CELEBRATING OUR CHINESE HERITAGE - Guyanese Online · 2017-02-04 · 6 JANUARY 12, 2017 164th Anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese Even though the planters in Guyana had expressed

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

TM

Jan. 302017Vol 7Issue 13

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc.on-line Magazine

CELEBRATING OUR CHINESE HERITAGE


IN THIS ISSUEPAGE 3-7: Chinese Arrival DayPAGE 8-9: Michael LamPAGE 12-15: GCA Reflections &

ProjectionsPAGE 16-18: Theater for allPAGE 20: Anand YankarranPAGE 22-25: School vendors PAGE 28-31: 9-year olf fashion designerPAGE 32-33: Vice Chansellor,

Dr.Ivor GriffithPAGE 34: Fly Jamaica on the move

EditorDr. Lear Matthews

Cover DesignClaire Goring & Ashton Franklin

Copy Editors-Edgar Henry, Lear Matthews

Layout and Design by Claire A. Goring & Ashton Franklin

Contributors:Dr. Vibert Cambridge

Edgar HenryTrev Sue-a-QuanChronicle PepperpotDr. Lear MatthewsIngrid GriffithFrank Denbow

Photography:Anna SuditMichael Lam

Vibert CambridgeDmitri Allicock

GCA Media TeamAve Brewster-Haynes (Chairperson), Juliet Emanuel, Edgar Henry,Lear Matthews, Claire A. Goring,

Ashton Franklin,Margaret Lawrence Gail A. Nunes,

Francis Quamina Farrier.

Please join our Facebook group, Website: www.guyfolkfest.org

GCA Secretariat -1368 E.89 Street,Brooklyn, NY 11236Tel: 800-774-5762


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: 2 On behalf of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, I bringyou sincere greetings and wish you a prosperous, productive NewYear, hoping that you enjoyed the holiday season with family and

friends. As I contemplated the theme for the January 2017 magazine, Itook pause to reflect, not only on the past year’s accomplishments ofGCA, but the social context and whirlwind atmosphere with which theyear ended and the new one began. I am reminded of what philosophersrefer to as “duty to realism”: the need to ground our thinking in what isactually there, rather than on what we might wish or like to be there. Weat GCA, like many other Diaspora organizations strive to realize our mis-sion of sustaining our cultural heritage, despite multifaceted challengesto our efforts and what we ‘wish to be there.’

We inevitably have to make adjustments in our adopted home. Yet anoth-er hurdle has emerged. Soon after the inauguration of the 45th presidentof the United States, we are confronted with a barrage of ExecutiveOrders, which could affect the well-being of many. Consequently, wemust be cognizant of the impact of policies and actions, particularly asthe changes affect the cultural climate, relations with the host society andthe ever-changing immigration environment of the region.

These recent social and political changes are likely to result in unprece-dented transformation in various areas of life including a keen awarenessof our immigration status. A reconfiguration of ‘business as usual’ looms.We must not only be vigilant, but also take solace in the significant waysin which our cultural heritage, practices, artifacts and beliefs help us tocope and persevere. GCA stands firm in this transposing process. As weprepare for a new program year, we are conscious of the importance ofdiplomacy, the use and misuse of power, the idea of self determination,the ethical problems that arise when working with finite resources, thecontrast between respect and oppression, and the challenges of workingwith people whose experience and outlook are different from ours. Let uskeep our ‘hands on the pulse’, focus on established goals and be proactive.

It is against this backdrop that we bring you the January issue as we con-tinue to forge the intersecting of the past, present and future. In keepingwith the multi-ethnic traditions of Guyana, as well as fortifying the con-cept of ‘BRIDGIN’, the 2017 GCA theme focuses on the cultural heritageof the indigenous peoples of Guyana: Amerindians. We celebrate the164th Chinese Year of the “Fire Rooster”, which emphasizes luck, trust-worthiness and punctuality (our dear land could certainly benefit fromsuch traits). The performance of the talented actress and story-teller,Guyanese Ingrid Griffith, reminds us of the joys, resilience and tribula-tions of the transnational immigrant experience. As we look forward to aproductive, culturally intriguing year ahead, GCA’s president, Dr. VibertCambridge reflects on the past year and highlights projections for 2017.We pay tribute to the late legendary chutney singer, Anand Yankarran.You are taken back to your early life experiences and reminded of the‘School vendor’ and ‘Lunch Lady’. Continuing our focus on youth,Sapphire Autum Rose, fashion prodigy is introduced, noting her remark-able accomplishments. The University of Guyana, which will be hosting aDiaspora Engagement Conference in July, is on its way to the zenith ofquality Higher Education with newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Dr.Ivelaw Griffith at the helm. Support for recalibrating the infrastructureand curriculum of UG to regain its academic reputation is encouraged.

Thanks for your continuing support. Walk Good!

Dr. Lear Matthews, January Editor

3JANUARY 12 DESIGNATED CHINESE ARRIVAL DAY

“Since January 12, 1853, when they first arrived, Chinese have made significantcontributions to the growth and development of Guyana. Many of themChristians fleeing, persecution in their motherland, the Chinese integratedquickly into the prevailing Guyanese society and by the start of the 20th centuryhad come to be regarded as earnest, law-abiding, industrious citizens.Their imprint could readily be seen in Guyanese cuisine and in their involvementin commerce as shopkeepers and businessmen. It is hoped that ChineseArrival Day will foster a greater appreciation for their history and contributionsand further enrich the cosmopolitan nature of Guyana’s citizenry.”

As per an Executive Notice issued byPresident David Granger

CELEBRATING OUR CHINESE HERITAGE

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line MagazineGuyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

54WELCOME TOTHE YEAR OF THE FIRE ROOSTER

2017 is the year of the tenth Chinese zodiac,the rooster.2017 will be marked by the Rooster, one ofthe 12 animals which appear in the ChineseZodiac. The year of the Rooster is oftentranslated into English as Cock of Chicken,and it is the only bird to appear in the zodiac.

WHO ARE THE ROOSTERS?If you were born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969,1981, 1993 or 2005 then congratulations(sort-of): you are a Rooster! But whatexactly does that mean? Unfortunately, 2017 will be an unluckytime for Roosters, as tradition suggeststhat the year of your birth zodiac is alwaysa difficult one. But don’t give up hope!Roosters are amusing, popular andhealthy people – so, if 2017 gets you downyou can always fall-back on your humourto get you through it!

CELEBRATING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Starting from 28 January, the colourful celebrations towelcome in the year of the rooster will continue foraround two weeks, ending on 2 February.

Chinese Near Year is the longest national holiday inChina and New Year's day is the most important datein the Chinese calendar.

Although China has used the Gregorian calendar since1912, Chinese New Year is based on the ancientChinese lunar calendar, falling on the second newmoon after winter solstice — meaning it changes eachyear.

It is pronounced “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin and“Gong Hey Fat Choy” in Cantonese, although both arewritten the same way.

Roughly a sixth of the world will observe Chinese NewYear, with celebrations in Taiwan, Singapore andMalaysia, along with other countries with significantChinese populations.

London and San Francisco both claim to host thelargest celebrations outside of Asia. Many celebrationstake place, including parades, dragon dances, reunionsand elaborate dinners.

Red clothing is considered essential, as it is said toscare off the mythical monster Nian.

Children are traditionally given red envelopes withmoney inside which they sleep with under their pil-lows, which is said to bring them good fortune andhappiness.

Cleaning the house on the twentieth day of the secondlunar month before the New Year, and subsequenthouse decorating, are both major rituals in the run upto New Year.

Each day has its own celebration: while on Day 2 it istraditional to visit friends and relatives, on Day 3 peo-ple tend to stay at home as it is not seen as auspiciousto socialise.

The final day, Day 15, sees the Lantern Festival, where

red Chinese lanterns are released into the sky.

There are five different types of Rooster, and a per-son’s characteristics will slightly vary depending on theyear they were born. The different types of Rooster areWood Roosters, Earth Roosters, Gold Roosters, WaterRoosters and Fire Roosters.

ROOSTERS ARE ALWAYS ON TIME

This is the first Fire Rooster year since 1957. FireRoosters in particular are extremely responsible, trust-worthy, and punctual – especially when it comes towork. So, if you have a secret you desperately need toshare, or need someone to remind you of an importantdeadline, make sure to look for a Rooster. Plus, aRooster’s crow used to be one of the few ways peopleknew to get up at the crack of dawn. Just like a realrooster, the Fire Rooster should be forever punctual.

BE A LUCKY ROOSTER

This year might be a turbulent one for Roosters, butyou can still turn your luck around by looking for thefollowing: Numbers: 5, 7 and 8.Directions: South, south-eastFlowers: Gladiola, cockscombColours: Brown, gold and yellowThe 4th and 26th day of a Chinese lunar monthThe 2nd, 5th and 11th Chinese lunar monthThere are also things you should avoid:Numbers: 1, 3 and 9Direction: EastColours: RedThe 3rd, 9th and 12th Chinese lunar months.

If you were born in 1981, you share your year withSerena Williams, Beyoncé and Rodger Federer, so trynot to worry too much about 2017 - after all you 1981Roosters have won 39 grand-slams between you!Other famous Roosters include William Faulkner(1897), Michael Caine (1933), Bob Marley (1945),Daniel Day-Lewis (1957) and Catherine Zeta-Jones(1969).

Like every zodiac sign, being a Rooster can have itsdrawbacks too. Although Roosters are sociable andenjoy being amongst a large group of friends, they cango as far as to dictate a social situation by being boast-ful or judgemental. They often trust their views overother peoples, and are not immediately accepting ofeveryone they meet either.

Despite the bad omens, 2017 doesn't have to be a badyear for Roosters. Chinese New Year is a chance forevery family to cleanse the house of any misfortune,and get the house ready for the upcoming year. NewYear means turning over a new leaf - make the most ofit!

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6 JANUARY 12, 2017

164th Anniversary of thearrival of the Chinese

Even though the planters in Guyana hadexpressed interest in introduc-ing Chineselabourers since Emancipation, it was not until

1851 that such recruitment first began.

Because of the long travel distance from China, at firstChinese were not recruited since it was cheaper totransport Indians. While it cost a planter 13 Britishpounds to transport an Indian labourer from Calcuttaor Ma-dras, the cost was 15 pounds to transport aChinese immigrant from any of the Chinese ports. Butbecause of the growing need for labourers for the sugarestates, some planters decided to recruit Chinese espe-cially during the period between 1848 and 1851 whenIndian immigration was suspended.

In August 1851, the British Guiana Government agreedto pay the plant-ers a bounty of $100 for each Chineselanded in the Colony. The follow-ing month GeorgeBooker, one of the sugar estate owners, arranged for thefirst shipment of Chinese to work as indentured labourers.The 115 men and 39 boys who were recruited weretransported from the port of Amoy on the Lord Elgin.The ship departed on 23 July 1852 and after a journeyof 177 days arrived in Georgetown on 17 January 1853.On this difficult voyage 69 of the passengers died.

Another ship, the Glentanner, chartered by Hyde,Hodge & Co, left Amoy with 305 men and boys and

arrived in Georgetown on 12 January 1853. A total of 51passengers died on the journey. The same Companyrecruited another 352 men and boys later in the yearand they were shipped from Amoy on the SamuelBoddington on 25 November 1852 and arrived inGeorgetown on 4 March 1853, after a voyage which lastedonly 98 days during which 52 passengers died. (On thisjourney, the Chinese mutinied and almost managed totake control of the ship).

Most of the Chinese who arrived during this periodwere assigned to estates in West Demerara.

The British Guiana Government expressed concernsabout the physical quality of the Chinese who wererecruited and also about the large num-ber of boys whowere apparently passed off as adults. Subsequently, theGovernment withdrew the bounty payment to therecruiting planters on 1 August 1853.

Earlier that year, James White, who had been therecruiting agent for the British Guiana Government inIndia, was appointed as Emigration Agent for theBritish West Indies in China. However, he was dis-missed in June of the following year mainly because hefailed to recruit any Chinese labourer.

In 1853 also, the British Government had decided tosupport a govern-ment-sponsored recruitment pro-gramme, but by May 1854 the British Guiana

Government decided to halt immigration from Chinadue to the transportation costs which had increased byover 66 percent and also because of the failure torecruit women.

Resulting from the absence of Chinese women amongthe immigrants, many of the men established conjugalrelations with African women. There were "mixed"children born out of these unions similar to those ofIndo-Afro unions, as there were few female indenturedlabourers.

The Chinese proved to be good workers on the estatesto which they were indentured for a five-year period.Subsequently, the planters influ-enced the Governor(Philip Wodehouse) to appeal to the British Govern-menton their behalf to allow the transport of Chinese toGuyana through private enterprise. At first, this wasnot supported by the British Govern-ment, but eventuallyin 1857 permission was granted for recruitment for aone-year period. Towards the end of 1858 two shipsoverloaded with 761 passengers, collected from "bara-coons", left Hong Kong for George-town arriving inMarch and May 1859 respectively. On these two ships60 persons died on the long voyage.

In 1858 the authorities in the Chinese provinces ofKwangtung and Kwangsi (served by the city of Canton)began to encourage people to migrate, and this enabledthe recruiting agents to finally contract fe-males whowere part of entire families. On 24 December 1859 theWhirlwind sailed from Hong Kong with 304 men, 56women, 7 boys (under the age of 15 years) and 4 girls(under 13 years of age). The voyage lasted 78 days andnot a single life was lost.

During 1859-60 five more ships left Hong Kong andCanton for Guy-ana where 1549 men, 298 women, 53boys, 26 girls and 18 infants landed.

In succeeding years ships continued to sail from theports of Hong Kong, Canton, Amoy, Swatow, andWhampoa with Chinese immi-grants who included adisproportionate amount of women. The Dart-mouthwhich made the final voyage, sponsored by Hyde,Hodge & Co., started from Hong Kong on 24 December1878 and after 81 days ar-rived in Georgetown with 515passengers (436 men, 47 women, 18 boys, 5 girls and 9infants). In this group were about 70 Christian con-verts. For the entire period of 1853 to 1879, a total of13,541 Chinese landed in Guyana. …... (from: Story ofGuyana– The Arrival of the Chinese- by Odeen Ishmael

CHINESE WORKERS ON THE PLANTATION

On arrival in Guyana, the Chinese immigrants agreedto the following terms of employment:

1. Payment was at the same rate as an indenturedlabourer - $4 a month - with sufficient food.

2. The working period would be seven and a half hoursper day, except Sundays and holidays.

3. Free housing and medicines would be provided bythe estate owner.

4. One dollar per month would be deducted from thewages for mone-tary advances made in China.

5. Every immigrant could terminate his contract at theend of a year, on payment, for each unexpired year ofthe contract, of a sum equal to one-fifth of the amountof the passage money.

6. Every female Chinese immigrant was required to liveon the same estate with her husband, or with her fatherif she was single, and would not work unless sheagreed.

These terms were discussed with the Chinese immigrantswho signed agreements with the recruiting agents inChina before they departed for Guyana. The first batchof Chinese were assigned to Plantation Blankenberg,West Coast Demerara, and to other estates on the WestBank Demerara. Those who arrived later were distrib-uted to other es-tates, including to a few in Berbice andEssequibo. Working conditions were relatively good onmost of the estates, but some Chinese labourers com-plained from time to time of ill-treatment.

The Chinese came from many regions and they spokedifferent dialects. They also had varying skills and reli-gious beliefs. Many of them were social outcasts pickedup from the streets while others emigrated to escapemisery and war. But they were concerned about main-taining their language and forms of their culture, andsome of them, who had a relatively good level of education,organised night schools on the sugar plantations toteach the boys writing and singing. Later, they andtheir descendants, became some of the most successfulGuyanese…. Con-tributing to the “melting pot” ofGuyanese society.

(From writings by Trev Sue-a-Quan: Chinese in Guyana -Their Roots)

8


TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael C. LamMichael C. Lam is a layout artist by profession

and photographer in his spare time; born andraised in Guyana, he still resides there with

his wife and two daughters.

He holds a degree in Biology from the University ofGuyana, was the Bronze medallist in the 2012 GuyanaVisual Arts Competition and Exhibition, and short-list-ed in the 2014 edition of the same. Other than havinghis entries in both competitions displayed in the exhibi-tion portion, he co-exhibited with fellow photographerNikhil Ramkarran in the National Gallery at CastellaniHouse in 2012 at an exhibition titled “CoastalWanderings”. His current Oniabo collection was pre-viewed through a slide-show presentation at MorayHouse in October of 2014. He was the Chief judge forthe inaugural “Capture Guyana” national photographycompetition in 2014.

His older work has been featured in the tourism pagesof local media and calendars, and his photography hasgraced the cover of local magazines Ku’wai andClassiMag, and the regional travel magazine CaribbeanBeat.

In June 2016, his work was chosen as part of a curatedExhibition titled VISIONS at Fitzgerald House,Georgetown, Guyana, alongside 16 other photographers;it was curated by Karran Sahadeo. From July toSeptember 2016, three pieces from his Oniabo collectionwas chosen as part of a Curated Exhibition titled Un |Fixed Homeland at Aljira, Newark New Jersey, the exhi-bition was curated by Grace Aneiza Ali, his pieces wereexhibited alongisde 12 other artists of Guyanese descentfrom across the diaspora.

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11 Th VERS UNIeh UY GofTYIS s’ANAYA

Enid Lucille Denbow, MD was born to Edwinand Verleigh Wilson on August 3, 1921. Shewas one of three siblings who resided with

their parents at GG Hadfield Street. By age 22, Dr.Denbow had lost both of her parents.Dr. Denbow attended St. Joseph’s High School. Upongraduating, she became a Pupil Nurse at GeorgetownHospital and earned the highest score nationally onboth the Nursing and Midwifery Examinations. Shematriculated to Howard University in 1948, graduat-ed cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoologyand earned her medical degree from Women’sMedical College, Philadelphia in 1955. Her additional accomplishments include earning theprestigious Membership of the Royal College ofPhysicians, England, being awarded a CardiologyFellowship from the worldrenowned Johns HopkinsUniversity Hospital and becoming a Fellow of the

Royal College of Physicians. Her stellar academic andprofessional performance vaulted her to the top ofthe medicalfield in Guyana.Beginning early in her career, Dr. Denbow wasan inspiration to and champion for women. Her firstfight on behalf of women occurred when she persuad-ed her father to allow her youngest sister, Jossie, toattend secondary school.One of the greatest sources of pride for her was thenumber of women who requested that she be god-mother to their daughters. She was the secondmother to numerous young women many of whomhave excelled in their chosen fields of studyaround the world. Dr. Denbow always had an infectious sense ofhumour, warmth and great love for children. This isexemplified by the children’s party that she hostedeach year as a part of her birthday celebration. Onthose occasions, it was remarkable and heart-warm-ing to see the degreeto which the children, from toddler to teen, flockaround her and seem to bask in that ray of sunlightthat was her personality. The single word that bestdescribed Enid Lucille Denbow, MD is “remarkable.”

10WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

Dr. Enid L.DenbowA REMARKABLE MENTOR,AN INSPIRATION TO ANDCHAMPION FOR WOMENTribute by her son Frank Denbow on theoccassion of her 93 rd.birthday in 2014

12 13


WHEN INDIVIDUALS,GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES WORKTOGETHER TOEXPLORE THEIR COMMON HERITAGE,THEY BEGIN TO DEVELOP TRUST ANDTO BUILD BETTERRELATIONSHIPS

GCA’S REFLECTIONS 2016,PROJECTIONS 2017

Now in our 15th year, the Guyana Cultural Association of NewYork, Inc. is a compliant 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizationwith a focused work program guided by our mission to docu-

ment, showcase and celebrate the multiple roots of Guyana’s cultur-al heritage.

We have earned the respect of key stakeholders and influencers inGuyana, Brooklyn and farther afield.

We are respected for the work we are doing to sustain the conversa-tion about innovations in Guyanese creativity and to create opportu-nities to showcase them. We have been compiling and makingaccessible information about the commonalities in Guyana root cul-tures. Increasingly, we are recognizing the need to curate the

Guyanese experience in New York, especially since World War II.

When individuals, groups and communities work together to explore theircommon heritage, they begin to develop trust and to build better relationships.They think about expanding the collaborations. This is especially true in thecase of our almost decade-long engagement with Guyana’sMinistry/Department of Culture, Youth, and Sport and the Guyana LearningChannel. The Masquerade Lives! Initiative launched in 2012 is a good example.

We recognize that our work has to be intergenerational and transnational.

We Bridgin“We Bridgin” is an attitude adopted since 2013. This was an outcome of theconclusions and recommendations of “Who Are We? Imaging Guyana beyondthe politics of Race” symposium. A key conclusion was there was pervasiveignorance among Guyanese about their common cultural experiences inGuyana. The recommendations anticipated sustained efforts to compile and toshare this knowledge.

“We Bridgin” has been the “amping up” of a core design principle—ensuringthat our signature events of the annual Folk Festival contribute to a deeper aexploration of each season’s theme.

2016 Folk Festival SeasonAffectionately described as the largest Guyanese summer folk festival in NewYork, Guyana Folk Festival celebrated its 15th season in 2016. It featuredsummer workshops for Caribbean children in Brooklyn, the AwardsCeremony, Kweh Kweh Nite, a visual arts exhibition (featuring a photographicexhibition and lecture by Bert Carter), and Family Fun Day.

In 2016, our annual symposium and Literary Hang became the nuclei for twoevents during Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations—the National Symposiumand Guyana’s inaugural Literary Festival. The heritage workshops and FamilyFun Day had their largest attendance. We received grants and new sponsors.

We concluded our year with the successful Masquerade Jamboree in Guyana.

In addition to executing successful programs we continued working to establisha physical presence through the Guyana Arts and Cultural Center and tostrengthen our digital capabilities. We have a monthly online magazine, awebsite, and a number of related Facebook sites.

WE RECOGNIZE OURINTERGENERATIONALCOMMUNITY IN BROOKLYN.

In 2016, we also expanded our partnerships withBrooklyn-based institutions. We received smallgrants from the Brooklyn Arts Council, New YorkCity Council, and New York State Council on theArts. Our sponsors now include Brooklyn ArtsCouncil; Brooklyn Transition Lions Club; CaribbeanAmerican Social Workers; Crayola Company;Digicel; Fly Jamaica Airways; Guyana’s Departmentof Culture, Youth, and Sport, Guyana; Health FirstHealth Plan; Material for the Arts; Metroplus HealthPlan; and Sybil's Bakery and Restaurant. In 2016,we enjoyed the support of the following alumni asso-ciations: B.H.S. Alumni Association New York Tri-

State Chapter, New York Tutorial High School Support Group, and the Tri-State Alliance.

2017

At the start of 2017, our Guyana Arts & Cultural Center and our expanding dig-ital footprint are enabling us to have a more stable image, a more organizedapproach to fundraising, and new ways to promote year-long activities. Thiswill help us to streamline our efforts and to increase knowledge sharing withGuyanese at home and abroad.

Several challenges remain. The most important is developing a sustainablefunding model to pay for our annual portfolio. We need respond to the chal-lenges and opportunities of the intergenerational Guyanese diaspora inBrooklyn. We also need to sustain the work of preserving Guyanese heritageand developing the next generation of GCA leadership.

Fundraising

Why have our recent fundraising efforts, such as the G0Fund Me projectunder-performed? We need to think about this even as we move forward to:

• Appoint another fundraising team

• Pitch to a select group of Guyanese entrepreneurs to cover rent.

• Increase grant seeking efforts

• Revisit the Awards Ceremony to make it a fundraising dinner or to

add a fund-raising dinner as part of Folk Festival season

• Make each event responsible for its own funding

• Court a new level of sponsors and partners.

Responding to Brooklyn

Our alliances with Brooklyn Arts Council are strong.

We recognize our intergenerational community in Brooklyn. The annual sum-mer heritage workshops cater for the young. Family Fun Day is intergenera-tional. In 2017, we will engage seniors. This could be possible through ourheritage preservation projects in 2017.

One of our potential new partnerships is with Microsoft Store in Manhattan.We anticipate offering several training programs in digital production foryouth in Brooklyn. This partnership will also help us enhance our digitalonline presence, as well as our heritage preservation efforts. Our website is onthe way to becoming a crucial hub for the study and celebration of Guyana’sculture.

THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITHMICROSOFT STORE IN MANHATTAN, WE ANTICIPATE OFFERING SEVERAL TRAININGPROGRAMS IN DIGITALPRODUCTION FORYOUTH IN BROOKLYN

DR. VIBERT CAMBRIDGE A.A., PRESIDENT OF THE GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC.


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FOLK FESTIVAL 2017WILL CELEBRATE OUR INDIGENOUS HERITAGE

THE NEW YORK SIOUXCOMMUNITY, AMERICAN INDIANCOMMUNITY HOUSE,WOULD BE HAPPY TO WELCOME GUYANESEINDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Heritage Preservation

We plan to continue our work on masquerade. In addition, we plan to begin:

• Documenting the Guyanese presence in New York,

specifically in Brooklyn during the 20th century;

• Revitalizing Taan

Folk Festival 2017

Based on a suggestion by Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar (Iwokrama), Folk Festivalseason 2017 will celebrate our indigenous heritage. We still need a slogan forthe season. However, some preliminary ideas include:

• Symposium. Among the themes/topics: science and technology,

environmental stewardship, music, food, etc.

• An art exhibition, featuring Guyana’s George Simon and balata

artists from Nappi.

• Kweh Kweh Night (seeking indigenous connections with

Kweh Kweh and Dig Dutty/Matticore)

• Family Fun Day. Performances by visiting troupe from Guyana

• Literary Hang. Storytelling at the literary festival. Also, the hang c

an focus on literary works/music/dance inspired by the indigenous

experience.

As Claire G has reported recently, theNew York Sioux community would behappy to welcome Guyanese indigenouspeople. George Simon has already indi-cated his support for our 2017 focus. Ialso anticipate that Guyana-born,Canada-based singer/songwriter DavidCampbell will also support our 2017focus.

The issue of accommodation for thepotential visitors from Guyana is a press-ing one and must be resolved very earlyin our planning.

Diaspora Engagement

Diaspora engagement is not new for GCA. We are proud of our relationshipswith Guyana’s Department Culture, Youth, and Sport. We anticipate being partof the conference on diaspora engagement scheduled for July at the Universityof Guyana.

It is clear that in 2017 we need to deliver quality events and build out our digitalinfrastructure

Next Generation of GCA Leadership

In 2017, we must also continue thinking through “succession planning.”

Your ongoing support is appreciated.


16THEATERFOR ALLIngrid Griffith

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I had a story to tell. Butthe truth is I wasn’t sure Icould tell it. I had doubts.Why would anyone want tohear my story? Further, afull size project like thiswas unknown territory tome. Could I bring theendeavor to fruition?What pushed me onthough, was the storydemanded to be told. Ibent myself to the task. Iwould have to be willing todig deep into my soul andreveal experiences I hadnever shared. I needed tobe willing to recall what itfelt like as a 7 year old,watching my parents leaveGuyana without me, theyears without them, theday I re-joined them in theUS and the harsh reality ofwhat my family hadbecome.

I also had to be willing to understand the perspective of eachfamily member so that I could write about what they hadbeen going through. My portrayal of them had to benuanced. The characters were real people. No big strokes ofvillains and heroes.

When I actually began performing “Demerara Gold” in frontof audiences, I was gratified that people were entertained. Iheard them murmuring, even speaking out loud in dramaticmoments, falling dead silent in difficult and painful scenes,laughing at the broad comedy. I saw them shaking theirheads in recognition of the characters, singing along whenthey heard a song they probably hadn’t heard in a long while, and smiling at the visuals of a masquerade. I was beyond grateful that the story’s message was being heard and that more and more audiences were coming to see it. After the show audience members lingered to congratulate me on the production. Some wanted to share their memories, the ones my story triggered that happily took them back to Guyana.


1918 But something else was happening. Some want-ed to share painful memories, experiences Ihadn’t had. And there were those who confidedthey too had witnessed domestic violence. I sawthe relief on their faces as they bared theirsecrets.

I realized I had touched a nerve and that“Demerara Gold” was playing a restorative role.Everywhere I performed, from New York toGeorgia, California, Canada, England, Guyanaand SVG, I was bonding with audiences of allages, cultures and backgrounds in the hallwaysand lobbies of venues long after the shows wereover.

I’ve since incorporated an after-show discussionwhen performing for high school and collegestudents and been invited to share the first partof the show with middle school students. Thechildren’s interaction with the story are as pro-found as an adult’s.

Demerara Gold has evolved into a shared expe-rience. The transparency that I feared at theoutset, has turned out to be cleansing andempowering for me as an artist and my audi-ence.

While discovering thestrength of theater asan engine for socialchange, I also havefound something ofgreat personal value. I have rediscoveredmy own community.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

21OUR SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF THELEGENDARY CHUTNEY SINGERAnand YankarranAnand Yankarran shot to the spotlight in thelocal Chutney arena in 1989 when he recorded ajingle for the Stag beer called “ZindabadTrinibago.” He would later record the jingle onhis first album ‘Victory.’ The album also includ-ed his breakaway Chutney hit ‘Nanda Baba’ in1989.“Anand Yankarran was a legend, an icon. He,like Sundar Popo, carved out what is todayknown as Chutney and Chutney Soca. He stillhas songs that are played in parties up to today,

Yankaran is known for a string of hits, amongthem “Malineya”, “Humsa Bolaway”, “LayloLaylo”, Zndabad Trinbago” “Gunguroo Bajay”“Indra Puri Say”, “Soch Samajh Abhiman”,“Ranga Dall”, “Bola Baba”, “Kya Kar Mai” and“Janay Maha”. His biggest hit, according toSingh is “Nanda Baba”.The songs cited above are all folk songs fromEastern Utter Pradesh and Bihar states in India,indeed a couple are bajans or Hindu devotionalsongs. Yankaran took these folk songs and music thatcame to Trinidad via indentureship andremade/remix them giving entertainment andenjoyment to Trinidadians and Guyanese ofSouth Asian heritage and others who took to thegenre Had it not been for his work, these South AsianBhojpuri folk songs would have been lost to Thesongs you cited above are all folk songs fromEastern Utter Pradesh and Bihar states in India,indeed a couple are bajans or Hindu devotionalsongs. Yankaran took these folk songs and music thatcame to Trinidad via indentureship andremade/remix them giving entertainment andenjoyment to Trinis and Guyanese of SouthAsian heritage and others who took to the genre Had it not been for his work, these South AsianBhojpuri folk songs would have been lost toTrinis and others who now proudly claim it astheir own. and others who now proudly claim it as theirown. Yankarran enjoyed a vibrant music career whilein the US and also performed in Martinique,Guadeloupe, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica,England and Canada. He was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Silver) forlong and meritorious service to Trinidad andTobago in 1991.

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DIS TIME NAH LANG TIME!NEW VIDEOS BRING BACK VIVID MEMORIES OF "LANG TIME" IN GUYANA.Toffie balls, neverdone sweetie, bruk mout, Chinee cake, fish an’ bread at Mahaicony station, M.V.

Malali…Putagee Tunus, lass lick, Cutex, Dem boys fass bad!These are some of the themes in the two culturally appealing videos focusing on parlance,people and places in Guyana released by Guyanese brothers T. Eric Matthews and LearMatthews. The recordings bring back some vivid memories of the homeland. The videosentitled, Dis Time Nah Lang Time and Cavalcade of Sport – The Race, have received positive reviews and “likes” from a number of viewers in the Diaspora and at home.

The video Link is:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZh64gLBZi3glvvBzQz-Sg

Responses from cultural icons, Guyanese folklorists Francis Farrier, Marc Matthews andKen Corsbie affirm the significant and timely contribution of the videos. Comments include: “A wonderful bundle of delight and insight, a delightful dis time… and an apt 440 yards

relay… both right up my alley… Classic pieces…these are such wonderful material for me touse in my TV show in Guyana to enlighten the youngsters what life was like back in BritishGuiana and early Guyana.” Political historian and culturalist, Eusi Kwayana writes: “The

Matthews brothers breathed new life into the title Dis Time na lang time with inspired selection and popular nostalgia. Baad stuff!”

These videos are not only deeply rooted in Guyanese cultural tradition and lived experi-ences, but are presented with a sense of humor and diction with which readers could identi-

fy. They certainly complement the efforts of the Guyana Cultural Association to promote, preserve and propagate our cultural heritage.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

22THE SCHOOL VENDOR AND“LUNCH LADY” IN GUYANA:A LEGACY REVISITEDLear Matthews

Street food vending, considered the cornerstone ofmany cities’ historical and cultural heritage, hasexisted for a very long time. Like many other occu-pations, it has gone through transformations in per-sonnel, regulations and technology.As I reminisce about this topic in the Guyanese his-toric-cultural context, I am reminded of two cate-

gories of unheralded purveyors of this presumed‘lowly’ trade, namely, the ‘Primary school vendor’and the ‘Lunch Lady’. Little was known of the work-ing conditions these small-scale entrepreneursendured, or the joys, sacrifices, influence and satis-faction of serving children and adults in town andcountry.

23The school vendorWhether it was Ms. Murray, Ms. Stefie or Auntie Greta,her presence represented an impressionable dimensionof the educational environment of primary school stu-dents throughout the Caribbean since the 1950’s and toa lesser extent, today. She was a daytime fixture occu-pying an unsolicited “spot” outside the school building.She would “set up” a make-shift stand, near a lantern-post, under one of the country’s massive oaks or a tat-tered umbrella, sheltering from the beaming sun or tor-rential rain. Typically, she was an unassuming middle-aged womanwearing a plain dress, matching “head tie” or straw hatand apron with side pockets. Fondly known by some ofher youthful patrons as “de sweetie Lady”, this veritablestreet vendor was a beloved seller of a potpourri of localsnacks. She peddled a variety of succulent and tartindigenous fruit (arguably of some nutritional value),sweets and beverages displayed on a shallow, well-worn, unpainted wooden tray.The tastes we cherished: Oh, how sweet it was!Popular items were green mango, tamarind, goldenapple, guinep, dunks, sugar-cake, coconut ice, chipchip, hard sweetie (nevah done), lump, tamarind balls,plantain chips, chicken foot, mittai, fudge, channa,phulourie, buns, flutie, and custard block. The latterstored in an oversized thermos flask. Favorites includ-ed “tambrun”, plum and gooseberry syrups, served inbrown paper, which was often unintentionally chewed,with little concern about the health consequences.Although “stinkin toe” (locus) was not a preferredchoice, due to its pungency and clamminess, it wasoccasionally sold by this solitary vendor. Salt, pepper

and “sour”, were an essential part of her repertoire offlavoring condiments. She carried a sharpened kitchenknife used primarily for peeling and “cuttin up” fruit,which she did with remarkable savvy, dexterity and wellhoned culinary skill. As if those indigenous goodies provided extra vitality ormental alertness, pupils would swarm her during mid-morning “recreashun” and at lunch time. Seeminglyenergized, many could be seen standing around or glee-fully playing while chomping, savoring and sharingsnacks, for which they paid no more than a few penniesor would “trust” (credit) until Friday. Others patron-ized her on their way home, licking sticky fingers andwiping them on khaki short pants or well-pleated uni-form dresses. Hidden dimensions: intangibles and unintended conse-quencesSome retrospective observations about the interactionbetween vendor and pupil are noteworthy. This extra-ordinary matron of commerce, this unsung heroine,was not only well respected, but known to defuse con-flicts, often with a calm, yet stern “yah’ll don’t fightman”, offering solicitous, motherly advice to her unwit-ting juvenile uniformed female and male patrons. Herpersonality, characterized by patience and maternalcaring, reflected her trade. Unheralded, she was like anextra-mural school attaché. However, of no significanceto us was that this adorable seller intermittently wipedher hands on what appeared to be a permanentlysmudged apron, repeatedly collecting and making coinchange, while handling the delectable snacks. She alsobroke “hard cyandy” with the sweat-saturated woodenknife handle.


2524 There must have been moments of ambivalenceabout the sanitary conditions under which thoseappetizing building blocks of our youthful biologi-cal make up were prepared, handled and stored.Little was known about where she came from andhow she got to her station outside of the schoolbuilding. An unexplained mutual trust seemed tohave developed. Notwithstanding, we survived!Some believe that immunity to potential nutri-tional hazards was developed over time. ‘Shave-ice man’: friendly competitionAlthough they co-existed amicably, her only realcompetition was the shave-ice man. Precariouslybalancing a huge crocus-covered block of ice on aCarrier Bike, he provided a “crushed” treat thathelped to cool us off from the broiling sun andtiresome school yard activities, such as lass lick,catchuh and bat-an-ball. The first few sucks on apiece of shave-ice, partially molded with his barepalm, doused in thick red syrup (whatever thesource of that runny ruby brew) was a heavenlyexperience. Oh, how sweet it was! Do you remember when a desperate pupil wouldhurriedly “lick” his/her shave ice or otherwisecontaminate it to avoid sharing a piece? Or whena young man could afford to be extravagant and

treated his girlfriend to a sugar cake or a shaveice? Oh yes, a time of true innocence! Dee Lunch LadyThe ‘lunch lady’ label was used to describe thepost-emancipation role of some village womenwho sold snacks to take care of their family whenthe men left the villages, until they were able togain employment and send home cash. With trainstations, such as those along West Coast Berbice,as a lucrative sales spot, items such as fish-an’-bread, local fruits, black pudding, channa andfruit drinks were prominent on her menu. Shewas known for her “sweet han” and business acu-men. Later, the lunch lady became popularamong office workers in urban centers. No vend-ing license was required and it was convenient foremployees.The days of that brand of vendors may be longgone, but not forgotten. I hope that this re-creat-ed journey down memory lane helped you re-livethe way we were. *Post Script: School vendors in Guyana today aresubject to health checks and food hygiene certifi-cation. The Mayor of Georgetown recentlyannounced that street vendors will be required tohave licenses and must comply with medical cer-tificates, registration, and a TIN number.

Dis Mango tootweet!


26 27

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The E-book of Beyond Bourda Green, a memoirby Percy Haynes interweaving his experiencesas Journalist, Communications Consultant,University Lecturer and Diplomat with thechanges in the transition of Guyana from acolony of the British Empire to an independentnation is now available at amazon.com. Sincethis memoir reflects the awakening of the peopleand their efforts to achieve a better life, it de-serves a place on the book shelves ofGuyanese at home and abroad. This E-book isparticularly relevant at this time as Guyanesecelebrate the Golden Jubilee of the achievementof independence.This memoir records the turbulent journey ofGuyana on the road to becoming an independentnation with its own flag- the Golden Arrowhead-,its own national anthem and its own multicul-tural heritage. In his Guyana story, Hayneslooks beyond the trials of the journey to thebright hopes for the future. Haynes concludes:“The children of Guyana will have the greatestof inspiration – nature’s bounty of still virtuallyuntouched land, eternal rivers and mountains.The promise and the beauty of Guyana beckonto those children. It is my fervent hope that myown Guyana story showing triumph over trials,will play some part- however small- in the chil-dren’s building of the true nation of Guyana”.

ABOUT THE AUTHORBorn in a tenement yard in the British colony of Guiana (now Guyana)on the shoulder of South America, Percy Haynes, in Beyond BourdaGreen, writes about the changes in his homeland and people duringthe transition to an independent nation. His multi-faceted career asJournalist, Communications Expert, University Lecturer and ForeignService Officer enables him to tell a fascinating story about his child-hood memories, his experiences in finding his place in the world andthe birth pangs of the new nation.

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLCLanguage: EnglishASIN: B01GA61OMAKindle: $2.99

PERCY HAYNES


28 299-YEAR OLD FASHIONDESIGNER

SapphireAutumnRose PREPARINGFOR THEWORLD’SFASHION RUNWAYSFirst published:Chronicle Pepperpot

To launch her website ‘dobviousrose.com’hosting an online fashion store, writings for kids and teens.

At nine years old, SapphireAutumn Rose already has a heart full of dreams and with much confidence she is ready to show theworld her natural skill of design, takingher business to the world-wide weband preparing for runways in theworld’s fashion cities. It comes as nosurprise that fashion designing is thechoice of the daughter of two big nameGuyanese designers – Michelle Coleand the late Trevor Rose – but what issurprising is that at such tender age,she is already making it happen.

This American-born charismatic child is preparing tolaunch her website ‘dobviousrose.com’ hosting anonline fashion store, writings for kids and teens, andgiving the public insight into the life of the young fashiondesigner and other interesting features. In a recentinterview with the Sunday Chronicle PepperpotMagazine, Sapphire Autumn called herself a dreamerfrom the heart and one who has a passion for the artsand touching lives. She has decided to host a specialfeature on her website titled; ‘A Heart Full of Dreams’which encourages friends and fans to believe andachieve dreams from the heart.

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I would like to inspire them to always dream no mat-ter how impossible it may seem.” The young designersaid she never realized how important it was to dreamuntil last summer when she and sister Zephyra had abreakfast date in their backyard with Aunt NatashaMartindale and were given a one-hour challenge.“During that time (Aunt Natasha) told us about littlegirls our age who were able to change the world in apositive way and asked us what we would do tochange the world.I started to think about my desire to become a fashiondesigner and what I can do to make a positive impactin the world. I suggested owning my own fashiondesigner company, inspire other young girls toachieve their dreams and also give back to those lessfortunate. My sister opted to become a professional

soccer player as well as my assistant. She designs aswell,” Sapphire Autumn explained. By sundown herbrand was named and logo designed.“We started braining names for my company. As mymom has her last name in her company brand name,ColeFacts, I decided that I wanted to incorporate Roseas a part of my company’s name as swell. My momsaid: “It’s obvious” and it was then that we all said thesame thing “The Obvious Rose” — I however, dropped“the” for the “D ‘apostrophe” to give it a French touch,”Sapphire Autumn related. Her logo represents beauty,freshness and many layers of creativity — almost like agarden full of possibilities.A few weeks later she was tasked with an academicproject of producing an essay entitled “My Dream Is,”outlining her career dream and giving reasons for herchoice. Her mom encouraged her to combine the pro-ject with her design goal and she named her first brand

awareness campaign “Heart full of dreams.” To buildon her dream, she constantly sews and sketches newdesigns and attends weekly art club, dedicating moretime to be creative.“I see myself succeeding with my own dreams tobecome a young fashion designer. I attend Alvin Ailydance school and creative edge modeling and actingclasses which both have something to do with beingcreative in a way. I take art classes and theaterbecause they are the two most artistic classes tochoose from. They can help with my career of being aDesigner. Art helps with sketching and theater helpswith public speech,” she said.She is also an honor student of Success AcademyElementary School in New York. Sapphire Autumn isencouraging everyone to visit her online store

www.dobviousrose.com after its launch on January 28,and support her introductory “Heart full of dreams”line, which features her original creations of necklaces,bracelets, scarfs, dream pillows, T-shirts,blankets and charms.“One dollar from every item sold from this collectionwill go towards my heart full of dreamsproject,” Sapphire Autumn said. She is asking everyoneto support her new project and life dream by support-ing her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dobvi-ousrose, and following ‘dobviousrose’ on twitter andInstagram. “I am a nine-year-old designer whodreams of changing the world in a positive way. WhatI like most is that I am able to take what I love and bevery creative with it,” Sapphire Autumn toldPepperpot Magazine.

‘A Heart Full of dreams’ was a choice name because itencourages one to “learn to dream big, and because it meansto dream with all of your heart , to believe in yourself, and toachieve the things you may think is almost impossible,”Sapphire Autumn told Pepperpot . This young Rose hasalready laid out her dream and is headed for success. She hasan army of supporters who believe in her dreams and arepreparing her to make them reality. While her dad, TrevorRose, is not there physically anymore, the impression hisrelationship with her and his work has left still lives.“My dream is to become a successful fashion designer who ispassionate about making a positive impact in the world byinspiring other young children like me, to dream. My uncleRoger Gary, dad Trevor Rose, mom Michelle Cole, and Ms.Paulette Cleghorn of the House of Yumi Katsura are some ofmy icons,” she confessed. In the ‘Creative Edge’ project in artclass, she performed with excellence last November in dis-playing some of dream pillow creations to the pleasure of aschool community and was among one of the girls who“rock.”Family is of great importance to her and Sapphire Autumncredited her creativity to her parents whose lives sheobserved carefully as a younger child. “Both my parents werefashion designers and I grew up watching them work ondesigns. Then I just knew I wanted to grow up to be likethem.” Though her dad Trevor Rose was shot dead in Guyanayears ago, mom Michelle Cole keeps standing by her daugh-ter’s dream, and is amazed by the work she is able to createsince her first piece – a skirt – the child created at age six.She never stopped creating since and has many of her origi-nal outfits worn by family and friends and available for saleon her website. “Soon you will see me fulfilling my dream as with myinvolvement in many community service projects includingvisiting many hostels and orphanages to bring hope toyoung girls who may have dreams. I want them to dream,believe and achieve,” Sapphire Autumn said. In fact, herhumanitarian work has already started with her latest projectbeing participating in the United Nation 70th Anniversarycelebration at the UN building in the USA, and learning aboutall the children around the world that UNICEF and itsAmbassadors help save.Pillows created from her personal project, ‘heart full ofdreams’ will be distributed to orphans, as a symbol of encour-agement, reminding them that they too have what it takes todream and achieve greatness.“Maybe one day I can be one of Unicef’s Ambassadors andhelp children around the world. My wish for every child isdream, love and family. The heart full of dream projects ismy charity project. I plan to visit little girls who may bewithout parents and give them one of my dream pillows toremind them to dream, because if you believe in yourdreams, you will work to make them a reality.

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33The vision of the Vice- Chancellor of theUniversity of Guyana is simple: he wants tomake the institution a dynamic and nationally

relevant, world-class university. He also wants to doso in a hurry.

Professor Ivelaw Griffith is the Tenth Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University ofGuyana (UG). He is a distinguished academic

having held senior positions in the university systemin North America. Professor Griffith was the Provostand Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs atYork College, CUNY, in New York; the faculty andstudents there remember him as a highly competentadministrator. He also held senior leadership posi-tions at Florida International University, at FortValley State University in Georgia and at RadfordUniversity in Virginia. In June 2016 Professor Griffith gave up lucrativeoffers in North America to return to Guyana toserve as the Vice-Chancellor of the local university.He knew that the task would not be easy and uponinspection he was confronted with a system thatneeded to be fixed with urgency.It is now six months since Professor Griffith took

over the reins at UG. What does his report card looklike? What has been some of the notable achieve-

ments of his administration and how has the com-munity reacted to his plans and goals for the univer-sity?It became evident in June 2016 that ProfessorGriffith had a clear idea as to what he wanted for UG

and how he should proceed to realize his vision.Under his leadership the first Education ResourceAmbassadors (ERA) Conference was held inGeorgetown. The purpose was to invite profession-als in the fields of academia, media, medicine, busi-ness, and other related fields to see the state of theuniversity and to suggest possible solutions.The ERA Conference turned out to be highly suc-cessful. There were over 100 participants, drawnfrom Guyana and the diaspora that examined thestate of the university and suggested proposals tohelp rebuild it. Apart from paying their own travelexpenses the participants raised over G$ 15millionto the Vice-Chancellor’s Fund for StrategicInitiatives.A people’s university should be able to discuss thepressing problems of the day and to arrive at work-able strategies to improve the welfare of the commu-nity.

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA VICE CHANSELLOR

ProfessorIvelaw GriffithEARNS IMPRESSIVEREPORT CARD

In July 2016 the Vice-Chancellor and his teamlaunched Turkeyen and Tain Talks, the aim of which isto ‘discuss national, regional, and international issuesand events of importance to Guyana.’

These forums have to date discussed BREXIT and itsimpact on Guyana and the Caribbean. The other topicshave included suicide in Guyana, Agriculture and FoodSecurity in Berbice, and the implication of the 2016 USelections for Guyana and the Western Hemisphere. TheJanuary 2017 forum will address Public Health inGuyana.

August and September 2016 were busy months forthe Vice-Chancellor. In August he launched‘Renaissance’ a monthly newsletter to share the accom-plishments of the students, staff and alumni. Thenewsletter quickly became a popular voice of the uni-versity, connecting persons from all over the world.

The Labor Day weekend saw a 13-member team fromGeorgetown visiting New York and seeking support forfour critical academic areas in Technology, HealthSciences, Natural Sciences and Law. Members of thediaspora were brought up to date with the needs of UGin these areas and the Vice-Chancellor took the time tomeet with members of the media and other interestedparties to publicize the university. But there were otherareas in which Professor Griffith has demonstratedleadership that have led to improvements in a practicalway.

He gained the approval of the Finance and GeneralPurposes Committee to settle outstanding labor mat-ters that were related to salaries and benefits. A num-ber of employees now enjoy increased salaries andbank direct deposits were introduced to improvegreater efficiency. In October 2016 the Committeeapproved a reorganization plan in which key officerswere appointed or reassigned to facilitate better acade-mic engagement.

There are plans to create a Center for Excellence inTeaching and Learning and a School of GraduateStudies and Research. These will be on stream in 2017.One of the pressing tasks is the reaccreditation of theMedical School and Professor Griffith and his team arehard at work to make it happen this year.

There is no doubt that Professor Griffith has been oneof the most proactive Vice-Chancellors in the history ofthe University of Guyana. He has the finger on thepulse and he will walk many a mile, if necessary, toadvocate for the university. He has signed aMemorandum of Understanding with Professor SureshNarine, Director of the Institute of Applied Science andTechnology (IAST), for research and other collabora-tion with IAST. Exploratory talks were also held withthe diplomatic missions of a number of countries tohelp UG.

Professor Griffith has implemented other strategiesthat are equally significant. For example, he has regu-larized the status of all employees at the Printery andBookstore. The beautification of the campus is high onhis agenda. These include enhancing the arch of theTurkeyen entrance, fixing walkways, and providing wi-fi access, among others. There are also plans to bringon stream a two-story student engagement complex, tobe built in early 2017.

Professor Griffith is mindful of the importance ofhuman relations. In his first few days on the job heheld a Father’s Day Breakfast. It was a resounding suc-cess and this year a Mother’s Day event will be addedas well. As part of the 50th Convocation commemora-tion a Jubilee Song competition was introduced underthe leadership of Professor Emeritus JoycelynneLoncke. The competition was won by Guyanese Ms.Leanne Dewar and it was premiered at theConvocation.

Honoring the intellectual giants of the universityhas to rank as one of the highlights of ProfessorGriffith’s administration. In October 2016 ProfessorClive Thomas was honored at Turkeyen campus and aDistinguished Lecture was delivered by Professor JayMandle of Colgate University to mark the contributionsof Professor Thomas.

In December 2016 another luminary was honored.Professor Sister Mary Noel Menezes was celebrated atthe Herdmanston Lodge in august company and digni-fied surroundings. There was also a scholarly display ofher works at the event. A riveting lecture that discussedthe impact of Sister Noel on Lusophone studies wasdelivered by Dr. Jo-Anne Ferreira of the University ofthe West Indies, St. Augustine. There are plans tohonor other giants in 2017 with scientist Ulric Trotz atthe top of the list.

The year 2017 promises to be exciting for theUniversity of Guyana. Professor Griffith and his teamhave charted the right course. Six months is a shorttime to fix what is broken but as we have seen thereare tangible results to show for Professor Griffith’sbrief tenure. His report card to date is nothing short ofimpressive!

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34

It seemed like yesterday. On that memorable dayThursday, September 26, 2013, the inaugural FlyJamaica service from New York to Guyana, the only

English speaking country in South America - viaJamaica, was launched. That flight will be rememberedfor a long time to come in the history of Caribbean andGuyana aviation. Like any other airline service they hadtheir ups and downs – no pun intended.

Captain Ronald Reece, Fly Jamaica’s Chief ExecutiveOfficer, told the Guyana Cultural Association of NewYork (GCA) of his very high hopes and aspirationsanticipating that Jamaicans and Guyanese citizens willbenefit from increased trade and tourism between thetwo countries. He further stated that he hopes thatboth nations would take advantage of Fly Jamaica’sopportunities. He was extremely happy to promoteGuyana and to establish regional tourism in a jointtourism venture. The owners emphasized that therewill be a difference, mainly in areas such as tours andtour packages, enhancing production, giving customersadvantages at lower costs.

It is the intention of the management to eventuallyserve Guyana with a non-stop service, giving Tri-statepatrons convenient travel access to the “land of manywaters” - Guyana.They did manage to acquire one non-stop service fromJFK to Guyana every Saturday and also a Georgetownto JFK service every Wednesday.

Industry officials expected the service to succeed par-ticularly with New York’s strategic importance to theregion as a “source market.” Airline officials are aggres-sively planning to increase flights beyond the currentweekly schedule of their competitors.

Fly Jamaica’s veteran and senior executive Ann MarieFrancis ensures that airport activity is fast, efficientand welcoming to all guests on board the Airbus 757flight to Guyana.

The airline has been doing so much and the branding isin place as their intention for Fly Jamaica to be ahousehold name is imminent. The company’s Director,Roxanne Reece boldly stated that the airline is not onlyproviding passenger service to Guyana but alsoemployment for nationals. Twenty (20) Guyanese willbe having a six week intensive training course as flightattendants. Also, Fly Jamaica is prepared for anticipat-ed increase in aviation activity. Director Reece stressedthe importance of having all crew members properlytrained to ensure the safety and smooth operation ofthe airline service.

She said that as Guyana aims to attain its Category Onestatus, Guyanese should have access to affordable air-lift, catering to their individual needs. Mrs. Reeceadded that Fly Jamaica’s parent company WingsAviation will be promoting Air Guyana as the nationalcarrier via the application to the Guyana Civil AviationAuthority. Fly Jamaica will soon launch charter flightsfrom Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport(CJIA) to Cuba and New York’s JFK’ airport inFebruary, 2017 via “Air Guyana.” Shortly thereafter,scheduled flights will be implemented to bridge the gapfor many passengers travelling between Guyana andNew York.

Since Guyana remains a category 11 country, AirGuyana will conduct charter flights in the interim.However, when Guyana acquires Category 1 status AirGuyana will be operating under its own umbrellaaccording to Mrs. Reece.

The Guyana Cultural Association of New York wouldlike to congratulate the movers and shakers of this ini-tiative and in particular Anna French for her dedicationand commitment to the direction and growth of FlyJamaica. We wish you, Mr. and Mrs. Reece and theentire staff continued success in all your future endeav-ors. Fly High, Fly Proud – Fly Jamaica!

FLY JAMAICA ON THE MOVEEdgar Henry

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3736

The Resurrection is a work of fiction by renowned writer Peter Halder. Set in British Guiana, now Guyana, it is a supernatural thriller, woven in a tapestry of macabre and black magic episodes that startle the mind and chill the soul. The story opens a window on the super-natural folklore of the country such as obeah, moongazer, aspect of cumfa, raising the spirit of the dead. However, The Resurrection is also about love, betrayal, greed and murder.

Additional copies are available by mail.: Send $14.95 (plus tax and postage) to: Edgar Henry 1012 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11226 Tel: 718-930-9526 E-mail : [email protected]

Documents

CELEBRATING OUR CHINESE HERITAGE - Guyanese Online · 2017-02-04 · 6 JANUARY 12, 2017 164th Anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese Even though the planters in Guyana had expressed