June 23, 2017 – Guyana Times International

Fathers define their roles

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

By Utamu Belle One of my fondest childhood memories of my father, which will remain with me forever, is him carrying me on his shoulders to watch the fireworks display to ring in the new year. I am usually overwhelmed when I get nostalgic about my father, because I realised that spending quality time with him was one of the things that brought joy to my little heart. Today, we celebrate the unconditional love of all fathers, whether biological or adoptive. Sunday Times Magazine interviewed two hardworking fathers in Linden…

Capturing the Essence of Fatherhood

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Through their art, Shimuel Jones and Michael Griffith capture the meaning of fatherhood, saying that fathers should not only be financial providers, but also nurturers. Shimuel Jones is a Guyanese artist noted for possessing immense skill in painting, drawing or sculpting. His thought-provoking piece “Father and Son” depicts a son embraced by his father. “What is most significant about this painting is the book that the child is holding. As a father, it is important to not only be a monetary provider, but someone who nurtures the mind of his…

The ‘Superdad’ from Essequibo

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

A single-parent, amputee and toy maker, Richard Moshette is defying all odds to care for his three children Two years ago, Richard Moshette made a life-changing decision to amputate his right leg, due to diabetes. This “difficult decision” was made to ensure he would live to care for his three sons, but losing his leg was not Richard’s only heartrending loss. In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Richard disclosed that after he was diagnosed with diabetes, and had to later amputate his leg, his wife left him after 13…

Parabara

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Parabara is a small indigenous community located in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), along the scenic Kuyuwini River. The village was founded in 1969 and was occupied by six households. Now, the village is populated by persons who have migrated from different communities, amounting to about 23 households. The residents’ first language is Wai-Wai; second, Wapishana; and third, English. Major economic activities in this quiet and scenic village are farming, fishing and hunting. A primary school, ‘health hut’, church, ‘rest house’ and village office are Parabara’s main buildings. (Village information…

‘The Father of Trade Unionism’

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow [often referred to as the “Father of Trade Unionism”] was born in Georgetown on December 18, 1884. His father, James Nathaniel Critchlow, had emigrated from Barbados and was employed as a wharf foreman by the Booker Group of Companies, while his mother Julia Elizabeth Critchlow, née Daniels, was originally from the Essequibo coast. Young Hubert Critchlow attended the Bedford Wesleyan Primary School, but left when he was 13 years old, after his father died. He had reached up to Standard 4 (equivalent to Grade 6 in [today’s]…

West Indian History and Literature by Frank Birbalsingh

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

By Petamber Persaud Frank Birbalsingh is not contented to rest on his laurels in any area of his expertise, including deserved labels/titles such as ‘literary critic’, ‘prolific book reviewer’, ‘exceptional anthologist’, ‘cricket historian’, ‘oral historian’, ‘specialist of West Indian and Indo-Caribbean literature’ and ‘author’. His achievements include massive, and oftentimes, ground-breaking scholarly works like “Jahaji Bhai: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Literature” (1988); “Indenture and Exile: The Indo-Caribbean Experience” (1989); “Indo-Caribbean Resistance” (1993); “Jahaji: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Fiction” (2002); “Passion and Exile: Essays in Caribbean Literature” (1988); “Frontiers of Caribbean…

Tall tales…

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…and integrity If there was anything to that Pinocchio story, PM Moses Nagamootoo’s nose should be reaching further than his outstretched hands by now when it comes to the Integrity Commission he’s supposed to’ve launched over a year now. You remember the Integrity Commission, don’t you Dear Reader?? Yeah…that institution the PNC refused to participate in for a decade and a half because they said Bishop Randolph George, head of the Anglican Church, wasn’t a “fit and proper” person to head it!! So since then, even though it was the…

Unity…

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…in coalitions? The meeting between Prezzie and the WPA might’ve been precipitated by the demotion of the latter group’s co-leader, but it seems that the larger issue of the internal relationships within the APNU umbrella was raised. They’ll all be meeting in July, but we don’t know the agenda as yet. It should be interesting, however, if for no other reason than that it reminds Guyanese exactly who’re in this “coalition” with the PNC. In case you’ve forgotten, back in 2011, when it was launched, we were told “A Partnership…

US-bases Guyanese is hairstylist to Hollywood’s biggest stars

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, and raised in California’s Silicon Valley, U.S., hairstylist Marcia Hamilton is known for her ability to mesh old school beauty with up to the minute trends and techniques. She discovered her passion for art and style at an early age, but against her mother’s predictions, Hamilton had ambitions of becoming an auto mechanic. After a series of life changing events, destiny led her to the inevitable path of a career in hair care. Hamilton began her hair care education under strict training from the Pivot Point…

Funny Guyanese wedding stories

June 23, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Traditionally, throughout the world, the month of June is associated with weddings and “June brides”. It is felt that if a marriage is consummated in June, it is perceived as a blessing and the chances of love and affection would unite couples into an everlasting bond. Whether this is true or not, there are some Guyanese customs to which couples would adhere, regardless of the consequences: “Don’t look back while going up the aisle”; “jumping the broom”- a West African tradition; “don’t ever let a dog eat your wedding cake”;…