uyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. Newsletters - Resuscitating Drumming In Guyana by Guyana Graphic

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

June 30 2013 Vol 3 Issue 6 TM

RESUSCITATING DRUMMING IN GUYANA GCA SUMMER HERITAGE CAMP STARTS JULY 8

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

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Greetings!

IN THIS ISSUE

Whuh hapnin dey?

PAGE 3 - GCA Summer Heritage Camp PAGE 4-12: 47th Independence anniversary PAGE10-12-15: Makin’ Style & Sonia Noel PAGE 16-17: APC’s Caribbean Heritage Celebration PAGE 18-19: Ivelaw Griffith, new President PAGE 20-21: Eusi Kwayana for Literary Hang PAGE 22-25: Ole Man Papie & Janey Gal PAGE 26-29: Resuscitating the art of drumming AGE 30-31: Caribbean Heritage Camp AGE 32: GCA Awards call for nominations PAGE 33: 2013 Folk Festival Calendar of Events PAGE 34-35: Anansi Stories PAGE 36: Chuckles PAGE 37: Booth Rental for Family Day PAGE 38: Plastic Bags - Plastic Offender PAGE 39: National & International Events PAGE 40-41: Godfrey Chin Prize PAGE 42: Community Events Lear Matthews - June Editor Cover Design - Claire A. Goring Layout & Design Claire A. Goring & Ashton Franklin Copy Editors Edgar Henry & Lear Matthews Contributors Vibert Cambridge, Muriel Glasgow, Juliet Emanuel, Allison Skeete, Pat Jordon-Langford, Ronald Lammy, Eric Phillips, Juliet Emanuel Photographs Anansi illustration by Michael Auld Maurice Braithwaite VisionsInPictures/Michael Hadaway, Claire Patterson-Monah, Natasha Azzez, Eric Phillips Acknowledgement Nekita, Orijins of Culture

Michael Khan, Michael Auld GCA Media Team Ave Brewster-Haynes (Chairperson) Juliet Emanuel, Edgar Henry, Claire Goring, Lear Matthews, Muriel Glasgow, Ashton Franklin, Margaret Lawrence, Francis Quamina Farrier Website: www.guyfolkfest.org GCA Secretariat - 1368 E89 Street, Suite 2, Brooklyn, NY 11236 - Tel: 718 209 5207

We trust that your summer has begun with the energy and brightness of the anticipated sunshine.The Guyana Cultural Association of New York is preparing for another active and culturally fulfilling season. We hope that you will join us as we continue to celebrate our heritage while connecting the traditional with the modern.The emerging force from our collective effort can be a recipe for a generation of unbridled talent, cultural awareness and preparation for the future. In commemoration of Caribbean American Heritage month, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York supports the numerous events, which impact Caribbean nationals in North America and our home country, Guyana. This historic celebration began by proclamation eight years ago in June 2005. Organizations have been acknowledging and honoring Caribbean Americans’ achievements in every sector of society, adding to the rich diversity of American culture and history. This is particularly important in light of the current debate regarding Immigration Reform. We must continue to be vigilant about impending changes and mindful of the contributions of Caribbean immigrants, while remaining grounded in aspects of our traditions. In this edition we provide detailed information about our planned activities for 2013.These include the Eighth Annual Literary Hang, on August 31st where Elder Eusi Kwayana would be a special guest, and the Annual Caribbean Heritage Summer Camp from July 8th to August 15th, and other events that perpetuate exquisite art form and encourage social networking. We also feature significant Guyanese cultural milestones; the recent appointment of Dr. Ivlaw Griffith to the presidency of Fort Valley State College, Georgia; honoring Muriel Glasgow, Hon. Sandra Chapman, Dr. Juliet Emanuel and Allison Skeete for their contributions; celebrating Guyana’s Independence; Guyana Fashion Designers; the resuscitation of the art of Drumming; and more folklore and environmental concerns. Enjoy and Walk good!

Lear Matthews, June Editor.

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

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

GCA Summer Heritage Camp Starts July 8 Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

GUYANA 47TH. INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HONOREES

GUYANA’S 47TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY AWARDS Pat Jordon-Langford n New York The Golden Arrowhead flew proudly at the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall on June 21st, 2013 at a spectacular gathering in celebration of the 47th Anniversary of Guyana's Independence sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President The Hon. Marty Markowitz, and Councilman The Hon. Mathieu Eugene.

Guyanese from the Tri-State and beyond gathered in overwhelming numbers in togetherness and patriotism that showcased our vibrant diverse community in the USA, where the Guyana Tri-State Alliance held its 21st. awards ceremony and cultural presentation in grand style with a glittering and spectacular showcase, that included a stunning fashion show by Guyanese top designers Roger Gary, Michelle Cole and Sonia Noel; 12-year-old Victoria Labban, who impressed the audience with her rendition of Celine Dion’s “I’m Your Angel”; Virtuoso Anthony Alleyne, accompanied by pianist Dr. Keith Proctor delighted everyone with "My Native Land" and a dance presentation of "Fusion of Cultures" by Amanda Chaliha. A lively Guyanese "Meet ups" and " Taste of Guyana" reception capped the evening. Patricia Jordan Langford, president of the Tri-State Alliance, commended the 21-one-year-old group for adhering to their motto "In Unity there is strength" and also reminded the audience that “We are united by our common values and history. Let’s not forget our heritage, but become stronger through harmony, perseverance development and growth as one." Deputy Consul General of New York, M. R. Khan, recalled when Independence brought soaring hope and intense pride to his countrymen on May 26, 1966. Mrs.Tanuja Raghoo, and Bobby Vieira , masters of ceremony kept the program moving, while interjecting some of Guyana's history and the encouragement of audience participation in Guyana's patriotic songs such as a rendition of 'Born in the land of the Mighty Roraima” by Christine Williams, joined with the voices of the audience.

GUYANESE TURN OUT IN OVERWHELMING NUMBERS TO CELEBRATE GUYANA’S INDEPENDENCE IN NY Guyana Tri-State Alliance and The Guyana Consulate,The Council,The City of New York, and The Office of the Borough President of Brooklyn to Guyana's distinguished honorees:Sandra Chapman - Deputy Brooklyn Borough President; Ramesh D. Kallicharan - Philanthropist, Humanitarian and CEO of Kali Group; Holly Persaud - Humanitarian, community activist; Beverley Drake-Aviation Pilot, Educator and Mentor; Muriel Glasgow - U.N. Mentor, Ambassador of Peace,. Humanitarian ; Henry Muttoo - OC , MBE, Scholar, Theatre Director and Designer; Glen Khan Philanthropist CEO and Chairman of LaParkan; Allison Skeete - Journalist, Mentor, and community collaborator; Rozanna Beaumont- Philanthropist, Radio personality and Entrepreneur. Special awards were given to: Pandit Ramlall - Priest, scholar, political/community activist; Kenton K.Kirby - Editor-In Chief, Caribbean Life; Jared McCallister - Senior Production Editor, Daily News; Guyana's Olympians - Clifford Wong, Aliann Pompey and Jeremy Bascom were recognized with medals which were placed around their necks by Guyana’s Deputy Consul General of New York, M. R. Khan. The Guyanese community applauded Committee members of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance and also thanked Demerara Distillers, Kaieteur Restaurant, the Nest Restaurant, Linda's restaurant, Pam's Bakery, Catering by Yvonne's, Pat and Loraine's back home beverages, Pam and Steve's Restaurant, and The Hills, for a true "Taste of Guyana."

The Golden Arrowhead Award of Distinction, Proclamations and Citations were awarded by The Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

GUYANA 47TH. INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations GCA Member,

Allison Skeete-

Journalist, Mentor, and community collaborator; and other honorees Sandra Chapman - Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn; Ramesh D. Kallicharan Philanthropist, Humanitarian and CEO of Kali Group; Holly Persaud - Humanitarian, community activist; Beverley Drake - Aviation Pilot, Educator and Mentor; Muriel Glasgow - U.N. Mentor, Ambassador of Peace, Humanitarian; Henry Muttoo - OC, MBE, Scholar, Theatre Director and Designer; Glen Khan - Philanthropist and CEO and Chairman of La Parkan; Rozanna Beaumont - Philanthropist, Radio personality and Entrepreneur; Pandit Ramlall - Priest, scholar, political/community activist; Kenton K.Kirby - Editor-In Chief, Caribbean Life Jared Mc Callister- Senior Production Editor, Daily News. Photographs by VisionsInPictures/Michael Hadaway

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

GUYANA INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Rozanna Beaumont Philanthropist, Radio personality and Entrepreneur

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

GUYANA INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

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

GUYANA INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

MGlasgow uriel Muriel Glasgow - U.N. Mentor, Ambassador of Peace

Photographs by VisionsInPictures/Michael Hadaway Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

GUYANA INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Pandit Ramlall

Athletes Alian Pompey, Carl Osborne and Clifford Wong. Carl Osborne will be representing Guyana in the upcoming Russia Games.

Priest, scholar, political/community activist;

Needing more hands Allison is joined by her parents Lennox & Shirley Skeete to accept the awards.

Kenton Kirby

Editor-In Chief, Caribbean Life

Glen Khan

Philanthropist and CEO and Chairman of La Parkan;

The 2013 Guyana Independence Anniversary honorees at the Brooklyn Borough Hall.

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

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

Fashions by

Roger Gary

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

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

Michelle Cole Designs

Photographs by VisionsInPictures/Michael Hadaway Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

Sonia Noel Makinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Style Launch

Allison Skeete

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

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

High Fashion and Style Hits New York with

Makin’ Style & Sonia Noel Allison Skeete Brooklyn, NY: - June 2013—Top Guyanese designer Sonia Noel recently wrapped up her latest tour just as Caribbean American Heritage Month festivities began in the U.S with her launch of her new magazine. Makin Style and making commitments happen… when Designer Sonia Noel looked at her accomplishments, as happy and humbled as she is about her achievements she still feels she could do more… and so she thought of what’s missing, what’s needed to further her mission and purpose… she’s fulfilling the passion she has and cementing her legacy as a woman, mother and entrepreneur… this with her drive, MAKIN STYLE her magazine, was thus set into being. First launched in Guyana in April, MAKIN STYLE is designed to tell the world about our culture, life and views in the Caribbean and Guyanese Diaspora. It was then on to St. Lucia and Tobago, then to Barbados for a breakfast media stop with Michael E. Brotherson, Guyana’s Consulate General who made remarks heralding the work and success of Ms. Noel with more to come with her new magazine.”Sonia Noel a great role model for women in the Caribbean and beyond”, Ronnie Morris, CEO of Barbados Music Awards. Photographs by VisionsInPictures/Michael Hadaway Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS It was then off to Atlanta for the Memorial Carnival weekend and a launch there with the excitement of the events celebrating Guyana’s 47th Independence and the collaboration of Caribbean flair, and Jazz fused into the most organized and fun display of the exact audience to which MAKIN STYLE is geared to appeal.The Atlanta launch also provided great networking opportunity and the chance for Ms. Noel to present her Resort line of Mariska Designs. She thanks Marilyn Brown who serves as the Vice President of the Guyana Atlanta Association for the exemplary organized feat of launching the magazine and the First Resort line during the fun filled weekend In East Orange, New Jersey where Guyana’s Independence flag raising ceremony brought a crowd of supporters, the magazine got another boost for Ms. Noel. She met with the former Mayor Robert L. Bowser and Bayney Karran, Guyana Ambassador to Washington and other dignitaries and they were presented with the magazines."There are Ralph Lauren and Ellen Tracy, we have our own fashionista Sonia Noel and should be proud of her" says Allison Butters Grant Co-founder and Executive Secretary of Guyana -American Heritage Foundation Inc. The New York launch brought out the stalwarts of Arts & Culture in the Guyanese community in the Big Apple; headed by Sonia’s team leader Lorna Welshman-Neblett, Edmon Braithwaite,Tangerine Clarke.The event featured a theme of flair and fun with noted Guyanese Cultural Advocate Rose October-Edun and other board members of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Ave Maria Brewster-Haynes, Claire Patterson-Monah.The Guyana Tri-State Alliance’s Pat Jordan-Langford support the event while Miss Guyana World 2011 Arti Cameron modeled Mariska Designs, hosted at the Vodou Lounge in trendy Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Host Elton Washington regaled the audience with his childhood memories of box throwing and sugar cake sales that belied the future in business of Ms. Noel. Also on hand to support the launch was Johnson Johnrose of the Caribbean Tourism Organization in New York to host Caribbean Heritage Month celebrations. Also present was Sandra Velasquez of Valasquez Productions, Brazilian model Bruna Gomes, FIT Professor Steven Cutting, Bobby Vieira, businessman Bennie Parasram, Lydia Patel host of “What’s Up New York” and Lydia Patel TV show. Amelia Moore of “All in a Day with Amelia Moore, Floss TV and Bronzemagonline.com.

Makin’ Style

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

Allison Skeete

CELEBRATING GUYANESE FASHION DESIGNERS

Makin’ Style New York Launch

Allison Skeete he next stop for this tireless and dedicated designer is French Guiana for the upcoming Fashion Week; then it’s on to Suriname, Guadeloupe and Trinidad, with her Resort Line and MAKIN STYLE’s launch to an even wider and diverse audience.The inaugural issue features Sonia on the cover and inside fantastic articles on Guyana’s former Miss Universe,Trinidadian Wendy Fitzwilliam, the Pegasus Hotel and more. Ms. Noel is working to position Guyana as a formidable player in the fashion and arts world throughout the Caribbean and its Diaspora. Sonia believes that the global attraction and universal appeal of the Caribbean brand places the region in a unique position to maximize opportunities for growth.To that end she created the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts to help nurture young, creative talent throughout Guyana and the Caribbean.

In Guyana, magazine outlets are: Sonia Noel Designs Barr St Kitty, Giftland OfficeMax, German’s Restaurant, Milady’s House of Beauty, Water Chris Hotel, Williams Supermarket in Bartica, Community Pharmacy in Grove, Gordon's Stationery in Berbice, Major Sports Complex in the Leap Building, Linden, Global Exchange in Diamond,Tobago Chocolate Trousers and Sunshine Bookshop countrywide in St. Lucia and it’s currently available at Pam’s Bakery at the corner of Church and Schenectady Avenues in Flatbush Brooklyn. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this magazine goes to the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts (SNFCA). Sonia is working on the next issue and preparing for the sixth edition of Guyana Fashion Week in October.

The success of her work and rise in the industry may have been unlike most in the field, but she is to be admired and respected for the determination and passion that have proven her worth.The Magazine will soon be available in the United States and Caribbean territories. Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS

16 APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELEBRATION OF

CARIBBEAN ACHIEVEMENT Deputy Borough President, Hon. Sandra Chapman and Dr. Juliet Emanuel among honorees dvancing Partners and Communities (APC), a Brooklyn, New York based USAID-funded not for profit 501 c) 3 group organised in 1996 by Janice EmanuelBunn, PhD., continues its work locally and overseas. With its concentration, within the community and specifically in the Caribbean through its Medical Missions, on health and wellness; domestic violence prevention; HIV/AIDS awareness; youth initiatives; mentorship at all levels; daycare provisions and other programs, APC leads the way in provding much needed help to those who may not know exactly where and how to access various types of services.

APC also recognises the achievements of members of the Caribbean Community at separate times during the year. One of these is during Black History Month. Another is during the month of June.

The APC Medical Mission Teams serves approximately 1000 individuals within its ten day intensives in the Caribbean. In Guyana itself these teams are hosted by Davis Memorial Hopsital and the Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. The teams consist of service professionals including physicians, nurses, academicians and social workers. They travel the length and breadth of Guyana in a precisely planned and executed series of mental, emotional, educational and medical interventions.

Among those honored was the Hon. Sandra Chapman, Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn. In additon, she delivered a timely and uncompromising keynote address. Other honorees were Dr.Juliet Emanuel; Pastor Gilford Monrose, Dr. Gordon John and Dr. Wilma Waithe.

The June 2013 celebration of Caribbean achievements was held on June 12 at Brooklyn, NY at Kingsbrook Medical Center Ballroom. As usual it was a collaboration of longstanding with Senator Parker. This year APC enjoyed the sponsorship of Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. in a well planned, exuberant event celebrating the Caribbean and its various cultures.

APC is one of the strengths of the entire community of the Caribbean segment.

In addition, APC runs an annual Caribbean Health Summit in partnership with SUNY Downstate and the Brooklyn Disparities Center. Through this effort they provide free basic physical measurements, information and support strategies. Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS

Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Hon.

GCA Board Secretary.

Sandra Juliet Chapman Emanuel Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

EDUCATION

IVELAW GRIFFITH NEW PRESIDENT OF FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

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

EDUCATION

IVELAW GRIFFITH Specialist on Caribbean security, drugs and crime, ninth president of Valley State University. r. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, provost and senior vice president at York College of the City University of New York, has been named as the ninth president of Fort Valley State University by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.The Board’s vote was unanimous. Griffith will assume his new post on July 22, 2013, according to Board of Regents Chair “Dink” NeSmith. “Dr. Griffith was the outstanding candidate,” said NeSmith.“He has this Board’s full support to provide the leadership Fort Valley State University needs at this moment.We are excited about his presidency and delighted he will become the University’s next president.This is a great day for Fort Valley.” University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Hank Huckaby said,“The Board of Regents has made an outstanding selection for the next president of Fort Valley State University. Dr. Griffith is an accomplished scholar whose career and academic training will take this institution to a level of achievement and quality so critical in the global world of tomorrow. I and the other members of my staff are totally committed to supporting President Griffith as he leads the students, faculty and the extended Fort Valley Community into the future. I know all who are committed to assuring a successful future for the University will lend their support to President Griffith’s administration.” Griffith has served as provost at York College since 2007 and during his tenure has increased the number of fulltime faculty by 30 percent, reorganized the academic division and enhanced the research and scholarly climate by creating a Provost Lecture Series and a companion Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series, among other initiatives. Griffith also has established an undergraduate student research program.

Before being named provost at York College, Griffith, in addition to his teaching duties as a tenured professor of political science, served as provost at Radford University in Radford,Va. He was budget dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University in Miami, as well as dean of the FIU Honors College. Griffith is a specialist on Caribbean security, drugs and crime. In this capacity, he has been a consultant to Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other organizations. He also has spoken at military academies across the United States and in the Caribbean, and serves on the editorial board of the journal Security and Defense Studies Review, which is published by the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, in Washington, DC. A past president of the Caribbean Studies Association, he has been a visiting scholar at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, the Royal Military College of Canada and the George Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Germany. He has testified before the United States Congress on Caribbean security matters. Griffith has published seven books and more than 50 articles on his area of expertise.The research for his highly acclaimed book, Drugs and Security in the Caribbean: Sovereignty Under Siege, was funded by the MacArthur Foundation, and his eighth book, Challenged Sovereignty, will be published next year by the University of Illinois Press. Most recently, he was one of 45 experts invited by the Secretary General of the Organization of American States to review the hemisphere’s narcotics policies and practices and propose anti-narcotics scenarios.

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

EIGHT ANNUAL GCA LITERARY HANG

ELDER EUSI KWAYANA FOR GCA LITERARY HANG Juliet Emanuel Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

EIGHT ANNUAL GCA LITERARY HANG

THE GARDENS OF ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL THE VENUE FOR THE EIGHT ANNUAL GCA LITERARY HANG EUSI KWAYANA WILL READ FROM HIS NEW BOOK ABOUT THE FORMATION OF VILLAGES IN GUYANA he Eighth Literary Hang, the annual gathering of wordsmiths offered by GCA, meets in 2013 in the Gardens of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Park Slope. The date is Saturday, August 31. The address is 139 St. John’s Place Brooklyn, NY 11217. The Hang will convene at one o’clock in the afternoon and will last for six hours. As always, writers are encouraged to submit their intentions to read from their works by calling the GCA Secretariat at 718 209 5207. The deadline for these calls is August 1. Notification of acceptance to read is swift. Generally each writer has ten minutes to present his or her composition.This year, in addition to the body of writers reading, three writers will be spotlighted. Elder Eusi Kwayana will be in attendance. His interview by David Hinds has been published and discourse on this reflection on the formation of villages in Guyana will be the part of the afternoon. Petra Lewis, a young writer making a dent on the New York literary scene, will read from her groundbreaking novel. Ravi Mohabir who has graced both the Moonlight Series and the Hang will give us the pleasure of his current inimitable words in verse. Participants will have the opportunity to offer their compositions, in print or e-book format, their videos, film, plays, music, poetry, novels, biographies, autobiographies, graphic works or other, for sale. There is a vetting process as quality and quantity are both important to the success of the event. Refreshments, product and courtesy of a well known Guyanese caterer, will be available for sale. This year the GCA campers will present their words. After a two year process and with publication by an external source expected this year, some of the efforts at writing will be available at the Hang. Literacy has been the foundation of the over-

Juliet Emanuel FULL OF HISTORICAL FACTS.” —Dr. Juliet Emanuel

EUSI KWAYANA THINKER, SCHOLAR, TEACHER, LEADER

WITH DAVID HINDS

An Interview

THE

LEGEND POST-EMANCIPATION VILLAGES IN GUYANA: MAKING WORLD HISTORY

all program of GCA’s Annual Caribbean Heritage Camp from its inception. The Open Mic segment will allow participants, not on the printed program itself, to read for ten minutes from a work he or she wishes to promote. Registration for Open Mic is done on the day of the event. Anyone wishing to promote his or her writing is solely responsible for the transport and care of any contributions to this event. No packages will be accepted at the venue or by the Secretariat on behalf of any participant. All property belonging to participants must be removed from the premises of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Park Slope by the end of the event. The Literary Hang is open to the community. There is no fee for attending or participating. Come on; let’s read on Saturday, August 31, 2013!

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

FOLK TOYS, GAMES AND PUPPETRY FOR CHILDREN’S TENT AT FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY

EXCITING STORYTELLING TREAT FOR KIDS AT FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY

Ole Man Pappie Ole Man Papie tief fowl egg, Go in de shap and buy gill bread

Janie Gyal Lang, lang time Janie Gyal, Awee nah go back Dam,

Vibert Cambridge

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

FOLK TOYS, GAMES AND PUPPETRY FOR CHILDREN’S TENT AT FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY

OLE MAN PAPPIE & JANIE GAL PRESERVING & PROMOTING GUYANESE HERITAGE Ole’ Man Pappie and Janey Gal (photograph courtesy of Michael Khan’s Facebook Timeline) “Ole’ Man Pappie and Janie Gyal” are folk village characters found in villages across the coast. Both Afro and Indo Guyanese have fond memories of Ole’ man Pappie and Janie Gyal.These fond memories of Ole’ Man Pappie are recorded through this rhyme:

Vibert Cambridge

Ole’ Man Pappie Thief fowl egg, Go in de shap and buy gill bread While the memory of Janie Gyal is embedded in this folk song: Lang, lang time Janie Gyal, Awee nah go back Dam, Come leh we go back dam, Janie Gyal Come leh we go back dam.” Important developments in the study and celebration of Guyanese folk heritage are taking place in Guyana and in the Guyaspora. One example of this is the duo,“Ole’ Man Pappie and Janey Gal” who are expected to be in Brooklyn, New York for the 12th Folkfest Family Fun Day organized by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. on Sunday, September 1, 2013. The origins of this duo can be traced to March 2012 and the “Saturdays with Anansi” series at the National Library in Georgetown. Michael Khan (“Ole Man Pappie”) of “Ole’ Man Pappie and Janey Gal” duo has noted that for the past year their work has “been introducing folk characters and tales to the young people of today whom hardly know about our ancestors.” Ole Man Pappie and Janey Gal can be connected to a tradition in the Guyanese cultural landscape which valorizes the folk heritage. The folk heritage refers to the communally owned reservoir of wisdom, knowledge, and creativity generated out of the human encounters that have taken place in the Guyana space. This tradition sees this reservoir as a crucial asset in the development of national cohesiveness and Guyanese identity. Across the 20th century there are many examples of the transformative consequences of the study and celebration of Guyanese folk heritage. Peter Mortimer de Weever’s 1901 composition “Me Cawfee in de Manin” is an early 20th century example of the transforming capacity of folk-based creativity. This song’s lyrics were in Creolese not Standard English. This is a bold step in 1901—a period when European cultural forms served as the yardstick for defining and measuring creativity in British Guiana. It was an act of cultural confidence.

Ole’ Man Pappie discussing the “virtues” of the coal pot photograph courtesy of Michael Khan’s Facebook Timeline

Vesta Lowe’s folk documentation of Guyanese folk songs and the formation of the Dawson Music Lovers Club during the 1930s; Hugh Sam’s composition Fantasia on Three Guianese Folk Songs in 1958; the advent of Wordsworth McAndrew radio years also during the 1950s; Mannie Haniff’s Creolese radio commercials during the 1960s; the founding of the Yoruba Singers, M.S. also during the 1960s; the field recordings of Guyanese folk life done by Jari Productions (Peter Kempadoo and Marc Matthews) during the 1970s; the folk research work of the Department of Culture led by Sister Rose Magdalene; the field research work of Lakshmi Kallicharran during the 1970s and 1980s; and the Guyana Folk Festival launched by the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation in 1982 are a few other 20th century examples of cultural confidence inspired by Guyana’s folk heritage that have influenced the ways Guyanese see their individual and collective identities. For the past year, Ole Man Pappie and Janey Gal have been mining this communally owned reservoir of wisdom, knowledge, and creativity to develop wholesome familyfriendly entertainment events, which showcase and celebrate the cultural similarities evident in multi-racial Guyana. A typical “Ole Man Pappie and Janey Gal” event is very interactive. Participants can get an opportunity to hear about, see and touch artifacts like matapees, warashi, fish traps, coal pots, chulas, tawas, goblets, mortars, pestles and other artifacts used in the preparation of the Guyanese cuisine.

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

FOLK TOYS, GAMES AND PUPPETRY FOR CHILDREN’S TENT AT FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY

24 FOLK VILLAGE CHARACTERS OLE MAN PAPPIE & JANIE GYAL FOR FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY CHILDREN’S TENT Michael Khan Character of Ole’ Man Pappie: • Ole’ Man Pappie is a village character of the lowest strata known to both Afro and Indo Guyanese villagers from Corentyne to Charity. • He does odd jobs for people like cleaning their gutters, killing their chickens or ducks, or getting rid of dead carcasses. • He is a beggar who would beg for rice, eggs, roti, bread and a gill. • In Indo villages he was the initial match maker wherein he would find an eligible boy for girl. • He was a news carrier (good news, bad news and other people business) • A bell crier (announces the death of someone, village meetings and occasionally weddings) • Fear factor among village children (parents would tell their children if they do not eat or do certain things, they would say,“I gon call Ole’ Man Pappie fuh carry yuh ‘way”). • Provider of seedlings and small plants (because of his walks from village to village he was able to supply seeds and sucker plants, etc. • His favorite coin was a Jill which was a copper penny. • He was a wedding house clean up man. • His favorite drink was alcohol which was the first thing he drank in the morning and the last thing at night. • He was a down to earth advisor and councilor (he advised on what to plant and when to plant in the kitchen garden, or neighba Satty tells him, she husband nah come home straight from work and ask Ole’ Man Pappie weh he does guh? Ole’ Man Pappie would investigate and report back). • On the West Demerara his favorite rum shop was “Dankey Bar”. • His favorite friend was “Zip” a shop keeper who would buy the rice that villagers gave Ole’ Man Pappie, while begging. In return “Zip” would supply him “Surgical” which was cheaper than White Rum. • He lived alone in a Logie near to rice fields. Never seem

Ole’ Man Pappie explaining the science and technology behind a matapees to school children to have children or relatives that would own him. He lived his life pleasing the villagers and eeking out a living amoung them. • He told stories at wakes and village meetings, and to children in the presence of their parents. • When one Ole’ Man Pappie dies, he was given a pauper’s funeral and villagers would look for another character who fits the established characteristics and he would become the new Ole’ Man Pappie.

(photograph courtesy of Michael Khan)

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

FOLK TOYS, GAMES AND PUPPETRY FOR CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TENT AT FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY

Ole Man Pappie demonstrating how to use a mortar and a pestle

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

RESUSCITATING THE ART OF DRUMMING IN GUYANA

ACDA AND THE IDB WORKING TOGETHER TO RESUSCITATE DRUMMING IN GUYANA Eric Phillips

YORUBA CEREMONIAL DRUMS, NIGERIA

BAMILEKE DRUMS, CAMEROON Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

RESUSCITATING THE ART OF DRUMMING IN GUYANA

RESUSCITATING DRUMMING IN GUYANA Eric Phillips

he African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) with a grant of G$1 M from the Cultural Center of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington D.C have teamed together to resuscitate drumming in Guyana. The drum is one of the central components of African culture and Africans can be called “Children of the Drum”. Africa may also be called the “Drum Continent” because nowhere else in the World and on no other Continent, can there be found a larger diversity of drums

and drummers; a richer history of the drum or a deeper and innate cultural connection between identity and drums. There are at least 3,000 distinct ethnic groups or tribes in Africa who speak over 2000 languages and dialects. The drum is almost “the unifying language” of the Continent and drums play a significant role in most of the ethnic groups. African drums have three very distinct and different roles.

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

RESUSCITATING THE ART OF DRUMMING IN GUYANA

SANKOFA ESSEQUIBO

Mr. McKenzie and some of his young drummers at Anna Regina, Essequibo They are musical instruments.They are ceremonial objects. And they are a means of physical and spiritual communication.The drum beat in Africa is heard every day for communication, celebration or fun. On a spiritual level, drums are central to everyday life in Africa. the drums range from everyday objects with monumental, simple forms to ornate pieces bringing status to the owner, connoting power and the honoring of ancestors. Music and drums are almost always an accompaniment for any manner of ceremony in Africa. Drums are used in healing ceremonies, in “Rites of Passage” ceremonies, in “Naming” ceremonies, in warrior rituals, on social occasions like engagement parties and weddings, in harvest parties , during libation ceremonies, and in the celebration of major life impacting events the like the arrival of rain after a long period of drought. ACDA realized drumming was a dying art in Guyana during the United Nations International Year for People of African Descent in 2011. Contributing factors included the death of older artists, the lack of drums, and the lack of drumming teachers. In Berbice, for example, there were just two communities, Weldad and New Amsterdam, where drummers reside. On the Essequibo Coast, there was a single family: father, two sons and a daughter who practiced the art. In Demerara, where over 40 percent of

the population resides…..there has been a revival in Buxton where a Group called “Buxton Fusion” has been active the last 4 years; Linden has a Group called Flame of the Heart. Georgetown has 4 groups led by Majek Fingers Drumming Group (The Primo Brothers from Buxton). The National Dance School has some African drummers. Only Majex Fingers has Djembe drums for its 6 members. The Djembe dates back to at least 500 A.D and is the most influential and basic of all the African drums.Today they can be found in extensive use in Senegal, Mali, Sierre Leone, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Gambia, Burkina Faso, as a sacred drum used in healing ceremonies, rites of passage, ancestral worship, warrior rituals, as well as social dances." In the past, after Emancipation in 1838 and today in modern times, drums are hand made with goat skin and local materials. Even these drum makers are becoming few. In 2012, ACDA wanted to create a “DRUM RENAISSANCE in Guyana and especially to have this revival during its 20th anniversary in 2013. ACDA viewed drumming as central dimension to its annual Emancipation Festival on August 1. A few years back, ACDA was hard pressed to find drumming groups to participate in events when ACDA was asked by schools, groups, businesses, Ministries and local communities to participate in events.

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

RESUSCITATING THE ART OF DRUMMING IN GUYANA The Drum Renaissance Program funded by the Inter American Bank’s Cultural Center in Washington and administered through its local office by Ms.Ava Yarde. This project has several goals: 1. The resuscitation of drumming within the Guyana and especially in Villages. 2. Ensuring key cultural activities are spearheaded by drumming corps. 3. The establishment of three drum centers: one each in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo (the 3 counties of Guyana) to teach drumming as well as the history of the drum. In Berbice, the Drum Revival has been led by Sea View Cultural Organization of Hope Town. Founded by Mr. Muhammed Tufail, a remigrant who thought African culture was being corrupted by modern opportunists disguised a Cultural Activist, Mr.Tufail used his home as the hub for the revival. This organization , led by many Community Elders, have revitalized the community through their youth. Drumming, dancing, literature and cultural lessons are among the things young kids are exposed to. Mr. McKenzie is teaching classes at Anna Regina and Queenstown several times a week and hopes to expand his program to Darthmouth. 4. Introducing the art and love drumming in 10 selected schools in the three counties.

5. Holding a drum competition at Emancipation Day Festivities. 6. Establishment of an annual drummer’s conference bring “elder” drummers from throughout Guyana together. 7. Establishment of an annual national drum making competition to generate interest and to create the first set of local drums for the museum. 8.Establishment of a Drum Museum on Thomas Lands. ACDA will hire three drumming teachers who will be engaged in a full one year drive to reintroduce drumming as an integral part of African culture. It plans to engage the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in this endeavour. It will also obtain a corporate sponsor from Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) The strategy is to have the “drum masters” teach others in their designated communities so that both a cadre of young drummers will be nurtured as well as bring about a collaboration of “elder” drummers, who can share their knowledge and expertise. By having a “drum” master in each of the counties and by having them involved with schools, village organizations and cultural organizations THE OVERALL BENEFIT will be a revival of drumming in each county and the establishment of 3 REGIONAL DRUMMING CLUBS throughout Guyana.

Eric Phillips

DRUMS: musical instruments, ceremonial objects, means of physical and spiritual communication Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

PRE-REGISTRATION - JULY 3, 2013: 4.00 - 8.00 P.M. GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK INC./GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL

CARIBBEAN HERITAGE

SUMMER CAMP

FLATLANDS REFORMED CHURCH

JULY 8-AUGUST 15, 2013 3931 KINGS HIGHWAY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK MONDAY-THURSDAY: 9.00 A.M. - 3.00 P.M. AGES: 5-12 YEARS

Arts

in the

Community

THE SUMMER CAMP’S CURRICULUM PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF THEATRICAL AND ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS FOCUSING ON INTRODUCING SONGS, STORIES, PLAYS, POETRY AND ART FROM GUYANA AND THE CARIBBEAN.

FOR REGISTRATION & INFORMATION TEL: 718 209 5207 A COLLABORATION WITH FLATLANDS REFORMED CHURCH, NY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER MATHIEU EUGENE, COUNCIL MEMBER JUMAANE WILLIAMS, MATERIALS FOR THE ARTS, TO EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR HERITAGE. Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

PRE-REGISTRATION - JULY 3, 2013: 4.00 - 8.00 P.M.

GCA SUMMER CAMP CAMP STARTS JULY 8 REGISTRATION MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013 9.00 A.M.FROM The Annual Caribbean Heritage Summer Camp run by GCA will take place from Monday, July 8 through Thursday, August 15 in this year. In collaboration with the Pastor, Rev. Paul Glover and the approval the Consistory, with Elder Alice Paulucci and others, of Flatlands Reformed Church for a second year, the camp will take place on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 am to 3 pm. The address is 3931 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY and camp activities will be in the Activity Building. The theme of the camp is the same as that of the 2013 GCA season: Sacrifice, Hope,Togetherness. This theme will run through all aspects of the program including a play,Time Flies, written by Edgar Henry. This play, practice for which will begin on the first day of camp, is dedicated to Maurice Braithwaite, the Director of Performing Arts for GCA. In addition, the STEM program will draw together for this year all aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Therefore an arts and video segment, coordinated by Damali Abrams, and a self identification through art workshop, facilitated by Melissa Eder, will be part of an inter- connected program that GCA hopes will foster interest in these areas. Recognizing the application of physics and mathematics to kite-making and the application of chemistry to cooking are part of the GCA plan to make these areas accessible to the children of the community. With materials obtained by and with appropriate instruction from STEM advocate Muriel Glasgow, this area will continue and improve on its offerings as usual. The Music Program led by Edgar Henry will feature a team that will include Professor Keith Proctor, Akoyah Rudder, Jeggae and Hilton Hemerding. GCA has invited two musical prodigies to its program this year and as details are realized announcements will be made. So stay tuned! Yvonne McCallum-Peters will continue the Writing Workshop for older campers.This segment and all the literature and composing workshop will expand into a literary experience similar to the Literary Hang and campers will present their writings on August 31 at the Annual Literary Hang as well as at the Closing Exercises

incorporated into the play. Claire Goring will bring her creativity to the Fine Arts program through the use of found art courtesy of Materials for the Arts and other sources. Basic art instruction will be part of this overall segment. Instructors for acting, poetry and other workshops will include Ron Bobb-Semple and Selwyn Collins. GCA will add junior interns to its successful Leadership Program. One of the previous senior interns will assume the role of head of this group. Special workshops for parents and other caregivers will be held as part of the Family Advocacy Program. This Program is a yearlong collaboration with Flatlands Reformed Church. So please enroll your children, ages 5 through 12 for a full six weeks in a unique Caribbean experience. A limited registration will take place on the morning of July 8, the first day of camp. This camp is sponsored by NYC DCYS and the offices of Councilpersons, Mathieu Eugene and Jumaane Williams. Alumni organizations, village associations and private donors are also significant sponsors of this camp. For any questions or comments, please call the GCA Secretariat at 718 209 5207. View past camp activities on guyfolkfest.org. PLEASE CONTACT US ABOUT SPONSORSHIP/DONATION OPPORTUNITY (ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS WELCOME)

of the Camp.Verna Walcott White will coordinate the Dance Program and some parts of her program will be Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL 2013 SEASON

GCA 2013 AWARDS: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Guyana Cultural Association of New York will host its annual Awards Ceremony on August 28th, 2013 in Brooklyn, NY. Our anniversary theme is Sacrifice, Hope, Togetherness to acknowledge this year’s commemoration of anti-slavery uprisings and rebellions and the arrivals of indentured laborers. Today’s Guyana is a society of the descendants of those experiences who joined the first natives – Amerindians - to forge a common identity. Collectively they all proudly stand as Guyanese. Starting in 2001 the Guyana Cultural Association of New York has been the leader in recognizing those who have inspired us. Nominations for awards are open until July 12th, 2013. We will acclaim exemplars of various features of our culture who demonstrated all three components of our theme. Award Categories Our awards celebrate outstanding contributors in the following categories: Guyana Cultural Association Award Guyana Cultural Association Award - Youth Guyana Cultural Association Exemplary Award Guyana Cultural Association Lifetime Achievement Award What We Do Request nominations from anyone or entity and assess the submissions that are complete and on time.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN: JUNE 23 - JULY 12, 2013 Nomination can be submitted for a person or an entity whose work fits within the theme – Sacrifice, Hope,Togetherness. Youth nominations must detail the academic and extracurricular accomplishments that position the nominee above the average in his or her area of scholastic and cultural activities. Selection Criteria A selection committee evaluates each nomination considering seven criteria: originality, scope, impact / influence, integration, pioneering spirit, challenges and achievements. Please refer to the web site description for more details on the selection criteria. Selections will only be made from Nominations received on time complete with photographs.

TO POST YOUR NOMINATION: VISIT OUR WEBSITE: http://guyfolkfest.com/nomination-2013 Your questions about the 2013 Awards can be sent to this email address: AwardsNomination@guyfolkfest.org Past honorees are listed on this web page: http://guyfolkfest.com/archives/archives-awards

Ronald H. Lammy Chair, Guyana Cultural Association Awards Committee. Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL 2013 SEASON

250

ANNIVERSARY OF THE BERBICE UPRISING

190

ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMERARA REBELLION

175

ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF OUR ANCESTORS FROM INDIA

SUMMER HERITAGE CAMP

160

ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF OUR ANCESTORS FROM CHINA

175

ANNIVERSARY OF THE EMANCIPATION OF ENSLAVED AFRICANS

KWE-KWE NITE

July 8 - August 15, 2013 “Arts in the Community”

Friday, August 30, 2013: 8.00 p.m.

Flatlands Reformed Church

2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

3931 Kings Highway (E40th St.) Brooklyn, NY 11234

GCA AWARDS CEREMONY Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Brooklyn Borough Hall 209 Joralemon St. Brooklyn, NY 11209

St. Stephens Auditorium

FOLKFEST FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday, September 1, 2013: 11.00 a.m. Old Boys High School Grounds Rutland Road & Troy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

GCA SYMPOSIUM Saturday, October 26, 2013: 9.00 a.m.

GCA LITERARY HANG Saturday, August 31, 2013: 1.00 p.m. The Gardens,

Empire State College 177 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY

St. John’s Episcopal Church

ARTS EXHIBITION

139 St Johns Place Brooklyn, NY 11217

ART FROM GUYANA AND THE DIASPORA (DATE AND VENUE TO BE ANNOUNCED)

TWELVE YEARS CELEBRATING GUYANA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE 2013 GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL SEASON A PRESENTATION OF THE GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NY INC.

INFORMATION

- Website: www.guyfolkfest.org TEL: 718-209-5207

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

ORAL TRADITIONS

FROM AFRICA TO THE CARIBBEAN

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

ORAL TRADITIONS

THE ORIGIN OF ANANSI STORIES:

Anansi (pronounced uh-NAHN-see) was a spider, and a very popular animal trickster in West African mythology. He was a mischievous figure, - like tricksters usually are, often countering the will of the gods, and causing some kind of misfortune for humans as a result.The sly Anansi could change his appearance to morph into a human, a fox, or other animals.The popularity of the character quickly spread to other tribes in the neighborhood, including the Nzema and the Akyem. West Africans originally considered Anansi to be the creator of the world. He often acted as a go-between for humans in their dealings with the sky god Nyame, and he supposedly persuaded Nyame to give both rain and the night to people. Anansi is one of the most popular of the animal tricksters in the mythology of West Africa, and is often called Kwaku or Kweku Ananse. Kweku means Wednesday, the day the spider-god’s soul first appeared. In some stories Anansi is the son of Nyame, the sky god, who becomes so annoyed with his son’s mischief and trickery that he turns him into a spider. Some West African stories tell that Anansi was the creator of the world. In many stories, he is a go-between for the humans and the sky god, Nyame. In most tales, however, Anansi acts as a crafty and mischievous character making life ever more enjoyable for himself, and ever more complicated for others. Anansi was known to have fooled humans, other animals, and on occasion, - even the gods themselves. Using his cunning and his knowledge of his victims’ perspectives on life, Anansi could trick them to reach his greedy goals. The Anansi Character in Context The stories of Anansi were brought to America when members of these tribes were taken west by slave traders. Soon enough, Anansi morphed into the AfricanAmerican folklore character of Aunt Nancy in parts of North America and spread to the Caribbean and South America.The popularity of Anansi’s tales among AfricanAmerican slaves was in part due to the trickster's role as a survivor.

FR OM AFR ICA TO THE CAR IB B EAN... ANANSI, STOR TEL L ING & MOR AL S Most North American children learn moral lessons through cartoons and story books, however, in the Caribbean, we learn these lessons through folktales

passed on to us by our elders. As children growing up, we couldn’t wait for our grandparents to tell us Anansi stories. We marvelled at its/his cleverness, envied its/ his seemingly indestructibleness and admired its/his ability to use cunningness as a survival mechanism.We could not wait to tell our school friends about the latest Anansi story we might have heard from our garndparents. To retell these stories, was to live vicariously through Anansi’s character. We felt as if we too possessed it’s/his abilities. Children never questioned the orijin or purpose behind these stories that were seemingly about a spider, although in all descriptions and characteristics he was human. Instead, we accepted them as an exciting tale about a quick-witted spider/man, who was able to get things done by any means; even if it meant engaging in trickery and cunningness. Despite Anasi’s cleverness and wisdom, our grandparents always made a point at the end of each story to show that the often dishonest tactics he employed always backfired and that honesty and sincerely always prevailed. Anansi stories (also spelled Ananse or Anancy and referred to as Kwaku Ananse) were brought to the Caribbean by our West African ancestors during slavery. Rooted in the traditions of Ashanti people in Ghana, Anansi stories provided as a means of temporary escape for captured slaves in the Caribbean. Just like Anansi, many slaves had to employ their wit, unconventional skills and wisdom in order to survive. To this day, Anansi stories still play an important role in storytelling and the formation of morals in most Caribbean islands. While the context of many of these stories have inevitability been altered to fit the various cultural traditions and practices inherent to the different Caribbean communities, the core elements, such as the animal/human like nature of Anansi, his intelligence, trickery, wisdom and character flaws, all remain the same. As a child who grew up with Anansi stories, the North American equivalents such the the character Wile Coyote, never seemed compelling enough.They lacked the dept, complexity and variety Anansi possessed. I admired him for his wisdom and intelligence while at the same time, I feared the outcome of his deceit and trickery. He was a hero and a villain and his seeming indestructibly provided as a means of hope. The preservation and continuation of Anansi stories helps to serve as a means of connecting us in the Caribbean to our African ancestors. It also helps to demonstrate the importance of history and culture in the cultivation of morals and values.Time and distance are inevitable factors for people throughout African Diaspora, however, folktales and oral traditions like that of Anansi, helps to maintain our connectedness. Excerpts from Nekita, Orijins of Culture

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CHUCKLES CORNER

CONVERSATION Smith is a devout Christian and goes to church every Sunday Smith climbs to the top of Mt. Rorima in Guyana, So that he could get close enough to have a conversation with God. Looking up, he asks the Lord, 'God, what does a million years mean to you?' The Lord replies, 窶連 minute.' Smith asks, 'And what does a million dollars mean to you?' The Lord replies, 'A penny.' Smith asks, 'Lord, can I please have a penny?' The Lord replies, 'In a minute.'

TRICKY AND TRAWNY A millionaire finds out that his bookkeeper of 20 years, Guido, has cheated him out of $100,000.00. Guido is deaf which is why he got the job in the first place. The millionaire assumed that since Guido could not hear anything, he could never testify in court. When the millionaire goes to confront Guido about his missing $100,000.00 he takes along his personal lawyer because he knew sign language. The millionaire tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the money is!" The lawyer, using sign language, asks Guido, "Where's the money?" Guido signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about." The lawyer tells the millionaire, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about." The millionaire pulls out a pistol, puts it to Guido's head and says, "Ask him again or I'll kill him!" The lawyer signs to Guido, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him." Guido trembles and signs back, "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed at my Cousin Bruno's house." The millionaire asks the lawyer, "What did he say?" The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the GUTS to pull the trigger."

THE MANY USES OF THE TAMARIND FRUIT AROUND THE WORLD The food uses of the tamarind are many.The tender, immature, very sour pods are cooked as seasoning with rice, fish and meats in India.The fully-grown, but still unripe fruits, called "swells" in the Bahamas, are roasted in coals until they burst and the skin is then peeled back and the sizzling pulp dipped in wood ashes and eaten. The fully ripe, fresh fruit is relished out-of-hand by children and adults, alike.The dehydrated fruits are easily recognized when picking by their comparatively light weight, hollow sound when tapped and the cracking of the shell under gentle pressure.The shell lifts readily from the pulp and the lengthwise fibers are removed by holding the stem with one hand and slipping the pulp downward with the other.The pulp is made into a variety of products. It is an important ingredient in chutneys, curries and sauces, including some brands of Worcestershire and barbecue sauce, and in a special Indian seafood pickle called "tamarind fish". In Guyana, sugared tamarind pulp is often prepared as a confection. For this purpose, it is desirable to separate the pulp from the seeds without using water. If ripe, fresh, undehydrated tamarinds are available, this may be done by pressing the shelled and defibered fruits through a colander while adding powdered sugar to the point where the pulp no longer sticks to the fingers.The seeded pulp is then shaped into balls and coated with powdered sugar. If the tamarinds are dehydrated, it is less laborious to layer the shelled fruits with granulated sugar in a stone crock and bake in a moderately warm oven for about 4 hours until the sugar is melted, then the mass is rubbed through a sieve, mixed with sugar to a stiff paste, and formed into patties.This sweetmeat is commonly found on the market in Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Panama, the pulp may be sold in corn husks, palmleaf fiber baskets, or in plastic bags. If twice as much water as tamarinds is used in cooking, the strained product will be a sirup rather than a sauce. Sometimes a little soda is added.Tamarind sirup is bottled for domestic use in Guyana and street vendors sell cones of shaved ice saturated with tamarind sirup. Tamarind pulp can be made into a tart jelly, and tamarind jam

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

GCA FAMILY FUN DAY - VENDING OPPORTUNITY

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL 2013

RENTAL OF BOOTH SPACE PAYMENT DEADLINE: AUGUST 25, 2013

! !

N.B.

(Each Food Vendor must obtain and produce their 2013 Health Certificate before the event)

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN TENTS, TABLES, & SEATING.

Vendors must provide adequate GARBAGE CONTAINERS for your own use and for your customers. You are required to TIDY THE IMMEDIATE AREA OF YOUR BOOTH and place your bags of garbage in the area designated, after the event. EACH VENDOR WILL BE GIVEN A MAXIMUM OF 4 PASSES FOR ASSISTANTS. THIS NONE TRANSFERRABLE PASS MUST BE DISPLAYED ON YOUR PERSON. Signed ............................................................ PLEASE MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: GCA/FOLK FESTIVAL MAIL TO: Guyana Cultural Association - C/o Claire Goring 1368 East 89 Street, Suite 2, Brooklyn New York 11236 FOR INFO:TEL: 718 209 5207 RECEIVED: DATE ....................... AMOUNT ........................... CHECK/ MO ............... CASH.................. Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

THE ENVIRONMENT AND OUR HEALTH

38 PLASTIC BAGS- THE PLASTIC OFFENDER Muriel Glasgow For the past three issues, we have been highlighting the impact of plastics and garbage on the environment. The situation in Guyana provided the clarion call for attention as regards the disposal of non-biodegradable garbage, specifically the plastic bag. In this issue we share with readers the challenge of disposing plastic bags in the Caribbean and in the USA. The Cruise Ship Dump Small islands in the Caribbean (and other locations) face a daunting challenge of managing the disposal of solid waste generated on the islands. This challenge is confounded by the fact that most of these islands depend on tourism as a source of income and are confronted with the problems cruise ships face as they themselves deal with disposal of the garbage from the ships. Cruise ships dump their garbage (ground-up glass, rags and cardboard packaging) miles from shore in the open Caribbean Sea. But vessels in other waters such as the Baltic and North seas are prohibited from throwing any solid waste overboard other than food scraps. The main reason is lack of enforcement of the ban on dumping, outlawed in 1933 by the International Maritime Organization for which many countries whose coastlines on the world's most fragile seas require them to treat ship-generated garbage on land. Caribbean islands, however, have yet to adopt the ban, saying they simply don't have the capacity to treat ship garbage on shore.They also fear the ban could push ships to dock in less-regulated ports of call. It will not take effect, however, until a majority of the surrounding nations report their capacity for treating trash from cruise ships — information that the vast majority of nations so far have withheld. The United Nations created the ban to protect areas that are vulnerable because of heavy ship traffic or sensitive ecology. It has already taken effect in the Antarctic, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Persian Gulf and is due to come into force in the Mediterranean in May. Environmentalists say debris dumped in the ocean can entangle sea creatures, damage water quality and alter ecosystems by providing habitats for opportunistic organisms.

have already instituted laws banning the use of plastic bags. Plastic bag facts • Approx. 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year.That’s more than 1,200 bags per US resident, per year. • Approx. 100 billion of the 380 billion are plastic shopping bags. • An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags. • Only 1 to 2% of plastic bags in the USA end up getting recycled. • Thousands of marine animals and more than 1 million birds die each year as a result of plastic pollution. • The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter floating in every square mile of ocean. • Plastic bags are often mistakenly ingested by animals, clogging their intestines which results in death by starvation. Other animals or birds become entangled in plastic bags and drown or can’t fly as a result. • Even when they photo-degrade in landfill, the plastic from single-use bags never goes away, and toxic particles can enter the food chain when they are ingested by unsuspecting animals. • Greenpeace says that at least 267 marine species are known to have suffered from getting entangled in or ingesting marine debris. Nearly 90% of that debris is plastic. • Americans consume more than 10 billion paper bags per year. Approximately 14 million trees are cut down every year for paper bag production. • Most of the pulp used for paper shopping bags is virgin pulp, as it is considered stronger. • Paper production requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water as well as toxic chemicals like sulphurous acid, which can lead to acid rain and water pollution. Source: http://www.envirosax.com/plastic_bag_facts.

Source:http://seattletimes.com/html/travel/2008793980_trcru isepollution01.html

The Land Dump New Yorkers carelessly dispose of 100,000 tons of plastic bags every year; transporting garbage to a final resting place has a cost as well. In this way piles of nonbiodegradable trash litter the environment. Given its unsustainability, a solution must be found to preserve the environment for future generations by finding an innovative and sustainable way to dispose of plastic bags for future generations; some states (e.g.California) Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS 1 June - Global Day of Parents The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 and honours parents throughout the world, providing an opportunity for parents to be appreciated all over the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

5 June - World Environment Day 2013 The theme "Think. Eat. Save”.Through this day, the United Nations makes people aware of the worldwide environmental degradation and actions towards saving the planet.

16 June - Guyana observes 65th anniversary of Enmore Martyrs’ Day Guyanese today reflected on the lives of Lallabajee, Pooran, Harry (Jug), Surujbally and Rambarran.Those five sugar workers made the supreme sacrifice in 1948. Now, 65 years later, workers can choose a union to represent their interest. During this years’ observation, the wife of Pooran, the last martyr, laid a wreath at the memorial. President Carvil Duncan of FITUG??? and President Donald Ramotar addressed the gathering. Source: http://www.inewsgy.com/?p=1034

8 June - World Oceans Day “If we are to fully benefit from the oceans, we must reverse the degradation of the marine environment due to pollution, overexploitation and acidification. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon Theme:Together, we have the power to protect the oceans.The UN General Assembly designated 8 June as World Oceans Day as an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans, which are the lungs of our planet, provides most of the oxygen we breathe, and are also a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.

12 June - World Day against Child Labour Theme: No to child labour in domestic work! The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them, most of them exploited and engaged in paid or unpaid domestic work outside of their homes. Governments are called on to ratify ILO Convention No. 189 concerning decent work for domestic workers and its implementation along with the ILO’s child labour Convention.

16 June - Day of the African Child On 16 June 1976 In Soweto, South Africa, thousands of black schoolchildren took to the streets to protest about the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of them were shot down; and in the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand injured.To honour their courage and in memory of those killed, in 1991 the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) established the Day of the African Child.The Day also draws attention to the lives of African children today. More about the Soweto protests, and view a video clip of news coverage on the BBC 'on this day' website.The Google Cultural Institute also has background information and photos. Check out the Our Africa website developed by SOS Children.

16 June - Fathers Day is celebrated to honor every father and to make father’s realize how special he is in everyone’s life.

14 June - National Flag Day of the United States Celebrated during the entire week of 14th June. But during 1937 on 14th June, Pennsylvania was the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.

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THE GODFREY CHIN PRIZE FOR HERITAGE JOURNALISM

ENTRY FORM Reporter’s name:____________________________________________________________ Reporter’s e-mail address:_____________________________________________________ Publication:_________________________________________________________________ Work address:_______________________________________________________________ Work phone:_________________________________________________________________ Home address:________________________________________________________________ Home phone:_________________________________________________________________ Title and short description of article/articles submitted. (Description should be concise.) _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ Publication Date/dates:_______________________________________________________________________ Description of the reporting effort involved including any special obstacles in obtaining information as well as the impact of the articles on the public interest (such as public actions). Limit to 300 words if possible. If needed, attach a separate sheet. _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail five completed entry forms with five copies of the submission to: The Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism c/o Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. 1368 East 89th Street, Suite 2 Brooklyn, NY 11236, USA Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine

THE GODFREY CHIN PRIZE FOR HERITAGE JOURNALISM

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 Vibert Cambridge The annual Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism, administered by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. was established in 2011 and is inspired by Godfrey Chin’s indefatigable efforts to preserve, promote, and propagate Guyana’s rich cultural heritage and creativity. The prize has been established to encourage and reward writers whose published works promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse strands of Guyanese heritage and contributes to celebration of the common histories that unite the people of Guyana. The prize (a total of US$1000.) will be divided between First, Second and Third placed authors — and it will be awarded to the entry that best embodies the spirit, intellect and wit of Godfrey Chin. Submissions are invited from Guyanese media professionals working in Guyana or in the Guyanese diaspora.

ENTRY GUIDELINES: • All submissions must have been published in a Guyanese newspaper or magazine or on the newspaper or magazine’s Web site during the 2012 calendar year. Web-based news organizations that follow a strict code of journalistic ethics and publish original reporting on a regular basis may also submit entries. No broadcast-only entries are allowed. • Entries may include a single story, a related series of stories, or up to three unrelated stories. Columns and editorials are eligible. Individuals are encouraged to submit their own entries.

• In case of a series, at least half the individual stories must have been published during the contest year (2012). • Entries should be submitted in five copies, each with a completed entry form.

SEND ENTRIES TO:

The Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism c/o Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc 1368 East 89th Street, Suite 2 Brooklyn, NY 11236 USA The date appearing on the newspaper or magazine will determine the entry's eligibility in the contest year. The judges shall have discretion as to whether there shall be honorable mentions in addition to the winner(s). The judges' selection of the winner will be final and not subject to review by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Winners in any one year will be eligible for future awards without restriction. All applications for the 2013 Godfrey Chin Heritage Journalism Prize must be postmarked by September 30, 2013.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

42 BARONIANS & FRIENDS 22nd Annual

Fund Raising Dance To Benefit the BV /Triumph Community Development Project

Saturday August 24, 2013 10.00P.M. to 4.00A.M Admission $25.00 Woodbine Ballroom 2281 Church Avenues at Bedford Avenue Music Buster One man Band / Supreme Sounds - DJ Hannah FOR TICKETS & INFO: Caribbean Vision Center 718 4698131

THE FRIENDS OF VICTORIA VILLAGE DIASPORA INC Annual

Creole Breakfast Morning Celebrating the Men of Victoria Village “Victoria Man ah Man, Victoria Man nah Tobacco Stick”

ROSE GARDEN BANQUET HALL

Church Avenue & E43 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2013 10.00 A.M.- 2.00 P.M. PLEASE BRING A BOOK TO DONATE TO THE NEW FRIENDS OF VICTORIA DIASPORA LIBRARY

• HILDA DOVER - 718 776 0134

ST. GABRIEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNUAL STREET FAIR SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 331 Hawthorne Street, (bet Nostrand & New York Aves), From 11.00 A.M. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the day.

LINDEN FUND ANNUAL FAMILY FUN DAY IN NEW JERSEY SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield, NJ 11 AM until Dark Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun games and much more... Get On The Bus from Brooklyn Bus is scheduled to depart @ 10:00 AM Corner of Eastern Parkway & Utica Ave . Call Daphne (917-214-9444),Terry (347661-3429), or George (347-784-0235) to reserve your seats. Tickets; Adults - $30, Children under 12 yrs old - $25. All inclusive (Bus, entrance to park, lunch plate with soda/juice)

Adults - $25.00 Children - $10.00 (at the door)

FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION: • ULA AUSTIN-347 884 5163 •CLAIRE ANN GORING - 718 209 5207 • WINSTON “Jeggae” HOPPIE - 718 812 7736 •IVOR THOM-404 861 2168 • MICHAEL CHARLES - 646 875 1269 • MARVA LANGHORNE - 917 470 8951 •ROSE OCTOBER-EDUN - 718 755 4956 • MILFORD LEWIS - 917 679 9031 • AGUSTUS BARRY - 718 755 3949 • LESLIE WEGMAN - 718 434 1595 • JOYCE ROBERTS - 347 406 6139 • CHERYL AINSWORTH - 347 240 7672 • GRACE WEGMAN - 718 413 3066 • PATRICK YOUNGE - 646 812 5719 Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine