2012 GY$1,200 | US$6.99 | BD$14 | CN$6.99
A Salute to People of African Descent
ISSN 2222-7652
CORBIN MEDIA GROUP
The Story of Buxton Village A Look at the 1763 Berbice Uprising Honouring Cricket Legend Clive Lloyd Kente Cloth - The Fabric of Royalty Ghana Celebrates 55 Years of Independence
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A Salute to People of African Descent
CONTENTS 5
Publisher’s Notes
6
IZWE Magazine 2011 Launch
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Guyana in Perspective: The Arrival of the Portuguese
11 The Story of Buxton - The “Promise Land” 14 Hugh Desmond Hoyte - Former President and Leader of the People’s National Congress 16 IZWE Profiles 25 Inspirational Movie List
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26 Honouring Clive Lloyd - A Living Legend of Cricket 30 Emancipation Celebration in Guyana 33 A List of Villages Bought by Freed Africans 34 The 1763 Berbice Uprising - A Quest for Freedom 37 Health - Understanding a Silent Killer Among Us 38 Holidays & Observances Locally, Regionally and Internationally 40 The 1763 Monument - A Symbol of Courage & Freedom
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43 Ghana Celebrated 55 years of Independence with Pomp and Ceremony 46 NAACP - The Oldest & Largest Civil Rights Organisation 48 Did you know?: Factoids from Guyana and the Diaspora 50 Bookshelf: Reading Material 52 Fashion: Kente Cloth - The Fabric of Royalty 54 Cuisine - Delicious Conkie 55 Contacts 56 Exit View - African Proverbs
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2012
A Salute to People of African Descent FOUNDER / PUBLISHER Simeon L Corbin MANAGING EDITOR Coretta Corbin-Rival
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Tiya Peterkin
LAYOUT & DESIGN Mark James
SALES & MARKETING Simeon Corbin Tiya Peterkin Sophia Ramphal CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Coretta Corbin-Rival Hakim Aaron Orin Campbell Sister Mary Noel Menezes Francis Quamina Farrier Natasha Hinds Lindel Fraser Randolph Chase John Anderson Malika Daniels Kenya Jeffers Abigail Trotman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Simeon Corbin Carl Crocker Mark James Francis Quamina Farrier Guyana Defence Force Guyana Police Force APNU GINA Kaieteur Newspaper Stabroek Newspaper Cullin Bess Nelson ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport Guyana Heritage Museum Museum of African Heritage African Cultural & Development Association The contents of this magazine was deemed accurate at the time of printing, but may have changed thereafter. Reproduction in part or whole of the IZWE 2012 Magazine without permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to IZWE’s rights to edit. ISSN 2222-7652
Corbin Media Group 48 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty Georgetown, Guyana P: 225.1738, 226.0540, 624.2751 E: sales@corbinmediagroup.com W: www.corbinmediagroup.com Copyright © 2012 CORBIN MEDIA GROUP
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IZWE 2012
Dear Valued Reader, Jambo! Sawubona! Bah-oh! Hello! This is the second edition of IZWE magazine. The premiere issue was well received last year as we ventured into new territory. Many of you had nothing but positive and encouraging words for us. We hope that the 2012 version will be met with the same enthusiasm and interest. IZWE does not have a racial or political agenda. Our aim is to publish historical information as events were chronicled, while recognizing the contributions of people of African descent. IZWE is an inspirational and empowerment tool that highlights the African experiences locally, regionally and internationally.
and it is more about the diverse and fascinating history of Guyana.
The contents of IZWE 2012 are a blend of the past with the present. We have put a more modern spin on the information by making it easy to read and interesting. We tried our best to make the publication as comprehensive as possible, but as you know, there is over 350 years to cover, and that is only in Guyana, so it is impossible to put it all in one magazine.
Finally, we hope that by reading the magazine, you will get the message and spirit in which it is intended. Please feel free to send us your comments, criticisms or ideas to izwe@corbinmediagroup.com or continue the discussion online at our facebook page.
Nevertheless, you will still be able to read about the 1763 Berbice Revolt, Buxton Village, cricket hero Clive Lloyd and even about the arrival of the Portuguese - the first indentured labourers to arrive in Guyana. And those are just some of the features to expect. As always, I offer many thanks to our sponsors, contributors, supporters and last but not least my hard working team for your invaluable input into making this publication a success. By your support, you have demonstrated that you understand the concept behind IZWE, and you know that this magazine is bigger than any one specific group,
Happy Emancipation! Peace, Simeon L Corbin Founder & Publisher IZWE Magazine
COVER Is a 1991 painting by C. Nurse which depicts freed men and women on their way to purchase a village during the “Village Movement� era. Some of the money was placed in wheelbarrow. The picture was taken with permission from the African Heritage Museum
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Publisher Simeon Corbin (4th from left) and Minister of Culture (third from right ) pose with some of the models
IZWE Magazine 2011 Launch
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n July 27, 2011 at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, the premiere edition of IZWE magazine was officially unveiled by Publisher Simeon Corbin and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony. The new glossy publication was well received by all in attendance as comments on its presentation and contents were overheard. Mr. Corbin in his remarks said: “With the Guyana’s rich and diverse cultural history, IZWE was published to salute the people of African descent both past and present and to target a new generation of readers to help enlighten them about a segment of Guyana’s history. In addition, we are hopeful that
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IZWE 2012
Ingrid Fung and Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony enjoy their copies of IZWE
Sophia Ramphal, Simeon Corbin and Tiya Peterkin Lisa Punch
A member of the Classique Dance Troupe performs a dance
Models showcase some of Anetha Daniels’ fashion
people from other ethnic groups can get a better prospective of the African experience after reading the magazine.” There were also remarks from the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookoo. Guests were also entertained by the Classique Dance Troupe, singer Lisa Punch and a fashion display of men’s and women’s clothing from the Anetha Daniels fashion house.
A section of the invited guests 2012 IZWE
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GUYANA in Perspective
The Arrival of the First Indentured Labourers: The Portuguese By Sister Mary Noel Menezes
O
n 3rd May 1835, after a voyage of 78 days, the Louisa Baillie docked in Demerara with 40 Madeiran emigrants bound for ‘Pln Thomas’ of RG. Butts and for ‘Plns La Penitence’ and ‘Liliendaal’ of James Albuoy. Why emigrants from a 286mile island, Madeira, off the coast of Morocco to a continental British colony on the northern tip of South America? Three factors made such a move a reality: 1. The approaching abolition of slavery throughout the British possessions creating a labour gap; 2.
The long-standing alliance between Portugal and England;
3.
The political, military and economic problems in Madeira in the 1830s.
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Sugar had been grown in Madeira since 1452 and by 1500 the island had become the world’s largest producer of sugar cultivated by the sturdy and hardworking peasant-farmer who, suffering from the economic depression and political troubles, was eager to emigrate. The first decade of the arrival of the Madeirans was a difficult one for them; disease and death plagued those years; at the same time strong objections against emigration were raised by the Madeiran civil and ecclesiastical authorities fearing the erosion of their labourers. By 1845 most of the Portuguese had moved off the plantations, bought small plots of land and moved into the huckster and retail trade. In 1843 the first import of goods from Madeira by the Portuguese was noted by both the Madeiran and Demeraran press. The Portuguese were long masters in the field of trade and the Madeiran emigrant brought with him this flair and expertise. In the early years it was mainly in the rum trade that
GUYANA in Perspective The Arrival of the First Indentured Labourers: The Portuguese the Portuguese made their mark. By 1852 79% of the retail rum shops were owned by the Portuguese and they retained that monopoly well into the twentieth century. The end of the 1860s and the 1870s saw the Portuguese well entrenched in business. The roster of Portuguese entrepreneurs was extensive. Apart from being property owners, they were provision and commission merchants, spirit shop owners, importers, iron mongers, ship chandlers, leather merchants, boot and shoe makers, saddlers, coachbuilders, woodcutters, timber merchants, brick makers, cattle owners, pork-knockers, charcoal dealers, bakers and photographers. This commercial success of the Portuguese received high praise in the Royal Gazette. The rise of the Portuguese in this colony from a state of most abject poverty to one of comparative affluence, and to the possession, in many instances, of thousands of dollars within the space of a few years, is one of the most remarkable occurrences in modern Colonial History. This unprecedented success of the Portuguese in business aroused the jealousy and animosity of the Blacks to such an extent that riots resulted, one especially violent one, the 1856 “Angel Gabriel� Riots during which Portuguese shops were extensively damaged, shops but not lives. In 1858 the number of Portuguese in the colony was estimated at approximately 35,000 and mostly all were Catholic. They brought not only their agricultural expertise but their faith as well. The Madeirans were profoundly religious; their religion they expressed with joy. Their religious festas were celebrated with joyful abandon and with much pomp and splendour. With the arrival of Portuguese-speaking priests the Catholic Church advanced rapidly. In 1861 Sacred Heart Church was built for the Portuguese and by the Portuguese. Other churches rose all over the country, along the east coast and east bank, Demerara and in Essequibo.
confraternities, guilds and societies for the relief of widows, orphans, the sick, unemployed, the elderly and the imprisoned as well as for the education of the children of their members. The Portuguese held on to their language throughout the nineteenth century. A number of Portuguese newspapers kept the Portuguese in touch with events in Madeira and in the colony: Voz Portuguez, 0 Lusitano, Chronica Seminal, The Watchman, among others. Portuguese schools were established for both boys and girls. Together with other amateur and professional groups the Portuguese entered the cultural stream of music and drama in the British Guianese society. Plays and concerts were held at the Assembly Rooms and at the Philhar-monic Hall. Noted for their musical bands in Madeira the Portuguese formed the Premeiro de Dezembro band which played at every festivity in the colony and regularly on the Sea Wall, the Botanic and Promenade Gardens, the Town Hall and the
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Of all the religious customs transmitted by the Portuguese, the Christmas Novena continues to hold sway among Catholic Guyanese of every ethnic origin. Another Madeiran custom was the establishment of
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GUYANA in Perspective The Arrival of the First Indentured Labourers: The Portuguese Assembly Rooms. The Portuguese were also prominent in the world of sports: in boxing, cricket and cycling, rugby, football, tennis, hockey, racing and rowing. In 1898 the first cycling club, the Vasco da Gama Cycling Club, was formed by the Portuguese. In 1925 the Portuguese Club was founded and nurtured famous tennis players of the day. Indeed, the Portuguese worked hard in their business world but they also played hard. In music, dance and sport, they acquitted themselves well.
and JP Santos winning seats in the Court of Policy and Combined Court. However, although the Portuguese had gained a political foothold, they were not at all welcomed with open arms into the colonial government.
However much the Portuguese added to the cultural dimension in music, drama and sport, their entry into the political field took them much longer.
By the turn of the century the Portuguese had created their own middle and upper class. They were never accepted into the echelons of white European society though they themselves were Europeans. Much less did they “bolster white supremacy”. The rapid economic progress of the Portuguese, their strong adherence to the Catholic faith and their clannishness bred respect but never whole-hearted acceptance among the population either in the nineteenth or twentieth century.
First, there was the language barrier; secondly, the majority of the Portuguese men were not naturalized British subjects and thirdly, the government constantly cautioned the Portuguese “not to meddle with politics” but stick to their business. Not until 1906 did the Portuguese run for office, FI Dias
In the 1960s and 1970s the Portu-guese suffered even more discrimination and many crossed the ocean in search of another EI Dorado in the north, maybe in the spirit of the early Portuguese explorers who lived to the hilt the motto of Prince Henry the Navigator: “Go farther”.
The Future is WOW! 10 IZWE 2012
Vision Quality Consistency CMG believes diversity makes good business sense. Celebrating what brings us together by respecting our differences 48 Sandy Babb Street | Kitty | G/town | Guyana Phone: 226-0540, 225-1738, 624-2751 Email: sales@corbinmediagroup.com W: www.corbinmediagroup.com
The Village Movement
By Randolph Chase
L
ocated approximately 15 miles east of Georgetown, the village of Buxton is situated on the East Coast of Demerara in Region 4.
In April 1840, 128 freed men and women pooled their resources together and bought plantation New Orange Nassau from its proprietor, James Archibald Holmes, for $50,000. The village was later renamed Buxton in honour of Thomas Fowell Buxton, a British Member of Parliament, who had campaigned for the abolition of slavery in the British colonies. These Africans wisely foresaw that staying on the plantation after the apprenticeship period was over would not benefit to them, so being spurred on by the purchases of deserted cotton plantations by freed men and women in other areas, the Buxtonians also pursued their vision of taking charge of their own destiny. The 500-acre Plantation New Orange Nassau, obtained its transport first on the 2nd January, 1841. Also in that year, another 168 former slaves came together and purchased Friendship, a 500-acre plantation east of Buxton for $80,000. The residents
of both communities merged to form the largest village in the country at the time. The villagers later created the Buxton-Friendship Village Council an administrative body, to oversee the maintenance of village infrastructure, collect property taxes, and to ensure residents adhered to a strict code of decency and morality by imposing fines on violators who committed such offences as public intoxication, use of profane language, gambling and fighting. House lots were laid out at the front of the village while farms were established at the back. Roads were constructed, canals were dug and the farm lands were toiled. “Buxton People Stop Train� is a famous quote that is associated with the village. In 1862, the governor of British Guiana confiscated the property of James Jupiter, Blucher Dorsett, Hector John, Webster Ogle, Chance Bacchus and James Rodney Sr, leading to riots. After the governor refused to hear the complaints of the delegations from Buxton, six village leaders set sail for England to air their 2012 IZWE
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The Story of BUXTON “The Promise Land” Buxton Primary School
grievances to the Queen. After arriving in Barbados, the Barbadian governor met with the delegation and advised his counterpart to absolve their properties of tax duties. This betrayal upset the other villagers, it also threatened the wellbeing of the members of the delegation who claimed they were not aware of the contents of the letter. In another effort to settle this dispute, some villagers decided to block the train carrying the governor, and force him to listen to their grievances. With his train surrounded by angry villagers, the governor promised that Buxtonians would be exempt from these levies. Religion has been and continues to be a significant part of village life. Places of worship date back to the 1800’s with the establishment of Anglican, Congregational, Methodist and Roman Catholic Churches. Later the Lutheran Church, African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the Seventh Day Adventist, the Church of God, Brethren Church, the Jordanites, the Assemblies of God, Full Gospel Church, and a number of smaller churches were opened for worship. Education too has been important for the residents of the Buxton-Friendship area. At one time, there were at least three secondary schools namely Smith’s
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College the Buxton Government Secondary School and County High School. There were also a number of primary schools and Kindergarden Trade School for skills and craft training. Today, Buxton is part of Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council, but like most villages owned by descendents of slaves, economic development is minuscule. Unemployment and neglect continue to plague the village. Some work has been done in education, health, water and Infrastructural projects, but most villagers continually complain about abandonment and discrimination because of their race and political views. A negative continues to overshadow the village today. This stems mainly from public statements made by elected officials that virtually criminalized the entire area because of some criminal elements that were hiding out in the village during the mid 2000 crime spree. Buxton was eventually occupied by the Joint Services for a period of time. Even though, the forces have left, many farmers have found it difficult to reclaim and farm their lands. The residual effects of this negative public uttering
The Story of BUXTON “The Promise Land” also seem to extend to the hiring practices of some companies in their reluctance to hire residents of Buxton, so unemployment remains high. A lack of any substantive training programmes for young people is also a major concern for villagers. However, despite the daily obstacles faced, the resilience of Buxtonians comes out as a number of micro enterprises have sprung up around the village. These can be seen in the form of internet cafes, music shops, hang-out bars, hair salons and barbershops, grocery shops, and beer gardens and restaurants dot the village. On the entertainment side, Buxton hosts Mashramani and Emancipation celebrations, football tournaments, pageants, fashion shows, barbeques and numerous activities to keep the villagers entertained. In June 2012, the $50M refurbishment of the Tipirary Hall was commissioned. The two- story building houses a library, an office, classrooms for computer training, a stage, a changing room and a bar. First built in 1909, and registered in 1911, the Tipperary Hall, on Middle Walk, Buxton, was the main building for a variety of community activities, including political meetings. Some notable Buxtonians are Winifred Ivy ThierensGaskin (1916 – 1977) who was a scholar, teacher, journalist, politician, pioneer of women’s issues and Member of Parliament. Dr. David Hinds political activist and professor and Eusi Kwayana aka Sydney Evanson King or the “Sage of Buxton” a noted statesman, educator, author, playwright, lyricist, poet, politician, former Member of Parliament and Government Minister. Many of the sons and daughters of the village
have come together at home and in the Diaspora to form non-government organizations that offer scholarships and other forms of assistance in education, sports, religion, culture and healthcare to deserving villagers so that a new attitude, pride and hope for a brighter future will be embodied by the younger generation. The Buxton Battle Song Thou wilt not cower in the dust Buxton my own native land, Thy glorious name shall never rust, Oh Buxton my own native land. Remember Fredericks, yes we must, The Buxton Scholarship his thrust. And now he slumbers in the dust, In Buxton my own native land. And now may every girl and boy, In Buxton my own native land, His heart and brain all day employed, In Buxton my own native land. To add to our illustrious line Of sons and daughters who all time, Give of their best that you may shine For Buxton my own native land.
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IZWE PROFILES
By John Anderson
HUGH DESMOND HOYTE (1929 – 2002)
Former President and Leader of the People’s National Congress
B
orn in Georgetown, Guyana on March 9, 1929, Hugh Desmond Hoyte taught high school in Guyana before teaching at the Grenada Boys School . He later obtained B.A. and LL.B. degrees from the University of London. As a British trained Barrister-at-Law, he was called to practice at the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple, London. He wore silk as a member of the Inner Bar having been sworn-in as a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1969 and designated Senior Counsel (SC) in 1970 when Guyana became a Republic. His practice at the bar led to unprecedented rulings and case law, some of which are today instructed at the UWI School of Law. Hoyte entered Guyanese politics in 1968, as a member of People’s National Congress (PNC) government. He was Minister of Home Affairs from 1969 to 1970; Minister of Finance from 1970 to 1972, Minister of Works, Transport and Communications 1972 to 1974 and Minister of Economic Development from 1974 to 1980. In 1980, he was appointed Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economic Planning. When Prime Minister Dr. Ptolemy Reid, retired in August 1984, Hoyte was appointed Prime Minister of Guyana, a post in which he served until the death of President Forbes Burnham on August 6, 1985. In that year, Hoyte became Guyana‘s third President a position he held until the PNC lost the 1992 general elections. Hoyte’s portfolio also included CARICOM affairs. As a member of its Conference, the Heads of Government of CARICOM charged him with responsibility for promoting freedom of movement within the Community and for co-ordinating CARICOM’s policy on the environment for the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 and generally. He was also nominated CARICOM’s spokesman on sugar. Prior to his full-time service as a
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HUGH DESMOND HOYTE Former President and Leader of the People’s National Congress Americas United Foundation. He was also a Patron of the Errol Barrow Memorial Trust Fund (a regional Trust established in honor of the late Barbadian Prime Minister) and a Patron of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Foundation based in London. Hoyte is credited by many economists for conceptualizing and implementing the Economic Recovery Program (ERP), a model that was in effect even after his death that helped Guyana in its economic recovery and debt reduction.
Hoyte and his wife Joyce flash victory signs after casting their votes at a polling station
Government Minister, he held many public offices from time to time. He was Chairman of the Legal Practitioners’ Committee, a statutory body which deals with disciplinary matters relating to members of the legal profession; Chairman of the Timber Grants Wages Council; Chairman of the Customs Tariff Appeals Tribunal; and a member of the Elections Commission, among other offices. He was also deeply involved in the Trade Union Movement and was Legal Adviser to the Trades Union Congress and several member Unions. In his ministerial capacity, Hoyte as Guyana’s Governor on the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank and headed many delegations to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Caribbean Committee for Development and Cooperation, the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting, ACP/EEC Meetings and other regional and international conferences on economic, financial and developmental issues. He was Guyana’s chief representative at the deliberations which led to the establishment of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and was a member of the Latin American Council from 1975 to 1983. He has maintained a strong interest in regional and hemispheric affairs and has spoken and written widely on this subject. Hoyte was a Life Senator and a member of the Supreme Council of the Presidency of the International Parliament for Safety and Peace, which has observer status with the United Nations; a member of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Federation for World Peace; a member of the international Advisory Board of the Hemispheric Congress of Tourism; and an Honorary member of the Board of The
Hoyte’s sound policies and leadership reestablished faith by all ethnic groups and the business community in a more democratic country and freedom of the press position. One of the effect from these moves, led to the establishment of the independent Stabroek Newspaper. Many international lending institutions also found it wise to encourage investment in Guyana under his tenure. Desmond Hoyte was also a champion of the environment as he was a partner to the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council. He pledged 1 million acres of pristine rainforest for ecological investigations to the United Nations, which later lead to the opening of the Iwokrama International Rainforest Project. As Prime Minister in 1985, Hoyte faced a major family tragedy when his family on their way to Linden in a separate vehicle to listen to his May Day address crashed, killing his only two children: daughters Amanda and Maxine, his sister-in-law and his driver. Only his wife, Joyce, survived. After his 1992 lost at the elections, Hoyte became the Opposition Leader until his death on Sunday, December 22, 2002 at age 73. His body was laid to rest at the Seven Ponds in the Botanic Gardens on December 30, 2002. His wife Joyce passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2011, in Georgetown Guyana. She was 77. The H D Hoyte Lecture Series is organized each year to commemorate his birth anniversary. His name and legacy will forever be etched in history as a leader, visionary and statesman. 2012 IZWE
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IZWE PROFILES
John Adams, MP Region 3
Bonny Alves Managing Director Ssignal Music and music producer
Hans Barrow, M.S. Honorary Consul General of Japan and Managing Director of Insurance Brokers Guyana Ltd.
Commodore Gary Best, MSM Chief of Staff Guyana Defence Force, Chairman of the Joint Services and President of the Guyana National Rifle Association
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Dr. Vincent Adams US Department of Energy Engineer and Chairman, Linden Fund USA
Baroness Valerie Amos UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator
Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred WIBA Iberian-American Bantamweight champion and IberianCaribbean Champion
Lloyd Austin Proprietor, Austin Book Services
Richard Allen, MP Region 1
Deborah Backer, MP Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs & Economic Co-operation and Attorney-at-Law
Joan Baveghems, MP
Hon. Rubeson Benn, MP Minister of Works and Transport
Hon. Madame Justice Desiree Bernard, former Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and the first female judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
Kerwin Bollers aka DJ Kerwin Director Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and HJTV 72
James Anthony Bond, MP Attorney-at-law
Dr. Compton Bourne, O.E. Chancellor of the University of Guyana.
IZWE PROFILES
William Andrew Boyle Medical Director and CoFounder Eureka Medical Laboratory
E.R. Braithwaite Novelist, writer, teacher, and diplomat
Seon Bristol Chief Executive Officer BrisO Promotions and boxing promoter
Michael Brotherson Consul General to Barbados
Helen Browman C.E.O St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Board member of Youth Challenge Guyana and a member of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese
Leroy Brummel Deputy Commissioner, Guyana Police Force
Clyde Butts Chairman of Selectors of the West Indies cricket board and former Guyanese and West Indies Cricketer
Colin Bynoe President, Guyana Teacher’s Union
Troy Cadogan Marketing Director, Ansa McAl Trading and Board member Guyana Boxing Board
Dr. Vibert Cambridge President of the Guyana Cultural Association of NY and Professor at Ohio University
Lance Carberry APNU Executive Member and Honorary Consul of Norway
Frederick Christian Administrative Manager, National Cultural Centre
Robert Corbin, MP Attorney-at-Law and leader of the People’s National Congress
Anetha Daniels Fashion designer
Vivienne Daniels Director, National Dance Company
Harold B. Davis, CCH, MA, B.Sc Chairman of the Board of Directors Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life Insurance
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IZWE PROFILES
Gregory Dean CEO Digicel Guyana
Emily Dodson Attorney-at-law and President of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers
Carvil Duncan General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union
Adrian Dutchin Soca artiste
Desiree Adele Edghill Actress, Playwright, Director, Producer and Executive Director of Artistes In Direct Support
Bishop Juan A. Edghill D.D., J.P., COA.,MP, Bishop of the Outreach Ministries International, Junior Minister of Finance
‘Big’ John Edwards Record breaking powerlifter
Dale Erskine Director of Prisons, Guyana Prison Service
Gem Eytle Chairman and CEO, Frandec and Company, Inc.
Brentnol Evans Consul General in New York
Francis Quamina Farrier Playwright, actor and journalist
Winston Felix, MP Shadow Minister of Public Security & Human Safety
Annette Ferguson, MP
Dwight Ferguson Director Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and HJTV 72
Rawle Ferguson aka DJ Rawle Director Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and HJTV 72
Cleveland Ford National men’s long distance champion
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IZWE PROFILES
Ingrid Fung Non-graduate Distance Education Programme for English teachers and Producer of the Mother & Daughter pageant
Michael George Owner/Director -Herdmanston Lodge and Board Member - Cheddi Jagan International Airport
Marlon Gentle Fire Chief, Guyana Fire Service
Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire High Court Judge
Dee George Owner/Manager -Herdmanston Lodge, Board Member - Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana
Keith George Ambassador to Suriname
Lance Gibbs Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer
Dr. Kwame Gilbert, MP Reverend of World Vision Church
Eddy (Edmond Montague ) Grant Businessman, musician and song writer
Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle Medical Doctor and Public Health Practitioner, Co-founder of Eureka Medical Laboratory and Family Clinic
Claire Goring Cultural Director, Guyana Cultural Association of NY, Inc. and Graphic Artist
Brigadier (ret’d) David Grainger Leader of Opposition, author and publisher
Hon. Hamilton Green Mayor of Georgetown and former Prime Minister (1985 - 1992)
Carl Barrington Greenidge, MP, Shadow Minister of Finance & Planning
Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes High Court Judge
Esther Griffith Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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IZWE PROFILES
Mark Harper President of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association and former national cricketer
Joseph Harmon, MP Shadow Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure and Attorney-at-law
Beverley Harper Managing Director of ANSA McAL Trading Limited Guyana
Professor Eon Nigel Harris Vice-Chancellor, The University of the West Indies and Chairman of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Yvonne Hinds Executive Director of the Guyana Relief Council
Junior Horatio Sales Manager, Delta Airlines
Cathy Hughes, MP Director of Ariantze Hotel Sidewalk Café and Jazz Club, Managing Director Videomega Productions
Claire Jarvis Assistant Commissioner Guyana Police Force
Christopher Jones, MP
Dr. Paulianda J Jones Scientist
Alfred King Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport
Michelle ‘Big Red’ King Soca artiste
Natheeah King-Mendonca Marketing Manager, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services
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Hon. Samuel Hinds Prime Minister of Guyana
Roger Harper President of The Georgetown Cricket Association, Regional & International Cricket Analyst for Radio & TV and Coach
Carl Hooper, AA Coach and former Guyana and West Indies cricket captain
IZWE PROFILES
Vanessa Kissoon, MP Region 10
Margaret Lawrence Executive Director Merundoi Inc., Actress and Comedienne
Lincoln Lewis General Secretary, Guyana Trades Union Congress
Clive Lloyd, CBE, AO former Guyana and West Indies cricket captain
Dr Roger Luncheon Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Chairman of the Board,National Insurance Scheme and the Defence Board Secretary
Alika Morgan National long distance champion
Timeka Marshall Recording artiste
Colonel (Ret) Carl Morgan, MSS President Guyana Legion
Volda Lawrence, MP Shadow Minister of Human Services & Social Protection and Accountant
Colonel Bruce Lovell Colonel General Staff of the Guyana Defence Force
Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major Director, Kashif & Shanghai Organization
Kashif Muhammad Director, Kashif & Shanghai Organization
Carol Lewis-Primo Senior Superintendent and Deputy Chief Immigration Officer
Odinga Lumumba Presidential advisor, Miss Guyana Universe franchise holder and Director of Alpa Football Club
Renis Morian, MP Region 10
Cullin Bess Nelson Chief Photographer, Guyana Chronicle Newspaper
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IZWE PROFILES
Doreen Nelson General Manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS)
Eric Phillips Executive Member African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA)
Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder Hollywood actress
Clifford B. Reis, C.C.H., F.I. Mgt. Managing Director Banks DIH Limited, Chairman of the Board, Citizens Bank
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Steve Ninvalle, MP Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Sport, President of G.A.B.A., VicePresident of Alpha United Football Club
Kent Phillips Managing Director, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs
Colleen Patterson Country Manager, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services
Magda Pollard, CCH Activist and first Guyanese woman to receive the Caricom Award for woman of the Year
Gavin Primo Assistant Commissioner Guyana Police Force
Jumo Primo Soca artiste
Ezze Rockcliff Founder and lead singer of the Yoruba Singers Band
Henry Rodney Actor and playwright
David Patterson Managing Director of Patterson and Associates, Executive Member of the AFC and President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF)
Aliann Pompey 2-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and national 400mm champion
Clive Prowell Founder and Artistic Director Classique Dance Company
Hugh Arlington Ross Bodybuilder and Mr. Universe 2010 over-50 champion
IZWE PROFILES
Keith Scott, MP
Desmond Sears Executive Director & Co-owner, Delmur Co. Ltd., Executive Director Forestry & Technical Consulting Services Inc.
Shevion Sears-Murray PRO, Guyana Power and Light
Donna Shortt-Gill TV personality, and PR Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security
Olympia Small-Sonaram Fashion designer
Dr. Gary Almedo Stephens Chief Medical Officer of The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC)
GeorgeTalbot Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Gillian Thompson Chief Librarian, the Guyana National Library
Dr. Samantha Tross Consultant Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon Specialist
Desmond Trotman, MP
Raphael Trotman Speaker of the National Assembly and attorney-at-law
Clinton Urling Managing Director German’s Restaurant and President, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry
George Vyphuis Assistant Commissioner Guyana Police Force
Jennifer Wade, MP Region 5
Burchmore Simon Managing Director, Kross Kolor Records
Hon. Jennifer Webster, MP Minister of Human Services and Social Security
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IZWE PROFILES
Ivelaw Whittaker PRO, Guyana Police Force
Hon. Dr Jennifer Westford, MP Minister of Public Service
Clinton Williams CEO / Director Guyana National Industrial Company, Inc. and President, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association
Norman Whittaker Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development
Lawrence T. Williams Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Guyana, Director at the Guyana Revenue Authority and Bureau of Statistics
Norris Witter President, Guyana Trade Union Congress
Basil Williams, MP Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs & Justice and Attorney-at-Law
Trevor Williams, MP
Enrico Woolford Managing Director EMW Communications and Editor-in-Chief Capital News
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Inspirational
Movie List
AKEELAH AND THE BEE Year: 2006 Starring: Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne and Keke Palmer Director: Doug Atchison
IMITATION OF LIFE Year: 1934 Starring: Claudette Colbert, Warren William and Rochelle Hudson Director: John M. Stahl
JUMPING THE BROOM Year: 2011 Starring: Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Angela Bassett Director: Salim Akil
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS Year: 2006 Starring: Will Smith, Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith Director: Gabriele Muccino
MALCOLM X Year: 1992 Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett and Delroy Lindo Director: Spike Lee
2012 IZWE
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IZWE PROFILES
HONOURING
CLIVE LLOYD
A Living Legend of Cricket ...A hero of our time and of our own is in town, deserving great honour after all his labours now concluded, and this honour he is receiving in full measure...
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By Ian McDonald
W
HONOURING CLIVE LLOYD A Living Legend of Cricket
hen asked to provide something about Clive Lloyd, I dug the following piece out of my archives. I believe it captures the greatness of the man. It is an account of a banquet given for Clive Lloyd at the Umana Yana in April, 1985. In the high and palmy days of Rome when a general performed great deeds on the empire’s borders it was the custom to award him a triumph at his homecoming. After the procession with the legions through the city’s streets, flowers flung and the cheering never-ending, a great feast in his honour would mark the occasion. And when Wellington returned to London after defeating the Emperor Napoleon at Waterloo the city held a banquet to end all banquet at the Guildhall to honour him. Now a hero of our time and of our own is in town, deserving great honour after all his labours now concluded, and this honour he is receiving in full measure. On Monday night there was a splendid banquet at the Umana Yana for Clive Lloyd and I will always count it a privileged memory that I was invited to be there. It brought back memories in a rush of nostalgia, and stirred the heart, to see the great men of the past gather. Cecil Marley, Allan Rae, Jackie Hendricks, and Gerry Alexander of Jamaica. Jeff Stollmeyer and Andy Ganteaume of Trinidad. Clyde Walcott and Wes Hall of Barbados. Scores of other famous cricketers, including the current West Indian team led by our new captain Viv Richards. Above all perhaps I was moved to see Rohan Kanhai, the batsman in my time who possessed the most blazing genius of them all, and Lance Gibbs, much greyer now, less whip-cord slim, but looking in good shape and good heart. He was, I have always thought, even taking into account our glorious tradition of pace
men, the greatest bowler the West Indies has yet produced. And no cricketer more fiercely dedicated to his team and country has ever lived. It must have done Lloyd’s heart good to see so many come to praise him by their presence. So much has been written and spoken about Clive Lloyd lately – and spoken again very well indeed at the dinner on Monday night – that I hesitate to add further to all the words, if only for the reason that all this eulogizing is likely to embarrass a fundamentally modest man. However, on such an occasion, one can be forgiven for again joining the chorus for a moment or two. So far in the history of cricket only two men have been so influential or dominant that they have given their names to an era. One was the great, burly, English figure of W.G. Grace and the other the Australian batting genius Donald Bradman. Now it begins to seem that there will be a third cricketer fit to join this very select pantheon and whose name will define a whole era in the game – the West Indian Clive Lloyd.
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HONOURING CLIVE LLOYD A Living Legend of Cricket trust get on with the job. In the West Indies there are many who can tell you what is wrong, some even what will make it right, but there are hardly any who will leave it to you. But Worrell and Lloyd did and it was a big part of their greatness as leaders. When a great champion retires it is always sad. It saddens me very much to think that, after Friday at Bourda in the one-day match in his honour, we will not see that hunched, bespectacled figure on our fields again. We will not see again that famous shambling walk which could in a flash become a big cat’s leap when the ball came near. We will not see again that great bat thumping out the boundaries past motionless mid-off and on. Age catches up on all men, even heroes. There is a story about W.G. Grace that I like. The old man died in 1915. Before that, the air-raids on England at the beginning of
In terms of West Indian cricket history itself there can be no doubt that Frank Worrell and Clive Lloyd have been our two greatest captains. Our superficial images of the two men are quite different – Worrell elegant and silken-sleeved on the field, Lloyd hunched and shambling and floppy-hatted; Worrell’s batting full of grace and sweetest flow of shot, Lloyd’s all immense and almost brutal power. But deep down they were blood-brothers in two essential respects – the dignity that informed all they did and their inborn capacity to lead men. When C.L.R. James interviewed Frank Worrell after the celebrated tour of Australia in 1960/61, Worrell told him he had often talked at length to his players about how to conduct themselves up to the standard expected of a West Indian Test player, but when it came to the cricket he had delivered no lectures. “If something was wrong”, Worrell said, “I told them what was right and left it to them.” As simple as that, but it is a little summary of his greatness as a leader, and, I suspect, of Lloyd’s greatness too, for these words show a number of essential things: confidence in your men as first-class professionals, confidence in your own knowledge and ability, and, above all, the supreme leadership quality of letting people you
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HONOURING CLIVE LLOYD A Living Legend of Cricket
Lloyd celebrates the West Indies World Cup win
World War 1 upset him. “But you can’t be frightened of air-planes”, a friend said to him, “you old man who once had Ernest Jones bowling through your beard!” “That was different”, old W.G. replied, “I could see that Jones and could see what he was up to. But I can’t see those aeroplanes!” Lloyd too will grow old and he like any man will have his fears and doubts. But we are lucky who have known him in his glory, not afraid of anything or anybody, a man of dignity and great strength of leadership, one of the greatest cricketers there has ever been, one of the very great West Indians. Dave Martins has a song which touches many a nerve in the West Indies: “Where are your heroes, Caribbean?” And Derek Walcott asked the same question in another way: “Who can instruct them where true honour lies?”There is no doubt that we are guilty of neglecting our true heroes. When they seem to have nothing more to offer we turn our backs and let men who should be greatly honoured slip into obscurity and sometimes even into unnoticed graves. For once, in Clive Lloyd’s case, we do not seem to be making that mistake. However, one ripe and rosy mango does not make a mango season, and the lavish honouring of a Clive Lloyd does not at all
mean that the questions asked by Dave Martins and Derek Walcott need any less the asking. But at least in Clive Lloyd’s case we have got it right. Editor’s Note: Clive Lloyd was appointed chairman of the Interim Management Committee in 2011 to help with the restructuring of the Guyana Cricket Board.
Clive Lloyd career Batting Stats TESTS Career Span: 1966-1984 Matches: 110 Innings: 175 Not Outs: 14 Runs: 7515 Highest Score: 242 Average: 46.68 50s: 39 100s: 19
ODI’s Career Span: 1973-1985 Matches: 87 Innings: 69 Not Outs: 19 Runs: 1977 Highest Score: 102 Average: 39.54 50s: 11 100s: 1
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By Malika Daniels
Celebration in Guyana
T
here is no bigger event that allows Guyanese to show their love for Africa and its rich culture. Emancipation Celebration in Guyana is held each year to celebrate the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834. This historical moment in Guyana’s history is recognized with a series of events that occur in late July and early August across the country. August 1 is marked by a national holiday as this period is used as a time of reflection on the contributions of African throughout our nation’s history. Guyanese of all walks of life partake in the activities whether at the village level, workplace or at public forums. During this season many people can be seen in traditional African attire either at their workplace, social gatherings or during other
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EMANCIPATION Celebration in Guyana
day-to-day activities. This is also the time of the year when many delicious African dishes become popular in homes and restaurants. The premier Emancipation event continues to be one hosted by African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) at the National Park. At this event families, friends and colleagues attend in their hundreds as they showcase their attire, browse the various display stalls, sample the foods and enjoy the entertainment. ACDA’s cultural programme usually includes a libation ceremony, exhibitions, drumming, storytelling, folk singing, music, folk games, dance, drama, poetry, sports and a fashion show. There are also lectures and other activities related to emancipation hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Library, the Museum of African Heritage and the University of Guyana hosted on other days. 2012 IZWE
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EMANCIPATION Celebration in Guyana
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The Village Movement
A List of Villages Bought by Freed Africans Region 2 (PomeroonSupenaam) • Preseverance • Dartmouth Village • Airy Hall Village • Queenstown • Williamstown Region 3 (Essequibo Islands West Demerara) • Den Amstel • Bagotville • Hopetown
Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica)
Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice)
• Victoria • Golden Grove • Plaisance • Nabaclis • Agricola • Friendship • Beterverwagting • Ann’s Grove Village • Bachelor’s Adventure • Good Intent • Prospect • Buxton
• Golden Grove • Belladrum • Lichfield • Sisters • Ithaca Kingelly • Lovely Lass No.41 village • Woodlands and Friends Retreat (No.10 village) • Calcutta Village • Recess Village • Weldaad Village • Hopetown
Region 6 (East Berbice Corentyne) • Sandvoort • Gibraltar/Fryish Courtland • Baracara • No. 53 Union • Kildonan • Liverpool • Joppa (No. 43. village) • Dingwall (No.40 village) • Phillipi • Seafield (No.42 village) • Eversham Village
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The 1763
By Orin Campbell
Berbice Uprising A Quest for Freedom
O
n the 4th July 1762, the Dutch slave-ship de Eenigheyt with two hundred and eighty-six African slaves anchored at Post St. Andries on the Berbice River. Among the “cargo� were Atta and Quabi who would later become martyrs in their struggle for freedom. The audacious attempts by African freedom fighters to challenge the brutal and inhumane condition they and their families had to work and live under finally reached a boiling point of no return that on February 23, 1763 one of the largest quest for freedom occurred in Guyana. After 100 years being enslaved, the Africans found the growing need to free themselves from bondage and become an independent people.
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One other underlining issue was the dissatisfaction with the reduction of normal rations provided by the plantation owners. The slaves were complaining that they were not getting enough to eat. Physical brutality meted out to the slaves by some masters and managers of the plantations in the Head Division of the Berbice River was another issue that the Africans wanted to end. Since they were considered property, no attention was paid to their plight. In order to maintain law and order and prevent possible revolts by the slaves in the plantation system, the Dutch authorities passed a number of ordinances in the 1700’s. One regulation required that the Africans to Whites ratios be 15:1 on all plantations. This however, was never enforced and
The 1763 Berbice Uprising A Quest for Freedom thus allowing the ratio to balloon to nearly 30 to 1 at many locations. Other ordinances stated that a slave was not allowed to go beyond the boundaries of the plantation without a written pass from their master. There was also a rule applied to planters which prohibited them from bringing slaves from another colony if those slaves had been before the courts there. Yet another ordinance in 1739, seek to restrict the movement of slaves on the river, especially on Saturday and Sunday nights. The Governor and Councilors ordered both planters and free inhabitants to ensure that all small canoes and corials which are on the plantations under their management, and which belong to the plantation or to the slaves are chained up on Saturday and Sunday evenings or pay a fine of 25 guilders. Despite numerous ordinances, the Dutch authorities were very sloppy in their enforcement and by 1762, they were faced with a slave rebellion in Berbice. The slaves were able to resist a militia force sent by the Governor, Van Hoogenheim, but they were later subdued by a stronger militia. Records from 1763 indicate that there were only about 346 Whites against 3,833 slave population in the Colony of Berbice. Realizing their advantage, the Africans thought that the time was right for another revolt. So on February 23, 1763, the uprising which became known as the Berbice Slave Rebellion commenced. The revolt broke out at Magdalenenburg, a plantation on the upper Canje River owned by Madam Vernesobre. The slaves killed the manager and carpenter, burned down the owner’s house, and moved on to neighbouring plantations, and as far as the Corentyne, to get support from the slaves there, some of whom attacked their owners and either joined the others or escaped into the forest.
River, and attacked Juliana, Mon Repos, Essendam, Lilienburg, Bearestyn, Elizabeth and Alexandria, Hollandia, and Zeelandia with arms and ammunition ceased along the way. Slaves from the conquered plantations joined the freedom fighters as they moved towards Fort Nassau the capital of Berbice at the time. After their successful campaign, the Whites were driven out of the colony, Coffy declared himself Governor of Berbice, and he set up offices at Hollandia and Zeelandia. Other leaders selected to serve with the new governor were Akara as his deputy, Atta and Accabre, Cossala and Goussari. The Africans set about establishing a more organised military force to defend them against any attackes and farm the lands to produce food supplies for their survival. These freedom fighters enjoyed some level of success in the early stages which enabled them to have full control of the colony and a taste of self governance for the first time. Their success was mainly due to a united front and their acquired military capabilities. However, this success was not to last as in-fighting for the leadership between Coffy and Atta began. Factions for both men fought each other and Atta’s group won, this led Coffy to kill his close supporters before shooting himself. Atta, now the new leader, appointed Accabre as his military commander, and Quacco, Baube and Goussari were also promoted. In the meantime, the Whites were quietly reinforcing themselves as they were planning to attack and retake the colony. In December 1763, the Dutch used an Amerindian force to move through the forest and attack from the south, while soldiers were sent up the Berbice and Canje Rivers to take back control of the plantations along the way.
The rebelling Africans were organised as a fighting force headed by Coffy, who was a house-slave from plantation Lilienburg on the Canje River.
Despite two victories by the African forces, one at Wikki Creek, many Africans were forced to surrender in other skirmishes with the Dutch or fled into the forest.
The rebels moved to plantations on the Berbice
Atta and Akara were soon captured, while Accabre
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The 1763 Berbice Uprising A Quest for Freedom was caught later after being betrayed by Akara and Goussari who were imprisoned earlier. After retaking the colony, the captors inflicted severe punishment on the leaders of the rebellion. Many of the rebels were hanged, broken at the wheel or burned to death. This was an attempt by the Whites to deter any future attempts by the slaves to revolt. It is estimated that about 3,000 slaves were involved in the rebellion in Berbice in 1763, which lasted about fourteen months. During that time, there were numerous changes in leadership. The collapse of the revolt came by April, 1764, and that was due mainly to disunity among the freedom fighters and other issues such as the shortage of arms and ammunition which hindered their ability to defend themselves against a much larger and more effective militia force sent in by the Dutch. In addition, Coffy encountered difficulties with indiscipline among his ranks. After the Whites were evicted from the plantations, some rebels to raid the abandoned estates, while others spent most of their time consuming alcohol and dressing up in clothing left behind by the Dutch. These raids were not sanctioned by Cuffy. In addition, many of the slaves born in the colony did not support the rebellion, and they preferred to surrender themselves to plantations not involved in the rebellion. In April 1763, Cuffy wrote to Van Hoogenheim saying that he did not want a war with the Whites. He also proposed the partition of Berbice between the Whites and Africans with the Whites occupying
the coastal area, and the Africans the interior. Cuffy’s own desire to work with the Dutch Governor Van Hoogenhei allowed the Governor to delay his responses to Cuffy’s requests, so that reinforcements from other colonies can be brought in to mount a massive attack against the Africans. None of Cuffy’s proposals mattered as Governor Van Hoogenhei was set on recapturing the colony and restoring the plantations to White ownership. The 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt is one of the longest rebellions in the history of slavery in the Americas. It severely threatened the existence of an oppressive system allowed the enslavement of one group of people by another for economic gain. An attack at the core of this establishment sent a message to future generations to never accept any form of marginalization or discrimination and to succeed in a multiethnic society you do not need to adopt a subservient posture. For his courage, Cuffy was named a National hero of Guyana, and on the anniversary of the rebellion, February 23, 1970, Guyana became a Cooperative Republic. A monument in Cuffy’s honour and as a symbol of the uprising is located in the Square of the Revolution at the eastern end of Brickdam in Georgetown. Plans are already being put in place to celebrate in 2013 the 250th anniversary in of this major milestone in Guyana’s history.
The Cuffy Commemorative one dollar coin
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Understanding
O
HEALTH By Coretta Corbin-Rival
a Silent Killer Among Us
ne of the diseases which have wreaked havoc in the lives of many people of African descent around the globe is Hypertension or high blood pressure. Researchers refer to high blood pressure as a “silent killer,” because of its ability to quietly lurk within a person without detection or until it is discovered when the blood pressure is measured. Having your blood pressure checked by a health care provider regularly is an important start to bringing awareness to this disease in your own life. If you could afford it, a blood pressure monitor is also a good investment to have at home. In order for an individual to be considered prehypertensive or hypertensive, he or she must have a consistently high blood pressure reading. Some people however, may experience warning symptoms such as dizziness, irregular heart beat, blurred vision, headache, chest pain, confusion, buzzing noise in the ear, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath or nausea, after the organs have already been damaged by the blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should let your doctor know and have him or her check your blood pressure as soon as possible. Understanding what is considered as “high blood pressure” or what it means to have hypertension is an important factor in helping you maintain the right pressure levels. Research on blood pressure shows that it is the force or pressure of the blood against the walls of the artery as it circulates through the body. A normal blood pressure measurement for an adult should be 120/80 or less. Any readings higher than these numbers are considered pre-hypertensive or hypertension depending on how high the numbers are, and if they are consistently high. Hypertension is usually caused by high sodium intake or high stressed conditions. Some people may also have high blood pressure due to family history, age, gender, race, obesity and lack of exercise. The experts believe that these factors cause the vascular
arteries to narrow, obstructing blood flow. If not checked, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and lead to stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure. When the blood is not allowed to flow freely through the arteries, the heart must work harder to push the blood, and this can be taxing on the heart. Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels involves changing your diet from a high salt content and fat intake diet, to a no- salt and low fat diet. You should also avoid processed and empty calories foods like sugary sodas, white rice, and flour. Stick with foods rich in whole gains and fiber. Foods high in potassium such as banana, yellow plantain, avocado, orange juice, raisins and prunes are all good at counteracting high blood pressure. Some claims have also been made regarding the positive effects of herbs such as garlic and ginger because of their ability to keep the blood from clotting. The Dash diet or dietary approach to stop hypertension as it is also known has recently been promoted as a new way of eating for those sensitive to sodium. The bottom line to keeping this silent killer at bay is a low or no sodium diet and increased physical activities, which keep the heart pumping and the blood moving through the arteries. Many ailments such as hypertension are due to insufficient or ineffective flow of blood which takes the nutrients to the various parts of the body. 2012 IZWE
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HOLIDAYS & Observances By Kenya Jeffers
Locally, Regionally and Internationally JANUARY (1) Independence Day in Haiti (15) Dr Martin Luther King Jr birth anniversary FEBRUARY (1 - 28) Black History Month MARCH (6) Ghana Independence Day (9) Former President Hoyte’s birth anniversary (25) U N International Day in Remembrance of Victims of the Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade APRIL (20) African Martyr’s Day May (25) African Liberation Day
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MAY (26) Guyana’s Independence Day JUNE (1 - 30) Black Music Month JULY (18) Mandela Day AUGUST (1) Emancipation Day / Freedom Day (6) Former President Forbes Burnham death anniversary OCTOBER (12) African Maafa (Holocaust Day) DECEMBER (26 - Jan. 1) Kwanzaa Celebration
The 1763
MONUMENT
A Symbol of Courage & Freedom By Orin Campbell
Unveiled: Sunday, March, 23 1976 by former president Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on the occasion of Guyana’s 10th Independence anniversary celebrations Construction cost: $38,000 Sculptor: Philip Moore The Plinth Designer: Albert Rodrigues, A.R.I.B., M.G.S.A. The Contractors: S.A. Nabi and Sons of Georgetown, Guyana Structural Engineer: Dr. David Klautky The bronze Statue and Plaques were cast by the Morris Singer Foundry of Basingstoke, England (August 1975 to February 1976) Model maker: David Gillespie, Farnham, Dorset Height and weight: 15 feet and 2½ tons Height from the plinth: 18 feet National Monument status: 1999
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The 1763 MONUMENT A Symbol of Courage & Freedom a cane with central hub representing Cuffy. This means that Cuffy took control after the revolution. 5. Praise and Thanksgiving The fifth plaque “Praise and Thanksgiving” carries four figures dancing and giving thanks to God for their deliverance. Description of the Monument • The pouting mouth is a sign of defiance and resistance. • The face on the chest is symbolic of the shield used as a breast plate in mediaeval times, and is meant as a protection in battle.
Philip Alphonso Moore 1921 - 2012 Definitions of Symbol The Five Plaques around the Plinth 1. Seeking the Inspiration The first plaque which is entitled “Seeking the Inspiration”” shows Cuffy and his friends communing with the spirits of their fore-fathers in the dead of the night, to see how best they could overthrow their enemies. 2. Uniting the People The second plaque, Uniting the People shows six hearts with the symbol of the clenched fists on each. It depicts the manner in which the slaves lived, the difference in the living quarters of house slave and field slave. Yet the differences do not mean division, since the slaves are united spiritually. 3. Destroying the Enemies The third plaque “Destroying the Enemies” carries two clenched fists with two long nails protruding from each and going into two monstrously caricatured hearts. These hearts represent the greed and avarice of the sugar plantation owners. 4. Control The fourth “Control” shows two figures holding on to a wheel made to look like the joints of
• The body is corrugated and decorated with lines from the crown of the head to the toes. • In his hands are two figures of monsters being throttled. They represent the pig and the dog who are being squeezed to death. The pig has a fishlike tail which is symbolic of ‘big fish’, represents ignorance and the dog covetousness, lust and greed. This image is inspired by a quotation from the Holy Scripture “Cast not your pearls before swine nor give what is sacred to the dog”. The sculptor said that even if Cuffy destroyed every white man in the world, as long as ignorance and lust still resided in the breast of his colleagues, then the revolution had not succeeded. • The faces on the thighs with horns represent the revolutions of Guyanese history, like Quamina and Accara and the fact that Cuffy considered past leaders in solidarity with his revolt. The horns are the attack and defence apparatus of the ox and other animals. • The sculptor identifies Cuffy as a country man, the feet rooted in the soil. He wears a belt made of rope and a knife in a pouch on his right hip. • The faces at the back of the head and body are to represent present-day leaders. • The map of Guyana represents unity among us all.
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IZWE World
GHANA
By Francis Quamina Farrier
CELEBRATED 55 YEARS of INDEPENDENCE with POMP and CEREMONY
Flag of Ghana
I
had planned to be in Ghana for that West African country’s Fiftieth Independence Anniversary in 2007. Unfortunately, it did not materialize.
However, five years later, I arrived in Ghana on March 2nd., 2012. It was just four days before GHANA celebrated its 55th., Independence Anniversary. And what an event it was! Pomp and Ceremony of the highest standard. Ghana displayed its very best in military music and displays of marching, both fast and slow, by the Armed Forces, the Police and the Fire Service, as well as by contingents of students from different institutions of learning. It was the best in marching one could see anywhere in the world.
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Coat-of-Arms of Ghana There was also a fly over by three military jet aircraft. I have to tell you that from the time I went to the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC, to apply for my visa and Media accreditation, I realised just how efficient and helpful Ghanaians can be. The Security Guard at the Embassy gate was helpful. The Counsellor Ms Vanessa Mensah-Adu, went the extra mile to have my papers processed with due urgency. And on my arrival in Ghana, the Immigration Officer who processed me at the Kotoka International Airport, located just outside the city of Accra, was very professional and welcoming. To add to my comfort, he looks very much like a younger member
IZWE World
The Ghana Military, Police and Fire Service put on a world-class display of marching - both fast and slow at the Independence Square, Accra of the Sinclair Family of Queenstown, Georgetown. His was the ‘first FACE of GHANA’ for me on my visit last March, and it was a face that gave me a feeling of arriving “back HOME”. As a senior journalist accredited to covering the 55th Independence Anniversary of GHANA, I was permitted to be part of the Media Corps at the grand Independence Square in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The Square is about the size of Queenstown and Alberttown in Georgetown, combined. Seating in the massive stands could accommodate tens of thousands, and at that 55th., Independence Anniversary Parade, they were packed to capacity and over-flowing. Ghanians came out for the occasion, dressed in their colourful national costumes. Waving their miniature Ghanaian flags at every opportunity. It was a sight to behold. Traditional Chiefs adorned in their multicoloured attire, arrived heralded by a horn-blowing
musician. Seated near the Media open-air enclosure where I was, were ministers of government, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other VIPs, including former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlins, who had visited Guyana, when he was the Head-of-State of Ghana. The arrival of the President of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills at the Independence Square, was heralded with music by the combined military bands. Later he did an Inspection of the Military and para-military, doing so in a special convertible car. The Ghana military and para-military wearing a range of uniforms, displayed some of the best marching one could see. Even the horses seem to ‘march’ to the music. Horses, however, tend to do what they have to do, even when just a few yards away from a Head-of-State and dozens of VIPs. That occurred at Ghana’s 55th Independence Anniversary Parade.
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IZWE World
GHANA CELEBRATED 55 YEARS of INDEPENDENCE with POMP and CEREMONY
Farrier Quamina Farrier (brown shirt) with Ghanaian friends at the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park A junior rank of the military, with a bucket, pan and brush, hurried to the spot where the horse’s droppings was, bent over, scooped it up, and quickly left the scene. A while later, another horse did the same thing as the previous horse. This time, the junior Military rank who came on to do that very lowly and even embarrassing chore, did not just walk on. He MARCHED on with bucket, pan and brush in hand as the band was playing. When he reached the spot where the horse dropping was, he did a military stamp, then went down to the task at hand. After scooping up what was the bulk of the ‘stuff ’, he went on to give the residue gentle strokes with the brush and into the pan; the way a woman applies the final touches of make-up to her face. On completion, the rank placed the pan and brush into the bucket, which he held to his body with his left arm. He then stood upright - a stamp with his right foot, a turn , another stamp with his right foot then with the military band playing, he marched off with swinging right arm into the stand. The Crowd went wild with cheers and applause. Then it dawned on me; here was a simple citizen, doing the humblest and even most embarrassing task in full view of his
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President and tens of thousands of his fellow citizens, and doing it so well. No doubt he got the attention, admiration and respect of many who saw it. Just imagine everyone, from President to Peasant, doing their tasks in such a way, so as to win the admiration and respect of those who witness them. In his feature address, the President of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, told Ghanaians that they must continue to love their country, Mother Ghana, and expressed the view that “the smiles on the faces of our Ancestors will be even broader than ever.” The president encouraged the youths to do of their best with their studies. Ghana now places a high premium on Education with many institutions of higher learning all around that country of 92,000 square miles and 24 million population. Worthy of mention is the fact that some of Ghana’s highest Public Offices are held by women; the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Joyce Bamford-Addo is the Speaker of the country’s parliament, and her Lordship, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, is Ghana’s Chief Justice. As I travelled to Kumasi and other cities and towns and the countryside of Ghana, I witnessed the women
IZWE World
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The great pan-African leader and first Prime Minister of Ghana Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, some with their babies on their backs and loads on their heads, doing what they have to do to make their contributions to their Families and their county. Another Independence event which I attended, was held at the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. It was a very pro-Ghanaian celebration with addresses by Patriotic Elders and music and dancing by Cultural Groups. I became fast friends with some of them; a teenager even availing himself as my security detail and personal assistant. Ghana is now regarded as one of the fastest developing countries in Africa. Everywhere I went during my seventeen days in the country, I saw roads being asphalted and otherwise up-graded; some with fly-overs. I also saw quite a lot of new structures going up. But the main thing which I observed, was the general friendliness, discipline, pride and resourcefulness of the Ghanaian people. 2012 IZWE
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IZWE World
NAACP
The Oldest & Largest Civil Rights Organization Excerpts from naacp.org
F
ounded February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is America’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization. The NAACP was formed partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and resting place of President Abraham Lincoln. Appalled at the violence that was committed against blacks, a group of white liberals that included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard, both the descendants of abolitionists, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. Some 60 people, seven of whom were African American (including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell), signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. Echoing the focus of Du Bois’ Niagara Movement began in 1905, the NAACP’s stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.
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W.E.B. DuBois The NAACP’s principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through the democratic processes. Du Bois founded The Crisis magazine as the premier crusading voice for civil rights. Today, The Crisis, one of the oldest black periodicals in America, continues this mission. A respected journal of thought, opinion and analysis, the magazine remains the official publication of the NAACP and is the NAACP’s articulate partner in the struggle for human rights for people of color.
IZWE World During the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was disproportionately disastrous for African Americans, the NAACP began to focus on economic justice. After years of tension with white labour unions, the Association cooperated with the newly formed Congress of Industrial Organizations in an effort to win jobs for black Americans. White, a friend and adviser to First Lady--and NAACP national board member--Eleanor Roosevelt, met with her often in attempts to convince President Franklin D. Roosevelt to outlaw job discrimination in the armed forces, defense industries and the agencies spawned by Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation. Roosevelt ultimately agreed to open thousands of jobs to black workers when labor leader A. Philip Randolph, in collaboration with the NAACP, threatened a national March on Washington movement in 1941. President Roosevelt also agreed to set up a Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) to ensure compliance. By the 1950s the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, headed by Thurgood Marshall, secured the last of these goals through Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which outlawed segregation in public schools. The NAACP’s Washington, D.C., bureau, led by lobbyist Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., helped advance not only integration of the armed forces in 1948 but also passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s echoed the NAACP’s goals, but leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, felt that direct action was needed to obtain them. Although it was criticized for working exclusively within the system by pursuing legislative and judicial solutions, the NAACP did provide legal representation and aid to members of other protest groups over a sustained period of time. The NAACP even posted bail for hundreds of Freedom Riders in the ‘60s who had traveled to Mississippi to register black voters and challenge Jim Crow policies.
In the late 1970s, the NAACP broadened its scope by committing itself to the struggle for equal rights around the world. Heading into the 21st century, the NAACP is focused on disparities in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system while also continuing its role as legal advocate for civil rights issues. The organization also hosts numerous events annually including the Image Awards to honor outstanding people of color in film, television, music, and literature. Today, the NAACP is governed nationally by a 64-member board of directors in seven regions. Headquarters are in Baltimore, Maryland. It has a network of more than 2,200 branches covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Japan and Germany. Currently the total membership exceeds 500,000. Yet the real story of the nation’s most significant civil rights organization lies in the hearts and minds of the people who would not stand idly by while the rights of America’s darker citizens were denied. From bold investigations of mob brutality, protests of mass murders, segregation and discrimination, to testimony before congressional committees on the vicious tactics used to bar African Americans from the ballot box, it was the talent and tenacity of NAACP members that saved lives and changed many negative aspects of American society. While much of NAACP history is chronicled in books, articles, pamphlets and magazines, the true movement lies in the faces--the diverse multiracial army of ordinary women and men from every walk of life, race and class--united to awaken the consciousness of a people and a nation. The NAACP will remain vigilant in its mission until the promise of America is made real for all Americans and immigrants. 2012 IZWE
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did You
know
By Natasha Hinds
FACTOIDS from Guyana and the Diaspora
Linden Forbes Samson Burnham, O.E., S.C., B.A., LL.B (1923 - 1985) was the first Prime Minister and First Executive President of Guyana. In 1989, David Dinkins became the First AfricanAmerican elected mayor of New York City. On January 1, 1804, Haiti proclaimed its independence and became the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere and the first free black republic in the world. Clive Lloyd is the first Guyanese / West Indian player to play 100 Test matches? William Africa Baptiste, known as ‘Boss Africa’, was widely accepted as the father of Victoria Village. He was also the first village schoolmaster. Baptiste, died in 1881.
On July 6,1964, the Son Chapman boat was blown up near Hurudaia, upper Demerara River (about 16 miles from Linden). Approximately 43 people lost their lives. In 2009, Michelle Obama became the first AfricanAmerican First Lady of the United States. Boxer Michael Parris won Guyana’s first medal (bronze) at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress was Halle Berry (Monster’s Ball, 2001) Jack Johnson is the first African-American to win the heavyweight boxing title. He became champion in 1908.
In 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the First African-American President of the United States.
1947 First African-American Major League Baseball player of the modern era: Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers).
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow (1884-1958) is the first man in British Guiana to formalize labour negotiations.
In August of 1978, boxer Winfield Braithwaite became the first Guyanese to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton Canada.
Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis beat James Page in 2001 and became the first Guyanese to capture the Vacant WBA Welterweight Title.
Slaves were greased with pig fat and put on display for sale in the Stabroek area.
In 1948, urbanization and economic growth during World War II fueled white fears that South Africa’s racial barriers will collapse, hence, the National Party introduced apartheid (separateness) measures against blacks, Indian immigrants and those of mixed race.
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Clive Lloyd is the first cricketer to win four Guyana Sportsman-of-the Year awards. He won them in 1968, 1981, 1983 and 1984. In 1940, the first African-American won an Academy Award: Hattie McDaniel (Best Supporting Actress, Gone with the Wind, 1939)
At the age of 36, Barbadian Sir Frank Worrel became the first black-man to captain a West Indies team in a complete series. He led the West Indies side in their 1960-61 tour to Australia. Carl Hooper is the first cricketer in the world to have scored 5,000 runs, taken 100 wickets, held 100 catches and received 100 caps in both One Day Internationals and Tests. ANC leader Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990 after 27 years in prison. His release ended the basic apartheid laws and the nationwide state of emergency. Michael Jordan holds the record for the most points of 63 in a NBA playoff game (against Boston on May 20, 1986, first round). Between 1838 and 1865, a total of 13,355 Africans from Sierra Leone came to Guyana as contract labourers. In 2011, celebrated bodybuilder Hugh Arlington Ross was the first Guyanese to win a Mr Universe title in the over 50 category.
Quamina, the leader of the 1823 uprising on the East Coast of Demerara was shot dead by Amerindian slave-catchers in the backlands of Chateau Margot and his body was later publicly hanged. Tutorial High School (THS) was founded in 1939 by Austin Cosmo Castello, with a student population of 7 children. Robert L. Johnson is the founder of television network Black Entertainment Television (BET) in January 1980. He is the first African-American billionaire. The first property bought in November 1839 by 83 former slaves for 30,000 guilders was Plantation Northbrook on the East Coast of Demerara which was later renamed Victoria after the British monarch Queen Victoria.
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At midnight of July 31, 1834, approximately 85,000 slaves became ‘partially freed’ in Guyana. The first African-American astronaut is Guion Stewart “Guy” Bluford, Jr. (Challenger mission STS-8). He accomplished this in 1983. Apprenticeship system followed the Emancipation Act which required the ex-slaves to work for their former masters for four years, 1834-1838, before achieving their full freedom. Pelé’s goalscoring record at the end of his football career is 1280 goals in 1363 games. This figure includes international tours competing with club teams Santos and the New York Cosmos, and a few games for the Brazil armed forces.
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By Kenya Jeffers Emancipation Magazine By David Granger Soft Cover: 122 Pages Publisher: Free Press The Demerara Martyr By Edwin Angel Wallbridge Soft Cover: 264 Pages Publisher: The Caribbean Press How Europe Underdeveloped Africa By Walter Rodney Soft Cover: 312 Pages Publisher Howard University Press A Documentary History Of Slavery In Berbice 1796 - 1834 By Alvin O Thompson Soft Cover: 280 Pages Publisher: The Caribbean Press
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Fashion
Kente Cloth
By Abigail Trotman
The Fabric of Royalty
so it was called kenten ntoma, which means basket cloth. The intricate patterns may also suggest the appearance of a basket. Traditionally woven of silk and cotton, contemporary kente cloth is often made of rayon rather than silk. The fabric is easily identified by its bright colors, geometric shapes and bold designs that features traditional pattern of the African culture.
A young pageant contestant in a head wrap made from kente cloth
K
ente cloth, also known as nwentoma, is a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips. It is native to the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The Kente cloth dates back to at least the 17th century. According to legend, kente cloth was created by two brothers who saw a spider weaving a web. Archaeologists have found evidence of cloth weaving dating back to the 11th century in Mali. Egyptian tombs as old as 4500 BC show images of weavers, so the origins of weaving in Africa are quite ancient. The word “kente” comes from “kenten,” which means basket. Originally, kente cloth was woven with raffia fiber,
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The yarns are spun from cotton and silk. Each cloth has a motif & pattern with a special name and meaning. Names and meanings are based on important events, social codes of conduct, human behavior to name a few. The patterns come in beautiful geometric designs, while the colors have symbolic meanings. Women normally wear the lighter colors, while men wear strong colors such as maroon, black, navy, purple and dark green. The colors in kente cloth are also symbolic. Some cloths are woven just in black and white, but most use a variety of colors, which can add distinction to the meaning conveyed by the pattern. Some of these are: Black: maturity, including spiritual depth acquired as one matures. Blue:
peace, like the sky
Green:
planting, growth, renewal
Yellow and gold: royalty and wealth Red:
blood, death, sacrificial rites
Maroon: the earth, healing
Silver:
the moon, serenity
White:
purification rites
Gray:
ashes, and therefore cleansing and healing rituals
The elaborate patterns are the kente cloth’s most distinctive feature. There are more than 300 named designs, each one with variations in color and distribution of motifs. These patterns are created by the weavers, who name them and assign meanings. There is often little connection between the name of the pattern and its appearance; the names commemorate a person or event, or are taken from proverbs. A person with several kente cloths will choose the one to wear to a particular event by the pattern’s meaning as much as its appearance. For example, to attend a wedding, a person might choose to wear a cloth in the sika fre mogya pattern. These words are a proverb that means “money attracts blood relations” in the Ashanti language. The implication is that a successful person shares his wealth with his family members--a compliment to the giver of the wedding ceremony. Kente was originally worn only by the royal family and high-ranking people in Ashanti society. Today, even the most intricate patterns are more widely available, many people are able to own handwoven kente cloth. The cloth is valued highly and worn only at the most important social or religious events, somewhat like a tuxedo or fancy ball gown in western society. Men wear one large piece draped around the body like a Roman toga, while women may wear two or three smaller pieces as a stole, a skirt or a shoulder-baring dress.
A model in a mini pants suit made from kente cloth
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CUISINE
Conkie Recipe Ingredients • 1 lb cornmeal • 1 lb pumpkin • 1 oz lard • 1 tsp black pepper • ½ pt water • 1 grated coconut • 1 oz margarine • 2 tsp salt • Sugar to taste • Twine • Banana leaves Preparation • Grate the coconut and pumpkin, and add all the other ingredients. • Stir in enough water to make a mixture of dropping consistency. • Wipe the banana leaves clean and heat them to make them pliable. Cut them into 9 x 9 inch squares, and wrap around lumps of filling, tying the bundles with the twine. • Place in boiling water for about 20 - 30 minutes.
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Parika agro Packaging Facility
Mora, Parika (Behind the Neighbourhood Democratic Council Office) tel.: 260-4983
central Packaging Facility national exhibition complex,sophia Tel.: 219-0085
CONTACTS The National Trust of Guyana 94 Carmichael Street Cummingsburg Georgetown, Guyana, South America Tel: (592) 225-5071 or 223-7146 Fax: (592) 223-7146 Email: nationaltrustgy@gmail.com Website: www.nationaltrust.gov.gy Ministry Of Culture, Youth & Sport 71 Main Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (592)-227-7860, 226-8542 Guyana Heritage Association 2 Avenue of the Republic, G/town Tel: 227-7755/223-5567 Fax: 22607809 E-mail: guyanaher5itage@hotmail.com The Guyana Book Foundation 56 New Garden Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-226-2536 Fax: 226-2536 Email: gbf@networksgy.com Website: http://www.gbf.org.gy Museum of African Heritage Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown Call (592) 226-5519, 226 – 5519 or 616 -0525 for more information Guyana Heritage Museum 17 Kastev, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara Tel: 592-268-2408
Linden Museum of Socio-Cultural Heritage Lot 1, Coop Cresent, Linden Tel: 592-662-3576 http://www.lindentourism.com/ African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-225-8420 National Library 76 / 77 Church & Main Streets, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 227-4053, 227-4052, 226-2690, 226-2699, 231-7974 http://www.natlib.gov.gy/ University of Guyana Library Turkeyen Campus Turkeyen Greater Georgetown Tel: 592-222-2542-3 www.uog.edu.gy Tain Campus Tain Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice Tel: 592-337-2277 berbice.uog.edu.gy Castelanni House Vlissengen Road & Homestretch Ave, Georgetown Tel: (592) 225-0579
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EXIT VIEW
African Proverbs Words of Wisdom
• Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, and Expect more than others think is possible. • A good thing sells itself, a bad one advertises itself • If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. • Unity is strength, division is weakness. • It takes a village to raise a child. • Many hands make light work. • Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you. • Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. • Even the mightest eagle comes down to the tree tops to rest. • Rivers are filled one drop at a time. • However black a cow is, the milk is always white.
By Hakim Aaron
• Those who accomplish great things pay attention to little ones. •
If the cockroach wants to rule over the chicken, then it must hire the fox as a bodyguard.
• The rain wets the leopard’s spots but does not wash them off. • If crocodiles eat their own eggs what would they do to the flesh of a frog. • For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. • Where you will sit when you are old shows where you stood in youth. • One must talk little and listen much. • It is the calm and silent water that drowns a man. • Being happy is better than being king. • It is better to be loved than feared. • He who learns, teaches.
• The river may be wide, but it can be crossed.
• When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.
• Before you ask a man for clothes, look at the clothes that he is wearing.
• Wisdom does not come overnight.
• A close friend can become a close enemy.
• God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed.
• Bad friends will prevent you from having good friends.
• When an enemy digs a grave for you, God gives you an emergency exit.
• Without a leader, black ants are confused.
• If God breaks your leg, He will teach you how to limp.
• An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. • A leader who does not take advice is not a leader. 56 IZWE 2012
• Where there are many people, there God is. • A house that is built by God will be completed.
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