REMEMBERING LAURIE LEWIS - Queen's College, …March 2013 THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OF GUYANA ALUMNI...

March 2013

THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OF GUYANA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (TORONTO) INC. NEWSLETTER

REMEMBERINGLAURIE LEWIS

A LOOK TO THE 2014 REUNIONTHE IMPORTANCE TO US ALL

The Scribbler – March 2013 Edition

QCAA EXECUTIVE 2012- 2013

PRESIDENTEden Gajraj

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTKemahl Khan

VICE-PRESIDENTSClaude Ho

Ronald WhartonVivian Wong

SECRETARYVictor Moses

TREASURERAudrick Chung

ASST. SECRETARY/TREASURERStephen Rogers

DIRECTORSGerald AlleyneSaville Farley

Ric McRaeSyed Rayman

E-Mail [email protected]

Websitehttp://www.qcalumnitoronto.com

WebmasterColin Rowe

The ScribblerOfficial Publication of the

Queen’s College Alumni Association(Toronto)

P.O. Box 312West Hill, ON M1E 4R8

Canada

Editorial CommitteeKemahl (ARK) Khan

Victor Moses

Layout & DesignColin Rowe

Phone Number.....................(416) 267-7227

CONTENTSMarch 2013 | www.qcalumnitoronto.com

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

01 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEEden Gajraj

02 OBITUARIES

05 SPECIAL AWARDEESKemahl Khan

05 MEMBERSHIPKemahl Khan

06 HUGH CHOLMONDELEYSir Ronald Sanders

07 FARLEY’S QUIZ Saville Farley

08 TRIBUTES - LAURIE LEWISVictor R. Moses

10 JAN CAREWSaville Farley

11 TRIBUTE - EWART THOMASColin A. Moore

12 CONGRATS TO ALUMNIKemahl Khan

13 JUBILEE MEDALS AWARDEDVictor R. Moses

14 LYNETTE DOLPHIN AWARDSVictor R. Moses

15 CXC EXAMINATIONSKemahl Khan

22 STUDENT SELF-HELPAndrew Knight

23 2012 ABMKemahl Khan

24 QCAA AWARDS EVENTKemahl Khan

26 CLASS OF ‘69 1B REUNIONMichael Chan

27 ‘BAS REMEMBERSAbbas Edun

28 FIRST DAY AT QCAlec B. Farley

29 WISHART VISITSKemahl Khan

30 GOLDEN OLDIESDenis Chow Woon

31 VILLAGES AT WARNeville K. Robinson

32 ALUMNI REUNION 2014Laurence Clarke

34 ANOTHER SIDE OF CONRADVictor R. Moses

35 SAGICOR CHALLENGEVictor R. Moses

1031

24

14

THANK YOU

The Editorial Committee thanks all thosewho submitted articles, photographs andother items for inclusion in our March2013 Scribbler and looks forward to theirfuture contributions.

message . . . FROM THE PRESIDENT

1The Scribbler – March 2013 Edition

y term of two (2) yearsas President will end inApril 2013; it has been

an honor and privilege to haveserved our Association oncemore. I thank you all for the con-fidence you have entrusted to meand the continued support youhave afforded to our Association.

It is my pleasure to extend warmest greetings to all membersof our Chapter on behalf of the Executive Committee.

We are already in spring 2013 and in the 22nd year of thefounding of our Chapter. Last October we hosted the ICQCAnnual Business Meeting (ABM) which was well attendedby alumni from the Guyana, New York, South and CentralFlorida Chapters and we look forward to this year’s ABM inLondon to mark the UK Chapter’s 25th Anniversary.

I took up the challenge in 2011 to serve once again asPresident of our Chapter, and as one of the original membersI am proud of our achievements over the past 21 years. OurChapter continues to meet the two objectives it set itself in1991, by working towards maintaining the school’s tradi-tional high standards of excellence and by fostering a spiritof camaraderie among QC Alumni residing in Canada.

We have achieved a great deal over the past 21 years andthis would not have been possible without the commitmentand hard work of those dedicated and loyal members of ourChapter. However, I cannot emphasize enough that ourchapter will no longer exist in 7 to 10 years if we are unableto sustain vibrant organizations. We cannot afford to becomplacent. Like other associations, we are in need of morealumni, particularly the younger ones, if we are to satisfyour raison d’etre. We have embarked on a focus group withour Last Lap Lime partners to find ways to encourage ourexisting members to participate more in our activities, andalso to get the younger alumni to join us.

We have completed the upgrading of the QC library witha computer network system, have just completed contractu-al arrangements for technical support, and are in the processof registering the 800-odd students to make it fully opera-tional. We are still searching for a project manager inGuyana to start and provide local supervision for the projectto install an Intercom System at the school although we havehad some of the equipment and accessories for the past year.

We continue to hold and participate in several annuallocal fundraising and non-fundraising activities with whichmany of you are familiar with and support - our 12th NightDance in collaboration with Toronto BHSAA; our Father’sDay Brunch; our Casino trip; our participation in Last LapLime with our four Alumni Association partners; and our

annual awards of 4 Lynnette Dolphin Memorial bursariesvalued $4,000 CAN. We have awarded a total of 19 bur-saries since the spring of 1999. Last year the recipients of 5of these bursaries were honored at our July 15th AwardsCeremony along with 13 alumni and supporters in recogni-tion of their contributions to the work of our Association.

For the remainder of 2013, we have planned the follow-ing activities on the basis of being more communityinvolved:

Membership Drive: to continue to encourage our inactivealumni to come out and participate in your Association, weask that you spread the word to our alumni, both old andyoung, and invite them to our Annual General Meeting to beheld on Sunday, April 28, 2013. As indicated before, wehave started a focus group to look in to ways of getting newmembers. Please bring one alumnus that you know to themeeting. We need you to get involved in your Association.

Charitable Status: We are in the process of registering aCharitable organization. This was approved by ourExecutive Committee. In this way we can raise more fundsand give tax receipts to our donors, and we do hope we willbecome your favorite charity. We hope to complete this byJune 2013

Health Seminars: There are two seminars planned, aDiabetes Seminar in May and a Heart Health Seminar inOctober. Our plan is to take the lead in creating a culture ofhealth so we can achieve more and enjoy life more by hold-ing a series of health seminars for the Guyanese andCaribbean diaspora with the involvement of other alumniassociations. Alumnus Dr. Vivian Rambihar will be the leadon these seminars.

E-mail Money Transfer: We are in the process of complet-ing arrangements with our Bank to accept e-mail moneytransfers which will make it easier for our alumni to paytheir membership fees and buy tickets for our future events.You will be able to send your money directly from yourbank account to the QCAA (Toronto) bank account.

Again I thank you for your continued support for the past2 years, but I must warn that our viability and survival willbe threatened unless we all work together to get more andyounger alumni involved in the activities of our Association.

EDEN GAJRAJPresident, QCAA (Toronto)Attended Q.C. 1955-1961 Raleigh “B” House <

M

The Scribbler – March 2013 Edition2

ANNAMUNTHODO, Rupert – onOctober 6, 2012 at age 82 in Markham,Ontario, Canada. He attended QC inthe 1940s. He had 4 brothers - SirHarry (1939 British Guiana Scholar),P.C., H., and V. Annamunthodo - whoentered QC between 1925 and 1940.He was the uncle of alumnus MichaelAnnamunthodo (1964-70) and formerBHSAA (Toronto) President, SharenaAnnamunthodo.

BAIRD, Gordon Dr. – on June 19,2012 in New York. He attended QCfrom 1945-52, was a member ofWeston “F” House, and a member ofthe QC Wight Cup cricket team of1949 and 1950.

He qualified as a surgeon at HowardUniversity after which he worked atthe Georgetown Hospital in Guyana,was later Chief Medical Officer andChief Surgeon at the McKenzieHospital (now Linden Hospital,Guyana). He was regarded as one ofthose physicians who made sterlingcontributions to the health ofLindeners and whose surgical skillswere second to none.

BARROW, Richard – on June 2,2012 in Ottawa. He attended QC in the1950s and was a member of Weston“F” House.

BENJAMIN, Olga – on May 3, 2012at age 86 in Brooklyn, New York. Shewas the mother of alumnus HoraceBenjamin who attended QC in the 70s,was a member of Pilgrim “E” House,and was the 1971 QC Senior TableTennis (TT) Champion.

BISHOP, Aubrey Fitz Ronald O.R.,C.C.H., B.Sc, L.L.M. – on February 6,2013 at age 81 in Guyana. He attend-ed QC from 1943-50, was a member ofPilgrim “E” House, and Prefect in

1949. He was a former President of theQueen’s College Old StudentsAssociation (QC-OSA).

He was appointed Chancellor of theJudiciary in 1996 after he was called tothe English Bar in July 1963 and serv-ing as a High Court Judge (1976), inthe Court of Appeal (1987), and asChief Justice (1992). After retiringfrom the Judiciary, he assumed a full-time Professorship of Law at theUniversity of Guyana and was Head ofDepartment.

Justice Bishop represented QC incricket, soccer, hockey, and table ten-nis. He also represented Guyana insoccer and served as President of theGuyana Football Referees Associationand as Secretary of the GuyanaOlympic Association.

CARTER, Dr. Norman A. - in 2012 atage 77 in the U.S.A. He attended QCfrom 1950-53. He was Head of Pilgrim"E" House in 1952, and Prefect in 1951and 1952.

CHAN, Forster – on December 8,2012 at age 85 in Etobicoke, Toronto.He attended QC from 1938-44 and wasin Percival “A” House. He was thefather of alumnus Wayne Chan (1966-71). Forster was an entrepreneur who,among other ventures, establishedNifty’s Soda Fountain located onCamp Street in Georgetown, Guyana.

CHOLMONDELEY, Hugh NevilleJames – on August 10, 2012 at age 73in New York. Hugh attended QC in the1950s and was a member of Percival“A” House.

He will be remembered as a promi-nent radio broadcaster in Guyana (GBSstation) and the Caribbean and the firstgeneral manager of the GuyanaBroadcasting Service (GBS) in 1968.He also worked at the Caribbean News

Agency (CANA) and was theCaribbean representative forUNESCO.

See tribute by Sir Ronald Sanders atpage 6.

CHUNG, Allan – on January 31, 2013in Barbados. Allan attended QC from1967-74 and was a member of Percival“A” House. At time of passing, Allanwas working with the CaribbeanDevelopment Bank (1982-2013) andwas its IT Manager since 1991.

D’ABREU, Querino Martyn – onAugust 16, 2012 at age 87 in Guyana.He was the father of alumni Gordon(1972-74) and Querino (73-75)D’Abreu.

FOO, Colonel (Ret’d) Perry – onApril 6, 2012 at age 64 in Los Angeles,California. Perry attended QC from1960-66, was in Austin “C” House, andan opening bowler for the NorthcoteCup School team.

Perry joined the Guyana DefenseForce (GDF) after leaving school androse to the rank of Colonel. At time ofpassing, he was the President of theGDF Los Angeles VeteransAssociation.

FREDERICKS, Edwin - in OctoberGuyana (no other information avail-able)

GASKIN, Lieutenant Colonel(Ret’d.) Gregory – on June 20, 2012at age 64 in Guyana. Gregory attendedQC from 1959-67 and was a memberof Woolley “H” House. Gregory diedas a result of a biking accident at theSouth Dakota Circuit.

Gregory was also a former GuyanaDefence Force Lieutenant Colonel,attorney and CEO of COPS Guyanasecurity service.

ObituariesWe say VALETE to the following persons who passed away since the last issue of our Scribbler (April 2012) and conveyour sincere condolences to their families and relatives.

aa


ObituariesGREENE, Henry – on September 7,2012 at age 58 in Guyana. He attendedQC from 1966-71, was a member ofMoulder “G” House, and was a mem-ber of the QC Table Tennis andTumbling teams and the school’sChristian Fellowship Society.

He joined the Police Force afterleaving school and became its CrimeChief and Commissioner. At time ofpassing, Henry was President of theGuyana Table Tennis Association(GTTA). Many alumni remember himfor his contributions to the 1994 and2009 QC Reunions.

GRIFFITH, Owen Malcolm - onSeptember 7, 2012 in Santa Clara,California. He was the older brother ofalumnus (1952-59, Weston “F” House)and QCAA Toronto member ConradGriffith.

HUSBANDS, Aubrey – on February9, 2013 in Guyana. Aubrey attendedQC in the 1950s.

ISAACS, Michael J – on October 9,2012 in the UK. Michael attended QCfrom 1948-55, was a member ofRaleigh “B” House, and was a LifeMember of the UK AlumniAssociation.

JACKSON, Irona – on October 21,2012 at age 104 in Brooklyn, NY. Shewas the mother of Hesley FerrisJackson who attended QC from 1951-59 and was a member of Cunningham“K” House.

JARDINE, Winifred – on January 14,2013 at age 85 in Georgetown. Shewas the mother of alumnus and QCAAToronto member Collin Jardine whoattended QC from 1985-88. Winifredwas former long-term GuymineSecretary and ran a popularCommercial school in Linden,Guyana.

KEATES, Laurence Walter – on May27, 2012 at age 83 in the UK. Keates -who was born in Cheadle, inStaffordshire, UK - taught Spanish andFrench at QC from1955–58. He was aLife Member of the UK Chapter.

LEWIS, Laurie Leland DSM, DSS –on August 12, 2012 at age 71 inGuyana. He attended QC from 1953-61, was a member of Woolley “H”House and Prefect in 1960. He was avery active member of the GuyanaChapter (QC-OSA) of QCAA, servingfor many years as its President andlater as a member of its ExecutiveCommittees. He was one of the found-ing members of QCAA InternationalCommittee (ICQC).

Laurie (Trinculo) was a most loyaland dedicated alumnus who did hisutmost to help his alma mater. Inrecognition of his contribution toQCAA and ICQC, the Toronto Chapterin 2008 conferred upon him itsLeadership Award. He was a formerCommissioner of Police in Guyana.

LOW, DR. Edward E. - on June 29,2012 at age 86 in Riverside, CA,U.S.A.. Dr. Lowe attended QC from1943-46, was a member of Raleigh“B” House, and had 2 others brothers,Ronald & Reginald, who were alumni.He was the uncle of alumnus and for-mer QCAA Toronto Director, StanleyChan Choong (1964-70, Raleigh “B”House).

After receiving his medical degreeat the University College Hospital inLondon, England in 1952, he served atvarious hospitals in Jamaica and theU.S.A.. He practiced at the BroughtonHospital in NC, U.S.A. until 1974.

LOWE, Michael – on January 29,2012 at age 56 in Guyana. Michaelattended QC from 1968-73 and was amember of Moulder “G” House.Michael was part of the QC TumblingTeam, represented the school at swim-

ming, and was Sargeant in the QCCadets.

McKENZIE, Ronald Roderick(‘Peter’) – on July 19, 2012 at age 72in the UK. He attended QC from1950–58.

NASIR, Naeem - on October 9, 2012at age 52 in Guyana. Naaem attendedQC from 1970-75 and was a foundermember of the Islamic Society atschool. At time of passing, he was theowner of Bakewell and the Roti Hut inGuyana.

NEDD, Lindser Ivy – on June 27,2012 at age 101 in Mt. Vernon NY.She was the mother of alumnus Dr.Wilton O. Nedd (1963-71, Percival“A” House).

PHANG, Aubrey – on June 20, 2012at age 63 in Surinam. Aubrey attendedQC from 1959-67 and was a memberof Raleigh “B” House. Aubrey workedfor some years as a Customer ServiceEngineer with IBM in Guyana.

RICHARDS, Loris Oswald – onOctober 21, 2012 in Guyana. Heattended QC from 1951–58

ROBINSON, Eileen – on September11, 2012 at age 77 in Guyana. Eileenis the sister of alumnus (1952-59,Weston “F” House) and QCAAToronto member Conrad Griffith.

Eileen worked at the University ofGuyana Registry and was the wife oflate prominent attorney and JudgeAdvocate, Senior Counsel DonaldRobinson.

SAHAI, Dr. Richard – in Long Island,NY at age 80 on August 5, 2012.Attended QC in the 1940s. He workedat the Central Medical lab inGeorgetown, Guyana, and obtained hisdegree in Medicine at the University ofDublin, Ireland. aa

LAST LIMEDate: Monday August 5th, 2013

Location: Woodbridge Fairgrounds100 Porter Avenue

Woodbridge, Ontario.Kipling Avenue & Highway 7

Parking is $5 Large Parking area!!

TICKETS

Early-bird - $15.00At the event - $25.00

SILLS, Elton Gregory - on July 4,2012 at age 57 in Guyana. He attendedQC from 1966 to 1971, was a mem-ber of Percival “A” House, and repre-sented the school in soccer and hockey.Gregory also represented Guyana inhockey and, at time of passing, was theHonorary Secretary of the GuyanaHockey Board.

SINCLAIR, O’Neil – on January 4,2013 at age 73 in Mississauga, Canada.He attended QC from 1951-56 and wasa member of Moulder “G” House.

STEWART, Lawrence Howard - onJanuary 13, 2013 at age 55 in the U.K.He attended QC from 1970-74, andwas a Life Member and formerExecutive Committee member of theU.K. Chapter of QCAA.

THOM, Jeane – on March 6, 2013 inMaryland, U.S.A.. She was the wife ofalumnus James “Jimmy” T. Thom Jnr.(1955-1964, Wooley “H” House ) andthe brother of alumnus and QCAAToronto member John R. Went (1958-

1965, Austin “C” House).

VALIDEN, Dr. Charles – on Aug. 27,2012 at age 76 in Triumph, East CoastDemerara, Guyana. Dr. Validenattended QC around 1947-52.

Dr. Validen was an obstetrician-gynecologist who had a practice inCharlotte Street and also worked as anOB/GYN Doctor at Davis MemorialHospital – practicing his professionuntil a few months before his death.

VEECOCK, Ralph Percival – passedaway on December 17, 2012 at age 90in Toronto. He attended QC from1933-40. He was the grandson of thelate James Veecock, Second Master(Deputy Head) of QC from 1861 to1872.

WICKHAM, Martin Borrett Austin– on November 16, 2012 at age 70 inOttawa. He attended QC from 1951-59and was a member of Austin “C”House. Martin was under-13 athleticschampion 1955, twice BG junior tennischampion, and a Guyana Junior TennisChampion. He was a great, great, greatnephew of Bishop Piercy Austin,founder of Queen’s College. AChartered Accountant, he worked in

the Office of the Auditor General(Canadian Federal Government) untilhis retirement.

WILSON, Beryl Elaine - on May 15,2012 at age 88 in Scarborough,Ontario, Canada.

She was the mother of alumnusGordon Wilson (1959-1967, D’Urban“D” House) who is a member ofQCAA NY and the current DeputyExecutive Secretary of theInternational Committee of Queen'sCollege of Guyana AlumniAssociations (ICQC), and the grand-mother of alumni Christopher, Dwayne(1984-1987, D’Urban “D” House),Camara (1998-1999) and Christian(2006-present).

Editor’s Note:Our sympathies to the alumnus andQCAA Toronto stalwart, ConradGriffith, who lost 2 siblings in 2012.Please let us know if we have omittedany names from our list and we willcertainly include them in the nextissue of “The Scribbler.” <


Obituaries

April 28 - Annual General Meeting

May - Health Seminar 1 (to be confirmed)

June 9 - Annual Father’s Day Brunch

August 5 - Last Lap Lime

October - Annual Casino Rama outing

October - Health Seminar 2 (to be confirmed)

Details of events will be circulated and postedon our website www.qcalumnitoronto.com

QCAA TORONTO CHAPTERUpcoming Events for 2013


he Special AwardeesProgramme run bythe Guyana -based

Old Students Association ofQueen’s College (QC-OSA) has grown since itsinception in 2005.According to the October2012 Report issued by QC-OSA, ten QC students arebenefiting from theProgramme. It materiallyassists students whose eco-nomic circumstances renderthem in need of such help.

Students, who meet theselection criteria, are pro-

vided with weekday lunch-es, textbooks, transport sub-sidies, and spectacles.Assistance with exam feesis also covered under theProgramme, although nonehas been requested sinceDecember 2010.

The Programme isfinanced by part of the pro-ceeds from QC-OSA salesof QC ties and pins; localdonations; and cash dona-tions from QCAA overseaschapters and individualalumni. In addition to itsannual cash contributions,

the Toronto Chapter hasbeen providing backpacksfilled with school and othersupplies since 2009.

QC-OSA is to be com-mended for pursuing such aworthy cause. They wouldvery much appreciate ifmore donations were forth-coming from our alumnicommunity to help withmaintaining the level ofassistance that is providedby the Programme, and todo even more.

KEMAHL KHAN

Editor’s Note: To donateto the Special AwardeesProgramme, cheques ordrafts should be madepayable to QC-OSA, indi-cating that the donation isspecifically for SAP. QC-OSA’s address is Queen’sCollege Old StudentsAssociation, Queen’sCollege, Camp Road,Georgetown, Guyana.Enquiries regarding wiretransfers can be directedto this address also. <

QCAA TORONTO CHAPTERand its LLL partners, BHS,St.Rose’s, St.Joseph’s, andSaint Stanislaus AlumniAssociations collaborateagain, this time around, toexplore ways and means ofexpanding their member-ship bases and to increaseparticipation in their activi-ties, especially by theyounger alumni and alum-nae.

To achieve these goals, aMembership DevelopmentFocus Group, consisting ofthe presidents and execu-tive committee members ofthe five Associations, hasbeen formed and held itsfirst meeting on January19th last. The “brainstorm-ing” session identified sev-eral strategies, some of

which will be pursued on ajoint-basis; others to beimplemented by theAssociations on an individ-ual basis. An action planhas since been drawn up toachieve the objectives set.

Over the last 20 years ormore, the Associations,including our TorontoChapter as you know, havemade significant contribu-tions to their individualalma mater to assist withmaintaining the high stan-dards of excellence forwhich they are renowned.

Assistance provided tothe five schools in Guyanainclude, among others, edu-cational books, computers,audio and musical equip-ment, classroom, libraryand office furniture, men-

toring and personal supportprogrammes. This assis-tance, given towards a veryworthy cause, is largely theresult of the unselfish andtireless efforts of a coregroup of die-hard, agingmembers of the respectiveassociations.

Looking to the future,the Associations need morealumni to embrace thecause and to not onlyensure, by their active par-ticipation, the continuationof the level of assistance totheir individual alma mater,but also to assist theAssociations in doing evenmore.

Our Toronto Chapter isgrateful to our long-timemembers for their supportover the years, encourage

them to be more activelyinvolved and, in turn, toencourage their alumnifriends to join us as westrive to meet our goals.Our existing members arereminded to update theirmembership and remit theirannual subscription. Wewelcome those alumni andalumnae, both young andold, who have not yetjoined us to come on board.We invite them to apply formembership by completingthe membership form onour Chapter’s websitewww.qcalumnitoronto.com

KEMAHL KHAN Acting VP, Membership and Comms.& Immediate PastPresident QCAA(Toronto).<

SPECIAL AWARDEES PROGRAMMEQC-OSA Welcomes Donations

T

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT....


o say that Hugh Neville JamesCholmondeley was a goldenvoice of broadcasting in

Guyana in the 1960’s and early 1970’sis to speak a truth but not to tell thewhole story. While he had a voice thatcommanded attention, it was hisrecognition that broadcasting had akey role to play in enlightening socie-ty that distinguished him.

In 1968, he became the first gener-al manager of the GuyanaBroadcasting Service (GBS). In thatrole, he set about two important andstandard setting tasks. The first was toestablish a team of outstanding broad-casters in Guyana who would extendthe boundaries of radio beyond a pur-veyor of entertainment into the realmof debate on national issues; of inves-tigative broadcast journalism; ofreflecting the society though docu-mentaries; and “live” coverage ofnational events when and as they hap-pened. His early radio documentaryseries “Through the Looking Glass”was path breaking.

“Action Line” – a live, call-in pro-gramme, open to the public was anearly feature of GBS which beganbroadcasting on October 1, 1968 to thetheme song “Puppet on a String”. Itwas Hugh’s philosophy that GBSwould be the “puppet” and the publicwould pull its strings. “Action Line”became the bane of many politicians’lives, but it also served as a vehicle forchange. People raised real issues thataffected their daily lives in a public

discourse that authorities could notignore.

Grappling with the political issuesof the post-independence period was adifficult task. GBS was government-owned, but recognising that it shouldnot be government-controlled, Hughestablished its financial independenceby programming that made it prof-itable through advertising. He alsotried to establish balance in the sta-tion’s political coverage. He initiatedinterrogative programmes such as“live” interviews, which he and I con-ducted, with the then Prime MinisterForbes Burnham and the thenOpposition Leader Cheddi Jagan.

Beyond his own talent as a broad-caster, it was as a broadcast adminis-trator that Hugh displayed consum-mate skill. To carry out the vision hehad for GBS, he recruited what couldnow be regarded as a star-studded castof broadcasters including VicInsanally, Clairmont Taitt, Beverley-Ann Rodrigues, Matthew Allen,Wordsworth McAndrew, Terry Holder,Keith Barnwell, Christopher Deane,Carlton James, Ken Corsbie and (at therisk of being immodest) Ron Sanders.In the newsroom, Cecil Griffith led a

team of experienced news and sportsreporters, among whom were RedsPereira and Bruiser Thomas.

It should be recalled that through-out this period, Guyana did not havetelevision. Across the country, peoplerelied on radio for information andentertainment. Further, GBS had nomonopoly. It competed with RadioDemerara, headed by Rafiq Khan (oneof Hugh's mentors). To succeed andfulfill its role, GBS required a respect-ed leader – and that Hugh undoubtedlywas. We followed him willingly andjoyfully.

He left GBS in early 1973 when Isucceeded him as General Managerand programme Director. He movedon to concentrate on important work inregional broadcasting that he hadbegun in 1968. He had worked dili-gently to help establish the CaribbeanBroadcasting Union (CBU) to bringthe region closer together through jointand shared programming by radio andtelevision stations. Another of hispath-breaking initiatives was“Horizons”, a Sunday at Noon livebroadcast simultaneously by radio sta-tions in Guyana, Barbados andTrinidad and Tobago.

He had also been working on estab-lishing the Caribbean News Agency(CANA) to replace Reuters as themechanism for news exchangebetween Caribbean countries. Fordecades, Caribbean countries receivednews about each other from the head-quarters of news agencies in London,

TSIR RONALD SANDERS

A TRIBUTE TO HUGH CHOLMONDELEY

FORMERDIPLOMAT

aa


Farley’s QUIZ

1. In 1850,there were approximately a) 100; b)300; c) 1000 shops in Georgetown. What is thecorrect number?

2. In the same year how many shops were there inNew Amsterdam - a) 100; b) 300; c) 50?

3. Two remarkable discoveries were made inBritish Guiana in the 1870’s. What were they?

4. In what year was an international tribunalformed to arbitrate the boundary disputebetween Venezuela and British Guiana?

5. What does the word “Venezuela” mean?

6. The National Assembly of Guyana consists ofhow many members?

7. What is the highest judicial body in Guyanacalled?

8. In the 1953 national elections, how many seatswere won by the People’s Progressive Party(PPP)?

9. When did the rift which split the PPP occur?

10. Along with his brother Richard, he was sent bythe Royal Geographical Society to explore theRupununi region and the main rivers of Guiana.Who was he?

11. What is the name of the first Guyanese-bornHead (Archbishop) of the Guyana AnglicanChurch?

12. Who was the first Anglican Bishop of Guianaand Primate of the West Indies?

SAVILLE A. FARLEYAttended Q.C. 1952-1959Austin “C”House &Cunningham ‘‘K” House Answers on - 28

New York and Paris. CANA made thelinks direct, and Hugh played a vitalrole in its conception and implementa-tion. He has left the region the legacyof those two still surviving institutionswhose potential for enhancing regionalintegration remain great.

He became the Caribbean represen-tative for UNESCO and in that posi-tion, he presented projects for fundingthat aided communication throughoutthe region. His paths and mine crossedagain at that time while I served on theExecutive Board of UNESCO and onthe Board of the InternationalProgramme for the Development ofCommunication. Hugh was an inde-fatigable champion of Caribbean com-munication causes at every meeting.

Eventually, he moved on to do workfor the UN in Somalia at a time of

grave conflict. Always fretful aboutGuyana, he also played a role in assist-ing the three CARICOM negotiators(Sonny Ramphal, Alister McIntyre andHenry Forde) when the “HerdmanstonAccord” was fashioned in 1997-1998to secure a peaceful resolution of apolitical conflict that followed the1997 general elections. To his death,he remained a Guyanese patriot deeplyconcerned about the need and impor-tance for official machinery that wouldameliorate party political discord andset the country on the path of publicpeace, racial tolerance and equity oftreatment of all Guyanese.

Guyana and the Caribbean have lostan outstanding son who will long beremembered by those whose lives hetouched indelibly.

Editor’s Note: The above Tributeappeared in the Guyana KaieteurNews of Sunday, August 12, 2012. Ithas been reproduced here with thekind permission of its author.

Sir Ronald Michael SandersKCMG is a an international consult-ant, business executive, writer, for-mer senior Caribbean diplomat, andVisiting Fellow at the Institute ofCommonwealth Studies of LondonUniversity (U.K). He is a LifeMember of QCAA (UK Chapter).

He publishes widely on SmallStates in the global community. Hisbiography and his extensive range ofcommentaries, lectures and inter-views can be accessed on his person-al website:www.sirronaldsanders.com <

aurie Leland Lewis transitioned from this planet onAugust 12, 2012. He last attended QC as a studentin 1961 but as they say – “he never left QC”. As he

immersed himself during his adult life in efforts to supportthe school it would seem most appropriate to call him Mr.QC. Really, it would be difficult to find another alumnuswho was as attentive to the school’s business.

It came to pass that he was called Trinculo after playingthe part in the William Shakespeare's play, The Tempest, atschool. The moniker seems out of place when you considerthat Trinculo was casted as a jester and a drunkard.

I invite you to review the tributes that were advanced byvarious alumni bodies and his other associates.

VICTOR R. MOSES

He joined Queen’s College in 1953 and never left it …Laurie later went on to become the Chairman of the Boardof Directors at QC until ill-health forced him to give up theposition …. He spent a substantial part of his life shepherd-ing the youths …

CONRAD PLUMMERChair, QC Board

Laurie Lewis loved QC and all it stands for

The Queen’s College Old Students’ Association of Guyanaexpresses its profound regret at the passing of alumnus and

former Commissioner of Police Laurie Leyland Lewis. Mr.Lewis attended Queen’s College from 1953 to 1961 as amember of Woolley House, and later joined the OldStudents’ Association where he served as President from1992 until 2008.

He was also appointed to the Queen’s College Board ofGovernors and eventually served as its chairman. Over theyears he both remained and became a dear friend of manyalumni of all ages in the QC alumni chapters abroad, andespecially to members of the Guyana chapter.

To say that Laurie loved Queen’s College would bean understatement, as he was nicknamed “Mr. QC”.

Before his illness, Laurie spent almost every weekdayvisiting the school to attend meetings with the head

teacher, staff, parents and students.His zeal and love for his alma mater, the staff and student

body was what drove the Old Students’ Association formany years. Laurie always gave objective advice. Hisheart’s desire for Queen’s College was to see its flag flownwith pride and its fundamental pillars reinstituted. Most ofall, he loved QC and all it stands for, and lived our motto“Faithful, Useful, Always.”

The Old Students’ Association will always remember MrLewis for his total dedication to Queen’s College, and weextend our sincere condolences to his wife and family.

SHARON KREUTERfor the Queen’s College Old Students Association of Guyana

Dear members of the Queen’s College of GuyanaCommunity:

It saddens me to report that former Commissioner of Police,former Chairman of our alma mater’s Board of Directorsand former President of QC-OSA, Laurie Leyland Lewisleft us today for higher service after a prolonged period ofillness.

It is our fervent prayer that our God will wrap Laurie’ssorrowing family in comfort and love at this difficult time.

Kindly convey to Laurie’s family, ICQC’s sincere condo-lences on his early departure. The Q.C. community praysthat Laurie’s transition to his heavenly home would be aspeaceful as his soul rests, and rise in glory on the appointedday.

Fraternally,GORDON L. WILSONDeputy Executive Secretary, ICQC

To the Lewis family:

We learned of the passing of your husband, father and ourbrother Laurie Leland Lewis DSM, DSS.

The Executive and membership of the Toronto Chapter


remembering

LAURIELEWIS

aa

L

of the Guyana Queen’s College Alumni Association (QCAAToronto) regret the passing of this notable alumnus.

We were aware of the Laurie's recent challenges but feltconfident that he'd, in his own indomitable way, find a wayto "fight it out" much longer.

The welfare of QC meant a lot to Laurie and this wasreflected in his passion, efforts and sterling contributions.He understood and maintained that fraternal code with fel-low alumni/alumnae and friends. We are truly diminishedby the withdrawal of his presence and contributions.

Please accept our condolences and wishes for his eternalrest. We also pray that you'd be vested with the courage towithstand it all.

VICTOR R. MOSESSecretary for QCAA Toronto

Our friendship started before we entered QC and Laurie wasthe brother I never had. He was a man that loved his family,his job as a police officer and Queen’s College more thananything. The last 15 years of his life he devoted to Queen’sCollege as a member of the Board, trying to change the cul-ture and bring back the professionalism he knew when heattended school. There were various things he did or saidthat many people could not comprehend and he could notfully explain as he had acquired information from his job asa Police Officer which guided some of his action or reac-tions.

May his soul rest in peace!

JOHN YATES

The Queen's College family is once again plunged into deepmourning by the loss of Leyland Laurie Lewis known asTrinculo or Culo. Laurie was a retired Commissioner ofPolice and served for many years as President of the Queen'sCollege Old Students Association (QC-OSA ). He was acontemporary of my Dad, childhood friend of my motherand he was a dear friend to me. I served with Laurie on theQC-OSA Executive. I will surely miss him. I extend condo-lences to Jenny and the boys from the Holder family. Mayhe Rest in Peace!

DAWN HOLDER

All,

This is surely a great loss to the QC community. I rememberLaurie "Trinculo" from the QC days. He was many years mysenior but as we always did we feared "vereor" the uppersixers and prefects.

I remember his leading the organization of the 150th QCreunion in GT with the help of Dawn Holder. What memo-

ries!I shall always remember his contributions and participa-

tion in all things QC.

Truly a great loss!

KEITH WILSON

Sad news again! I remember the significant role Laurieplayed at the last GT Reunion in 2009. I am glad we had achance to share a meal and reminiscing old times. But itreminds me of the reason many of us made the effort toattend - we may not be here for the next one.May Laurie rest in peace, and hope our prayers bring com-fort to his family.

Ciao!RIC MC RAE

To all,

I am very greatly saddened to learn of the passing of bothHugh Cholmondeley and Laurie Lewis - both of whom Iknew at QC, especially Laurie as he was in my form duringmost of the 1950's. A class act both of them - and takenmuch too early.

God rest their souls.

MARTIN WICKHAM(Editor’s note: Martin passed away 3 months after offeringthis tribute)

As a Rotarian, Lewis’ had “unquestionable leadershipskills”….under Lewis’ leadership, the club earned the President’sCitation from the Rotary International body….“Even with the demand of the office of the Commissioner,he found time to attend meetings…even when sickness tookits toll. There was not a Rotarian he did not know. No rotaryfunction would be complete without him.”

KHALIL ALIPresident of the Rotary Club of Georgetown

“Laurie Leland Lewis will live in the hearts of professionalpolicemen and women, and all good citizens for all times.His name will be etched in the annals of history, and he def-initely leaves footprints in the sands of time.”

ROSHAN KHANChief Executive Officer, RK’s Security Services <



he death of Jan Rynveld Carew on December 6, 2012has robbed Guyana of another of its noted men of let-ters.

The ‘Gentle Revolutionary’, as he was often described,was renowned as a novelist, playwright, essayist, educatorand lecturer. He was also a poet and a broadcaster, was con-sidered a painter and artist in his own right, and even actedon stage in London with the great Sir Laurence Olivier. Hepenned his Black Midas and The Wild Coast to criticalacclaim.

Born 24 September 1920 in Agricola, East BankDemerara, Guyana, the famous author received his second-ary education at Berbice High School and was a contempo-rary of that other prolific New Amsterdam writer, EdgarMittelholzer.

He left Guyana at age 17 for the U.S.A. where he stud-ied at Howard University and Western Reserve University.He also attended Charles University in Prague,Czechoslovakia, the Sorbonne in France, and Moscow’sPatrice Lumumba University. Disenchanted with commu-nism, he penned his seminal work Moscow is not my Mecca.

A citizen of the world, he made his way to England,Holland, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Ghana and lived in sever-al Caribbean countries in addition to those countries wherehe studied. Whilst in England, he wrote for children and theBritish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Interested in interpreting of how history was taught, hepromoted a black alternative. In the opening chapter of hisbook Rape of Paradise, he wrote about the development ofSpain under the Muslims, pointing to the many positiveimprovements that the Muslims made in agriculture, mathe-matics, science, astronomy and other fields.

I last met him about 8 years ago at the bookstore, ADifferent Booklist, located at Bathurst and Bloor Streets ,Toronto. We reminisced about his 1961 teleplay on ITV inLondon, U.K., and he recalled his times at Berbice HighSchool and its teachers who made a lasting impression onhim. I noticed that he was frail, but his faculties were stillintact.

I remember his nights on the radio talking about variousaspects of black culture. He was a pioneer in the field ofPan-African Studies, and was on par with other black intel-lectuals who sought to give an alternative view to the wayhistory was being presented, such as W.E.B. DuBois, PaulRobeson, Cheikh Anta Diop, and Ivan Van Sertima amongothers.

Requiescat in pace

SAVILLE A. FARLEYAttended Q.C. 1952-1959Austin “C” Houseand Cunningham”K” House <

T

September 24, 1920 - December 6, 2012

JAN RYNVELD CAREW

Pho

to b

y G

eoffr

ey P

hilp


appy Birthday, Ewart, on your70th Birthday Celebration onDecember 25, 2012 -70 runs,

not out, and still batting vigorously.Hip Hip Hooray on a magnificent TestMatch. May you, with God’s blessing,advance, like Brian Lara, to the centu-ry mark and beyond. Permit me,Ewart, to extend this convoluted sport-ing metaphor, one step further.

The apostle Paul, at the end of a glo-rious spiritual marathon exclaimed: “Ihave fought a good fight. I have fin-ished the course. I have kept the faith.Henceforth, there isreserved for me a crownof righteousness whichthe Lord, the righteousjudge, shall gave me atthat day”. [2 Timothy4:7-8]

Ewart, I have lookedon, with bated breath, asyou have run this mag-nificent marathon. It is ajourney that began in thesleepy hamlet ofVryheid, just outsideNew Amsterdam,Berbice, where youattended your father’selementary school, N/ACongregational School,and learnt the fundamen-tals of arithmetic, alge-bra and geometry thatyou later developed to perfection. Toprepare you for ‘scholarship’, youattended St. Alban’s Anglican Schoolin Belladrum where, under the tutelageof Mr. I.T. Henry, you won a Countyscholarship to attend Queen’s Collegein Georgetown.

The marathon continued at Queen’s,

where you won the GuyanaScholarship in 1960, and became oneof the first Guyana Scholars to haveearned distinctions in three sciencesubjects - Physics, Pure Mathematics

and Applied Mathematics – while alsopassing a fourth subject, Chemistry.

In 1960 you also won a UCWI openscholarship and proceeded to the Monacampus of the University of the WestIndies where you graduated in 1963with first class honors in mathematics.From there it was on to St. Johns

College in Cambridge, UK where youwere awarded the PhD in Statistics in1967. Your dissertation involved thecreation of mathematical models ofcertain aspects of brain and behavior.

The marathon culminated atStanford University in Californiawhere you have been since 1972,becoming Professor of Psychology in1975, then Chairman of theDepartment of Psychology at Stanford,the top-rated psychology department inthe world. In 1988 you became Deanof the School of the Humanities andSciences, the first person of Africanancestry ever to achieve this feat. In1989 UWI granted you an honoraryDoctorate of Laws for being the mostoutstanding student in the quarter cen-tury since your graduation in 1963.

As you continue your magnificentmarathon, I tip my hat in tribute to agreat Berbician, a famous Guyanese, acelebrated West Indian, a renowned

alumnus of Queen’sCollege, and of theUniversity of the WestIndies, a mathematicalgenius, an outstandingscholar, teacher andadministrator.

In spite of his monu-mental academicachievements EwartThomas remains at heart“a simple country boy”without the hubris andaffectations so oftenfound in Afro-Saxon aca-demics. He is a “peo-ple’s person” who hasbecome a friend and con-fidant to the Caribbeancommunity at Stanford.When asked by areporter why he was so

famous on campus, Ewart replied, inhis usual self-deprecating and unpre-tentious manner, “Because I throw thebest fetes on campus”

One day when this marathon is com-pleted I have no doubt that the Creatorwill meet Ewart at the Pearly gates,and confer on him that blessed crown

(L to R) Lloyd Houston, Terry Edwards, Walter Rodney, TerryHolder, John Lashley, and Ewart Thomas.

aa

A Tribute toEwart ThomasBY COLIN A. MOORE (1953-60, Percival “A” House)

HACADEMIC ICON

ANDMATH PRODIGY

EWART THOMAS


DR. VIVIAN RAMBIHAR, eminentToronto Cardiologist, who was pre-sented with an award by the New YorkChapter of QCAA for his exemplaryglobal contribution to the field ofmedicine and complexity science. Hereceived his award at the Chapter’s21st Anniversary Ball andPresentation Ceremony held in NewYork on May 19, 2012. Among thosewitnessing the presentation were twocurrent QCAA Toronto ChapterExecutive Committee members -Secretary Victor Moses and DirectorGerald Alleyne.

Dr. Rambihar, a Guyana Scholarwho attended QC (Weston “F” House)from 1962 to 1969, was also recog-nized last year for his outstandingachievements, including his visionaryand pioneering work in the field ofethnicity and health, when he receiveda national people’s choice award forbeing one of the Top 25 CanadianImmigrants to Canada at a ceremonyheld on May 29th in Toronto. He is anactive member of the Toronto Chapter.

PROFESSOR JAMAL DEEN ofMcMaster University who on 25thMay, 2012 received the DoctorHonoris Causa from La Universidadde Granada. It is the highest degreeand honour that is conferred by the

university, one of Spain’s major aca-demic and intellectual institutions.Professor Deen earned this distinctionin recognition of his exceptionalachievements as a scholar, academic,educator, and as a collaborator withstudents and researchers in Granada.He attended QC from 1967 to 1973and was a member of Cunningham“K” House. Last year he was present-ed with an Honourary LifeMembership Award of the QCAAToronto Chapter.

ARK

Editor’s Note: Both Vivian’s andJamal’s 2012 awards add to theimpressive list of those that theyhave received in previous years andwhich we have covered in past issuesof The Scribbler where their out-standing academic and professionalachievements were given in detail.Past issues can be accessed by click-ing on the “Archives” link on theHomepage of our Chapter’s web-site:www.qcalumnitoronto.com

aa

CONGRATS TO QC ALUMNI!

Dr Vivian Rambihar receiving Awardfrom Deoki Pestano, QC alumna andExecutive member of the New YorkChapter.

L to R: Prof. Juan Antonio JiminezTejada of University of Granada,Prof. Jamal Deen, his wife MeenaDeen and their oldest son Arif Deen.

of which St. Paul spoke, and greet himwith the words, “Come ye blessed ofmy father, inherit the kingdom pre-pared for you from the foundations ofthe world.” [Matthew 25:34]

It is a serious travesty of justice that,in spite of his outstanding academiccredentials, the University of the WestIndies, his alma mater, has not seen fitto appoint him as Vice-Chancellor. It iseven more pathetic that the Universityof Guyana has not seen fit to appointthis first-rate Guyanese scholar as its

Vice-Chancellor. I can only hope thatPresident Barack Obama, who hasoften spoken of the need for minoritiesto do well in mathematics and sci-ences, would appoint this outstandingblack scholar as Presidential Advisorin Mathematics and Science at the U.S.Department of Education, where hewould be an inspirational role model toyoung Black and Hispanic students inthe United States.

*Colin A. Moore, Esq. was a classmate

of Ewart Thomas at Queen’s College,Georgetown; a fellow resident ofTaylor Hall at the UWI campus atMona, Jamaica; a fellow Berbicianand Guyanese national.

Editor’s Note:Ewart Thomas attended QC from1953-60 and was a member ofCunningham “K” House. <

hree Toronto-based alumni - Eden Gajraj, BridgeRamdewar and Dr.Vivian Rambihar - were awardedthe Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in

2012. This new commemorative medal was created to markthe 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of HerMajesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne asQueen of Canada, and it serves to honour significant contri-butions and achievements by Canadians to a particularprovince, territory, region or community within Canada, oran achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Eden, who attended QC in 1955-61 and was a member ofRaleigh “B” House, is the current President of QCAAToronto. His involvement in and contributions to commu-nity work has been acknowledged in the past with the fol-lowing other awards: Queen Elizabeth 50th AnniversaryGolden Jubilee Medal (2002), Canada’s 125th Medal(1992), Outstanding Canadian 2000 Medal for significantcontribution to compatriots, community and Canada (2000),and Civic Recognition Certificate awarded in recognition ofservice to the City of Scarborough(1996).

BRIDGE RAMDEWAR attended QC in 1965-72 and was amember of Moulder “G” House. He has been a FederalElectoral Returning Officer for 11 years and an OntarioProvincial Electoral Returning Officer for 7 years – both forthe Electoral District of Bramalea-Gore-Malton.

Some of his contributions to the community includeHosting Canada Day celebrations in his community parksince 2007; organizing volunteer youth cleanup of riverbeds

and ponds; coordinating tree planting by youth and digni-taries, including the Mayor and City Councilors, as part ofCanada Day celebrations; and mediating disputes in thecommunity. This is the second time that Bridge has beenrecognized for his work. In 2002, he received the Queen

Elizabeth II GoldenJubilee Medal foractivities at his formerplace of employment,the Workplace Safetyand Insurance Board(WSIB).

DR. VIVIAN RAMBIHAR,

who attended QC in1962-69, was a mem-ber of Weston “F”House, and a 1969Guyana Scholar.

The renowned car-diologist and healthco-chair for the GlobalOrganization forPeople of Indian

Origin received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II DiamondJubilee Medal on December 8, 2012.

Dr. Rambihar was recognized for his pioneering work inhealth promotion, diversity and health, and complexity sci-ence and health. <


Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee MedalAwarded to 3 Alumni BY VICTOR R. MOSES

Bridge Ramdewar (centre) displays the medal and cer-tificate that were presented by Parm Gill (left),Provincial MP for Brampton-Springdale.

Dr. Vivian Rambihar (L) with Dr.Shafiq Qaadri, physician andMPP, Etobicoke North, who pre-sented the Queen Elizabeth IIDiamond Jubilee Medal toVivian.

Eden Gajraj (R) with Soo Wong, the Provincial MP forScarborough Agincourt, who presented the QueenElizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to him on June 24.

T


QCAA TORONTOAWARDS 2012 LYNETTE DOLPHIN BURSARIES

GABRIELLE GRAVESANDEGabrielle is the daughter of alum-nus and QCAA Toronto member,Pierre Gravesande (1975-81,Woolley “H” House). She gradu-ated from Notre Dame C.S.S,Ajax, Ontario with grades in thehigh 90s and is currently in thefirst year of the Psychology

(Hons) degree program at the Queen’s University,Kingston, Ontario. Gabrielle plans to become aDevelopmental Psychologist as she would “like to workwith youths as their generation often needs support,and to make them aware of their potential”.

While at school, Gabrielle was involved with theschool newspapers, the Social Justice Club, and theProm Committee. She also volunteered at the publiclibrary – reading to children on Sunday mornings.

Gabrielle comes with excellent recommendationsand exhibited all–round skills and abilities by working asa life-guard and swimming instructor at her local pool.

KAYLA OWENKayla is the daughterof alumnus and QCAAToronto member,Wayne Owen (1972-77, D’Urban “D”House). The Toronto,Ontario resident gradu-ated in 2012 from theAlbert CampbellCollegiate Institute andis currently in the firstyear of a B.A (Hons)

Sociology degree program at Carleton University,Ottawa.

Kayla will thereafter strive for a Teacher’s Certificateas she wishes to become a High School Teacher.

At high school, Kayla was involved inimprovisation/drama clubs, musicals, visual arts andphotography, and was a member of the junior and sen-ior girls’ volleyball teams.

In addition, Kayla volunteered as a music instructorat the Toronto Hope Lutheran Church and as a leaderat a summer camp. She was also employed at the Cityof Toronto Parks and Recreation at their summercamps.

JESSICA HUGHESJessica is the grand-daughter ofClarence O. Perry (COP) – alumnus(1942-1949, Raleigh “B” House),past QC Science Master (1961-70),and QCAA Toronto member. Jessicagraduated in 2010 from theArchbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic

High School in Ajax, Ontario and is currently in the thirdyear of a BSc (Hons) degree program in Life Science atthe Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario.

After graduating, Jessica plans to apply to thePhysiotherapy program and to become aPhysiotherapist. Jessica is currently volunteering as achiropractic assistant at the Pickering Wellness Centre.She volunteered at the P.R.Y.D.E Day Care Centre andwas a gymnast for 9 years. Jessica also has stronginterests in baseball and basketball, watching movies,and is involved in a weekly games night with herfriends.

The Toronto Chapter of the Guyana Queen's College of Alumni Association (QCAA)has awarded bursaries to 3 deserving students: Gabrielle Gravesande, Jessica Hughes, andKayla Owen. They will each receive a one-time cash award of $CAN 1,000.

Additional details on the scholarship can be found athttp://www.qcalumnitoronto.com/files/Scholarship.pdf

VICTOR R. MOSES

Editor’s note:QCAA (Toronto) wishes to encourage QC-leaving stu-dents to apply and to inform them that the CXC certifi-cates are acceptable transcripts. <

LYNETTE DOLPHINMEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

2013www.qcalumnitoronto.com

Submit Applications September - November 30, 2013


LONDON, ENGLANDOCTOBER 11-13

Friday, October 11th - Cultural Evening and Reception, Kensington Library (Fee – £15)

Saturday, October 12th – **25th Anniversary Dinner and Dance- joint event of U.K Chapters of QCAA andBHSAA (venue to be announced)

Sunday, October 13th – ICQC ABM, Eversheds LLP in the City (Registration fee, includes lunch – £10)

**The U.K. Chapters of QCAA & BHSAA are celebrating their Silver Anniversary (25th) of the founding oftheir Associations.

ed by Jonelle James, QC toppedall secondary schools in Guyanaat the 2012 Caribbean

Advanced Proficiency Examination(CAPE). The sixth-former earned thehonour for her school by achieving 5Grade Ones in Caribbean Studies,Food and Nutrition, Biology,Chemistry, and Pure Maths.

Other top QC performers at CAPEwere Christopher Chinnatambi with 4Grade Ones and 2 Grade Twos;Melodie Lowe, Raphel Bascom, KellyAnn Persaud who each secured 4Grade Ones and 1 Grade Two; andNavindra Baldeo with 4 Grade Onesand 1 Grade Three. Nine other QC stu-dents secured 3 Grade Ones.

According to a Guyana Ministry ofEducation press release, the overallCAPE performance of all local second-ary schools bettered that of 2011 by afour-percentage point increase.

At the CXC Caribbean SecondaryExamination Certificate (CSEC) level,of the top 175 students from secondaryschools in Guyana who secured 8Grade Ones or more, 41 were fromQC. Fourteen of the 41 studentsobtained Grade Ones ranging in num-ber from 11 to 14. Among them wasKashif Khan (11 Grade Ones, 3 GradeTwos). Kashif was sponsored by theQCAA Toronto Chapter to participatein the Emerging Global LeadersProgramme held in Barbados in 2010

that was arrangedby the University ofYork, Ontario. Anarticle on his partic-ipation was carriedin the 2011 Januaryedition of TheScribbler.

KEMAHL KHANEditor’s Note: The CaribbeanExaminations Council (CXC) CAPEexams replaced the “A” Level; theCSEC replaced the “O” Level. Theabove-stated statistical data wassourced from press releases of thelocal Guyana newspapers. <

L

QC STUDENTS EXCEL

at

EXAMINATIONS

CCX

2013 ICQC ABM

Chris Chinnatambi Kelly Ann Persaud

Jonelle James

Raphel Bascom Melodie Lowe

Navindra Baldeo

Photos courtesy of G

uyana Chronicle and K

aieteur New

s

2013 ICQC ABM


(L to R) QC alumni Patrick Bradshaw (NY) and Neil Smith (TO)outside Toronto Chapter's booth at 2012 Last Lap Lime.

(L to R) Brian Woodroffe (QC-OSA), Toronto Chapter mem-bers Andrew Knight and Kemahl Khan at 2012 ICQC ABM.

Some 2012 ICQC ABM delegates, other alumni and friends atLast Lap Lime, Woodbridge Ontario. (L to R) Keith Corsbie,Brian Woodroffe, Clarence Trotz, Roland Carryl, RudyLochan, Adam Harris, Peter Gonzales, Victor Moses, RonLochan and unknown guest.

(L to R) Alumni Reggie Thompson (Toronto), Aubrey Smith(NY), Victor Moses (Toronto), Wayne King (NY) and ErwinMassiah (Toronto) at Toronto Chapter Caribana Dance.

QC-OSA's President Brian Woodroffe, wife Shelly, and QC-student daughters, Sasha (front left) and Shannon (right) at2012 Last Lap Lime.

(L to R) Toronto Chapter members Saville Farley, LeylandMuss and Central Florida's Roger Zitman at 2012 ICQC ABM.

2012 ICQC ABM


From left: Ronald Lochan,Toronto Chapter Secty Victor Mosesand Patrick Stephens.

From left: Gordon Williams, Dawn Holder, and FabianLiverpool

From left: Neville Trotz and daughters Maya (one of theawardees) and Alissa.

At centre: Neil Benjamin and Mrs. Benjamin doing their thing. NY Chapter President Alfred Granger (L) introducing KennethBenjamin - Guest Speaker, alumnus, and Chief Justice ofBelize.

From left: Toronto Chapter Director Gerald Alleyne, DenisJohnson and Larry Boxhill.

NY ANNIVERSARY & AWARDS CEREMONY


Wishart at lunch with his QC buddies. Attendees at the Annual General Meeting held in April 2012 atthe Tall Pines Community Centre in Scarborough.

Here was one more reason to attend the 2012 Annual GeneralMeeting with Gerald Alleyne (L) and Stanley Chan Choong set-ting up the room for the mid-session break.

A view of the other side of the meeting room and those attend-ing the AGM.

Mike Wishart (centre) with alumni Roland Carryl on his leftand Roger Jeffrey on his right.

Former QC teachers Mike Wishart (Left) and Clarence Perry“COP” meet after many years.

SNAPSHOTS


2012 QCAA (TORONTO) BRUNCH

QCAA (Toronto) Members (from left) Albert, Eden, Gerald,David, Victor, Stan and Audrick.

Jennifer Welshman, St. Rose's AA Executive Committee mem-ber and husband Howard, a St. Stanislaus alumnus.

Whooping it up is Tracy, daughter of Toronto TreasurerAudrick Chung; Stan Chan Choong in the background.

Toronto Chapter supporter Jean Adams (centre) with BHSAA(TO) President Peggy Edwards (left) and BHSAA (TO)Rochelle Boodie.

QCAA (Toronto) VP Vivian Wong and Janess Wong. Entertainer, QC alumnus Martin James-Grimmond, taking abreak at the keyboard.


Clarence Trotz, former QC Headmaster and daughter Lise, QCalumna.

From left: QCAA (Toronto) long-standing members Art Henery,Percy Anderson and Lester Fernandes.

Tutorial AA (Toronto) President Michael Parris and Mrs. Parris. Dennis Choy (right) of CHAAG Executive Committee and reg-ular supporter Bernard Stephens.

From left: Toronto Chapter members Conrad Griffith, GeraldAlleyne with Diane Goveia and member David Singh.

Toronto Chapter members Audrick Chung (L) and SyedRayman.

2012 QCAA (TORONTO) BRUNCH


Revellers at the Lime rocked to the rhythm and vocal stylingsof the Angels Caribbean Band.

A cross-section of the crowd enjoying the music on whatturned out to be a lovely summer day at the Lime.

LAST LAP LIME 2012

Volunteers Audrick and wife Myrna (L) taking a breather withfriends in the shade.

QCAA (Toronto) member David Singh flanked by the lovelywomen in his life.

QCAA (Toronto) Immediate Past President Kemahl Khan,Secretary Victor Moses (L) and Associate Member, AngelaThomas, in their recurring roles at the QC booth.

Backpack Project Coordinator, Melissa Enmore, was backagain promoting the cause for assisting students in Guyana.


here ismuch crit-icism of

the Guyanesea u t h o r i t i e sregarding the con-tinual downwardspiral of Queen'sCollege in termsof building main-tenance and staffdiscipline. Whilethis criticism maybe well deserved,I suggest thatthese problemsare really thesymptoms whilethe cause of theproblem is poverty.

Wherever there is poverty in a community, peoples'needs tend to slide downward on Maslow's hierarchy.Eventually its members begin to fight among themselves forthe scarce resources. Guyana's gross domestic product in2011 was ranked by the World Bank as 157th in the world,just below Somalia (Haiti was #137 on that scale).

Facing such dire hardship, it is not surprising that taskssuch as drain cleaning, garbage removal and pest eradica-tion might be neglected with the resulting decline in publichealth and living conditions. There is a simple solution tothis dilemma which proved to be a valuable instrument forachieving much communal benefit with limited funds and itis Self-Help.

Queen's Collegecould be quicklyand economicallyrestored to workingcondition if eachstudent wasrequired to volun-teer one hour permonth towardmaintenance, repairand cleaning of theschool. Such anapproach wouldalso have the effectof instilling pride ofownership in thestudents. I wouldlike to suggest thatthis system should

be mandatory in all Guyanese schools.

ANDREW KNIGHTAttended Q.C. 1960-1966Cunningham “K” House

Editor’s Note: Andrew Knight’s “Student Self-Help”proposal stemmed from last year’s flea-infestation of QCwhich resulted in the school being closed for approxi-mately three weeks. <

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

TBY ANDREW KNIGHT


he Toronto Chapter hosted theAnnual Business Meeting(ABM) of the International

Committee of the Queen’s College(ICQC) of Guyana AlumniAssociations over the August 2012Caribana weekend. The meeting dis-cussed several important topics andissues relating to the activities andwork of the associations with respectto the College. It was held on Sunday,August 5th, at the Howard JohnsonHotel, 22 Metropolitan Road inScarborough.

The International Committee, com-prising elected representatives of thevarious alumni associations, wasestablished in 2003 to coordinate thework of the Associations. It meets oncea year on a rotation basis in Guyana,NewYork, London (UK), Toronto,Washington, South Florida and CentralFlorida (not necessarily in that order)where Queen’s College alumni haveset up Chapters of QCAA.

Among the matters discussed at last

year’s ABM were the need for a defin-itive ICQC Master Plan to set out con-crete strategies and initiatives, includ-ing fundraising, for the implementa-tion of identified (primarily large-scale) projects designed to improvefacilities at Queen’s College such asthe proposed ground and pavilion proj-ect; the pressing need to improve theteaching of Physics at the school; andthe installation of a modern intercomsystem to facilitate communicationbetween the Headteacher, staff and stu-dents in the classrooms. The Intercomproject has been undertaken by theToronto Chapter which may requireassistance from ICQC to have it com-pleted.

The meeting generated livelydebates and productive results whichaugur well for the role and future workof ICQC. Decisions taken at ABM’sare followed up at quarterly teleconfer-ences of the Committee in whichChapter delegates participate.

The meeting saw the installation of

QCAA Toronto’s President, EdenGajraj, as ICQC President for the2012-13 term. Eden took over fromoutgoing President Chris Chunnilallwho is also the President of the UKChapter. After installation, the ABMwas chaired by Eden who led the dis-cussions, ably assisted by the currentICQC Board’s Executive SecretaryLloyd Houston. In addition to the fourExecutive Board members, each of theconstituent Chapters was representedby two delegates with voting rights.Non-voting local and overseas alumniwere also in attendance and participat-ed in the deliberations.

On the social side, the TorontoChapter entertained visiting ICQC del-egates, as well as other overseas andlocal alumni, supporters and friends, ata successful dinner and dance that washeld on Caribana Friday and thorough-ly enjoyed by all. In between the danceand the ABM, the alumni took theopportunity to share in the variousevents of the Caribana weekend. Theyalso attended the annual alumni associ-ations’ Last Lap Lime Guyanese festi-val on Monday August 6 inWoodbridge, Ontario, where they visit-ed the Toronto Chapter’s booth andpurchased various QC items thatincluded QC-crested polo shirts, tiesand pins.

The U.K. Chapter of QCAA willhost the next ICQC ABM in Londonlater this year to coincide with theChapter’s 25th anniversary of its for-mation. The programme for this meet-ing is at page 15.

ARK <

2012 ICQC ABM Delegates pose for photo outside the Howard Johnson fol-lowing the meeting

QCAA TORONTO CHAPTER HOSTS 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MEETING

T


ighteen (18) awards were givenout to alumni and supporters onSunday, July 15, 2012 as the

Toronto Chapter of the Queen’sCollege of Guyana Alumni Associationheld its Awards event at the Tall PinesCommunity Centre in Scarborough.

Kemahl Khan, Immediate PastPresident and member of the currentExecutive Committee of the Chapter,was the recipient of the LeadershipAward for his past leadership roles andoutstanding contribution to variousaspects of the Chapter’s activities.

Service Awards for support of thework of the Toronto Chapter and theQC alumni community in general weregiven to Chapter member Stanley ChanChoong and alumna Sharon IndiraKreuter, Secretary of the Guyana QCOld Students Association, while simi-lar awards were given to alumni Alfred

Granger of New York and IanMcDavid of Guyana for their crucialinputs to the QC Library Project imple-mented by the Toronto Chapter.

The Honourary Life MembershipAwards were conferred upon ClarenceIcelias Trotz, former QC student,teacher and Headmaster, QC alumniFrank Ewing-Chow, Professor M.Jamal Deen, and Kenrick Eyre for theirsignificant contribution to Queen’sCollege and their continuing supportand enhancement of the image of theChapter.

Cecil Prashad, a member and ardentsupporter of the Chapter, was accordedthe Honourary Membership Award,while Myrna Chung, Tracy Chung, andGlenn Archer were the recipients of theAppreciation Award – the Chungs fortheir continuing active involvement inthe Chapter’s various events, and

Archer for providing voluntary net-work design and technical consultationservices to the QC Library Project.

Kemahl Khan (L), Immediate PastPresident, QCAA (Toronto), receiv-ing the Leadership Award from cur-rent president, Eden Gajraj.

18 RECOGNIZED

aa

QCAA TORONTO CHAPTER’S AWARDS EVENT

Guest Speaker QC AlumnusDr Michael Chan being pre-sented with a gift package ofQC items by TorontoChapter's Secretary VictorMoses.

E


Certificates of award of theChapter’s annual bursaries for post-secondary education, established tocommemorate the late LynetteDolphin, Prep Form mistress andmusic teacher at Queen’s College,were presented to Brittany Hughes forthe year 2010, and to Katerina Eyre,Brook Ihnat, Sonnel David-Longe, andShara Nauth for 2011.

In keeping with the Awards theme,Master of Ceremonies Vivian Wong,Vice President of the Toronto Chapter,while introducing the current ChapterPresident, Eden Gajraj, highlighted therecent award to Mr.Gajraj of the QueenElizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medalgiven to Canadians for their significantcontribution to Compatriots,Community and Canada.

Guest Speaker at the event was QCalumnus, Guyana Scholar, and Rhodes

Scholar Dr. Michael Chan, FRCP(Psychiatry). His topic, “Rememberingthe Past – when terror hit QC”, dealtwith a detailed analysis of the CubanaAirlines bombing of October, 1976 offthe coast of Barbados. The disasterclaimed the lives, among others, of twoof his closest Queen’s College school-mates who were on their way to Cubato pursue medicine.

The successful Awards event drew avery appreciative audience of about 50persons. They were thanked byPresident Gajraj for their support andparticipation in the afternoon’s pro-ceedings after which complimentarysnacks and refreshments were served.

ARKAlumnus Frank Ewing-Chow receiv-ing his Certificate of Award fromToronto Chapter's Stan ChanChoong, himself an awardee.

The Toronto Chapter‘s 2013/14 financial year began on February 1st.

Members are reminded to pay their annual subscription of $25.00 before the April 2013 Annual GeneralMeeting by completing the Membership Form available on our website www.qcalumnitoronto.com and send-ing it with their payment to the P.O. Box address stated on the form.

Our paid-up members in Canada average each year about 40 out of approximately 400 alumni listed in ourdatabase. We need to improve this situation. Our aim is to increase our paid-up membership to a more realis-tic level and therefore we appeal to those who have not yet taken out financial membership of our Chapter todo so.

The annual membership fee adds to our finances and, along with the funds that are raised by some of our annu-al events, helps in meeting our expenses with respect to donations to our alma mater, our website domain andspace, the Webmaster’s fee for maintaining the site, the production of our newsletter,The Scribbler, the LynetteDolphin Memorial Scholarship awards, and our non-fundraisers like our AGM, Appreciation and Literaryevents.

Your membership and payments will therefore be most appreciated. A specimen of the Membership Form isreproduced at page 37.

EDEN GAJRAJPresidentQCAA (Toronto)

HAVE YOU RENEWED OR TAKEN OUT MEMBERSHIP?


or the past four years, the Boysof 1969 1B have been making anannual trek to that piece of

Guyana in the US. Thanks to thevision of Theo Camacho, the 40thanniversary of our entrance to QCbecame a reason for gathering. TheGuyana Ambassador to the US,Bayney Karran, and his wife Donna(QC lower 6th 1975) were our gracioushosts.

The 1969 1B never experienced theco-ed thing, so the boys were boys,then and now. Memories are relived inall their dramatic detail as grown menregress to relive their youth. Storiesare retold and the best actors are cele-brated. Whenever we meet we remem-ber Pepe Swaresh Singh and we reflecton the times we had together at QC. Hehas not been with us since May 2006.

The food is all Guyanese with thenational dishes well represented, andthe beverages all international. Abouthalf of the Class shows up, a dozen

strong, from all over the globe. Therest are celebrated but missed.

Last year (2012) was memorable inthat a ‘derecho’ passed through the

area and knocked down electrical linesfor almost a week. This brought back1970s memories of GT, but it remind-ed us that we are all survivors ofuncontrolled forces, and we shouldalways be prepared. This year ourAmbassador celebrates 10 years ofservice in Washington. We look for-ward to celebrating with him.

MICHAEL CHAN(1969 – 76, Austin “C” House)(1976 Guyana Scholar; 1982 RhodesScholar)

Editor’s Note:Well boys will not always be boys butdon’t take my word for it. See belowhow far they have come.

QCAA Toronto recalls SwareshObindra "Pepe” Singh’s mother,Jeanette Singh of UGGA (TO),donating CAN$100 to us at ourChapter's 2007 Brunch in memoryof her late son. <

(L to R) Karran, Headecker, H. R. Persaud, Yearwood, R. Singh, Bindley-Taylor, Camacho, Chan, Blake, and Chee-a-tow.

Front L to R: K. Sattaur, T. Jackman, P. Walcott, S. Singh, L. Blake, P.Chin.Centre L to R: B.Headecker, J.Persaud, A.Rahaman, D.Persaud, R.Singh,H.Persaud, M.Hari-Ram, A.Persaud, J.Dhanraj, O.Ashley. Back L to R: T.Camacho, S.Dey, G.Williams, G.Chee-Gee-Min, M.Chan.

(Names in bold represent those who attended the 2012 Reunion)

F

BOYS OF 1969 1B AT THEIR4TH ANNUAL REUNION


ocelyn Albert D'Oliveira was oneof the most brilliant persons that Ihave had the privilege of know-

ing. Spanish was my subsidiary subjectin the Lower and Upper Sixth Classicalforms and he was my teacher. In theautumn of 1956, his assessment of myperformance was: “Disappointing; cando much better.” This evaluation of myability caused me to improve to suchan extent that I was able to earn a passin the subject at the Oxford andCambridge “O” Level examination. Hewas delighted and so was I. I will beforever grateful to him.

Jocelyn won the prestigious BritishGuiana Scholarship in 1948 while hewas a student at St. Stanislaus College.He pursued his post-secondary educa-tion at the University of Birminghamin England from 1949 to 1953 wherehe obtained his B.A. (Hons.), majoringin French with Spanish as a subsidiary,and also his Master’s degree in FrenchLinguistics. Upon returning home aftergraduating from university, he joinedthe staff at Queen's and taught Frenchand Spanish from 1953 to 1956.

After leaving Queen's, he had a dis-

tinguished career in the British GuianaCivil Service in which he held somesenior positions. Thereafter, hereturned to the academic field when heemigrated to Canada in 1962.

In Canada, Mr. D’Oliveira becameDirector of Academic Services,Glendon College (the bilingual facultyof York University). His responsibili-ties were to recruit and counsel stu-dents. He was also involved in aca-demic policy and planning, anddesigned a calendar for the students.While at Glendon, he introducedSpanish and Psychology into the cur-riculum and created the Certificate ofBilingual Competence. He also taughttwo pre-law half courses in French:“Droit et société” and “Initiation audroit public du Canada.”

Mr. D’Oliveira retired in 1994 andresides in Toronto, and after 56 years Iam still in touch with him.

I have followed the career of thisbrilliant linguist with great interestover the years, and as I recall ourteacher-student relationship, I thoughtthat I would share my memories andimpressions about him with readers,

especially those who were taught byhim at QC or interacted with him atschool in any other way. I urge formerstudents of Queen’s to contribute arti-cles recalling their memories andimpressions of their teachers, and sug-gest to the editors of the Scribbler thata page be earmarked in future editionsfor such articles.

ABBAS EDUNAttended Q.C. 1949-1957Austin “C” and Woolley “H” Houses

Editor’s Note:In his article “The Eminent Botanist”in the Scribbler of January 2010, ‘Basrecalled his association with anotherformer QC teacher, Dr. HowardSamuel Irwin, who taught himBiology. As in the case of Mr.D’Oliveira, he also keeps in touchwith Dr. Irwin.

Abbas has contributed articles,poems, or eulogies (to his deceased fel-low QC alumni) that were carried insix of the last eight issues of ourScribbler, and we are very grateful tohim for these contributions. WellDone, ‘Bas! <

J

‘Bas remembersBrilliant teacher. . . by Abbas Edun

TUTORIAL STAFF 1953-54

Sitting (L to R): J. J. Niles, J. A. Ramsarran, E. O. Pilgrim, H. A. M. Beckles (Deputy Principal), V. J. Sanger-Davies(Principal), N. E. Cameron, K. N. Maudsley, C. E. Barker, L. De W. Dolphin.

Standing (L to R): J. A. D’Oliveira, J. N. Chung, C. A. Yansen, G. E. T. Moore, R. M. Jonas, S. E. Wilson, B. A. Eyre,R. D. Rock, H. S. Irwin, E.W. London, M. J. Pederson, C. I. Drayton, G. H. Narayan, H. R. Persaud,E. A. Wason, E. R. Burrows, E. L. Archer.


t was the yearwhen theRussians seemed

to be whipping theAmericans in theSpace Race.

It was the yearwhen Island in theSun opened at theGlobe Cinema inGeorgetown.

It was also theyear when rivalrybetween the PPP andPNC political partiesreached fever pitch.

That was the year1958, when I enteredthe hallowed halls ofQueen’s College(Reginae Collegium).

I had qualified the previous year atthe then Government CountyScholarship Examination, but myfather wanted the better prize of mywinning a scholarship. So he decidedthat I retake the exam in 1958. And Idid not disappoint him. I was one ofthe two Gov’t scholarship winnersfrom the county of Berbice that year.

My two elder brothers – Saville andWilliam Relford- were already attend-ing Queen’s and I became the thirdmember of the family to attend thisiconic institution of learning. I distinct-ly remember my first day at QC. I sawthe usual parade of masters makingtheir way to the stage in the very spa-cious auditorium.

The Big Man, Mr. V.J. Sanger-Davies, clad in his mortarboard andflowing robes, led the procession. Allwas quiet and sombre until a studentwho was late sauntered into the assem-

bly hall. This provoked the anger of thevenerable Sanger who remonstratedwith the latecomer, causing the rest ofthe school to respond with a hummingsound, which developed into acrescendo that lasted a few minutes.

The Venerable One, his angerincreasing, thereupon placed the entirestudent body in Detention – yesDetention! There it was, innocent meon my very first day in the hallowedhalls of Queen’s being initiated into anapparent prank

I must say, however, as I spent myseven years at QC, that I developedquite a respect for Sanger, doing myutmost to avoid being placed inDetention again.

Editor’s Note: Alec Farley attendedQC from 1958 to 1965, belonged toCunningham “K” House and was amember of its cricket team. <

Answers to QUIZ1. B- 300

2. C- 50

3. The Kaieteur Falls was discov-ered by Charles BarringtonBrown; and huge gold depositswere found.

4. 1897

5. Little Venice, as in Venice,Italy.

6. 72 members.

7. The Court of Appeal.8. 18

9. 1955 – the rift resulted in theformation of the PPP and PNC(People’s National Congress)as separate political entities.

10. Robert Schomburg

11. The Rt. Reverend RandolphGeorge

12. None other than WilliamPiercy Austin who served asPrimate (1842-1892), thefounder and first Principal ofQueen’s College, Guyana. <

Get Well Soon!Our QCAA TorontoChapter extends itssincere wishes for areturn to good healthto our fellow memberSaville Farley and to alumnus LouisNarain of QC-OSA.

I

MY FIRST DAY ATQUEEN’S COLLEGE

BY ALEC B. FARLEY

QC STAFF (1958)STANDING (L TO R): Messrs. J.A. Rodway, C.I. Trotz, R.D.rock, E.P. Clayton, C.T. Barker, C.I. Drayton, Chunilall, J.N.Chung, R.C.G. Potter, E.R. Burrowes, C.A. Yansen, R.L.Clarke, B.A. Eyre, J.R.Ramsammy, K.A.L. Brown, S.M.D.Insanally, R.E. Jackson, E.A.Wason, R.T. Moore,H.A.Whittaker, M. Delph, M.T. Lowe, M. Grassie, C.E.M.Boland.

SITTING (L to R): Messrs. G.H. Narayan, S.R.R. Alsopp,Miss L. Dolphin, Messrs. H.A.M. Beckles, N.E. Cameron,V.J. Sanger-Davies, E.O. Pilgrim, D. Hetram, Miss A. Akai,Messrs: C.R. Barker, E.W. London.


ife Member of QCAA TorontoChapter Michael Wishartdropped in again last September

to visit and get together with fellowQC alumni and friends in Toronto. Hislast such trip was also in the month ofSeptember 2009.

The guys entertained him at a lunchon Sunday, September 16th which washeld at the Twilight Restaurant inScarborough. With Wishart you knowthere was going to be great cama-raderie and a lot of “ole” talk, and hedid not disappoint with the latter. Hewas ably assisted by his witty andhumorous buddy, former Guyana andWest Indies cricket commentatorFrank Bettencourt. His exchanges and“tan’lize” with Michael provided ahappy atmosphere that made the occa-sion and delicious cuisine even moreenjoyable.

Among the happy group were TO

Chapter’s President, Eden Gajraj,Chapter members Roland Carryl,David Singh, C.O. Perry (COP), JoePermaul, Geoffrey Burrowes, KeithNobrega, Kemahl Khan and youngeralumnus Roger Jeffrey who was taughtat QC by Wishart, friend Brian Sadler(another former Guyana cricket com-mentator) and of course FrankBettencourt. It was regretted that theother alumni and friends who sharedthe 2009 occasion were unable to par-ticipate this time around.

Come September maybe we willsee you again Mike. You are alwayswelcome!

KEMAHL KHANAttended QC 1951-1958Weston “F” House

ANOTHER MICHAEL WISHARTSEPTEMBER VISITBY KEMAHL KHAN

Editor’s Note: Michael Wishart,M.A. (London), attended QC from1952 to 1959, was a member ofAustin “C” House, Prefect in 1958,and Editor of the 1957/58 SchoolMagazine. He also taught at QC.Mike’s visit in 2009 was covered atpage 15 of our January 2010Scribbler which can be accessedusing the “Archives” link on ourwebsite www.qcalumnitoronto.com.He resides in the U.K. <

<< Wishart with QC Alumni and friends

agmANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING

SundayApril 28, 2013

2:00 P.M

VENUE – TO BEANNOUNCED

For information:

www.qcalumnitoronto.com

‘13L


62 years later and counting“Oldies” (from L to R) Sheik M.K. Insanally, Clarence O.Perry, Vivian L. Wong, Mohan Ragbeer, Harold Chan, KenS.Eyre (brother of the late 'Breezy'), Randy Chan, Francis Low-A-Chee, Fred Debidin and Denis Chow Woon, allQC alumni who left in 1950/51 with the exception of Denis, the “younger one” who left in 1961.

eeting with Ken S. Eyre on May 26, 2012 to cel-ebrate his 80th Birthday in Claremont, Ontariowere some of Ken's former classmates from the

" STONE AGE ".So long ago since these guys left Queen's College in

1950/1951!! At that time the College was located at theeastern end of Brickdam in Georgetown.

Capt. Howard Nobbs, MSc.was Headmaster, Miss WanPing was Secretary and Mr. Greene (known as the "DRONE " because he was such a hard worker) was theCustodian with living quarters on the property.

DENIS CHOW WOONAttended Q.C. 1957-1961Pilgrim “E” House

Editor’s Note:Ken Eyre last year donated CAN$1000.00 to QCAAToronto Chapter’s Lynette Dolphin MemorialScholarship Fund. He is an Honourary Life Member ofthe Chapter. The Brickdam School was relocated inSeptember 1951 to Camp Road, Thomas Lands where itis today. <

Golden Oldiesor MOULDY OLDIES

M


ormer QC Master, N.K Robinson,has written a book "Villagers atWar".

This book is an effort to record whatPapua New Guineans knew about WorldWar 11, what they thought about the war,their perceptions of Japanese andAmericans, what they considered theiraccomplishments and what were the sacri-fices they made in the mighty endeavour todefend Australia and to defeat theJapanese.

The territory of Papua New Guinea was a theatre of warfrom 4 January 1942 to 15 August 1945. Australian andAmerican forces finally halted the Japanese advance acrossthe rugged Owen Stanley Mountains. The people of PapuaNew Guinea are referred to in most military histories as‘natives’, ‘villagers’ or ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’. Little atten-tion is paid to their feelings about the war or the impact ofthe war on their lives. The villagers did not keep diaries orjournals, write letters or take photographs. They had littleopportunity to record their thoughts and feelings about theconflict.

The author read official records including ANGAU(Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit) patrol reportsand the War Diary. He interviewed and corresponded withmore than 30 expatriates; including anthropologists, educa-tors, missionaries and Australians who had served as PatrolOfficers or in the Armed Forces. He visited several villages,including the Toaripi area, Hanuabada and Butibam tospeak with villagers. He interviewed about 80 Papua NewGuineans in groups and individually. He wanted those peo-ple who had experienced the harsh reality of war to sharetheir memories. Informants told personal stories and onefable, they sang carriers' songs, they talked about what it

was like to flee their village and live asrefugees. The war allowed Papuans andNew Guineans to really meet for the firsttime. It enabled many people to gain self-confidence, and to see virtue in co-opera-tion with other ethnic groups.‘Villagers at War’ is available online frombarnesandnoble.com, amazon.com andfrom bookshops (via Ingram BookCompany); list price is $39.95 (US), dis-counted prices are from on-line retailers.

About the AuthorNeville Keith Robinson was born during World War II inGeorgetown, Guyana (then British Guiana). He waseducated at Queen's College in Guyana (1949-59,D’Urban “D” House), the University College of theWest Indies, and the Universities of London andPapua New Guinea. After seven years of schoolteaching at Queen's College (1963-70), he moved toPapua New Guinea in 1970. He worked at theEducational Materials Centre at the University ofPapua New Guinea. He taught at the College ofExternal Studies, and then became a lecturer in SocialStudies at Port Moresby Teachers College in 1972. Heserved as a Senior Lecturer, Deputy Principal and thenPrincipal at the Port Moresby In-Service College. Helater worked as the Superintendent of the StaffDevelopment Unit in the Department of Education. Heleft for Ohio, U.S.A. in 1993. He worked as a teacherof English as a Second Language to immigrants to theU.S.A. and as a GED teacher to American adults whohad not completed their high school education. Heretired in 2011 and lives in Ohio. <

F

hen last we met as a QC Alumni body in October/November 2009 inGeorgetown, one of the things we solemnly agreed to was to institution-alize such a gathering every five years, and that our next convocation of

alumni /ae would be in 2014, again in Georgetown. If we stick to that pledge, aswe should, our new next General Assembly should be in summer or autumn ofnext year, a time possibly just before or after August 5th, when our Alma Materturns a ripe 170 years old. If perhaps there were ever a time that our school need-ed to reconvene and deliberate it would indeed be next year. For all sorts of rea-sons, we need to meet, inter alia, to take stock and chart a new and decisive, strate-gic course for our great institution. Recent troubling events and episodes makesuch a convocation an unquestionable imperative. The very survival of our schooland its glorious traditions have never been so much under threat and at stake astoday, and will probably be even more so by next year. So we must intervene pur-posefully and decisively over the next year and half, and beyond.

So what would this entail? In my view, nothing short of our immediate embarkation on a serious and structured planningprocess, to assure we have a productive and meaningfully successful event, centered around a few core and robust objec-tives. Having been relatively involved in a number of the earlier recent Reunions (1989,1994, 2000, 2009, etc.), I am per-sonally acutely aware as to why this solid planning is key and how critical it is for our mother Chapter in Guyana (QC-OSA ) and all international Chapters, as well as ICQC, to soonest quickly swing into full, coordinated and inclusive action.

In this context, some initiating thoughts and suggestions around which we might converge in Georgetown in 2014.

1. Deliberation and finalization of a medium and long term Strategic Plan for our School (say 2014 to 2024 or 2034):What we need to have here would be definition of a clear medium (five year or so) and longer term (10-20 year) StrategicFramework for the school, with consideration to the challenges that exist in Guyana today and almost certainly in the fore-seeable medium/longer term. We need to start work on this now; to set out an initial framework, perhaps with specialistconsulting assistance, to progress the debate among Chapters in coming months; and to go to Georgetown with a robustdocument that would then form the basis of intensive discussions with all QC stakeholders (school management, adminis-tration, alumni chapters, Ministry of Education etc).

Expected Key Output from the Reunion: Adoption of a firm plan of action that would define our key medium and longterm objectives, desired outcomes, at least preliminary financing plans, with some firm delivery milestones for implemen-tation, including which Chapter/Group does what going forward from the Reunion. This is core.

2. Discussion and consensus on a new common Charter of Engagement and Support for QC Alumni Associationsgoing forward: Times have changed dramatically not only in Guyana but globally, since the structuring of our existingAlumni Associations firmed up some thirty years ago. Almost all of our existing Chapter charters see our AlumniAssociation roles narrowly in terms of support to QC itself and with little spin off to wider Guyana or virtually no engage-ment of our Chapters as "global public goods", going beyond those narrow confines. But as many alumni have come toincreasingly recognize over the years, and have pleaded and articulated with vehemence in some cases, these are probablynow archaic operating structures, relatively unresponsive to the environmental realities of today and the future. We there-fore need to rethink, refurbish, modernize and recast our mandates and scope, to better respond to broader needs and con-tributions that our Associations and membership are uniquely capable of providing .So we need a seed paper on this, to be


QC Alumni Reunion2014Why of Importance to Us All?

BY LAURENCE CLARKE

aa

W


prepared and discussed in coming months and for a draft blue print to be taken to Georgetown, and thoroughly discussedwithin our General Assembly.

Expected Key Output: Adoption by consensus of the broad elements of a new Operating and Strategic Charter for ourAlumni Associations and by implication ICQC itself, subordinate to and reflecting the broad medium and longer termStrategic Plan as defined in 1 above. This is critical.

3. Consideration and consensus on how best to deepen the preservation of the tradition and legacy of our School:QC stands tall among Caribbean institutions of knowledge, its contributions to all facets of life in Guyana and wider areperhaps second to none. Yet among its peers globally our school's institutional memory is worrisomely limited and non-existent in many areas, and has not been systematically harnessed and stored for future generations. Our heroes, those whohave passed on and those still with us, are not organically and systematically recognized and immortalized, where neces-sary. While some progress has been made in capturing on record some of our marvelous history since 1844, we need tokeep this process dynamic and current, with the superb aid of today's global technology. Without this, our ability to sustainour pride of place as an institution of excellence, for generations to come, is severely compromised. We thus need a deep,unemotional and thoughtful debate before we get to Georgetown on this, around a draft common framework.

Expected Key Output: Broad and solid consensus on practical ways of deepening and preserving our historical recordsand the living memories of those who have made major contributions to and from our school over the years, launchingand dedicating any key aspects in this regard while we are in Georgetown 2014.

4. Definition, agreement and delivery of a firm program of pedagogy, monitoring, outreach and community serviceduring the Reunion and where possible beyond that: While we must certainly have fun in Guyana, an important furtherarea of engagement would be to systematically program a serious “on the ground” effort in mentoring and coaching - firstour own current QC students; second, for a number of other secondary schools and even the University of Guyana; andthird, launching a few conspicuous and effective events of community service. This can be spread across the Reunion onsay two to three dedicated days out of our expected 7 to 8 days in GT. As alumni/ae we have tons to offer in the field ofeducation, sciences and technology, medicine, legal profession, banking and finance etc, and it would be major boost toour image as the premier school if we could generously give back while down there in Guyana, not only to our Alma Materbut also to our wider Guyanese society

Expected Key Output: Fanning out in groups across the country as is practicable over two to three full days, delivery of arobust program of voluntary instruction in some or all of the fields indicated above, providing inter alia, guidance andadvice on careers, and undertaking a few big visible community service projects.

NEXT SUGGESTED STEPS

That QC-OSA , and each of our the International Alumni Associations meet in their respective cells in the coming monthor two, consider this broadly initiating and indicative suggested agenda. Refine and build on it. Then take whatever wecome out with as consensus at the respective levels to a dedicated ICQC Reunion Planning Meeting, together with hostQC-OSA , say by end of May/early June this year latest .This should then be followed by a clear allocation of implemen-tation responsibilities to each Chapter as to whom will lead which area, in the context of the overall programming toReunion 2014. A key and early consensus decision would need to be arrived at, as to which month in 2014, July-Novembersay, would be best for our convocation, having regard to ensuring adequate international alumni participation and catchingour schools in Guyana still open, and not on holidays.

So let's get rolling alumni/ae with 500 plus participating alumni/ae in GT and with more than half alumnae?? Surely thisis doable!

LAURENCE CLARKE (Austin “C” House, 1962-69) <

he 2004 Scribbler provided a write-up on the excellent work that was done by QCAA Toronto member, ConradGriffith, in acquiring and installing the Public Address system that is still in use at the school today. Seehttp://www.qcalumnitoronto.com/archives/scribblerfall2004.pdf.

Conrad has had some health challenges recently but heremains one of our strongest supporters. His contributionsand continued involvement have brought credit and recogni-tion to our work.

This time around, we provide a peek into the otheraspects of the life and experiences of this dedicated, multi-talented, and service-oriented alumnus.

VICTOR R. MOSES <


AnothersideofConradGriffith

Conrad won the 1965 Easter Monday “Mr. Muscle Beach”competition at Fort Groyne, Guyana.

Conrad in the middle - Lead Vocalist for Calypso-orientedgroup “Togetherness”.

T

lumna Maya Trotz (1983-90,Nobbs “L” House) - anAssociate Professor of Civil

and Environmental Engineering at theUniversity of South Florida - is cur-rently on a 1-year sabbatical sitting onthe Governing council of theBarbados-based Caribbean ScienceFoundation (CSF). She is assisting theCSF to develop programs that will pos-itively contribute to the region’s abilityto better prepare a 21st century work-force that takes advantage of Science,Technology, Engineering andMathematics (STEM). CSF believes“that innovation in science and tech-nology must play a critical role in over-coming the challenges to building suc-cessful sustainable communities”.

To meet the above-mentioned chal-lenges, secondary school students fromseveral Caribbean countries were“encouraged to identify a challengefacing their respective school or schoolof choice, and using STEM, developeffective, innovative and sustainablesolutions to the challenge identified.These solutions will form the basis ofthe school’s entry to a Competition.Entries will first be evaluated andjudged at the national level in each ofthe Challenge Countries, with the win-ning school in each country moving onto the final competition in Barbadoswhere regional winners will be select-ed. Representatives of national schoolwinners and their respective teacherswill also participate in a 7 day allexpenses STEM Ambassador Programto Florida.”

The Caribbean Science Foundation(CSF), Sagicor Life Inc., and theCaribbean Examinations Council(CXC) are partnering to manage this“Young Visionaries” program. Thereabout 20 schools from Guyana partici-pating in the program and Queen’sCollege has submitted 3 projects forthis competition. Members of the pub-lic were encouraged to vote on theprojects from February 26 – March 11,2013.

Below is a photo of one of the QCteams, a brief from QC student and aproject team leader, Lawrence Faria,and a full description of the 3 QC proj-ects. The names of the QC team mem-bers and their age in parentheses areincluded at the top of each projectdescription.

VICTOR R. MOSES

We are a group of ten 11th grade stu-dents of Queen's College between theages 15 and 16. We aim to further ourstudies in the fields of Biology,Business, Technology, Physics,Medicine, Engineering andEnvironmental Science to help developour immediate communities, and soonthe world, with an environmentalfriendly image in mind.

......The Sagicor Young VisionariesChallenge has afforded us what webelieve is a superb opportunity and weare very optimistic about our project’sfuture. We have been given this chanceto allow the seed of an idea to blossominto a landmark in the history of anenvironmentally friendly Caribbean.What better way to build such a cruciallandmark than to have the Queen’sCollege at its foundations?

LAWRENCE FARIATeam Lead (Methane Omnia:Powering a Paperless Future)


A

SAGICORVISIONARIESCHALLENGE

QC STUDENTS RISE TO THE CHALLENGETO BUILD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

A QC Project Team: L to R Back – S. Hestick, S. Raghuraj, C. Ramdayal, A.Jairam, S. KhanL to R Front – L. Faria, S. Rampertab, C. Cox, N. Elliot, R. Sawh

Maya Trotz

aa


Project #1 - Methane Omnia: Powering a Paperless Future

Lawrence Faria (16), Akash Jairam (15), Cecil Cox (16),Crystal Ramdayal, Nicholas Elliot (16), Rejean Sawh (16),Sadique Raghuraj (16), Shaphan Hestick (16), ShahrazaadKhan (15) and Shane Kapil Rampertab (15)

Global warming poses a threat to the entire world today.No matter how minuscule our country’s carbon footprint is,it is not ignorable. Reducing the world’s carbon footprint isthe ultimate objective and even the smallest of changes canmake large differences. To achieve this ultimate goal, wewould like to start on one of the smallest of levels; at school.

Reduction of excess waste generated by the school is thefirst step. Litter and garbage is plague infesting schools inthe entire Caribbean and we are no exception. This, alongwith our school's excessive use of paper, inefficient recordkeeping, document management and reporting systems arethe major problems we face. We will rectify this. We pro-pose a garbage collection and sorting system which will bevery efficient in the accumulation of raw biological wastematerial to be used in the bio-digester. This over time willproduce methane: a clean burning, potent fuel to be used inthe generation of electricity, which in future will power theschool’s computer systems. By doing this, we yearn for apaperless school’s reporting and document managementsystem, reducing school administrative costs as well asimproving reporting and record keeping efficiency. UtilizingScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, we willengineer a bright, technologically advanced, paperlessfuture powered by bio-gas which will further contribute tothe development of a greener, sustainable Caribbean econo-my with a plan that can be easily adopted by otherCaribbean schools.

Project #2The Electric Tower

Keron Ali (14), Joash Gobin (14), Ronaldo Griffith (15),Stephon Phillips (15), Marcel Sarju (15), RavindraRackyoo (15), Johnathon Gobin (14), Ashley Anthony(14).

Queen’s College depends heavily on Guyana`s nationalpower grid. Hence we are forced to incur high utility billswhich are a very difficult to pay considering that the gener-al upkeep of the school coupled with other calendar activi-ties are very expensive. Also the power can be unreliableand power outages are frequent and can cause damage tocomputers and other electrical appliances.

We intend to design an alternative power source to erad-icate these challenges by using wind power which is ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘inexpensive’ to generate. This device willconsist of two turbines, one of which will be dome shaped.These turbines will facilitate the harnessing of random air

currents which we will utilize to produce clean and safeelectricity. This is generated by the movement of a polewhich possesses pairs of magnets in alternating pole posi-tions (North—South, South—north etc.) connected to theregular internal turbine.

As the turbines rotate, the pole does and so the magnetswhich influence electron flow (electricity) in a metal cylin-der covered over by copper wires which transmit it throughan insulated cover into power lines.

The excess energy for the school and will be exploitedfor businesses with the community and transactions record-ed and totals, calculated .And some of this energy will alsobe utilized for the electrolysis of solar distilled rain water tofacilitate for fuel cells to provide energy for when the windis nonexistent and as well use the output for domestic pur-poses. All these functions are computer controlled.

Project #3 - Operation Oil Drive

Craig Campbell (15), Nathifa Williams (15), Keziah Ali(15), Larissa Wiltshire (14), Rejan Mckay (15), BlianeRamahlo (16), Cuddy Holder (15)

Guyana suffers from occasional power outages. Whenthese power outages occur my school, Queen’s College isleft without electricity needed to power various pieces ofequipment that are fundamental in helping students obtaintheir educational goals. We envision using waste oil fromnearby fast food establishments and converting that oil intobiofuel to power a generator to act as a reserve power sup-ply for our school or possibly to power our library

Surveys and interviews were conducted to gauge thelevel of interest displayed for this project. Students, mem-bers of the PTA and senior staff members of “fast food”establishments were interviewed and feedback has beenpositive. Two of the major restaurants have already beenapproached and pledged their support to the initiative thatseeks to play a part in the environmental “revolution” ofQueen’s College. Students have responded favourably andthe vice president of the PTA has expressed her support forthe project.

Our idea incorporates various aspects of S.T.E.M specif-ically Science and Engineering. Oil contains triglyceridewhich is composed of glycerin and three fatty acids.Science, in particular a working and applicable knowledgeof Chemistry is needed to separate the components of thiscompound. This process requires chemical engineering andthe filtering of the oil and matters involving the bio-fueledgenerator involve engineering.

In conclusion we would like to assert our belief that ouridea is quite practical and serves as an eco-friendly way ofproviding an alternative energy supply to our school <


As you can see, it was not all business at last year’s Annual General Meeting - From Left: Kam Insanally, MohanRagbeer and Rudi Gafur.

The Scribbler – March 2013 Edition

The ScribblerOfficial Publication of the Queen’s College Alumni

Association (Toronto)

P.O. Box 312West Hill, ON M1E 4R8

Canada

QCAA (Toronto) 2012/13 EXECUTIVESTANDING FROM LEFT: Ronald Wharton, Ric McRae, Saville Farley, Victor Moses, Gerald Alleyne, Stephen RogersSEATED FROM LEFT: Audrick Chung, Syed Rayman, Eden Gajraj, Claude Ho, Kemahl Khan, Vivian Wong.

REMEMBERING LAURIE LEWIS - Queen's College, …March 2013 THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OF GUYANA ALUMNI...

Documents

Transcript of REMEMBERING LAURIE LEWIS - Queen's College, …March 2013 THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OF GUYANA ALUMNI...