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

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

June 30 2016Vol 6Issue 6

15 YEARSCELEBRATING GUYANA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC.

IN THIS ISSUEPAGE 3: Our season of thanksgivingPAGE 4-7: Because of youPAGE 8-10: GCA Summer Heritage

WorkshopPAGE 11-12: Dr. Patricia

Cambridge in recitalPAGE 13: Happy Birthday E.R.

BraithwaitePAGE 14: GCA Anniverary ServicePAGE 15-16: NY Launch of Peter

Halder’s Book ResurrectionPAGE 17: Poem “Wha’ Mo’ Yo’ Want? PAGE 18-20: Bert Carter talksPAGE 22-23: Aljira Photographic

ExhibitionPAGE 24-25: Centenarian Skipper

Barrow

June EditorLear MatthewsCover Design

Claire Goring & Ashton Franklin

Copy Editors-Edgar Henry, Lear Matthews

Layout and Design by Claire A. Goring & Ashton Franklin

Contributors:Dr. Vibert Cambridge

Edgar HenryGail Nunes

T. Eric MatthewsFrancis Quamina Farrier

Photography:Michael HadawayDmitri AllicockEdgar Henry

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

Ashton Franklin,Margaret LawrenceGail 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

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Greetings! We trust that the summer’s fresh radiance will illumi-nate many dimensions of your life, despite the social and politicalchallenges of the day. It was indeed a wonderful and historic con-vergence of Guyanese and other well-wishers in the homeland tocommemorate the Golden Jubilee independence anniversary. Theprominence of the Diaspora in the celebrations, we hope, did notgo unnoticed. The Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) which con-tinues to play a pivotal role in this celebratory year, has alsoarrived at a significant milestone i.e. its 15th year of ‘promotingand propagating Guyana’s cultural heritage’.

We express our gratitude to supporters over the years. It is“because of you we bridge”. With your participation and input, wecontinue making critical connections, with the commitment anddetermination to sustain our valued traditions. Dr. VibertCambridge, President of GCA exquisitely articulates this point ashe highlights the organization’s contribution in making the JubileeLiterary Festival and National Symposium Series most rewardingand culturally edifying. He also urges the continuation of partner-ships as a vital mechanism for meaningful change.

In this issue you are informed about the schedule of GCA’s annualevents and activities. The Summer Heritage Camp has had a suc-cessful opening with a new feature of training for camp instruc-tors, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resources toprovide an enriched cultural and educational program for theyouth of our community. The 15th anniversary kicks off with theSummer Workshop Series (SWS) followed by a ThanksgivingService. Among other planned activities are: The Book Launch of“Resurrection” written by Peter Halder; an evening of PianoImprovisations and recital by Dr. Patricia Cambridge; and theLecture and Photographic exhibition by Bert Carter. The aljiraCenter for Contemporary Art is also introduced. The Guyana Artsand Cultural Center remind you of the innovative programs in theArts, Wellness and Culture.

We celebrate the birthdays of two centenarians - famous Guyaneseauthor E.R. Braithwaite and Marjorie Barrow, formerCommissioner of the Girl Guides Association. The selected poemfor June, “WHA MO’ YO’ WANT?” is a tribute to Guyana’s 50thIndependence Anniversary, capturing in pros and indigenous par-lance the roots and soul of a culture from which we came and aland yearning to be embraced and embellished by its daughtersand sons at home and abroad. Enjoy!

Lear MatthewsJune Editor


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“Because of You - We Bridge”OUR SEASON OF THANKSGIVING

GCA, 15 YEARS: PRESERVING, PROMOTING & PROPAGATING GUYANA’S CULTURE

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Again, thank you for the kind support you havegiven to the Guyana Cultural Association of NewYork, Inc. over the past 15 years. Because of

you, we have been able to contribute to preserving, pro-moting, and celebrating Guyana’s rich heritage and cre-ativity.

At the start of 2016, we indicated that our annual FolkFestival would start earlier and end later. Our seasonstarted in May because of our engagement in the launchof Guyana’s 50th anniversary of independence celebra-tions. GCA is proud to have played a vital role in theorganization and execution of the Jubilee LiteraryFestival and the National Symposia Series. The JubileeLiterary Festival and the National Symposia Series wereinspired by GCA’s annual Literary Hang andSymposium. From all accounts, our engagement andcontributions supported the Jubilee season’s theme—“Reflection, Celebration, and Inspiration.” Our seasonwill end in December 2016 with Masquerade Jamboreein Guyana.

What has transpired so far in 2016 reaffirms our com-mitment to building partnerships with public and pri-vate sector agencies to encourage and support the docu-mentation and to showcasing of the multiple roots ofGuyana’s cultural heritage and to also celebrate con-temporary creativity informed by this heritage. We areparticularly proud of our on-going work with Guyana’sDepartment of Culture, Youth, and Sport.

We are now poised to launch the remainder of our 15thanniversary Folk Festival season. We are pleased toannounce a program of events that will advance our“We Bridgin …” commitment. The upcoming eventsalso provide us with an opportunity to express ourthanks to the many agencies and individuals at homeand in the diaspora whose support we have receivedover the past 15 years—Because of You … We Bridge. Aswe promised earlier, all of our events in 2016 will bespecial. Altogether, the upcoming calendar will featureour annual signature events, special exhibitions, perfor-mances, and the launching of new books. Here is thecurrent calendar for the upcoming season.

Caribbean Heritage Workshop Series (July 5 to August 11, 2016)

These workshops, open to all children of Caribbean her-

itage in New York, feature a curriculum that exploresand celebrates Caribbean heritage in the creative arts(art, dance, music, literature, etc.) The results of theworkshops will be showcased during other events in the2016 Folk Festival season. The workshops will takeplace at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Auditorium,2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226.

Fifteenth Anniversary Church Service (Sunday, July 17, 2016)

Our 15th anniversary church service will be held onSunday, July 17, 2016 from 4.00 - 6.00 p.m. at St.Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2806 Newkirk Avenue,Brooklyn, NY 11226

Launch of Peter Halder’s book“Resurrection” (Sunday, July 24, 2016)

Peter Halder’s new book Resurrection will be launchedon Sunday, July 24 at the Guyana Arts and CulturalCenter, 2nd Floor, St. Stephen’s Church ConferenceHall, 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 from5.00 – 8.00 p.m.

Outdoor Film & Food Festival(Date to be confirmed)

This event is scheduled for the block between E28 –E29th Streets--in front of St. Stephen’s LutheranChurch 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226

“Because of You” –GCA’s 15thAnniversary Gala (Sunday, August 14, 2016)

Our 15th Anniversary Gala is to say “Thank You” to oursupporters. The event is scheduled for 5.00 p.m. at St.Stephen’s Lutheran Church Auditorium, 2806 NewkirkAvenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Launch of Eusi Kwayana’s book “Legacy”(Sunday, August 21, 2016)

Eusi Kwayana’s new book Legacy will be launched onSunday, August 21 at the Guyana Arts and CulturalCenter, 2nd Floor, St. Stephen’s Church ConferenceHall, 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 from4.00 – 6.00 p.m.

BECAUSE OF YOU-WE BRIDGE”

Vibert Cambridge


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GCA 15 YEARS: PRESERVING, PROMOTING & PROPAGATING GUYANA’S CULTURE

Julio Thijs teaching Councilmember Jumaane Williams towalk on stilts


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GCA 15 YEARS: PRESERVING, PROMOTING & PROPAGATING GUYANA’S CULTUREGCA Awards Ceremony(Wednesday, August 31, 2016)

This event is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. at the BrooklynBorough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY11201

“An Evening of Piano Improvisations: Dr. Patricia Cambridge in Recital.” (Thursday, September 1, 2016)

This recital is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at St. John’sEpiscopal Church, 139 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Kwe Kwe Nite(Friday, September 2, 2016)St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Auditorium,

2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 will againbe the venue for this celebration of Guyana’s folk her-itage. Kwe Kwe Night starts at 8.00 p.m.

“The Guyana You Should Know”:Lecture & Photographic Exhibition byBert Carter (Saturday, September 3, 2016)

The lecture and photographic exhibition is scheduledfor 10:00 a.m. at GACC - 2nd Floor, St. Stephen’sChurch Conference Hall, 2806 Newkirk Avenue,Brooklyn, NY 11226.


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GCA 15 YEARS: PRESERVING, PROMOTING & PROPAGATING GUYANA’S CULTURE

Folk Festival Family Fun Day(Sunday, September 4, 2016)

The largest Guyanese summer festival in New York isscheduled for Old Boys High School Grounds, 736Rutland Road & Troy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203.This year’s festival will feature:

• Children’s Village

• Outdoor Literary Hang

• Photographic Exhibition

• Brooklyn Arts Council on show

• Main Stage Show

Please note: GATES CLOSE AT 6.00 P.M. SHARP

Launch of Carmen Jarvis’s autobiography(Sunday, October 2, 2016)

Carmen Jarvis’ autobiography will be launched onSunday, October 2 at the Guyana Arts and CulturalCenter, 2nd Floor, St. Stephen’s Church ConferenceHall, 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 from4.00 – 6.00 p.m.

GCA Extravaganza & Toys Give-Away (Sunday, December 18, 2016)

This Show & Toys-give-away for our youth supportersis scheduled for St. Stephen’s Lutheran ChurchAuditorium, 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY11226

Masquerade Jamboree/Christmas in Guyana(December 19 - 31, 2016)Details to follow.

Again, thank you for support over the past 15 years.We are looking forward to your ongoing support.“Because of You … We Bridge.”


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GCA,15 YEARS: PRESERVING, PROMOTING & PROPAGATING GUYANA’S CULTURE

“We’re off to GCASummer Workshop”

We are the kids of GCA you know, We came to learn and play and growWe want to be the best that we can be

From singing songs to playing games, Having fun all through the day,We want to be the best that we can be.

GCA! GCA! YES, IT’S GCAGCA, THE BEST THAT WE CAN BE!

GCA Summer Workshop Song composed by Workshop student Jowell Jagoon

Arts in the communityGCA CARIBBEAN HERITAGE

SUMMER WORKSHOPAt the GCA Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshop our day includes activities that will help

campers develop leadership qualities, self confidence, moral character, vital social skills, as well as knowledge of their culture and the arts

through dance, music, performing arts, arts and craft and much more. Our dedicated and highly trained volunteer staff and interns will ensure each

student a safe and fulfilling summer experience.

JULY 5 - AUGUST 11, 2016MONDAY - THURSDAY : 9.00 A.M. - 3.00 P.M.

ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH AUDITORIUM2806 Newkirk Ave & E28 St., Bklyn, NY 11225

800 774 5762


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GCA 2016 CALENDAR: ANNUAL SUMMER HERITAGE WORKSHOP SERIES

On your marks….Get set….Go!The GCA 2016 Folk Festival Series kicks off the 8thAnnual Summer Heritage Workshop on July 5th, at theSt. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Auditorium at 2806Newkirk Avenue in Brooklyn. It signals the first eventfor the upcoming fifteen (15) year old Folk FestivalSeason scheduled celebrations. As the motto of the BoyScouts states “Be Prepared”, the organizers of the exec-utive board of GCA - Dr. Juliet Emanuel – Secretaryand Claire Goring – Cultural Director were certainlyprepared to welcome a training session to the instruc-tors of the Summer Workshop Series (SWS) known tomany as the Summer Camp.

To put the energies into the correct perspective, atraining session was recently conducted by veterantrainer from the Police Athletic League (PAL) MarcelleBraithwaite. Marcelle is no stranger to GCA. He is theson of the late Maurice (Mo-Braff) Braithwaite whowas the Performing Arts master at the SWS series for anumber of years.

Mr. Braithwaite did an excellent instructive interactive

seminar, introducing different skill sets which will beadministered at the camp, emphasizing the literary andpractical approaches to learning, tailoring it to suit thetheme of the GCA concept “We Bridging.”

This initiative is one whereby all instructors, volun-teers, counselors in training, the registered nurse, themodule masters and the Director of the camp – CarlyleHarry would be on the same page. Thus harnessingresources, exercising and maintaining order, disciplineand educating the children on a daily basis for the six-week scheduled SWS program.

Our youth are the hope for the future. In order forthem to perform and take their respective places in thecommunity, it is imperative that we teach and groomthem in the correct ways from the embryonic stages.Upbringing and first impressions always create anatmosphere that will augur well for their future growth.We firmly believe that the annual summer youth pro-gram provides an opportunity to enhance culturallearning, skills development and character building.

JULY 5 - AUGUST 11, 2016SUMMER WORKSHOP SERIESINSTRUCTORS TRAINING PROGRAMEdgar Henry

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This year’s workshop sessions include, but are not limitedto areas of poetry and prose, media communication,publishing workshops, dance, music, STEM, literacy,art and other interesting areas such as aero dynamics,kite making etc. We are honored to be joined by a guestvolunteer, Ja’asriel Bishop coming from Guyana to

impart his expertise and knowledge to our youthfulparticipants - “tomorrow’s generation.” Thanks to allthe sponsors for their generosity insight and faith inour projection for the youth. We are truly appreciative.

So the stage is set and we are off to a marvelous startfor our 2016 SWS and the Folk Festival Season.

Ready, Set ... Go!GCA WORKSHOPINSTRUCTORSTRAINING PROGRAM



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Piano Improvisations is an incredible album ofbeautiful solo piano renditions of well-known andbeloved Guyanese songs performed by Dr. PatriciaCambridge. It showcases her creativity and versatility,reflecting her classical music training and her loveof jazz.This talent will be on display in An Evening ofPiano Improvisation: Dr. PatriciaCambridge in Recital at St. John’s EpiscopalChurch, 139 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217,on Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. The recital isone of the events in the Guyana CulturalAssociation’s 15th annual Folk Festival Season willperform her interpretations of and improvisationson well-known music, including Guyanese songs.The ticket price of $20, and each member of theaudience will receive a copy of PianoImprovisations. A short reception follows the recital.

Dr. Cambridge (née Smith), a graduate of theBoston Conservatory, is one of Guyana’s outstand-ing pianists. She began playing the piano at theage of 5. Her grandfather Richard Valz started toteach her informally. When her mother, OvrilSmith, noticed that Dr. Cambridge was a quickstudy, she sent her to Ms. Mary A. Simpson (famil-iarly known as Aunt B) for lessons.Dr. Cambridge soon caught up to the older stu-dents. She successfully passed the AssociatedBoard of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.She also gained recognition at the biennial GuyanaMusic Festivals. When she reached the pointwhere it was time to sit advanced levels of theAssociated Board examinations, Aunt B sent Dr.Cambridge to study with Mrs. Edna E. Jordan. She continued to blossom under Mrs. Jordan’stutelage. She gained national attention, earningthe highest scores in the country in the Grade Vand VI piano examinations and earning prizes atthe Guyana Music Festivals. She won the PhilipPilgrim Memorial Harp for her outstanding perfor-mance in the Grade VIII piano examination.Dr. Cambridge was not content to play only thepiano. While attending Bishops High School, sheplayed violin, double bass, guitar, and steel pan,even arranging music for the steel band. She alsotook up the organ and would sometimes play dur-ing services at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church,where Mr. Bernie Heyliger was the organist.“I got bored with the piano as a pre-teen andpicked up other instruments,” she says.“Fortunately, my dad, Rev. W. P. (Jack) Smith,insisted that I continue to play the piano regard-less. He said God had given me a talent that Imust use. Nobody argued with my dad, so I stayedwith the piano.”

AN EVENING OF PIANO

IMPROVISATIONS“Dr. PatriciaCambridge in Recital”

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPALCHURCH 139 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY 112177.00 P.M.$20.00 - each member of the audience will receive

a copy of Piano Improvisations.


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As she continued to develop her talent, Dr.Cambridge had the distinct honor, during hermid-teens, of being the youngest ever accompanistfor the Woodside Choir—Guyana’s premier adultchoir.At 17, she was awarded a Government of Guyanascholarship to study music at the BostonConservatory. Upon her return home, Dr.Cambridge worked at the Department of Cultureand later became director of music for the massgames in the Ministry of Education. In this posi-tion, she wrote the mass games musical scoresperformed by the Guyana Police Force Band.

Dr. Cambridge became an active member of thewider music community. She was organist andchoir director of Trinity Methodist Church. Shewas the Woodside Choir’s accompanist again. Shegave a recital at the Cultural Center with sopranoDr. Maisha Hazzard, then a professor at OhioUniversity. She accompanied American sopranoBrenda Rucker-Smith during her tour of Guyana.She hosted a mid-morning live piano program onGBC (Guyana Broadcasting Corporation) radio,and she played the piano regularly with the lateHarry Whitaker’s jazz ensemble.

“This was an exciting time musically for me,” saysDr. Cambridge. “I was breaking the mold. I wasdoing the traditional things like being an organ-ist, choir director, and accompanist, but I wasalso playing with a jazz band—something thattrained classical musicians didn’t do.”

After five years, Dr. Cambridge immigrated to theU.S. She and her husband, Vibert, completedPh.D. degrees and joined the faculty of OhioUniversity’s College of Communication

Despite her career in communication, Dr.Cambridge has continued to play the piano.

“I shifted my focus and was blessed to have acareer that I’ve enjoyed,” she says. “I found, how-ever, that I just couldn’t live without the piano.”

Over the years, Dr. Cambridge has become wellknown in Athens, Ohio, where she resides, for herexciting piano improvisations.

“Improvising came out of my busy schedule,” shesays. “A career and a family didn’t leave meenough time to work on classical music. My needto play led me to discover another gift—improvi-sation, which I have enjoyed sharing.”

Piano Improvisations, which pays homage toGuyana, has brought Dr. Cambridge’s talent to awider audience. Her unique interpretations bringa freshness to songs that many Guyanese grew upwith and will lead listeners to think of them in newways. All the music on this album is improvised—there is no written version.

“When I improvise, I am following my heart on anew musical journey,” says Patricia. “My goalalways is to take the audience with me.”

Piano Improvisations does not disappoint. Fromthe beautiful classical style of “My Native Land” tothe jazz rhythms of “Sitira Gal,” the groundbreakingPiano Improvisations will be a treasured album inany music collection.

Piano Improvisations feature solo piano perfor-mances of “My Native Land,” “Let Us Cooperate,”“To The Hibiscus,” “Itanami,” and “Sitira Gal.” Itis available in most places where music is pur-chased, including iTunes, Amazon.com, GooglePlay Music, and CD Baby.



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"HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATULATIONS"DR. E.R. BRAITHWAITE

to one of our GCA Honorees and most prolific Guyanese author, Dr. E.R. Braithwaite, CCH,

who celebrated his 104th Birthday on June 27, 2016. Dr. Braithwaite, the author of such Best Selling novels as "To Sir, With Love", "A Kind of

Homecoming", "Choice of Straws", "Honorary White", and others, still enjoys very good health.

This remarkably gifted son of the soil and World War II, Royal Air Force veteran, was also Guyana'sfirst Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

On the occasion of his 100th Birthday, he was a Special Guest of the Guyana government, and had the National Award of the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) bestowed upon him

at the Office of the President in Georgetown, Guyana.

Dr. Braithwaite resides in Washington, DC.

Francis Quamina Farrier



GCA STARTS IT’S 15TH ANNIVERSARYSEASON OF THANKSGIVING WITH CHURCH SERVICE

JULY 17, 2016

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Peter Halder's new book, "The Resurrection” wassuccessfully launched during the 50th anniversaryJubilee Celebrations in Guyana on Friday May 27that Moray House in Georgetown.

Unfortunately, Peter, a born Guyanese who currentlyresides in Virgina, USA could not be present due tohealth challenges. A journalist by no mean order, hehad his tertiary education in the United Kingdomand Trinidad. This native son and literary giant hada career in the Guyana Government service, theDiplomatic Service and with the Fiji Governmentservice and was regarded as a Commonwealthexpert. He attained several awards including theNLP Editor’s Awards; The order of Merit – Egypt;Lifetime Achievement Award – Guyana CulturalAssociation of New York.

Famous musician Compton Narine “Camo” openedthe proceedings with the National Anthem anddelighted the sing along audience to a medley ofNational songs of Guyana on the steel pan with therhythmic tapping of feet.

Master of Ceremonies Allan Arthur Fenty did a yeo-man’s service to his friend Peter, spoke of theescapades of their youthful days, praised him for hissecond book and wished he were there to personallybe recognized. Minister of State Joseph Harmoncould not attend but was represented by Ronald

Backer who complimented Mr. Halder for his contri-bution although he resided outside of Guyana,remembering his Albouystown roots and culture andthe land of his birth.

We were indeed fortunate to have on the programtwo awardees who delivered fantastic addresses hav-ing received the awards just two days prior from the50th Anniversary Jubilee Celebrations NationalCommittee.

President of GCA Vibert Compton Cambridge –Social Historian and Cultural Activist, ProfessorEmeritus, Ohio State University who received theGolden Arrow of Achievement award delivered thewelcome address and spoke expressively of PeterHalder’s sterling contribution to Guyana and his lit-erary works.Former Ambassador Ronald Mortimer Austin whoreceived the Cacique’s Crown of Honour award for hisoutstanding service to Guyana in the field of diplomacy,applauded Peter for his dedicated involvement in con-tributing to the preservation of Guyanese culture in the

JULY 24, 2016

Peter Halder’s“Resurrection” FOR NEW YORK LAUNCHEdgar Henry

GACCST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH CONFERENCE HALL5.00 – 8.00 p.m.2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226(Books on sale)


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Edgar Henrypresents

Peter Halder’s

The Resurrection

US$$1495

“A Chilling Tale Of The Supernatural”“A Chilling Tale Of The Supernatural”A 50th Independence Anniversary Masterpiece

from the mind of accomplished Guyanese authorPETER HALDER

In Guyana Copies available at: Austin’s Book Store190 Church Street � South Cummingsburg

Phone # 227-7395; 226-7350

BOOK LAUNCHING IN BROOKLYNSUNDAY, JULY 24, 2016

5:00 P.M.(PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE.WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVEN-IENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.)GUYANA ARTS &CULTURAL ASSN.

(GACC)St. Stephen’s Church Extension

(2nd Floor)2806 Newkirk Ave, Brooklyn

(bet. E. 28th & 29th streets)For more info call: (718) 469-8131

homeland and in the Diaspora, spoke eloquently of therelationship he had with Peter personally and profes-sionally and his introduction of a newsletter entitled“Guygram” which he produced to sensitize otherGuyanese diplomats during his tenure. This was fol-lowed be readings from sensitive parts of the book bythe distinguished Francis Quamina Farrier, radio per-sonality and actor Ron Bobb-Semple and DennisNelson who was responsible for the type setting of themasterpiece. Yours truly delivered the vote of thanksand encouraged persons to inform family and friendsabout the New York launch scheduled for Sunday July24 2016 at the St. Stephens Lutheran Church auditori-um. The contact information is [email protected].

Complimentary copies of The Resurrection books werelodged with the following institutions:- The NationalLibrary in Georgetown; The University of GuyanaLibrary; NCERD; National archives of Guyana; CaricomDocumentation Centre; and Moray House.

In Guyana the book is available at Austin's book storeat 190 Church Streets South Cummingsburgh 227-7395; or 226-7350. In New York the contact number is718-930-9526.


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Just sun, an’ more sun, an’ rain, an’ more rain,An’ mud, an’ slush, an’ sandy beaches,

an’ northeast trades,An’ a hundred waterfalls, an’ rapids,

an’ rivers, an’ creeks.Black, fresh, muddy, slow, swift flowing,

All heading fo’ de Atlantic.Cool mountains, dark starry night skies,

An’ wide open savannahs,Rich earth, virgin, pristine forests.

Wha’ mo’ yo’ want? Everyting yo’ need dey right hay!

Cross de Demarara River from Timehri. Yo’talk ‘bout food?

Duh valley alone could feed all ahwee!Criss cross de country.

Go west, pass de Essequibo, den south.Go east, pass de Berbice, den south.

Wha’ mo’ yo’want? Everyting yo’ need deh hay!Dem ole people wuk long, an’ hard.

Dey sacrifice an’ dey suffer. Cane cutter, shovel man, porkknocker,

boatman, pan boiler,Small farmer, shop keeper, rice farmer,

cattle rancher, fisherman,Timberman. All ah dem!

Claim what belong to you! Yo’ nable string bury hay!

Embrace yo’ self! Ebrace yo’ children! Embrace yo’ future!

Is time to mek it really happen!Wha’ mo yo want!

Everyting yo need deh right hay!

WHA’ MO’ YO’ WANT?T. Eric Matthews


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SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

A building may stand out in a sea ofnotable structures for several reasons orjust for a single reason. Bert Carter stands out in the sea of humanity for manygood reasons. Bert as he is familiarly called, was bornat No. 50 Village, Leeds, on the Corentyne, in thecounty of Berbice – a ‘wise’ man from the East. Whilstgrowing up in Georgetown he was raised as a “churchboy” with the ambition of becoming a member of thecloth. With no regrets at having become an engineer,his life is based on a durable foundation, built to with-stand the tribulations of life whilst enjoying the sweetside of life.First order of his life was fashioning his own founda-tion. He approached schooling with a passion and avision. B C was always motivated to work harder andto reach higher. It was no surprise that he was able topass the Senior Cambridge Examinations going on togain five subjects at ‘O’ Levels. Guyana could not constrain his ambition. His thirstfor knowledge led him to the Mother Country inAugust, ‘61. For the first three years he toiled, whilststudying part-time, thereby securing the necessaryqualifications leading towards his goal. In 1964, Bertgained the Ordinary National Certificate inMechanical Engineering from Paddington TechnicalCollege. The following three years of full-time studyallowed him to earn a Diploma in Civil Engineeringfrom The Polytechnic, Regent Street, London. A yearlater he added to his growing list of qualifications aDiploma in Graduate Studies in Highway and Traffic

Engineering from the University of Birmingham. ButBert was not finished with England just yet – he want-ed to be a rounded civil engineer. He wanted to masterhis art in such a way to be prepared for any eventuali-ties. And in 1969, he secured a Master of ScienceDegree in Transportation and EnvironmentalPlanning from the said University of Birmingham.Around this time, he felt the progression of his studieshas come full circle. It was time to put his hands to theplough.Well equipped, Bert headed back home to serveGuyana. And what yeoman service he has performedfor his community and country! He was bubbling withideas and excited about getting into practice. Guyana was always on his mind and the Garden Cityof Georgetown beckoned to him as his first call of dutyand he promptly answered that call. From October,1969 Bert worked as an Assistant City Engineer withthe Mayor and City Councillors He was happy with hisfirst assignment which was right up his alley. Duringhis attachment to the City Council, he was responsiblefor the maintenance of the road and drainage net-works in the City as well as the then newly expandedGreater Georgetown.Greater Georgetown was more expansive than theCity proper spanning from Agricola on the East Bankof Demerara all the way to the Crown Dam at Industry

GACCST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH CONFERENCE HALL2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 1122610.00 a.mDonation towards the work of GACC

BERT CARTER TALKS ABOUT “The Guyana You Should Know”LECTURE & PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION



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on the East Coast of Demerara. He was also responsi-ble for the maintenance of all the kokers that werelocated at the outfall channels and the internal networkof concrete drains in the City. This warranted workingbeyond the call of duty but he responded well beingably supported by a wealth of knowledge whilst acquir-ing valuable experience . According to Bert,Georgetown then was really a pretty place, the pride ofthe people and the people were invested with a sense ofownership – “a don’t mess with my city” - attitude. Lawand order prevailed and order was the law of the day.He confesses that Georgetown was then an orderly citywith the outstanding charm and beauty of simplicity. This was real living, meaningful living – service tohumanity, especially since he had already contributedtwo years of part-time teaching in the Faculty ofTechnology at the then young University of Guyana.In July 1973, when his contract with City Hall hadexpired, Bert took a change of scenery. He went to avillage of Soesdyke on the East Bank of Demerara andconstructed a plant where things were to be manufac-tured. He became Production Manager with the GRL/IDEAL Group of Companies responsible for the manu-facture of refrigerators, chest freezers, fluorescentlamps, gas cooking appliances, solar water heaters, anda wide range of other domestic appliances. Bertenjoyed all twenty years of that fulfilling job at a timewhen Guyana felt the pride of producing its own appli-ances – ‘Made in Guyana’. It was a good feeling and toBert it meant that he had again done something mean-ingful and useful. Bert Carter could not ask for more satisfaction. During those years the city gradually started to deterio-rate. The citizens became complacent and the citybecame an eyesore . And so, by chance or by destiny,

Bert was earmarked to take corrective action. In 1994,he was appointed by former President Cheddi Jagan,along with eighteen other “citizens of worth” to formthe Interim Management Committee (IMC), and tomanage the affairs of the City pending LocalGovernment elections. He was never at sea in this newrole.But the sea called him for other duties. From June1995 to June 2005, he was Dockmaster for a 2000 tonfloating dry dock operating in the Demerara River.This job was challenging , not only because he had noprevious knowledge, let alone experience in the field;but mainly because the service was being offered to themaritime industry for the first time in Guyana, and hewanted to be associated with that privilege. The vesselsthat can be, and have been ,accommodated in the dockrange from the local Coast Guard minesweeper toother ocean-going vessels, both locally and foreignowned. It was a massive undertaking but he alwayskept his head above water, buoyed by his qualificationsand a willingness to learn. To quote him would be tosay ”...always keep a small mouth but have a big earand you are bound to learn. Failing to ask a question isto remain a fool for a lifetime, ask a question and be afool only for five minutes.”Over and over, he was put to the test like in a story-book where the hero is tasked with several challenges.The main type of challenge he had to face again andagain was correcting various manmade and environ-mental disasters. In August 1996, he was appointed bythe then President Jagan to be one of four commis-sioners tasked with investigating the failure of the MonRepos Dam.


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Bert stands out in the crowd because of his voluntaryservice and contribution to educational and culturalinstitutions of this country. He was the Chairman ofthe Voluntary Service Committee of the GuyanaAssociation of Professional engineers (GAPE) for anumber of years. He was also a member of theUniversity of Guyana 30th Anniversary Committeeresponsible for the raising of funds (Guy $54M) whichhe used to design and build the CHEDDIE B. JAGANlecture rooms in 2000 at the north-western extremityof the campus.

In that same year, along with his school mate andfriend, both Robb St residents, Dr. Steve Surujbally,they along with others raised enough money for him todesign and rebuild the GSPCA clinic at Robb Street andOrange Walk for the Millenium.

The National Library was another educational institu-tion that Carter has contributed to and continues tocontribute yeoman service. He has been a volunteerconsultant to the National Library since 1994, responsi-ble for maintenance and repairs to existing librarystructures nationwide as well as the major extension tothe Georgetown branch in 2000. But his associationwith educational institution started in the 70s. Hedesigned and built the David Rose Centre for boys inEast Ruimveldt in 1970 in association with Fr.Campbell-Johnson, S J.

His outstanding contribution to culture is a monumentin itself. He was very active in the rehabilitation pro-gramme of the Theatre Guild as the volunteer engineerresponsible for all the civil and electro-mechanicalwork. A section of the Theatre Guild is named in hishonour, the Bert Carter Balcony.

One of his most challenging tests was the 2005 GreatFlood.

Bert was one of four (4 ) engineers appointed onto aPresidential Commission titled the Task Force forInfrastructural Recovery to look into the causes of the2005 floods and mitigation of same.“ (T)his was a veryintense period of engineering activities that involvedinvestigative and corrective procedures ranging fromdesign and construction, as well as the maintenance ofexisting structures that could minimize the impact ofintense rainfall, over and above the normal seasonal

expectations,” he declares.

A budget in excess of G$850 M was spent in less thansix months and properly accounted for. This wasaccomplished with the generous help of the DonorCommunity and an expatriate firm of Consultants.

The East Demerara Water Conservancy became anobsession with him. In fact he would be the first personto tell you that it should be a compulsory requirementthat all students at the University of Guyana attend acourse that informs and educates them on the hydrologyand drainage of the City and coastal plain. It would betterserve their interest/ purpose should they volunteer intimes of natural disasters due to flooding

Since May 2006, Bert has been a member of the Boardof Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. havingbeen nominated by Demerara Distillers Ltd as its repre-sentative on the Board. He was active in overseeing theerection of the bridge, and subsequently volunteeredhis skills and assumed the responsibility for the civilengineering designs and construction of all the ancillarybuildings associated with the project.

Bert has always been able to “ talk the talk and walkthe talk”.

When making an open-air presentation in March 2002in the then recently rehabilitated Camp Street Avenueon Satellite Technology and its Role in theEntertainment Industry, Bert was elucidating, engagingand humorous – qualities we do not associate with ascientist. He is proud to say that he built the first workingsatellite dish in Guyana in 1985 and donated one to theGuyana Television station ( GTV ) as it was thenknown, in May,1992. This antenna allowed the stationto televise and broadcast, for the first time, the BBCNews

And his work is not done yet – Bert Carter is on the CityHall Restoration Committee and all Guyana would liketo see that project successfully completed, providingfunding can be made available.

First published in GEM Magazine



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Guyanese Artists Examine Relationship to“Homeland” in Photographic ExhibitionNewark, New Jersey— Aljira, a Center forContemporary Art is pleased to present Un | FixedHomeland organized by Guest Curator Grace AneizaAli. An opening reception will be held on July 17, 2016,from 2-5pm. This landmark exhibition brings togetheran inter-generational roster of thirteen emerging andestablished Guyanese artists who, via photography andphotography-based art, examine the complex relation-ship to “homeland.” In recent years the artists have been working in fourcountries -- Canada: Erika DeFreitas, Sandra Brewster;Guyana: Khadija Benn, Michael Lam, Karran Sahadeo;United Kingdom: Frank Bowling, Roshini Kempadoo,Hew Locke; United States: Kwesi Abbensetts, MarlonForrester, Donald Locke (1930 – 2010), MayaMackrandilal, Keisha Scarville. They explore how a“homeland” can be both fixed and unfixed, a constantlyshifting idea and memory, and a physical place and apsychic space. The exhibition’s title reflects the emer-gence of the Caribbean diaspora in metropolitan citiesaround the world and speaks to what has become thedefining global movement of the 21st century – migra-tion.In Un | Fixed Homeland, the artists employ innovativeuse of the photographic medium — the archival imageof British Guiana, contemporary photography on pre-sent-day Guyana, self-portraiture, studio portraiture,painted photographs, passport photos, family albums,selfies, photography in video installations, and the doc-umentary format, among others — to unpack globalrealities of migration, tease out symbols of decay andloss, and envision the experiences of, as well as path-ways out of, displacement and dislocation. Guyana, the only English- speaking South Americancountry and former British colony, celebrates its 50thanniversary of independence this year. The past fivedecades have been marked by an incredible exodus ofits citizens – the country has a population of approxi-mately 750,000 living within its borders and over onemillion living in the diaspora. In other words, moreGuyanese citizens live outside the nation than within it.To reflect this reality, featured in the exhibition are

artists living and working in Guyana as well as in majordiasporic cities throughout Canada, the UnitedKingdom, and the United States. In New York, in par-ticular, Guyanese are the city’s fifth largest immigrantpopulation.Among the works included is Amalivaca (featuredabove), a self-portraiture piece by Khadija Benn wholives and works in Guyana. She exploits the exotic byinserting her body in a painterly landscape as acts ofagency and ownership of place. Hew Locke, who wasraised in Guyana and now lives and works in London,has painted photographs of houses, titled Rose Halland Mt. Sinai, which are reminiscent of the ones famil-iar to his childhood. In his rendition, they are fallingapart and symbolically flooded. Keisha Scarville, a NewYork City-based artist born to Guyanese immigrants,reinterprets her father’s passport photo as a young boyin British Guiana in the mixed-media Passport series.The Toronto-based artist Erika DeFreitas elicits herGuyana-born mother in a series of documented perfor-mative actions where the two hand-fashion face masksout of green, yellow, and purple icing in the portraiturepiece, The Impossible Speech Act. Frank Bowling, whowas born in British Guiana in 1934 and now lives andworks in London and New York City, screen printed anarchival 1966 photograph of his mother’s house ontohis canvas Mother’s House with Beware of the Dog –an artistic gesture charged with the memory of home-land. While specifically focused on the visual culture andnew modes of viewing Guyana, the exhibition alsoframes Guyana, “fixed or unfixed homeland,” as sym-bolic of larger pressing global concerns of our 21st cen-tury — the tensions between place and placeless-ness,nationality and belonging, immigrant and citizen. Un | Fixed Homeland will be on view at Aljira July 17—September 17, 2016.


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PROFILE: CENTENARIAN

MARJORIE “Skipper” BARROWA LIFE LIVED TO ITS FULLESTGail Nunes


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To illustrate a life lived to its fullest is to present the lifeof Marjorie Barrow – a once young tomboy-turned-dancer-turned-Captain-of-the-Sea-Rangers, and now aCentenarian of 103.Born to Mortimer and Gertrude Cossou in Berbice in1914 and the only girl to her parents, Marjorie aban-doned dolls and girlie toys for rough-and-tough tomboygames with her two brothers. Her father, a preacherensured nevertheless that Marjorie spend considerabletime in church. This indoctrination coupled with anintent to succeed as a leader, would form the ground-work that would motivate and propel Marjorie towardsher various pursuits. At twenty, a brief sojourn to Georgetown to pursuedance was cut short because of a serious illness, and adisappointed Marjorie was forced to return to her par-ents in Berbice. It was from here that a new life skilltook shape. The Scout and Guide movements weregaining a foothold in then British Guiana, and in 1922,Marjorie’s mother initiated a division of the Girl GuidesAssociation (familiarly known in the US as the GirlScouts), in Berbice. Her dedication to this ventureearned for Mrs. Cossou the Beaver Award for notewor-thy service of exceptional character in the Scouts world. It came as no surprise therefore that Marjorie wouldbecome a Girl Guide. Commitment and dedication paidhuge dividends, and she would eventually rise to theheights of Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association.Following on this leadership, a career switch to the SeaRangers after moving to Georgetown earned Marjoriethe title of “Skipper” of the Georgetown Sea Rangers. Appreciation for her commitment to the developmentof young ladies is evident from the positive commentsmade by Marjorie’s adoring Sea Rangers today. Theyrecall the fundamentals of pride, appearance, punctual-ity, discipline and even money management which sheinstilled in their training as navigators. As her quest for excellence gained public acclaim,Skipper Barrow was awarded the highest honor: aninvitation to High Tea at Government House withPrincess Margaret and Lady Baden Powell, an invita-tion she gratefully accepted.In 1942, Marjorie married Charles Conrad Barrow andtogether they raised three of four children, having sadlylost the fourth a short year after her birth. Her respon-sibility of raising a family, nevertheless, did not impairher visionary ambition to become and remain a suc-cessful leader.An eagerness to pursue new skills drove Marjorie to aninterest in mechanics, a skill that she mastered suffi-ciently to enable her to repair sewing machines. Herlove for sports was as assertive, especially in the areasof hockey and bridge. She played for the British GuianaLadies Field Hockey Team and earned a Bridge trophy

in 1959. By the time she was seventy and after a brief migrationto Dominica where again she engaged the youth inindoor sports, Marjorie and Charlie relocated to theUnited States to live with her daughter Rae. Undauntedby big city life, she quickly acclimated to taking publictransportation and engaging seniors at various SeniorCitizen centers, becoming an advocate for their rightsand serving on a few Boards. Marjorie also discovered anew passion, a love for Atlantic City and the Poconos.Now widowed after fifty-nine years of marriage, andwith adoring grand- and great-grandchildren, SkipperBarrow is resident at the Chapin Home for the Aged inJamaica, Queens. And with her never-ending joie devivre, she continues to entertain and be entertained,still looking to dance to music she enjoys. Skipper Marjorie Barrow is the true embodiment of alife she faced purposefully and without fear of its chal-lenges. Undoubtedly her ebullient spirit may well be thesource of her longevity. Three Cheers, Skipper!

CENTENARIAN OF 103

Three Cheers, Skipper!

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