2015 ess - buxton, guyana

Congratulations to all of the students from our community who were

successful at this year’s CXC examinations! Many of you have done ex-

ceptionally well, and Buxton is extremely proud of you. From the reports we have received so far, Had-

iyah Victorine has emerged as the top student

from our village at the Caribbean Secondary Edu-

cation Certificate (CSEC) exam. She secured 14

subjects at one sitting. Her older sister, Safiya

Victorine, also performed well at the Caribbean

Advanced Proficiency Education (CAPE). She

passed 5 subjects. Both sisters attended

Queen’s College.

Shaunelle Thomas, another Q.C. student,

passed 6 subjects in this, her first, year at CAPE.

Last year she got 15 subjects at CSEC.

Nationwide, 12,606 students sat the CSEC.

There were 8,100 girls and 4,506 boys. Of the

total students, 8,430 were from public schools

(67%), while 4,176 (33%) came from private in-

stitutions.

AUGUST

2015

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

2015 CXC EXAMINATIONS

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P u b l i s h e d b y B u x t o n - F r i e n d s h i p H e r i t a g e F u n d , I n c .

CXC 2015: Outstanding Performers 2-6

Annie Daniels Scholarship Recipients

Buxton Ministers Achievement Awards

7

7

Haynes Cite: Excellent CXC Performers

Journey VI-Donald Ducks

8

9

Nutrition Seminar

Children’s Art Workshop

11

11

Pan Minors Graduation 12

Eradicating Illiteracy: Dr. Roopnaraine

BESAC Pre-Labor Day Fundraiser

13

13

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BFE15-8

Student Empowerment Workshop 14

Heritage Week Activities 15

Nurse Thomas Celebrates 103rd Birthday

SEARCH & FIND Booklet Released

16

16

Back-2-School Tea Party & Cultural Show 17

Develop Village Economies: Granger 18

Obituaries & Deaths 19

Buxton Homecoming Celebration-May 2016

General Information

20

20

Based on 80%pass rate for CSEC,

Grades 1-3, the top secondary schools

are as follows:

1. BISHOPS’ HIGH SCHOOL 97.41%

2. QUEEN’S COLLEGE 94.57%

3. SAINT STANISLAUS COLLEGE 93.16%

4. ST. JOSEPH’S HIGH SCHOOL 92.78%

5. ST. ROSE’S HIGH SCHOOL 89.31%

6. PRESIDENT’S COLLEGE 87.99%

7. BERBICE HIGH SCHOOL 86.93%

8. WEST DEM. SECONDARY 86.52%

9. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 85.75%

10. NEW AMSTERDAM MULTI 82.91%

11. ANNANDALE SECONDARY 81.31%

12. BRICKDAM SECONDARY 80.37%

Sixteen year-old KIMELLE WRIGHT has attained 13 subjects at the

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), earning three

distinctions in the process. She is a student at the eminent

Queen’s College, where she is going on to Sixth Form to study for

the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She

aspires to become a physician, specializing in either oncology or

anaesthesiology.

Kimelle obtained passes in

Mathematics*, English A

(Language)*, Engl ish B

(Literature)*, Information Tech-

nology, Spanish, Food & Nutri-

tion, Additional Mathematics,

Biology, Social Studies, Physical

Education, Human & Social Bi-

ology, Chemistry and Physics.

The subjects marked with an

asterisk, she passed with dis-

tinction. She sat 12 subjects

this year and one, Mathematics,

she did last year while she was

in Fourth Form.

When she first got to Queen’s

College, she said that she par-

ticipated in track & field and

other co-curricular activities.

But as the demand for her to

concentrate on her academic

studies grew, she was forced to

part with those interests.

Kimelle’s outstanding achievement at CSEC follows on her bril-

liant performance at the National Grade Six Assessment five

years ago. She had finished among the nation’s top 100 per-

formers while she was a student at Lusignan Primary School.

On the completion of her CAPE exams, she would like to pro-

ceed to a university overseas to further her education to become

a medical doctor. She is, however, prepared to attend the local

University of Guyana if she does not obtain a scholarship to

study abroad.

Describing the social environment she found at Queens’s col-

lege, she explained,” “I knew what I was getting into, but it really

did not affect me. At the end of the day, we are all the same—the

same school, the same human beings. The only thing that might

affect us is our financial backgrounds. But that kind of sim-

mered down as you got into school life. All you would see are

your friends, not their parents, not their money, not the fame.”

Kimelle is the eldest of four children born to William and Karen

Wright. She has been mentored by her great-aunt, Ms. Vesta

Trim, now a retired teacher. Kimelle is an active member of

Grace Assemblies of God Church, at Middle Walk, Friendship.

KIMELLE WRIGHT

At QC, “I knew what I was

getting into, but it really

did not affect me. At the

end of the day, we are all

the same—the same

school, the same human

being. The only thing that

might affect us is our

financial backgrounds. But

that kind of simmered

down as you got into

school life. All you would

see are your friends, not

their parents, not their

money, not the fame.”

BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS

Another stellar performance at this year’s CSEC was achieved by 16-year old

Queen’s College student, THEMBIE WILLIAMS of South Vigilance. She secured 12

subjects — Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, English A (Language)*,

English B (Literature), Food & Nutrition, Geography, Human & Social Biology,

Information Technology, Mathematics*, Social Studies* and Spanish. (The

three distinctions obtained are marked by an asterisk.)

Thembie is continuing studies at Queen’s College for CAPE. She sets her

sights on later attending the University of the West Indies and pursuing a ca-

reer in paediatric medicine or a dentistry.

She described the teachers at QC as being helpful, pointing out, “they provided

handouts with main points to be studied.” She also stated, “the teachers inter-

acted well with students, which helped to make the relationship better.” She,

however, disclosed that there was a steady turnover of Spanish teachers and,

because of this, the subject posed some challenge to her.

In 2010, Thembie ranked among the nation’s top 100 performers at the Na-

tional Grade Six Assessment. She was also the community’s best performing

student at the exam. She attended New Comenius Primary, in Queenstown,

Georgetown.

She is the second of three children in a single-parent household headed by

her mother, Marva Barnes. Her father, Andrew Williams resides in Sophia. The

family worships at Grace Assemblies of God Church, where Thembie also

teaches at the church’s Sunday School.

Shaunelle Thomas

SHAUNELLE THOMAS of Company Road, Buxton completed her first year

of advanced level studies at Queen’s College, passing all of six sub-

jects she wrote the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination. She

obtained Grade 1 in four of them—Additional Mathematics, Physics,

Biology and Entrepreneurship; Grade 2 in Chemistry and Communica-

tion Studies.

Last year, she attained 15 subjects at the CSEC, which earned her

15th place among the nation’s top performers. At the completion of

her CAPE studies, she hopes to receive a scholarship to pursue univer-

sity studies overseas. Her career interests are Science and Business.

Shaunelle is the daughter of Pastor Terry Thomas and Mrs. Desiree

Thomas of 36 Company Road, Buxton.

SHAUNELLE THOMAS EXCELS AT CAPE

THEMBIE WILLIAMS “At Queen’s College, the teachers helped a lot. They provided

handouts with main points to be studied. They also interacted

well with students which helped to make the relationship better.”

AUGUST 2015

Tamala Dover, whose interests lie in Business Management and Law, ob-

tained 13 Subjects at CSEC — Principles of Business*, Mathematics, English

A (Language), Accounts, Electronic Document Preparation and Management

(EDPM), Economics; Social Studies, Integrated Science; English B

(Literature), Geography, Caribbean History, Human and Social Biology;

French.

The St. Rose’s High School student will go on to Sixth Form to study for the

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination over the next two years.

Tamala previously attended Friendship Primary School (Roman), from

where she passed the National Grade Six Assessment five years ago. She is

the only child of Ms. Simmone Hatton and Mr. Dwayne Dover. She expressed

her gratitude to her family — mother, father, grandparents and everyone else

— for their assistance and support. “My mom and my dad took me to lessons

back and forth. They stayed up to ensure that I got everything done, and that

everything was intact for me to do well.” Tamala Dover

TAMALA DOVER


“I would just like to extend heartfelt thanks to my family. My mom

and my dad took me to lessons back and forth. They stayed up to

ensure that I got everything done, and that everything was intact for

me to do well.”

KEISHA KELLMAN This year, Keisha Kellman passed 5 subjects, bringing her total

achievement at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination to 10.

She earned two Grade 1 passes — Biology (Unit 1) and Chemistry (Unit

2); she also obtained 3 Grade 2 passes — Biology (Unit 2), Caribbean

Studies (Unit 2) and Pure Mathematics (Unit 2). In 2014, she secured 5

subjects as well.

She studied at St. Stanislaus College where she enrolled in Sixth

Form, in 2013. She previously attended Christ Church Secondary

School, from where she passed 8 subjects at CSEC. She also went to

Winfer Gardens Primary School in Georgetown, from where she took the

National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

In September, she will begin classes for SAT at the New Guyana

School in Georgetown. The exam will be held on December 3rd in

Georgetown. She hopes to win a university scholarship to study abroad.

She wants to become either a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Pae-

diatrician (MD).

Keisha is the eldest of four children. Her mother, Sabrina McEwan, is

a nursery school teacher. Her father, Ronald “Rashid” Kellman is an

engineer.

KEISHA KELLMAN

Sacrificing much sleep and favourite pastimes to attend les-

sons for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

(CSEC) exams has paid off satisfactorily for Jonathan Glasgow

of Middle Walk, Buxton Front. The St. Joseph High School stu-

dent secured 11 subjects, earning four distinctions, three

Grade 1 and four Grade 2 passes.

The subjects attained are: English A (Language)*, Building

Technology*, Principles of Business*, Office Administration*,

Principles of Accounts, Mathematics, Social Studies, English

B (Literature), Geography, Information Technology and Tech-

nical Drawing. (The distinctions are denoted by asterisk).

Jonathan plans to go on to the University of Guyana, this

September, to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sci-

ence. He wants to become a pilot, but would also be happy to

settle on a career as a computer programmer. He would ap-

preciate receiving tuition assistance to help him get through

with his education.

He described his journey through high school as “a bit

rough”. By the time he got to Third Form, he was forced to

adopt serious strategies to cope with the challenges present-

ed by a demanding curriculum. He used to enjoy participating

in the singing and cultural dancing competitions at St. Jo-

seph’s, but had to drop out from them. He also had to cease

performing voluntary tasks around the school and curtail oth-

er extra-curricular activities to concentrate on his academic

work. As an active member of Grace Assemblies of God

Church, he had to cut back on his involvement there too.

Being reasonably pleased with the outcome, Jonathan is

especially grateful to his parents, Pastor Desmond and Mrs.

Ivy Glasgow, for their faithful support and assistance.

He also expressed great appreciation for the constant moti-

vation and help he received from the staff at St. Joseph High

School. He reasoned that the teachers would have known

how hard it would be for students, like himself, to adapt to

the demands of such a rigid curriculum, but, “No matter what,

they would encourage us to do our assignments and to do

our homework. They were always there to give us the push,”

Jonathan related.

JONATHAN GLASGOW AIMING TO BE A PILOT “They [the teachers] would have known how hard it would

be for students to adapt. But, no matter what, they would

encourage us to do our assignments and to do our

homework. They were always there to give us the push.”

AUGUST 2015


NEHEMIAH THORNE wrote 11 subjects at the CSEC level and passed

them all, earning one distinction in his achievement. The subjects

are Physical Education*, English A (Language), Human & Social Biol-

ogy, French, Spanish, Mathematics, English B (Literature), Econom-

ics, Geography, Social Studies and History.

The Bishops’ High School student is going on to Sixth Form to study

for CAPE. He plans on becoming a lawyer.

He described Bishops’ as a great school, which affords its students

a well-rounded education. “Students are introduced to everything,

including drama,” he related. He found the teachers very helpful.

But when he first got to the school, which in many ways, remain an

elite institution, he revealed that he felt like a stranger in his new

environment. He had come here from Company Road Primary School

(Friendship Methodist), having excelled at the National Grade Six

Assessment in 2010. However, he got himself acclimatized soon

enough to make good of the opportunity granted to him to attend

such a great school.

Nehemiah is the son of Mr. Donald Thorne (Rodrigues), affection-

ately called “Little Tan”. His mother, Leila Thorne, passed away a few

years ago. The family resides along Noble Street, Friendship.

NEHEMIAH THORNE ON TO FORM SIX

At President’s College, “It was an amazing experience; it was a time well

spent in school. The people there made you want to go to school. I

actually loved school. The teachers were always by your side. Even those

who did not teach you were also pushing you to do your best.”

KENZIA KING succeeded with nine (9) subjects at the Caribbean Secondary

Education Certificate (CSEC) — English A (Language), Physical Education, Math-

ematics, Home Management, English B (Literature), Integrated Science, Social

Studies, Electronic Document Preparation & Management, and Caribbean His-

tory.

She attended President’s College and described her time there as “an amaz-

ing experience”. She added, “It was a time well spent in school. The people

there made you want to go to school. I actually loved school. The teachers were

always by your side. Even those who did not teach you were also always push-

ing you to do your best.” She singled out Teacher Jamain Hatton for special

mention and thanked him for the encouragement and ready assistance he gave

to students . Though he specializes in teaching English, Teacher Jamain was

willing to assist students with any other subject they needed help.

Kenzia is set to enter the University of Guyana next month. In her first two

years, she plans to major in Communications. On the completion of that, she

will shift her concentration to Law.

Kenzia is the daughter of Neil King & Bridget King (neé Goodman). The family

resides along Clyde Roopchand Street.

Nehemiah Thorne

KENZIA KING ASPIRES TO BE A LAWYER

Kenzia King

THE BUXTON MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP held

its 16th annual Grade Six Awards ceremony on

16th August at Friendship Primary School’s audi-

torium. Thirteen students were presented with

certificates of achievement and rewarded with an

assortment of school supplies, which included:

pens, pencils, erasers, hand towels, butterfly (bull

dog) clips, exercise books, geometry sets, and

books for reading

The leading ministers in the Fellowship are: Pas-

tors Desmond Glasgow, Enid Benjamin, Paulette

Hannibal, Lebert Todd, Andrew Watson, Dexter

Damon, Norma Headley, Brenda Edwards, Ida

Abrams, Kwame Elias, and Noel Holder.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Three outstanding CXC

performers are the recipi-

ents of the 2015 Annie

Daniels’ Scholarship

awards. They are Kimelle

Wright, who attained 14

subjects at CSEC, includ-

ing three distinctions;

Thembie Williams, who

obtained 12, including

three distinctions; and

Jonathan Glasgow, who

secured 11, including

four distinctions. The sim-

ple presentation ceremo-

ny took place on August

28th at Friendship Primary

School’s auditorium.

The annual award was

established in 2007 by

Professor Kerwin Kofi

Charles, a distinguished

service professor and

Deputy Dean at the Uni-

versity of Chicago, U.S.A.

He is the son of Mr. Reu-

ben Charles & Mrs. Pau-

lette Charles (neé Dan-

iels).

The award is given in

honour of Professor

The beneficiaries, surrounded by members of the Bux-

ton Ministers Fellowship, display their awards.

ANNIE DANIELS’ SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

AUGUST 2015

Charles’ late grandmother, Mrs. Annie Daniels. It provides financial assistance and

encouragement for academic excellence and pursuit of higher education to young

scholars in the Buxton-Friendship community. Each recipient was presented with a

cheque for GY$105,000 (approximately US$525).

Left to Right: Ms. Ruth (Kharis) Trim, grandmother of Kimelle Wright; Ms. Marva Barnes, mother of Thembie Williams; Mrs. Paulette Charles, mother of the benefactor-Dr. Kerwin Charles; Kimelle Wright (beneficiary); Jonathan Glasgow (beneficiary); Thembie Williams (beneficiary); and Pastor Desmond Glasgow, father of Jonathan Glasgow.

...BY ANTHONY HAYNES

Meh geh nuff lil-lil ting fu talk bout suh bear wid meh lil-

bit as meh attempt fuh du a ‘donald’ .

Before I continue ‘the journey’ let me say congratula-

tions to those students who would have successfully

brought the curtains down on their Primary and Second-

ary school lives. To those who would have excelled at

the National Grade Six Assessment Examination, CSEC

and CAPE, BRAVO.

As you strive to achieve your academic goals I urge you

not to forget ‘from whence you came’ and ‘to whom you

belong.’ Just remember, Buxton needs you; Guyana

needs you.

I managed to meet with the lot of Buxtonians that

would have graduated from QC on June 25, 2015. They

are Safiya and Hadiya Victorine, Riké Semple, Kimelle

Wright and Michael Haynes.

The Victorine girls are daughters of Curbette Victorine,

formally of Buxton/Sideline Dam; Miss Semple is the

daughter of Riké Bess-Neptune of Buxton Line Top;

Kimelle Wright is the daughter of William and Karen

Wright of Vigilance (Brush Dam) while Michael is my eld-

est child.

Since the CXC results are out, here is a sneak preview

of what some of our children did:

(Continued on page 9)

Haynes Cite: EXCELLENT CXC PERFORMERS


Student’s Name (& School)

CXC Exam

Results

Hadiya Victorine (QC)

CSEC (14) Additional Mathematics - Grade 1 Agriculture Science - Grade 2

Biology - Grade 1 Chemistry –Grade 2

English A – Grade 1 English B — Grade 1

Geography - Grade 1 Human and Social Biology – Grade 1

Information Technology - Grade 1 Integrated Science - Grade 1

Mathematics - Grade 1 Physics - Grade 1

Social Studies – Grade 2 Spanish - Grade 1

Kimelle Wright (QC) CSEC (13) Additional Mathematics – Grade 2 Biology – Grade 2

Chemistry – Grade 3 English A – Grade 1

English B — Grade 1 Food and Nutrition – Grade 1

Human and Social Biology – Grade 2 Information Technology – Grade 1

Mathematics – Grade 1 (2014) Physical Education – Grade 2

Physics – Grade 3 Spanish – Grade 1

Social Studies – Grade 2

Riké Semple (QC) CAPE (5) Chemistry Unit 2 – Grade 2

Communication Studies – Grade 2

Geography Unit 2 – Grade 2

Pure Mathematics Unit 2 – Grade 2

Physics Unit 2 – Grade 3

Safiya Victorine (QC) CAPE (5) Applied Mathematics Unit 2 – Grade 1

Biology Unit 2 – Grade 1

Chemistry Unit 2 – Grade 1

Communication Studies – Grade 2


Michael Haynes (QC) CAPE (4) Biology Unit 2 – Grade 1


Caribbean Studies – Grade 2


Keisha Kellman (Saints) CAPE (2) Biology Unit 1 – Grade 1

Biology Unit 2 – Grade 2

Caribbean Studies Unit 2 – Grade 2


Pure Mathematics Unit 2 - Grade 2

“To catch the reader's attention, place an

interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”

SHINING EXAMPLES On July 25, 2015 a very special event was staged at the Arundel Congregational Church. The event was the cel-

ebration of the longest marriage in Buxton that day marked the sixty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Li-onel and Jean Gill. While many of us struggle to keep our families together, the Gills seem to be cruising

along. They are certainly extemporary for all of us.

Congratulations to them. May their lives continue to be shining examples of what love can achieve!

(Continued from page 8)

As we return to THE JOURNEY here is the satirical re-

view of the events that instigated May 11, 2015:

‘During the tenth match the Opposition mainly used a

quartet of fast bowlers Harmon and Greenidge from the

APNU end and Ramjattan and Nagamootoo from the

AFC end. With five days to play the heat was on, after

just over 80 sessions and almost three days at the

crease the PPP government was struggling to keep their

innings alive. The wicket was favourable to pace and

bounce and Captain Granger and his pacers worked

courageously to exploit those conditions. As shadows

lengthened on the third day, there was the Naga-

mootoo, steamed in from the AFC end, jumped high and

delivered another short ball to the DONALD. The DON-

ALD DUCKED, then appealed for bad light. His partner

at the non-strikers end CT ROTI then taunted the bow-

ler, “If you have the testicular capacity bowl another

short ball.’’

Faced with the prospects of a debate on a No-

confidence motion the Ramotar Administration post-

poned the date for the resumption of parliament and

sought to have the executive branch of government im-

pose an agenda for its resumption. The Opposition re-

sisted that attempt and bowled another short-pitched

delivery, ‘the No-Confidence Motion placed on the Order

Paper.’ Donald ‘fidgeted in the crease, mopped his

brow, then, like Chanderpaul, he ducked again.

On November 10, 2014, President Ramotar, by procla-

mation under Article 70 (1) of the Constitution, pro-

rogued the National Assembly. His reason: to give the

Opposition time to cool-off and to engage the President

in talks. The parliamentary opposition immediately re-

jected this development and accused the President of

assuming the posture of a dictator. It was the first time,

under the ‘Burnham Constitution,’ that this article was

invoked. Based on the constitution, the maximum valid

time for prorogation is six months.

(Continued on page 10)

Haynes Cite: JOURNEY VI- DONALD DUCKS

AUGUST 2015

Team 1 of 'K' House being congratulated for winning

the Queen’s College 2014 Quiz Night Competition

(Michael Haynes is second from right ).

Upper Sixth Form QC graduates (Left to right): Riké

Semple, Michael Haynes and Safiya Victorine

The government found itself in a quandary as Reli-

gious Organisations, Civil Society, Trade Unions, Human

Rights Organizations and foreign diplomats all deplor-

ing the act and calling on the President to rescind the

proclamation. In the mean time, while the opposition

should have been cooling off, they were effectively set

alight. Several protest actions and public meetings

were organised by opposition groups to sensitize the

general populace of the implications of the prorogation

as proposed talks with the government was rejected.

The APNU would have issued a call and protested for

the holding of Local Government Elections. On Novem-

ber 14, 2014 the party hosted a massive meeting at

the Square of the Revolution, sharing the platform with

the AFC to highlight its concerns. At that meeting Da-

vid Granger, as Leader of the Opposition was adamant

that during the three years of the Donald Ramotar Pres-

idency he has refused to discuss pertinent issues of

concern with the political opposition and the people

they represent. According to Nigel Hughes, the Presi-

dent by proclamation would have transformed Guyana

from a Republic to that of a Kingdom where he rules by

proclamation. He indicated that the current state of

affairs cannot be allowed to continue and that Guya-

nese must understand that regardless of their political

persuasion, race or religion, every citizen will be affect-

ed by the DONALD’s decision to PROROGUE; as Guya-

nese “we all must stand up.”

(Continued from page 9)

On December 06, 2014, the AFC, at its biennial confer-

ence, declared ‘BRING IT ON DONALD, WE READY,’ a call

for general and Regional Elections. The party used the

Conference to put its members in elections mode while

members speculated on the persons to lead the party

into those elections if and when they are called. It was

clear that the names Moses Nagamootoo and Nigel

Hughes were the party’s trump cards. At that Conference

also, the re-elected party leader, Khemraj Ramjattan,

threatened to ‘’jail and fry the PPP crooks.’’ As he wound

up his presentation he floated the idea that the party was

disposed of a pre-election, pro-democracy alliance/

arrangement with political parties/civil society. This an-

nouncement would have come a mere three weeks after

he had posited that the AFC would become ‘dead meat’ if

it enters a coalition with the PNC/APNU and his reluc-

tance to be present at the APNU organised post proroga-

tion meeting at the Square of the Revolution.

‘Fat kat does cry hard.’ Until the next time, TO GOD BE

THE GLORY!

HAYNES CITE: JOURNEY VI


A section of the large crowd that gathered at the APNU

organised post prorogation meeting at the Square of the

Revolution

AFC leaders, Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes and Moses Nagamotoo, at the Head Table

DONATE TODAY Support schools & educational programmes in Buxton

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Help foster nutritional efficiency & environmental

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Your donation is tax-deductible. Buxton-Friendship Heritage

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Send cheques to :

BUXTON FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE FUND, INC.

454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207

BUXTON: OUR LEGACY; OUR PRIDE; AND YES, IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE. GIVE BACK!

Scores of schoolchildren,

home on the 2-month July-

August recess, spent some

gainful and enjoyable time

participating in a recent Art

workshop. The one-week ex-

ercise, conducted by promi-

nent Buxtonian artist, Jona-

than Azore, was held at

Friendship Primary School

(FPS). Mr. Azore has carried

out similar workshops for the

benefit of youths and aspir-

ing artists in the village dur-

ing the past few years. On

the last day of the session,

several pieces rendered by

the children were hung in

display as part of an exhibi-

tion.

The project was jointly

sponsored by Buxton-

Friendship Heritage Fund and CIMBUX. Major assistance was rendered by Ms. Ka-

ren Dey, FPS headmistress, Ms. D’encia Phillips, Mr. Rollo Younge and other volun-

teers from the village. Their contributions and support were greatly appreciated.

Registered dietitian, Clavia Campbell, seen standing, conducts a seminar on Nu-

trition at Buxton Health Centre.

New York-based Buxto-

nian, Clavia Campbell

(neé Williams) took time

from her month-long va-

cation in Guyana to carry

out a two-day Health &

Nutrition seminar at the

Buxton Health Centre.

Speaking to expectant

mothers, the registered

dietitian outlined the

benefits of healthy eat-

ing to the development

of strong and healthy

individuals. The work-

shop was held on the 5th

and 6th of August.

CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP

NUTRITION SEMINAR

AUGUST 2015

Graduates of the 2015 Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme flanked, at extreme left, by Mr. Andrew Tyn-

dall, Director of the national Music School.

Seated in front row are: Dr. Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Education Ministry, who presented the cer-

tificates, and Ms. Yonette Greaves , an official of Republic Bank.

The ceremony was held at Tipperary Hall on 31 July, 2015.

Trumpeters, Daniel Daly and Steven Cameron performing at

the Graduation Ceremony

GRADUATION TIME FOR PAN MINORS

Minister within the Ministry of

Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry is seen

presenting one of the graduates of the

Right Start Pan Minors Music Literacy

Programme with his certificate of

completion. The ceremony was held

on July 31, 2015 at Tipperary Hall.

The programme was conducted by

Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, and

sponsored by Republic Bank.


GINA RELEASE, 3 AUGUST, 2015:

The Education Ministry has embarked on a number of outreach pro-

grammes aimed at developing a sound education policy that will cut

across all regions, communities, and socio-economic standings. The policy

will realize the eradication of illiteracy and allow students to realise their

full potential.

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, in ensuring that such a

policy is properly designed, has embarked upon a series of community

meetings where residents, parents and teachers can sit and discuss the

issues affecting the current education system, and together formalize the

way forward.

At one such meeting held recently at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, Min-

ister Roopnaraine indicated that his intention was to do away parts of the

National Grade Six Assessment process. “The accumulation of points at

Grades Two and Four, I’m looking to eliminate…it shouldn’t be,” the minis-

ter said. He explained that the scores earned at those exams are there to

serve only as a guide to teachers, so they have a fair idea of the areas

they need to focus with the students.

The previous administration had, a

few years ago, implemented the

‘accumulation system’ which saw the

results of National Grades Two and

Four Assessments being included in

the computation of students final

National Grade Six results.

KWAYANA LECTURE SERIES IN BUXTON

ERADICATING ILLITERACY ~ EDUCATION MINISTER

AUGUST 2015

Students pose with their award certificates at the Empowerment Workshop

The annual Empowerment Workshop for incoming second-

ary school students was held on 11th August at the Compa-

ny Road Primary School. The programme is one of a number

of activities sponsored by Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund

(USA) during the July-August vacation period. In addition to

learning coping strategies for the new environment, the stu-

dents received backpacks filled with school supplies and

study aids for secondary school.

2015 EMANCIPATION DEBATE

Standing in the middle are the three representatives of

Team Buxton at the 2015 Emancipation Debate Competi-

tion, held in Plaisance on 11 August. Plaisance won.

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP

Some of the students shown with their backpacks filled with

school supplies for their secondary school induction. The work-

shop was held on 11 August at Company Road Primary School.

INSIDE STORY HEADLINE

EMPOWERED FOR HIGH SCHOOL


A number of teachers and current high school stu-

dents also came to offer the children advice and

support in the new phase of their education journey.

The local organisers were Teacher Collis Nicholson

and Mr. Rollo Younge. Thanks to them, as well as

the other teachers, presenters, parents and volun-

teers who helped in carrying out this workshop.

The 3rd annual Emancipation Debate Com-

petition between Buxton and Plaisance, fea-

turing post-Grade Six students, was held at

the Plaisance Society Hall on 11th August.

The moot was: “SOCIAL COHESION CAN ON-

LY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH ETHNIC INTE-

GRATION.”

Team Buxton was represented by Aria Mat-

thews, Adiette McAlmont and Tonique Hat-

ton. The debate coach was Collis Nicholson,

while Hazel Newton-Azore offered brief train-

ing on technique.

The victorious Team Plaisance comprised

Jonathan John (Best Speaker), Lamar Forde

and Denzil. They were coached by Mr. Rod-

well Lewis.

VISITING THE RESTORED INDEPENDENCE ARCH PARLIAMENT CHAMBER

MORE HERITAGE WEEK ACTIVITIES

AUGUST 2015

Two days later, students and teachers were treated to an educa-

tional bus tour. They visited Parliament Building where they got a

look inside the Chamber and a lesson on the history and function of

the National Assembly.

They also visited the Museum of African Heritage in Bel Air Park,

1763 Monument at the Square of the Revolution, 1823 Monument

along Seawall Road, the Independence Arch on Brickdam, and the

University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. At the conclusion of the

tour, they picnicked at Company Road Primary School compound.

This was the fifth year of the outing which serves as both educa-

tional and entertainment treats for students who completed the Na-

tional Grade Six Assessment and are heading off to secondary

school. In past years, the tour has also gone to New Amsterdam and

Sandvoort in East Berbice (Berbice Rebellion 250th Anniversary), the

National Museum in Georgetown and the Guyanese Heritage Muse-

um at Mete-meer-zorg, West Coast Demerara.

At left, students pose in front of the 1823 Monument, while, at

right, they board the tour bus after the tour of Parliament Building.

Best Wishes for longer life, happy and healthier days go out to Sister Nellie Thomas, af-f e c t i o n a t e l y known throughout the Buxton com-munity as Nurse

Thomas. The retired midwife and Bronx, New York resident celebrated her 103rd birthday on 3rd August, 2015, surrounded by a host of loving and cheering family members. Happy Birthday, Sister Nellie!

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: 103 NOT OUT


SEARCH & FIND Booklet Released

A Search and Find with Guyana in Mind booklet has been re-

leased. This 52-page booklet provides useful information for

anyone interested in learning basic facts about Guyana, the

Guyanese people, and the Guyanese culture. This information is

presented in a unique way, using word search puzzles posi-

tioned alongside a continuous thread selected topics such as:

an interactive quiz, proverbs, poems, and other gems, all relat-

ing to Guyanese history and culture.

The use of this two-prong format is based on the belief that

much information and insight about Guyana can be gained from

the selected topics as well as clues to the word search puzzles.

Apart from its activity value, this uniquely designed and colorful

booklet would make not only a valued addition to your library

collection, but also a great gift for your non Guyanese friends as

well as your children and grandchildren, if applicable.

The cover design of this booklet features a close-up view of Guy-

ana's world renowned Kaieteur Fall, as captured in its radiant

splendor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For copies of this limited edition booklet are available for $10

each plus postage (if applicable), by contacting L. O. Barton at

(302) 366-8879 or email: [email protected].

To mark Education Month 2015, Buxton–Friendship

Heritage Fund is holding a fundraising Tea Party & Cultur-

al Show on 19th September in Brooklyn, New York. Pro-

ceeds from the event will help support public schools and

scholarship programmes in the village.

There are three nursery schools, three primary schools,

one secondary school, and one technical/vocational insti-

tution located within the village. Altogether, there are

eight public schools, which cater to the educational

needs of more than one thousand children.

In time for the new school year, beginning on August

31st, Buxton Heritage Fund has furnished all of the nurse-

ry and primary schools with teaching materials, student

supplies, office equipment and stationery. While this con-

tribution may not satisfy all their needs, we hope it will go

a far way in meeting some of the more critical ones.

Thanks to two of our generous supporters, we were

able to provide Company Road Primary and Friendship

Primary schools with modern photocopiers. These

would be used to reproduce educational and testing

materials to be used in the schools. Next on our priority

list is a similar machine for Buxton Primary

(Congregational/Missionary) School. We would gladly

welcome donations towards its acquisition from sup-

porters and friends.

We are also aware of the substantial needs of the

Buxton Secondary School. We plan to work on them

shortly.

Come one, come all, and support another worthy fund-

raising venture for Buxton — Back-2-School Tea Party

and Cultural Show on Saturday, September 19th! More

details can be found in the flyer, which is posted below.

BACK-2-SCHOOL TEA PARTY & SHOW

AUGUST 2015

Demerara Waves—9 August, 2015:

President David Granger on Sunday [9 August] urged

Guyanese to kick-start village economies through agri-

culture and manufacturing rather than rely on salaried

jobs and merely using their communities as

"dormitories."

"Unless you change the economy, create entrepre-

neurship and manufacturing, we will always be victims

of people who make decisions for us," he told a forum

on the State of African Guyanese held at the Critchlow

Labour College. The event was organised by the non-

governmental organisation, Cuffy250.

He reasoned that: salaried employment is "very seduc-

tive" because of guaranteed payment regardless of the

circumstances but being a farmer requires savings to

purchase seeds, fertilizer and equipment.

Granger warned Guyanese that if they do not change

the economy and add value to their products, the coun-

try would always be exporting raw products like rice,

sugar, bauxite, gold and timber. "Every society is de-

fined by what it produces."

He lamented that many communities have become

unproductive since the abolition of slavery and the pur-

chase of villages by freed slaves who had pooled their

savings. "Many of our communities which were once

productive units are now dormitories," said Granger.

The President said special attention must be paid to

the development and growth of village economies be-

cause they would in turn contribute to the improvement

and sustenance of the national economy. "The village

economies need and demand more attention from our

economic planners," he said.

He acknowledged that one of the major problems that

is preventing the kick-start of village economies is the

high level of youth [un]employment because many of

them are interested in becoming police and soldiers

instead of toiling the deep backlands.

In that regard, the President said Guyanese should

not expect the government to magically create jobs.

The President also urged Afro-Guyanese to change

their culture of doing things by being thrifty rather

than focus on gold teeth, apparel, cigarettes and

alcohol. "You make the choices and you will have to

live with the consequences," said Granger, a histori-

an and former Brigadier of the Guyana Defence

Force.

DEVELOP VILLAGE ECONOMIES & BE THRIFTY ~ PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER


"Unless you change the economy, create entrepreneurship and

manufacturing, we will always be victims of people who make

decisions for us."

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER

CHANDRAWATTEE TIWARI-GURUDAT, known as REENIE departed this life peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, 9th Au-

gust, 2015 at Annandale Sand Reef, East Coast, Demerara.

She was born at Buxton Front, 73 years ago, as the first child to SHIWSAYWACK

AND DARSHINI TIWARI.

"Reenie" attended Buxton Congregational School in the village from which

she passed the 1956 School Leaving Certificate examination. She was the

sister of JASODRA SEWSINGH of New Forest, East Canje, Berbice and BIPNARINE, ALSO KNOWN AS DENNIS TIWARI, of Farm

village, Mahaicony, East, Coast, Demerara; and a granddaughter of SEEPALTAN TIWARI MARAJ of Buxton Village and

SEENANAN DOOBAY MARAJ KNOWN AS BASH OF FLAGSTAFF, Cane Grove, Mahaica.

She was married 55 years ago to GURUDAT GOBERDHAN, ALSO KNOWN AS DUFFY of Buxton Front. The union produced

9 children, 30 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The funeral and cremation took place on Friday 14th August 2015 at 10.00 a.m. Condolences may be sent to

DEORANIE GURUDAT, KNOWN AS DATA, at 89-A Buxton Middle Walk North, or called to telephone Number 220-2183.

OTHER DEPARTURES

Other departures:

Enid Clarke (neé Hamer), 86 years old. She was

called home on 15 August, 2015 in Georgia, USA.

Funeral and interment scheduled to take place in

Buxton on 29 August.

Gem Moses passed away in Brooklyn, New York.

Alfred Marshall, 97; born Buxtonian who resided

at Industry, ECD

The following is an extract from a news report on the demise of Mr. Charles Wilson:

Charles Wilson, 82, also known as “Starrett” and “President” from Buxton, East Coast Demerara, was discovered

dead on the corner of a side street opposite the Guinness Bar on the Buxton Railway Embankment. No marks of

violence were found on the body except for an injury he sustained when a motor vehicle ran over his foot while he

was resting on the corner of the side street. Residents said the driver of the vehicle then went to summon the po-

lice. Wilson was reportedly alive when the driver went to summon the police, but some minutes after the police ar-

rived, Wilson was declared dead.

According to residents, Wilson was sleeping under the roadside shed located at the corner of the side street until

about 3:00 pm yesterday. Wilson was reportedly removed from the shed by a resident identified as a “Rasta man”

and was placed on the corner of the side street at the request of a female resident who routinely sold plantain chips

under the shed.

Wilson was reportedly sleeping under the shed since Saturday last. Relatives at the scene said he refused to stay

at a Senior Citizens’ homes, and was well-known in the community as “an insane man.”

CHARLES “STARRETT” WILSON

OBITUARY: “REENIE” TIWARI-GURUDAT

AUGUST 2015

Thank You Buxton-Heritage Fund takes this oppor-

tunity to acknowledge receipt of a recent donation from Randolph Rupert Sampson

of Brooklyn, NY. His contribution was made towards the

Heritage Week activities for students.

Mr. Sampson has been a regular sup-porter to these activities since the launch

of the Buxton-Friendship Heritage week in 2011. Thank you, Rupert!

BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HOMECOMING CELEBRATION 2016 Next year, we will celebrate two important milestones. It will be

50 years since Guyana became an Independent country, and it will

be 175 years since our ancestors acquired the adjoining Friend-

ship plantation and merged it with Buxton to establish the premier

village in Guyana. The opportunity will also be taken to inaugurate

celebration of the UN-designated International Decade for People

of African Descent {2015-2025).

To commemorate these historic achievements, Buxton-Friendship

Heritage Fund (USA) and its partners will hold a one-week grand

celebration in the village, starting on May 22, 2016.

We are in the early stages of planning the calendar of activities,

but some of the ideas being considered include a commemorative

service at an historic church in the community; a commencement

ceremony; a cultural fair with booths featuring the history, cuisine,

dress wear and other unique customs of prominent African coun-

tries; a talent show (concert); sightseeing excursions; village tour;

school exhibition; party for elders; community caucus. The festivi-

ties will culminate with a gala awards recognition banquet &

dance, honouring local residents for their commitment and service

to the community.

Join in the celebration!

Buxton-Fr iendsh ip Her i tage Fund, Inc .

BUXTON: Our Legacy, Our Pride,

Our Responsibility

E-mail us at:

[email protected]

Buxton-Friendship Homecoming May 22, 2016 — May 28, 2016

Celebrating Friendship 175

th Purchase Anniversary

Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary

International Decade for People of African Descent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gala Awards Banquet Dance

Cultural Fair & Exhibition * Community Day *

Sightseeing Tours * Village Caucus & more…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.

Buxton-Friendship Express August 2015

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lorna Campbell

Anthony Haynes

EDITORS

Dr. Clayton Bacchus

Lorna Campbell

2015 ess - buxton, guyana

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