving slowly,
continues to be still very high and ranks
125th in the world.The majority of deaths
in these units were due to infections or
complications of prematurity. There
is an inadequacy of specialty care in
pediatrics and obstetrics in the public
health care system.There are three
certified pediatricians in Guyana, both
of whom work in the private sector. By
comparison, there are 5 pediatricians
in Toronto of Guyanese origin.
Following the tour, I met with Dr.
Madan Rambaran, the pioneer of
Postgraduate
Medical
Education
in Guyana. He requested some
assistance in developing a three-year
Postgraduate program in pediatrics.
After collaborating with the local
physicians, and the foreign faculty,
I developed a curriculum consistent
with the common illnesses seen in
Guyanaand concurrently patterned the
program after the American Academy
of Pediatrics(AAP) and Canadian
Pediatric Society( CPS).
There was the need to develop a faculty
at the University of Guyana to deliver
the curriculum. Dr.Hardat Persaud, one
of the three local pediatricians, agreed
to be one of our faculty, but all the others
had to be recruited from abroad. Being
on faculty at the University of Toronto
and McMaster University, I approached
89 - Horizons 2012
Dr. Singh in NICU, Toronto, Canada
a number of my colleagues, and there
was overwhelming support for the
project especially from McMaster
University. Guyana was not new to
McMaster, since Dr. Brian Cameron,
Chief of Pediatric Surgery at McMaster,
worked with Dr. Rambaran to develop
the Postgraduate Surgical program
at GPHC. Dr. Andrea Hunter, a
pediatrician at McMaster, agreed to
assist me with the coordination of the
program and has made several trips
to Guyana. Because we did not have
financial resources at our disposal to
launch the program, all foreign faculty
agreed to volunteer their time and pay
for their return airfare to Guyana. GPHC
agreed to provide accommodation and
local transportation for the visiting
faculty. We launched the program in
October 2011(www.guyanapediatrics.
com), at which time we admitted 5
locally qualified doctors into the program
including the Chief of Pediatrics,
Dr. Bowman. In May of this year, we
admitted another two residents into the
program. There is usually a faculty in
Guyana for 1-2 weeks every month and
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran looks on as New NICU Plaque is Unveiled.
the remainder of time the teaching is
done via Skype.
I was thrilled by the progress that we had
made and the partnership that we had
developed with the CEO of GPHC, Mr.
Michael Khan, Dr. Rambaran and the
Minister of Health, Dr.Bheri Ramsaran.
But I realized very quickly that providing
the doctors with specialized training
without the equipment and technology
to apply their newly acquired skillwould
significantly limit our ability to impact
the neonatal mortality. Furthermore,
the current NICU was overcrowded
and did not have adequate space to
house all the babies and equipment
that I felt was needed. I proposed
to Mr. Khan that I would equip the
NICU, if he would agree to build a new
NICU. I worked very closely with Mr.
Khan to plan, design and build NICU.
With personal donations and funds
raised through a new non-for profit
organization, Guyana Help The Kids
(GHTK, Guyanahelpthekids.com), we
purchased incubators, warmers, IV
pumps, monitors and other supplies
for the NICU. We received generous
donations from Mr.Dahman Kissoon
Golf Tournament and the Brampton
Flower City Rotary in Canada, which
we utilized to purchase four CPAP
machines.These are used to support
the breathing of premature babies until
such time as their lungs mature. The
Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO) also donated some of the
neonatal equipment. Pam and Harry
Harrack also donated some incubators.
The First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. D.
Ramoutar, the Minister of Health and
the Guyana representative for PAHO
were present at the opening of the new
level 3 NICU at GPHC in March of this
year. We are now able to provide very
sophisticated neonatal care, never
before present in the public system.
Concurrent with these efforts, Dr. Kate
Runkle, a first year pediatric resident
from the Hospital For Sick Children
in Toronto, travelled to Guyana for
a month, during which time she
developed, implemented and taught an
infection control protocol. Dr. Runkle
identified a local champion to continue
the teaching and monitoring of the
program. Since the implementation of
this very simple measure, the neonatal
mortality at GPHC has decreased by
35 %.
We are training doctors and providing
them with the technology but we had
not trained the nurses. This is the last
part of the puzzle, or is it? Dr. Leif Nelin,
Chief of Neonatology at Nationwide
90 - Horizons 2012
Children’s Hospital in Ohio, was
visiting his daughter In Guyana and
heard of our program. He invited me
to Columbus, at their cost, to explore
their participation in the program. They
have agreed to develop, implement
and teach a one-year Neonatal Nurse
training Program, to be launched in
June of this year at which time there
will be eight nurses admitted into the
program. Like the Pediatric Residency
Program, this program will be taught
partly by foreign educators travelling
to Guyana and by Skype. PAHO has
provided grant funding to offset the
airfares of the Nurse Trainees.
Where do we go from here?
Approximately 15,000 babies are
delivered in Guyana each year, 6000
of which occur at GPHC. Limiting the
Neonatal Program to GPHC would
therefore limit our ability to impact
neonatal mortality in Guyana. There
needs to be a network of Neonatal
Units which would include New
Amsterdam, West Demerara,Suddie
and Linden that have approximately
2000, 1100, 800 and 600 deliveries
respectively. These need to be linked
to GPHC by communication, rapid
transfer, education and personnel.
Guyanahelpthekids
(GHTK)
is
committed to working with The Ministry
of Health through the Minister, Dr.Bheri
Ramsaran, to develop such a network.
GHTK has committed to providing all
of the equipment and expertise and
the Minister has committed to doing
the necessary infrastructure work
at the Regional Hospitals. GHTK is
also committed to refurnishing and
reequipping a new pediatric ward
Guyanese Cardiologist Honoured
with Prestigious European Award
Dr. Singh in NICU, Guyana, Teaching and providing Patient Care
at GPHC. Ryan Hinds is of Guyanese origin and plays
professional football for the Hamilton Tiger Cats. He has
agreed to assist GHTK with the fundraising for the Pediatric
ward at GPHC.
During my multiple trips to Guyana in the past three years,
I have learned many lessons. There are many wonderful
people, such as Dr. Brian Cameron and Dr. Andrea Hunter
who have made great personal and financial sacrifices to
do good things, without ulterior motives. We the people of
Guyana owe them a debt of gratitude, for their unselfish
contribution to building the capacity of our health care
system. All charitable organizations that contribute to the
health care system in Guyana, must focus part of their
efforts in capacity building, so that these efforts will have
an inherent long term benefit. Like many of the diaspora
(overseas based Guyanese), I am extremely proud to be
of Guyanese origin and feel an innate need to “give back”.
However, there is an endemic mistrust of the diaspora.
Justifiable or not, it can be a major obstacle to developing
mutually beneficial partnerships. This mistrust may be
entirely misguided, but if the diaspora has any aspirations
of giving back, they have to be cognizant and sensitive
tothis potential obstacle. I encourage the diaspora not to
be discouraged, not to be critical, deliver on your promises
and you will be welcomed with open arms. A department of
the diaspora is essential to facilitate the unleashing of the
tremendous potential of the diaspora.
I believe that this partnership between GHTK, GPHC, the
Ministry of health and the University of Guyana can be use
as a model for the involvement of the diaspora in other
sectors.
On a personal note, there have been many challenges
working in Guyana, but these have been dwarfed by
the personal satisfaction of witnessing the evolution of a
program that is currently saving valuable lives. I am thankful
to all of those who have welcomed me with opened arms
and given me a unique opportunity to “give back” to the
country that will always be my home.
D
r Hughley Hanoman - A well known Guyanese
Cardiologist has won the Fellow of the European
Society of Cardiology (FESC) Award for top worldwide
Cardiologists.
Dr. Hughley Hanoman is the first Guyanese to have won the
prestigious award and is the fifth West Indian to do so.
The award is given to outstanding Cardiologists for research
or clinical excellence. He was required to travel to Paris to
receive the award on August 27, 2011.
Dr. Hanoman, a former Queen’s College student, graduated as
a Medical Doctor from Queen’s University in Belfast Northern
Ireland, and did his post graduate studies in cardiology in
London, Canada, and Scotland.
He did several short courses between 1972 and 1988 in the
United States, England, and the Caribbean.
The well known physician worked in Berbice and Georgetown
in Guyana and lectured in Medicine at the University of
Guyana and the University of the West Indies Medical School
at the St Augustine Campus in Trinidad.
He is at present the consultant Cardiologist at the Open Heart
Surgery Programme at Eric Williams Medical Complex, Mount
Hope, Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Hanoman served as President of the Guyana Medical
Association and as a Member of Parliament in Guyana for
eight years. He was also awarded as a Fellow of the Royal
Institute of Public Health & Hygienic (UK), and Fellow of
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow,
Scotland.
He wrote several medical manual manuscripts for the West
Indian Medical Journal and other medical publications.
He comes from the prominent Hanoman family. His brother
was former High Court Judge, and Director of Public
Prosecutions, Denis Hanomansingh, brother of Dr. Shirley
Hanoman Jhagroo now in Barbados and Berbice businessman
Roy Hanoman.
The Hanoman family and the Medical Community of Guyana
are extremely proud of the outstanding achievements of this
distinguished Medical Doctor and son of Guyana,
91 - Horizons 2012
President and First Lady Host The
First National
Chowtaal Samelaan In Guyana
P
HAGWAH, the Hindu Spring
Festival, was celebrated on
March 8 across the world
in countries with people of Hindu
origin, such as Guyana. To usher
in this season, President Donald
Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee
Ramotar hosted for the first time a
National Chowtaal Samelan and Holi
Sangam at the Guyana International
Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater
Georgetown. It was held on the eve of
Phagwah which is a National holiday in
Guyana.
A number of chowtaal gols (groups)
from around the country congregated
at the venue and sang lustily all
night delighting the hundreds who
attended this event. Some of the
groups participating included Dharmic
Upper Corentyne Praant-Crabwood
92 - Horizons 2012
Creek Mandir, Dharmic West Berbice
Praant Bush Lot Mandir, Gandhi Youth
Organisation Mandirs, Radha Krishna
Mandir, Camp Street, Dharmic Rama
Krishna Mandir, Kitty and Dharmic East
Coast Demerara Praant Youth Group.
Dharmic Sabha’s singers Sookrane
Boodhoo, Mona, Mohan Nandu, Rekha
Singh and Suchitra Rampersaud
regaled the audience with melodious
songs reflective of the season of
spring. Beautifully dressed dancers of
the Dharmic Nritya Sangh performed
vibrant Holi dances on the colourfully
adorned stage. The invitees were
treated to a sumptuous vegetarian feast
prepared specially for the occasion.
The rollicking beats of the tassa item
performed by the Upper Corentyne
Praant had many persons up and dancing energetically as
the evening drew to close.
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds and his wife, Yvonne Hinds,
Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, and several
members of the diplomatic corps joined the President and
First Lady at the first ever National Chowtaal celebration.
President Ramotar, giving his opening remarks, said that the
event was realised mostly through the hard work of First Lady
Deolatchmee Ramotar. In extolling the importance of Holi,
he said that he was happy to facilitate such an event which
sought to honour the importance of integrity and goodness.
Assistant General Secretary of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic
Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, at the start of the event, said
that Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals
that allows for families and friends to gather at events, to
mingle and share love. Dr. Persaud, one of the organisers of
the event, said that it was a pleasure to collaborate with the
President and First Lady in organising a gathering of such
magnitude in Guyana.
It was the perfect culmination of the traditional chowtaal
samelaans which are organized by the Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha around the country and is set to become an
annual event.
Lentil
a legume with nutritional punch!
O
ne hundred and seventy two
years ago, when our fore
parents came from India to
the shores of Guyana, they ensured
that they brought along with them
their rich culture, undying religion and
effervescent spirits. What they also
brought was their knack for cooking
a variety of foods that would out last
their lives and stand the test of time
in the Guyanese cooking culture. One
such food that came with them was the
By Ananda Latchman
Lentil. A common myth is that lentil is
what Guyanese term as Dal, however,
lentil is the legume that is used to make
Dal, and it is not the Dal itself.
Lentil, which is considered a vegetable,
is a seed and a part of the legume
family. It originated from Asia and upon
coming to Guyana, quickly became a
staple ingredient in most Guyanese
dishes. Many use this vegetable as a
substitute for meat. Not only are lentils
considered a main ingredient in dishes,
but they are extremely versatile;
meaning they can be cooked in various
ways – steamed, fried, boiled, stewed
and can also be used in foods as an
appetiser or main course. They are
also considered to be convenient to
chefs and housewives since they can
be bought fresh, frozen or canned.
Lentils have been known to be around
for over 8000 years, and have grown
in popularity. This increased usage and
amplified esteem can be attributed to
the facts that they are high in nutritional
value and unlike seasonal vegetables;
they are available throughout the year.
The wide variety of nutrients packed
into this small vegetable is responsible
for so many health benefits that is
has endeared itself to its users and
has become the staple food in many
households. Low in calories and fat,
94 - Horizons 2012
the lentil is beneficial to persons on
diets and assists with their aim of
being healthy and looking good since
it lowers cholesterol and speeds up the
metabolism. They are loaded with iron
and protein and are considered a great
way to replenish the body's iron stores,
build muscle mass and provide energy
especially for people who don't eat
red meat like vegans and vegetarians.
This powerful food is filled with vitamin
B and this is important for the healthy
functioning of the nervous, digestive,
and immune systems.
We always hear that fibre is essential
to a diet and that we should ensure we
have our daily intake of the required
fibre. Ever wondered why? Well…
fibre helps to regulate blood sugar by
providing steady, slow-burning energy
and balancing blood sugar levels, and
it assists with lowering cholesterol.
Lentils are filled with fibre that enhances
your diet.
Studies have proved that consuming
lentils regularly helps to fight the risk
of breast cancer and coronary heart
disease. They are extremely beneficial
to diabetes patients as the soluble fiber
in lentils traps carbohydrates which
help to prevent wide swings in blood
sugar level throughout the day.
Back in the days… to now!
Over time, recipes and ways of turning
lentils into snacks and meals have
evolved and developed. Our fore
parents made tasty, simple dishes
using red, black, green and yellow
lentils that had mouths watering and
stomach growling. These included the
pholourie, where the soaked lentils
were ground and mixed with flour
before frying to serve as an appetiser.
This scrumptious morsel has become
an appetiser for birthdays, family
gatherings, poojas or just a snack on
any given day.
Another snack or appetiser that is a
known Guyanese speciality is fried
lentils. This inventive way of enjoying
lentil has been to flavour it with spices
and pepper and fry it, making it a snack
that can be used at anytime during the
day.
Khichri. This simple dish made of
mainly rice and lentils was made by
our fore parents and served many
purposes, but the real beauty of this
one-pot dish is the vast number of
people it can feed, how easy it is to
prepare. It guarantees satisfaction after
eating. This was a regular dish in the
logis and many Indians still make this
one-pot dish for their families.
Many older Guyanese may know the
term “Dal Plantain”, yet many of us are
wondering “What?!” Well, Dal Plantain
is a simple and commonly known soup
made by our parents and their parents
and generations before them and has
lived to the modern age to tell the tale
of its flavour and medicinal wonders.
Its two main ingredients are lentils and
plantains and it’s made into a rich soup/
broth. Our grandparents swear that this
soup helps the sick to recover their
strength and feel energised in no time.
95 - Horizons 2012
This is mainly due to all the nutritional
value derived from lentils.
Logie life had simple, but fulfilling and
delicious lentil dishes. But as the years
go by, creativity with meals has ensued
a variety of ways to prepare lentils.
Guyanese are now experimenting with
lentils in different dishes and bringing
a more contemporary Indian feel to
their authentic Indian meals, such as:
Dal Makhani - smooth, creamy butter
gravy of Black lentils and beans, Dal
Tadkewali - yellow lentils cooked with
chilli and yogurt and Dal Palak – yellow
lentils cooked with spinach.
So the next time you want a simple and
convenient meal that is both healthy
and tasty, then think of Lentils! With
lentils always in your kitchen there
are a variety of ways to turn this small
legume into a large meal that will satisfy
all.
Lentil Recipes
Dal Tadkewali
Ingredients
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 cup yellow lentils
1tsp jeera
1tsp chili powder
1 chopped onion
1 tsp turmeric powder
2tbsp chopped coriander
3tbsp ghee (clarifyed butter)
salt to taste
2tbsp butter
1 chopped tomato
1tsp fresh curd
½ tsp garam masala
4. Again add the dal and cook for 4-5
minutes
5. Add coriander powder, chili
powder, turmeric powder and salt.
6. Cover and cook until 2/3rds of the
water has evaporated
7. Mash the dal lightly
8. Prepare the tempering by melting
the butter, adding the tomato,
curds and garam masala. Cook on
slow flame for 2 minutes
9. Add to the cooked dal and stir for
3-4 minutes.
10. Sprinkle coriander on top and
serve hot.
Method
1. Wash the lentils. Soak for an hour
and then drain.
2. Heat the ghee. Add cumin seeds
and cook until they begin to
crackle.
3. Add onion and cook until light pink
Ingredients
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 cup red lentil dal, soaked for ½
hour
1 heaped cup rice, washed and
soaked with water for ½ hour
3 tablespoons ghee (substitute
with oil)
1 heaped cup sliced onions
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 whole cloves
3 green cardamom pods, lightly
bruised
1 (2-inch) piece cinnamon stick
1¾ cups water
salt and pepper to taste
Khichri
3. Remove half of the fried onions
and set aside.
4. Add spices – black pepper,
cardamom, cloves and cinnamon
to pot and sauté.
5. Drain rice and lentils, add to pot
and stir. Let fry for 2 – 3 minutes.
6. Pour in water, add salt and pepper
to taste along with remaining
Method
1. Add 2 tablespoons ghee to pot and
heat on medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until brown
(about 7 minutes).
96 - Horizons 2012
tablespoon ghee to pot, stir, and
cover and bring to a boil. As soon
the pot comes to a boil, reduce
the heat to low and let cook
undisturbed for 25 minutes. At the
end of this time, turn off the heat
and let rice stand untroubled for 10
minutes before fluffing.
7. Serve with reserved fried onions
100 Years of the
Arya Samaj Movement
By: Chevon Singh
T
he Arya Samaj movement had its
origins in 1875. It was founded
by Swami Dayanand Saraswatie
who declared that this was not to
be a new religion but a return to the
teachings of the Vedas – the oldest
books known to mankind. The mission
of Arya Samaj is enshrined in its motto,
‘Krinvanto Vishwam Aaryam’, to make
the Universe noble.
It was a visiting missionary (Arya
Samajist) and freedom fighter from
India, Bhai Parmanand who founded
the movement in Guyana. This
movement advocates self rule and
prescribes proper training, impeccable
character and not birth for persons to
become Pandits. The first Hindu female
priests were Arya Samajists. Gender
equality in education is also advocated.
Unveiling the commemorative
Monument
PEACE, love and unity were the
underlying messages as the Arya Samaj
celebrated its 100th year in Guyana
with the unveiling of the centenary
monument in the Promenade Gardens
in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital city.
Members of the Arya Samaj movement
from all across the country gathered to
celebrate the occasion with Guyana’s
Acting President Samuel Hinds;
President of the United Arya Samaj
Federation, Bhai Vishnu Bandhu;
President of the Guyana Central Arya
Samaj, Vishwa Mahadeo; and senior
government officials.
In his address, Hinds paid tribute to those
who made significant contributions to
life in Guyana, including the founder
of the movement, Maharishi Dayanand
Saraswati, and all members of the Arya
Samaj.
“We are here in an historic location to
make our own history,” he declared.
The Acting President called for special
recognition of the last two principles of
the Arya Samaj as, according to him,
they speak directly to politicians and
their role in developing the country in
the best interest of citizens.
Principle nine says, “one should not be
content with one's own welfare alone,
but should look for one's welfare in the
welfare of all’ and Principle 10 says,
“one should regard oneself under
Arya Samaj Monument, Promenade Gardens
98 - Horizons 2012
restriction to follow altruistic rulings
of society, while all should be free in
following the rules of individual welfare.”
As to the significance of this, Prime
Minister Hinds related, “We in
Government have been able to get
Guyana on the road of growing, and
we can look around and feel proud,
to a large extent, about the material
improvement in our country…there is
potential for an even better life for us in
Guyana that will come if we could adopt
the slogan, ‘prosper thy neighbour’.
The crowd gathered to celebrate 100
years of Arya Samaj in Guyana with the
unveiling of the Centenary Monument
in the Promenade Gardens.
“Over the years, there have been
improvement in several key areas,
including schools, medical facilities,
and roads, among other things, and
there exists the potential for further
improvements if we all realise that we
live in the service of each other,” Hinds
added.
In closing, Hinds challenged those
gathered to “live up to principles” they
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Prime
Minister
Samuel
Hinds,
performing the duties of President of
Guyana, joins the Arya Samajists in
celebrating the occasion.
He said, “History would tell you that in
the days of the British (when Guyana
was a British colony), the leaders of the
Arya Samaj were leaders in the fight
for Guyana’s freedom from the British;
the Arya Samaj has been a cradle of
brilliant ideas, fearless people fighting
for what was right.”
have committed themselves to and
encouraged them to continue to make
contributions for the development of
the country.
Of the 10 principles, the first three
principles of the Arya Samaj are seen
as comprising the doctrinal core of the
Arya Samaj, as they summarise the
members’ belief in God, the nature of
Divinity, and the authority of the Vedas.
The remaining seven principles reflect
the reformative ambitions of the Samaj
in regard to both the individual and
society at large.
At the event, President of the United
Arya Samaj Federation, Bhai Bandhu,
stressed that it was indeed a long
year of waiting for the launching and
unveiling of the monument marking
100 years in Guyana. Alluding to the
teachings of the movement, he said,
“He (Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati)
did not tell us to serve Indians, Africans,
Portuguese or whatever race; he said
to serve humanity; we all must try our
best to do that … we should join hands
and promise ourselves that we will
try to follow the 10 principles of Arya
Samaj, so that we can make this world
a better place for every human being
to live in.”
On behalf of the United Arya Samaj
Federation, which funded the building
of the monument, he thanked all of
those who contributed to its completion,
as well as the Executives in the United
States for their contribution.
“The Arya Samaj movement in Guyana,
is not a movement for one race but once
you can accept the ten principles you
can become a follower,” Bhai Vishwa
Mahadeo, head of the Guyana Central
Arya Samaj, said.
Bhai Mahadeo stressed that all
members must live up to the
expectations and standards set by
their foreparents, to become better
and contribute to making the universe
noble.
Other presentations were made
by Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie
Ramsammy; Minister of Legal Affairs
and
Attorney
General,
Charles
Ramson; Georgetown Mayor Hamilton
Green; and GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo,
among others.
In communities that are home to
centres of the Arya Samaj Movement,
the organisation aggressively promotes
knowledge-based activities for young
people. Among these are the teachings
of Hindi along with special emphasis
being placed on children, especially
girls attending school full time. The
movement insists that all youths should
spend their formative years pursuing
the highest forms of education before
entering family lives. The Arya Samaj
movement is also engaged in charitable
works and addresses social issues in
Guyana.
Youth – Their Choices
in a Challenging World
Y
oung people are in a condition
like permanent intoxication,
because life is sweet and they
are growing.”
- Aristotle
Some youths make decisions that may
be precarious or constructive. Diverse
youthful experiences influence young
people in their thoughts and actions.
It seems that destructive elements
are working their way into our society
and they are being embraced as
part of a healthy life style. In some
places, community cohesion is under
threat. How do youths deal with these
elements?
This article summarises the views of
nine youths (ages 17-24) who were
interviewed during April 2012. Some
are still pursuing their education,
some left school early and others are
employed. There were five males and
four females. All live in Georgetown,
but come from different parts of
Guyana.
What do they think about places of
worship God and religion?
By Keeran Persaud
“...Gives peace of mind from all other
things..”
All of the youths believe in God. Some
of them are frequent attendees at their
places of worship. They all recognise
that the place of worship can be a
place to find peace; one girl said
‘inner fulfillment’. Places of worship
are important and should be treated
with respect. Two of the youths derive
their inspiration from people insteadOne from a friend who is 'learned and
wise' (but not parents, because they
are old fashioned). The other prays at
home when he is worried or goes to an
elderly shopkeeper for a listening ear.
How do they pass their time?
“..Party, listen to music, make people
happy..” When not studying or working,
all of the youths identified activities
they do to pass time-travelling, singing,
reading, going to religious functions,
sex, looking at romance movies,
drawing, dancing, helping people,
cooking, swimming, partying, pools,
clubbing, outdoor sports such as
cycling and cricket. One person likes
to be engaged in community service to
101 - Horizons 2012
make people happy. One person said
work prevents him from engaging in
his favourite sport. Others were able to
enjoy their activities frequently.
How to build cohesive communities?
The youths all had some ideas as to what
they could do to help to build cohesive
communities. Some recognized that
religious functions and gatherings
help to bring people together. Others
recognized the need for other kinds of
events like “...outreach programmes,
family fun days... activities which enable
interaction, break social barriers..” One
person said ‘drinking together’. Another
said that the goal of events should be
the “.betterment of the individuals in the
community.”
Personal responsibility was also noted
– one youth said that it is good to
behave in a peaceful (quiet) manner as
that would encourage others to behave
the same way, and to be friendly and
understanding and helpful. Another
youth felt that we should follow Sri
Rama’s example in the Ramayana
in the way that He displayed humility
when dealing with the people he ruled.
Many countries in the world including
Guyana have been discussing equality
for their gay and bisexual citizens.
The Government of Guyana will be
consulting on the repeal of the laws
which discriminate against gay and
bisexual people so as to fulfill its human
rights obligations.
What do they think about Alcohol &
drug use?
“I have to drink with friends, or else
liming time will be boring, if not drinking,
we go home because there is no fun”
In Guyana, the consumption of alcohol
is a cause of concern. There is always
debate around alcohol and how to
educate young people. In this group,
the earliest age at which they started
drinking is 15. Three persons currently
do not consume and advocate against
consumption. Those who drink say
their reasons include ‘blending in with
friends, or trying it out’ but also include
‘being depressed, having no one to talk
to’ Other young people talk of drinking
for relaxation.
Some of the youth (including those
who drink) have no problem with
activities which do not include alcohol,
but others said that they need alcohol
to be a part of a social gathering with
friends. All of the youth said that people
should drink what they could handle,
but acknowledged the consequences
of drinking and driving; and “stupid
behavior.”
Most of the youth had been asked to
try other drugs. One of them said that
he used marijuana a few times but
stopped because “it is not worth it, it
messes with your mind and makes
you do things you would regret all your
life” Another youth decided not to try
because of what he saw ‘in the actions
of my friends”
What about sex?
“My question is if a man can have sex
before marriage, why not a woman,
let’s forget about what society thinks”
Most of the youth said they have an
interest in sex, one person said no and
another said “to an extent”. Most of
the youth said they could find alternate
pastimes but some said that there was
no alternative to sex, while one said
that sex was as equal a pastime as
any other. One person said that while
sex was a must for him, he sometimes
indulged in the alternative “self - control
on religious occasions during fasting,
focusing on God and keeping the mind
clear”
All of the youths are aware of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) but most of
them said that fear of contracting STIs
would not prevent them from having
sex. One person said they would use
condoms. Four of the youths said they
would have casual sex. Most of them
said that they also would have sex in
committed relationship (not marriage).
When asked about their belief in sex
before marriage,” if the person is
committed and we are heading down
to marriage, then yes, but if it not going
anywhere, hardly likely” Some said
“yes and no.”
Most of the youth said they do not
directly proposition anyone for sex,
though one person said ‘Yes, and I get
hustle as well” The youth indicated that
they tended to seek out the persons
they were attracted to for good company
and long term relationships which
might lead to marriage. One youth“main reason is good company which
in turn leads to long term relationships,
and an interest in pleasure and
satisfaction is born” One of the youth
said that he was interested in sex only,
while another said he goes in for good
company “which can lead to long term
relationship , or just sex”
Attitudes to gays and bisexual
people?
“I just dislike/hate bisexuals and gays
but they are people”
102 - Horizons 2012
The youth were asked their views about
gay and bisexual people. All of the
youth recognized that gay and bisexual
people are humans - “people”. Some
persons though felt strongly about
having them in their personal space
sharing sentiments like “I keep far from
them” or “Stay away from them, but I
will accept and work along with them
if the relationship is purely about work”
The youth also expressed their views
on the reasons why people are gay
and lesbian. Some reflected” they just
choose that path because they were
hurt badly by the opposite sex” while
others had views similar to “Negative
thinking, although I know that they
were created like that and can’t help
themselves.
The other youth however shared beliefs
reflected in statements such as “I think
they choose, I support their decision, I
would not try to change them, people
should appreciate you for who you are,
and not what they want you to be”
Conclusion
All believe in God and attend places
of worship. They believed that places
of worship are central to community
cohesion. It was important that
the places of worship be “youthfriendly” - encouraging free and
open
conversations
about
the
issues affecting them, and providing
programmes which will satisfy their
needs in a wholesome way. There are
other youths who might be atheist or
agnostic, or who reject formal religion
for many reasons. These youth should
not be made to feel that conversion
to any religious belief should be a
requirement for participating in any
activity hosted by a place of worship.
Youths need communities which
are strong and healthy and which
will nurture and sustain them. Some
recognise that they have a role to
play in creating such communities.
The youths noted that cohesive
communities would be characterised
by social outreach, checking in on
troubled homes, watching out for
children and other vulnerable people
so as to ensure a feeling of safety and
security for all community members.
Are the community sports and social
events around us beneficial? We
should encourage events which do
not include activities which encourage
youth to gamble or consume alcohol.
We can never do enough to counter
the problems caused by alcohol
consumption in Guyana. According to
the (Emergency Room Study on Alcohol
and Injury (Guyana) – December 2011
Ministry of Health) “
In Guyana, over the period 2003-2005,
persons aged 15 years and older
consumed 9.5 liters per capita of pure
alcohol, higher than the WHO [World
Health Organisation] average of 8.75.
In 2010, among schoolchildren 13-15
years old, the percentage of students
who drank at least one drink containing
alcohol on one or more days in the
past 30 days was 39.2%, and among
students who had ever had a drink of
alcohol other than a few sips, 79% of
students had their first drink before the
age of 14 years. Almost one third of
students drank so much alcohol that
they were really drunk one or more
times during their life”
How do these statistics reflect in
our communities and with young
people? We have to discuss alcohol
consumption, be able to provide
alternatives to change the culture which
blindly accepts alcohol consumption
as a good thing. Some of the youth
spoke about 'controlled drinking' while
others were firm in their views about
zero tolerance. Given the concerns
about alcohol consumption, doesn't
it make sense for us to advocate
for no consumption, just as we do
with the other drugs like cocaine and
marijuana? One of the side effects of
alcohol and drug consumption is the
lack of control which could lead to risky
sexual behaviour.
The youths are thinking about sex and
love – this might be a cliché, but we
should always know that. The (Guyana
Biologic and Behavioural Surveillance
Survey 2008/2009 – Ministry of Health)
noted that “Two-thirds (66%) of outof-school youth have ever had sex.
The average age of first sex for outof-school youth was 16 years old.
Out-of-school youth reported that they
had an average of 0.2 transactional
sex partners (i.e., partners with whom
they exchanged sex for money, gift or
favours) during the past year. Twentyone percent (21%) reported that they
had been forced to have sex.”
The same survey noted for in-school
youth that “Over one-quarter (27%) of
in-school youth have ever had sex, and
of those, 66% had been sexually active
in the last 12 months. The average age
of first sex for in-school youth was 14
years old. Almost one-quarter (24%)
reported that they had been forced to
have sex. Males were asked if they had
ever forced someone to have sex, and
25% admitted that they had.
Over half (53%) of in-school youth
said they had used a condom the
first time they had sex. Almost half
(49%) of in-school youth always used
a condom during sex with regular sex
partners (i.e., non-transactional) in the
past year, while 39% said they always
used condoms when having sex
with transactional sex partners (i.e.,
partners with whom they exchanged
sex for money, gift or favour) in the past
year. “
The youths interviewed for this article
103 - Horizons 2012
are aware of condom usage. However,
it would seem that not many are aware
that condoms cannot protect them from
some sexually transmitted infections.
There are many conflicting messages
about sex and sexuality. Youths should
be taught that their sexuality is part of
their being.
Young people should be given all the
information so as to make healthy
and wise choices about sex. We
should also teach young people about
healthy relationships which are free
from violence. Most of the youth talked
about relationships which were not
based on sex. One of the youths noted
– when talking about relationships that
“Mutual respect for one another is very
important between individuals.“
This idea of respect and tolerance came
up in the discussion about rights for gay
and bisexual people. While the youth
had different ideas as to the nature of
homosexuality and bisexuality, they
seemed all in favour of realising that
those with different sexual orientations
are 'human too'. One of the youths
quoted that “my attitude towards gays
and lesbians is nothing less that I have
towards ‘normal’ individuals”
Can we influence how young people
think? Should we influence how young
people think? It is our responsibility to
be open to what young people have to
say, to share our expectations of them,
while also hearing from them what they
expect of us. Are they really in a state
of permanent intoxication?
104 - Horizons 2012