Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
With majestic pomp and ceremony, Company Road Primary School held its gradu-
ation exercises on 5th July, 2015. Twenty-three students graduated; they will enter
high school when the new school year begins on August 31. The Keynote Speaker
was Mr. Clement Corlette, former Region Four Chairman, while Dr. David Hinds de-
livered the charge to the graduands.
In the audience were the parents, other family members, teachers, friends and
other members of the community. Recently-elected Region Four Chairwoman, Ms.
Genevieve Allen and Vice-Chairman, Mr. Earle Lambert were also reportedly in at-
tendance.
In the photo above, courtesy of Rollo Younge, the graduating class and Grade Six
teacher, ‘Sir’ Collis Nicholson (in back row) stand together.
“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attaina-
ble,” said Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, the late British Member of Parliament who
waged an unrelenting and successful campaign to have slavery abolished.
When scores of freed labourers pooled their money and purchased a former
agricultural plantation in 1840, they gratefully named their new village after
him. This year marks 175 years since Buxton Village was established.
Yes Buxton, we’ve come a long way!
July 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Emancipation Program
Emancipation Covenant
Replica of 2005 Flood
2
3
4
More Health Services
Youth Initiative
5
6
Art Workshop
Music Literacy Camp
65th Wedding Anniversary
7
8
9
Heritage Week Program
High Achievers
Home Pride Event
10
10
11
Haynes: Bumpy Road
Thank You
12
13
97 Years & Going Strong 14
Letter: Sugar Foot
Recent Deaths
General Information
St. Anthony’s Fair
14
15
16
16
SOARING HIGH
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP Express BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE FUND, INC.
BUXTON, WE’VE COME A LONG WAY
Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton
(1786-1845)
BFE15-07
The FIRST OF AUGUST MOVEMENT OF BUXTON kicks off its 2015
Emancipation observances on Sunday July 26th with a church ser-
vice at the Friendship Methodist Church at 7:30 am. Under the
theme “175 years as a Community", this year’s observances also
marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the village.
KWAYANA LECTURE SERIES A feature of this year’s program is the launch of the Kwayana Lec-
ture Series, named in honour of prominent Buxtonian and Guyanese
political activist and educator, Eusi Kwayana. The series includes a
symposium titled “Towards the Restoration of African Guyanese
Pride” to be held on Wednesday August 29 at 6:30 pm at the Friend-
ship Primary School. Panelists include Messrs. Nigel Hughes and
Sharma Solomon, Dr. Kimani Nehusi, and Ms. Ayana McAlman.
On Sunday, August 2 there would be an “Education Groundings” with Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine
at the Friendship Primary School, beginning at 3 pm. Dr.
Roopnaraine will engage members of the community on his
vision for education and hear from them about their ideas for
education reform.
On August 9, the organization will host an “Economic Em-
powerment Summit” at the Friendship Primary School at 3:00
p.m. Speakers include Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jor-
dan, Presidential Advisor, Mr. Aubrey Norton and others.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES On July 31st there will be the annual Emancipation Eve Ex-
travaganza. The night’s activity starts with a Libation and Spir-
itual Service at the Emancipation Monument, at the Market
Square, at 6:00 p.m. This would be followed by a Cultural Pro-
gram at the Buxton Line Top, starting at 8:00 p.m. The pro-
gram includes drumming, drama, dancing, storytelling, steel
band music, calypso, Nancy Story and folk singing.
On August 1, Emancipation Day, the young people will host
the elders of the village at a day of “Feasting and Merriment”
at the Friendship Primary School beginning at midday. A major
Village Initiative is expected to be launched at this activity.
The featured speaker will be First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.
On Wednesday August 5 at 6:00 p.m., there will be a Culture
Night, “Leh we gaff and talk story” featuring drumming, Queh-
Queh, Storytelling, Nancy Story and Ring Games.
Buxton F.A.M. Press Release 2015-07-24
EMANCIPATION PROGRAMME
Page 2 Buxton-Friendship Express
First of August Movement Logo
Artist: Jonathan Azore
THE EMANCIPATION COVENANT ~Rennie Parris
Page 3 July 2015
The month of August may be classified as the most
memorable month for Afro-Caribbean people.
It was on August 21st 1791 that Boukman issued the
final orders to the rebel leaders in St. Domingue to start
the Haitian Revolution. It was on August 1, 1834 and
August 1, 1838, respectively when most black people
of the Caribbean regained their ineffable faculty of hu-
manity – FREEDOM. On that date, enslaved Africans
became free from “chattel slavery.” Kwayana defined
chattel slavery as a form of bondage that dehumanized
enslaved Africans and made them into “talking tools” –
shovels, pick axes, cutlasses, forks, etc. Every August,
therefore, Afro-Caribbean people must come together
to commemorate the survival of the gory experiences of
our African ancestors who struggled, suffered and were
slaughtered for the sake of the FREEDOM we enjoy to-
day.
The Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834 did not come
about because the European oppressors eventually
became conscience ridden. Our ancestors never ac-
cepted their enslaved status. They struck out repeated-
ly against their oppressors for their freedom. Williams
(1944) claimed that the enslaved Africans were eman-
cipated because the industrialization of Europe made
Britain no longer dependent on slavery for economic
success. Rodney (1972) posited that Emancipation oc-
curred because a wage slave rather than a bound slave
was needed to purchase European goods.
On 1st August, 1838, our ancestors established an
“EMANCIPATION COVENANT.” The Covenant stated
that Emancipation was not a single event that occurred
ONLY on 1st August. It was the beginning of a continu-
ous process in which the emancipated must continue
to emancipate themselves. It consisted of the acquisi-
tion of land for economic activities and the establish-
ment of villages; the construction of houses for every-
one to have a home in which to live; the building of
schools to enable everyone to achieve universal litera-
cy; and the setting-up of churches to practise their tra-
ditional religion. In addition, our forefathers withdrew
their women and children from the plantations and
pledged not to let them go back to the social wilderness
of neglect, abuse and exploitation. The newly emanci-
pated Afro-Caribbean people did not expect any charity
from a vengeful plantocracy or a hostile colonial govern-
ment. The plantocracy and the government continuous-
ly challenged the Emancipation Covenant. The planters
suppressed the village movement so as to prevent the
successful establishment of a free peasantry. The colo-
nial government imposed a credit squeeze on the new
village movement, inflated the purchase price for lands,
and set 100 acres as the minimum quantity to be sold.
These efforts sought to keep the ex-enslaved LAND-
LESS. However, these emancipated Black people did
not depend on the plantocracy or the colonial govern-
ment to solve all their problems. They knew that they
had to work hard and long to achieve self-reliance and
communal independence. Despite the various barriers
erected to prevent the realization of the Covenant’s ob-
jectives, our ancestors built a rich heritage. Their ac-
complishments were great. They set up an economic
system and civilization that rivalled capitalism.
They pooled their money and bought lands collectively
at inflationary prices. Kwayana (2002) wrote that Afri-
cans are spiritually bound to the land. They considered
the land to be their MOTHER. Rodney (1981) stated that
land acquisition by the freed Africans represented the
ownership and control of the means of production. Each
piece of land purchased gave the Africans a small but
significant measure of independence.
Our ancestors rehabilitated the lands, established
farms and operated them with marked business acu-
men. In addition, they constructed housing units, built
schools and churches to establish communal villages.
They pursued education with a passion and zeal that
made them highly literate and skilled for employment as
civil servants and tradesmen. Finally, the new village
development movement succeeded to establish villages
that were economically self-sufficient.
As we seek to compare the immediate post-
Emancipation village economy with the contemporary
village economy, the likely question is: What has hap-
pened with the Emancipation Covenant?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a reprinted article, written by Mr. Rennie Par-
ris. It was previously published in the August 2011
issue of Buxton-Friendship Express.
“I left around 6:00 p.m. when the rain
had just started falling and the ground
was dry, dry. And when I come home
around 11:00 p.m., I was so surprised
to see all this water. It’s unbelievable
that all this water appear with just this
little rain,” Valladares’ wife told Sta-
broek News as the explained that since
the rain had stopped around 6:00 a.m.
yesterday morning, it had only receded
about one inch in six hours.
Valladares said that the only way the
water can recede any faster is if addi-
tional pumps are placed get rid of the
water.
Mark Abrams, a resident of Annan-
dale, explained that he came home
around 9:00 p.m. and met his yard cov-
ered in six inches of water. The man
explained that he has not experienced
a flood of this sort since the 2005
Great Flood. He said that while there
would be a minor buildup of water
when there is heavy rainfall, his yard
has never had such an amount of wa-
ter before and it had never taken that
long to recede.
REPLICA OF 2005 FLOOD
Page 4 Buxton-Friendship Express
Torrential rains, this month, inundated the capital city,
Georgetown, and several communities in East Demerara. Buxton
was one of the villages hardest hit by the flood. The water lin-
gered for several days, turned green and emitted a stench. Com-
plaints from residents forced officials to install an additional
pump in the village, and that resolved the drainage problem.
The flood has left behind trails of damage to property and liveli-
hood, loss of livestock and farms, and risk to health. In some ar-
eas of the village, residents rated the disaster as the worst since
the Great Flood of 2005. This situation has propelled the “2005
BUXTON/FRIENDSHIP DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE” to resuscitate re-
lief operations. The group plans to distribute hampers filled with
sanitizing and personal care items to affected residents.
The following STABROEK NEWS’ report of 17th July captured the
sentiments of a cross section of residents and some of the dev-
astation suffered in the village.
“You can’t blame anyone. Not the government, not the Lord,”
Winston Valladares, a resident of the Buxton area, said as he
dubbed the flood one of the worst he has experienced since
2005. About six inches of water covered the man’s yard, which
had a garden that he had recently planted with vegetables, and
the bottom flat of the house. He pointed out the slightly sub-
merged couch and refrigerator that he was forced to hoist on top
of a wooden pallet.
A flooded yard in Buxton.
Photo, thanks to Ms. Marie Stoby
Members of the 2005 Buxton/Friendship Disaster relief Committee pose
with relief packages. Left to right are: Colin Wills, Janet Cockfield, Pau-
lette Charles, Waveney Yaw, Mercylene (Patsy) Moses, Avril Culley-Pitt,
Deon Abrams, Ingrid Nelson, And Patsy Phillips.
Photo by Rollo Younge
Georgetown GINA, July 17, 2015
An early morning tour by Minister within
the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen
Cummings, to the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hos-
pital and Buxton Health Centre will result
in these centres being improved to offer a
better and wider range of services.
At the meeting with the staff of the Dr.
C.C. Nicholson Hospital, the Minister was
able to identify issues hindering the facili-
ty from operating at its full capacity. The
Minister was accompanied by the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown
Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Mi-
chael Khan, and other officials.
Among the issues raised were the need
for better security, lighting systems and
water supply. Some staff also asked for
the addition of a basic laboratory and a
phlebotomist.
After listening to the complaints and
suggestions made by the staff, the Minis-
ter pledged her commitment to improve
the facility since, according to the 2012
census, the facility serves a population of
109,000, which would have probably in-
creased over the past three years, due to
the creation of more housing communi-
ties in its catchment areas.
Following her visit to the CC Nicholson
Health Centre, Minister Cummings made
a courtesy call at the Buxton Health
Centre where she noticed a lot of unused
space.
In a comment to the media, Minister
Cummings said the unused space can be
utilised to house additional services that
will enhance the package of service
offered by the health centre. “As you see
here, there is a lot of space and we are
hoping that services that cannot be
rendered at the Dr. C.C. Nicholson
Hospital will be rendered here. We are
thinking of having a VIA (Visual Inspection using Acetic acid) clinic
here, rehabilitation services. We want to be able to do ultra sounds
here; we want to put a lab here among other things,” she said. These
services should be implemented by January 2016, according to Dr.
Cummings. [GINA]
In 2004, the Washington, DC-based non-profit organisation, Jaybees
Medical Services International, Inc. embarked on the extensive renova-
tion of the Buxton Health Centre and injected US$70,000 into the ven-
ture. The project was envisioned by Genevieve (Jean) Bathersfield-
Adams, who assembled a team of committed partners and supporters
to accomplish the gigantic task.
The project was completed in 2010 with a GY$10 million
(US$50,000) grant from the government, through the assistance of
Mr. Clyde Roopchand. He served as the Chief Planning Officer in the
Ministry of Finance.
While the old structure was left as the base of the facility, a level was
added above it and a new two-storey wing constructed on its northern
side. The building was designed to accommodate multiple medical and
dental examination rooms, urgent care services, a doctor’s teaching
room, a large storage facility, washrooms and other services.
BUXTON HEALTH CENTRE EYED FOR
EXPANDED SERVICES ~ Minister Cummings
Page 5 July 2015
Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings (left)
engages Sister Yvette Herod (right) in discussion, during her visit to
the Buxton Health Centre. [GINA photo]
On 2nd July, Guyana’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger
(standing right) addressed a gathering in the village in
launching a youth development initiative there. The
meeting was held at the Friendship Middle Walk resi-
dence of Mr. & Mrs. Morris Wilson.
Among the organisations reportedly represented were
First of August Movement, Toucan Multipurpose Club II,
Buxton Restoration Committee, GBTI/Buxton Pride
Steel Orchestra, St. Augustine’s Anglican Church (Mrs.
Paulette Charles), and Arundel Congregational Church
(Rev. Paulette Hannibal).
Photo, courtesy of
GBTI/Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Page 6 Buxton-Friendship Express
US-based artist, Jonathan “Geoffrey” Azore (Fury), prepares
to conduct a one-week Art workshop and exhibition for
youths in Buxton. He will teach them how to draw, apply wa-
ter colours, wash, and employ other techniques of the craft.
The programme began on 27 July and will end on 31 July. It
is being held at Friendship Primary School. Art materials,
snacks and refreshments are being provided.
The workshop is being jointly sponsored by Buxton-
Friendship Heritage Fund and CIMBUX.
Happy Birthday greetings go out to pretty little Aleeka
Collins on the occasion of her 5th birth anniversary!
Aleeka, who is vacationing in the United States with her
grandparents, Mrs. Barbara Thomas-Holder & Justice
Franklin Holder, was treated to a fabulous party in Bowie,
Maryland, hosted by her aunts, Fianna Phill and Fiona
Griffith. Appearing as “Little Miss Mermaid”, she was
thrilled to share the occasion with her cousins, Kaleel
Griffith, Joel and Joanna Phill.
Aleeka is the daughter of Allister and Kaslyn Collins.
CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP
CELEBRATION FOR A PRINCESS
Page 7 July 2015
While school is out for the July-August vacation period,
some children are taking the time to learn how to play
steelpan music. They are participating in the 2015 PAN
MINORS LITERACY CAMP, conducted by the Buxton Pride
Steel Orchestra and sponsored by Republic Bank. Classes
are being held on the ground level of Tipperary Hall. Ac-
cording to a release from the band, the response has
been overwhelming and the youths display “a lot of disci-
pline and great potential for playing the steelpan”.
A good many of the children come from communities
outside Buxton-Friendship. They include Kwasi Waldron,
Tyrick and Tyron Awadnarine from Lancaster Village, eight
from Victoria Village, and others from Golden Grove, Vigi-
lance and Strathspey.
They also come from various schools — President’s Col-
lege, St. Stanislaus College, Marian Academy, Bishops’
High, St. Joseph’s High, Annandale Secondary, Buxton
Secondary, LBI Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, Gold-
en Grove Secondary, Lancaster Secondary, St. Gabriel’s
Primary, Buxton Primary, and Victoria Primary Schools.
They are receiving great encouragement and assistance
from the seasoned members in the band.
Meantime, a group of Buxton Pride players are at-
tending a Pan Minors class at the Music School in
Georgetown. The programme, which began early this
month, aims to improving and developing playing
skills through music theory and practical lessons.
The programme caters to both beginners and more
experienced steelpan players. Musical Arrangement
has been added to the schedule this year. By com-
pletion of the course, participants would learn to
play simple pieces of music, read elemental one-line
melody, have a general understanding of the basic
elements of music, and be trained how to arrange
four-part music for a steel ensemble.
Daniel Daly, Xerion Franklin, Abeke Lewis, Steve
Cameron, and Treyone Braithwaite are taking the
advanced level course. A few other members are
enrolled in the beginner’s programme.
This project was introduced in 2010, and has en-
joyed meaningful support from the Ministry of Cul-
ture, Youth and Sport. Some 766 students have
graduated from it so far.
Photo, courtesy of Rollo Younge
PAN MINORS MUSIC LITERACY CAMP
Page 8 Buxton-Friendship Express
In this photo are some
of the young ones from
the 2015 Pan Minors’ Lit-
eracy Camp. The vacation
music programme is be-
ing conducted by Mr. Rol-
lo Younge and leading
players of Buxton Pride
Steel Orchestra at the Tip-
perary base of the band.
Republic Bank is sponsor-
ing the camp.
65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Page 9 July 2015
THE YOUNG ONES
Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Gill of Buxton who celebrated their 65th Wedding
Anniversary on Sunday, 26th July, 2015 at the Arundel Congregational Church!
It was on 26th July,1950 that they committed their lives to each other. They have been and continue to
be a shining example of the husband and wife God requires of every marries couple.
Greetings are sent to them from Reverend Paulette Hannibal and the congregation of Arundel Congrega-
tional Church.
This year, the week will focus on educational activities. A number of commencing secondary/high school students
will be presented with Scholastic Achievement certificates and backpacks with basic supplies for secondary school.
The items will include dictionaries for English, Spanish, French and Portuguese; geometry/mathematics sets; scien-
tific calculators; notebooks; composition books; pens; pencils; sharpeners; and erasers. They will get souvenir t-
shirts, while the top performers will receive wrist watches. Presentation and distribution will be done during the Stu-
dent Empowerment Workshop, which is scheduled to be held on 11th August at Company Road Primary School.
At the workshop, the students will learn strategies to help them succeed in high school. Some students who par-
ticipated in the programme, in past years, will return to share their experiences and offer encouragement to the
new class.
The following day, Wednesday (12th August), three of them will represent the village against a Plaisance team at
the 3rd Annual Emancipation Debate Competition. The moot is: “SOCIAL COHESION CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH
ETHNIC INTEGRATION;” Buxton will oppose it.
The match will be held in Plaisance, at the Eddy Grant Learning Resource Centre. Arrangements will be made to
transport a support team, comprising students and a select number of parents and teachers. The Buxton team is
seeking to retain the championship title that the village convincingly won last year. Plaisance easily won it in 2013.
On Thursday, 13th August, the students will go on a day trip. They will visit the African Heritage Museum, Parlia-
ment Building and the National Museum and in Georgetown. They will finish off the day with an eagerly anticipated
pool picnic.
This is the fifth year of the educational outing. It is designed to enrich the children’s cultural knowledge and social
experience. They are exposed to important cultural institutions, historic sites and events, which provide them valua-
ble learning opportunities and lasting appreciation for culture, history, their country and environment.
FRIENDSHIP PRIMARY SCHOOL
1. Roydel Maxwell
2. Dehancy Braithwaite
3. Levi Chapman
4. Javon Charles
5. Aaliyah Headley
6. Keiana Joseph
7. Alicia Baptiste
8. Franceina Sampson
9. Wazeiro Glenn
10. Eon Garraway
11. Tandika Maxwell
12. Shamar Armstrong
13. Charles Sandy
14. Ateena Anderson
15. Tylor Harris
16. Shonette Sears
17. Akandy Trim
18. Rolene Lewis
The beginning secondary school students, listed below under their former primary schools, are requested to regis-
ter for the 2015 Heritage Week programme by August 10. They are asked to contact Teacher Collis Nicholson (669-
9583) or Mr. Rollo Younge (274-0572) to confirm their participation and receive necessary information.
2015 HERITAGE WEEK EVENTS
2015 HIGH ACHIEVERS
Page 10 Buxton-Friendship Express
19. Kristoff Glen
20. Osea Gulliver
21. Keshawn Roberts
22. Damiana Roberts
23. De Andrea Leon
BUXTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
1. Keneshia Amsterdam
2. Johnetta Joseph
3. Collene Marcus
4. Aliyana Marshall
5. Marvin Mc Dowell
6. Naiomi James
7. Shaniyan Roberts
8. Keishola Williams
9. Alpha Lowe
COMPANY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL
1. Tonique Hatton
2. Antowne Sullivan
3. Crestyl Prescod
4. Yukel Armstrong
5. Nkosi O’Donaghue
6. Carondel August
7. Sarafina Glen
8. Nicquan Sedoc
9. Shamar Thomas
OTHER SCHOOLS
1. Ana Matthews
2. Daffina Nials
3. Samuel Booker
4. Joshua Joseph
5. Shaquan Dublin
6. Adiette McAlmont
7. Shaquan Earle
Due to severe flooding in the village this
month, judging for the Home Pride competi-
tion has been deferred to a time later in the
year. Because of damage to homes, kitchen
and flower gardens, as well as loss of live-
stock, residents would need ample time to
restore their property to normal condition.
The contest was scheduled to take place
next month—August. This would be the sec-
ond year for the competition that aims to
encourage residents to maintain a healthy
and sustainable environment. A number of
prizes, including monetary awards will be
distributed to winners. Last year’s 3rd place winner, Barbara Cole, of Middle Street, Buxton
HOME PRIDE EVENT POSTPONED
Page 11 July 2015
ANTHONY HAYNES, is a resident Buxtonian. He has
been a regular columnist for Buxton-Friendship
Express since January 2015. Following the Re-
gional Elections held on 11 May, 2015, he was
selected to serve as a councilor for APNU+AFC on
the Region Four Democratic Council. He was nom-
inated by the AFC and is the only Buxtonian on the
regional council.
Mr. Haynes will continue to write his piece for our
newsletter. However, the Buxton-Friendship Edito-
rial Committee would like to inform readers that
the statements, beliefs and viewpoints expressed
by Mr. Haynes do not necessarily reflect the views
or opinions of the publisher, Buxton-Friendship
Heritage Fund, Inc. or this publication.
THE JOURNEY – Part III - the bumpy road
As our journey continues I shall like to focus on the period
January 2012 to August 2014. As was previously stated,
the country was placed in a peculiar situation subsequent
to the November 28, 2011 elections. While some people
were optimistic about governance and the political pro-
spects of the minority government, many were suspicious
of the opposition. While a co-founder of the AFC was trust-
ed to be ‘House Speaker’ at the expense of their new
found ‘’MOSES,’’ many ‘pundits’ posited/predicted that the
faction of the opposition, led by Khemraj Ramjattan, the
other co-founder of the AFC, could not be trusted and that
faction is more likely to give its support to the ruling PPP/C.
As the government went about its business as usual - no
consultation, utter disregard for other views, display of ar-
rogance when dealing with issues pertaining to corruption
et. al., many Guyanese were awaiting the response of their
elected representatives. The parliamentary life of the Don-
ald Ramotar administration commenced shakily as the ma-
jority parliamentary opposition parties locked horns with
the government minority. Subsequent to taking the Speak-
er’s slot, the opposition also took the Deputy Speaker’s
position as they organised to take control of the Legislative
arm of government. Within a short period, they were classi-
fied by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat as the
‘combined opposition.’ That title stock like ‘crazy glue’ and
was proudly held by the parties up to May 10, 2015.
Among the first acts of the new parliamentary opposition
configuration was to introduce the ‘scissors’ to the 2012
budget. Before the scissors was introduced, the parliamen-
tary opposition sought to be included in the process of
budget preparation since it felt that it was one of the ways
that inclusivity in government can be achieved and the con-
cerns of the majority can be addressed. The Leader of the
Opposition, David Granger, had proposed a tripartite ar-
rangement for the budget preparations; it was ignored by
the Ramotar Administration.
The 2012 budget was presented under the theme;
‘Remaining on Course, United in Purpose, Prosperity for
All’ and was presented on March 30 by Dr. Ashni Singh. It
was an estimate exceeding the 2011 amount by 11%, a
walloping G$193Bn. The estimate included G$6Bn for GPL
and G$4Bn bailout for GuySuCo. That budget also catered
for a phased implementation of electricity tariff for Linden-
ers (which subsequently saw massive protests and
the death of three persons). After the presentation
of the budget and the opposition’s ‘furore’ over its
contents and implications, the President moved to
pacify the situation by initiating extra-parliamentary
consultations with the opposition. The Opposition
Leader, after one of the meetings, de-
clared “concerns about old age pension, concerns
about employment of public servants and concerns
about the University of Guyana would be reviewed
by the government side so that we wouldn’t attempt
to proceed with a budget which left these important
issues out.” A memorable result from one of those
consultations was the Increase of the Old Age Pen-
sion from G$7,500 to G$10,000.
By the end of the budget debate, the AFC, through
its Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, would have piloted a
motion in the National Assembly, Committee of Sup-
plies, to have some G$3.8m cut from the budget.
The government cried ‘foul’ insisting that the move
will cause widespread loss of jobs. Moses Nagamo-
too would have fired back indicating that the move
was to target ‘fat cats’ and reduce ‘squander ma-
nia.’ It was the first time in the history of self gov-
ernance that the national estimate would have been
reduced by a parliamentary opposition. The 2012
(Continued on page 13)
HAYNES CITE
THE JOURNEY: BUMPY ROAD (Part 3)
Page 12 Buxton-Friendship Express
budget cut signalled the beginning of the parlia-
mentary woes of the PPP and the government
moving to the courts to have several opposition
imposed legislations/sanctions revoked.
During the Ninth Parliament, several ques-
tions went unanswered. Questions relating to
NICIL, the specialty hospital, the airport expan-
sion, the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice Bridge, the
Sanata Textile deal, and many others were ig-
nored by the PPP. With the advent of the new
dispensation came many revelations;
the government was forced to answer several
questions and many who were involved in cor-
rupt acts ‘squealed.’ Accusations of corruption
and financial excesses were rife during the life
of the Tenth Parliament. With all the scandals
and fiascos being revealed one after the other
and the government cemented its contempt
stance relative to political and policy demands
made by the opposition parties, it was clear
that the ruling cabal was up to no good relative
to governance. Hence, the parliamentary oppo-
sition was forced to establish a political ‘’Ionic
bond’’ to foster an agenda against what Freddy
Kissoon called “elected dictatorship”.
Despite not having the mandate of the majori-
ty, the Ramotar-led administration pursued the
Jagdeo crafted macro-economic agenda during
(Continued from page 12) its tenure, contrary to the liking of the opposition parties. The
government was flayed for: passing a Bill, in the Ninth Parlia-
ment, which gave in excess of three million dollars per month to
a former President; failing to hold Local Government elections;
failing to agree to stronger legislation for the Anti-Money Laun-
dering Bill, the collapse of GuySuCo; using public funds to build
a ‘private’ Marriot Hotel; ill-advised reconstruction of the Airport
at Timehri and specialty hospital at Turkeyen; ill conceived and
overpriced hydropower project at Amalia Falls; failed implemen-
tation/installation of the fibreoptic cable for the e-governance
programme; failure to establish the Public Procurement Com-
mission; failure to assent to opposition-piloted Bills, among oth-
er ‘transgressions.’ However, the ‘straw that would have broken
the Camel’s back’ would have been the revelation that sums
disallowed by the parliament from the 2014 budget, the third
such cut, were actually spent.
The AFC considered the spending of the G$4.5B as a flagrant
disregard for the Constitution and the people of Guyana and
immediately signalled its intention to bring sanctions against
the government. In typical PPP style, their General Secretary
would have thrown down the gauntlet on the opposition, declar-
ing that they can “demonstrate their testicular capacity by giv-
ing effect to their stated desire for a no-confidence motion in
parliament, failing which they should shut up and forever hold
their peace.”
On August 7, 2014 the AFC, with firm support from the APNU
took up the challenge of Mr. Rohee and presented to the Clerk
of the National Assembly a No-Confidence Motion in the name
of Moses Nagamootoo. The motion was seconded by Cathy
Hughes. The National Assembly would have gone into recess a
few days after the Motion was presented. The PPP was stunned
and so they filibustered. The political atmosphere became pol-
luted with speculations and options on how the PPP will escape
from this ‘political bouncer.’
Until the next time, If na wan ting, a wan ting.
To GOD BE THE GLORY.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund would
like to acknowledge a donation received
from Sister Barbara Dorsett this month.
We thank her for her kindness and
steady support.
The AFC’s General Secretary, David Patterson
(L), presents the Motion of No-Confidence
against the PPP Government to Clerk of the Na-
tional Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs (R)
THE BUMPY ROAD ...by Anthony Haynes
THANK YOU
Page 13 July 2015
Dear Editor,
How many of your readers who know and remember Mr. Smith, better known as “Sugar Foot”, the great-
est dancer ever?
I saw him once, as I was following a masquerade band and he had just closed his Jordanite Church on
Friendship Middle Walk. He put on a performance which you can describe as someone writing a sympho-
ny with his feet to the rhythm of a masquerade band.
Too bad no one has a video of his performance; even the great Michael Jackson would have wanted
some dancing lessons.
I am 72 years old, and have danced most of those years in many countries and cities. I have watched
many dancing shows but not one of them had the magic of Sugar Foot, who was so appropriately named.
He was the best, and in any dance contest, he would have been awarded first, second and third place and
maybe consolation winner too.
Melvyn. D. Sullivan.
SUGAR FOOT
Page 14 Buxton-Friendship Express
97 YEARS OLD & GOING STRONG Edna Ifill, seated at
right and wearing a hat,
celebrated her 97th birth-
day on 12th July, 2015
surrounded by a host of
adoring family members
and friends. Among those
present were her son,
Cyril, who came from
London, and her younger
sister, Agnes Fredericks.
The get-together, held
in Rosedale, New York,
was organized by her
granddaughters, Denise
Daniels, Allison Bouyea-
Gomes, and Sharon Le-
Doux.
Best wishes to her for
many more happy and
healthy years!
WILFRED THOMAS, also known as “Farmer” and “Dada”, formerly of Lot 10 Company Path,
Buxton. He passed away on 15th May, 2015 at Woodlands Hospital, Georgetown, Guy-
ana., at the age of 94. He leaves to mourn his loss his son, Winston Alfred (Thomo) and
other relatives.
HERMON JOSEPH HOPE-BRANDIS, also known as “Doc Hope”. He passed away on 9th July,
2015 at Brookdale Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, at the age of 88. He was the father of
Jerome Hope, Carroll Hope-Bathersfield, and the late Dr. Montague Hope (Solo). He was
also the former husband of the late Teacher Joyce Hope, and son of the late Alberta Bran-
dis.
ORIN BATHERSFIELD passed away on 11 July, 2015 at Prince George’s Hospital, Mary-
land, USA. He was 53 years old. He was the Son of Mrs. Enid Bathersfield and the late Mr.
Peter Bathersfield (“Supa”); Brother of Candace Harry, Clifton Bathersfield (Morty), Joy
Moore, Diane Leatham, Robert Bathersfield (Kester), Peter Bathersfield, Jr. (Kofi), and
Abikki McPherson; Uncle of Leon and Clifton Bathersfield; Andrew and Anthony Harry;
Paige Bathersfield; Mark Moore; Keenan, Kevin and Kadien Leatham; Keyana, Breyana,
Brandon, Daniel and Dashia Bathersfield; Jermaine, Jamal and Jasmine McPherson.
RECENT DEPARTURES
Page 15 July 2015
Acknowledgement BESAC INC. (Buxtonians
for the Educational and
Social Advancement of
the Community) would
like to thank all those
who helped to make its
recent fund raising event
(Fish Fry - 7/11/15) a
success. Donations: Mrs. Winifred
Abrams, Mrs. Marcel
Grant, Mrs. Avril Hope,
Mrs. Joycelyn Wilson, Ms.
Sharon Haynes, Mrs.
Nona Barker and Mr.
Bayard Zephyr. Assistance: Mrs. Clair
Thomas-Lowe, Mrs. Win-
ifred Abrams, Mrs. Cheryl
Massay-Thomas, Mrs.
Melissa Thomas Smith,
Ms. Erva Cockfield, Ms.
Carlotta McRae, Mr.
Dwane Blucher & Mr.
Gurney Dryden.
BESAC, INC. BUXTONIANS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY
Invites you to its
Pre-Labor Day Back Yard Jump-up/Lime Fund Raiser
(Replaces Annual Pre-Labor Day Dance @ Afrika House)
Friday, September 4, 2015 9:00 p.m.
123-11 150th Avenue, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
(Between 123rd & 124th Streets, off North Conduit Avenue)
Donation: $10.00 Music by Popular DJ
For Information Contact: Errol Cockfield (718) 843-3690 Rupert Sampson (917) 676-8757 John Massay (347) 228-6939
Wilbert Hope (718) 235-0718
*Parking
Major road construction on block
Parking available within close proximity of venue
*Walking Directions from Parking Spot:
133, 135, 149 Avenues & some streets lead to the North Conduit. Right on North
Conduit, then right on 150th Ave. Streets lead to 150th Ave. Heading West, make
a left on 150th Ave. Heading East, make a right on 150th Ave.
B U X T O N - F R I E N D S H I P
HERITAGE FUND, INC.
E-mail us at:
2015 Heritage Week Activities
Tuesday, 11th August
9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
STUDENT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP
Presentation of Award Certificates & School Supplies
VENUE: COMPANY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Wednesday, 12th August
2:00 p.m. —
EMANCIPATION DEBATING COMPETITION
Buxton versus Plaisance
VENUE: EDDY GRANT LEARNING CENTRE, PLAISANCE
Thursday, 13th August
STUDENTS’ DAY TRIP
African Heritage Museum, Parliament Building, National Museum
BUXTON: Our Legacy, Our Pride, Our Responsibility
The Parishioners & Friends of
St. Anthony’s R.C. Church Invite You to Attend their
Annual Fair
SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2015 from 2:00 p.m.
the Church lawns
Friendship Middle Walk
Amusing Games, Delicious Food
Refreshments, Popular Music
Admission: GY$100
Buxton-Friendship Express July 2015
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lorna Campbell
Anthony Haynes
EDITORS
Dr. Clayton Bacchus
Mr. Rennie Parris
Lorna Campbell
2015