With majestic pomp and ceremony, Company Road Primary School held its gradu-

ation exercises on 5th July, 2015. Twenty-three students graduated; they will enter

high school when the new school year begins on August 31. The Keynote Speaker

was Mr. Clement Corlette, former Region Four Chairman, while Dr. David Hinds de-

livered the charge to the graduands.

In the audience were the parents, other family members, teachers, friends and

other members of the community. Recently-elected Region Four Chairwoman, Ms.

Genevieve Allen and Vice-Chairman, Mr. Earle Lambert were also reportedly in at-

tendance.

In the photo above, courtesy of Rollo Younge, the graduating class and Grade Six

teacher, ‘Sir’ Collis Nicholson (in back row) stand together.

“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attaina-

ble,” said Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, the late British Member of Parliament who

waged an unrelenting and successful campaign to have slavery abolished.

When scores of freed labourers pooled their money and purchased a former

agricultural plantation in 1840, they gratefully named their new village after

him. This year marks 175 years since Buxton Village was established.

Yes Buxton, we’ve come a long way!

July 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Emancipation Program

Emancipation Covenant

Replica of 2005 Flood

2

3

4

More Health Services

Youth Initiative

5

6

Art Workshop

Music Literacy Camp

65th Wedding Anniversary

7

8

9

Heritage Week Program

High Achievers

Home Pride Event

10

10

11

Haynes: Bumpy Road

Thank You

12

13

97 Years & Going Strong 14

Letter: Sugar Foot

Recent Deaths

General Information

St. Anthony’s Fair

14

15

16

16

SOARING HIGH

BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP Express BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE FUND, INC.

BUXTON, WE’VE COME A LONG WAY

Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton

(1786-1845)

BFE15-07

The FIRST OF AUGUST MOVEMENT OF BUXTON kicks off its 2015

Emancipation observances on Sunday July 26th with a church ser-

vice at the Friendship Methodist Church at 7:30 am. Under the

theme “175 years as a Community", this year’s observances also

marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the village.

KWAYANA LECTURE SERIES A feature of this year’s program is the launch of the Kwayana Lec-

ture Series, named in honour of prominent Buxtonian and Guyanese

political activist and educator, Eusi Kwayana. The series includes a

symposium titled “Towards the Restoration of African Guyanese

Pride” to be held on Wednesday August 29 at 6:30 pm at the Friend-

ship Primary School. Panelists include Messrs. Nigel Hughes and

Sharma Solomon, Dr. Kimani Nehusi, and Ms. Ayana McAlman.

On Sunday, August 2 there would be an “Education Groundings” with Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

at the Friendship Primary School, beginning at 3 pm. Dr.

Roopnaraine will engage members of the community on his

vision for education and hear from them about their ideas for

education reform.

On August 9, the organization will host an “Economic Em-

powerment Summit” at the Friendship Primary School at 3:00

p.m. Speakers include Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jor-

dan, Presidential Advisor, Mr. Aubrey Norton and others.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES On July 31st there will be the annual Emancipation Eve Ex-

travaganza. The night’s activity starts with a Libation and Spir-

itual Service at the Emancipation Monument, at the Market

Square, at 6:00 p.m. This would be followed by a Cultural Pro-

gram at the Buxton Line Top, starting at 8:00 p.m. The pro-

gram includes drumming, drama, dancing, storytelling, steel

band music, calypso, Nancy Story and folk singing.

On August 1, Emancipation Day, the young people will host

the elders of the village at a day of “Feasting and Merriment”

at the Friendship Primary School beginning at midday. A major

Village Initiative is expected to be launched at this activity.

The featured speaker will be First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.

On Wednesday August 5 at 6:00 p.m., there will be a Culture

Night, “Leh we gaff and talk story” featuring drumming, Queh-

Queh, Storytelling, Nancy Story and Ring Games.

Buxton F.A.M. Press Release 2015-07-24

EMANCIPATION PROGRAMME

Page 2 Buxton-Friendship Express

First of August Movement Logo

Artist: Jonathan Azore

THE EMANCIPATION COVENANT ~Rennie Parris

Page 3 July 2015

The month of August may be classified as the most

memorable month for Afro-Caribbean people.

It was on August 21st 1791 that Boukman issued the

final orders to the rebel leaders in St. Domingue to start

the Haitian Revolution. It was on August 1, 1834 and

August 1, 1838, respectively when most black people

of the Caribbean regained their ineffable faculty of hu-

manity – FREEDOM. On that date, enslaved Africans

became free from “chattel slavery.” Kwayana defined

chattel slavery as a form of bondage that dehumanized

enslaved Africans and made them into “talking tools” –

shovels, pick axes, cutlasses, forks, etc. Every August,

therefore, Afro-Caribbean people must come together

to commemorate the survival of the gory experiences of

our African ancestors who struggled, suffered and were

slaughtered for the sake of the FREEDOM we enjoy to-

day.

The Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834 did not come

about because the European oppressors eventually

became conscience ridden. Our ancestors never ac-

cepted their enslaved status. They struck out repeated-

ly against their oppressors for their freedom. Williams

(1944) claimed that the enslaved Africans were eman-

cipated because the industrialization of Europe made

Britain no longer dependent on slavery for economic

success. Rodney (1972) posited that Emancipation oc-

curred because a wage slave rather than a bound slave

was needed to purchase European goods.

On 1st August, 1838, our ancestors established an

“EMANCIPATION COVENANT.” The Covenant stated

that Emancipation was not a single event that occurred

ONLY on 1st August. It was the beginning of a continu-

ous process in which the emancipated must continue

to emancipate themselves. It consisted of the acquisi-

tion of land for economic activities and the establish-

ment of villages; the construction of houses for every-

one to have a home in which to live; the building of

schools to enable everyone to achieve universal litera-

cy; and the setting-up of churches to practise their tra-

ditional religion. In addition, our forefathers withdrew

their women and children from the plantations and

pledged not to let them go back to the social wilderness

of neglect, abuse and exploitation. The newly emanci-

pated Afro-Caribbean people did not expect any charity

from a vengeful plantocracy or a hostile colonial govern-

ment. The plantocracy and the government continuous-

ly challenged the Emancipation Covenant. The planters

suppressed the village movement so as to prevent the

successful establishment of a free peasantry. The colo-

nial government imposed a credit squeeze on the new

village movement, inflated the purchase price for lands,

and set 100 acres as the minimum quantity to be sold.

These efforts sought to keep the ex-enslaved LAND-

LESS. However, these emancipated Black people did

not depend on the plantocracy or the colonial govern-

ment to solve all their problems. They knew that they

had to work hard and long to achieve self-reliance and

communal independence. Despite the various barriers

erected to prevent the realization of the Covenant’s ob-

jectives, our ancestors built a rich heritage. Their ac-

complishments were great. They set up an economic

system and civilization that rivalled capitalism.

They pooled their money and bought lands collectively

at inflationary prices. Kwayana (2002) wrote that Afri-

cans are spiritually bound to the land. They considered

the land to be their MOTHER. Rodney (1981) stated that

land acquisition by the freed Africans represented the

ownership and control of the means of production. Each

piece of land purchased gave the Africans a small but

significant measure of independence.

Our ancestors rehabilitated the lands, established

farms and operated them with marked business acu-

men. In addition, they constructed housing units, built

schools and churches to establish communal villages.

They pursued education with a passion and zeal that

made them highly literate and skilled for employment as

civil servants and tradesmen. Finally, the new village

development movement succeeded to establish villages

that were economically self-sufficient.

As we seek to compare the immediate post-

Emancipation village economy with the contemporary

village economy, the likely question is: What has hap-

pened with the Emancipation Covenant?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a reprinted article, written by Mr. Rennie Par-

ris. It was previously published in the August 2011

issue of Buxton-Friendship Express.

“I left around 6:00 p.m. when the rain

had just started falling and the ground

was dry, dry. And when I come home

around 11:00 p.m., I was so surprised

to see all this water. It’s unbelievable

that all this water appear with just this

little rain,” Valladares’ wife told Sta-

broek News as the explained that since

the rain had stopped around 6:00 a.m.

yesterday morning, it had only receded

about one inch in six hours.

Valladares said that the only way the

water can recede any faster is if addi-

tional pumps are placed get rid of the

water.

Mark Abrams, a resident of Annan-

dale, explained that he came home

around 9:00 p.m. and met his yard cov-

ered in six inches of water. The man

explained that he has not experienced

a flood of this sort since the 2005

Great Flood. He said that while there

would be a minor buildup of water

when there is heavy rainfall, his yard

has never had such an amount of wa-

ter before and it had never taken that

long to recede.

REPLICA OF 2005 FLOOD

Page 4 Buxton-Friendship Express

Torrential rains, this month, inundated the capital city,

Georgetown, and several communities in East Demerara. Buxton

was one of the villages hardest hit by the flood. The water lin-

gered for several days, turned green and emitted a stench. Com-

plaints from residents forced officials to install an additional

pump in the village, and that resolved the drainage problem.

The flood has left behind trails of damage to property and liveli-

hood, loss of livestock and farms, and risk to health. In some ar-

eas of the village, residents rated the disaster as the worst since

the Great Flood of 2005. This situation has propelled the “2005

BUXTON/FRIENDSHIP DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE” to resuscitate re-

lief operations. The group plans to distribute hampers filled with

sanitizing and personal care items to affected residents.

The following STABROEK NEWS’ report of 17th July captured the

sentiments of a cross section of residents and some of the dev-

astation suffered in the village.

“You can’t blame anyone. Not the government, not the Lord,”

Winston Valladares, a resident of the Buxton area, said as he

dubbed the flood one of the worst he has experienced since

2005. About six inches of water covered the man’s yard, which

had a garden that he had recently planted with vegetables, and

the bottom flat of the house. He pointed out the slightly sub-

merged couch and refrigerator that he was forced to hoist on top

of a wooden pallet.

A flooded yard in Buxton.

Photo, thanks to Ms. Marie Stoby

Members of the 2005 Buxton/Friendship Disaster relief Committee pose

with relief packages. Left to right are: Colin Wills, Janet Cockfield, Pau-

lette Charles, Waveney Yaw, Mercylene (Patsy) Moses, Avril Culley-Pitt,

Deon Abrams, Ingrid Nelson, And Patsy Phillips.

Photo by Rollo Younge

Georgetown GINA, July 17, 2015

An early morning tour by Minister within

the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen

Cummings, to the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hos-

pital and Buxton Health Centre will result

in these centres being improved to offer a

better and wider range of services.

At the meeting with the staff of the Dr.

C.C. Nicholson Hospital, the Minister was

able to identify issues hindering the facili-

ty from operating at its full capacity. The

Minister was accompanied by the Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Mi-

chael Khan, and other officials.

Among the issues raised were the need

for better security, lighting systems and

water supply. Some staff also asked for

the addition of a basic laboratory and a

phlebotomist.

After listening to the complaints and

suggestions made by the staff, the Minis-

ter pledged her commitment to improve

the facility since, according to the 2012

census, the facility serves a population of

109,000, which would have probably in-

creased over the past three years, due to

the creation of more housing communi-

ties in its catchment areas.

Following her visit to the CC Nicholson

Health Centre, Minister Cummings made

a courtesy call at the Buxton Health

Centre where she noticed a lot of unused

space.

In a comment to the media, Minister

Cummings said the unused space can be

utilised to house additional services that

will enhance the package of service

offered by the health centre. “As you see

here, there is a lot of space and we are

hoping that services that cannot be

rendered at the Dr. C.C. Nicholson

Hospital will be rendered here. We are

thinking of having a VIA (Visual Inspection using Acetic acid) clinic

here, rehabilitation services. We want to be able to do ultra sounds

here; we want to put a lab here among other things,” she said. These

services should be implemented by January 2016, according to Dr.

Cummings. [GINA]

In 2004, the Washington, DC-based non-profit organisation, Jaybees

Medical Services International, Inc. embarked on the extensive renova-

tion of the Buxton Health Centre and injected US$70,000 into the ven-

ture. The project was envisioned by Genevieve (Jean) Bathersfield-

Adams, who assembled a team of committed partners and supporters

to accomplish the gigantic task.

The project was completed in 2010 with a GY$10 million

(US$50,000) grant from the government, through the assistance of

Mr. Clyde Roopchand. He served as the Chief Planning Officer in the

Ministry of Finance.

While the old structure was left as the base of the facility, a level was

added above it and a new two-storey wing constructed on its northern

side. The building was designed to accommodate multiple medical and

dental examination rooms, urgent care services, a doctor’s teaching

room, a large storage facility, washrooms and other services.

BUXTON HEALTH CENTRE EYED FOR

EXPANDED SERVICES ~ Minister Cummings

Page 5 July 2015

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings (left)

engages Sister Yvette Herod (right) in discussion, during her visit to

the Buxton Health Centre. [GINA photo]

On 2nd July, Guyana’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger

(standing right) addressed a gathering in the village in

launching a youth development initiative there. The

meeting was held at the Friendship Middle Walk resi-

dence of Mr. & Mrs. Morris Wilson.

Among the organisations reportedly represented were

First of August Movement, Toucan Multipurpose Club II,

Buxton Restoration Committee, GBTI/Buxton Pride

Steel Orchestra, St. Augustine’s Anglican Church (Mrs.

Paulette Charles), and Arundel Congregational Church

(Rev. Paulette Hannibal).

Photo, courtesy of

GBTI/Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Page 6 Buxton-Friendship Express

US-based artist, Jonathan “Geoffrey” Azore (Fury), prepares

to conduct a one-week Art workshop and exhibition for

youths in Buxton. He will teach them how to draw, apply wa-

ter colours, wash, and employ other techniques of the craft.

The programme began on 27 July and will end on 31 July. It

is being held at Friendship Primary School. Art materials,

snacks and refreshments are being provided.

The workshop is being jointly sponsored by Buxton-

Friendship Heritage Fund and CIMBUX.

Happy Birthday greetings go out to pretty little Aleeka

Collins on the occasion of her 5th birth anniversary!

Aleeka, who is vacationing in the United States with her

grandparents, Mrs. Barbara Thomas-Holder & Justice

Franklin Holder, was treated to a fabulous party in Bowie,

Maryland, hosted by her aunts, Fianna Phill and Fiona

Griffith. Appearing as “Little Miss Mermaid”, she was

thrilled to share the occasion with her cousins, Kaleel

Griffith, Joel and Joanna Phill.

Aleeka is the daughter of Allister and Kaslyn Collins.

CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOP

CELEBRATION FOR A PRINCESS

Page 7 July 2015

While school is out for the July-August vacation period,

some children are taking the time to learn how to play

steelpan music. They are participating in the 2015 PAN

MINORS LITERACY CAMP, conducted by the Buxton Pride

Steel Orchestra and sponsored by Republic Bank. Classes

are being held on the ground level of Tipperary Hall. Ac-

cording to a release from the band, the response has

been overwhelming and the youths display “a lot of disci-

pline and great potential for playing the steelpan”.

A good many of the children come from communities

outside Buxton-Friendship. They include Kwasi Waldron,

Tyrick and Tyron Awadnarine from Lancaster Village, eight

from Victoria Village, and others from Golden Grove, Vigi-

lance and Strathspey.

They also come from various schools — President’s Col-

lege, St. Stanislaus College, Marian Academy, Bishops’

High, St. Joseph’s High, Annandale Secondary, Buxton

Secondary, LBI Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, Gold-

en Grove Secondary, Lancaster Secondary, St. Gabriel’s

Primary, Buxton Primary, and Victoria Primary Schools.

They are receiving great encouragement and assistance

from the seasoned members in the band.

Meantime, a group of Buxton Pride players are at-

tending a Pan Minors class at the Music School in

Georgetown. The programme, which began early this

month, aims to improving and developing playing

skills through music theory and practical lessons.

The programme caters to both beginners and more

experienced steelpan players. Musical Arrangement

has been added to the schedule this year. By com-

pletion of the course, participants would learn to

play simple pieces of music, read elemental one-line

melody, have a general understanding of the basic

elements of music, and be trained how to arrange

four-part music for a steel ensemble.

Daniel Daly, Xerion Franklin, Abeke Lewis, Steve

Cameron, and Treyone Braithwaite are taking the

advanced level course. A few other members are

enrolled in the beginner’s programme.

This project was introduced in 2010, and has en-

joyed meaningful support from the Ministry of Cul-

ture, Youth and Sport. Some 766 students have

graduated from it so far.

Photo, courtesy of Rollo Younge

PAN MINORS MUSIC LITERACY CAMP

Page 8 Buxton-Friendship Express

In this photo are some

of the young ones from

the 2015 Pan Minors’ Lit-

eracy Camp. The vacation

music programme is be-

ing conducted by Mr. Rol-

lo Younge and leading

players of Buxton Pride

Steel Orchestra at the Tip-

perary base of the band.

Republic Bank is sponsor-

ing the camp.

65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Page 9 July 2015

THE YOUNG ONES

Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Gill of Buxton who celebrated their 65th Wedding

Anniversary on Sunday, 26th July, 2015 at the Arundel Congregational Church!

It was on 26th July,1950 that they committed their lives to each other. They have been and continue to

be a shining example of the husband and wife God requires of every marries couple.

Greetings are sent to them from Reverend Paulette Hannibal and the congregation of Arundel Congrega-

tional Church.

This year, the week will focus on educational activities. A number of commencing secondary/high school students

will be presented with Scholastic Achievement certificates and backpacks with basic supplies for secondary school.

The items will include dictionaries for English, Spanish, French and Portuguese; geometry/mathematics sets; scien-

tific calculators; notebooks; composition books; pens; pencils; sharpeners; and erasers. They will get souvenir t-

shirts, while the top performers will receive wrist watches. Presentation and distribution will be done during the Stu-

dent Empowerment Workshop, which is scheduled to be held on 11th August at Company Road Primary School.

At the workshop, the students will learn strategies to help them succeed in high school. Some students who par-

ticipated in the programme, in past years, will return to share their experiences and offer encouragement to the

new class.

The following day, Wednesday (12th August), three of them will represent the village against a Plaisance team at

the 3rd Annual Emancipation Debate Competition. The moot is: “SOCIAL COHESION CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH

ETHNIC INTEGRATION;” Buxton will oppose it.

The match will be held in Plaisance, at the Eddy Grant Learning Resource Centre. Arrangements will be made to

transport a support team, comprising students and a select number of parents and teachers. The Buxton team is

seeking to retain the championship title that the village convincingly won last year. Plaisance easily won it in 2013.

On Thursday, 13th August, the students will go on a day trip. They will visit the African Heritage Museum, Parlia-

ment Building and the National Museum and in Georgetown. They will finish off the day with an eagerly anticipated

pool picnic.

This is the fifth year of the educational outing. It is designed to enrich the children’s cultural knowledge and social

experience. They are exposed to important cultural institutions, historic sites and events, which provide them valua-

ble learning opportunities and lasting appreciation for culture, history, their country and environment.

FRIENDSHIP PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Roydel Maxwell

2. Dehancy Braithwaite

3. Levi Chapman

4. Javon Charles

5. Aaliyah Headley

6. Keiana Joseph

7. Alicia Baptiste

8. Franceina Sampson

9. Wazeiro Glenn

10. Eon Garraway

11. Tandika Maxwell

12. Shamar Armstrong

13. Charles Sandy

14. Ateena Anderson

15. Tylor Harris

16. Shonette Sears

17. Akandy Trim

18. Rolene Lewis

The beginning secondary school students, listed below under their former primary schools, are requested to regis-

ter for the 2015 Heritage Week programme by August 10. They are asked to contact Teacher Collis Nicholson (669-

9583) or Mr. Rollo Younge (274-0572) to confirm their participation and receive necessary information.

2015 HERITAGE WEEK EVENTS

2015 HIGH ACHIEVERS

Page 10 Buxton-Friendship Express

19. Kristoff Glen

20. Osea Gulliver

21. Keshawn Roberts

22. Damiana Roberts

23. De Andrea Leon

BUXTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Keneshia Amsterdam

2. Johnetta Joseph

3. Collene Marcus

4. Aliyana Marshall

5. Marvin Mc Dowell

6. Naiomi James

7. Shaniyan Roberts

8. Keishola Williams

9. Alpha Lowe

COMPANY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Tonique Hatton

2. Antowne Sullivan

3. Crestyl Prescod

4. Yukel Armstrong

5. Nkosi O’Donaghue

6. Carondel August

7. Sarafina Glen

8. Nicquan Sedoc

9. Shamar Thomas

OTHER SCHOOLS

1. Ana Matthews

2. Daffina Nials

3. Samuel Booker

4. Joshua Joseph

5. Shaquan Dublin

6. Adiette McAlmont

7. Shaquan Earle

Due to severe flooding in the village this

month, judging for the Home Pride competi-

tion has been deferred to a time later in the

year. Because of damage to homes, kitchen

and flower gardens, as well as loss of live-

stock, residents would need ample time to

restore their property to normal condition.

The contest was scheduled to take place

next month—August. This would be the sec-

ond year for the competition that aims to

encourage residents to maintain a healthy

and sustainable environment. A number of

prizes, including monetary awards will be

distributed to winners. Last year’s 3rd place winner, Barbara Cole, of Middle Street, Buxton

HOME PRIDE EVENT POSTPONED

Page 11 July 2015

ANTHONY HAYNES, is a resident Buxtonian. He has

been a regular columnist for Buxton-Friendship

Express since January 2015. Following the Re-

gional Elections held on 11 May, 2015, he was

selected to serve as a councilor for APNU+AFC on

the Region Four Democratic Council. He was nom-

inated by the AFC and is the only Buxtonian on the

regional council.

Mr. Haynes will continue to write his piece for our

newsletter. However, the Buxton-Friendship Edito-

rial Committee would like to inform readers that

the statements, beliefs and viewpoints expressed

by Mr. Haynes do not necessarily reflect the views

or opinions of the publisher, Buxton-Friendship

Heritage Fund, Inc. or this publication.

THE JOURNEY – Part III - the bumpy road

As our journey continues I shall like to focus on the period

January 2012 to August 2014. As was previously stated,

the country was placed in a peculiar situation subsequent

to the November 28, 2011 elections. While some people

were optimistic about governance and the political pro-

spects of the minority government, many were suspicious

of the opposition. While a co-founder of the AFC was trust-

ed to be ‘House Speaker’ at the expense of their new

found ‘’MOSES,’’ many ‘pundits’ posited/predicted that the

faction of the opposition, led by Khemraj Ramjattan, the

other co-founder of the AFC, could not be trusted and that

faction is more likely to give its support to the ruling PPP/C.

As the government went about its business as usual - no

consultation, utter disregard for other views, display of ar-

rogance when dealing with issues pertaining to corruption

et. al., many Guyanese were awaiting the response of their

elected representatives. The parliamentary life of the Don-

ald Ramotar administration commenced shakily as the ma-

jority parliamentary opposition parties locked horns with

the government minority. Subsequent to taking the Speak-

er’s slot, the opposition also took the Deputy Speaker’s

position as they organised to take control of the Legislative

arm of government. Within a short period, they were classi-

fied by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat as the

‘combined opposition.’ That title stock like ‘crazy glue’ and

was proudly held by the parties up to May 10, 2015.

Among the first acts of the new parliamentary opposition

configuration was to introduce the ‘scissors’ to the 2012

budget. Before the scissors was introduced, the parliamen-

tary opposition sought to be included in the process of

budget preparation since it felt that it was one of the ways

that inclusivity in government can be achieved and the con-

cerns of the majority can be addressed. The Leader of the

Opposition, David Granger, had proposed a tripartite ar-

rangement for the budget preparations; it was ignored by

the Ramotar Administration.

The 2012 budget was presented under the theme;

‘Remaining on Course, United in Purpose, Prosperity for

All’ and was presented on March 30 by Dr. Ashni Singh. It

was an estimate exceeding the 2011 amount by 11%, a

walloping G$193Bn. The estimate included G$6Bn for GPL

and G$4Bn bailout for GuySuCo. That budget also catered

for a phased implementation of electricity tariff for Linden-

ers (which subsequently saw massive protests and

the death of three persons). After the presentation

of the budget and the opposition’s ‘furore’ over its

contents and implications, the President moved to

pacify the situation by initiating extra-parliamentary

consultations with the opposition. The Opposition

Leader, after one of the meetings, de-

clared “concerns about old age pension, concerns

about employment of public servants and concerns

about the University of Guyana would be reviewed

by the government side so that we wouldn’t attempt

to proceed with a budget which left these important

issues out.” A memorable result from one of those

consultations was the Increase of the Old Age Pen-

sion from G$7,500 to G$10,000.

By the end of the budget debate, the AFC, through

its Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, would have piloted a

motion in the National Assembly, Committee of Sup-

plies, to have some G$3.8m cut from the budget.

The government cried ‘foul’ insisting that the move

will cause widespread loss of jobs. Moses Nagamo-

too would have fired back indicating that the move

was to target ‘fat cats’ and reduce ‘squander ma-

nia.’ It was the first time in the history of self gov-

ernance that the national estimate would have been

reduced by a parliamentary opposition. The 2012

(Continued on page 13)

HAYNES CITE

THE JOURNEY: BUMPY ROAD (Part 3)

Page 12 Buxton-Friendship Express

budget cut signalled the beginning of the parlia-

mentary woes of the PPP and the government

moving to the courts to have several opposition

imposed legislations/sanctions revoked.

During the Ninth Parliament, several ques-

tions went unanswered. Questions relating to

NICIL, the specialty hospital, the airport expan-

sion, the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice Bridge, the

Sanata Textile deal, and many others were ig-

nored by the PPP. With the advent of the new

dispensation came many revelations;

the government was forced to answer several

questions and many who were involved in cor-

rupt acts ‘squealed.’ Accusations of corruption

and financial excesses were rife during the life

of the Tenth Parliament. With all the scandals

and fiascos being revealed one after the other

and the government cemented its contempt

stance relative to political and policy demands

made by the opposition parties, it was clear

that the ruling cabal was up to no good relative

to governance. Hence, the parliamentary oppo-

sition was forced to establish a political ‘’Ionic

bond’’ to foster an agenda against what Freddy

Kissoon called “elected dictatorship”.

Despite not having the mandate of the majori-

ty, the Ramotar-led administration pursued the

Jagdeo crafted macro-economic agenda during

(Continued from page 12) its tenure, contrary to the liking of the opposition parties. The

government was flayed for: passing a Bill, in the Ninth Parlia-

ment, which gave in excess of three million dollars per month to

a former President; failing to hold Local Government elections;

failing to agree to stronger legislation for the Anti-Money Laun-

dering Bill, the collapse of GuySuCo; using public funds to build

a ‘private’ Marriot Hotel; ill-advised reconstruction of the Airport

at Timehri and specialty hospital at Turkeyen; ill conceived and

overpriced hydropower project at Amalia Falls; failed implemen-

tation/installation of the fibreoptic cable for the e-governance

programme; failure to establish the Public Procurement Com-

mission; failure to assent to opposition-piloted Bills, among oth-

er ‘transgressions.’ However, the ‘straw that would have broken

the Camel’s back’ would have been the revelation that sums

disallowed by the parliament from the 2014 budget, the third

such cut, were actually spent.

The AFC considered the spending of the G$4.5B as a flagrant

disregard for the Constitution and the people of Guyana and

immediately signalled its intention to bring sanctions against

the government. In typical PPP style, their General Secretary

would have thrown down the gauntlet on the opposition, declar-

ing that they can “demonstrate their testicular capacity by giv-

ing effect to their stated desire for a no-confidence motion in

parliament, failing which they should shut up and forever hold

their peace.”

On August 7, 2014 the AFC, with firm support from the APNU

took up the challenge of Mr. Rohee and presented to the Clerk

of the National Assembly a No-Confidence Motion in the name

of Moses Nagamootoo. The motion was seconded by Cathy

Hughes. The National Assembly would have gone into recess a

few days after the Motion was presented. The PPP was stunned

and so they filibustered. The political atmosphere became pol-

luted with speculations and options on how the PPP will escape

from this ‘political bouncer.’

Until the next time, If na wan ting, a wan ting.

To GOD BE THE GLORY.

Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund would

like to acknowledge a donation received

from Sister Barbara Dorsett this month.

We thank her for her kindness and

steady support.

The AFC’s General Secretary, David Patterson

(L), presents the Motion of No-Confidence

against the PPP Government to Clerk of the Na-

tional Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs (R)

THE BUMPY ROAD ...by Anthony Haynes

THANK YOU

Page 13 July 2015

Dear Editor,

How many of your readers who know and remember Mr. Smith, better known as “Sugar Foot”, the great-

est dancer ever?

I saw him once, as I was following a masquerade band and he had just closed his Jordanite Church on

Friendship Middle Walk. He put on a performance which you can describe as someone writing a sympho-

ny with his feet to the rhythm of a masquerade band.

Too bad no one has a video of his performance; even the great Michael Jackson would have wanted

some dancing lessons.

I am 72 years old, and have danced most of those years in many countries and cities. I have watched

many dancing shows but not one of them had the magic of Sugar Foot, who was so appropriately named.

He was the best, and in any dance contest, he would have been awarded first, second and third place and

maybe consolation winner too.

Melvyn. D. Sullivan.

SUGAR FOOT

Page 14 Buxton-Friendship Express

97 YEARS OLD & GOING STRONG Edna Ifill, seated at

right and wearing a hat,

celebrated her 97th birth-

day on 12th July, 2015

surrounded by a host of

adoring family members

and friends. Among those

present were her son,

Cyril, who came from

London, and her younger

sister, Agnes Fredericks.

The get-together, held

in Rosedale, New York,

was organized by her

granddaughters, Denise

Daniels, Allison Bouyea-

Gomes, and Sharon Le-

Doux.

Best wishes to her for

many more happy and

healthy years!

WILFRED THOMAS, also known as “Farmer” and “Dada”, formerly of Lot 10 Company Path,

Buxton. He passed away on 15th May, 2015 at Woodlands Hospital, Georgetown, Guy-

ana., at the age of 94. He leaves to mourn his loss his son, Winston Alfred (Thomo) and

other relatives.

HERMON JOSEPH HOPE-BRANDIS, also known as “Doc Hope”. He passed away on 9th July,

2015 at Brookdale Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, at the age of 88. He was the father of

Jerome Hope, Carroll Hope-Bathersfield, and the late Dr. Montague Hope (Solo). He was

also the former husband of the late Teacher Joyce Hope, and son of the late Alberta Bran-

dis.

ORIN BATHERSFIELD passed away on 11 July, 2015 at Prince George’s Hospital, Mary-

land, USA. He was 53 years old. He was the Son of Mrs. Enid Bathersfield and the late Mr.

Peter Bathersfield (“Supa”); Brother of Candace Harry, Clifton Bathersfield (Morty), Joy

Moore, Diane Leatham, Robert Bathersfield (Kester), Peter Bathersfield, Jr. (Kofi), and

Abikki McPherson; Uncle of Leon and Clifton Bathersfield; Andrew and Anthony Harry;

Paige Bathersfield; Mark Moore; Keenan, Kevin and Kadien Leatham; Keyana, Breyana,

Brandon, Daniel and Dashia Bathersfield; Jermaine, Jamal and Jasmine McPherson.

RECENT DEPARTURES

Page 15 July 2015

Acknowledgement BESAC INC. (Buxtonians

for the Educational and

Social Advancement of

the Community) would

like to thank all those

who helped to make its

recent fund raising event

(Fish Fry - 7/11/15) a

success. Donations: Mrs. Winifred

Abrams, Mrs. Marcel

Grant, Mrs. Avril Hope,

Mrs. Joycelyn Wilson, Ms.

Sharon Haynes, Mrs.

Nona Barker and Mr.

Bayard Zephyr. Assistance: Mrs. Clair

Thomas-Lowe, Mrs. Win-

ifred Abrams, Mrs. Cheryl

Massay-Thomas, Mrs.

Melissa Thomas Smith,

Ms. Erva Cockfield, Ms.

Carlotta McRae, Mr.

Dwane Blucher & Mr.

Gurney Dryden.

BESAC, INC. BUXTONIANS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY

Invites you to its

Pre-Labor Day Back Yard Jump-up/Lime Fund Raiser

(Replaces Annual Pre-Labor Day Dance @ Afrika House)

Friday, September 4, 2015 9:00 p.m.

123-11 150th Avenue, South Ozone Park, NY 11420

(Between 123rd & 124th Streets, off North Conduit Avenue)

Donation: $10.00 Music by Popular DJ

For Information Contact: Errol Cockfield (718) 843-3690 Rupert Sampson (917) 676-8757 John Massay (347) 228-6939

Wilbert Hope (718) 235-0718

*Parking

Major road construction on block

Parking available within close proximity of venue

*Walking Directions from Parking Spot:

133, 135, 149 Avenues & some streets lead to the North Conduit. Right on North

Conduit, then right on 150th Ave. Streets lead to 150th Ave. Heading West, make

a left on 150th Ave. Heading East, make a right on 150th Ave.

B U X T O N - F R I E N D S H I P

HERITAGE FUND, INC.

E-mail us at:

buxtonexpress@aol.com

2015 Heritage Week Activities

Tuesday, 11th August

9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP

Presentation of Award Certificates & School Supplies

VENUE: COMPANY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Wednesday, 12th August

2:00 p.m. —

EMANCIPATION DEBATING COMPETITION

Buxton versus Plaisance

VENUE: EDDY GRANT LEARNING CENTRE, PLAISANCE

Thursday, 13th August

STUDENTS’ DAY TRIP

African Heritage Museum, Parliament Building, National Museum

BUXTON: Our Legacy, Our Pride, Our Responsibility

The Parishioners & Friends of

St. Anthony’s R.C. Church Invite You to Attend their

Annual Fair

SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2015 from 2:00 p.m.

the Church lawns

Friendship Middle Walk

Amusing Games, Delicious Food

Refreshments, Popular Music

Admission: GY$100

Buxton-Friendship Express July 2015

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lorna Campbell

Anthony Haynes

EDITORS

Dr. Clayton Bacchus

Mr. Rennie Parris

Lorna Campbell

2015