Nov..20 Vol 2 BETTER DAYS NEW YORK · 2012-11-11 · Nov..20 2012 Vol 2 Issue 11 Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc.on-line Magazine BETTER DAYS NEW YORK THE POPPY IS A SYMBOL

Nov..202012Vol 2Issue 11

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

BETTER DAYS NEW YORK

THE POPPY IS A SYMBOL

OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE

WHO SERVED IN PAST WARS.

LET US REMEMBER THE

LIVES LOST AND THOSE

WHO HAVE HAD

PROPERTY DESTROYED

AS A RESULT OF

HURRICANE SANDY.

WE STAND WITH YOU!

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


IN THIS ISSUEPAGE 3: Happy DivaliPAGE 4: Meaning of DiyasPAGE 6: Happy ThanksgivingPAGE 7: Good Ol’ DaysPAGE 8-10: Guyanese, Caribbeans & stormPAGE -11: In Memory of Indranie ShahPAGE 12-13: Colonel Brian ChinPAGE 14: GCA Christmas GiftsPAGE 15: Ivan Lancaster turns 100PAGE 16-17: A Word with MarcPAGE 18-19: Vote Trevin Hunte-”The Voice”PAGE 20-22: Cuffy, Face of a RebellionPAGE 23-24: Victoria Village anniversaryPAGE -25: Halder’s “Cat of Muritaro” launchPAGE 26-30: GCA Symposium ProgramPAGE 32: Claire Goring’s new line of cards

Juliet Emanuel - Editor

Cover Design - Claire GoringCopy Editors-

Edgar Henry & Lear Matthews

Layout and Design by Claire A. Goring & Ashton Franklin

Contributors:Juliet Emanuel, Edgar Henry,Carl Hazlewood, Kate Crossley

Vibert Cambridge Lear Matthews, Muriel Glasgow,

Vidur Dindayal,Michelle GonsalvesPat Jordon-Lnagford

Derry Etkins, ShaundellPhillips, Paloma Mohamed

PhotographsAmanda Richards

Photo by: Jeff Riedel/NBCJeff Dormeus

AcknowlegementShri Prakash Gossai Jai Shree Ram

Wetpaint EntertainmentJonathan Watts, Latin Americacorrespondent guardian.co.uk

GCA Media TeamAve Brewster-Haynes (Chairperson), Juliet Emanuel, Edgar Henry,Lear Matthews, Claire A. Goring,Muriel Glasgow, Ashton Franklin,

Margaret Lawrence, Francis Quamina Farrier.

Please join our Facebook group, Website: www.guyfolkfest.org

GCA Secretariat1368 E.89 Street, Suite 2Brooklyn, NY 11236Tel: 718 209 5207

2 Welcome to the November

Online Magazine.

OUR LIVES, OUR CULTUREEach month as the committee membersof the Media Board for what hasbecome one of its more visible writtenoutputs, the online magazine of GuyanaCultural Association of New York, Inc.,focus on the possible content of thespecific issue, ideas jostle one anotherwith a vibrancy that exhilarates thegroup and urges everyone on to higherground.

Generally the theme centers in com-monly known acknowledgments forthat month. November representsThanksgiving for many living in NorthAmerica. This Thanksgiving reminds usof the fragility and puniness of humans.This Thanksgiving reminds us that all ofour plans may be expressed simply as,Man Proposes and God Disposes.

Hurricane Sandy has left many of us livingin the North Eastern part of the UnitedStates shell shocked. We have tried topull our lives together in the aftermathof what is being termed, the perfectstorm. And just when we thought wecould draw a breath, a nor'easterreminded us that Nature is the forceagainst which we may only try to pro-tect our selves.

As you read this month's issue, I hopethat you will see therein evidence ofthe determination and perseverance ofthe human spirit. Aspects of our cul-tures sharing common threads shine.

Battered and bruised we still embracelight, we still open our arms to thosewho need our material help and oursolace and we still move resolutely for-ward.

In this month in 1863, Abraham Lincolnreminded the people of the UnitedStates of the sacrifices of which we areall capable even as we ourselves recog-nize our individual limitations. You willsee this in the photos of

destruction coupled with the tablesladen with food and in the photos ofthe donations by Stop & ShopSupermarket.

Even as GCA members and friendsstruggled with their own losses, theSteering Committee for The GCA FamilyAdvocacy Group met at FlatlandsReformed Church and plans for theTenth Annual Symposium and the workof the organization continued.

The authors in this issue celebrate andpay homage to teachers; film historians;the protectors of our freedom and ourfaiths; our musicians and singers; ourdancers; our poets, prose writers anddramatists.

Our lives, our culture(s) -- the tenacityof the human spirit!

Masquerade Lives!

Juliet EmanuelNovember Editor.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Wishing you a happy Divali glowing with peace, joy and prosperity!

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Happy DivaliMay the beauty of the

Divali season

fill your home with Happiness.

Divali or Deepavali, is a Sanskrit wordcoined from two other words-deep-which means lamp or light, awali-

which means a row. Hence Divali means a"row of lights".

Regardless of origin and local interpretations,Divali is a day of fun, festivity and joy for people ofall walks of life. Preparations begin weeks beforethe day itself. Cleaning and decorating are activitiescommon to all. Family members get involved inprojects to create newness in the home. In theevening special poojas-prayers are done and thenhundreds and thousands of Diyas are lit. The dark-ness of the night disappears to usher in light thatwill stay forever.

Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to the god-dess, while gifts are exchanged and festive mealsare prepared to celebrate this happy occasion.

In the Hindu culture the deepaksmade of clayhave special significance, as they are preferred inall the holy rituals and worship of Gods and God-desses. Lighting a deep before the Gods and God-desses is a custom but these deeps are also usedfor lighting entire homes and premises during allthe five days of the Divali festival. The deeps arefilled with ghee or oil, which work as fuel for itand a wick, usually made of cotton, is adjusted inthe diya.

Lamp or “Deep” is the symbol of knowledge. Light-ing the lamp of knowledge within us means tounderstand and reflect upon the significant pur-pose of each of the five days of Divali festivitiesand to bring those thoughts in to our day to daylives.

The “Diya” apparatus itself teaches a great lesson tothe aspirant. The symbolism is most profound.

The vessel (Diya) is compared to the “Body”reminding us of the basic five elements making upour physical form: Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Air.The Ghee in the vessel is the “Mind”.The Flame(Brightness) represents our spiritual conscious-ness. The brightness of the flame obviouslydepends on the purity of the Ghee.

The purer the Mind, the more spiritually con-scious we become; this is Divya Drishti.

We should not look at the Diya simply as only asource of light, but as a constant reminder of aprocess to purify our thoughts. Pure thoughts,pure words, exemplary behavior.

The festival is also called Deepavali or Diwaliwhich encompasses “divya” meaning divine, spiri-tual or inner light, indicating that Diwali is not onlya festival of lights but it signifies the SupremeLight, Param Jyoti, illumination of pure conscious-ness, the Atman.

Divali falls on the last day of the dark half of themonth Kartika (Oct-Nov).

MEANING & SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DIYA

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

LIGHT IS A GIFT FROM GOD AND A SYMBOL OF WHAT IS POSITIVE IN OUR WORLD

DIVALI GREETINGS TO ALL GUYANESE

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DIVALI/DEEPAVALI GREETINGS 2012

Deepavali LightsIt is through the light that the beauty of this world is revealed or experienced.

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THANKS FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS!

L-R: Lester Rollie, Rev. Dan Ramm, Edgar Henry, Stop n Shop Manager Joe Kilcoyne, volunteers andchefs Mavis Philips, Iris Edinboro and Sharon Mc Donald

Flatbush BID Giving Back To The CommunityEvery Thanksgiving Day for over twenty years, the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District(BID) sponsored a dinner for the poor and homeless at the Flatbush Avenue Dutch Reformed Churchat the Corner of Flatbush and Church Avenues. This is done in conjunction with the management andstaff of the Dutch Reformed church headed by Rev. Dan Ramm. This year the Stop and Shop supermarketon Tilden Avenue provided all the turkeys for the dinner. The Flatbush Avenue BID would like to thank

all the volunteers and the officers of the 70th Precinct for their invaluable contribution.


7

The response to this topic was over-whelming so we share more of ourreaders’ thoughts about teachers

who influenced their life. Let us set thestage by “reaching back” to schooldaysattributes and parlance within the nexusof what now appears to be the idyllicschool environment of yesteryear.

Blackboard and easel, eraser; fountain pen and inkwell;blotting paper; slate, slate pencil, lead pencil; exercisebook (times tables on back cover); ruler; wild cane;“licks”; boys getting benched; Sums; Latin; NurseryRhyme; Shilling Arithmetic, Royal Reader, Students’Companion, Spell Well, Caribbean Reader; Li’l ABC, BigABC; Fist standard; “Recreashun”; School bell, School call-in, School over; Class Stand! Hands out! In! Up! Down!Sit!; “line up”; Lass lick; Pupil Teacher; Common Entrance;Scholarship Class; CP; “School Leavin”; GC; SeniorCambridge; Lessons (after school); School Sports; “Late-fo-school”; Rounders; HOP scotch; Miss or Sir; WoodworkClass; Sewing Class; Gardening; Home Economics; Shorthand and typing lessons; debating society; bottom-houseschool.

Nostalgic schooldays parlance: Ah skip second standard;He fail; He is a dunce; She was a good “prefect”; He is abright-boy; She pass with “distingshun”; He get ten sub-jects; STUDY YUH BOOK and LEARN YUH TABLES , Ahget a duck-egg; She used to ride a “preggy” to school, butHe had a “constance bike”; Ah used to wear yattin bootsand shart pants to school; De spectacles mek he look likea real teachuh boy; Duh teacher used to give hard“Dictatshun” and Mental, pun tap a duh, he does beatbad; Ah wan “skulk” from school today; Town boy; Dem‘country children’ bright; He forget he food “cyarrier” onde train; Ah bring fuss; He bring lass; He fail de exam; Shepass with ‘flying colors’; wuh space yo bring? Alvin’sbook got “daug ears”; Ah give he “adge” and ah still beathe; You bin to school in August or what?

Janice A: My favorite teacher, Ms. Bostwick is still aliveand in good health: She lives in the US, and we chat onthe phone during the holidays. A close second would beMs. Molly Hunte. She was a most happy teacher. She gaveus match sticks to form shapes and we had play dough

(plasticine in those days). I do not know whatever hap-pened to her . As we used to say in those days “she wentaway”. Other teachers were Mr. Donald Locke, who laterbecame a famous Caribbean artist, Miss Sheila Fraser, Mr.Griffith, Mr. Randolph Nicholson, Mr. Roberts, Mrs. Davis,Mrs. Hintzen, Ms. Agnes Jones, Ms. Magda Pollard, and Ms.Too Chung who taught sewing and embroidery. Sheused to take a few of us during Christmas to Water Streetin her car and bought little tokens for us. It was wonder-ful. She rode her bicycle and wore a straw hat. Ah,school days! Happy days!

Keith C: Mr. Albert Cole, Tutorial High School: At a timewhen formal guidance counseling was non-existent inhigh schools in Guyana, an in-class discussion on careerchoices and plans by Mr. Albert, my former Math teacher,has left an indelible mark on my memory. That informaltalk was a life altering experience. For many of us whohad taken GCE “O” levels and were awaiting results, ourhigh school days were coming to an end. With job choic-es limited in post independence Guyana, questions pro-liferated. What would we do after high school? Couldwe seek jobs? Where? Whom could we approach for jobadvice? When Mr. Albert walked into our “P” form class-room, he told us that we would not be doing any Maththat morning. Rather, he would speak to us about careerplanning. As intelligent and precocious 16 year olds(ours was the class with the young ‘bright heads’), wewere mesmerized by Mr. Albert, a young student teacherback at his alma mater, described various career choices,their requirements and rewards.

In retrospect, many of us expected that our exam resultswould allow us “to get a good job” in the civil service ormushrooming state corporations, as was typical of thatperiod. Therefore, the notion of post-high schooladvanced study to become a member of one of manyprofessions that he described really resonated with mostof us, children of low-income families. Mr. Albert’s forayinto guidance counseling made a substantial differenceto 26 young minds that day. His message served as a clar-ion call to “use our abilities to expand our capacities”. Ileft my class that day resolute and even more determinedto become the accountant of my childhood aspirations.

To be continued…

REACHING BACK

BACK TO SCHOOL

Reminiscing about the “Good Ol’ Days”

Lear Matthews

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HOMES FLOODED,BURNT,CARS SUBMERGED,

FURNITURE, CLOTHINGDESTROYED,

WIDESPREAD BLACK OUT, NO HEAT, NO GAS

NO PHONES

Pictures by Greg Richards

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION NY,SESAME FLYERS, CARIBBEAN CULTURALTHEATRE AND QUAKE WITH THE SUPPORT OF CARIBBEAN CONSULSGENERALS, LOCAL RESTAURANTS:FOOTPRINTS, DELICOUS CARIBBEANRESTAURANT, STEPH BAKERY &RESTAURANT, TOWER ISLES PATTIES,VARIOUS GRENADIAN & BARBADIANRESTAURANTS, PROVIDED ASSISTANCETO CANARSIE RESIDENTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE SANDY

GUYANESE & CARIBBEANCULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS TO THE RESCUE OF RESIDENTS IN HURRICANE SANDYDEVASTATEDAREAS OFCANARSIE & FAR ROCKAWAY

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GUYANESE & CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE SANDY

Caribbean Consuls Generals walked the streets ofCanarsie to speak to residents and offer supportto those affected by Hurricane Sandy. As a result,

an 82 years old mother caring for her fifty year old twindaughters suffering from MS was provided with beds andwheel chairs from the MS Society.

Community Activist Maxine Alexander who spearheadedthe drive was loud in her praise of Grenada ConsulGeneral Mr. Derrick Adams, Chair of the Consular CorpHerman Lamont (Jamaica), and Barbados ConsulGeneral Mr. Lennox Price who joined the CaribbeanCultural community to provide resources and hot mealsto families in Canarsie.

Thanks also to E.Wayne McDonald of CaribbeanCultural Theater, Curtis Nelson and team from SesameFlyers, Sharon Laude of Quake; Claire Goring, RoseOctober-Edun and Claire Patterson-Monah of the GuyanaCultural Association of New York, Maurice Brown,interns Alicia, Chyna, Omari and Amber, other membersof the Caribbean community who provided hotCaribbean meals,. Thanks also to Council MemberJumaane Williams, Assemblyman Nick Perry, SenatorJohn Sampson and Matt and friends from Maine and allothers who provided clothes, blankets, canned goods andother items. Guyanese are noted for their hospitability, kindness

and resolve. Last Sunday, November 11th, it was evi-dent when dozens of a diverse, multi religious, and

multicultural group of Guyanese volunteers gathered forthe second time in the Rockaway disaster area with thesingle purpose to help their "Brothers and Sisters" whoneeded assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Driving through the area it was very hard to hold backthe tears. Your own troubles seem so insignificant whenfaced with all the devastation and displacement of families,the hopelessness and uncertainty of their future.

.Canned Food, Water, Blankets, Comforters, Coats, andcooked meals were given out. Ambassador Bayney Karranjourneyed from Washington to have a first hand view ofthe Disaster area and lend a hand. The Guyana ConsulGeneral Brentnold Evans,Quens Senator James Sanders,Pat Jordon-Langford and members of The Guyana Tri- StateAlliance, Inc , representatives from Mandirs, Mosques,Churches , including the Shri Trimurti Bhavan Mandir,Herman Singh, Dr. DhanPaul Naraine, Yvonne Marcus, anda host of Guyanese rose to the occasion and came togeth-er,, even in the cold, with the single purpose of assistingwith true Guyanese warmth and generosity.

AMBASSADOR BAYNEY KARRAN, GUYANA CONSUL GENERAL BRENTNOLD EVANS, SENATORJAMES SANDERS, GUYANESE RELIGIOUS ANDCIVIC ORGANIZATIONS GIVE SUPPORT TO FAR ROCKAWAY RESIDENTS

Pat Jordon-Langford

10GUYANESE & CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE SANDY


Atleast 69 people died in six countries, with Haiti thehardest hit. As the United States braced for hurricaneSandy, the Caribbean nations that had already faced its

fury were burying the dead, finding shelter for the homelessand counting the economic cost of the fiercest winds and rain

that many have seen in a decade.At least 69 people died in six countries as Sandy ripped itsway northwards with gusts in excess of 110mph and down-pours that engulfed homes, crops and roads.Hardest hit was Haiti. Although not directly in the path of thehurricane, the poorest nation in the Americas has confirmed52 dead and at least a dozen more missing as flimsy buildingswere engulfed in mudslides or swept out to sea by flood tides.Cuba is also picking up the pieces after extensive loss of lifeand economic impacts. The Communist party newspaperGranma reported 11 dead and damage to 137,000 homes. Itsaid recovery would take years.The greatest devastation appears to be in Santiago, whereschools, hospitals, homes and churches were damaged. In thecity, the stained glass windows of the cathedral were shat-tered, the zinc roofs of shanty town communities were seenfloating away and many areas are still without power and run-ning water on. In the fields, between a fifth and a third ofCuba's coffee crop has been decimated at a time that ought tobe the peak of the harvest season.Smaller scale fatalities and damage were also reported inJamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and theBahamas, where sea waters surged over coastal barriers to del-uge roads and buildings.Venezuela has been among the first to respond to the calls forassistance, providing food, drinking water and equipment toHaiti and Cuba.

SANDY ALSOSTRUCK CUBA,JAMAICA, HAITI AND THE DOMINICANREPUBLIC


11IN LOVING MEMORY OF GCA HONOREE

Let us remember a lit-tle girl coming fromGordon Street Kitty

who discovered dancingat the Indian CulturalCentre as a student of ShriPratap Pawar.�Indranie, as a beautifulteenager, gave her firstperformance at theDeepavali Jalsa.�Now, 37years after, the dancingcommunities of Guyanaand Sweden where sheresided have recently lostone of its brightest stars as Indranie Shah Lennartson leftus at only 50 years old.�Indranie, the Indranie of theNadira and Indranie Shah Dance troupe performed inGuyana for the last time at the 32nd edition of Nrityageet,last year. The annual dance production, which takes itsname from a word that means pure song and dance, is theoffspring of the troupe, and has become an Arrival Daytradition that is enjoyed by people of varying culturesand ethnic backgrounds.�About a year after Indranie madeher debut, renowned Kathak dancer Pandit Durgalallarrived in Guyana in 1976 and was part of a growingawareness for Indian heritage and culture in the field ofthe performing arts. This was later reinforced by PanditCharan Girdhar Chand. An eager student, Indranie says“Under their expert training and guidance, I gainedinvaluable experience which laid the foundation of oursubsequent contribution to the cultural mosaic ofGuyana”.

Certificates of Excellence at Guyana Festival of Arts(Guyfesta) 1977 and 1980, coupled with numerous repre-sentations for the Indian Cultural Centre and the GuyanaDepartment of Culture, heralded the advent of Nrityageetdance production with her sister Nadira.�In their first pro-duction they included a major dance feature calledDasavatar – the ten incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. Amajor hurdle was yet to be overcome though; it was verydifficult to get people to support two teenage girls. Theygot their share of boycotts from established organizationswho thought that it was a “pie in the sky” dream whenthe girls explained that Nrityageet would be an annualproduction. Not easily deterred, however, the girls pressedon and the first Nrityageet was a success. By the secondyear, the production had reached the stage of the NationalCultural Centre.�Performing in New Delhi, New York,Virginia, Sweden, and representing Guyana at Carifesta1981 in Barbados and the World Trade Fairs – Expo 1998

in Portugal and Expo 2000 in Germany, and having herSwedish group perform Rajasthani folk dance for QueenSilvia of Sweden at the Conference "New in Sweden" heldin Umea, are among Indranie’s international perfor-mances. One of her fondest memories is a performancewith India’s famous Pt. Charan Girdhar Chand, in a littletown far away from the bright city lights of India, inJodhpur, Rajasthan�In 1984, Indranie was awarded anIndian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarshipto further her studies in Dance in New Delhi, India. Sheattended the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra from April1985 to December 1987 and was fortunate to have theyoung and innovative Vasvati Misra as her teacher andmentor.�Indranie was fascinated by the use of colours inthe local clothing as well as other facets of society there.The buildings, the market places, the spices and flowers –all made an indelible impression on her. Experiences suchas these helped to form and influence her as a dancer andchoreographer. “While in India, I not only receiveddance instructions in the style of the famous BirjuMaharaj, but was able to travel around the countrysideabsorbing the vast multi-cultural experiences. Nadira,Mom, and I eventually learnt so much more about ourcultures, our ancestry, authentic costuming for particulardance styles, dance genres, music type and so much,much more".�Indranie recalled one particular experiencein Rajasthan. “We were visiting a temple complex outsidethe city of Jaipur. I went off on my own to one of thesmaller courtyard temples and sat all by myself. It wasso peaceful and for a few magical moments I felt asense of belonging, that it was all I ever knew, all mylife.”�Her Sweden chapter began in 1988, as love ledIndranie to Sweden where she married AndersLennartson. Now a wife and mother to two children pro-duced by the union, Indranie continued to promote hercultural heritage through performing, teaching, work-shops and cultural exhibitions that showcased Guyanaand its diverse culture in Sweden and in other parts ofthe world. Indranie Shah had lived for a long time inSweden, but she maintained contact through the troupeand Nrityageet.�Indranie spoke English and Swedish flu-ently and studied multiple languages including French,Spanish and Hindi. She completed her Master’s Degree atthe University of Umeå, Sweden and at the time of herdeath was completing her Doctorate. Her dissertation wasbased on the retention of Indian languages in the currentGuyanese English language.

Indranie Shah LennartsonTHE PASSING OF A “LIGHT” IN GUYANA’S CULTURAL MOSAIC

Michelle Gonsalves


12 A SALUTE TO OUR MILITARY: CONGRATULATIONS TO

AN OUTSTANDING SON OF GUYANA

COLONEL

RECIPIENT OF THEBRONZE STAR MEDAL

Brian A. ChinBrian A. Chin


13

Colonel Brian Chin, USMC, is a twenty-six-year veter-an of the US Marines, with both active and reserveservice. He served as an artillery officer, with addi-

tional specialties as Latin American Foreign Area Officerand Civil Affairs Officer. He has extensive experience,serving in the counter-narco-terrorism (CNT) field inSouth America and the Caribbean. He is a recipient of theUS Defense Meritorious Service medal for combat opera-tions in Iraq, and the Bronze Star Medal for Afghanistan.His other awards include commendations from both theUS Coast Guard and the Marines for participation in a US-sponsored Riverine Operations Seminar to the GuyanaDefense Force.

Brian’s military career includes service in Korea andJapan He was the first US military officer assigned toserve as a liaison to the command element of the post-Sandinista Nicaraguan military. He also served in Peru,Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico, where he advised localsecurity forces to combat the drug trade. In Iraq he wasresponsible for escorting the currency shipments for theCentral Bank of Iraq. In Afgnaistan he served as theDirector of Police Training Support, for NATO’s mission totrain the new Afghan National Police Force.

His civilian career includes service as the general manag-er of Securicor Guyana Incorporated, a security servicescompany jointly owned by the UK-based Securicor PLC,and Neal and Massy, Guyana.

Brian was born in Georgetown. He spent his early child-hood days in the suburb of Charlestown and his highschool days at Belvoir Court, Bel Air.His father, GodfreyChin, was the well-known writer, social commentator, andimpresario, the author of Nostalgias—a collection of writ-ings that record the aspects of life in the Guyana of yes-teryear. Brian’s mother is Shirley (nee Gibson), and his sib-

lings are two well-known personalities in Caribbeansquash: Gary and Richard.

Brian attended St. John’s Boys School (now defunct) andlater, St. Stanislaus College (class of 1980). Brian is veryproud to be one of the St. John’s students who went onto St. Stanislaus after passing the common entrance exam-inations. Brian fondly remembers Mr. Mike Christophe(former Guyana table tennis champion) as a particularlymemorable teacher/mentor to a generation of those St.John’s students.

After St. Stanislaus, Brian emigrated to the United Statesand attended Syracuse University, and attained his bache-lor’s degree in economics in 1986. In the same year, hewas commissioned as a Marine officer.

Why did he want to be a US Marine? He has said, “I wasdriven by a strong sense to serve my adopted countryand was drawn to the adventures offered by a militarycareer.” He was primarily inspired by the achievementsof his parents, and he harbors a strong commitment tohelp Guyana and perhaps to relocate there in the future.

His fondest memories are of his teens and the cama-raderie of St. Stanislaus College. That era, he says, “left anindelible mark on my life, and I remain very nostalgicabout my days in scouting with Troop 25, St.Stanislaus’s Own, and intramural field hockey.” Hiscounts as his most pensive moments the times when hewas driving an SUV through downtown Baghdad whileescorting up to $700,000 (US) at a time.

Brian enjoys Guyanese reunions. “Every year that Iattend Carabana in Toronto. I look out over that massof the Guyanese diasporas, and the talent pool, and Iwonder if there’s a way to harness some of it forGuyana’s future. I would like to retire to Guyana and tocontribute in some way to make it a better country.”

SALUTE TO A SON OF GUYANA

Col. Brian A. ChinINTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

RECIPIENT OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR INITIATIVE AND LEADERSHIP WHICH EMPOWERED THEINTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE MISSION AND

OVERALL AFGHANISTAN STABILITY DURING OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Vidur Dindayal, from the book ‘Guyanese Achievers USA & Canada”

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GREAT AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS

GUYANA FOLKMAGAZINE

$6.50S&H INCLUDED

ALSO AVAILABLE: 2012

KWE-KWEDVD$25.00 S&H INCLUDED(Give 10 days for delivery)

CHECK OUR WEBSITE:

www.guyfolkfest.org

MAIL YOUR CHECK/MOGUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION NY1368 E.89 STREET, SUITE 2BROOKLYN, NY 11236(Give 10 days for delivery)

GCA Folk FestivalKwe Kwe 2012


Celebrations, accolades, showers of praise and admirationwere bestowed upon the patriarch of the Lancaster fami-ly. Indeed history was created as William Ivan Lancaster,popularly known as “Daddy Ivan”, made it to the centurymark on November 1, 2012.

Leading the celebration of this momentous occasionwere William’s surviving children Robert, Clement, Cicely,Joycelyn, Neville, Desiree and Hazel. Many of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins,in-laws, relatives, friends and acquaintances reached outto help this quiet, strong, diligent family-oriented centuri-on celebrate this significant milestone.

Despite the inclement weather, they celebrated in trueGuyanese fashion when they assembled at his home andpaid tribute and compliments to the patriarch. He wasnot the first villager to reach this mark. The most recent isthe late Teacher Rose King who reached 102.

(BV) the abbreviation for Beterverwagting, has a literaltranslation “Better for waiting,” or “Great expectation.”William, however, had his own version which is “Better fowalk in but hard fo walk out.” BV, a popular East CoastDemerara Village, is located nine (9) miles east of Guyana’scapital Georgetown and is bound by the Atlantic Oceanto the north, the Lamaha Water Conservancy to the South,Plantation Mon Repos to the east and Plantation La BonneIntention to the west. Originally the estate was purchasedfrom Baron Van Gronigen. Unofficially, but familiarly, thedistrict is called BARON, and from all indications, the vil-lagers are called, albeit formally, BARONIANS. BV proudlyboasts a minister of the government in every administra-tion, namely: - Balram Singh Rai-Home Affairs; Hon. E.M.G.(COCO) Wilson -Communications: Vibert Mingo-HomeAffairs; Dr. Ceceline Baird-Education and Dr. Henry Jeffrey-Labor and Education.

Daddy Ivan was married to the late Ursula Wren. Theunion produced seven children who blended with thetwo siblings Ivan brought into the marriage.

William Lancaster was affectionately the epitome of loveand graciousness. He exhibited positive strengths of characterand always had a good word of encouragement and wisecounsel for his peers, as well as the younger generation.

He explained his secret to longevity in a cricket contextas follows:- “Play with a straight bat, always keep your batclose to your pad, avoid flashing carelessly outside the offstump and you will score many enjoyable runs freely onboth the ‘on’ and ‘off’ sides of the pitch. Once this isaccomplished, a glorious century and beyond would beeasy to score without giving the umpire any chance toend the game.

We all wish you well old chap.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

CENTENARIANIVAN LANCASTER

Edgar Henry

BARONIAN TURNS 100

DaddyIvan

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FOLK TALK

Thursday October 25th was not just another ordinaryday at the newly renovated premises at the H Q Loungeat 1609 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. That evening,FRIENDS OF MARC MATTHEWS organized a fantasticprogram entitled “A Word With Marc” or as Marcexpressed it “A poetry Blah Blah Rap session,” within avery short time frame. The session was sponsored by hisold friend and schoolmate, Romesh Singh, who workedclosely with Dr. Juliet Emanuel, Claire Goring and yourstruly to educate about and sensitize persons to Marc’sworks during the inspiring gathering.

Currently residing in London, this Caribbean andDiasporic artist extraordinaire last visited the UnitedStates approximately 10 years ago. The prominentGuyanese Folklorist, Poet, Actor, Dramatist, SocialCommentator, Journalist, Story Teller and Cultural Icongraced us with his presence. He fluently demonstratedhis talent and answered questions before a capacitycrowd of approximately 150 Caribbean based enthusiastsin New York City.

The program began with brief introductory remarks byfamed Numerologist Bernard Adolphus, who mesmerizedattendees with an interesting description of Marc’s personaand his connections to the universe, focusing on the sig-nificance of his name from a numerology perspective.Bernard explained that it was not by coincidence thatMarc was born on the 25th, the same date of the event.He delivered an insightful assessment of a few personsof prominence whose names, like Marc’s, began with theletter “M”, such as Marley, Mandela, Mahatma, Martin

Luther King, Michael Jordan, Mohamed Ali, MichaelJackson, Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey, to name a few.Clearly his numerical interpretation analogies character-ized the exceptional literary genius of Marc.

Marc was introduced and given an effusive welcome. Abrief “Gaff”, capably led by Dr. Juliet Emanuel ensued,during which he discussed in detail ways in which peoplecommunicate and the variety of genres utilized in theprocess. His explanations reflected his unique creativityas he verbalized his interpretation and experience ofdrama, poetry, the short story and his approach to hiscraft. Marc believes that these experiences had a connec-tion with individual personalities, style, past experiences,preparation, cultural background and objectives as wereportrayed, for example, in his created character ‘Carlton.’

Displaying his mastery of articulating Creole and con-temporary verses, he grounded with enthralled sistersand brothers while commanding their rapt attentionwith superb communication skills. At times he appearedto become one with his theatrical and oratory abilities,taking the audience back to the soul and belly of theirancestors. Marc went on to enunciate how and why hewrote, his influences from his formative days and teach-ers, coupled with his innate driving force that broughtout his innermost feelings. He also stated that his planwas to continue his performances and writings in hisinimitable style. His advice to young budding artistswishing to explore the art was for them to be educated,dedicated and focused.

A WORD WITH MARC A POETRY, BLAH, BLAH RAP SESSION

Edgar Henry

17


MARCMATTHEWSFOLKLORIST, POET,ACTOR, DRAMATIST

Marc entertained a very intellectual and personalexchange in the question and answer forum in whichhe passionately articulated his interpretation of copy-right policies. Although emphasizing the importanceof “originality” and sharing what one produces, hemade the profound argument that ideas are not origi-nal and no one should claim ownership, since nothingis really original. He felt that whatever one boastsabout “creating” had its origin somewhere else, vis-à-vis those who came before us. He continued that hisworks are available for people to have access andimprove and use it for the advancement of the art. The genius of the man was explicit as he and RoyBrummell exchanged the act and action of “catchingcrab, Essequibo style” and as he rendered his “Mother/Son” poem and declaimed the love of a mother forher adventurous son.My mum she always Maxieing me Anytime dea tell she I do something wrong Is straight way she giving de Ansa Nah DoDooNot he she go sayNot he an’In capital lettersNOT MY SON.Romesh delivered a stunning vote of thanks to theattendees for their attentiveness and interaction duringthe question and answer period. Additionally, Romeshthanked Marc for a very eloquent presentation, andexpressed sincerest gratitude to the hosts and venueproprietors, Linden Tudor and his wife, Holly, for pro-viding the space and ambiance. The delicious refresh-ments and camaraderie added to the discourse con-cluded an evening that was educational, culturally ful-filling and entertaining.As Marc wrote in his email upon his return toLondon:-“New York - I love you. Your contradictionsbreathe tensions of your daring unbridled ener-gy, unafraid to be labeled wrong countered by agrace to fight for a right. New York headstrong. bold, brash, unashamed to be flauntboth sides of flawed coin / New York me kinnaah korna fuh hang fuh sing me song NewYork.”

Tank u Marc, and cum again.


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While in High school,

Trevin Hunte, this

student of Guyaneseparentage, was oftenbullied by his peers andwas even told by ateacher that he wouldnever make it in music.

The inspirationalsinger has become a fanand coach favorite thisseason on the Voice, andhas even been predictedto win the entire showby numerous contestants.

Trevin Huntegives magical performance ... earns a standing

ovation from the entire panel of coaches on "The Voice".

VOTE TREVIN HUNTE ON THE “VOICE”


VOTE TREVIN HUNTE ON THE “VOICE”

The Voice” should nolonger be called a singingcompetition series. The

drama now is in what order the rest of the 11 finalistswill finish behind Trevin Hunte.

Trevin Hunte earned a standing ovation from the entirepanel of coaches on "The Voice" Monday.

Performing a rendition of "When A Man Loves AWoman," Hunte put just about everything he had onthe stage.

"It's hard to say much after you hear that," said AdamLevine. "You have a gift from God. I've never heard any-thing like it."

Agreeing with Levine, Blake Shelton said "You didn'tleave anything but blood and guts up there tonight.That was awesome."

Completely blown away and inspired, Cee Lo Greensaid Trevin Hunte was put here to be a blessing to oth-ers.

"The miracle of you is just strengthening my faith. Ibelieve you are going to be a blessing to so many lives.I'm humbled by your voice. I can't sing like you," saidGreen. "You encourage me in such a profound way.Your talent is immense. It's extraordinary man."

Speaking with Wetpaint Entertainment, Trevin had a lotto say about his future on The Voice.

Wetpaint Entertainment: How do you feel about yourperformance of "When a Man Loves a Woman"?

Trevin Hunte: I strive to just give a good performanceso I'm definitely happy and excited with what I didtonight.

You’ve been labeled as one of the favorites on this sea-son. Does that add a lot of additional pressure?

At times it does add a little pressure. But from thetime I stepped on the stage in the blinds I felt like I'vegrown as a person and an artist. I think I'm gettingmore confident.

What are you hoping to show America in the comingweeks?

I want to show America a different side of me. I feellike I've been sticking to the very strong ballads. Iwant to show America I can do pop or even country.

How do you feel about all the support you’ve had fromTwitter, Facebook, and the public thus far?

I can't process that. It's an overwhelming feeling. Tohave so many fans that support me, it means theworld.

"I believe that you are going to be a blessing in so many lives,"

coach Cee Lo Green to

TREVIN HUNTE

OF GUYANESE PARENTAGE 19

VOTE

Trevin Hunte

“The Voic

e”

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Overseas-based Guyanese documentary makerAmanda Wilson announces her latest project, Cuffy:Face Of A Rebellion - a 60-minute film celebrating thelife and mission of a truly peerless Guyanese hero andthe 250th anniversary of his 1763 Berbice revolt.

The documentary, currently in production in Guyanafor release in February, 2013, draws on months ofpainstaking research in slavery archives in Guyana,Ghana, the Netherlands, the United States and Britainand extensive interviews with leading academics, his-torians, politicians and journalists.

Among the multitude of inspiring legends of slaverebellion in the Caribbean, Cuffy's story towers abovethem all - a tale of daring, vision, inspiration and unri-valled tragedy. Wilson's innovative media companyGreen Mango Media will share this extraordinary his-tory with audiences across the Caribbean, Europe andNorth America.

“At Green Mango Media, we believe it is time theCaribbean told her own stories. We must preserveour history in our own words for future genera-tions and proudly share the achievements of ourrevolutionary icons with the rest of the world," saidWilson, the director and producer of the project."Cuffy's story is one of freedom and the fight forhuman dignity. He lost his independence as a slavebut died a revolutionary, the hardship and humilia-tion of slavery did not break his spirit. We mustremember him and learn from his incredible lega-cy."

The film explores Cuffy's life - captured in WestAfrica, transported across the Atlantic, sold into slav-ery and later rebelling against the colonial system tobecome a hero in his new home. His story - one ofdetermination in the advancement of liberty, equalityand dignity - shares a common thread with the birthof the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Both fought

for independence from colonial masters. This film willhighlight Cuffy's visionary leadership and how hissacrifice continues to inspire a nation two and a halfcenturies later. "I want the documentary to be a wel-come addition to the telling of our history. It saddensme that the younger generation knows so muchabout Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King -which is great - but they are unaware of the impact ofthe 1763 revolt. This is a man who inspired otherrebellions, including the Haitian revolution led byToussaint Louverture."

“CUFFY”21FROM GUYANESE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR AMANDA WILSON

COMING IN FEBRUARY, 2013

FACE OF A REBELLION


22Cuffy, a house slave turned freedom fighter, led more than2,500 rebel slaves in a revolt against Dutch masters andplantation owners in Canje, Berbice. For just over a year, therebellion, which started on February 23, 1763 atMagdalenenburg in the Upper Canje River, gave slaves atemporary emancipation from the hardships of plantationlife. Cuffy wanted freedom and to form a separate colony, ademand the Dutch refused. In the end, a coalition force ofDutch colonialists in Berbice, Suriname, Demerara,Essequibo and St Eustatius and the British plantation own-ers put down the rebellion.

The official promotional trailer, shot by CineGuyana'sPhillip Williams on location in Berbice and starring DelroyWebster as Cuffy, Terrence Giddings and veteran actor ErrolChan, hits the airwaves this month.

"We shot the trailer on location in Canje to be true to thestory and for the audience to have a feel of what's tocome. Canje is beautiful and looks incredible on camera. Ihave to thank Errol Chan, who is also my casting agent,for finding the young actor Delroy Webster from Berbice,who plays Cuffy beautifully. The youth will be a part ofthis project at every stage because I believe it is importantthat they understand Guyana's history and celebrate theachievements of ourheroes," stressed Wilson.

The re-enactments for the documentary, featuring morethan thirty local actors, will be filmed in November on pre-sent-day plantation Magdalenenburg. The film will have sixmajor re-enactments, including the disagreements in therebel camp between Cuffy and his lieutenant Akara and theformer's eventual suicide.

The idea of a documentary celebrating Cuffy's life hasalready won broad support in Guyana. William Woolford, aformer commissioner of the Guyana Geology and MinesCommission and a passionate promoter of Guyana's history,is delighted to see Guyanese history being investigated andshared by the cream of Guyanese talent. "I believe stronglythat we have a duty to explore, explain and preserve ourhistory for younger generations documenting our paststruggles and triumphs so that our children will knowwhere they came from and what they should stand for.

This project will be one of the clear highlights of 2013 forGuyanese everywhere," said Woolford, also a member of theproject team.

Green Mango Media is committed to the promotion of theCaribbean's political, economic and cultural achievements.With a versatile and gifted team of journalists, producers,

cameramen, editors, graphic designers and PR experts, webring together decades of experience in the fields of globalpolitics, economics and business, tourism, development andleisure.

In 2010, in joint venture with the private sector and thegovernment of the British Virgin Islands, the team produced

and launched a critically-acclaimed documentary NoelLloyd: A Patriotic Man, the inspirational story of the life of apeaceful political activist.

FROM GUYANESE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR AMANDA WILSON

GUYANESE MOVIE OPENING FEBRUARY, 2013

“CUFFY”FACE OF A REBELLION

Cuffy's story is one of freedom and the fight forhuman dignity. He lost hisindependence as a slave butdied a revolutionary. Thehardship and humiliationof slavery did not break hisspirit.We must rememberhim and learn from hisincredible legacy


23VICTORIAVILLAGECELEBRATES 173RD. ANNIVERSARYOF THE PURCHASE OF THE VILLAGEBY 83 FREED SLAVES

HISTORY

CELEBRATING OURCULTURE,HONORING OURANCESTORS

Sculpture by Ivor Thom


24THE NAMES OF THE 83 FREED SLAVES WHO POOLED

THEIR RESOURCES TO PURCHASE

VICTORIA VILLAGE, NOVEMBER 1839

ALLEN, John KING, Solomon ANDY, James KNIGHT, SammyAFRICA, William LEWIS, William ARCHY, Molly LANGHORNE,John ANDREW, Thomas LAWRENCE, Frank BURKE, SamuelLEWIS, Bier BAILLE, Thomas LEWIS Johnny BEARD, FrancisLANCASTER, Blackwell CUPIDO, Philip MACRAE, Colin CAESAR,Soloman MACRAE, James CHAPMAN, Isaac MITCHEL JackCOCKFIELD, Cain MELVILLE, Porter COLLINS, Thomas MURPHYy,Feth COOPER, Sampson MACKIE, Ned CATO, Hamlet NEUGIDDY,William CUMMINS, Gitties NED, Rodney DICK, Richard POETER,Art DAVID, Dublin PORTER, Zaashie DUKE, Aaron PORTER,Alexander EUROPE, Dorset POOL, Newton ELLICK, LewisPORTER, Cornwall FIDDELL, John PORTER, StephenGORING, Michael PORTER Hannah GRANT, Maria QUAMMY,Adam GRANT Adam QUASHIE, Rodney GLEN, ValentineROBERTSON, John GLASGOW, Smith ROBERTSON, Philip HOP-KINSON,Belinda REAVES, William Gommel HANOVER SimonSAMINA, Cross HERCULES, Cicero SPENCER, Simon HAMILTON,Charles SHAKESPEAR John HERCULES, Thomas SAMUEL, ScipioHOPKINSON, Moses SAM, Marlboro HOPKINSON, Cupido SER-TIMA, John JAMES, Michael SMARTT, William INVERARY, Martin SAMUEL, Primus JOSIAH, JohnWILLIAM, Nat JACKSON, Nelson WHATER John ISAACS, DanielWILLIAM, Betty ISAAC, Romeo TUMBY, Jim JACK, PeterTHOM, Catherine JONAS, Joby TAIT, Timon JARRICK, KennethTHOMAS, Richard

HISTORY: VICTORIA VILLAGE

2012 - 2013 PROJECTS BY FRIENDS OF VICTORIA

Secretary Rose October-Edun and Vice President of theBoard, Ivor Thom with Scholarship winners and Sewing class students at ceremony

at the Victoria Craft Center..

FRIENDS OF VICTORIA VILLAGEDIASPORA SEEKING DONATIONSOF BOOKS FOR NEW LIBRARYAT VICTORIA VILLAGE

- Purchased Sewing Machines for workshopheld at Craft Center during the 2012 summervacation. Will continue project.- 2012 Scholarships Awards: Provided toVictoria students Marinella Glasgow and AdiolaWalcott. Congratulations- Start of a Library - to be completed byJanuary 2013 - donation of books needed.- Adoption of Kindergarten Schools,Northbrook Nursery and Victoria Nursery - 2013(contributions requested)

Sewing Class tutor, Ms C. Crawford with sewingmachines puchased by Friends of Victporia Diaspora forthe use of students at the Summer Sewing Classes at the

Victoria Craft Center.


25BOOKS

This unique collection of eight incrediblestories in the tradition of Guyanese folkloreis a rare and long awaited work from PeterHalder. Beautifully written and a grippingread, this Supernatural Fiction paperback,set in Guyana, is a collection of eight chill-ing and macabre tales of the occult.

The Cat of Muritaro is a supernatural being thatinjects fear into an entire village.Deadly 13 is the tragedy of a boy whose love for playingin the Le Repentir Cemetery causes his demise.The Massacuraman rekindles the lore of the infa-mous river creature, half man and half fish.Ol’ Higue is a vividly intense tale of an Ol’ Higue thatlives in Albouystown.Obeah Woman is a story of a woman who has con-ducted Black Magic business many years ago for profit.The Dwarf of Christianburg is the tale of a manwho arranges to be transformed at death and employsa similar ritual for his wife when she dies.The Flower from the Grave recounts an incidentat a funeral and its tragic repercussions.Devlin The Devil is about an evil boy who lived acorrupt life, which the hangman’s noose ends.

PETER HALDER is the pen name of BurnettAlexander Halder, a former journalist and civil servantand High Commissioner to Canada. He later became aCommonwealth Expert, a Consultant with theGovernment of the Fiji Islands and at the Fiji Embassyin Washington D.C. and the Fiji UN Mission. He haspublished several Nostalgias on the internet and articlesin the annual GCA Folk Festival magazines and monthlyonline magazine.

Growing up, he lived a stone’s throw from Le RepentirCemetery, tales about which are featured. As a

Journalist he was familiar with the news reports on the Massacuraman.

During his tenure in District Administration in the Upper Demerara River, he gained knowledge of manystrange occurrences and they are featured as well. He has travelled extensively throughout Guyana and theworld. He and his family now live in Cardinal Forest, Springfield, Virginia, USA.

AUTHOR

Peter Halder

The Cat of MuritaroISBN 978-0-9884987-0-9

Sales: 718 209 5207

THE CAT OF MURITARONEW YORK LAUNCH OF PETER HALDER’S

PUBLISHED BY GUYANESE OWNED FRANKLIN & FRANKLIN PUBLISHERS


JOIN US - GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA - DECEMBER 13-14, 2012

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMGCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA

DEC.13-14, 2012“Masquerade Lives”

JOIN GCAAT

SYMPOSIUM2012IN

GUYANA

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UNVEILING OF MASQUERADE MURALLawns of the National Museum.Around noon on December 14, 2012.GCA member Errol Doris initiated the idea of a mural in Georgetown to pay tributeand celebrate Guyana’s masquerade heritage. During the symposium the facultyand students of the Burrowes School of Art will install such a mural on a specialwall to be located on the lawns of the National Museum.The Burrowes School of Art, through the Department of Culture is pleased to beassociated with and participate in this year’s Masquerade Lives Symposium; con-tributing to the visual record of this event is most fitting and is looked forward to bythe BSA team. The intended mural which will measure approximately 16ft x 10ft indiameter will become a ‘must-see’ piece of public art in downtown Georgetown - anarchetypal reminder of our rich cultural heritage.

The proposed imagery for the mural is colourful and bold; the deliberate painterlyapproach will contribute to its boldness and the overall finish will not be constrainedby naturalism and realism. This approach is deliberate and intended to pay homage tothe rousing origins of masquerade in Guyana and the Caribbean. Most of the formspresented will be easily recognizable in order to minimize ambiguity when viewedby the very young and all else.

Dominant images in the mural will portray original players in the “Guianese Masque,”or the disdained Centipede Band. Mother Sally who wil occupy the mid-ground willbe obviously masculine and will be wearing a crudely made mask; she also has BamBam Sally in tow. Also in the mid-ground will be the musical band that plays piecesof instruments that are exaggerated especially the fife which emanates quaver notesand octave clefs, creating a circle breeze effect; the triangle and of course the drums(tenor and snare).

The overall image will portray a street theater with an audience lining the street(some of them indistinct). In the background there is a Long Lady who is approach-ing the commotion; a commotion which will be very obvious in the fore-ground. Inthis space there will be the Mad Bull advancing along with two flat foot flouncers.One of the flouncers has an elaborately crafted hat in which onlookers have placedmoney; the other will be smoothly flouncing lower, lower - to pick up money off ofthe ground. This proficiency is uniquely Guyanese (Linda Griffith. Administrator,National School of Dance), a flouncer’s ability is displayed when he is able to contin-ue flouncing while picking up objects off of the ground, also going around in circlesand back pedaling. The costumes worn by the masquerade band portrayed in themural will mimic the designs provided by Stanley Greaves whose father was part ofand designed costumes for Centipede Bands.

The painting of this mural for the Guyana Cultural Association of New York’s 2012Symposium, “Masquerade Lives” by the Burrowes team will contribute to a weeklongsynergy of the creative arts in Guyana.


JOIN US - GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA - DECEMBER 13-14, 201227

2012 GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA

FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL: Shown at various urban and rural locationsDecember 13 –16, 2012

4 FILMS:• TRADITION- (Guyana. Margaret Lawrence)• TAMAA MBELE - (Tanzania. Augustin Hatar) • BEHIND THE MASK: BERMUDA GOMBEY; PAST, PRE-SENT AND FUTURE -Bermuda. Adrian Kawaley-Latham) • PLAY, JANKUNU PLAY—The Garifuna WanaraguRitual of Belize - (Belize/USA. Oliver Greene Jr.), willbe the four films presented during the symposium.Collectively, these film explore the history of the mas-querade tradition in the Caribbean, the role masqueradeplays in the formation of social identity, and the rolemasquerade can play as tool in the HIV/AIDS education. Tradition is a 15 minute narrative short film directed byGuyana’s Margaret Lawrence. Tamaa Mbele is a 20minute documentary from Tanzania and is produced byDr. Augustin Hatar. Behind the Mask: Bermuda Gombey,Past, Present, Future is an 85 minute documentarydirected by Adrian Kawaley-Latham for the Bermuda’sDepartment of Community and Cultural Affairs. Play,Janjunu, Play—The Garifuna Wanaragu Ritual of Belize isa 45 minute documentary of a Garifuna Christmas festi-val produced by Dr. Oliver N. Green Jr.

5 WORKSHOPS:• DANCE - National School of Dance• MUSIC - National School of Music• COSTUMES - Sonia Noel’s Studio• IMAGE MAKING & DRUM MAKING - BurrowesSchool of Arts - will be offered during the symposium.This is to satisfy one of the symposium’s objectives of providing an opportunity for knowledge transfer andnew creativity.There will be two facilitators for each of the five work-

PROGRAM

shops. The goal is to have each workshop led byGuyana’s best practitioners. For example, Desmond Putagee” Viverios, recognized as one of the few com-petent masquerade flautists, has been identified asone of the facilitators for the music workshop. Thatprinciple will guide the selection of the facilitatorsfor all of the other workshops. Sonia Noel, one of Guyana’s leading fashion designerswill facilitate the costume design workshop.Guyana’s distinguished artist, Stanley Greaves hasalready provided the patterns to be used in makingtraditional masquerade costumes. At least 100 persons, strategically selected fromacross Guyana will participate in the five workshops.Out of these workshops at least (5) masqueradebands will be rehabilitated.

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MASQUERADE FLOUNCE OFF& FASHION SHOW!Saturday, December 15, 2012Victoria Village, E.C.D.The Masquerade Flounce Off is an emergingidea. The Flounce Off will be part of day similarto the old time church and Sunday School “out-ing.” It is seen as day to communing withGuyana’s rural heritage in Guyana’s first post-emancipation village. It is envisioned as a daythat will include the Mangrove Heritage Tour andculminate with a celebration of Guyana’s mas-querade heritage. This celebration will presentthe masquerade bands of the region, showcasethe knowledge and skills acquired during theworkshops, and to pay homage to the masquer-ade elders. In addition, the event will create theenvironment to present themasquerade–inspired fashions created during theworkshops.

MANGROVE HERITAGE TRAIL TOURSaturday, December 15, 2012Victoria Village & Cover & JohnIn the course of a mangrove conservation project, Guyana hasdeveloped an entertaining, threehour tour of our natural world thatshowcases some of the importantcultural sites in Guyana’s history.Only 30-minutes drive fromGeorgetown it captures some ofGuyana’s beautiful nature and richhistory.

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

When I was growing up in Plaisance, Christmas wasalways a very exciting time for me. One of the mem-ories I cherish is,going to Auto Supplies with myparents to watch the display of toys there. AutoSupplies always had the most “advanced” toys! Thistrip always ended with an ice cream cone from oneof the vendors near “Big Market.” I remember a col-lage of sounds; the various buses loading up for theirlast trip up the East Bank, East Coast or around‘Town”; hire car drivers trying to attract passengers,and to add that special spice, the Masquerade or“Santa-pee” Band.

The groove these men played had a special addictiveflavor associated only with Christmas. It was like lis-tening to garlic pork! The pork was the bass drum;the garlic, the kettle (snare) drum; the fine leafthyme, the triangle; the wiri wiri pepper, the PennyWhistle, all soaking in the vinegar of years of perpe-tration.

Masquerade music has stayed with me over theyears, and has helped me remain Guyanese. It hasalso haunted and frustrated me, and caused me tothink. Reading that much of the European Art Musicwe grew up hearing was inspired by the folk tradi-tions of Europe, I wondered whether or not we inGuyana had any such traditions from which to draw.The answer was a resounding YES!!

Masquerade music - sweet, sweet, sweet! Withpatient, consistent experimentation, we can take itto the world. Names like Tom Charles, Pat Clarke,Colin “Bumble” Wharton immediately come to mindwhen thinking about people who “massaged” ourMasquerade groove. I humbly offer my contributionto the continued experimentation and developmentof Masquerade music.

“Masquerade Sweet Suite” will be premiered duringthe GCA 10th annual Symposium in Guyana,December 13-14, 2012

GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA - DECEMBER 13-14, 2012

PREMIERE OF NEW COMPOSITION

“Masquerade Sweet Suite”Based on Masquerade style by Derry EtkinsDuring the evening of December 14, 2012 - Venue to be announced

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The groove these men played had aspecial, addictive flavor ... it was like

listening to garlic pork! The porkwas the bass drum; the garlic, thekettle (snare) drum; the fine leafthyme, the triangle; the wiri wiri

pepper, the Penny Whistle, allsoaking in the vinegar of years of

perpetration.

The Groove of Masquerade Music

Dancing Mask” is a one hourtheatrical dance based pro-duction which traces key

moments in the development ofthe Masquerade in Guyana in rela-

tion to its origins in the native secret societiesof Africa.

The plot centres around a young boy NAFSIwhose father MBUYU is a master mask builderin Africa. NAFSI is stolen and transported toGuiana and re-makes the first masks frommemories of watching his father build masks.NAFSI tries for years to invest his creationswith the attributes of his ancestors but isunable to do so. Until, MOLA a high Priestesswho has also been enslaved and who has beensecretly rebuilding a secret society in Guianaseeks the mask builder and finds him. Togetherthey create transcendent moment and anenduring legacy --- Guyanese Masquerade .

Dancing Mask is written and directed by Dr.Paloma Mohamed, three time winner of theGuyana Prize for Literature in the field ofDrama. The all star cast of players include BestActor and national dancer Keon Heywood as

NAFSI, Multiple awardee for dance and actingKijana Lewis as MBUYU and Best ActressSimeon Dowding as MOLA. Music is by theGuild’s Musical Director Mark Hall and theGuilds music and dance ensemble. Costumesand installations are by Clinton Collymore andNeilson Nurse. Lighting by veteran lightingdesigner Norman Dos Ramos and sound byNizam Bacchus.

Dancing Mask is one of the first productions inGuyana to utilize the total theater style of pro-duction. In this regard it promises to be anexhilarating experience.

The production is on for three nights onlyat the Theatre Guild of Guyana , ParadeStreet Kingston, Georgetown, GuyanaDecember 13, 14 and 16 from 7.30 to 9pm.Tickets are US$ 10 and US$15 for premi-um seats available at the Guild or frommembers.

CULTURAL PRESENTATION“Renaissance”by New Amsterdam Multilateral School, BerbiceUmana Yana, GeorgetownA cultural presentation which examines thejourney of the masquerade tradition and cul-tural form in the community of NewAmsterdam, Berbice, Guyana. An intriguingcombination of narration, dance and versespeaking propels the tale, tracing the pathwoven by participants and proponents of thisexciting activity.The action is related by students of the NewAmsterdam Multilateral School in BerbiceGuyana. Students whose ages range from thir-teen to sixteen, and who have been engaged inacquiring information from the media as wellas investigated from sources within the com-munity and are eagerly awaiting the opportuni-ty to engage you in an educational activity thatis highly entertaining and informative in quali-ty. The Renaissance reflects the reality of thephenomenon of Masquerade in the town ofNew Amsterdam.

“Masquerade Lives”30GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA - DECEMBER 13-14, 2012

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THEATRE GUILD OF GUYANAParade Street, Kingston1-HOUR THEATRICAL DANCE BASED PRODUCTION

“Dancing Mask” Dec 13, 14 & 16, 2012 - 7.30 to 9pm.

US$10 and US$15 for premium seats

Some members ofthe cast of“DancingMask”


GCA SYMPOSIUM IN GUYANA - DECEMBER 13-14, 2012

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With the Tenth Annual Symposium approximatelythree weeks away, the momentum is rapidlybuilding as the final details are put in place.

With formal discourse scheduled for December 13th and14th and with public explorations in the country overall,both the on site committee and the GCA Symposium Com-mittee have been using all the strategies at their disposal toachieve the goals of the symposium.

Briefly stated (the formal program will be ready at the endof November) the symposium structure remains faithful tothe mission of GCA. The symposium will promote publiceducation and renewed appreciation of the history and thedirection of a performance art form indigenous to the peo-ple of Guyana.

Towards this end, papers presented by a cadre of interna-tional scholars and practitioners under the general topics ofElders Reflect; Traditions and Innovations: Masquerade andLanguage; Trans/crossnational Dimensions; Masquerade andSocial Change and The Future of Masquerade will engagethose attending the conference primarily on December13th. and 14th.

Adjunct to these presentations are workshops open to thecommunity. These are: the Dance workshop to be held atThe National School of Dance; a workshop on MasqueradeMusic to be held at The National School of Music; an ImageMaking workshop at the Burrowes School of Art; Masquer-ade Drum Making also at the Burrowes School of Art; and aworkshop on Costume Design at Sonia Noel's Studio; Othercreative projects include the installation of a mural dedicat-ed to the Practice of Masquerade on the lawns of theNational Museum in Georgetown; the Premiering of NewMusic – “Masquerade Sweet Suite” - by Derry Etkins, A Film

and Video Festival consisting of five films from Guyana,Bermuda, Belize/USA,, and Tanzania related to the practiceof Masquerade; an original theatrical work, “The DancingMask,” to be premiered at the Theatre Guild, Georgetown;tours and exhibitions, such as, the Mangrove Heritage Tourand the “Flounce Off” in Victoria. The education sector isrepresented by New Amsterdam Multilateral School in“Renaissance” a presentation directed by Ms. ShaundelPhillips.

This mammoth event is under the guidance of many collab-orating hands. These include but are not limited to: Dr.Frank Anthony, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport; Dr.James Rose; Dr. Michael Scott; Dr. Vibert Cambridge; Ms.Claire Goring; Mr. Edgar Henry; Ms. Claire Patterson Monah;Ms. Rose October Edun; Dr. Juliet Emanuel; Ms. MargaretLawrence; Dr. Paloma Mohamed; Mrs. Ave Brewster-Haynes;Ms. Linda Griffith; Col. Lindon Ross; Mr. Wilfred Gomes, Ms.Cindy Stewart, and Mr. J. Horatio of Delta Airlines.

Presenters of papers and conveners of special eventsinclude and are not limited to: Dr. Clarise Barnes; Dr. MarciaBurrowes; the Staff and Faculty of the University of Guyana;Faculty and Students of the Center for Communication Stud-ies, University of Guyana; Charles Liverpool; Ms. SheronJohnson; Ms Gentian Miller; Dr. Paloma Mohamed; Ms. PhillipaPerry; Ms. Shaundel Phillips; Mr. Derry Etkins; The TheatreGuild; Mr. Lin-Jay Harry Voglezon; Dr. Lear Matthews andMrs. Dave Martins.

There are announcements about specific events in this theNovember issue of the online magazine.

The Department of Culture will publish the proceedings ofthe symposium.

All events are open to the public.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO GUYANADECEMBER 13-14, 2012THE TENTH ANNUAL GCA SYMPOSIUMALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Juliet Emanuel

GUYANA ART INTERNATIONAL


DESIGNER CLAIREANN GORINGLAUNCHES NEWLINE OF HANDMADEINSPIRATIONAL,GREETING &CHRISTMASCARDS

"My Wish For You"INSPIRATIONAL KEEPSAKES

My wish is that whenyou receive anyone ofmy inspirational orgreeting cards, youwill be encouraged,uplifted and blessed.

"My Wish For You" InspirationalKeepsakes offer comfort, healing and motiva-tion in difficult times. They are also won-derful thank you notes to express yourappreciation and brighten the lives offamily and friends.

My cards provide the opportunity totouch the hearts and lives of others.

32

GUYANA ART INTERNATIONAL

33


CLAIRE ANN GORINGEACH CARD IS A WORK OF ART CREATEDFROM A PALETTE THAT ALLOWS FOR A WIDE

INTERPRETATION OF CULTURES, FAITHS AND ETHNICITIES Kate Crossley

You’ll be sure you’re sending a one-of-a-kindand a truly creative expression of your holi-day sentiments, when you choose one of ourhandcrafted cards for friends and family.

PRECIOUS KEEPSAKESOur cards are a precious keepsake for yearsto come.

3-D MasqueradeCards with theword of popularMasqueradechants

ONE-OF-A-KINDCARDS THATREFLECT OURCULTURAL HERITAGE

The cards are part of the portfolio containinga variety of craft and related items and services.Each of the cards is individually created by

master designer, Claire Ann Goring. They celebratenot only the master craftsperson’s expertise butyour personal occasion. You will either work withMs. Goring to plan your precise declarations oflove, sympathy or other wishes or choose from thegallery of offerings an item that best matches yourneeds.

Each card is a work of art. Suitable for wall display,they are miniatures that careful melding of colors,vibrant movement and of an idiosyncrasy thatwill please both you and your recipients. Thecards are also created from a palette that allowsfor a wide interpretation of cultures, faiths andethnicities. Because of this very individual featureand the precision with which Ms. Goringapproaches her product, the cards take some timeand concentration to manufacture by hand.

Visit the atelier of Ms. Goring either on the web orin person in Brooklyn and enjoy at first hand theamazing compositions now available forChristmas, New Year and as inspirational messages.

You will be pleased by both the personal attentionand the end result of your inquiry into these lovinglycreated cards. Each card is individually boxed orenveloped and may be mailed as a fragile item.

Join the many satisfied customers who receivethese cards each year and enjoy not only the greatappreciation of your friends, colleagues and familybut also your own pleasure at giving this gift oflove.

Check Claire’s website:www.hybiskuscreations.com or call Claire at 718 209 5207


34POETRY

G MINORBy John G. Morris

And must the gloated gut of corruptionMade fat from fears,Hopes of the masses,

Continue to waddle in obscene deceptionDancing in the bile of empty promises?Kwame! Kwame! Our political grio

Rejoice in the dawn of the Pan African light

Lumumba! Lumumba!Weep not for Patrice,

But sing a thousand hosannas forOur sacred Socialist Saint

Toussaint my resurrected brother, Indomitable warrior,

Rides again in the spirit of Che.My unsung heroine sisters

Challenging the gender gap All the wayCuffy! Cuffy!

Cuffy laugh at the deceit, asAnother Accra bells the catIn the land of many waters

And far shining seaOnward, upward may we ever go.

ABOUT THE POETJohn G. Morris

John Morris was born and raised in NewAmsterdam, Guyana. He is a prolific writer andpoet, currently Professor of Sociology at EdisonCollege in Punta Gorda, Florida. His collection is

published in a book entitled ICHABOD.

SUBMIT YOUR POEMS FOR CONSIDERATION TO:[email protected]


35

All Saints Day, a Christian

holy day, is celebrated

November 1, the day after

Halloween.

All Souls Day, In the

Roman Catholic calendar, 2

November

Guy Fawkes Night,

Britain and New Zealand

celebrate the anniversary of

the failed Gunpowder

Plot, an event celebrated

since 1605 in Britain on 5

November

Armistice/Veterans

Day, The two most cele-

brated events in

November are on 11

November and

Thanksgiving (US

event) on the 3rd

Thursday - 22 November

2012

Children's Day, in India,

is celebrated 14

November, the birthdate of

first Indian Prime Minister

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Discovery to the

Eastern World of

Puerto Rico by

Christopher Columbus, 19

November,1943

International Men's

Day is 19 November

Transgender Day of

Remembrance has

occurred on 20 November

each year in the United

States since 1999.

Global

United Nations events

International Day 6

November for Preventing

the Exploitation of the

Environment in War

Mahala Day - recently

designated by the UN on

10 November, in honor of

the Pakistani school girl

who was shot, it is said, by

the Taliban because she

defended a girl's right to

go to school.

24th Meeting of the

Parties to the Montreal

Protocol on Substances

that Deplete the Ozone

Layer from 12-16

November

Universal Children’s

Day is celebrated 20

November

International Day for

the Elimination of

Violence against

Women on 25 November

UN Climate Change

Conference (gaining

more importance since the

recent Superstorm that

ravaged parts of the

Caribbean and the

NorthEast of the United

States) 26 November-7

December

Worldwide, 25 November-

10 December 2012 - 16

Days of Activism

Against Gender

Violence Campaign

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY

INGRID POLLARDARTIST/PHOTOGRAPHERFINDING HOMEIngrid Pollard, is a Guyana-born photographer and awell respected British artist at MoAD—Museum ofthe African Diaspora, San Francisco.

Ingrid Pollard’s imagesare invested with asense of belonging.They are acts of belong-ing, be that through cul-ture, heritage, practice,experience or througha landscape. Pollardplayed an importantrole in early 1980s pho-tography, documentingblack people’s creativityand presence in Britain.Pollard became knownfor her photographic

series questioning social constructs, such as “Britishness”and racial difference. While investigating race, ethnicity andpublic spaces, she has developed a body of work juxtapos-ing landscape and portraiture, which provide a context forissues of migration, family and home.

Her work uses portraiture photography and traditional land-scape imagery to explore social constructs such asBritishness or racial difference. Pollard is associated withAutograph, the Association of Black Photographers. She livesand works in London. Pollard’s work is in the collections ofthe Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Trust, BathUniversity, and other UK institutions. She is the subject of adozen scholarly monographs and journal articles.

ngrid describes her photographs as ‘focusing on the originalelements of the earth, which form the fundamental sub-stances used in photographic production.’ ingrid gainedattention in the 80’s with pastoral interlude, a series of pho-tographs of black people in the english countryside. this wasthe start of her articulation of her experiences as a blackbritish woman through the conventions of portraiture andlandscape photography. Does the term “landscape” merelyconjure up idyllic notions of the countryside? Or is theseemingly neverending industrial malaise in the countrysidesymptomatic of a broader crisis of identity that has begun toerode the distinctions between the metropolitan and therural tradition?

Through processes of construction, destruction and recon-figuration, Landscape Trauma in the Age of Scopophilia pro-vokes a re-examination of our relationship to landscape—beit geographical, cultural or political—by examining the inter-play between these different dimensions. Rejuvenating andexpanding the subject of landscape, it presents spectacularillusions of scale and space, combining the macro and themicro, the scientific and the psychic.— Ruyi Wong

Carl Hazlewood

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONALEVENTS AROUND THE WORLD

Muriel Glasgow

36


Caribbean American SocialWorkers Association, Inc.(CASWA)9th Annual FundraisingBreakfastSaturday, December 1, 2012Catherine McAuley High School1377 Brooklyn Avenue(between Newkirk and Foster Avenues)Brooklyn, NYTime: 10:00 am - 2:00 pmDonation: Adults $25.00Children under 10 - $5.00Contact: Ismay Griffith - 347-534-6275

Guyana Nurses Association ofAmerica (GNAA)Annual Dinner Dance and ScholarshipAwards PresentationFriday, December 14, 2012Leonard's of Great Neck555 Northern Boulevard Great Neck, NY 11201Music By: De Untouchables Band Time: 10:30 pmFormal Attire $125.00 per person

For further information, please contact:Claudette Howell 718-251-9466; N.Hohenkirk 718-346-0356; M. Burke 718-282-1375

THIS SATURDAYNOVEMBER 24, 2012The 7th Annual TraditionalParang ShowCome out this Thanksgiving Weekend andget a good Start to the Christmas Season!JOINParamin Parang Posse in Conjunctionwith Coco Tee Productions As they present The 7th Annual Traditional Parang Show

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT PROMOTED INFUTURE GCA NEWSLETTERS:Contact Claire Goring [email protected] Edgar Henry [email protected]

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Pizza ParlorWhile working at a pizzaparlor I observed a manordering a small pizza togo.

He appeared to be aloneand the cook asked him ifhe would like it cut into 4pieces or 6.

He thought about it forsome time then said "I livealone, Just cut it into 4; Idon't think I'm hungryenough to eat 6 pieces."

CHUCKLESCORNER

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

37

GCA MAKING WAVES ON THE RADIO

LIVESUNDAY AT

4.00 P.M.

Weekly RADIO Program

One Caribbean Radio Power105.1 HD2

Bookmark ourwebsite

Streaming live at www.onecaribbeanradio.com

Hugh Hamilton Claud Leandro Margaret Lawrence

Ron Bobb-SempleMondale Smith Joslyn Small

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC.

www.guyfolkfest.org

Fea

ture

s

ShowcaseGuy

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min

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rtis

ts

Drama

��

Music

Act

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Art

Stor

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Cultu

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Documents

Nov..20 Vol 2 BETTER DAYS NEW YORK · 2012-11-11 · Nov..20 2012 Vol 2 Issue 11 Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc.on-line Magazine BETTER DAYS NEW YORK THE POPPY IS A SYMBOL