The necessity of having highly trained teachers
On this day as Teacher Madan Kumar is sent to his final resting place, let us all take a moment and reflect on his role in our life. Those of us who were fortunate to be in his class will testify to his passion for teaching and educating. He was a strict and ardent purveyor of knowledge. His colleagues will sing graces of his easy going temperament. His friends will remember a stunner on the cricket field.
Teacher Madan, you have touched the lives of so many in various ways that we will forever be grateful. Rest in Peace, Sir. Rest in Peace.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Canawaima Ferry Stelling from Corriverton to Nickerie.
Canawaima ferry ends 2010 strong
Who remembers when this ferry crossing was just a dream, empty promise, or campaign slogan? Now look at it. A shining beacon which shows that progress is possible.
As a kid living and growing up in Guyana circa 70s and 80s, Road End was as far as we could go. It was either the final turn on a leisure drive with my grandfather or on my bicycle with my friends. I always wondered what was beyond the bush? There was always stories from a local farmer about the raw beauty of Moleson Creek area. There were tales of lawlessness in the marijuana trade. Today, tells a different tale.
What was once only an aspiration has become a reality. The Road End no longer exists. There is now an endless road. A brand spanking new road extends beyond the old Road End. This road goes all the way to the New Canawaima Ferry Stelling and beyond. I am told that the paved road will extend all the way to Orealla, perhaps Brazil? One could only speculate.
Along the road are several farms and cattle rearing activities. Not surprising, there was a small hotel. Clearly this is still an area ripe and ready for development. Although very agricultural in nature I could see many areas of shear bush. This could be the new frontier of growth.
We arrived at the stelling in the late afternoon after the ferry operations had stopped. The gate was closed. A guard informed us that for a nominal entrance fee we could still walk around to see the buildings and grounds. A nominal fee. Wonder where that money was going and how did they account for that? Tourism dollars?
There was a Amerindian cleaning crew busy at work. I have to say these buildings and compound were extremely clean. There was a waiting area outfitted with a small snack counter and several televisions. Restrooms were very clean. The lawn was well trimmed and acute. There definitely was pride in the upkeep if this facility.
A beacon of hope, a shining light to show the way, a structure of pride and joy. This is the fruits of progress. This is how a community rise with glistening glints in their eyes and chest full of pride.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Core Rules of Netiquette -- Excerpted from Netiquette by Virginia Shea -- Albion.com
The Core Rules of Netiquette -- Excerpted from Netiquette by Virginia Shea -- Albion.com
Since this is a new group, we wanted to share this short insightful book with you. As in any social situations we are to conduct ourselves accordingly. Please allow the simple netiquette outlined here to guide our interactions.
Naturally, issues about Guyana are close and dear to all of us. Tempers flare and language gets very colorful. We cannot stress enough the importance of civility, humility, common courtesy, and respect for each other. In as much as this is an open forum where we encourage healthy civil discussions and debate, this is not anyone's personal soap box. We ask that you refrain from personal attacks using derogatory language and names of people.
As in any civilized forum, we reserve the right to delete inappropriate post, up to banning a member from the group. In as much as we want to promote a healthy discussion we also want to provide a safe group for members.
Let's enjoy the Conversation.
Since this is a new group, we wanted to share this short insightful book with you. As in any social situations we are to conduct ourselves accordingly. Please allow the simple netiquette outlined here to guide our interactions.
Naturally, issues about Guyana are close and dear to all of us. Tempers flare and language gets very colorful. We cannot stress enough the importance of civility, humility, common courtesy, and respect for each other. In as much as this is an open forum where we encourage healthy civil discussions and debate, this is not anyone's personal soap box. We ask that you refrain from personal attacks using derogatory language and names of people.
As in any civilized forum, we reserve the right to delete inappropriate post, up to banning a member from the group. In as much as we want to promote a healthy discussion we also want to provide a safe group for members.
Let's enjoy the Conversation.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Honoring Pandit Suresh Sugrim
The Guyana Tri-State Alliance, in collaboration with The Consulate General of the Republic of Guyana, New York and the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, celebrated Guyana’s 45th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, June 22 with a special evening and appreciation ceremony.
The event, dubbed “A Taste of Guyana”, was held at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York. 11201. USA.
Among the recipients of the special honor were community philanthropist Rick Chetram; humanitarian Vibert Bernard; actress and advocate for preservation of Guyanese culture Rose October-Edun; Patrick and Paul Haynes of the Haynes Foundation in Guyana; Ms. Taruna Sardoo — advocate for educating women and children in Guyana and around the globe; Pandit Suresh Sugrim, President of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission and champion for the poor and less fortunate of Guyana; Dr. John Mitchell of Health and Education Relief for Guyana (HERG), advocate for family health and prevention of infant mortality; Ngozi Moses, photojournalist of The Washington Post; Nikki Kahn, and Mohamed A Hassim, who have been noted as key figures in keeping the diaspora connected.
Pandit Sugrim was born in Corriverton, Guyana and migrated to the USA in 1980. He settled in Bloomfield, New Jersey and found the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission in 2005. The mission’s current initiatives are:-
The special observance was sponsored by the speaker of the event, Christine C.Quinn, Councilman the Honorable Dr Mathieu Eugene, and the Honorable Marty Markowitz, President of the Brooklyn Borough.
The event, dubbed “A Taste of Guyana”, was held at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York. 11201. USA.
- Assistance to less fortunate children in and out of orphanage care
- Empowerment to low income working families and single mothers to acquire their own homes
- Medical care (such as surgery outside of Guyana)
- Food Vouchers for seniors, battered women and underprivileged children
- Education Fund for children living in dire poverty
- Benevolent Home Building Project for seniors, abused and battered women, men, and orphans
- Helping victims of domestic violence, rape, abuse
The special observance was sponsored by the speaker of the event, Christine C.Quinn, Councilman the Honorable Dr Mathieu Eugene, and the Honorable Marty Markowitz, President of the Brooklyn Borough.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
CNN Heroes - Special Reports from CNN.com
CNN Heroes - Special Reports from CNN.com
It is official, Pandit Suresh Sugrim has been nominated for CNN Heroes 2011 for his work with New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission and the outreach they do for people in Guyana.
Now we hold our breaths as the selection process gets underway. Cheer him on. Congratulations.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
For Sale--12 year old girl in #78 Village. G$50,000.
Man accused of raping 12-year-old girl; proposes $50,000 to settle matter : Kaieteur News
The landlord is covering for his friend and giving this family a choice of accepting the pay off money or move out. Outrageous! I am not naive to know that there are sick, bad people in this world. They exist everywhere, in the States, Canada, Guyana, EVERYWHERE. In most societies there are laws and organizations whose sole purpose is to put a stop to this and protect the children. However, even the most aggressive securities cannot function without participation of a community. Why would anyone protect these monsters? Ever heard of aiding and abiding? When one helps in the committing or cover up of a criminal act they are as guilty as the actual perpetrator.
Why is it so difficult to enforce the written laws in such a small country? Forget the corruption for a minute. In my dealings with people in a public capacity, in Guyana, there seems to be this order of things are black and white. If the situation does not fit into what they were thought or told then there are no other situations. It is a narrow look at public welfare. It does not seem like anyone thinks outside the box nor are willing, capable, or able to do so. It is either this way or that way and no matter what the other way exists they have no interest in looking at it. The blame has always been given to the police or the government.
Is the government or the police living daily in your village? NO. Why are the locals not standing up for themselves? A village does not grow if they cannot live in harmony. There can be no peace, security, nor stability if neighbors refuse to look out for each other. It starts at the grass roots. There are numerous areas all over Guyana where neighbors are like family. They look out for each other and take care of each other. Most of them have grown up together and their fathers and mothers lived the same way. Some have moved in and grown to respect their neighbors. Why is #78 Village not able to protect their children? All it really takes is eyes and ears. These days every little child and adult has a cell phone, not forgetting a home phone. Why can't they call and report suspicious activities? Why can't a neighbor and another neighbor and another neighbor look into something suspicious? Where is the spirit of community policing gone? Why are they so afraid of each other?
Children can't even go to their parents for help. They have to report to the school teachers. What has happened in the home? Children does not trust their parents? Where is the love, trust, and comfort of a home? This seems to be a trend in #78 Village. Parents are inadequate in protecting and raising their children. Although, there are families who live in harmony and love. I have seen families who spend a lot time together and parents who have a vested interest in their children lives. These are isolated but they do exist. Maybe some work shop on parenting skills would assist these families who are failing to protect and raise another generation.
There needs to be more community partnerships and bonding. Neighbors must come together and look out for each other. Skills must be shared with others who are lacking. Children must be protected and cared for. The authorities has to play a leading role to increasing resources to this village but it is the residents' responsibility to govern their village. Someone had to vote for a mayor. Even if the elections were rigged, some had to let the current officer stay in office. Stand up and reclaim your village or lose it all. Some one from the US can not be allowed to come into #78 Village and rape a 12 year old girl and then offer G$50,000 to shut the family up.
The landlord is covering for his friend and giving this family a choice of accepting the pay off money or move out. Outrageous! I am not naive to know that there are sick, bad people in this world. They exist everywhere, in the States, Canada, Guyana, EVERYWHERE. In most societies there are laws and organizations whose sole purpose is to put a stop to this and protect the children. However, even the most aggressive securities cannot function without participation of a community. Why would anyone protect these monsters? Ever heard of aiding and abiding? When one helps in the committing or cover up of a criminal act they are as guilty as the actual perpetrator.
Why is it so difficult to enforce the written laws in such a small country? Forget the corruption for a minute. In my dealings with people in a public capacity, in Guyana, there seems to be this order of things are black and white. If the situation does not fit into what they were thought or told then there are no other situations. It is a narrow look at public welfare. It does not seem like anyone thinks outside the box nor are willing, capable, or able to do so. It is either this way or that way and no matter what the other way exists they have no interest in looking at it. The blame has always been given to the police or the government.
Is the government or the police living daily in your village? NO. Why are the locals not standing up for themselves? A village does not grow if they cannot live in harmony. There can be no peace, security, nor stability if neighbors refuse to look out for each other. It starts at the grass roots. There are numerous areas all over Guyana where neighbors are like family. They look out for each other and take care of each other. Most of them have grown up together and their fathers and mothers lived the same way. Some have moved in and grown to respect their neighbors. Why is #78 Village not able to protect their children? All it really takes is eyes and ears. These days every little child and adult has a cell phone, not forgetting a home phone. Why can't they call and report suspicious activities? Why can't a neighbor and another neighbor and another neighbor look into something suspicious? Where is the spirit of community policing gone? Why are they so afraid of each other?
Children can't even go to their parents for help. They have to report to the school teachers. What has happened in the home? Children does not trust their parents? Where is the love, trust, and comfort of a home? This seems to be a trend in #78 Village. Parents are inadequate in protecting and raising their children. Although, there are families who live in harmony and love. I have seen families who spend a lot time together and parents who have a vested interest in their children lives. These are isolated but they do exist. Maybe some work shop on parenting skills would assist these families who are failing to protect and raise another generation.
There needs to be more community partnerships and bonding. Neighbors must come together and look out for each other. Skills must be shared with others who are lacking. Children must be protected and cared for. The authorities has to play a leading role to increasing resources to this village but it is the residents' responsibility to govern their village. Someone had to vote for a mayor. Even if the elections were rigged, some had to let the current officer stay in office. Stand up and reclaim your village or lose it all. Some one from the US can not be allowed to come into #78 Village and rape a 12 year old girl and then offer G$50,000 to shut the family up.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Your legacy lives on……
My Facebook inbox blinked 1 message, I checked it, message from my cousin in Guyana my Aunt passed…sigh….here we go again. Did I not just bury an uncle? What the hell is going on?
My aunt is the rock who stabled my uncle through his tumultuous years. During his time of being a “bad man” running around #78 Village with a cutlass drunk off his ass, creating havoc and mischief, she stood by him. She was there for it all. I am sure that there were times when she wanted to leave but she stayed.
When I lived in Guyana, some 21 years ago, I clearly remembered her with 3 little kids in tow, tending to the house and cooking some amazing meals. She always had and offered something to eat. When the big bad man started to get on she would retreat quietly into her house and not come out. Frail and timid but was there for her kids and always with a smile.
During my recent visit, she changed a lot. She was now in charge of her affairs. I am sure that she had the biggest role to play in teaching her big bad husband that life could still be lived in a humble way. She turned him around to being a soft gentle, easy going guy. A man who is not afraid to let his soft side show. This was an amazing turnaround. I am so humbled that she stood by him and worked it through.
Her daughters have grown into beautiful and caring young ladies with families of their own . One has achieved the very noble goal of home ownership with her husband, a Tapir driver, and their kids. She has made a very simple and cozy home. The other, her husband and kids run a grocery store at her “bottom house”. Her entrepreneurial spirit strives for a good life. Her son is a very strong and dedicated young man. After figuring out that academics was not for him, he went to work in a mechanical work shop. For several years now this very quiet young man is honing his skills in all aspects of the mechanical trade. He works and brings his money to his mother. She showed him how to save his money for a better future.
My dear aunt, you are an inspiration to all of us who walk this path. You never gave up on family and love. You always showed a good face to anyone. You were caring, loving, and shared even when you did not have. Now you are in a place of rest. May your spiritual guider take you with loving arms as your earthly work lives on in your children and grand children. May you rest in Peace.
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