buxton-friendshipbuxtonguyana.net/buxton-friendshipexpress2017-11.pdf · port of her proud...

Buxtonians in the US joined with fellow Americans in celebrating Thanks-

giving this month. Many travelled across miles to reunite with family and

friends, and give thanks for their blessings while feasting on the occasion.

The highlight of the holiday is usually a sumptuous dinner, the main

course of which is roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy,

steamed vegetables and cranberry sauce. Over the years, the Guyanese di-

aspora has added some of its own cultural dishes to the menu, laying out a

very lavish spread for delightful consumption. It is widely believed that

people eat more on Thanksgiving Day than on any other day of the year.

Thanksgiving in the U.S. is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of Novem-

ber, while in neighbouring Canada, the special day is observed on the sec-

ond Monday of October.

BFE17-11

Medical School Graduate

Appointed Judge

2

3

Buxton Secondary Gets

Appliances & Supplies

4

Projector & More Donat-

ed to Practical Centre

Thanks for Giving

6

7

Traditional Medicine 8

Wha de Story Seh: Rasta

& Coconut:

Haynes: Stupidee II

10

12

Mathematics

Quiz Whiz

13

14

Obituary: Orrin Moses

General Information

15

16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Buxton-Friendship Express November 2017

P ub l i s he d by B ux t o n - F r i e nds h i p H e r i t a ge F und , I nc .

SO THANKFUL

The McRae-Talbot family celebrating Thanksgiving in Brooklyn, New York

Congratulations to Dr. Shebiki Acosia Beaton. She gradu-

ated, with distinction, from the University of Guyana

School of Medicine and also copped this year’s award

for Best Graduating Student in Obstetrics & Medicine.

Her academic journey began at the New Friendship

Nursery School, then continued on to Friendship Pri-

mary School (Roman). In 2006, she sat the National

Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and finished among the

country’s top 40 performers. She was awarded a place

at the eminent Queen’s College, from where she grad-

uated, in 2011, with 12 CSEC subjects, earning eight dis-

tinctions.

Shebiki enrolled at the University of Guyana, and was

subsequently admitted into the medicine/surgery pro-

gramme. For this, she received a four-year scholarship

from the Wilfred Vernon Clarke Memorial Fund. She

was also awarded the Annie Daniels’ Memorial Scholar-

ship, and received a book grant from CIMBUX and a

computer from Buxton Heritage Fund to aid her with

studies.

On 11th November, she was among more than 2,000

graduands honoured at 51st Convocation Ceremony of

the University of Guyana. She acknowledged the sup-

port of her proud parents—Clarence and Bonieta Bea-

ton, her brother—Okeme, other family members,

teachers and friends.

Buxton is extremely proud of this phenomenal young

lady and her stellar achievement. Best wishes to her in

all her future endeavours!

Dr. Shebiki Acosia Beaton, MBBS

BEST GRADUATING STUDENT- OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY

Buxton-Friendship Express

November 2017

DAMONE YOUNGE, daughter of the

late Norma Younge, has been ap-

pointed to serve as a puisne judge

of Guyana’s High Court. She and

four other judges were sworn in by

President David Granger, in July.

In his address at the ceremony, the

President reportedly emphasized

“the importance of integrity, impar-

tiality, and independence of the Ju-

diciary”.

Congrats, Damone! Buxton is very

proud of you.

President Granger and Damone Younge (right)

APPOINTED JUDGE

“The race of people who do

not thirst with assiduity for

Education is doomed. You and

your children must make the

sacrifice. If you don’t, then the

great dreams of the people

who bought and established

these villages will be

undeservedly squandered.”

Simeon Josephus “Prophet” Wills At the dedication of The Buxton Monument In honour of the Centenary Anniversary of Emancipation 1st August, 1938

The Buxton Secondary School got many of

the items on its needs’ list filled this month

with a large donation from Buxton-Friendship

Heritage Fund. Included in the donation pack-

age were a Kenmore 21 cubic-foot stainless

steel refrigerator, a 1.6 cubic foot microwave

oven, surge protectors and transformers for

the Home Economics department. This is one

of the more successful streams at the school,

but the department had been without the nec-

essary kitchen appliances for more than two

years.

The school was also presented with a multi-

media projector and screen to offer tutorials to

students. An ample supply of print/copy paper,

dustless chalk, chalkboard dusters, scotch tape

with dispensers, packs of manila folders, enve-

lopes of assorted sizes, push pins, other station-

ery and materials, was also handed over.

In addition to the items given to the school, all

of the students in the 2018 CSEC class were pro-

vided with individual geometry sets, a number

of pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners.

(Continued on page 5)

Head of the Home Eco-

nomics department, Mrs.

Leotta Seales-Park (left)

shows off the stainless steel

refrigerator and microwave

oven donated to Buxton

Secondary School.

Standing at right is commu-

nity volunteer, Mr. Lyndon

France, who assisted with

customs clearance and de-

livery of the items to the

schools.

BUXTON HERITAGE FUND DONATES

HOME EC APPLIANCES TO BUXTON SECONDARY


November 2017

The donation to this school was largely funded by proceeds from

the New York Patronal Dance and generous contributions from vil-

lagers. Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.

You’re helping to make a difference in children’s lives and the future

of our village.

Buxton Heritage Fund is also working out plans to sponsor a week-

end tutoring academy to help students improve their performances

in Mathematics, Science and other core CXC subjects. We would

gladly welcome volunteer tutors, assistants and donations for learn-

ing supplies and snacks.

(Continued from page 4)

Buxton Secondary School Headmas-

ter, Mr. Neil Stewart (left) exchang-

es a handshake with Buxton Herit-

age Fund Committee Member, Mr.

Kenneth Wilkinson, after the

presentation of a multimedia pro-

jector to the school from the group.

Students from the 2018 CSEC class hold up some of the individual school supplies provided to them

by Buxton Heritage Fund through its donors and supporters.

BUXTON HERITAGE FUND DONATES TO BUXTON SECONDARY STUDENTS

Early this year, General Secretary of Bux-

ton Heritage Fund, Lorna Campbell paid a

visit to the Practical Instruction Centre

(Trade School), located along Friendship

Company Road, past Pond Dam. The staff

welcomed the opportunity to explain the

various programmes offered for day and

evening students. In doing so, they also

pointed out that the pre-vocational centre

was in need of several essential resources

to effectively deliver the quality of educa-

tion and training expected of it.

This month, Buxton Heritage Fund donat-

ed many of the needed items to the cen-

ter. The purchase was largely facilitated by

the Doris Gordon Memorial Fund. We take

this opportunity to thank again the Gordon

family for their thoughtfulness and loving

support. The PIC family and Buxton com-

munity also appreciate your kindness.

The items donated include a multimedia

projector and screen, architectural draw-

ing paper and special pencils, 2-pocket

folders, print and loose-leaf paper, pens,

pencils, erasers, sharpeners, dustless

chalk, assorted envelopes, and more.

Principal of the Buxton

Practical Instruction Cen-

tre, Ms. Allison Pitt (2nd

right); Senior Mistress,

June Paul (1st right); Senior

M i s t r e s s - O v e a n n e

Manswell (1st in left back

row); Deputy HM, Leslyn

Hodge (2nd

, left backrow)

and students from the day

programme display some

of the items donated to

the pre-vocational centre.

DONATION TO PRACTICAL CENTRE


ABOVE: Principal of Buxton Practical Instruction Centre,

Ms. Allison Pitt expressing appreciation to Buxton-

Friendship Heritage Fund committee member, Mr. Ken-

neth Wilkinson (right), following the presentation.

November 2017

Thanks to fellow villagers and kind friends who continue to support our fundrais-

ing efforts to improve Buxton/Friendship, and provide a brighter future for the chil-

dren of our community. Your support is greatly appreciated.

RECENT DONORS:

Margaret Abrams (“Miss Girlie”)

Barbara Dorsett

Charles French

Eleanor King (Claudette Burgan)

Maxwell Barnes [Medical Outreach]

Lyndon Barton [Medical Outreach]

Joseph France (Monty Shaw) [Medical Outreach]

Ken Herod [Medical Outreach]

Dave McRae [Medical Outreach]

...Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.

Not only is December the traditional month for Giving, it is also the time that could greatly

affect the returns American taxpayers will file next year - by April 15th.

Charitable giving can help reduce tax liabilities and also increase refunds. According to Internal

Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, tax filers who hope to take itemized charitable deductions on

their 2017 tax returns must make their donations to a qualified charitable organization by Decem-

ber 31st of this year. This means that you have just a few weeks left to take advantage of this tax-

saving deduction.

Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc. is a registered charitable organization under the IRS 501(c)

(3) tax code. This means, that donations made to the Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent

of the law. Make a donation before December 31st and save on your taxes. You will also enjoy the

satisfaction of making a life changing difference for a needy child or family in Buxton. Since there

is precious little time left for you to maximize your tax savings for this year, you need to act now.

Mail your cheque/money order by December 31, 2017 to:

Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.

454 Vermont Street,

Brooklyn, NY 11207

THANKS FOR GIVING

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHARITABLE GIVING

The name ‘Mama Fiffee’ represents an iconic Guyanese institution, best known for its tradi-

tional herbal treatments, birthed at Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara, and which has

mushroomed into a global phenomenon.

Gloria Fiffee is the fourth child, born on November 3rd, 1940, to James and Agatha Fiffee,

who is best known as ‘Mama Fiffee’, a revered woman who for many years attended to ill-

nesses using herbal medicines made from plants found deep in the backlands of Buxton.

From an early age, Gloria knew that her destiny was to assume the leadership from Mama

Fiffee who passed away in 2004, one month after celebrating her 100th birthday.

“It was a lot of pressure on me at first. I knew I would have to be the one to continue this family tradition. I did not want to do

it, but when God puts you in position, you have to answer the call, no matter what you think or what you believe you want to

do,” Gloria said.

Perhaps the fear she felt came about because the herbal treatment knowledge has been in the family for well over 200 years.

Gloria was told that during the slavery days, her great-grandmother arrived at Plantation Lusignan and equipped herself with

the knowledge of the medicinal value of the trees and plants in the surrounding villages. It has remained a family secret for

generations ever since.

Gloria attended St. Anthony’s R.C. School, now the Friendship Primary School. She never pursued a secondary education, but

started immediately to assist her mother. She recalled getting up at 5 a.m. to go into the backlands, and helping her father and

other relatives with chores.

“In those days life was simple. We did not have all this technology. We used to play in the streets. It was sweet times. Moon-

light nights was the best, but today they ain’t know about that nice life when we were young,” Gloria recalls. She also recal led

the village functions and celebrations such as a KweKwe, a traditional African-Guyanese pre-wedding ceremony.

Although she would lead a normal life as a child, at home, she was constantly being groomed to one day take over the family

empire. She said her older sister did not take a liking to the idea of becoming a ‘bush doctor’ and this pushed her even more to

learn about the trade. “I use to help Mama a lot around the house. I used to watch what she did and listen. Anything she want-

ed help with, we used to help her. So from early we started to learn what bush to use and how to use it, became Mama said my

great grandmother said that this gift is from God, and it got to pass from generation to generation,” Gloria reflected.

Gloria met her husband, Ulric Vasconcellos, 57 years ago. His sister was dating Gloria’s brother and, one day during a visit,

he mustered enough courage to reveal his love for her. Gloria recalled with a smile, that it was on October 8, 1960, that the two

really started speaking during a visit at their Buxton home.

She described herself as a ‘fierce woman’ and no man at the time dared to approach her. “They were all afraid, because I

don’t take nonsense, but he was good. He had told me that he was pursuing me from school days, but I can’t remember him

from school. It wasn’t until he used to come with his sister that we start talking,” Gloria stated. She is extremely grateful for

Ulric’s support during their 52 years of marriage. The union has produced seven children: Claudette, Lovern, Anthony, Simone,

Jilian, Samantha and John. There are twenty-four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren added over the years.

She recalls that over the years, there were many children who benefited from the family’s benevolence, as Mama Fiffee had

an open door policy, and this led to the creation of an annual birthday celebration for children in the community. “Every year,

when was Mama birthday, the yard use to full of kids,” she recounted. Gloria has adopted the programme and commemorated

her 77th birthday this year with a party on November 5, where over 2000 children attended“This is not one of those parties

where there is worldly music. We lift up God in this celebration. The children come and sing so beautifully. You should hear the

heavenly music. It was wonderful. God has blessed me to be over the years, and if he can take five loaves and two fishes to

feed the multitude then who am I; giving back is me just saying thanks,” Gloria said.

While Gloria had been working alongside Mama Fiffee, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that she single-handedly assisted her

first patient. In those days they operated from another house east of their current location at 91 Middle Street, Buxton. She

vividly recalled that a family travelled by train from Georgetown to Buxton with a young woman who had been bed-ridden for

several days at the public hospital due to a uterus-related illness. “It was very late in the night and the girl was in so much pain.

Mama was not well. I was nervous, but I knew what I had to do. I took care of her; fixed her uterus and she immediately fell

asleep.” She also remembered that the young woman and her family were given a place to rest overnight. During the evening,

the woman’s mother asked why her daughter was snoring so heavily and Gloria recalled responding, “That is the sound of wom-

an who is finally getting some rest”. The next morning, Gloria provided the family with breakfast at no extra cost and they left

the village. She said the woman retuned some days later to give thanks.


LEGACY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE GLORIA FIFFEE-VASCONCELLOS — KAIETEUR NEWS “SPECIAL PERSON

Writer: GORDON FRENCH - 12 November, 2017


November 2017

From that experience, she became more confident while ever learning from her mother.

“Me know all what fuh do, but me nah had the confidence in meh self, but God give me the confi-

dence that night. Look where I am today,” Gloria said.

These days, Gloria no longer makes the trip to the backlands, but would hand out instructions to

the boys of the village who would travel miles into the backlands to collect specific ‘bush’ for par-

ticular illnesses. She claims to have successfully found remedies for various illnesses such as

colds, fever, neck masses in children, general cleanses, and the ability to ‘untie uterus’ also known

as tubal reversal among others. She also claimed to have mastered the dying skill to rub nara, a

condition which arises from lifting too heavy an object or performing too strenuous physical activity

which results in belly pain and diarrhea. She has become increasingly popular for the tubal rever-

sal, a practice she said allows women the ability to make children.

“Doctors today are anxious to tell young women to remove the womb for various reasons. Every-

thing is a tablet and an operation for nuff money. A lot of young women are coming now because

the word has spread that we can do this to help them to make children. Fibroid is another thing

that we can treat, which is causing so many women discomfort. I really feel good when women

come back with their children to say, ‘thank you, Gloria’. I tell them give God the thanks,” says Gloria, ever mindful of not giving

away too many of the family secrets.

Thousands have benefited from the family’s business and by Gloria continuing, means that the next generation can continue

the practice. She said persons have travelled from all parts of Guyana and from overseas to access treatment. “It comes with

great responsibility,” she noted.

Gloria is very mindful that many persons are seeking to get their hands on the family’s knowledge. She recalled a team of

doctors had visited their home and requested to be taken to the Buxton backlands to be shown the medicinal plants she uses.

“I said no way. How could I betray my family for a couple of dollars? I would not die at peace.”

She also recalled a magazine showing interest in her work and had set up to travel from Mississippi to interview her about all

the various plants she uses. She cancelled the engagement after discovering that they wanted her to share the sources of her

treatment.

In March of 1995, her family took her to New York. During that time, many persons who had heard about her started lining

up to meet her. However, the frigid weather at the time and a yearning to live out the rest of her life at home, led to her return-

ing to Guyana after just three months. “Many people wanted me to stay, including my family. People were coming from every-

where to see me. They started calling. It was too much. I made a big fuss at the time and I was back in Guyana in no time.

When I meet Timehri, I wash out all the American soil and said to myself, ‘Guyana is where I born and it is here I have to dead’.

Anyone who wants treatment will have to come to Buxton,” Gloria stated.

Some eleven years ago, Gloria was medically diagnosed with Cancer. At the insistence of her children, she attended two

chemo treatment appointments, only to find out on both occasions that the machine was not functioning. She reverted to what

she knew best – herbal treatment. She recalled using a combination of ‘three bush.’ One year later, she revisited the doctor,

and shockingly, they found no cancer.

She said expanding the business to offer her products on a larger scale is something she has resisted over the years, be-

cause she sees it as a labour of love. Gloria is very knowledgeable that her fees have remained somewhat constant over the

years. “I am not going to charge a set of money to kill people. We must be contented with what God has given us. I am making

enough to keep my family going and provide for children in the community. What more can I ask for? I would be very greedy.

Sometimes, I see mothers in tears, who can’t even afford passage to go back home. And I, Gloria, would give them treatment

for free. That is what God teach us as a people.”

Over the years, the family has battled the stigma of being an ‘obeah house’ and a place that performs abortions. Gloria, a

devoted Catholic, said her mom died at peace with God and warned her before she died not to get involved in any ‘obeah

works’ nor carry out abortions, regardless of how lucrative offers may come along. “She was very serious about that, because

that is not something she got from her mother. People does come all the time and whisper in my ears how they come to do

some work and they want throw away baby. Granny did not teach me spiritual work. Many people have come to me to say jum-

bie on them, but why lie to them? I don’t study them, because a child is a blessing on this earth. No way I could know God and

do these things,” protested Gloria, during the interview.

She knows that herbal remedies have doubters, but does not entertain the discussion. Gloria encourages persons to stay

away from traditional treatment if there is any doubt. “Tablet or my bush medicines, I don’t want anyone to feel like I want to

sell them something. It is up to them.”

Sitting in her chair as nightfall came, Gloria said she was very happy that her children and grandchildren have a vested inter-

est in the traditional medicine business. She wishes the men in the family would also pursue it; as traditionally, the women of

the family have carried the torch.

At the crack of dawn, she takes her seat downstairs and passes out instructions, preparing the next generation of the ‘Fiffee

clan’ to step up, knowing that she has slowed down with age. “My mama died a peaceful woman. If she been a tek life, she

couldn’t have died peaceful. And she warned me to teach dem children that no matter who, no matter how much money, do

not do it! Me decide that the work what I put out will be one that I will be proud of. I am also at peace with myself,” concluded

Gloria.

(Continued from page 8) GLORIA VASCONCELLOS

The Late Mama Fiffee

Gloria in younger days

Wan day, mih see wan Rasta sellin green co’nut wata a’ Bux’n railway embankment side. Rasta-

man doin business—nice. Important industry he a mek—nice. Suh ee and di village a’ strive—nice,

nice. An’ mih tink, “dis is mih time fuh patronize mih kin.” Suh mih buy.

Uhn, but all skin teeth nah laaf. When ting look gud maybe it nah all dat gud. When ting luk bad

maybe it nah all dat bad, eh?

“Rasta gimme one deh.”

Rasta tek out ee 22 cutlish1 an’ chop aff dih top clean. Jus suh. Skills man. Rastaman gat skills. Ee

chop me wan lil spoon fram dih coc’nut skin. Mih just start drinkin de cool juice. Seein blue sky an

aall. Ah enjoyin. When Ah come dong fuh dih jelly, mih spoon faall dong.

Eh, eh, all skin teeth nah laaf. When ting luk gud maybe it nah all dat gud. When ting luk gud

maybe it nah all dat bad

Mih eye fall pon dem used up coc’nut. Pon de ground. Some green. Some yellow. Some brown.

Some even black. Coc’nut shell. Just pick. Recently pick. Laang time dun pick. Maybe dun tief by

dih famous ole Banana Goat? Mih nah know.

Dem’ coc’nut shell just throw dong deh pon dih ground inna wah me a caall Coc’nut Graveyard.

Stuch---uups! Ahyuh luk. All skin teeth nah laaf, nuh!

Like me cyan ‘eere dem coc’nut a taalk

Shell 1

Nice lady come from foreign. She tell Rasta ‘bout litterin’. Dem does call it pollution. How dem

does recycle ah ‘merica. Rasta seh “Mih know.” Nice lady seh, “dem does use biodegradables like

duh fuh farmin.” Rastaman seh, “Mih know. Mih does do duh to.” Nice lady seh, “Dem duz fine

people plenty money wen dem litter.” Rastaman nah seh nott’n.

Shell 2

Rasta di sell me to wan nice lady from ‘merika. Duh nice lady eat me. Duh nice lady drink me. Shi

cool down shi tirsty self, gud.

Shell 3

Rasta mek money pon me. Rasta catch ee honey wid me cause me is a nat’ral ting

Mih nah gie nobady high blood pressure an me nah gie nobady Sugar. Me is a organic treasure.

Shell 1

Luk pon me now! Nice lady. Luk pon mih NOW. Lok-ko-luk-ko. Luk mih aay inna dis week ole’


Wha de Story Seh? By Dr. Pauline Baird

RASTA AN’ COC’NUT: ALL SKIN TEETH NAH LAAF


November 2017

pile a fermentin skin, soakin sun, drinkin rain, tekin spit from

whoevea

Shell 4

I am a natural thing. Why you not gonna treat me well, Rasta?

(New York Accent)

Me seh! Me is a nat’ral ting! Aw man. Rasta, treat mih gud, nuh?

Shell 5

Lang time ago, mih woulda been gud fuh fertilizer inna di backdam farm. Gud fuh fiber inna de

matrass2, a Pond Dam. Ask people who know Spraktan3 fiber factory, man.

Gud fuh di kitchen, fuh scrub di pot. Gud fuh fireside, fuh cook yuh momma cow heel soup.

Haaam, beg pardon. No disrespek. Mih fogat yuh is a Rasta an

Yuh nah deal wid dih dead, Dread.

Shell 6

Rasta, yuh had fuh chuck wi a side a di road? No prappa coc’nut graveyard? Yuh had fuh pick the

spat jus next to the Company Canal4. CompanyWata5 CompanyWata. MihShameMihShameM-

ihShame.

Shell 7

From coc’nut tree top. Swayin in tropical breeze. God glowin green. Nut. ME. Luk oo aay, aay a

weh mih end up. Wid all kin’ trash. Ice-block plastic bag. Fruitee plastic bag. Cool down plastic

bag. Naat’cha gat fuh balance, but is suh?

Shell 8

Ah deh aay. Mih near drowndid, wid Styrofoam box an’ cup. An beer bottle an left ova party

trash.

Fuh some ahwee, half ahwee battee6 inna di Company trench. Naat’cha gat fuh balance, but nah

suh.

Yuh mekin’ it Rasta. Yuh mekin it.

But Rasta, like ole people seh All skin teeth nah laugh.

Legacy passin thru yuh fingaz—

Duh land gat eyez.

Dem trees ah yuh bank buk.

Rasta yuh know dis, yuh ‘now dis.

Rasta yuh lukkin but yuh nat seein. Yuh seein but yuh nat not lukkin.’

RAAAS---TAAAAAAAA!


Wha de Story Seh? Rasta an’ Coc’nut: All Skin Teeth Nah Laaf

1. Cutlass 2. mattress 3. Spraktan was a Buxton man who owned and

operated a fiber matress factory in the 1960s and

onwards. 4. One of the main irrigation canals in Buxton that provided potable water. Long ago, by drinking its

water persons become Buxtonians. Remains a

landmark and identity marker for Buxtonian identity. 5. Wata-water 6. Buttocks /backside

Spraktan’s house

Based on what passes for management/governance in Guyana today, all activities/actions/events/

decisions have to be subjected to the ‘stupidee’ test to determine their validity.

After pussy-footing for almost one-year DG has filled the vacant constitutional office of CHAIRMAN of the

GUYANA ELECTIONS COMMISSION. Now, in every nook n cranny in GT the people palancing with the

phrase FIT AND PROPPER. Was the decision itself a FIT AND PROPPER or a ‘Stupidee’ one?

Banos from the halls of power, in the not so distant past,

bemoan the decision to the point of a legal challenge. At

the summit of the 2015 National and Regional elections,

the PPP/C called for the head of GECOM chairman, Dr.

Steve Surajbally. They got their hearts desire when the

doc decided that it was time for him to play with he grand-

children and he puppies. DG asked him to hold on for a

couple weeks until he find a replacement, but the weeks

turned months and Steve grandchildren tell he dem time

fuh playing with grandparents getting shorter by de day.

Fu reinforce de point, dem tell e dat dem puppy dat e in-

tended to play with dun turn dog, suh he best meck up he

mind; Suh de doc decided to unleash himself from de

wuck.

Wid chain in hand, soldierboy call pun Doctor Doom fuh name he poison, since constitutionally he is a

major player in the process. However, he gee de doc2 a hint, he tell doc his choice will be a Judge. Dr.

Doom teck de hint an decide to play political football wid de matter. He call pun the International Commu-

nity and Civil Society fu be de lines men/ assistant referee. At kick-off he

tell de nation dat he see danger in de’ Granger - he gun try fu foul he. He

claim dat soulderboy former coach, Burnham, neva play fair suh dem offi-

cials ga fuh watch he wid telescopic eyes. At de fuss play, doc pass the ball

in the air an de danger clear de ball. One a de lines-men, a Mr. Gaskin, de-

cided to quarry de play. He wanted to know if DG gat the right to Clear de

ball (reject the List). Before a decision could be made, soldierboy clear de

ball again. Suh de game got hold up fuh a wile suh dat the rules could be

clarified. When de referee (Chief Justice) pass de verdict on de play she

indicated that DG could meck de play but he must give reasons. According

to DG, the rules book (constitution) aint say dat. Suh he aint ga fuh give no

reason fuh clearing no ball (list not acceptable to him) dat come in de air,

he could stop de game when he want to or ‘hands’ de ball if he so desire.

After the goodly doctor play de ball in the air fu de third time, soulder boy

decided that da is it, he ‘hands’ de ball for a ‘own goal’ and end de game.

De doc blue, he claiming how twenty something years a tradition gone to

de dogs because since DESEY, the opposition leader was always allowed to

score freely (have one of his nominees selected) whether the ball was

played on the ground (Judge) or in the air (any other fit and proper person).


STUPIDEE II

by Anthony Haynes


PPP/C leaders protest outside GECOM Head Office

Dr. Steve Surujbally

November 2017

I don’t like duff, I have been removing it from my plate as long as I can remember. I am certain that nine-

ty percent of the faithful readers of this magazine love their ‘boiled flour.’ If I am given duff, despite the

occasion, I will reject it. For me, the constitution gives preeminence to the President on the selection of a

Chairman of the Elections Commission since the list of names has to be favourable to him. On this mat-

ter, it appears that the President does not want to make the mistake of going with a ‘politically correct’

decision. In fact, the very reason that this President is engaged with former President Jagdeo is because

of the overturning of a ‘politically correct’ decision by the Court. It was Jagdeo who agreed on term limits

for a President and it was Jagdeo who vacated the seat of the Presidency after two terms. Jagdeo now

has a change of heart on the issue of term limits, a political decision he introduced and implemented.

While he flies in the face of ‘tradition’, Jagdeo wants Granger to stay true to ‘tradition.’ The President has

made his choice, in keeping with the constitution.

The selection of an octogenarian as the Chairman has raised the eyebrows of many. Since the removal

of Hammy and Cecil Kennard on the grounds of their age, there has been a plethora of appointments of

very senior persons to constitutional offices. The AFC is currently crying foul, their ‘youth’ was not selected

as the replacement for the late Sandra Jones on the Elections Commission. Sorry to say but their choice

was poor. To find favour (fit and proper) with DG, you have to either name Patterson, be very smart, a for-

mer army officer, or born before 1950.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you wonderful people and may you have a FIT and PROPPER new year.

“If yuh play with de puppy yuh gun be bitten by de flees.”

Until the next time, to God be the Glory.


STUPIDEE II ...Anthony Haynes

Pleased to announce the release of my new app for Math students as well as

others who enjoy working with numbers. This app is now accessible on both

Apple and Android devices, via links as follows:

For Apple device: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/times-tables-shuffle/id1286874008?mt=8

For Android device: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lynobar

Please feel free to download and give it a rating, assuming that you like it.. Also, if you would kindly share

this information with relatives and friends, or anyone who you think may benefit from it, that would be

appreciated.

Thank you,

New Barton Creation

Math App

Last Month’s ? Baker-shops

Not so long ago, several bakeshops dotted the village. They pro-

duced an assortment of breads, cakes and pastries for sale, and also

provided baking services to the community.

The centerpiece of the bakeshop was a large brick oven, powered

by firewood. Through a door opening, the baker would use a paddle

(baker’s peel) to shovel dough laid out on flat aluminum sheets and

pans of cake mixture, into the oven. The structure also held shelves

on the walls for storing the sheets, pans and other items, a trough for

mixing dough and tables for plaiting bread.

Baker-shops were part of a tradition of family-run enterprises. The

Jervis, Laundry, Watson and Willis clans are some of the familiar

ones. Here are the popular ones of recent memory:

Wilfred Samuels (“Scatter Foot”) and his relative, Lionel Jervis

once teamed up to operate a bakeshop located next to Flying

Horse Rum Shop, in the vicinity of the old Post Office yard. When

Lionel left to manage another undertaking, Wilfred and his wife,

Beryl (née Ifill), continued the business, which became known as

“SCATTER BAKERSHOP”. After Wilfred’s sudden demise, other

persons, including one Telbert, kept the bakery going.

Lionel Jervis was a master baker. He was the one who likely cemented the family name into the vil-

lage’s hall of fame for bakers. His legacy – JERVIS BAKERSHOP on Buxton Middle Walk - is the founda-

tion upon which the modern Benjamin’s Bakery was built. Another baker named Frank Williams is said

to have made his mark at this location prior to Mr. Jervis’ tenure.

The only Jervis sister, Celestine convinced her husband, Edward Newton to establish their own bakery.

This led to the development of NEWTON BAKERSHOP on Ogle Street.

Cecil Jervis, popularly known as “Cut” or “BILOKIE” ran a bakeshop on Pond Dam, near Buxton Middle

Walk. He inherited the trade from his father, Lionel Jervis.

LAUNDRY BAKERSHOP on Friendship Middle Walk, near Noble Street, was situated in Teacher Joyce

Hope’s yard. The popular Front-side bakery was established by two brothers - Stanley and Gershan

Laundry. Gershan left to start his own business, but another brother, Albert stepped up. The business

was later passed down to Stanley’s son-Gerald O. McLaren Laundry (Mack). Mr. Sobers, who was mar-

ried to the Laundry sister, Gertrude, also worked as a baker here.

WILLIS BAKERSHOP was located on Company Road, behind the original Chanderban Drug Store.

JOHN ROBERTS BAKERSHOP sat in a neat back lot on Company Dam, near Wilkins Street.

WATSON BAKERSHOP on Watson Street at Company Road, Friendship. “Uncle Danny”, who was mar-

ried to the Watson sister, Etty, was a leading baker here.

BENJAMIN’S BAKERY, which succeeded Jervis Bakery at the same Buxton Middle Walk location, was

established by Adrian Benjamin, a native of Fyrish, East Berbice. From a humble beginning with a box

oven in the old Watson Baker-shop yard, where he lived as tenant in a small house, Adrian has built a

prosperous business of a modern bakeshop and one of the best-selling bakeries in the country.

Bernadette Hermonstyne (Easton) was the first to submit her list of baker-shops in Buxton/Friendship.

She identified almost all of those above. Congrats, Bevy!

Thanks to Lynette Thomas, Doreen Turner and John Newton for your input.


Who is the first Buxtonian ordained as Bishop of an establishment Chris-tian denomination?

This Month’s ?

SAGE STREET

“The love of a woman is like a bottle of wine:

It’s sweet in a season, but lasts for a time.”

Prophet Wills

November 2017

Also fondly called “Darkie”, Orrin Moses, formerly

of Company Road, Buxton, drew his last breath on

22nd

November, 2017 at a Georgetown Hospital.

He was born to the late Edwin Moses, Sr. and Vic-

torine Moses - a former teacher at Friendship

Methodist School (now Company Road Primary

School). Orrin, who also became a teacher, retired

from the premier President’s College five years ago.

He is survived by his SIBLINGS: Victor, Handel, Bri-

an, Colleen, Keith, Clive and Noel Moses, Dr. Mari-

lyn (Claire) Arthur and Elaine Harlequin; his chil-

dren, many nephews, nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law,

brothers-in-law, other relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by siblings: Maude Bullen-

McKenzie, Edwin Moses, Jr. (“Bumble”), Mignon

and Dorman Moses.

Interment will take place on Saturday, 2nd

Decem-

ber, 2017, following funeral service at Friendship

Methodist Church.

Deepest sympathy to the Moses family!

ORRIN MOSES PASSES ON

Happy Thanksgiving

Published by Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc .

454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The McDonald

family in Brook-

lyn, NY pose for

this Thanksgiv-

ing family photo.

BUXTON: Guyana’s Premier Village

E-mail US:

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorna Campbell Dr. Pauline Baird Anthony Haynes

EDITORS Dr. Clayton Bacchus

202-460-3948

Lorna Campbell 718-342-0040

Buxton-Friendship Express November 2017

Thank You for your support

...Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund

buxton-friendshipbuxtonguyana.net/buxton-friendshipexpress2017-11.pdf · port of her proud...

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