Buxton-Friendship Express

Buxton-Friendship
Express NOVEMBER 2015
BUXTON’S NEWEST
Published By:
Buxton-Friendship
Heritage Fund, Inc.
Happy Thanksgiving
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Robert McRae Donates
Medals & Sports Gear
2
CIMBUX Awards Dance
3
Nursery Schools’ Fun Day
4
COTAB Xmas Dance
5
Buxton Sports Teams
Elect New Executives
6
HAYNES CITE: SPLIFF & Its
Impact on Society
7
Pauline Baird Column:
Wha de Story Seh?
10
NDC Elections March
2016
12
BGSS May 2016 Reunion
13
The Late Mark Austin:
A Tribute by Dr. Clayton
Bacchus
14
D.J. Terry Grant Passes On 15
Other Transitions
15
General Information
16
BFE 15 - 1 1
CENTENARIAN
Congratulations to Mrs. Elsa Cort, neé
Zammett, of Lot 33 Company Road, Buxton who celebrated an auspicious milestone this month! She became 100 years
old on 24th November. Apart from some
decline in her vision, she is said to be
relatively well.
Elsa is the second of three children born
to the late Leticia Sands. Her older sister,
Nellie Zammett, and younger brother,
Charles Zammett, have both since departed.
Her husband, Abna Cort, came from Berbice County. He was a pan-boiler for
Booker’s Sugar Estates. While he served
at various locations across the country,
Elsa worked as a housekeeper to the Estate Manager. At Le Bonne Intention (LBI)
and a few Berbice estates, she was employed as the Head Housekeeper. Mr.
Elsa Zammett-Cort
Abna Cort passed on some years ago.
Elsa’s marriage did not produce any children of her own, but she helped to raise her nephews, nieces and their offspring.
According to nephew, Peter Zammett, his aunt provided generous support to the
family and also took great care of them.
As an expression of their gratitude for the love and kindness she showered on
them, the family kept a delightful birthday party for Elsa on November 28 th at Andrew Lewis’ Place on Friendship Middle Walk. She was surrounded by a host of doting relatives and cheering friends, including members of her church family. She has
been a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church.
Best Wishes to Miss Elsa for many more healthy and happy years!
Page 2
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
MCRAE DONATES SPORTS GEAR & MEDALS
Brooklyn-based Buxtonian, Robert McRae,
recently donated a
number of sports items
to students and teachers in the village.
Among the items he
presented were several
medals awarded to the
winners of the 55th Annual Inter-school Athletic Championships, organized by the GTUBuxton Branch.
Mr. McRae also presented two pairs of
sneakers and an assortment of sports gear to
talented
athlete,
Kensha Phillips.
President of the Teachers’ organization,
Mr. Collis Nicholson expressed sincere appreciation for the gifts and an expectation
that the gesture would be emulated.
At right, Mr. Robert McRae is seen presenting an assortment of athletic gear to the young athlete, Kensha Phillips.
At left is a proud and gratified teaching official.
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Page 3
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 4
BOLTING TO SUCCESS
The GTU-Buxton Branch
staged its annual Nursery
Schools’ Athletic Championship
this month at the Lusignan
Community Ground. The funfilled event drew the participation of several schools from the
Good Hope —Enterprise area.
Apart from the athletic competition, schools were also judged
on their banner presentations.
Photos, thanks to Teacher Yolanda Stoby.
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Page 5
Page 6
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
BUXTON UNITED FOOTBAL CLUB
NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Following general elections held last month, Curbette Victorine was elected President of the Buxton United Football Club. The other members of the Executive Committee are:
Vice-President:
George Gibson
Secretary
Eton Moses
Treasurer
Keville Crandon
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer:
Shawn Adams
Committee Member:
Daminika Armstrong
The election, which took place on 31st October, 2015 at the Friendship Primary
School auditorium, was mandated by the governing Guyana Football Federation.
The Buxton club had previously held general elections for office holders in 2014
and new voting was not constitutionally due until 2016.
High on the agenda for the administration is securing sponsorship, donations
and other forms of assistance to help develop the skills of its young players and to
improve training facilities.
Congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to the committee.
RESULTS OF BUXTON CRICKET CLUB ELECTIONS
Esse Peters was re-elected unopposed as President of the Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club for another two years when the club held its elections on
29th October at the Buxton Community Playground.
The other newly elected executive members are:
1st Vice-President
Dwayne Benjamin
nd
2 Vice-President
Gavin Dick
Secretary/Treasurer
Marvin Cato
Public Relations Officer
Kevin Hart
Former national youth cricketer Clive Andries, who
is also a Guyana Under-23 footballer, remains the
club’s first division cricket captain, with Hart doing
the duties of second division skipper.
Daren Roberts preformed the duties of Returning
Officer.
The president thanked the club’s members for
their support, and pointed out that one of his main
objectives is to ensure that the club produce more
national players at all levels.
Esse Peters
President, Carl Hooper Cricket Club
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HAYNES CITE
Page 7
SPLIFF: IMPACT ON SOCIETY
“More than fifty percent of our youths, in and
out of school, have tried it and are constant
users of the drug... The common reason giving
by spliffers for the smoking of the herb is that
it helps them to build a head.”
Whether legal or illegal, marijuana smoking will continue to have a catastrophic effect on the social and economic infrastructure of Guyana.
Currently, several countries around the world are implementing legislation for the decriminalisation of the use of
marijuana or deliberating on its status relative to its medical potency. Based on our close association with the
United States of America, we tend to mimic whatever
happens in that land of opportunity. A number of States
in the USA have legalised the use of marijuana under
varying conditions. Locally, and with the advent of the
new government in place, the call for the legalisation of
the herb has become stronger.
But hold! Should someone that does not know what a
plant looks like speak about it? I suppose that is the reason why many people do not speak on the issue. Personally, I have never seen the thing; my only contact is by
scent, that which emanates from “Spliff Street” (Barnwell
Street) whenever I happen to pass that way.
My awareness of marijuana smoking dates back to the
late nineteen seventies. As a kid, I enjoyed the music of
Bob Marley and the Wailers and was fascinated by
chants of the local expression of the Rastafarian faith. I
can remember back then there were these guys who
lived in an old house at the back of Missionary School
(Buxton Primary). They wore dreadlocks, dressed in crocus bag suits and blew a lot of smoke from pipes. We
called them Rasta; they called us Baldhead. They walked
into any yard, picked up whatever fruit or vegetable they
liked and told you Jah provided it for them. They picked
up your dread-nut (coconut), ilaloo (Callaloo), ipau
(pepper) etc., and beat-out with it despite your plea. The
guys always seemed to be bubbling ude (cooking food);
they called ital and smoking.
Image of a young man smoking a marijuana cigarette
The late 1970’s would have also seen probably the
last instalment of the community raising the child. Aunt
Vi (Viola Stephenson), Mother Edna, Yankee Jarvis, Mrs.
Harry, Mr. Harris, Ivy Pitt, Miss Celeste, Miss Gwenie,
Miss Doris, Mr. Jeffrey, Mrs. Fanfair, Mammy and Daddy
Payne, and many others were very influential in the way
we behaved as children. They would always pull you in
for fitness whenever they suspected that your behaviour was not in accordance with old-people-standard.
Looking back, I now realise that they only spoke extensively to those of us who seemed to be complying with
their views.
The abandoned car of Br. Albert - Albert Stephenson
(Sargie), parked on the verge in front of his house on
Buxton Middle Walk, was my play pen for quite a while.
I was the only boy he allowed to play in that car. It was
believed by many that Sargie was the owner of a gun
and, if provoked, he would use it. So, nobody messed
with him. I remembered him warning me to not smoke
cigarette because ‘it’s a killer’ and to take my books
because education would be the passport out of poverty. He always spoke about his son Bobbin and told
me I should be like him. One of the military camps of
the Guyana Defence Force, Camp Stephenson, is
named after the late Bobbin Stephenson. Apparently,
much of what was said to many of us at that time stuck.
(Continued on page 8)
Page 8
Haynes Cite
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
SPLIFF: GOOD OR BAD?
(Continued from page 7)
ANTHONY HAYNES
Contributing Writer
“Marijuana is
used as a
psychoactive (i.e.
mind altering)
recreational drug
for certain
medical ailments
and for religious
and spiritual
purposes.
Sinsemilla, hash/
hashish (resinous
form) and hash
oil (sticky black
liquid) are
stronger forms of
marijuana.”
However, many were those who
would have departed from the
“straight and narrow”, according to
Ivy Pitt, my grandmother. Over the
years hundreds of young men from
Buxton would have indulged in the
smoking of weed. The activity would
have moved from one taking place in
seclusion to one conducted at almost
every corner of Buxton and Friendship. The Guyana Secondary School
Drug Prevalence Survey 2013 conducted by the Organisation of American States (OAS) Inter-American Drug
Abuse Control Commission (CICAD)
would have revealed some alarming
facts relative to the use of licit and
illicit drugs by our in-school youths. It
would have indicated that ganja was
the easiest of the illicit drugs to obtain and it was the most abused. The
study also indicated that many who
abuse drugs also eventually became
school drop outs. While no study has
been conducted on the use of marijuana in the village of Buxton, it is my
humble opinion that more than fifty
percent of our youths, in and out of
school, have tried it and are constant
users of the drug. In all the villages
on the East Coast of Demerara and
all the wards in Georgetown one can
find prolific ganja cell.
To effectively deal with the issue of
the boom draw, it is important that
we be aware of these facts:
The botanical name is Cannabis
Sativa. It is also called, pot, herb,
spliff, grass, winter vegetable, mary
jane, boom, skunk etc. etc. Marijuana is described as a green, brown or
gray mixture of dried, shredded
leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of
the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana is used as a psychoactive (i.e.
mind altering) recreational drug for
certain medical ailments and for religious and spiritual purposes. Sinsemilla,
hash/hashish (resinous form) and hash
oil (sticky black liquid) are stronger
forms of marijuana.
The main active chemical in marijuana
is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). It
is a psychoactive ingredient. The highest
concentrations of THC are found in the
leaves and flowers. When marijuana
smoke is inhaled, THC rapidly passes
from the lungs into the bloodstream and
it is carried to the brain and other organs
throughout the body. THC from the marijuana acts on specific receptors in the
brain, called cannabinoid receptors,
starting off a chain of cellular reactions
that finally lead to the euphoria, or "high"
that users experience.
Certain areas in the brain, such as the
hippocampus, the cerebellum, the basal
ganglia and the cerebral cortex, have a
higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors. These areas influence memory,
concentration, pleasure, coordination,
sensory and time perception. Therefore
these functions are most adversely affected by marijuana use.
Medical marijuana is used in the treatment of chemotherapy patients who
have nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite; to treat HIV patients with cachexia
(weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue and
loss of appetite); to provide therapeutic
benefit for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) spasticity symptoms; and used for glaucoma
to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Sativex (a composition of plant-derived extracts of THC), an oral sublingual spray,
is available for adjunctive use in MS neuropathic pain and cancer-related pain.
Side effects of marijuana use vary from
person to person, depending upon
strength and amount of marijuana used
and if the user is occasionally or chronically exposed to THC. The short-term effects of marijuana use include problems
(Continued on page 9)
N ov em b e r 20 1 5
Anthony Haynes’ Column
HAYNES CITE: THE SPLIFF
(Continued from page
8)
with memory and learning; distorted perception (sights,
sounds, time, and touch); difficulty in thinking, reasoning and problem solving; loss of coordination and motor
skills; increased heart rate, anxiety, aggressive attitudes, bloodshot eyes and dry mouth. Reaction time
may be impaired while driving. Panic attacks, paranoia
and psychosis may occur acutely and be more common
in psychiatric patients. For chronic users, the impact on
memory and learning can last for days or weeks after
its acute effects wear off.
It has been documented that people who smoke marijuana often have the same respiratory problems as cigarette smokers. They may have daily cough and
phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. They are also at greater risk of getting lung infections like pneumonia. Marijuana contains
some of the same, and sometimes even more, of the
cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
People who smoke marijuana for years suffer negative
consequences. Because marijuana affects brain function, the ability to do complex tasks are compromised,
the pursuit of academic, athletic, or other life goals that
require a person to be 100 percent focused and alert
can become severely impaired. The use/abuse of marijuana leads to addiction.
Studies show that the use of marijuana may increase
the risk of developing psychosis (a severe mental disorder in which there is a loss of contact with reality) including false ideas about what is happening (delusions)
and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
(hallucinations), particularly if you carry a genetic vulnerability to the disease.
The common reason giving by spliffers for the smoking of the herb is that it helps them to build a head; research has proven this to be a farce. In fact, marijuana
smoking is more of a destroyer of the head. My experience tells me that the smoking of pot has negatively
affected a large amount of our citizens. Many of our
“The community of Buxton has lost
and will continue to lose many of its
skilled tradesmen to ganja since this
category of our work force seems to be
gravitated to it. Most, if not all, hard
drug users started with the spliff. ”
young men have failed to make a positive contribution
to society because very early in their lives they would
have tripped after bouts of smoking ganja. Many homes
have been destroyed because one or both adults prefer
to smoke ganja rather than function as responsible
parent/s; many families have failed to get started because many of our young men are not in a sound mental or economic state to do so. The community of Buxton has lost and will continue to lose many of its skilled
trades men to ganja since this category of our work
force seems to be gravitated to it. Most, if not all hard
drug users started with the spliff; our communities are
overwhelmed with junkies. Most of the hate crimes and
aggressive behavior leading to violence began with a
boom draw.
I will posit that a large percentage of our reckless drivers are mainly young men who have synchronized the
use of ganga and alcohol. While there is testing done
for alcohol in the case of serious accidents, none is
done for illicit drugs. In my line of work I interface with
scores of young men on a daily basis; by their attitude
mainly, the ganja users are easily identifiable; their relative percentage is also high. What is shocking to me
though and what will trigger much destruction to our
society is the wide spread use of marijuana on the
Campus of the University of Guyana. We have lost many
academics to drugs in the past; the current situation is
a cause for much concern and urgent action.
‘Wha a play ting fu lil bai a deth fu crappo.’
Until the next time, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Congratulations to the Pastor and members of
the Arundel Congregational Church on celebrating their one hundred and seventy first anniversary. May GOD continue to bless and keep
you!
~Anthony Haynes
Page 9
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 10
Wha De Story Seh?
Dear Buxtonians,
Wah de Story Seh?
Pauline
As I mentioned in my last letter, I am writing down our stories to extend
that line of tradition where we pass on knowledge through stories. These
stories are a means of helping us connect and reflect on what it means to
be a citizen of the village and the world.
Here is a story. It is the year 2009, I am living in Japan. I receive an email
Baird
with an attachment “Buxton Friendship Express.” I read it immediately
and feel connected to my village. Fast forward to January 2015. I am in New York to
interview the editor and founder of the newsletter, Ms. Lorna Campbell. Lorna is the
daughter of Gwendolyn Ifill, more fondly called Cousin Gwenny.
When I listen to her stories and understand her as doing rhetoric– ways of making, transmitting, and using knowledge, I hear her taking a motherly gaze at Buxton.
She orients herself to the people, the land, and her practices. Lorna helps us see how
she took a relational approach of connecting to Buxtonians which provides a mechanism for promoting connections among Buxtonians worldwide. What she does reminds me of my answer to scholars who have asked, how do we talk about women
from different parts of the world? I say to intellectuals- village people and academics—start from the location of the village (Walter Mignolo). Listen and see what women as they do. In the context of Buxton, where people struggle with the land and
the ocean; where people work hard to make ends meet, where for some reasons,
guns and violence became a reality for a while, Lorna Campbell begins a newsletter.
Here is a story she tells: “I wanted to do something to lift their spirits … to galvanize
the village.” Lorna reflects on the time when Buxton was going through a dark period in the aftermath of the 2005 flooding on the East Coast of Demerara. She wanted Buxtonians, especially the young ones who “don’t know,” to celebrate the purchase of the village” together. In this role she acts like a griottes—wise woman who
keeps the stories of the village.
On a deeper level, she demonstrates responsibility and reciprocity; how to be seen
and heard through her relationships and actions. These connections can be understood as a way to talk of the rhetoric of women from the village that intellectuals can
learn from. Thus, listening to her stories, I am able to see, hear, and feel her passion
for her work that is distinctly contributing and (re-)shaping the village movement—
she is still caring for the land, just like those who stopped the train. As a result, Lorna
writes Buxton’s history in her own ways in relationship with others. I invite you to
listen to her words and gauge her perspectives so that we can begin to reflect and
learn how a modern day Buxton woman inhabits her identity and citizenship.
(Continued on page 11)
N ov em b e r 20 1 5
Wha De Story Seh?
(Continued from page 10)
Here is one of Lorna’s stories:
It’s a proud heritage
To be a Buxtonian,
I feel proud, gratified
And sometimes lucky to be a member of this community
And to have had ancestors
Our foreparents who sacrificed so much
To provide for me, and to provide that confidence
a sense of confidence
and that ability that I can succeed against all odds
I think that they were a great group of people, of inspiration
and I will forever be thankful
and grateful, you know
For the legacy that they have left for me.
a sense of confidence
and that ability that I can succeed against all odds
Have you always felt this way?
Well, you know, to be honest,
Um, I wouldn’t say it is something that I have always felt
Because I didn’t know.
Um, growing up in the village or going to school,
I don’t recall, let’s say,
that part of the education about our heritage
Or what our ancestors did.
It was more about learning, as they said,
Reading, writing and ‘rithmetic.
So, I didn’t know
And perhaps too where I came from,
Um, the environment
Maybe part of Buxton,
I can’t say that I knew, lot of what happened before.
Because, I mean, you know things about emancipation,
And all of these things.
These are things I learnt when I grew up.
I learnt
a sense of confidence
and that ability that I can succeed against all odds.
Page 11
~ Pauline Baird —ABD
Rhetoric and Writing
General Studies Writing Instructor
Bowling Green State University
OH 43402, USA
What did you know about your African ancestry while growing up?
Didn’t know anything about it except that
one of my great aunts, Aunt Irene.
Um, as a little girl, I remember her dressed up
in her African outfits.
And she would tie her head
She would be talking about “Ghana Day”
And something like that.
She was the only one I recall, you know.
But again, I didn’t understand deeply enough
what was going on…
I think that it really kind of kicked in,
That sense when I was in my late teens.
a sense of confidence
and that ability that I can succeed against all
odds.
~ Pauline Baird
Adapted from an interview with Lorna Campbell
(January 9, 2015)
Page 12
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
NDC ELECTIONS NEXT MARCH
“… The entire local
government system
is currently rotten
and must be
rehabilitated and
made fully
functional.
Democratic renewal
of local government
organs is long
overdue.”
Ronald Bulkan
Minister of Communities
Come March 18, 2016, citizens residing
within Guyana’s 71 local government districts will get the long-awaited opportunity
to elect new councilors to manage their
towns and localities. Local Government
Elections (LGE), constitutionally due every
three years, have not been held since
1994. The municipal towns and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), which
encompass the democratic system, receive
subventions from the national government
for the development of their communities.
Additionally, they have the power to generate their own revenue, including the collection of property taxes. Buxton is part of the
Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Council and
the seat of the NDC’s administration.
In announcing the date for Local Government Elections, Minister of Communities,
Mr. Ronald Bulkan, declared that it was an
important time in the country’s history. He
added, “Elections are important because
they are a democratic constitutional right.
They are essential because the entire local
government system is currently rotten and
must be rehabilitated and made fully functional. Democratic renewal of local government organs is long overdue.
Local government is about handing decision-making power to the people to enable
them to efficiently and effectively manage
their communities. With these facts in
mind, I am pleased to inform you that local
government elections will be conducted on
March 18, 2016.
A functioning local government system is
a fundamental aspect of democratic gov-
ernance. It is important because it deals
with people’s lives in their communities.
Strong local government is at the heart of
national development because who wields
decision-making power at the Municipal
and Neighbourhood levels directly determine and decide where and how your tax
dollars will be used to develop individual
communities and ultimately, the nation.
Development at every level, depends on a
strong system of good, democratic, effective and efficient local governance.
Local governments are mandated by law
to provide many essential services such
as, improving living conditions, creating
jobs in the various local areas, maintaining
roads, bridges and other important infrastructure, garbage collection, cleaning of
drains, promoting a healthy environment
and encouraging citizen involvement in
their communities. As Guyanese who have
been living without a functioning local government system, we can all attest to the
necessity of restoring and repairing the
dysfunctional system which currently exists, since we have experienced the results
of the collapse of local government systems.”
The current chairman of the BuxtonFoulis NDC is Buxtonian, Mr. Randolph
Blair. He and his two immediate predecessors were part of a group of Buxtonians
who had formed an independent community organisation—“Modern Developers”
that successfully contested the last LGE
poll. There is indication that some residents are mulling the idea of again putting
forward a slate of villagers for the upcoming elections. One motive is to ensure that
the resources and other vested interests of
the village are closely monitored by Buxtonians themselves, and not left to the
whimsical fancies of others. Buxtonians
are believed to be the largest constituent
group in the NDC.
The APNU and AFC political parties have
already made it known that they will be
joining forces again to contest the LGE as
a coalition.
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Page 13
Page 14
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
MARK AUSTIN: A GREAT HUMAN BEING
A Tribute by Dr. Clayton Bacchus
“...For the time of my
departure has come. I
have fought the good
fight, I have finished
the course, I have
kept the faith; in the
future there is laid up
for me the crown of
righteousness, which
the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will
award to me on that
day; and not only to
me, but also to all
who have loved His
appearing.”
2nd Timothy: 6-8
Mark Austin — Photo, compliments of Gordon French
From humble beginnings, Mark Austin, also called Trini, was able to stem the tide of tragedy that came with the
sudden loss of his mother, Betty Austin, at a tender age of his young life. She had fallen victim to complications developed while giving birth to child. He and his six siblings were left to be raised by their paternal grandmother while
their father, Ovid Austin, a carpenter, busied himself to provide for the large family. Mark grew up in the Watson
Street, Friendship Front area and became a model of spiritual faith, athletic mastery and academic virtue.
He was a devout member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing
him can testify to his unflinching courage, commitment and constancy to God. His cool demeanor and his dedication
to carrying out the work of God were among his many admirable qualities.
After succeeding at the Common Entrance Examination from Friendship Methodist School, he attended then Buxton Government Secondary School and, following the merge, Bladen Hall Multilateral School. At that institution, he
blossomed into an excellent athlete, thrilling fans with his agility and vitality. In the school’s history of high jumping,
there was none before his time who leapt over the bar, using the scissors or straddled style, surpassing a foot over
one’s own height. Trini accomplished that feat.
I can, and perhaps many others would, vividly recall Trini’s triumphs at the Annual School Sports, winning the high
jump - an event that seemed to favour the big and strong and not athletes of small build like his. At almost every
level his superman-like efforts dominated his competitors and dazzled spectators, win after win.
As a member of then Buxton Sports Club, Trini played almost every sport available and excelled at all. His skills at
Football (Soccer) were extraordinary. His attacking loop strokes at Table Tennis were mesmeric. At Volleyball and
Cricket, he was outstanding too. Most riveting was his nimbleness on the Badminton court. As a matter of fact, he
was once the badminton champion for East Coast Demerara, and for a long period of time.
(Continued on page 15)
N ov em b e r 20 1 5
Page 15
MARK AUSTIN
(Continued from page 14)
Notwithstanding his astonishing athletic prowess,
Mark was a brilliant fellow and he devoted time to
building an illustrious academic career. After he
graduated from Bladen Hall Multilateral School, he
went on to Cyril Potter College of Education, from
where he obtained Class 1 and Grade 1 certification
in becoming a trained teacher. He chose Physical
Education for his specialization. For some time, he
was a member of the staff at Buxton Community
High School.
He next immigrated to Trinidad and Tobago, where
he worked as both a schoolteacher and a church
missionary. While there, he furthered his studies
and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He
later settled in the United States where he continued his dual vocation of being an educator and an
evangelist. In keeping with his quest for increased
knowledge and to advance his career, he proceeded to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education. He
was a teacher at Laurel High School in Maryland up
to the time of his demise.
Mark Austin was indeed a great human being. His
accomplishment as an athlete spanned his vibrant
youth; his teaching vocation covered decades, but
his devotion to God encompassed his life. Though
sudden came his departure, he has no doubt fought
the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
So long my friend.
Forever in our hearts!
~ Dr. Clayton Bacchus
Mark Austin passed away suddenly on 21st November, 2015 in Maryland, USA. He is a former resident of
Watson Street, Friendship Front. He was born to Ovid &
Betty Austin, both of them since deceased.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sophia Austin and
two adorable daughters, Emerald and Jade Austin.
He also leaves to mourn his loss his brothers - Carl
Austin (Isaac), Moses Austin, Noel Austin (Mano), Thaddeus Austin (Dinky), Earl Brown and Andrew Brown; his
only sister – Mirthy Austin-Braithwaite; many nieces,
nephews and numerous other relatives. An older brother, Handel Austin, departed some years ago.
Mark is scheduled to be laid to rest in Maryland, following a funeral service at the Liberty Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the city of Baltimore on 29th November, 2015.
“Gone but not forgotten; Rest in Peace!”
Sincere sympathy to his bereaved family!
OTHER TRANSITIONS
During the month of November, we also
mourned the passing of the following villagers:



Mrs. Phyllis Carter, of Friendship
Middle Walk
Barbara Jordan, formerly of Noble
Street & Friendship Middle Walk (Front Side)
Frankie Roseman, of Buxton Middle
Walk, Back Dam Side
“BOSS D.J.” TERRY GRANT PASSES ON
On the 4th November, the music stopped when the once popular
“Disco Baby” disc jockey, Terry Grant (Terry Marcus) was called to
higher service. He is said to have been ailing for quite some time
before he passed away at the Georgetown Hospital.
He is affectionately remembered as, perhaps, the first genuine
Disc Jockey from Buxton and a very popular one along the coast.
That reputation earned him the nickname “Boss D.J.”
He is survived by his children, siblings and several other family
members.
Buxton-Friendship Express * November 2015
Published By: Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.
454 Vermont Street
Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lorna Campbell
Pauline Baird
Anthony Haynes
Dr. Clayton Bacchus
EDITORS
Dr. Clayton Bacchus
Lorna Campbell
E-mail us at:
[email protected]
SEASON OF GIVING
Make a donation before December 31st and save on your taxes.
You will also enjoy the satisfaction of making a life changing difference for a needy child in Buxton.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc. is a qualified charitable organization under the IRS 501(c)(3) tax code. This means,
that donations made to the Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Since there is precious little time left for you to maximize your
tax savings for this year, you need to act now. Mail your
cheque/money order by December 31, 2015 to:
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.
454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA
BUXTON: Our Legacy, Our Pride, Our Responsibility
Buxton Homecoming Celebration
May 22, 2016 — May 28, 2016
in observance of
Friendship 175th Purchase Anniversary
Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary
International Decade for People of African Descent
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Buxton Heritage Awards Gala
Cultural Fair & Exhibition * Community Day *
Sightseeing Tours * Village Caucus & more…
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Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.