March

BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Published by Buxton-Friendship Heritage Group
March 2013
MASHRAMANIA!
This year’s Mashramani celebrations in
Buxton finally came to an end with a bang.
Thousands of revelers from all parts of the
region jammed into the village for promoter
Eon Moses Havercome’s (Father Moey’s)
Mash extravaganza on March 17th at the
frontside recreation ground, branding it the
biggest event on the East Coast.
The day began with a brisk shower which
quickly gave way to glorious sunshine. The
road parade, led by police outriders, kicked
off from two points—Golden Grove, in the
east, and Plaisance, in the west. Tramping
along the Embankment Road, revelers
from meet-up locations at Melanie Damishana (in the east) and Beterverwagting (in
the west) joined in and gyrated their way
into Buxton. The huge crowd, accompanied by blaring music, surged into the village to a jubilant welcome by Buxtonians.
As the day progressed, thousands more
touched down in the village for the baccha-
A spectacular sea of blissful fans at Father Moey’s Live Mash Show
& Soca Bacchanal at the Buxton Community Ground on March 17th
nal which continued late into
the night. They were blissfully
entertained by a slate of popular artistes, including Guyana’s
reigning Calypso Monarch—
Jomo “Rubber Waist” Primo
and his X-2 partner, Adrian
Dutchin. One-man Band sensations—Super Cat and Supa
Ray, along with performers
from the X-Factor Dance
Group, also thrilled the mammoth crowd.
(Continued on page 2)
Inside this issue:
Mashramania
2
Village Spotlight: Hopetown, WCB
10-11
Sober Review
3
Heritage Week 2013
12
Parris Column: Grand Pa Back Pay
4-5
Obituary: Keith Baird
13
New Police Outreach in Buxton
6-7
Obituary: Randall Butisingh
Saluting Women’s History Month
7
14
GBTI Adopts Buxton Steel Orchestra
8
Reflection by Lyndon Barton
15
Buxton Soiree
9
Calendar of Events
16
General Information
16
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 2
Mashramania!
(Continued from page 1)
The event almost came to a premature end after
sounds of explosives originating outside the arena
penetrated inside. The incident which resulted in
two cars bursting into flames was allegedly ignited
by a domestic feud which found its way to the area.
After a short stop, the merriment continued.
The climax of the festivities arrived in the wee
hours of the following morning. Famed international
Soca and Dancehall artistes, “Lil Rick” and “Kip
Rich” took to the stage and electrified the still huge
crowd.
From all accounts, the event was superbly organized. Vendors and business operators from within
the village were reportedly very pleased with sales.
The promoter also took time to announce that a
portion of any profit from the event will be donated
towards a project of the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council. He also made significant
donations to the community in previous years.
In the preceding weeks, the village also saw three
Mash parades. On February 16th, residents of “Snake
Alley” bounced out of the block first.
On March 3rd, Buxton Spice Mango International, led by
New York-based costume designer, Lynette Zephyr
(Imogene Williams), staged a colourful parade through
the streets of the community, between Annandale and
Vigilance. This event attracted throngs of followers and
spectators. Hundreds of children, adolescents and young
adults displayed beautiful costumes. The festivities
ended with a grand party at the Community Ground. This
was dubbed Buxton Mash I.
Buxton Mash II, sponsored by a team comprising Gas
Station owner, Morris Wilson, Ronald Willabus and
Ojembo Pompey, was held on March 10th. Taking off
from the gas station, an enthusiastic crowd of supporters
paraded through the streets of the village to the accompaniment of lively music. In the evening, patrons were
entertained by Trinidadian Soca superstar, Destra Garcia
and popular stereo DJs at the Community Ground.
Buxton Mash I — March 3rd
<LEFT PHOTO
“Pretty little butterflies”.
RIGHT PHOTO>
Buxton Mash I Creative
Director, Lynette Zephyr
(right) and “grand marshal”, Winifred Bess (left)
leading the Parade.
(Rollo Younge photos)
Buxton Mash II — March 10th
.The Stabroek News
photo, at left, shows
revelers gathered to
enjoy the “Wash
Down” at Wilson’s
Buxton Gas Station.
In the Rollo Younge
photo at right, revelers are seen going
through the village
Page 3
MARCH 2013
A Sober Review
Buxton Mash 2013
Now that the Buxton Mash season has finally come to
an end, it is time for a sober review. Up to three weeks
after the February 23rd Republic Day anniversary, there
were still associated parades and parties with drinking,
wining and dancing in the village.
Apart from the high number of residents who participated in these events, thousands more came into the
village to have a great time. Our hospitality was par
excellence, and the village is quickly gaining recognition as the entertainment capital of the East Coast.
Sales for local bar operators and food vendors were
said to be very good. The NDC is also expected to
benefit from a special donation by promoter Moey. Despite these successes, there were ugly drawbacks.
There were four different Mashramani festivities—
Snake Alley Mash; Buxton Mash I, Buxton Mash II, and
Buxton-Foulis Mash. In addition, there was a BuxtonFoulis Mash Launch Party early February and a Buxton
Mash II Jouvert Party. While “the celebration of hard
work, successful endeavour and achievement” may
have been downplayed in these events, the prospects
of huge financial gains were undoubtedly paramount
in the minds of some promoters. Consequently, the
competition was pushed to new heights this year,
generating allegations of foul play and engendering
sentiments of disappointment and disgust among
many villagers and outside observers.
There are reports that officials at the Culture Ministry and a major beverage sponsor have questioned
the wisdom behind these many Mashramani events
in the village. Calls have been made for the
Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), or a supervisory committee, to take control of the village
celebration to ensure that the significance behind the
Republic Anniversary celebration is preserved.
Meanwhile, there is strong speculation that the two
top promoters, Father Moey and Lynette Zephyr
(Imogene Williams), will reunite next year to present
a joint event. Moey is hailed as the pioneer and topranking promoter of the Mash extravaganza, while
Imogene is revered for displaying a superb quality of
festive costumes.
More Scenes from Imogene’s Buxton Mash I — March 3rd
More Scenes from Father Moey’s Buxton-Foulis Mash — March 17th
RIDING
IN STYLE
Some rolled into the
village in stretch automobiles (left), while
others, like the group
of women at right,
mounted the music
speakers.
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 4
The Case For
Grandpa Back pay:
An integral aspect of the discussion
and celebration of emancipation is the
issue of Healing, Restoration, and the
Way Forward. Principal and History
Professor of the University of West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles, in the first lecture in Guyana to commemorate the
250th anniversary of the Berbice Slave
Revolt called for an “informed and sensible conversation” on all aspects of
what was the “worst crime against humanity”: slavery. For decades, Professor Beckles has been a leading voice
in the Caribbean for healing, restoration and the way forward — the case
for reparations.
Sir Hilary’s lecture in Guyana was entitled “Britain’s Black Debt, Reparations Owed the Caribbean for Slavery,
an Indigenous Genocide.” In it he insisted that the reparations he had in
mind is not about people getting hand
outs, but is about repairing the historical damage and how to find a way forward.
In this article, I share part one of a lecture I delivered in Antigua to bring down the curtains on a
three-part lecture series entitled, “We go back to
move Forward.” My specific task was to discuss, “Healing, Restoration, and the Way Forward.”
The Webster’s Desk Dictionary defines the
word ‘heal’ as, to settle or reconcile; to make
whole or well from a wound; or to effect a
cure. Healing involves the establishment of truth
and reconciliation. Truth and reconciliation require the offender to admit the guilt for the wrong
done, apologise for the wrong done, and seek
forgiveness for the wrong done from the victims.
In the context of chattel slavery experienced by
By Rennie Parris
our ancestors, healing is imperative to overcome the
residual wounds that we – the descendants of enslaved Africans – still struggle with today.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines restoration
as the giving back or restoring of something taken
away. In terms of enslavement, we seek to regain
what was taken away from our ancestors – the enslaved Africans. It was traditional for Africans to
reap the benefits of the fruits of their labour. Under
enslavement, the normal status quo of the Africans
reaping the fruits of their labour was ruined. Their
labour was taken from them without their consent. In
legal terms, ‘anything taken without the consent
of the owner’ is theft. No calculations can accurately measure the extent of the theft of the fruits of
labour from our ancestors. However, the meanings
of the term restoration manifest themselves in the
current concern in the African community worldwide.
It is called reparation which may be used as a
measuring rod to obtain some semblance of restoration.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines reparation as the giving of compensation to satisfy one
who has suffered injury, loss or wrong at the
hands of another. According to Olusegun 2002,
reparation is a movement whose time has come. It
is the demand of restitution to encourage the healing of a people. Verdun 1993 reasoned that the first
and most fundamental aspect of the reparations issue is its ethical-moral dimension. The moral bases
of reparations are:
• Enslaved Africans were not paid for centuries of
forced labour.
• The descendants of enslaved Africans remain
deprived of their inheritance.
• The descendants of the enslavers are living off
the benefits derived from the unpaid labour of
enslaved Africans.
• The continued, systemic, economic and racial
suppression of black people that impede our
self-determination.
• The absence of black people from the commanding heights of our nation’s economy.
(Continued on page 5)
MARCH 2013
Page 5
Grandpa Back Pay
(Continued from page 4)
Karenga 2001 wrote that the struggle
for reparations must be framed in ethical terms to attract moral potency and
garner strong support. Therefore, it
must begin with the definition of the
horrendous injury done to African people that requires repair. The African
American Foundation Reparation Project 2007 catalogued the injury perpetuated against the enslaved Africans and
their descendants as:
• The loss of identity.
• Poverty, landlessness, and underdevelopment.
• The suppression of our language,
religion and culture.
• The deep-seated sense of inferiority
among black people.
• Anger, bitterness, racial tensions,
injustice, etc.,
• Racial profiling of black people by
police.
• The culture of mis-education, unemployment, and inadequate housing.
• The breeding of humans for slavery.
• The depopulation of Africa.
• The kidnapping, beating, abusing,
killing and forcing of our ancestors
to work unpaid for centuries.
QB Column
We are unable to bring you Dr. C. Quintin
Bacchus’ column this month, as he has
been away on vacation. We expect to have
the column back next month.
Karenga 2001 warned that the offenders continuously seek to undermine the moral basis of the Africans' claims for reparations to avoid blame and liability. This is done in two ways: they reduce the
violence and mass murder to the category or commerce – trade, and they try to make us, the victims,
feel guilty for our enslavement. If they succeed in
calling our enslavement trade, two things happen:
• The struggle for reparations becomes a commercial issue, and not a moral one.
• Since trade becomes the primary focus, the
brutality and mass murder can be accepted
as simply collateral damage of a commercial
venture.
The second attempt to distort our campaign for
healing and restoration is to claim that we sold
each other into slavery. Beard 1999 revealed that
the notion that Africans sold each other into slavery
puts a spoke in the wheel of trust among us. There
is no record to show that Africans independently or
deliberately sold each other into slavery. Wesley
1774 concurred with Beard 1999 that Christian
European brutality was seen in the intensity of their
treachery to bribe and corrupt Africans to carry out
raids on their own kind. They initiated corrupt dealings and drunkenness among Black people to obtain their labour force.
The case law that reparations have been paid for
crimes against humanity has several precedents.
The following is a checklist of some popular ones:
• The payment of 20 million pounds sterling as
compensation to plantation owners.
• The USA paid $1.3 billion to Japanese Americans.
• Austria paid $25 million to Jewish Survivors.
• Japan paid reparations to South Korea for invasion and occupation.
• Germany paid US$33 billion to Allied Forces at
the end of World War1.
• Germany and Italy paid US$1.27 billion to
Russia, Greece, etc after World War 2.
• The payment of billions of dollars to Jewish
Survivors by Germany.
To be continued….
Page 6
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Guyana Police Service
Outreach in Buxton
Kaieteur News Article
March 14, 2013
… residents call for removal of stigma
Plans to launch Buxton Police Youth Club
Eleven years ago, ranks of the Guyana Police
Force (GPF) would not have envisioned having
peaceful discourse with members of the Buxton
community. But all that changed on Tuesday
when senior members of the Force engaged residents in an attempt at starting a new relationship
with the community.
Buxtonians were asked to forget the past and
start anew; to focus on a
future where the police and
Cops to enresidents can become
gage youths in friends to build a stronger
and safer community. The
various skills
Force’s outreach proactivities, such gramme saw Buxtonians
as Forensics
congregating at the community’s High School to relate
Training and
their woes. The police, likePhotography,
wise, related their plans for
through Buxthe area.
ton Police
Assistant Commissioner
and Commander of ‘C’ DiviYouth Club
sion Eric Bassant, Superintendent of Police Stephen
Mansell, Assistant Superintendent of Police
(ASP) Albert Ferrell, Inspector Alli Ashram of
Cove John Police Station and several ranks under their command including traffic officers were
available. Buxtonians were told of plans to launch
a Buxton Police Youth club which will start in the
next two weeks.
The officers highlighted that in various communities, seasoned criminals are recruiting young
men for criminal activities. The cops said that
they are willing to accept the youths and engage
them in various skills activities such as forensics
training and photography among other things
through the youth group.
A resident makes a point during the police outreach
programme at Buxton. (Kaieteur News photo)
The stigma attached to the Buxton Community
When community members were given a chance
to air their concerns, several issues about the
treatment they receive from the police arose. One
woman complained that when a report is made,
they hear comments like “Buxton again”. Persons
are treated harshly, they said. A man added that
even when persons seek work and engage business people, there would be withdrawal when
Buxton is mentioned.
Residents cried out about police harassment especially where young males are concerned.
An outspoken young man, one of the few in attendance, asked about police Standard Operating
Procedures when approaching persons and about
stop and search methods by police officers and
the manner in which they should conduct themselves. That same man had expressed earlier that
the community deserves an apology because of
how residents were treated during the “crime
wave” of the early 2000s. He said that he lived
through the events and it had been downhill for
the community ever since.
Residents continued to complain about police
officers who take bribes and order money from
residents, even when a crime has not been committed, they said. “Dem does tell you how dem got
to mek dem box money.” To these issues, Commander Bassant charged that he would not condone any acts of harassment and corruption. ”If
you see an officer doing wrong, don’t be afraid to
report it,” he urged.
(Continued on page 7)
Page 7
MARCH 2013
Police Outreach
(Continued from page 6)
Superintendent Mansell said that there are Standard Operating Procedures for all ranks. Officers
too have a hard time dealing with tough characters.
“Ranks complain sometimes how people curse
them and tell them all kinds of things.” Mansell
spoke about persons liming on street corners,
something he said is illegal.
Requesting police assistance
Residents asked for better police response. Since the focus was on the youngsters,
residents asked for assistance with game shop
owners who allow students during school hours to
use their facilities. A teacher asked about traffic
ranks being posted at pedestrian crossings near
private schools and none for their public school.
She said that she would have to assist students in
crossing as it is difficult to get over the busy street
because vehicles do not give way.
Another teacher contributed that at one time even
a police car sped past the pedestrian crossing without stopping for the school children. “If I could have
gotten close to him, I would have asked him: What
is your motto?” she charged. The teacher continued that when police presence is required at
schools, it is difficult. One time, she said, a young
man ran into the school with a cutlass and the police when contacted said they had no vehicle and
told her to call another police station; it was only
after she threatened to go to the media that
they turned up. It was promised that from yesterday the pedestrian crossing problem would
be rectified and the crossing would soon get a
face lift.
Complaints continued about loaded school
buses with loud music to which the police promised action. When highlighted, the police also
promised to look into matters of neighbourhood
bullies and petty robberies.
Tuesday’s [12th March] meeting closed on a
positive note as Buxtonians and residents who
spoke of other areas were seemingly satisfied
and appreciative of the police initiative to engage the community. The police said there is
fresh talent in Buxton and they will assist youths
to tap into it. That was one way they said they
could assist the youths in staying away from
trouble.
Community elders were asked to play a part in
a new initiative to have these persons intervene
in a matter before the police. Mansell said, “Not
everything should be about the police. Community leaders can intervene. It should not always
be about charging and prosecuting a person.” He said if something happens and community leaders could assist they should and if
they see that the matter needs the Force’s intervention, then the necessary is done.
March: Women’s History Month
The month of March, in the USA, is dedicated to
recognizing the contributions of women to society.
This year, Women’s
History Month is celebrated
under the
theme: “Women Inspiring
Innovation
through Imagination”,
with focus on women
who
have
made
achievements in Science,
Technology,
Eng in ee ri ng
an d
Mathematics.
We salute all women, especially those of Buxton heritage who have excelled in these fields.
We want to take this opportunity to salute young
Chakusola Corbin, who was honoured last month
as a “Modern Day Technology Leader” at the 27th
Black Engineer of the Year Conference. She
holds a post-graduate degree in Finance from
Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.
Chakusola is the daughter of Buxton-born
Jenifer Wendella Hodge and Charles Corbin. She
is a granddaughter of Beryl Hodge (nee Ifill), and
niece of Clonel Ifill, Enid Barnes, Michael, Milton
and Lyndon Hodge.
Congratulations, Chakusola!
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 8
Guyana Bank Adopts
Buxton Steel Orchestra
The Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry
(GBTI), formerly Barclays Bank, has become
the official sponsor of the Buxton Steel Band.
This has resulted in the band being renamed
GBTI Buxton Steel Orchestra.
In a communique from the band’s manager,
Mr. Fitzroy “Rollo” Younge, the agreement giving the Bank exclusive sponsorship rights was
finalized on 13th March, 2013. “I am prepared to
use our steel band to providing great means of
broadening GBTI’s competitive edge by improving the Bank’s image. Also, our Steel Band’s
players will make every effort to raise the
Bank’s ‘Brand Awareness’ which can develop
bank preference in the market place. We will be
wearing some new & special uniforms. I must
commend the Bank's CEO, Mr. John Tracey for
showing the strong support the bank has for
'Steel Pan Music'. Every time the Steel Band
plays out, we will offer continuous advertising
opportunities for the Bank,” stated Younge.
The steel band, formerly known as Buxton Pride
Steel Orchestra, was donated to the village by the
Government, then led by retired President Bharrat
Jagdeo, as part of a broad community development
package in 2010, which also included the construction
of the new Tipperary Hall. Since then, the band was
upgraded with new sets of silver chrome pans, funded
by the Canada-based Committee To Improve Buxton
(COTAB) with a gift of US$3,000, and donations from
Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) and Mr.
Younge (in his personal capacity).
In picture at right, taken December 2012, Buxtonian
attorney-at-law and former magistrate, Hazel OctiveHamilton (centre front and wearing sunglasses), is
seen playing pan with the Buxton Steel Band.
Support
Help Make A Difference
They Need Your Help!
A Cash Donation
Sponsorship of A Programme
Gift of Resources
Educational Development for Buxton Children
Contribute
to the
Preservation & Promotion of Our Culture
With
Please Make Cheques Payable to:
Make Our Ancestors Proud!
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Give Generously
to the
454 Vermont Street
Brooklyn, NY 11207
USA
Development of The Ancestral Village
You Owe It to Buxton!
&
Mail to:
Page 9
MARCH 2013
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2013
7 00 p.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Lorna Campbell’s Residence
454 Vermont Street
Brooklyn, New York 11207
(between Blake & Sutter Avenues, East NY)
An Evening of Conversation, Music, Food & Dance
Drum Parade * Libation
Salute to the Elders * Komfa * Kwe-Kwe
Poetry * Shanto * Dance
Delicious Creole, Indian & Chinese Cuisine
Homemade Beverages * Ice Cream * Exotic Drinks
IT’S OUR CULTURE, LET’S CELEBRATE IT!
Commemorating
250th Anniversary of the Berbice Rebellion
190th Anniversary of the Demerara Revolt
175th Anniversary of the Emancipation from Slavery
175th Anniversary of the Arrival of the East Indians
160th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Chinese
90th Anniversary of the Buxton Scholarship Act
IT’S OUR HISTORY, LET’S HONOUR IT!
Ticket Donation:
$20-Adult
$10-Child
Phone: 718-342-0040
Page 10
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Village Spotlight: Hopetown
“This place is hoping to be a town”
were the magical words said to be echoed by a
then governor who was passing through the village as it was being laid out. That led to the permanent change of its name from Perseverance to
Hopetown.
It is one of the many villages in Guyana that
were bought by enslaved Africans after Emancipation. The village, located about 54 miles (87
kilometres) east of the capital city, Georgetown,
lies in the Mahaica—Berbice Region Five. It is
bordered by Fort Wellington, on the east, and
Bush Lot, on the west.
POPULATION
According to the most recent census data
(2002), the population count stands at 1,264 residents, with 82% of them (1,038) not being older
than 40 years of age. Over the last few decades,
a number of residents have migrated to other areas, local and overseas, to further their education
or to seize career opportunities.
CULTURE
Hopetown is well known as a bastion of African
culture. The village is popular for its grand Emancipation Soiree that is held every year, and which
attracts thousands of people from near and far.
They include many returning villagers and visitors
from abroad. The event kicks off on the night of
July 31st and lasts until the dawn of August 1st.
Villagers pay homage to their African ancestors
and engage in a candlelight parade. They also
don beautiful cultural garb and participate in African drumming, singing of kweh-kweh and folk
songs, dancing, cultural performances and exhibitions. Creole delicacies, such as Cook-up Rice,
Metemgee and Conkie help to spice up the freedom celebration.
RELIGION
The community is largely Christian in its religious practice. St. Michael’s Anglican Church and
Hopetown Congregational Church have been the
leading churches in the village. These institutions
had also operated schools. For a 1951 research
project, visiting British anthropologist, Raymond
T. Smith noted: “Virtually everyone in the village belonged to one or the other church and was well
versed in biblical teaching; at wakes it was only necessary to call out the hymn number and the source
book for most people to know what was being referred to.”
EDUCATION
The community houses a Nursery School, a Primary School and a Practical Instruction Centre. The
Centre trains secondary school students in industrial
arts and prepares them for the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP). Secondary
school education is provided by schools in nearby
villages.
The village also has a library and computer training
centre, which are housed in the Youth Choice building. The facility was acquired through the President’s Youth Choice Initiative programme.
According to a recent Guyana Chronicle report,
“Another UNDP-funded project [in Hopetown] now
allows for the teaching of literacy, language and
mathematics to school dropouts and slow learners.
There is also a computer school, and the Grassroot
Training Programme, which latter undertaking is a
fast-track initiative made possible by the Ministry of
Education to teach persons life-skills and entrepreneurship. Students also participate in cake decoration and pastry-making to equip them with skills
needed to make an extra dollar.”
(Continued on page 11)
Stabroek News Photo of
Hopetown Primary School
Page 11
MARCH 2013
Hopetown, W.C.B.
(Continued from page 10)
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Many of the villagers employ themselves in
farming livestock, cash crops and rice, while
some are engaged in small business operations,
such as a restaurant, supermarket, small shops
and bars; a few others are employed in government services, or at the Fort Wellington Hospital,
Onverwaght branch of Guyana Power & Light
Company and the Regional Democratic Council
(RDC). In spite of these, there is reportedly a
large number of qualified persons, especially
youths, who have been unable to secure meaningful employment.
RECREATION
The community boasts a recreational complexT. T. Thompson Recreational Centre, which is
named after the village’s first Queen’s Counsel of
African descent. Anthropologist, R. T. Smith
wrote of him: “The Hon. T.T. Thompson, who
held the position of Village Chairman in the
1950’s, was a retired Headteacher and prominent
figure in then British Guiana, being the founder
and chairman of The Village Chairmen's Conference and a nominated member of the Legislative
Council.” The facility provides for playing Cricket,
Football, Volleyball, Basketball and other sports.
OTHER FACILITIES
The nearest health facilities for Hopetown residents are the Bush Lot Health Centre and Fort
Wellington Hospital. The village also has a cemetery where plots have reportedly been assigned
to families for burial free of charge.
T.T. Thompson Recreational Centre
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
Hopetown is part of the Union-Naarstigheid
Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), whose
administrative office is located at Bush Lot and is
chaired by Dorothy “Melda” Peters. Prior to its establishment in the early 1980’s, administration was
done by a Village Council.
Though not confined to Hopetown, R.T. Smith
noted in his 1951-1952 research that there were
two trends in local leadership in that village: On the
one hand were those “ [whose] ancestors had organised the division of the village lands, the work of
keeping up the drainage and irrigation system, and
maintaining law and order in the community. Originally village shareholders had contributed labour to
village maintenance, either directly or by contracting with others to do their share of the work. When
the colonial government stepped in to organise
"local" government and institute the collection of
rates, many villagers continued to pay their share
in labour rather than cash, thus requiring some
creative bookkeeping by the village overseer.
The other kind of local leader was the village
schoolteacher, who, by virtue of education and
status laid claim to office on the Village Council.
Along with younger teachers, mostly men who had
been born in the village and worked their way up
the hierarchy through the pupil teacher training system, they constituted the core of a village elite that
ran the churches and assumed a superiority symbolized by their dress, speech and general demeanour. Part of that demeanour involved holding
themselves aloof from activities considered to be
uncivilized. That certainly included any beliefs or
practices concerned with witchcraft or spirit possession, generally classed as obeah and forbidden
by colonial law. But it also extended to such
"superstitions" as wakes and pre-wedding rituals
known as Que-que (sometimes rendered as KwehKweh) dances. Nor would teachers be expected to
attend local dances or walk on the Public Road at
night or drink in the local rum shops. The fact that
some of the younger teachers did all these things,
discreetly of course, did not make them any less
disreputable.”
(Stabroek News Photo)
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 12
From Buxton Rising” by Owen Ifill
We,
who are Buxtonians;
We,
who are the sons and daughters
of the enslaved;
We,
who know Buxton;
How can we say no to Buxton?
Come Home!
Celebrate
175 Emancipation Anniversary & More
th
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Week 2013
July 25th — August 3rd
Art Exhibition of Village Landmarks & Legends
♦Documentary Film Show
♦Student Debate
♦Children’s Culture Camp
♦High Achievers Student Tour
♦Cultural Show, Campfire & Libation
♦Emancipation Feast
♦Senior Citizens Treat
♦Cultural Extravaganza
♦Gala Emancipation Pageant & Dance
♦Church Service
♦Sports & Games
♦Symposium
♦
It is time for renewal of faith and rejuvenation of the spirit.
Let us come together and rejoice in the name of the Lord.
Wishing you & your family a very happy Easter!
Page 13
MARCH 2013
Keith Baird, Sr.
1950-05-01 — 2013-03-14
Keith Baird, born May 1st, 1950, was the third of
eleven children from the union of Desmond &
Sybil Baird of Buxton.
As a child, he attended Buxton Congregational
School. He was always smart and knew how to
pull a good trick. He had once lost his Reading
Book, but later managed to retrieve just the cover.
During his homework time, his mother asked him
to do reading. Unknown to her, he pretended to
read from the blank inside, until very soon afterwards, his memory began to fail and he made
mistakes. His mother then decided to check what
he was reading, only to discover that there were
no pages inside. Of course, what followed is no
surprise.
Keith went on to attend the Government Technical Institute in Georgetown, from where he graduated with the City & Guilds Certificate (GTI). Soon
after graduating from the institute, he went to work
as a mechanic for the Ministry of Works & Hydraulics, first at the Kingston Workshop and later, at
the Ruimveldt Rebuild Workshop. He was an outstanding worker. He paid attention to detail, and
was only satisfied with the best outcomes. These
qualities were recognized, and very soon he was
promoted to Junior Supervisor. In 1975, he was
selected from among his peers to undergo further
training in Germany. Following his return to Guyana, he continued to excel at his
job.
In 1977, Keith tied the knot with
Desiree Abrahams. He fathered
nine children, three of whom predeceased him; they were Oswyn,
Oslyn and Rhonda. He is survived
Keith, Jr., Kimberly, Kathleen,
Kristina, Travis and Kevin.
Keith left Guyana
in 1979 and took up
residence in the
U n ite d
Sta te s.
Shortly after his arrival there, he secured employment
with New York City
Transit
Authority.
He rose through the
ranks, becoming a
member of senior
management.
He
retired from work in
2010.
He was unable to
Keith Baird, sr.
enjoy much of his
retirement years as 5 May, 1950 — 14 March, 2013
RIP
he soon became
very ill. This condition continued to plague him
until he was called home by God on March 14,
2013 to reunite with his loving parents and three
of his beloved children. He was laid to rest at St.
Michael’s Cemetery, East Elmhurst, in Queens
County, New York, USA.
In addition to his wife, Desiree and six surviving
children, Keith leaves to mourn his loss his four
grandchildren: Kayla, Sammy, jr., Zaire and Xavier.
He is also survived by six siblings: Sydney,
Audrey, Richard, Noelline, Myrna, Desiree,
Claude, and Desmond, Jr.
We join with all villagers in extending sincere condolences to the relatives and
friends of those who recently left us, including:
Edwin Moses (Bumble)
BERNADETTE ABRAMS
Patrick Abrams (Sugar)
BRENTHNOL “DUDU” SANCHO
NORMA SANCHO
MATTHEW WADE
JEROME FREDERICKS
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Page 14
Obituary
Randall Mohan Butisingh
WxvxÅuxÜ D? DLDE ‰ WxvxÅuxÜ L? ECDE
Randall Mohan Butisingh, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle,
friend, and teacher,
passed away in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida on
December 9, 2012, shortly
following his 100th birthday.
Randall was born on December 1, 1912 in British
Guiana (now known as
Guyana), and raised in
Buxton, East Coast Demerara, where he received
his primary education. In
1925, he qualified and
was the first runner-up for
the first Buxton Scholarship. In 1927, he passed
the School Leaving Examination and became a
Pupil Teacher at the age
of 15. This was the start of a 45-year long career, until his retirement in December 1972.
Also, throughout his teaching career, Randall
was a freelance journalist for the Guyana
Graphic and Chronicle Newspapers. He was
always innovative and productive. He was an
entrepreneur in the printing business and was
one of the largest suppliers for greeting cards in
Guyana. He never rested.
Randall lived his life by great example and was
involved in many community activities. In addition to his illustrious teaching career, he was the
Social Welfare Officer of the Lusignan Community Center, and Lay Reader in the Anglican
Church for 18 years.
Writing poetry was his passion. In 1972, he
published his first book of poetry, LOVE'S
LIGHT, inspired by Helen Keller, who was blind
and deaf. He dedicated this book to her and donated its proceeds to the Institute of the Blind. In
1992, he was awarded the Poet of Merit Certificate by the American Poetry Association.
Always willing to share his knowledge, he became a member of
the Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha
in 1976, an organization which
sought to propagate Hindi in Guyana. He taught the language at
the University of Guyana, and
also held private Hindi classes for
children. He was the organization's Hindi correspondent and
editor of its journal, GYANDA.
His literary accomplishments include three books of poems
(LOVE'S LIGHT; WILD FLOWERS; and LOVE'S BALM), a book
of Thoughts called FLASHES OF
LIGHT, and several essays and
letters to the press dealing with
topics on education and morality.
He received the Cimbux Award in
2003 for his contribution to education.
In the twilight of his years, Randall's thirst for knowledge did not diminish. He
studied comparative religion and Eastern philosophy. He taught himself to read the Arabic
script and learned conversational Spanish. A
man of many talents, Randall completed several
paintings and also played the flute, guitar, violin,
and other musical instruments. Randall also
learned to use the computer and even ventured
into the world of social media. In October 2007,
Randall began blogging to share his life experiences, philosophy, and writings with friends all
over the world. He first published drafts of his
autobiography, MY STORY, on his blog, and
was considered the world's oldest blogger. His
autobiography will be released shortly.
He said in one of his writings:
"Gold and silver have I none but such as I have,
give I unto thee. If my messages can touch only
one heart, I know I have not lived in vain."
Dad, you will be truly missed. May you Rest In
Peace!
MARCH 2013
Page 15
Lyndon Barton Remembers
Teacher Randall Butisingh:
A Man of Great Humility, Creativity & Inspiration
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family
of Teacher Randall at this time of their great
loss. I have known Teacher Randall for practically all of my life, having been one of his pupils
at St. Augustine's School, Buxton, Guyana,
where he taught me at a very early age; then,
upon becoming a pupil-teacher, we both taught
as colleagues at the same school and later, until
his passing, we enjoyed a close friendship.
As I reflect on my youthful days, I cannot help
but acknowledge the important role he has
played in the shaping my career. He was a great
teacher and, for me, a role model. Among his
many notable qualities as an educator, he was
very creative, innovative, and inspiring. As I remember, Teacher Randall was the one teacher
who encouraged and inspired me to develop my
artistic talent. For example, I remember when I was just about 9
years old, I observed him as he
designed greeting cards to raise
funds for the school. I was so
inspired by his craftsmanship
that, not too long after, I was doing the same thing right along
with him, and earning a pocket
money as a result.
Apart from his artistic pursuits, Teacher
Randall had a great thirst for knowledge,
which he sought with much enthusiasm, as
well as a willingness to share the wisdom he
acquired over the years with others, through
his prolific writings, and speeches. His books
of poetry, letters to the press, a thought for
each day of the year, and essays on various
philosophical and religious topics, are just a
few examples.
Above all, Teacher Randall's love of people
was genuine. He was a man of great humility, with an ability to relate to anyone, young
or old. For this he was greatly admired by all
who came to know him. As he himself once
wrote, "Only what we have given in love will
we take to eternity. If one has nothing but the
love of children and the respect of his fellowman, he has what gold and silver cannot
buy." As for me, I am indeed fortunate and
grateful to be one of the many that he has
touched in no small way along his journey.
May the Good Lord grant him eternal
peace!
_çÇwÉÇ bA UtÜàÉÇ
More on the Late Dr. John Fredericks
“Satyajiwan Sawh and Phulia (John's paternal great grand-parents) arrived in
Guiana some time in the 1880s.They arrived as indentured immigrants in the colony with four of their children - two boys and two girls. One of the boys was John's
paternal grand-father.They were allotted to one of the Ogle, Vryheid's Lust or Chateau Margot sugar estates on the east coast of Demerara. Later three children
were born to them in British Guiana - one girl and two boys. They settled in Buxton
some time in the 1890s where a son was born to the Guiana born girl in 1898.”
by Rampersaud Tiwari
John Fredericks, MD
1927/03/28—2012/10/15
March 2013
Buxton-Friendship Express
E-mail Address:
PUBLISHED BY BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE GROUP
[email protected]
454 VERMONT STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11207 USA
TELEPHONE: 718-342-0040 / 202-594-7977 / 347-863-6121
Calendar of Events
Day & Date
Time
Heritage Week: July 25—August 3, 2013
Event
Venue
Additional Information
Thursday
July 25, 2013
Art Exhibition
Buxton
Landmarks & Legends
Friday
July 26, 2013
Documentary Film Show
Buxton versus Plaisance
Primary School Students
Saturday
July 27, 2013
Gala Cultural
Fashion Show & Dance
Sunday
July 28, 2013
Commemorative Church Service
Monday
July 29, 2013
Youth Culture Camp
Tuesday
July 30, 2013
Grade Six
High Achievers’ Tour
Wednesday
July 31, 2013
Cultural Celebration
Libation Ceremony
First-of-August Movement
Thursday
August 1, 2013
Emancipation Fest
First of August Movement
Youth Debate
Tipperary Hall
Friday
August 2, 2013
Senior Citizens’ Treat
Cultural Fair
Saturday
August 3, 2013
Buxton
Community Ground
BUXTON HERITAGE WEEK 2013 THEME
Milestones to Freedom: Resistance, Resolve, Emancipation & Entrepreneurship
Editors/Writers
Lorna Campbell
Rennie Parris
Support Buxton!
Give a Donation, in whatever form you choose;
Volunteer your Skills where there is need;
Invest in Something;
In short,
Do Something; Anything!
HAPPY EASTER
From the poem: Buxton Rising by Dr. Owen Ifill
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