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Transcript of Buxton-Friendshipbuxtonguyana.net/Buxton-FriendshipExpress2017-11.pdf · port of her proud...
Buxtonians in the US joined with fellow Americans in celebrating Thanks-
giving this month. Many travelled across miles to reunite with family and
friends, and give thanks for their blessings while feasting on the occasion.
The highlight of the holiday is usually a sumptuous dinner, the main
course of which is roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy,
steamed vegetables and cranberry sauce. Over the years, the Guyanese di-
aspora has added some of its own cultural dishes to the menu, laying out a
very lavish spread for delightful consumption. It is widely believed that
people eat more on Thanksgiving Day than on any other day of the year.
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of Novem-
ber, while in neighbouring Canada, the special day is observed on the sec-
ond Monday of October.
BFE17-11
Medical School Graduate
Appointed Judge
2
3
Buxton Secondary Gets
Appliances & Supplies
4
Projector & More Donat-
ed to Practical Centre
Thanks for Giving
6
7
Traditional Medicine 8
Wha de Story Seh: Rasta
& Coconut:
Haynes: Stupidee II
10
12
Mathematics
Quiz Whiz
13
14
Obituary: Orrin Moses
General Information
15
16
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Buxton-Friendship Express November 2017
P ub l i s he d by B ux t o n - F r i e nds h i p H e r i t a ge F und , I nc .
SO THANKFUL
The McRae-Talbot family celebrating Thanksgiving in Brooklyn, New York
Congratulations to Dr. Shebiki Acosia Beaton. She gradu-
ated, with distinction, from the University of Guyana
School of Medicine and also copped this year’s award
for Best Graduating Student in Obstetrics & Medicine.
Her academic journey began at the New Friendship
Nursery School, then continued on to Friendship Pri-
mary School (Roman). In 2006, she sat the National
Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and finished among the
country’s top 40 performers. She was awarded a place
at the eminent Queen’s College, from where she grad-
uated, in 2011, with 12 CSEC subjects, earning eight dis-
tinctions.
Shebiki enrolled at the University of Guyana, and was
subsequently admitted into the medicine/surgery pro-
gramme. For this, she received a four-year scholarship
from the Wilfred Vernon Clarke Memorial Fund. She
was also awarded the Annie Daniels’ Memorial Scholar-
ship, and received a book grant from CIMBUX and a
computer from Buxton Heritage Fund to aid her with
studies.
On 11th November, she was among more than 2,000
graduands honoured at 51st Convocation Ceremony of
the University of Guyana. She acknowledged the sup-
port of her proud parents—Clarence and Bonieta Bea-
ton, her brother—Okeme, other family members,
teachers and friends.
Buxton is extremely proud of this phenomenal young
lady and her stellar achievement. Best wishes to her in
all her future endeavours!
Dr. Shebiki Acosia Beaton, MBBS
Page 2
BEST GRADUATING STUDENT- OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
Buxton-Friendship Express
November 2017
DAMONE YOUNGE, daughter of the
late Norma Younge, has been ap-
pointed to serve as a puisne judge
of Guyana’s High Court. She and
four other judges were sworn in by
President David Granger, in July.
In his address at the ceremony, the
President reportedly emphasized
“the importance of integrity, impar-
tiality, and independence of the Ju-
diciary”.
Congrats, Damone! Buxton is very
proud of you.
President Granger and Damone Younge (right)
APPOINTED JUDGE
“The race of people who do
not thirst with assiduity for
Education is doomed. You and
your children must make the
sacrifice. If you don’t, then the
great dreams of the people
who bought and established
these villages will be
undeservedly squandered.”
Simeon Josephus “Prophet” Wills At the dedication of The Buxton Monument In honour of the Centenary Anniversary of Emancipation 1st August, 1938
Page 3
The Buxton Secondary School got many of
the items on its needs’ list filled this month
with a large donation from Buxton-Friendship
Heritage Fund. Included in the donation pack-
age were a Kenmore 21 cubic-foot stainless
steel refrigerator, a 1.6 cubic foot microwave
oven, surge protectors and transformers for
the Home Economics department. This is one
of the more successful streams at the school,
but the department had been without the nec-
essary kitchen appliances for more than two
years.
The school was also presented with a multi-
media projector and screen to offer tutorials to
students. An ample supply of print/copy paper,
dustless chalk, chalkboard dusters, scotch tape
with dispensers, packs of manila folders, enve-
lopes of assorted sizes, push pins, other station-
ery and materials, was also handed over.
In addition to the items given to the school, all
of the students in the 2018 CSEC class were pro-
vided with individual geometry sets, a number
of pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners.
(Continued on page 5)
Head of the Home Eco-
nomics department, Mrs.
Leotta Seales-Park (left)
shows off the stainless steel
refrigerator and microwave
oven donated to Buxton
Secondary School.
Standing at right is commu-
nity volunteer, Mr. Lyndon
France, who assisted with
customs clearance and de-
livery of the items to the
schools.
Page 4
BUXTON HERITAGE FUND DONATES
HOME EC APPLIANCES TO BUXTON SECONDARY
Buxton-Friendship Express
November 2017
The donation to this school was largely funded by proceeds from
the New York Patronal Dance and generous contributions from vil-
lagers. Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.
You’re helping to make a difference in children’s lives and the future
of our village.
Buxton Heritage Fund is also working out plans to sponsor a week-
end tutoring academy to help students improve their performances
in Mathematics, Science and other core CXC subjects. We would
gladly welcome volunteer tutors, assistants and donations for learn-
ing supplies and snacks.
(Continued from page 4)
Buxton Secondary School Headmas-
ter, Mr. Neil Stewart (left) exchang-
es a handshake with Buxton Herit-
age Fund Committee Member, Mr.
Kenneth Wilkinson, after the
presentation of a multimedia pro-
jector to the school from the group.
Students from the 2018 CSEC class hold up some of the individual school supplies provided to them
by Buxton Heritage Fund through its donors and supporters.
BUXTON HERITAGE FUND DONATES TO BUXTON SECONDARY STUDENTS
Page 5
Early this year, General Secretary of Bux-
ton Heritage Fund, Lorna Campbell paid a
visit to the Practical Instruction Centre
(Trade School), located along Friendship
Company Road, past Pond Dam. The staff
welcomed the opportunity to explain the
various programmes offered for day and
evening students. In doing so, they also
pointed out that the pre-vocational centre
was in need of several essential resources
to effectively deliver the quality of educa-
tion and training expected of it.
This month, Buxton Heritage Fund donat-
ed many of the needed items to the cen-
ter. The purchase was largely facilitated by
the Doris Gordon Memorial Fund. We take
this opportunity to thank again the Gordon
family for their thoughtfulness and loving
support. The PIC family and Buxton com-
munity also appreciate your kindness.
The items donated include a multimedia
projector and screen, architectural draw-
ing paper and special pencils, 2-pocket
folders, print and loose-leaf paper, pens,
pencils, erasers, sharpeners, dustless
chalk, assorted envelopes, and more.
Principal of the Buxton
Practical Instruction Cen-
tre, Ms. Allison Pitt (2nd
right); Senior Mistress,
June Paul (1st right); Senior
M i s t r e s s - O v e a n n e
Manswell (1st in left back
row); Deputy HM, Leslyn
Hodge (2nd
, left backrow)
and students from the day
programme display some
of the items donated to
the pre-vocational centre.
Page 6
DONATION TO PRACTICAL CENTRE
Buxton-Friendship Express
ABOVE: Principal of Buxton Practical Instruction Centre,
Ms. Allison Pitt expressing appreciation to Buxton-
Friendship Heritage Fund committee member, Mr. Ken-
neth Wilkinson (right), following the presentation.
November 2017
Thanks to fellow villagers and kind friends who continue to support our fundrais-
ing efforts to improve Buxton/Friendship, and provide a brighter future for the chil-
dren of our community. Your support is greatly appreciated.
RECENT DONORS:
Margaret Abrams (“Miss Girlie”)
Barbara Dorsett
Charles French
Eleanor King (Claudette Burgan)
Maxwell Barnes [Medical Outreach]
Lyndon Barton [Medical Outreach]
Joseph France (Monty Shaw) [Medical Outreach]
Ken Herod [Medical Outreach]
Dave McRae [Medical Outreach]
...Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.
Not only is December the traditional month for Giving, it is also the time that could greatly
affect the returns American taxpayers will file next year - by April 15th.
Charitable giving can help reduce tax liabilities and also increase refunds. According to Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, tax filers who hope to take itemized charitable deductions on
their 2017 tax returns must make their donations to a qualified charitable organization by Decem-
ber 31st of this year. This means that you have just a few weeks left to take advantage of this tax-
saving deduction.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc. is a registered charitable organization under the IRS 501(c)
(3) tax code. This means, that donations made to the Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent
of the law. Make a donation before December 31st and save on your taxes. You will also enjoy the
satisfaction of making a life changing difference for a needy child or family in Buxton. Since there
is precious little time left for you to maximize your tax savings for this year, you need to act now.
Mail your cheque/money order by December 31, 2017 to:
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc.
454 Vermont Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11207
THANKS FOR GIVING
Page 7
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHARITABLE GIVING
The name ‘Mama Fiffee’ represents an iconic Guyanese institution, best known for its tradi-
tional herbal treatments, birthed at Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara, and which has
mushroomed into a global phenomenon.
Gloria Fiffee is the fourth child, born on November 3rd, 1940, to James and Agatha Fiffee,
who is best known as ‘Mama Fiffee’, a revered woman who for many years attended to ill-
nesses using herbal medicines made from plants found deep in the backlands of Buxton.
From an early age, Gloria knew that her destiny was to assume the leadership from Mama
Fiffee who passed away in 2004, one month after celebrating her 100th birthday.
“It was a lot of pressure on me at first. I knew I would have to be the one to continue this family tradition. I did not want to do
it, but when God puts you in position, you have to answer the call, no matter what you think or what you believe you want to
do,” Gloria said.
Perhaps the fear she felt came about because the herbal treatment knowledge has been in the family for well over 200 years.
Gloria was told that during the slavery days, her great-grandmother arrived at Plantation Lusignan and equipped herself with
the knowledge of the medicinal value of the trees and plants in the surrounding villages. It has remained a family secret for
generations ever since.
Gloria attended St. Anthony’s R.C. School, now the Friendship Primary School. She never pursued a secondary education, but
started immediately to assist her mother. She recalled getting up at 5 a.m. to go into the backlands, and helping her father and
other relatives with chores.
“In those days life was simple. We did not have all this technology. We used to play in the streets. It was sweet times. Moon-
light nights was the best, but today they ain’t know about that nice life when we were young,” Gloria recalls. She also recal led
the village functions and celebrations such as a KweKwe, a traditional African-Guyanese pre-wedding ceremony.
Although she would lead a normal life as a child, at home, she was constantly being groomed to one day take over the family
empire. She said her older sister did not take a liking to the idea of becoming a ‘bush doctor’ and this pushed her even more to
learn about the trade. “I use to help Mama a lot around the house. I used to watch what she did and listen. Anything she want-
ed help with, we used to help her. So from early we started to learn what bush to use and how to use it, became Mama said my
great grandmother said that this gift is from God, and it got to pass from generation to generation,” Gloria reflected.
Gloria met her husband, Ulric Vasconcellos, 57 years ago. His sister was dating Gloria’s brother and, one day during a visit,
he mustered enough courage to reveal his love for her. Gloria recalled with a smile, that it was on October 8, 1960, that the two
really started speaking during a visit at their Buxton home.
She described herself as a ‘fierce woman’ and no man at the time dared to approach her. “They were all afraid, because I
don’t take nonsense, but he was good. He had told me that he was pursuing me from school days, but I can’t remember him
from school. It wasn’t until he used to come with his sister that we start talking,” Gloria stated. She is extremely grateful for
Ulric’s support during their 52 years of marriage. The union has produced seven children: Claudette, Lovern, Anthony, Simone,
Jilian, Samantha and John. There are twenty-four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren added over the years.
She recalls that over the years, there were many children who benefited from the family’s benevolence, as Mama Fiffee had
an open door policy, and this led to the creation of an annual birthday celebration for children in the community. “Every year,
when was Mama birthday, the yard use to full of kids,” she recounted. Gloria has adopted the programme and commemorated
her 77th birthday this year with a party on November 5, where over 2000 children attended“This is not one of those parties
where there is worldly music. We lift up God in this celebration. The children come and sing so beautifully. You should hear the
heavenly music. It was wonderful. God has blessed me to be over the years, and if he can take five loaves and two fishes to
feed the multitude then who am I; giving back is me just saying thanks,” Gloria said.
While Gloria had been working alongside Mama Fiffee, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that she single-handedly assisted her
first patient. In those days they operated from another house east of their current location at 91 Middle Street, Buxton. She
vividly recalled that a family travelled by train from Georgetown to Buxton with a young woman who had been bed-ridden for
several days at the public hospital due to a uterus-related illness. “It was very late in the night and the girl was in so much pain.
Mama was not well. I was nervous, but I knew what I had to do. I took care of her; fixed her uterus and she immediately fell
asleep.” She also remembered that the young woman and her family were given a place to rest overnight. During the evening,
the woman’s mother asked why her daughter was snoring so heavily and Gloria recalled responding, “That is the sound of wom-
an who is finally getting some rest”. The next morning, Gloria provided the family with breakfast at no extra cost and they left
the village. She said the woman retuned some days later to give thanks.
(Continued on page 9)
Page 8
LEGACY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE GLORIA FIFFEE-VASCONCELLOS — KAIETEUR NEWS “SPECIAL PERSON
Writer: GORDON FRENCH - 12 November, 2017
Buxton-Friendship Express
November 2017
From that experience, she became more confident while ever learning from her mother.
“Me know all what fuh do, but me nah had the confidence in meh self, but God give me the confi-
dence that night. Look where I am today,” Gloria said.
These days, Gloria no longer makes the trip to the backlands, but would hand out instructions to
the boys of the village who would travel miles into the backlands to collect specific ‘bush’ for par-
ticular illnesses. She claims to have successfully found remedies for various illnesses such as
colds, fever, neck masses in children, general cleanses, and the ability to ‘untie uterus’ also known
as tubal reversal among others. She also claimed to have mastered the dying skill to rub nara, a
condition which arises from lifting too heavy an object or performing too strenuous physical activity
which results in belly pain and diarrhea. She has become increasingly popular for the tubal rever-
sal, a practice she said allows women the ability to make children.
“Doctors today are anxious to tell young women to remove the womb for various reasons. Every-
thing is a tablet and an operation for nuff money. A lot of young women are coming now because
the word has spread that we can do this to help them to make children. Fibroid is another thing
that we can treat, which is causing so many women discomfort. I really feel good when women
come back with their children to say, ‘thank you, Gloria’. I tell them give God the thanks,” says Gloria, ever mindful of not giving
away too many of the family secrets.
Thousands have benefited from the family’s business and by Gloria continuing, means that the next generation can continue
the practice. She said persons have travelled from all parts of Guyana and from overseas to access treatment. “It comes with
great responsibility,” she noted.
Gloria is very mindful that many persons are seeking to get their hands on the family’s knowledge. She recalled a team of
doctors had visited their home and requested to be taken to the Buxton backlands to be shown the medicinal plants she uses.
“I said no way. How could I betray my family for a couple of dollars? I would not die at peace.”
She also recalled a magazine showing interest in her work and had set up to travel from Mississippi to interview her about all
the various plants she uses. She cancelled the engagement after discovering that they wanted her to share the sources of her
treatment.
In March of 1995, her family took her to New York. During that time, many persons who had heard about her started lining
up to meet her. However, the frigid weather at the time and a yearning to live out the rest of her life at home, led to her return-
ing to Guyana after just three months. “Many people wanted me to stay, including my family. People were coming from every-
where to see me. They started calling. It was too much. I made a big fuss at the time and I was back in Guyana in no time.
When I meet Timehri, I wash out all the American soil and said to myself, ‘Guyana is where I born and it is here I have to dead’.
Anyone who wants treatment will have to come to Buxton,” Gloria stated.
Some eleven years ago, Gloria was medically diagnosed with Cancer. At the insistence of her children, she attended two
chemo treatment appointments, only to find out on both occasions that the machine was not functioning. She reverted to what
she knew best – herbal treatment. She recalled using a combination of ‘three bush.’ One year later, she revisited the doctor,
and shockingly, they found no cancer.
She said expanding the business to offer her products on a larger scale is something she has resisted over the years, be-
cause she sees it as a labour of love. Gloria is very knowledgeable that her fees have remained somewhat constant over the
years. “I am not going to charge a set of money to kill people. We must be contented with what God has given us. I am making
enough to keep my family going and provide for children in the community. What more can I ask for? I would be very greedy.
Sometimes, I see mothers in tears, who can’t even afford passage to go back home. And I, Gloria, would give them treatment
for free. That is what God teach us as a people.”
Over the years, the family has battled the stigma of being an ‘obeah house’ and a place that performs abortions. Gloria, a
devoted Catholic, said her mom died at peace with God and warned her before she died not to get involved in any ‘obeah
works’ nor carry out abortions, regardless of how lucrative offers may come along. “She was very serious about that, because
that is not something she got from her mother. People does come all the time and whisper in my ears how they come to do
some work and they want throw away baby. Granny did not teach me spiritual work. Many people have come to me to say jum-
bie on them, but why lie to them? I don’t study them, because a child is a blessing on this earth. No way I could know God and
do these things,” protested Gloria, during the interview.
She knows that herbal remedies have doubters, but does not entertain the discussion. Gloria encourages persons to stay
away from traditional treatment if there is any doubt. “Tablet or my bush medicines, I don’t want anyone to feel like I want to
sell them something. It is up to them.”
Sitting in her chair as nightfall came, Gloria said she was very happy that her children and grandchildren have a vested inter-
est in the traditional medicine business. She wishes the men in the family would also pursue it; as traditionally, the women of
the family have carried the torch.
At the crack of dawn, she takes her seat downstairs and passes out instructions, preparing the next generation of the ‘Fiffee
clan’ to step up, knowing that she has slowed down with age. “My mama died a peaceful woman. If she been a tek life, she
couldn’t have died peaceful. And she warned me to teach dem children that no matter who, no matter how much money, do
not do it! Me decide that the work what I put out will be one that I will be proud of. I am also at peace with myself,” concluded
Gloria.
(Continued from page 8) GLORIA VASCONCELLOS Page 9
The Late Mama Fiffee
Gloria in younger days
Wan day, mih see wan Rasta sellin green co’nut wata a’ Bux’n railway embankment side. Rasta-
man doin business—nice. Important industry he a mek—nice. Suh ee and di village a’ strive—nice,
nice. An’ mih tink, “dis is mih time fuh patronize mih kin.” Suh mih buy.
Uhn, but all skin teeth nah laaf. When ting look gud maybe it nah all dat gud. When ting luk bad
maybe it nah all dat bad, eh?
“Rasta gimme one deh.”
Rasta tek out ee 22 cutlish1 an’ chop aff dih top clean. Jus suh. Skills man. Rastaman gat skills. Ee
chop me wan lil spoon fram dih coc’nut skin. Mih just start drinkin de cool juice. Seein blue sky an
aall. Ah enjoyin. When Ah come dong fuh dih jelly, mih spoon faall dong.
Eh, eh, all skin teeth nah laaf. When ting luk gud maybe it nah all dat gud. When ting luk gud
maybe it nah all dat bad
Mih eye fall pon dem used up coc’nut. Pon de ground. Some green. Some yellow. Some brown.
Some even black. Coc’nut shell. Just pick. Recently pick. Laang time dun pick. Maybe dun tief by
dih famous ole Banana Goat? Mih nah know.
Dem’ coc’nut shell just throw dong deh pon dih ground inna wah me a caall Coc’nut Graveyard.
Stuch---uups! Ahyuh luk. All skin teeth nah laaf, nuh!
Like me cyan ‘eere dem coc’nut a taalk
Shell 1
Nice lady come from foreign. She tell Rasta ‘bout litterin’. Dem does call it pollution. How dem
does recycle ah ‘merica. Rasta seh “Mih know.” Nice lady seh, “dem does use biodegradables like
duh fuh farmin.” Rastaman seh, “Mih know. Mih does do duh to.” Nice lady seh, “Dem duz fine
people plenty money wen dem litter.” Rastaman nah seh nott’n.
Shell 2
Rasta di sell me to wan nice lady from ‘merika. Duh nice lady eat me. Duh nice lady drink me. Shi
cool down shi tirsty self, gud.
Shell 3
Rasta mek money pon me. Rasta catch ee honey wid me cause me is a nat’ral ting
Mih nah gie nobady high blood pressure an me nah gie nobady Sugar. Me is a organic treasure.
Shell 1
Luk pon me now! Nice lady. Luk pon mih NOW. Lok-ko-luk-ko. Luk mih aay inna dis week ole’
(Continued on page 11)
Page 10
Wha de Story Seh? By Dr. Pauline Baird
RASTA AN’ COC’NUT: ALL SKIN TEETH NAH LAAF
Buxton-Friendship Express
November 2017
pile a fermentin skin, soakin sun, drinkin rain, tekin spit from
whoevea
Shell 4
I am a natural thing. Why you not gonna treat me well, Rasta?
(New York Accent)
Me seh! Me is a nat’ral ting! Aw man. Rasta, treat mih gud, nuh?
Shell 5
Lang time ago, mih woulda been gud fuh fertilizer inna di backdam farm. Gud fuh fiber inna de
matrass2, a Pond Dam. Ask people who know Spraktan3 fiber factory, man.
Gud fuh di kitchen, fuh scrub di pot. Gud fuh fireside, fuh cook yuh momma cow heel soup.
Haaam, beg pardon. No disrespek. Mih fogat yuh is a Rasta an
Yuh nah deal wid dih dead, Dread.
Shell 6
Rasta, yuh had fuh chuck wi a side a di road? No prappa coc’nut graveyard? Yuh had fuh pick the
spat jus next to the Company Canal4. CompanyWata5 CompanyWata. MihShameMihShameM-
ihShame.
Shell 7
From coc’nut tree top. Swayin in tropical breeze. God glowin green. Nut. ME. Luk oo aay, aay a
weh mih end up. Wid all kin’ trash. Ice-block plastic bag. Fruitee plastic bag. Cool down plastic
bag. Naat’cha gat fuh balance, but is suh?
Shell 8
Ah deh aay. Mih near drowndid, wid Styrofoam box an’ cup. An beer bottle an left ova party
trash.
Fuh some ahwee, half ahwee battee6 inna di Company trench. Naat’cha gat fuh balance, but nah
suh.
Yuh mekin’ it Rasta. Yuh mekin it.
But Rasta, like ole people seh All skin teeth nah laugh.
Legacy passin thru yuh fingaz—
Duh land gat eyez.
Dem trees ah yuh bank buk.
Rasta yuh know dis, yuh ‘now dis.
Rasta yuh lukkin but yuh nat seein. Yuh seein but yuh nat not lukkin.’
RAAAS---TAAAAAAAA!
(Continued from page 10)
Wha de Story Seh? Rasta an’ Coc’nut: All Skin Teeth Nah Laaf
Page 11
1. Cutlass 2. mattress 3. Spraktan was a Buxton man who owned and
operated a fiber matress factory in the 1960s and
onwards. 4. One of the main irrigation canals in Buxton that provided potable water. Long ago, by drinking its
water persons become Buxtonians. Remains a
landmark and identity marker for Buxtonian identity. 5. Wata-water 6. Buttocks /backside
Spraktan’s house
Based on what passes for management/governance in Guyana today, all activities/actions/events/
decisions have to be subjected to the ‘stupidee’ test to determine their validity.
After pussy-footing for almost one-year DG has filled the vacant constitutional office of CHAIRMAN of the
GUYANA ELECTIONS COMMISSION. Now, in every nook n cranny in GT the people palancing with the
phrase FIT AND PROPPER. Was the decision itself a FIT AND PROPPER or a ‘Stupidee’ one?
Banos from the halls of power, in the not so distant past,
bemoan the decision to the point of a legal challenge. At
the summit of the 2015 National and Regional elections,
the PPP/C called for the head of GECOM chairman, Dr.
Steve Surajbally. They got their hearts desire when the
doc decided that it was time for him to play with he grand-
children and he puppies. DG asked him to hold on for a
couple weeks until he find a replacement, but the weeks
turned months and Steve grandchildren tell he dem time
fuh playing with grandparents getting shorter by de day.
Fu reinforce de point, dem tell e dat dem puppy dat e in-
tended to play with dun turn dog, suh he best meck up he
mind; Suh de doc decided to unleash himself from de
wuck.
Wid chain in hand, soldierboy call pun Doctor Doom fuh name he poison, since constitutionally he is a
major player in the process. However, he gee de doc2 a hint, he tell doc his choice will be a Judge. Dr.
Doom teck de hint an decide to play political football wid de matter. He call pun the International Commu-
nity and Civil Society fu be de lines men/ assistant referee. At kick-off he
tell de nation dat he see danger in de’ Granger - he gun try fu foul he. He
claim dat soulderboy former coach, Burnham, neva play fair suh dem offi-
cials ga fuh watch he wid telescopic eyes. At de fuss play, doc pass the ball
in the air an de danger clear de ball. One a de lines-men, a Mr. Gaskin, de-
cided to quarry de play. He wanted to know if DG gat the right to Clear de
ball (reject the List). Before a decision could be made, soldierboy clear de
ball again. Suh de game got hold up fuh a wile suh dat the rules could be
clarified. When de referee (Chief Justice) pass de verdict on de play she
indicated that DG could meck de play but he must give reasons. According
to DG, the rules book (constitution) aint say dat. Suh he aint ga fuh give no
reason fuh clearing no ball (list not acceptable to him) dat come in de air,
he could stop de game when he want to or ‘hands’ de ball if he so desire.
After the goodly doctor play de ball in the air fu de third time, soulder boy
decided that da is it, he ‘hands’ de ball for a ‘own goal’ and end de game.
De doc blue, he claiming how twenty something years a tradition gone to
de dogs because since DESEY, the opposition leader was always allowed to
score freely (have one of his nominees selected) whether the ball was
played on the ground (Judge) or in the air (any other fit and proper person).
(Continued on page 13)
Page 12
STUPIDEE II
by Anthony Haynes
Buxton-Friendship Express
PPP/C leaders protest outside GECOM Head Office
Dr. Steve Surujbally
November 2017
I don’t like duff, I have been removing it from my plate as long as I can remember. I am certain that nine-
ty percent of the faithful readers of this magazine love their ‘boiled flour.’ If I am given duff, despite the
occasion, I will reject it. For me, the constitution gives preeminence to the President on the selection of a
Chairman of the Elections Commission since the list of names has to be favourable to him. On this mat-
ter, it appears that the President does not want to make the mistake of going with a ‘politically correct’
decision. In fact, the very reason that this President is engaged with former President Jagdeo is because
of the overturning of a ‘politically correct’ decision by the Court. It was Jagdeo who agreed on term limits
for a President and it was Jagdeo who vacated the seat of the Presidency after two terms. Jagdeo now
has a change of heart on the issue of term limits, a political decision he introduced and implemented.
While he flies in the face of ‘tradition’, Jagdeo wants Granger to stay true to ‘tradition.’ The President has
made his choice, in keeping with the constitution.
The selection of an octogenarian as the Chairman has raised the eyebrows of many. Since the removal
of Hammy and Cecil Kennard on the grounds of their age, there has been a plethora of appointments of
very senior persons to constitutional offices. The AFC is currently crying foul, their ‘youth’ was not selected
as the replacement for the late Sandra Jones on the Elections Commission. Sorry to say but their choice
was poor. To find favour (fit and proper) with DG, you have to either name Patterson, be very smart, a for-
mer army officer, or born before 1950.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you wonderful people and may you have a FIT and PROPPER new year.
“If yuh play with de puppy yuh gun be bitten by de flees.”
Until the next time, to God be the Glory.
(Continued from page 12)
STUPIDEE II ...Anthony Haynes
Page 13
Pleased to announce the release of my new app for Math students as well as
others who enjoy working with numbers. This app is now accessible on both
Apple and Android devices, via links as follows:
For Apple device: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/times-tables-shuffle/id1286874008?mt=8
For Android device: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lynobar
Please feel free to download and give it a rating, assuming that you like it.. Also, if you would kindly share
this information with relatives and friends, or anyone who you think may benefit from it, that would be
appreciated.
Thank you,
New Barton Creation
Math App
Last Month’s ? Baker-shops
Not so long ago, several bakeshops dotted the village. They pro-
duced an assortment of breads, cakes and pastries for sale, and also
provided baking services to the community.
The centerpiece of the bakeshop was a large brick oven, powered
by firewood. Through a door opening, the baker would use a paddle
(baker’s peel) to shovel dough laid out on flat aluminum sheets and
pans of cake mixture, into the oven. The structure also held shelves
on the walls for storing the sheets, pans and other items, a trough for
mixing dough and tables for plaiting bread.
Baker-shops were part of a tradition of family-run enterprises. The
Jervis, Laundry, Watson and Willis clans are some of the familiar
ones. Here are the popular ones of recent memory:
Wilfred Samuels (“Scatter Foot”) and his relative, Lionel Jervis
once teamed up to operate a bakeshop located next to Flying
Horse Rum Shop, in the vicinity of the old Post Office yard. When
Lionel left to manage another undertaking, Wilfred and his wife,
Beryl (née Ifill), continued the business, which became known as
“SCATTER BAKERSHOP”. After Wilfred’s sudden demise, other
persons, including one Telbert, kept the bakery going.
Lionel Jervis was a master baker. He was the one who likely cemented the family name into the vil-
lage’s hall of fame for bakers. His legacy – JERVIS BAKERSHOP on Buxton Middle Walk - is the founda-
tion upon which the modern Benjamin’s Bakery was built. Another baker named Frank Williams is said
to have made his mark at this location prior to Mr. Jervis’ tenure.
The only Jervis sister, Celestine convinced her husband, Edward Newton to establish their own bakery.
This led to the development of NEWTON BAKERSHOP on Ogle Street.
Cecil Jervis, popularly known as “Cut” or “BILOKIE” ran a bakeshop on Pond Dam, near Buxton Middle
Walk. He inherited the trade from his father, Lionel Jervis.
LAUNDRY BAKERSHOP on Friendship Middle Walk, near Noble Street, was situated in Teacher Joyce
Hope’s yard. The popular Front-side bakery was established by two brothers - Stanley and Gershan
Laundry. Gershan left to start his own business, but another brother, Albert stepped up. The business
was later passed down to Stanley’s son-Gerald O. McLaren Laundry (Mack). Mr. Sobers, who was mar-
ried to the Laundry sister, Gertrude, also worked as a baker here.
WILLIS BAKERSHOP was located on Company Road, behind the original Chanderban Drug Store.
JOHN ROBERTS BAKERSHOP sat in a neat back lot on Company Dam, near Wilkins Street.
WATSON BAKERSHOP on Watson Street at Company Road, Friendship. “Uncle Danny”, who was mar-
ried to the Watson sister, Etty, was a leading baker here.
BENJAMIN’S BAKERY, which succeeded Jervis Bakery at the same Buxton Middle Walk location, was
established by Adrian Benjamin, a native of Fyrish, East Berbice. From a humble beginning with a box
oven in the old Watson Baker-shop yard, where he lived as tenant in a small house, Adrian has built a
prosperous business of a modern bakeshop and one of the best-selling bakeries in the country.
Bernadette Hermonstyne (Easton) was the first to submit her list of baker-shops in Buxton/Friendship.
She identified almost all of those above. Congrats, Bevy!
Thanks to Lynette Thomas, Doreen Turner and John Newton for your input.
Page 14 Buxton-Friendship Express
Who is the first Buxtonian ordained as Bishop of an establishment Chris-tian denomination?
This Month’s ?
SAGE STREET
“The love of a woman is like a bottle of wine:
It’s sweet in a season, but lasts for a time.”
Prophet Wills
November 2017
Also fondly called “Darkie”, Orrin Moses, formerly
of Company Road, Buxton, drew his last breath on
22nd
November, 2017 at a Georgetown Hospital.
He was born to the late Edwin Moses, Sr. and Vic-
torine Moses - a former teacher at Friendship
Methodist School (now Company Road Primary
School). Orrin, who also became a teacher, retired
from the premier President’s College five years ago.
He is survived by his SIBLINGS: Victor, Handel, Bri-
an, Colleen, Keith, Clive and Noel Moses, Dr. Mari-
lyn (Claire) Arthur and Elaine Harlequin; his chil-
dren, many nephews, nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law,
brothers-in-law, other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by siblings: Maude Bullen-
McKenzie, Edwin Moses, Jr. (“Bumble”), Mignon
and Dorman Moses.
Interment will take place on Saturday, 2nd
Decem-
ber, 2017, following funeral service at Friendship
Methodist Church.
Deepest sympathy to the Moses family!
ORRIN MOSES PASSES ON
Page 15
Happy Thanksgiving
Published by Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc .
454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207
The McDonald
family in Brook-
lyn, NY pose for
this Thanksgiv-
ing family photo.
BUXTON: Guyana’s Premier Village
E-mail US:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorna Campbell Dr. Pauline Baird Anthony Haynes
EDITORS Dr. Clayton Bacchus
202-460-3948
Lorna Campbell 718-342-0040
Buxton-Friendship Express November 2017
Thank You for your support
...Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund