B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP H ERITAGE F UND , I NC .

B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP
EXPRESS
E DUCATION M ONTH
S EPTEMBER 2011

T O P S TO RIES
The month of September welcomed the “Transforming Guyana
start of the 2011-2012 school year. The  Former Education
doors opened on the fifth of the month and through Minister Malcolm
Parris Speaks on the
several young ones in the community went
off to school for the first time. Following Science and Technology importance of Educa-
tion and the role of
parents
remarkable performances by students at the
National Grade 6 Assessment and Carib-
in Education.”
 Young Scholar
bean Secondary Education Certificate ex- shares success story
ams this year, the community is poised for  Dr. Bacchus ex-
continuing success in the years ahead. presses joy & pride
The month of September also ushered in over recent academic
successes
Education Month, which is being observed
from 1st September through 5th October.  Rennie Parris offers
kudos to teachers &
The theme for this year’s observance is students
“Transforming Guyana through Science
and Technology in Education”, under  Call for African-
Guyanese to practise
which the Education Ministry has planned “Inter-generational
a programme of activities that the govern- Preparation”
ment agency is hoping “will aid in advanc- Some of the 33 new pupils at Company
ing the efforts of the ministry in ensuring Road Nursery. Teacher Shivonne Todd I N SIDE TH IS ISSUE :
productive citizens with the ability to aid (left) and Headmistress Vanessa Phillips
the country’s modernization thrust”. are seen standing in the background. C OMMIT TO E XCELLENCE 2
IT S KILLS T RAINING 3
P ROGRAMME AT PIC

N O L IMIT TO S UCCESS 4
G ONE H OME 7
QB C OLUMN 8

B OOKBAGS FOR K IDS 9

R ENNIE P ARRIS P IECE 10

D EVELOPMENT P ILLARS 12

T HE Z EPHYR F AMILY 14
Some of the 150 attendees, including C UMMUNITY E VENTS 15
incoming students and their parents,
Nothing but happy smiles on the faces of these
at this year’s Orientation Seminar E VENTS C ALENDAR 16
new pupils at Company Road Primary G ENERAL I NFO
held by Buxton Secondary School
 P AGE 2 B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS

C OMMIT TO S USTAINING E XCELLENCE

ners of the Buxton Schol- of the school’s PTA sig-
arships have blazed a trail nificantly determines the
which has been diligently all-round success of the
followed. The village school. This cannot be re-
boasts renowned profes- futed. The PTA serves as a
sionals in every field of sounding board for the
endeavor. school’s efforts to enhance
The concepts which guide delivery of instruction and
the manner and systems in information which main-
which children are taught tains discipline and cohe-
are under constant review. siveness in the institution
Emphasis change today; and coordinates the inter-
Former Education Min- the role of the parent and action between the parents
ister, Mr. Malcolm Speaking to the intake of parental participation in as a body and the school’s
Parris, addressing the students for the 2011-2012 the child’s education is the administration.
gathering at Buxton Sec- school year and their par- most important element of Increasingly, PTAs have
ondary School’s 2011- ents at Buxton Secondary the student. For this rea- been contributing to the
2012 Orientation Exer- School, Mr. Malcolm son, he was glad to see that maintenance of the school
cise. Parris stressed the need to every child was accompa- building and furnishings.
appreciate the relationship nied by a parent. He had Many have spread their net
that has to be forged invited himself to the ori- into the Diaspora for assis-
among student, parent and entation exercise because tance in improving the en-
H EADMISTRESS , M R S . teacher. of some concerns. Both vironment in which their
C HA R I S A U S TIN , He asked the students to be last year and this year he children are taught. Par-
O UTLINED : ever mindful of the oppor- had been approached by a ents who have committed
T HE 5- AND 6- tunities available to them. number of parents for as- themselves to these re-
YEAR PR OGRAMMES Buxton has always been sistance in obtaining trans- sponsibilities have been
P RE &
PO ST TESTS proud of its progress fers to other schools. This handsomely rewarded.
FOR PRO GR ESS through education. In the signals an unfortunate lack Both parent and teachers
 CLASSES AT THE early days, the Trade of confidence in the have agreed on the basics
P RACTICAL School provided training school. Buxton Secondary to enable and maintain
I NSTR UCTION to scores of students who
C ENTER IN
S cho o l t r a dit i o na ll y harmonious relationships.
developed into foremen, boasted of the annual turn- We always have to re-
T ECHNICAL charge hands and manag-
D RAWING , H O ME out of sound students some member that the objective
ers in the nearby sugar of whom are holding their of the PTA is to support
E CO NO MICS AND
factories, the Demerara own in the United States of the school in its efforts to
A GRICUL TURAL
S CIENCE . Foundry as well as in the America in various fields impact knowledge and
S HE AL SO EXPLAINED furniture manufacture. of endeavor. create moral and spiritual
THE GENERAL R ULES Some of these graduates Returning to the issue of values, concepts of justice,
OF THE SCHOOL , ventured into the building the role of the Parents in equality and fair-play.
S U C H A S trades as small contractors the school system, Mr. Mr. Parris closed by re-
P U N C T U A L I T Y , themselves pr oviding Parris noted that the im- minding the children that
R ESTR ICTION ON training and employment portance of the body is they were embarking on
CELL PHONES, for youngsters in the vil- reflected in the fact that yet another journey of
SCHO OL BADGE AS A lage and nearby communi- certain aspects of each preparation for adulthood
CO MPUL SO RY PART ties.
OF THE UNIFOR M
school’s administration are and that they are guaran-
The achievements in aca- placed under the authority teed support as they so-
AND RESPECT FOR
demics have been out- of the Parent Teachers’ journ.
SCHO OL PREFECTS .
standing. The early win- Association. The vibrancy
 S EPTEMBER 2011
N EW IT T RAINING P ROGRAM
In keeping with the push
to transform Guyana
through Science & Tech-
nology in Education, a
new Information Technol-
ogy Skills Training Pro-
gramme is being launched
this month at the Buxton
Practical Instruction Cen-
tre. The programme will
run for six weeks, starting
26th September and ending
11th November, 2011.
The stated objective of
the programmes is: “To
provide young adults of
Buxton-Friendship the op-
portunity to obtain basic
information technology
training. In addition to
self-empowerment, these
R EGION 4 S ALUTES
E DUCATION M ONTH
As part of Education
Month, the Education De-
partment of Region 4 hosted
a convention at regional
headquarters, located at Tri-
umph, ECD.
new IT skills and soft
skills will enable them to
perform effectively in vari-
ous working sectors of
Guyana, while simultane-
ously strengthening their
communities.”
The main components of
the programme are:
 Office Ethics
 Communication
 Time Management
 Telephone Ethics
 Positive Management
 Introduction to Com-
puters
 Microsoft Office
 Word—word process-
ing application
 Excel—spr eadsheet
creation
In the photo at left, are several
students representing various
secondary schools in the region
on a march to the Triumph of-
fice. The procession took off
from the Lusignan Tarmac.
P AGE 3
 P o w e r Point— 9:30 p.m. There will be a
presentation layout 30-minute break for
 A c c e s s — d a t a b a s e snacks, which will be
management provided by the pro-
 Publisher — des ktop gramme’s sponsor, Basic
publishing Needs Trust Fund, a divi-
 O u t lo o k— p er s ona l sion of the Ministry of
information manage- Finance.
ment
 Computer Repairs &
Networking—overview
of hardware compo-
nents, diagnosing simple
problems, and replacing
and testing components.
The trainers are Fitzroy
“Rollo” Younge, Oveanne
Manswell and Renita
Stewart.
Classes will be held “T RANSFORMING
daily, from 4:00 p.m. to
G UYANA
THROUGH
S CIENCE &
T ECHNOLOGY IN
E DUCATION ”
In above photo, Education Officer Barbara An-
drews is seated at extreme left.
 P AGE 4
N O L IMIT
Shebiki Beaton is one of several
highly successful performers from
Buxton at this year’s Caribbean
Secondary Education Certificate
examination. She wrote thirteen
(13) subjects and passed all of them,
gaining eleven (11) Grades 1—nine
of them with distinction—and two
Grades 2. She excelled in Science
and is the only one (of those who
came forward) to have passed Infor-
mation Technology. So, in living
up to this year’s theme of Education
Month, this Science enthusiast and
aspiring cardiologist was asked to
share her thoughts on the goal of the
Education Ministry.
“Transforming Guyana
through Science and Tech-
nology in Education is
most apt. I can attest to the
fact that in today’s world,
especially at the secondary
school and university lev-
els, technology is no longer
optional. Almost every-
thing is done electroni-
cally. It can also impact
your grades greatly. The
computer provides access
to millions of books, an-
swers to various ques-
tions, and videos to help
you better understand con-
cepts. I have always loved
science but did not appre-
ciate the importance of
technology until now. I
struggled to pass the sub-
ject [IT] but I eventually
succeeded, moving up
from 63% to earning a
Grade I at CXC. This
proves that no matter how
difficult something may
seem, there is no limit on
how hard you should try to
succeed.”
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS
TO S UCCESS ...
Sixteen year-old Shebiki Beaton is Written by Lorna Campbell
the older of two children born to
Clarence and Bonieta Beaton of
year’s CXC exams (See August 2011
Buxton. Her father, a mason/tiler by
Express for details). To supplement
profession, was born and raised, for
her school work, she took after-
most of his childhood, in Mahai-
school lessons from 5:00--8:30 p.m.
cony, ECD. He later spent some in
from Mr. Arifali Khan at Lusignan,
Wales, WBD, then moved to Bux-
two miles away from her home.
ton, residing in the vicinity of Ogle
While Shebiki was prepared to han-
Street and Brusche Dam. Her
dle the competition at school, she
mother, Bonieta is Buxton-born and
was in no way ready to deal with the
teaches at Friendship Primary
(Continued on page 5)
School. Bonieta’s parents (Shebiki’s
grandparents) are Winston Headley
and Joyce (Uranie) Phillips-
Headley.
Shebiki related that she grew up
like a typical child in the village. At
the age of three, she commenced
school at the New Friendship Nurs-
ery School. Though she preferred
going over to Granny’s house to
play with her cousins, picking green
dunks and monkey-apples, or trap-
ping dragon flies on pointers coated
with glamour-cherry glue, she did
enjoy her time at the school. She
fondly reminisced on the love and
attention showered on her and her
classmates by Teacher Paula Gulli-
ver, who even introduced her to a
KFC treat. But she later came to
discover that her nursery school
years were like a vacation when
compared to the work she later en-
countered in primary school.
Her primary school years were
spent at Friendship Primary School
(Roman). During the six years she
was there, she worked hard to gain
high marks to ensure she never fell
below third place at the end of each
school term. She disclosed that this
accomplishment was not an easy
task, since she faced stiff competi-
tion from classmates Tishana Arthur
and Donelle Phillips, who both also
performed exceedingly well at this Shebiki Beaton
S EPTEMBER 2011
N O L IMIT
(Continued from page 4)
violence that engulfed the
village (2002-2008). “This
was a trying time for me. I
was scared for my safety,
and often woke up to gun-
shots in my ears or to Joint
Services’ officers at our
doorstep.” Coming home
from after-school lessons,
she related, “Many times,
when I returned to my vil-
lage, I would find mem-
bers of the Guyana De-
fence Force lining the
streets to my home.”
She disclosed that she
woke up at 4:00 a.m. every
day to prepare for the Sec-
ondary School Entrance
Examination (SSEE) in
2006. She placed 37th na-
tionally and topped Region
4 in qualifying for a place
at the nation’s premier sec-
ondary school, Queens
College. She credits teach-
ers, Ms. Yolanda Stoby,
Ms. Colleen Grant-Bailey
and Ms. Faith Victorine
(now deceased) for their
extraordinary guidance
and assistance.
When she ent er ed
Queen’s College, she re-
membered herself as a shy
young country girl. She
was also aware that Bux-
ton was infamous at the
time. But, she revealed,
“My village was of no em-
barrassment to me. I was
fully aware of the support
which radiated from my
fellow villagers and of
their wish for me to ex-
cel.”
TO
At Queen’s College, she
described her time there as
exciting, despite having to
cope with a heavy aca-
demic curriculum. She
distinctly remembered a
dramatic increase in the
study load when she en-
tered Third Form. Here,
she was introduced to a
core of new subjects—
Biology, Chemistry, Phys-
ics, Geography and Infor-
mation Technology (IT).
Having no prior exposure
to computers, she found IT
especially challenging.
Outside of school, she is
forced to go to her aunt,
Shelly Headley’s home to
gain use of a computer. At
this point, she felt that she
was at a disadvantage,
which caused her parents
to employ extra tutoring.
This kept her out until 7
o’clock at night.
Describing her prepara-
tion for CXC, Shebiki rev-
eled that she employed an
army of support, including
her parents, family mem-
bers, close friends, class-
mates and teachers. Her
Chief-in-Command was
“The Most High.” She
added: “I must admit that I
was not prepared for the
typhoon C.X.C brought
into my life. This was my
fault however, for I disre-
garded the advice of my
predecessors and neglected
to start my studying at an
earlier time. The candle
now had to be burnt at
both ends. I learnt that in
fighting the battle called
S UCCESS ...
Shebiki Bea-
ton, as she en-
joys a moment
of relaxation
C.X.C, it is important to be
determined. One should set
the goal as high as possible
and be determined to achieve
it. The advice of those who
excelled before you should
always be considered, and
your preparation must in-
clude every reading material
possible for each subject you
are about to write. Also, one
should only write the sub-
jects one is passionate about
or, as in the case of I.T. and
I, the subjects which are vital
to your choice of future ca-
reer.”
Shebiki wants to become a
cardiologist, specializing in
diseases and abnormalities
of the heart. She is in her
first year of study at the Uni-
versity of Guyana doing a
course in biology. She in-
tends to transfer to the Medi-
cine programme in her sec-
ond year. She expressed hav-
ing a deep interest in human
physiology, and marvels at
the opportunity to fulfill her
Christian obligation, that is,
P AGE 5
helping one’s
neighbours while pur-
suing one’s passion.
She chose to pursue
the field of cardiology
after a laboratory ex-
periment at school
where she dissected
the heart of a pig. She
found the exercise
very interesting.
While at QC, Shebiki
also excelled at Track
events, winning titles
such as: Victrix Lu-
dorium, Under-16
Champion Girl and
Beast All-Round Ath-
lete in 2009. She was
also selected to repre-
sent Queen’s College
at the 2010 Barbados
Relay Fair, where she
anchored her team to a
respectable bronze
finish.
H er ot her co-
curricular activities are
affiliated with her
chur ch, St.
(Continued on page 6)
 P AGE 6
N O L IMIT TO
Shebiki Beaton obtained 13 passes at CXC with 11
Grades 1 and 2 Grades 2. She also got 9 distinctions
(Continued from page 5)
Augustine’s Anglican Church.
There, she is the Assistant Sec-
retary of the Rock of Christ
Youth Group. She is also an
active usher and Bible Lessons
reader.
For recreation, she enjoys
listening to music, reading sci-
ence fiction novels and biology
books and catching up with old
friends. As time allows, she
also enjoys participating in
track meets.
Shebiki has a brother who is
two years younger than she.
His name is Okeme Beaton.
He is also a product of Friend-
Written by ship Primary School and
Lorna Campbell topped the village at Grade 6
Assessment in 2008. He is
now in Fourth Form at St.
Stanislaus College.
Her love and patriotism for
Buxton are very strong. She
took the opportunity to share
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS
S UCCESS ...
her thoughts on her home-
town.
“Buxton is a historic vil-
lage. The people have been
determined in their strug-
gle even from slavery to
where they are now. Bux-
tonians recognize that they
have a voice and persevere
through all obstacles to
ensure that that voice is
heard. I will always re-
member the story my
mother told me about the
brave women of Buxton
who stopped a moving
train many years ago. This
has inspired me to always
speak up for what I know
is right regardless of how
many persons might op-
pose me. I realize that de-
termination does not mean
being stubborn or narrow
minded, but even if it
were, I would rather be
like my ancestors who
paved the way for my edu-
cation and my future due
to their ‘stubbornness’.
I love to boast about my
village having the most
friendly and supportive
people. Lately, I have been
asked, many times, the
question of how it feels to
be a Buxtonian, especially
one who went through the
trials brought on by activi-
ties of recent years. I sim-
ply answer that I feel ex-
ceptionally blessed to be a
Buxtonian. I know the
Lord placed me here for a
reason, and the Buxton
experience has only made
me stronger. I value the
opportunities and the per-
sons who provided them
even more. This is a mes-
sage I want to send to the
youths of this village. Noth-
ing you have experienced
thus far has been as trying
as what your forefathers
went through to get you to
where you are today, so
there should be nothing in
your future that will deter
you from creating a better
future for the next genera-
tion. Be obedient to your
parents. There is much joy
to be gained from success
and an even greater one
which comes from knowing
that what you have done is
acceptable to the Lord, and
approved by the ones who
care for you. To you, the
parents of studying chil-
dren, be supportive and ac-
tive in their learning. It may
not always be possible, but
do your best to provide eve-
rything that would aid in
their education. Do not al-
low your children to live in
an abusive environment but
surround them with love
and encouragement.”
“I wish to thank everyone
who kept me in their
prayers and assisted me in
making not only myself
proud but, also, my family
and all my supporters.
Thank you!” concluded
Shebiki.
Best wishes to Shebiki
Beaton in her future en-
deavours. May God con-
tinue to bless you with
health, kindness and wis-
dom!
S EPTEMBER 2011 P AGE 7

News of the untimely

G ONE H OME
ship; attended Friend- Allison Tinny, and Aggrey
passing of Barbara New- ship Methodist Primary Newton (deceased).
ton-Okpei was received School (now Company In addition to her
with shock and sadness. Road Primary) and, mother and siblings, she
She died in Ontario, later, Tutorial High also leaves to mourn her
Canada on Saturday School. She emigrated husband, two children,
evening of September to Canada in 1968 to aunts, uncles, nieces,
24, 2011. She was 60 further her studies, and nephews, cousins, broth-
years old. resided there until her ers-in-law and a host of
Mrs. Newton-Okpei death. loving friends.
was the first-born child Barbara was also the Our sincere condolences
of Mrs. Ermilinda (Ena) sister of Charis (Bridget) to the bereaved family.
Newton and Mr. Eugene Newton-Thompson, Ha- May her dear soul rest in
Newton (now deceased). zel Newton-Azore, Carol eternal peace!
She was born and raised Newton, John Newton,
at Ogle Street, Friend- Murphy Newton-Henry,

Mark the Time!

April 9 —- April 14, 2012

Church Services
Kite-flying
Sightseeing Tour
Children’s Party
Seniors’ Banquet
Concert, Dance ...
P AGE 8 B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS

S UCCESS C OMES N OT B Y W ISHING

B UT B Y H ARD W ORK B RAVELY D ONE
By Dr. Clayton Quintin Bacchus educational pipeline that pro- by these youths is a direct
duced scholars after scholars. result of the educational tem-
Making that point, in no way plate designed by the ances-
I was on cloud nine when I saw
diminishes the superb effort of tors.
those pictures of young Buxto-
these young people as they The success stories that are
nians who excelled at the CXC.
continue to fortify our illustri- coming out of Buxton are
That feeling of academic euphoria
ous education tradition. predicated on individuals and
has escaped me since I left Bux-
My perspective of these groups that embrace progress.
ton many years ago. These chil-
youngsters’ outstanding per- There has been success upon
dren really made me proud.
formance was jolted into clar- success since Buxtonians
Reading about these incredible
ity when I discovered that have moved into serious ac-
scholars gave me goose bumps. I
most of these high performing tion to better themselves. In
can only exclaim in the voice of
students came from humble every case these successes are
my mother, “pickney ah yuh
backgrounds. I am convinced directly linked to positive ac-
prappa mek mi prud!” I must say,
more than ever that academic tion rather than negative reac-
it has been quite awhile since a
success comes with enduring tion. I have argued all along
large number of young Buxto-
effort and hard work. It has that these young people can
nians has done so well at such a
little or nothing to do with do wonders if they are availed
big examination. Just imagine,
one’s station in life. “You with the appropriate milieu
amidst all the adversities that
have to plough deep while and opportunity. And, I al-
plagued Buxton, just a few years
sluggards sleep”. The pro- ways challenge the view that
ago, these children were still able
found motto of my Alma ma- this generation of young peo-
to perform at this high level.
ter comes to mind: Success ple is less inclined to acade-
This remarkable accomplish-
comes not by wishing, but by mia as compare to their
ment was not only mind-blowing
hard work bravely done. predecessors.
but refreshing. How can these
It is with great pleasure I Those individuals and
children do so well with so little?
welcome this troupe of high groups that have helped to
Already, many Buxtonians have
academic achievers to the rich bring about these successes
posited many theories to answer
educational legacy of Buxton. must be applauded. Those
that question. But clearly, these
In retrospect Buxton was parents who were inspira-
children did not get to this high
always the envy for its great tional and instrumental in
point by doing the minimum.
schools and teachers. It was steering these children to suc-
They had to be disciplined, dedi-
no surprise that students from cess must be commended.
cated and daring. I just wish that
as far as Plaisance and Maha- Most of all, those teachers
some children who are living
ica attended schools in Bux- must be celebrated for the
overseas could learn from these
ton. Students from other vil- hard work they have carried
children in Buxton that the key to
lages needed that intellectual out so ingeniously.
academic excellence is not based
stimulation - the rigors of Right now, a new sense of
on affluence, but an unceasing
transportation fatigue did not empowerment engulfs every
commitment to persevere.
stop them. They felt that that young Buxtonian as progress
From time to time, Buxtonians
scholastic excellence and bril- pervades the village. It is
would let the world know that
liance would rub off on them. high time Buxtonians seized
Buxton is not only known for its
But seriously, many scholars on this moment and invested
people stopping train, but it is
are born in Buxton because of in these young people in tan-
also venerated for academic ex-
the tremendous value the an- gible ways. Yes, we owe it to
cellence. It must be noted, Bux-
cestors placed on education. them!
ton was always blessed with an
The profusion of cerebral heft
S EPTEMBER 2011
US G ROUP D ONATES B OOK B AGS
All God’s Little Children
Inc., Buxton, a non- gov-
ernmental organization
started hosting weekly Sat-
urday School sessions
since August, 2010. These
sessions aim at enhancing
the literacy levels of the
community’s children by
teaching them Christian
principles; while simulta-
neously creating alterna-
tive constructive activities
for them. September 3,
2011 marked an inaugural
and significant event in the
life of the group’s work.
Some sixty-three (63) chil-
dren from the Buxton-
Friendship area, aged four
to fourteen, in keeping
with the soon-to-be-re-
opened school term, were
proud recipients of school
supplies. Inclusive of bag-
packs, stationery, books
and calculators, their pack-
ages came as a result of
continuous and strenuous
efforts made by Brother
Weygand Gardner, Execu-
tive Director of the organi-
zation, and a committed
team of volunteers who
strive to maintain and en-
courage literacy and edu-
cation in the community.
The team strongly be-
lieves in the potential of
these youths and, despite
many challenges, is often
reminded of the unstable
and influential factors to
which these children are
s o met i mes ex p os ed.
Against that, with the con-
tinued help of God, they
plan on continuing their
efforts by touching the
lives of as many children
as possible in the said area.
All God’s Little Chil-
dren, Buxton, on this day
also celebrated the receipt
of an award which was
received by one of its vol-
unteers, Ms. Danita Cato.
She is the recipient of a
one-year scholarship to
pursue a Degree in Busi-
ness Management at the
University of Guyana. The
scholarship was humbly
donated by the Claude
P AGE 9
September 3, 2011—”All God’s Little Children” distri-
bution of 63 book bags to schoolchildren.
Harvey Foundation and
sourced by All God’s Lit-
tle Children Inc. Danita is
the 3rd volunteer of the
group to receive such
scholarships to date, since U p c o m i n g
the establishment of the major events
sessions in 2010. include:
Upcoming major events
include distribution of  distri bu tio n
more school supplies and of more
testaments, Garage Sale s c h o o l
Christmas Concert and supplies and
continued weekly meet- testaments
ings.  Garage Sale
 C h r i s t m a s
Concert
 w e e k l y
meetings.
In this Rollo Younge photo are volun-
teers (L > R): Donnette Williams, Na-
tasha London, Yonel Armstrong, Wey-
gand Gardner (founder/director),
Oleta Williams, Danita Cato &
Damiana Armstrong.
All God’s Little Children is an Atlanta-
based Group headed by Weygand
Gardner of Buxton.
P AGE 10
K UDOS TO
This is Education Month in Guy-
ana. The period of special obser-
vance extends from September 01,
2011 through October 05, 2011.
The theme is “Transforming
Guyana through Science TEACHER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
and Technology in Educa- LIVES OF OTHER PEOPLE ’ S CHILDREN.
tion.” As the country holds spe- T EACHERS OFFER YOUNG PEOPLE WAYS
cial events and activities to mark
Education Month, we should cele-
brate and adore our students and
teachers in Buxton.
As I read August 2011 Buxton-
Friendship Express, lots of issues
jumped out as matters for discus-
sion. I was amused by the timely
response by several young scholars
who raised their hands and de-
clared that they were honoring the
educational component of the
Emancipation Covenant. Addition-
ally, the article entitled, “Teacher
Extraordinaire,” provided a myriad
of issues that could engender dec-
ades of debates.
For starters, special commenda-
tion must be extended to the cohort
of young scholars who performed
exceptionally well at the Caribbean
Examinations Council (CXC) 2011
Secondary Education Certification
Examination. Tishana Arthur, She-
biki Beaton, Lisa Bacchus, Kwadjo
Garnett, Jevin Kellman, Donelle
Phillips, Imani Carmichael, and
others must be recognized and
celebrated for their worth and ex-
traordinary performances.
Tishana Arthus, our 2011 out-
standing scholar deserves celebrity
status, at least for the current aca-
demic year. Her performance may
be classified as recording-
breaking. She has sent us deep into
the education archive to compare
her performance. She could be the
first Buxtonian to rank among the
top ten performers in Guyana at
the Caribbean Examinations Coun-
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS
T EACHERS & S TUDENTS
“T EACHING IS AN EMOTIONALLY RICH,
INTELLECTUALLY CHALLENGING , AND
DEEPLY REWARDING VOCATION . A
TO DEEPEN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF
THE WORLD IN WHICH THEY LIVE AND
ACT CONSCIOUSLY AND ETHICALLY TO
CHANGE THE WORLD .”
cil Ordinary Level Examinations.
This student may be the first Bux-
tonian to be top student of a senior
secondary school in Georgetown.
She has shifted the educational
equilibrium in Buxton by demon-
strating that apart from mangoes
and coconuts, scholars can come
from “backdam side.”
While these young scholars have
taken center stage with their per-
formances, we need to heap praises
on the back stage performers – the
teachers. As we read the Princi-
pal’s report given by Ms. Leslie
Luke, we were reminded of the dire
circumstances under which teach-
ers work. She informed us that the
Buxton-Friendship Community has
some excellent and caring teachers
at all levels. They make things hap-
pen with very little or no support
from the parents of their students.
In addition, we must be mindful of
the significant impact that poverty,
inappropriate and inadequate nutri-
tion, excessive media exposure,
abuse and neglect have on attention
and learning. Finally, Ms. Luke’s
discourse points to the need for
greater investment in early child-
hood education and after school
programmes.
I salute and applaud all teachers
and educators in Guyana during
By Rennie Parris
Education Month, particularly the
teachers who work in the Buxton-
Friendship Community. Teaching
is a lifelong commitment to learn-
ing. It is an emotionally rich, intel-
lectually challenging, and deeply
rewarding vocation. A teacher is
responsible for the lives of other
people’s children. Teachers offer
young people ways to deepen their
understanding of the world in
which they live and act con-
sciously and ethically to change
the world. We struggle to develop
nurturing relationships with our
youths and strive to nourish them
with our knowledge, wisdom, ex-
perience and compassion.
Teaching requires that teachers
remain on the cutting-edge of
knowledge in their areas of spe-
cialization and pedagogy. We need
to research aggressively to keep
current with developments in the
field of education. This will enable
us to understand the effects of the
digital brain, poverty, transient
hunger, abuse and neglect, class
size, noise level and lighting,
learning styles, and emotions on
attention and learning. The knowl-
edge of these factors is critical for
structuring classroom instructions.
S EPTEMBER 2011 P AGE 11

XÇ}Éç t ZÄÉÜ|Éâá TâàâÅÇ XäxÇ|Çz Éy

featuring

Steel & Brass Orchestra

performing Gospel, Classical, Folk & Pop renditions
Interpretive Dancing & More
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Starting at 4:00 p.m.
Catherine McAuley High School Auditorium
710 East 37th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Ticket Donation
$25—Adult $20—Child (under 12)
Snacks & Refreshments on Sale
For Ticket Reservation
Errol & Vashti Cockfield: 718-843-3690 / Shawn Adams: 917-648-8383
Wilbert Hope: 718-510-2687 / John Massay: 347-228-6939
Monica Sandiford: 718-284-0911

S YMPATHY
We extend sincere condo-
lence to Simba Mwanza
(Basil Blair) and his wife,
Cherryl Telford-Blair, on the
passing of Simba’s mom,
Mrs. Cordelia Aileen Blair.
She died on 18th September,
2011, in North Carolina, USA
and is scheduled to be laid to
rest on 24th September in
Charlotte, NC.
Simba and Cherryl, please
know that our deepest sym-
pathies are with you and
your family at this time of
grieving.
 P AGE 12
P ILLARS OF D EVELOPMENT IN A FRICAN C OMMUNITIES
E DUCATION , S ELF -R ELIANCE
& B USINESS I NVESTMENT
Presentation by In a captivating presenta-
Aubrey Norton, MP tion at the Symposium or-
ganised by Buxton Resto-
Buxton Heritage
ration Committee, as part
Week Symposium
of this year’s Heritage
July 2011
Week observance, Mr.
Aubrey Norton, PNCR
Member of Parliament and
‘W E MIGHT NOT former University of Guy-
BE ABLE TO AF- ana lecturer in Political
FORD FREE EDUCA- Science, called on African-
TION , BUT I Guyanese to practise
DON ’ T KNOW WE “Intergenerational Prepara-
CAN AFFORD I G-
tion” in order to achieve
NORANCE .’
self-reliance and empow-
erment. He noted that
much of the problem faced
L.F.S. B URNHAM
today by Guyanese of Af-
( DECEASED )
rican descent is rooted in
the group’s lack of power
to achieve necessary ob-
jectives. He called on the
community to develop
bases for self-reliance and
E MPOWERMENT : empowerment through
“W HEREBY sustained education, pru-
INDIVIDUALS , dent economic manage-
COMMUNITIES AND ment and prioritization of
NATIONS SEEK TO interests.
ENSURE THAT He defined empower-
THEY HAVE AT ment as a means by which
THEIR DISPOSAL “individuals, communities
THE REQUIRED and nations seek to ensure
POWER TO that they have at their dis-
ACHIEVE THE posal the required power
OBJECTIVES THEY to achieve the objectives
SET FOR they set for themselves.”
THEMSELVES .” He, however, cautioned:
“If we are going to em-
power ourselves, we have
to have a broad vision of
Written by what we set out to
Lorna Campbell achieve.”
Mr. Norton emphasized
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS
that the attainment of self-
reliance and empowerment
rests on having a clear vi-
sion of what each person
would like to achieve as an
individual, and also as part
of a family, a community
and a nation. “What we
want to do, where we want
to go and how we intend to
get there are some of the
questions around which we
must formulate a necessary
plan,” he said.
In getting there, he sug-
gested that parents first try
to educate themselves then
take steps to ensure that
their children are also
properly educated. He
shared a response by the
late President L.F.S. Burn-
ham to a question on
whether Guyana could
afford free education,
which was fully imple-
mented in 1976. Mr. Burn-
ham reportedly said: ‘We
might not be able to afford
free education, but I don’t
know we can afford Igno-
rance.’ Mr. Norton ex-
pressed the view that when
parents attend to their chil-
dren’s education, they are
preparing to take them out
of ignorance and thus be-
gin the first basis of em-
powerment. This, he said,
must be done, and is based
on a principle he described
as “Inter gener ational
Preparation”.
In Explaining this princi-
ple, he said that, in African
communities, parents must
commit to preparing their
children to experience a
better life than they them-
selves enjoyed. They must
also inculcate in their chil-
dren a similar commitment
whereby this principle
would be passed on to suc-
ceeding generations. “In
other words,” he summed,
“you are preparing the next
generation to be better than
your generation.” He
warned that failure to im-
plement and maintain such
a system could result in
generational retrogression,
which would lead to decay.
Speaking on the impor-
tance of Economics, Mr.
Norton suggested that par-
ents start teaching their
children sound economic
management from an early
age. He seized the opportu-
nity to censure those who
engage in spending beyond
their means, citing a popu-
lar old saying: “We like to
hang our hats where our
hands cannot reach.” This,
he said, restrains our ability
to build up a savings ac-
count. He further remarked
that saving diligently
should not be unfamiliar to
African-Guyanese since
their ancestors bought vil-
lages through this practice.
“We have a history of sav-
ing; what we have done is
(Continued on page 13)
S EPTEMBER 2011
P ILLARS OF D EVELOPMENT
IN A FRICAN C OMMUNITIES
(Continued from page 12)
to have lost our way,” he
bemoaned. He implored
the community to adhere
to this discipline to
achieve self-reliance and
empowerment. This prac-
tice, he also advised, lends
to the development of a
history with a bank which
helps in accessing loans
from financial institutions.
Mr. Norton went on to
state that he had observed
that some persons, once
they obtained a loan, de-
cided that they were not
going to repay their debt.
“You do not develop like
that,” he chided. “You de-
velop when you develop
credibility, and people
[lenders] can be assured
that you will repay over
the long term. As you pro-
gress, you will do better.”
According to Norton,
another important factor in
the drive towards empow-
erment is the prioritization
of interests. “We need to
develop a sense of respon-
sibility which seeks to de-
termine what things are in
our own best interests as
well as those of our chil-
dren. Our next step should
be to pursue those interests
in a structured way.”
Moving on to the subject
of Self-Development, he
warned that, unless the
community developed an
investment/economic cul-
ture, it would remain in
serious trouble. This new
culture, he stressed, was
necessary in order to
achieve empowerment and
self-development.
Mr. Norton also urged
individuals to embark on a
culture where they aspire
to work for themselves “It
is time we got into Busi-
ness,” he said. “Look
around the world; most of
those who achieve are peo-
ple who work for them-
selves. We have got to fo-
cus on creating an African-
Guyanese entrepreneurial
class.” He then identified
some successful Afro-
Guyanese entrepreneurs.
Continuing, he remarked,
“Unless we develop an
entrepreneurial class that
has wealth independent of
the State, we will be de-
pendent.”
Norton next addressed
the issue of property own-
ership by Afro-Guyanese.
He noted that property-
owners were not utilizing
the equity in their homes
to acquire capital for entre-
preneurial investments, or
for improvement in their
own lives. He considered
this an inefficient use of
financial resources, and
lamented that it was a seri-
ous misconception on the
part of Afro-Guyanese
property-owners. He chal-
lenged them to change this
perception. “When we ac-
quire property, we need to
treat it as an investment
that will serve as a basis of
capital appreciation, which
P AGE 13
can increase empowerment
and self-reliance.” Written by
In concluding his presenta- Lorna Campbell
tion, Mr. Norton restated the
key principles the commu-
nity should embrace to attain
self-reliance and empower-
ment. He reiterated the im-
portance of education in self-
development and that for the
children. He also encouraged
the development of an in-
vestment culture. These ap- “I T IS TIME WE
proaches must fit within the GOT INTO
individual’s vision of where BUSINESS . L OOK
he wants to take himself, his AROUND THE
children, his community, his WORLD , MOST OF
country. “Anyone who does THOSE WHO
not have a clear vision of ACHIEVE ARE
where he wants to go will go PEOPLE WHO WORK
anywhere (even to the mad- FOR THEMSELVES .
house),” he warned. W E HAVE GOT TO
“You should want a struc- FOCUS ON
tured approach in which to CREATING AN
empower yourself. When A FRICAN -
you become old, you must G UYANESE
be satisfied that you did eve- ENTREPRENEURIAL
rything to prepare a basis for CLASS .”
your children to get up in
life.” He expressed concern
that some parents view their
children as assets. “In a
sense they develop their chil-
dren to mind them.” He ad-
monished such parents to
maintain their own inde-
pendence and thus avoid
being a source of burden to
their children. He was how-
ever quick to add that an
understanding must be de-
veloped whereby children
are prepared to take over in
case their parents were no
longer able to function nor-
mally.
 P AGE 14
T HE Z EPHYR F AMILY
As we join in the celebra-
tions and festivities of our
pride in this great village
of Buxton, we simultane-
ously have to reflect and
bask in our pride of the
Zephyr Family. We cele-
brate and honor our ances-
tors for their foresight and
comradery when they de-
cided to use their initia-
tives, resources, coopera-
tive skills and will power
to purchase this great land
and name it Buxton.
Over the years, the Zephyr
name had been well
known in the village of
Buxton. Though most of
the members of our family
have migrated to the New
York area, our hearts and
pride have never left Bux-
ton. Twelve years ago, we
decided to form an organi-
zation which, throughout
the years, has grown
stronger and closer. The
ultimate goal was, and still
is, for members of the
family to know each other,
respect and love each
other, and cement an un-
br eakable bond. To
achieve this, we plan sev-
eral annual activities,
which are usually well
attended.
Most importantly, this
family recognizes the Om-
nipotent power, the pres-
ence and the many bless-
ings bestowed on each of
us by the Almighty Father.
Therefore, quite appropri-
ately, we choose one Sun-
day to all worship to-
gether. Even though we
belong to different de-
nominations, we congre-
gate under one roof to
praise and honor Him.
This is how we begin each
year’s activities.
During Spring, we choose
one day to have Family
Fun on a bus ride. Every
Summer, we choose a city
park, and we have our Fun
Day Picnic. This is our big
day–our special day. We
play games together. We
eat, drink and have fun
together for an entire day.
On this special day, we
recognize, motivate and
encourage our younger
members. We acknowl-
edge their academic
achievements and progress
made during the school
year by distributing
MERIT AWARDS to
them. Since the young
people are our future, we
must continue to lead and
inspire them to dream big
and to have high goals. If
your mind can conceive it
and your heart can believe
it you can surely achieve
it. The sky is the limit!
We compliment them and
challenge them to believe
in themselves and to al-
ways strive to go forward;
never backward.
Two years ago, we started
a Walk-a-Thon through a
park. The intent is to en-
courage us all to live and
practise healthy life styles.
During the morning’s ac-
tivity, we also remember,
honour and pay tribute to
our elders who have
passed on. We end this
with a Family Brunch. At
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP EXPRESS
Christmas time, we get
together one evening to
enjoy our traditional
Christmas celebration. We
are planning more activi-
ties so we can be together
and bond more often dur-
ing the year.
The older members have
seen five generations of
this family. Our family
pride continues to grow
lovingly in strength, unity
and harmony. Recently,
the younger members of
our family decided to form
a junior organization and
plan their own age-
appropriate activities. We
support and encourage the
youth group and want
them all to know and
honor their family history
and enjoy that legacy.
Of course, the Zephyr fam-
ily has its roots in Buxton,
the focus of our pride at
this time. Our family tree
started when one “Mamie”
Liverpool married a
Zephyr gentleman. Her
sister was married to a
Seaforth. These two family
lines grew and grew in
Buxton. The union of
“Mamie” Liverpool and
James Zephyr produced
four sons and one daugh-
ter. The brothers were Ger-
shon- Uncle Gershon,
known affectionately in his
time as “Bitter Tally.” He
was recognized for his fa-
mous and well-liked
mauby. His sons were
George, Sam, Fred, Law-
rence and daughter, Elsa.
These siblings together
created a very large and
proud dynasty. His brother
Donald, known as Uncle
Don, had Maude, twins–
Henry and Harry, Wilbert,
who recently departed at
age 91, and a younger
da u g ht er , Sa ys il et t a
Zephyr-Thomas. Cousin
Wilbert and Cousin Saysi
also built a dynasty. The
other brother, James, had
Walter and Ivy, who had a
smaller group. Cousin Ivy
recently celebrated her 90th
birthday in Guyana. She is
now the oldest living fam-
ily member. The fourth
brother was Cassey. Their
only sister, Eva Priscilla,
known as Aunt Eva, mar-
ried to Robinson. Aunt
Eva’s children were
George, Charles, Harry,
Millicent and Rose Robin-
son-James. They produced
another large loving dy-
nasty of the Robinsons’
and the James’.
It was well known that
three of these Zephyr
brothers were married to
three ladies-two sisters and
a cousin from the Joseph
family. The Joseph family
name was also very well
known in Buxton.
We encourage other fami-
lies who have not yet em-
barked on a similar group
movement to get together
during each year, love and
enjoy each other and bask
in the pride of their family.
Whatever We Achieve or
Whoever We May Be-
come, We Owe It All to
The Family.
…by Sylvia Anetha Zephyr
S EPTEMBER 2011 P AGE 15

You are invited

The Zephyr Family

Saturday, October 1, 2011

from 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Catherine McAuley Dining Hall

1377 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
(near Foster Avenue)
Sumptuous Breakfast & Delightful Entertainment
Ticket Donation: $25—Adult / $20—Child
For more information & reservation, call:
Vashti Cockfield 718--843—3690
Jean Zephyr-Andries 347—425—0576
Lorraine Glasgow 718—258—5977

CIMBUX, Inc.
Presents A C
I
M
B
Saturday, November 19, 2011
5:00 p.m.— 10:00 p.m.
U
Margaret Schweinhaut Center
1000 Forest Glen Road
X
Silver Spring, MD 20901 For Ticket / More Information
African Drumming, Drama, Poetry, Music & Dance George Hinds: 240-381-5190
Jude Green: 240-988-4941
Plus Delicious Country Cuisine Horace Azore: 240-508-6388
Ticket Donation: $15 Keith Easton: 240-601-3892
(Free admission for Children) Gladstone Marcus: 240-486-6341
B UXTON -F RIENDSHIP E XPRESS S EPTEMBER 2011

2011 Community Calendar

DAY & DATE EVENT PLACE DETAILS PROMOTER(S) CONTACT INFO

Sunday FOOD FAYRE St. Augustine’s Music by BAFUKA 0795-153-0102

9th October 2:00 — 7:00 p.m. Church Hall GT Promotion (Buxton and Friend- 0208-885-2393
0793-064-7724
DANCE Broadway Road Adult: L 3 ship UK Association) 0790-326-8590
7:00—10:00 p.m. Tooting SW17
London, England Child: Free 0798-524-3397

Saturday An Catherine Chronicle Atlantic Besac, inc.

29th October McAuley H.S. Steel & Brass (Buxtonians for the 718-843-3690
from 5:00 p.m.
Autumn Splendour Auditorium Educational & Social 347-228-6939
Orchestra 917-648-8383
Advancement of the
Gospel & Steel 710 East 37th St
Brooklyn, NY
& More Community) 718-284-0911
Adult—$25 718-510-2687
Concert 11203
corner of Foster Ave
Child—$20

2012 Community Calendar

WHEN WHAT WHERE HAPPENINGS BY WHOM MORE INFO

NZAA
Sunday “A Celebration of
1st January KWA Family, Community Buxton-Friendship To be Announced
New Year’s Day
from 4:00 p.m.
& Culture” Heritage Group
SOIREE African Libation,
Music, Poetry,
Fashion & Cuisine
Mon—Sat EASTER Buxton- Kite-flying Buxton-Friendship
9th April Friendship Sightseeing Tour Restoration Group
FEST Children’s Party &
— GUYANA Heritage Group
14th April Seniors’ Banquet
Concert, Dance ...

Writers/Editors Phone E-mail Address

Lorna Campbell 718-342-0040 lorna@buxtonguyana.net E-mail us at:
Rollo Younge 592-639-9035 youngefitzroy@gmail.com buxtonexpress@aol.com
Dr. C. Quintin Bacchus 202-538-1261 bacchusphd@comcast.net
Rennie Parris 347-863-6121 parrisrennie@yahoo.com For past issues & more
Photographers Visit us on the web @
Fitzroy “Rollo” Younge 592-639-9035 youngefitzroy@gmail.com www.buxtonguyana.net
Mboya Wood 646-727-5937 mboya@buxtonguyana.net

B UXTON -F RI ENDSHIP H ERITAGE F UND , I NC ., 454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA

SUSTAINING OUR HERITAGE; EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY