Seasons’ Greetings

Peace and Blessings! Seasons’ Greetings to one and all and their loved ones.
At this point of my life and especially at this period of the year, I would love to pay homage and thank numerous persons, and/or their immediate relatives for their efforts in accommodating my mother, my brother Colin and me in many ways throughout the years. I must acknowledge that neither mother nor Colin is in the physical realm of existence. Thus, they cannot personally thank those who made contributions to our welfare. I am still breathing. I am armed with a sober mind. I am filled with gratitude - and love for all of the people who made life worthwhile for my mother and her loved ones.
Therefore without much further ado I would like to recall a number of the people who I am sure are all well deserving of note for all they have done to enhance the lives of my mother, Colin and me.
Firstly, I thank numerous relatives, and friends of the community of Golden Grove, Nabaclis and Haslington, and elsewhere. Special mention must be made of the children of Tappin Elliott and Sophia Elliott and their descendants. Also, the kinship of Bristol, most especially Olga Dover and her generations. The people of Sumner, especially the kinship of Adams, the descendants of Baba Sumner, Kreek Sumner and others and their generations . . .
Mrs. Munroe English and her sister Elfreda Henry and their generations . . .
The kinship of Trotman - especially Brandford Trotman, Doreen, Daphne, Dorothy, Rashleigh, Dood, the schoolmasters - and all of his generations . . .
The people of Sarrabo - particularly Leopold Duncan Sarrabo and all of their generations . . .
Donald Adolphus Thomas Jones, the grand old man and the renown District Correspondent for the Daily Chronicle of the Upper East Coast region, from Plantation Enmore to Cane Grove - and his people . . . The kinship of Morrison . . . The kinship of Savory . . . the generations of the people of Benn . . . The people of Sampson . . . The people of Elias and others . . . County Sergeant Major Thompson and all of his generations . . .

SCHOOLMASTERS
James Alfred Trotman and Donald Ashley Bevel Trotman (schoolmasters of Golden Grove Wesleyan/Methodist School) . . .
The Third Batch at Teachers’ Training College, 1932-1934 . . .
Hubert Alfred Thompson and Carlton Paton Browne Melbourne (schoolmasters at St. Andrews’ Episcopal/ Anglican School, Plantation Cove & John) . . .
Paul Branco (schoolmaster at Port Mourant Roman Catholic School) . . .
Mr. Bourne (schoolmaster at Blairmont) . . .
Harold Christopher Scarder (schoolmaster at St. Patrick’s Anglican School, Plantation Rose Hall, Canje) . . .
Henry T. Chin and Winslade Simon (schoolmasters at Cumberland Methodist School, Canje) . . . James Donald Ainsworth and Leslie Redvers Dolphin Ainsworth (schoolmasters of Victoria Wesleyan and Golden Grove Methodist Schools) . . .
Joseph Parkinson . . . Prince Josephus Patterson and Cecil Patterson . . .
Winifred Gaskin . . . Shirley Field-Ridley . . . Joseph Oscar FitzClarence Haynes . . . Fred Wills . . . W. O. R. Kendall

The Savory family and the Tucker family (# 65 Village, Corentyne) . . .
Maharajin and her son and their people . . . the Francis family (# 68 Village, Corentyne) . . .
Joe Dulam and the Dulam people (# 64 Village, Corentyne) . . .

Mrs. Chin-A-Loy and her sister Mrs. Alphonso and their people . . .
Rohan Kanhai, and Raymond Drepaul and the other pupils at Port Mourant Roman Catholic School . . .
Roy Fredericks and the other pupils at Blairmont . . .
Alwyn Trotman, Carl Austin, Benjamin Solomon and the other pupils at Golden Grove Wesleyan/Methodist School . . .
Iris Stephens and Dorothy Trotman, Lambert Adams, George Hinds, Phyllis Sancho and the other pupils at St. Andrews’ Episcopal/ Anglican School . . .
The pupils, teachers, members of the Parent-Teachers Association and the community at No # 68 Government School . . .
The people of the Villages # 64, # 65, # 66, # 67, # 68, # 69, Fyrish, Rose Hall, Port Mourant, Springlands and Long Road on the Corentyne Coast . . . Special mention must be made of the people of # 67 and # 68, who allowed her to enter into their homes while she was the District Census Officer in 1969 . . .
The kinship of Sandy of the Villages # 64, # 65, and # 68, on the Corentyne coast . . .
Sankat, King, Bhagroo, Dhanraj, Henry, and Jattan and a few others of the school masters of the Upper Corentyne, September 1966 - July 1972 . . . Who are I missing? I think head masters of Orealla, and Skeldon Scots and Anglican schools. Will you name them?
Hemraj, # 67 village, a schoolteacher at Skeldon Line Path Government Secondary School . . . Patto Jagan, George Moonsar, Yasmin Ramnarin . . .

If I omitted anyone, it’s not personal. It’s simply the result of the process of aging. Thus, feel free to remind me as soon as possible . . .
Iris Austin and the people of central Wesleyan Methodist Church at Main Street in New Amsterdam . . .Eustace A. V. Wilson, E. A. Chapman, W. O. R. Kendall, Jacob Stanford Ralph, his wife and children and all of their generations . . .

The people of Blairmont, Cumberland, Rose Hall; Canje, Rose Hall; Corentyne, Fyrish Springlands and Long Road . . .
I thank you and/or your descendants on your behalf - on the behalf of my mother, my siblings and myself.
Again I appreciate you for welcoming me with open arms regardless of the unnecessary headaches I caused you. I love you and your descendants without any conditions - whatsoever. I pray that the day will come when the world would be made aware of the people of Sancho - not only as a microcosm of autochthonous people and deeply melaninated people of earth but as people who stand for the greatest good of man - in the human experience . . . Eusi Kwayana, by any name, I simply wish I was your student at County High School. I consider you one of my mentors . . .

cowards refuse to think for themselves

We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are ...Anais Nin
It’s not about me
The vast majority of people who claim to believe in the Bible have never read the Bible from cover to cover.
Politicians, for the most part, exhibit a self-absorbed perspective. They treat the electorate as they simply exist to serve them in their selfish pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Have you ever wondered - why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time? Is it factual that life is supposed to be difficult? Is it true - that character development and not comfort is the ultimate goal of human life experience here on earth?

At some point prior to my sixteenth birthday, numerous East Indian males, gathered themselves together at the bridge at No. # 66 Creek, on the Corentyne Coast in Guyana. They plotted. They had conspired on the words of Samuel Gopaul of No. #68 village. Those cowards refused to simply think for themselves. They concluded they ought to bring my very physical existence to a very bloody and violent end. Their only problem was their would be victim simply refused to cooperate. Those gullible racists were so ignorant. They perhaps assumed, I only read academic publications which were recommended for usage in the curriculum of the school system in Guyana. However, I also did extensive reading of texts on subjects of military and guerrilla warfare. Their arrogance betrayed their schemes. I refused to be trapped and caught. My representatives were hunted, trapped, caught and shipped across the Middle Passage and enslaved in the Americas. Would allow myself to be caught under the cover of darkness? Besides murder - what was they thinking? All Niggers are stupid -Isn’t that what they say - is not that parts of their racist stereotype rhetoric? Well they did not realize they were attempting to victimize an autochthonous being of earth. As a youngster, I was well aware of the pattern of behaviors of fanatics. I recognized the danger. I made a quick note of their positions on the bridge and on the banks of the creek. I decided on a course of action. I calmly and coolly ran toward the would-be assailants. Then I turned right. I plunged between the metal of the side of the bridge into the creek between two fishing boats. I stayed on the bottom of the creek feeling for nets. I was not certain if they were smart enough to consider placing nets used for catching fishes to try to entangle me beneath the surface of the waters of the creek. Just as I assumed there was none. Thus, it was a cake walk to safety. I was certain a Comanche Dog soldier would have done in a similar situation. I made good my escape. I arrived within three hours of that attempt on my life, amongst my people at Nabaclis. All’s well that ends well - however, I will neither forget nor forgive that experience. It was rather unfortunate and totally unnecessary . . . I never attempted to defrock any East Indian female on the Corentyne Coast. The reports were of gross exaggerations. Chitrani resided at No# 66 village. She was very attractive young female. She was my classmate at No# 68 Government school. We were in common entrance class. Raymond Drepaul was our teacher. I know simply because I was the son of the Head Mistress, most of the pupils were rather friendly with me. However, when I returned to the Corentyne to attend Skeldon Line Path Government Secondary School I noticed most of that attention had disappeared. The simple truth was I never entertained any ideas of trying to be intimate with Indian females. My eyes and heart was fixed upon the possibilities Claudette Francis and Ingrid Savory. They never really were more than polite towards me. I realize that was because of the character of my mother. They simply had no interest in being within an arms length of me. Denise was the only girl friend I ever knew on the Corentyne. She was a from Golden Grove. She was residing at the home of relatives at Leeds. That’s it...The truth of the matter is racists are dangerous people...Their sole purpose is to violate human rights of people whom they conclude has not right to life or property.

Traumatized

Recently, I have again been traumatized. An author purported to be a relative has attempted to label my mother a liar for prosperity. I am not aware that any of her loved ones have stepped forward to insist that there be accountability and a measure of redress. And that is really unacceptable…

Recently, I have again been traumatized. I really don’t have any idea whether I would ever fully recover from this assault. It is my understanding, that quite frankly the integrity of the character of my nearest and dearest relative of them all, my most beloved ancestor, my mother Muriel Sancho (1914-1990), has not only been questioned but the attempt was made to denigrate her for posterity. I will say this now. It does not matter as much to me, what the insincere, in sensitive, and hostile capitalistic mind has done and/or attempted to achieve. I fully expect the relevant response from those who benefitted from being exposed to one of the finest of the personalities amongst the people of Sancho. I rather expect six of seven who were nourished by the contents of her breasts to be utterly furious. I expect them to make every effort to ensure this affront is addressed by the relevant authority. I will urge them to seek the proper redress. I also expect those nurtured by her love for the members of the kinship of Sancho and those who benefitted from her experiences and/or qualities to denounce the product of a narrow and hollow mind set. Obviously, the only exception is her son, Colin. He is not in the physical realm of existence. There is no excuse for this baseless attack. It was totally unnecessary. In fact, it would bring a sense of community to my sorrowful heart and mind when I am made aware that all of her descendants express their disappointment at the ludicrous statements the author attributed to our ancestor.
I would love to say to the author that’s ludicrous you are referring to Muriel Sancho a most revered personality not some unknown human being - no apologies would be accepted - for you made those statements of your own validation - they were not forced at all.
I am taken aback. I remember that my mother despised liars. She would punish me if she was confident I told her lies. She repeatedly stated, “a liar is a thief and a murderer.” They violate others. They deny others of their humanity, human and civil rights.
I don’t feel the warmth of this fire period of the year. I had heard it said before that the nights are long and the days are cold - now I am calling on the ancestors to come to my aid, to restore my reverence for them - am I not one of the very reason they existed in the first place?
I also read it somewhere and I do believe I used the quotation on several occasions. It matters not what sort of ancestors you have but what descendants our ancestors have. However, I cannot fathom deceit I cannot begin to imagine that my great great-grandfather, Bentick Sancho would hide his identity from his wife (or wives) quite possibly Mary Sumner and Sarah Giles, and his children, Lammy Tuckness Sancho, and Mary Sancho Sandy with Mrs. Mary Sancho and Charles Sancho and Sarah Sancho with Sarah Sancho, and his grand children, particularly Allick Sancho (1873-1945). If Bentick Sancho and Fothergill are names of the same human being - he had ample opportunity to ensure there would be no misinformation concerning his legacy and his heritage. I must admit I don’t know what the truth is - I was not present in the physical realm. I was not an eye witness. I can assure you. Were I there in this realm - then certainly I would ask questions respecting the knowledge of self, and other questions relevant to my interests. I don’t believe the statements I had heard from the author - now that I have seen a number of ridiculous statements that appeared online. I am not entirely sure what I am going to do about them but I say this I will attempt to obtain a measure of redress. I am not amused. That’s for sure . . .

batsmen of the last thirty-three years are all softies

Shoaib Akhtar was a man among boys. He was rather fortunate by virtue of his date of birth. He did not have the opportunity to come up against the really great West Indian test match batsmen. He did not hurl the ball at demon speed to Fredericks, Kanhai, Kallicharran, Butcher, Lloyd, Weeks, Walcott, Worrell, Hunte, Gary Sobers, Seymour Nurse, George Headley, Lawrence Rowe Collie Smith and Viv Richards and others of similar abilities and talent. I have never seen great West Indian batsmen so completely victimized by ineptitude, and lying on the pitching and writhing in pain as Brian Lara from a delivery by Shoaib Akhtar.
I think the batsmen of the last thirty-three years are all softies. They are all prima donnas. This era of the one bouncer per over and helmets and other protective equipment have not reproduced one cricketer of real merit, of comparison to those of 1948 - 1977. I believe the greatest cricketers all appeared between 1948 and 1977 on the international arena. They are too many steps below the ability and the talent of the players, 1948-1977. I subscribe most test match teams, in that era had three, four and occasionally more top class match winning bowlers. In the 1950s England had Jim Laker, Tony Lock, Fred Truman, Alec Bedser, and Statham. They are as fine a five some that has ever appeared in a test side. In the period 1975-1976, Australia had a bowling attack comprising of Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Max Walker, Gary Gilmour and Ashley Mallett. In the 1970s, India had four outstanding world class spinners; Prasanna, Bedi, Venkataraghavan, and Chandrasekhar. West Indies briefly, 1960-1966, had Hall, Griffith, Sobers and Gibbs bowling near the top of their game at the same period. There is obviously no doubt about that fact in my thought process.

Love and hate could never be friends

“Love and hate could never be friends”...Dennis Emanuel Brown (1956-1999)

Live up Sancho children
Peace and Blessings!
It’s Kenneth Joyce Robertson’s prerogative to print whatever he feels like so doing. He is a grown man. He must be prepared to deal with the consequences of his actions.
The published reports found in the Daily Chronicle 1881-1897 revealed the names of some thirty unknown persons surnamed Sancho. A number of them hailed from the communities of Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Victoria, Friendship and Buxton and elsewhere on the East Coast of Demerara, Corentyne and Canje. I have a primary Sancho Family Tree showing 1383 names. I also have several showing as many as 250 names. I do not have those thirty persons listed upon any family tree. I believe our kinship is likely to show some five thousand souls. That figure was thrown out at me by Cousin Phyllis Kendall
I was initially excited. I was about to offer a few words of congratulations, after reading a note from Kenneth Joyce Robertson. I wanted to watch Spike Lee’s movie, Jungle Fever. Therefore I concluded I will read the preview later. However, several nagging images entered my thought process in rapid successions. There were images of deceased members of the kinship of Sancho. I am positive. I imagined Muriel and her siblings, Sheila Sharper, Bouya Sharper, Muriel Sancho (1912-2004), Gwendolyn Ralph and Brenda Abrams in tears. Also, bits of conversations I had with Leebert Sancho, Joe Hughes, Felix Bastiani, and Olive Fraser and the note Cicely Abrams sent to me were amongst the identifiable images.
I decided. I would view Jungle fever, at a later period. I hesitantly accessed the web site and the relevant links. I was utterly shocked. I was dismayed. Low and behold, I could not believe the text I am seeing and reading. I thought I misconstrued the word play. I read what Kenneth Joyce Robertson published respecting my recollections of indoctrination I received from my mother. I read the smearing of my mother. It is inconceivable that any man regardless of sex, and much less a member of the kinship of Sancho would allow them to think about my mother in such fashion. I can assure you. Be it fact or be it bizarrely plausible I am not with whatever their names are. I do not know what the other descendants of Muriel Sancho think about your astonishing assault upon the character of my mother. Quite frankly I do not care what they think. I long charge them with neglecting to the preservation of the accounts of her life and times. Mother always insisted I read what others write. Thereby form my own opinions. She insisted. You must always count your change. Do not be naivete. Everyone is not of your best interests regardless whether I am a teacher and Sancho. It was all about Sancho - every waking minute – that’s the reason I am all about Sancho. Mother concluded the folk’s songs ridicule every Sancho male. She disliked them immensely. She forbade me to sing them.

I would dearly love to witness a publication on the life and times of Muriel Sancho. However, I have great difficulties accessing oral sources of data - most of her colleagues are dead – and those who are alive are having great difficulty with their memory. Also I do not have the cooperation of my siblings and that fact is simply too nauseating for my stomach. There when I noticed my mother’s name I was overjoyed. Then as I read the commentary; I became perplexed. The question is why, why, Kenneth Joyce Robertson made the effort to belittle my mother’s integrity? What wrong has she done to Kenneth Joyce Robertson? I dare to conclude and state my beloved Cousin Tee Joyce would be appalled. He would repudiate such expressions.
I am taken aback at Kenneth Joyce Robertson’s tone and interferences respecting my most beloved ancestor Muriel Sancho. Why the attack upon the integrity of my mother? Why didn’t Kenneth Joyce Robertson consult with me respecting his take upon what I wrote respecting my mother’s account of her heritage? Kenneth Joyce Robertson’s wordplay is reminiscent of Thomas Anson Sancho’s butchery upon his grand father, our common ancestor, Limy Tuckness Sancho in his publication Pages of Life. T. Anson Sancho did not even have the decency to spell our common ancestor’s name correctly.
Why the attempt at denigration of my mother for posterity? Why the smear campaign? What has she done to Kenneth Joyce Robertson? It is regrettable that Sancho continues to be derogatory to another in print and/or public. It is one thing to lambaste me. It’s quite another to attempt to do so to my mother. I cannot begin to fathom why Carmen Sancho did not insist Kenneth Joyce Robertson alter such remarks concerning her aunt. I am told she read the manuscript. I do not know what I will say or do whenever if ever I met Kenneth Joyce Robertson and/or Carmen Sancho, again. I am sure. It would not be polite. How could it be? I am likely to make grand Aunt Edith Sancho sound like a church girl
I am perhaps more versed in foul language than I am with English grammar.
Now Kenneth Joyce Robertson has heaped scorn and ridicule upon my mother and me and Alexander Sancho, and Tuckness Sancho and members of generations of my mothers’ and prior ones.

I have no knowledge of Sancho folklore. I can assure you. I resided for the better portion of the first twenty-six years of my sojourn in New Amsterdam, Corentyne Coast and in the Golden Grove-Nabaclis Village District. It is obvious. The oral traditions of the kinship of Sancho are microcosms of the effects of the adverse conditions of life the survivors of the Middle Passage faced on the plantations in the Americas. It is also factual that when migrations occur, fragmentation takes place amongst the people and ultimately the oral traditions reflect this fragmentation. Let’s examine a family group - shall we? I will choose the descendants of Alexander Sancho and Rachael Campbell to display the point I am attempting to make. If you approach the majority of the grand children, they would be hard pressed to accurately name the siblings of their Sancho parent. It is understandable when they fail to mention the tenth child of this union of Sancho and Campbell. Fragmentation begins to take place amongst siblings when they marry migrate and begin to raise their own families. I can assure you. That, even the family gatherings at the residence of Aunt Elsa at Nabaclis until April 1966 could not withstand fragmentation in the oral traditions. There are great differences amongst the First-Cousins. Every sensible person would expect a generation possessing some seventy-three persons and spanning forty-four years would reflect differences in their understanding of their Sancho family history.
In the scenario of the children of Muriel Sancho, I can assure you, I can only recall hearing my elder sister seeking knowledge of her past. On the last occasion, my mother, my sister, my nephew David and I reclined in St. Hubert’s. I am quite positive my sister made notes. I heard she lost those notes in the mail to our relative in Toledo, Ohio. I am saying people ask different questions to different people regardless of their age. Therefore, siblings often exhibit difference in their understanding.

Kenneth Joyce Robertson has revealed himself. He is simply another cultural pirate. He has told me. He is not only rude but he is also ridiculous. He is a blatant and malicious liar. I state he is physically disadvantaged he has revealed a propensity of a brain malfunction. I had been warned but I must admit I was completely shocked by his verbal attack upon the integrity of my most beloved ancestor, Muriel Sancho (1914-1990). I find it even more atrocious that he has attempted to indicate my mother as a whimsical being by purporting to invoke the names of her relatives whom I regard as my mothers in his absurd take as evidence against her. If it were not, my relatives were being mentioned, I would have assumed that portion of the text was simply some sort of comic fictional take the workings of a diabolical mind.
Now please allow me to exhibit the points of contention.
Kenneth Joyce Robertson chooses of his own validation to use information which did not originate in his thought process. He did so without extending any courtesy whatsoever to the writer of the account referred to as originating from Muriel Sancho. Please remember that six of her children are still alive. But, however, only her last child researches and documents his findings. Please remember only eight years separate her oldest and youngest in USA - yet they have different takes on the lives of their parents.
I find it absurd that Kenneth Joyce Robertson in a single sentence - Our dear cousin Muriel Sancho Ross has left us with the proposition that there was three brothers Sancho, grandsons of the African "man of letters" Charles Ignatius Sancho of England - chooses to begin the sentence with a phrase suggesting endearment. Yet he continued and concluded the sentence with three absolutely false statements. I have to question how upon earth could he refer to my mother as, our dear cousin Muriel Sancho Ross and then continue to ascribe malicious lies as originating from her.

I can assure you. Muriel Sancho (1914-1990) never mentioned the name Charles Ignatius Sancho to me. I concluded she never heard that name. I also offer. It was Sydney Marious and I who began to examine the possibility that Ignatius Sancho is our ancestor. My mother was only aware of one Charles Sancho - and that’s her brother. Yet research has turned up a Charles Sancho, son of Bentick Sancho and Sarah Sancho born about 1861. I believe Bentick Sancho and Sarah Sancho also has a daughter also named Sarah Sancho. I believe “Dear Aunt” Teacher Sarah Matilda Sandy was named in the honor of her mother’s sister.
I began to seek out researchers. I was trying to locate anyone who may have knowledge of the kinship of Sancho beyond the boundaries of Guyana. I also attempted to communicate with academics in the effort to ascertain whether they have knowledge of the descendants of Ignatius Sancho. Thus, it was probably I who allowed this narrow-minded asinine being to conclude Sancho of Guyana are descendants of Ignatius Sancho. What good is a western university accrediat6ation to a Negro if he cannot distinguish an enquiry from scientific evaluation to conclude what is and/or what’s not genealogical fact?

Despite the stellar scholastic achievements of Cousin Muriel and her love for this family, her pronouncements have left us with more questions than answers. Neither her sibling, dear Aunt Inez, nor Cousin Gwen Valentine, nor our relative Ms. Riley could shed light upon, or had any knowledge of, the Ignatius Sancho fatherhood. Remember now. They are from that age group. If the above statements do not wreck both arrogance and ignorance I really do know what does and/or what gives with that imbecile Kenneth Joyce Robertson. It is my understanding. Muriel Sancho (1912-2006) said the Name Change was from Sanchez or Sankey to Sancho. The fact remains it seems there was some mention of name change in the Sancho heritage. However, my mother never mentioned such a scenario to me. Cousin Gwen is believed to state the names of the three brothers are Bentick John and Robert Christopher Sancho. Again only an irresponsible person would take the wordings of ninety years old as totally accurate. What all they did in their lives was to reminiscence on the people of Sancho and/or what they had been told? How absurd. Any way I have not found a Robert Christopher Sancho. I have turned up Robert Johnstone Sancho...I am sure there were at least two persons with such a name.

I expected facts. I expected sources of data. To be quite frank except for seeking data and/or sources of data and also information respecting the people of Samuels I would be careless about the publication. I must also admit a man must know what evil thoughts to lurk in the minds of others. Muriel Sancho was far from whimsical. I can attest to a number of things she told me; I have not found proof that Sarah Denbow is my relative. I have not found concrete proof of three Sancho brothers came from England.
Further more. Muriel Sancho’s take is echoed by Cicely Abrams, her first cousin with more beef. Our Cousin stated Lambert Tuckness Bentick Sancho came to the colony of Demerara in 1815 or 1817. He was 31 years old. He came with several sons. He married. He raised up another family. Bentick Sancho is quite possibly one of his sons. She stated that this is her recollection as told to her by Eileen Esme Sancho as told to Aunt Eileen by Tuckness Sancho, her father. She also said Tuckness wrote several articles on the history of Golden Grove.
I believe her for I noticed two letters written by Tuckness Sancho in the early 1880s. Cicely’s take gives me great hope that the five unknown members of the kinship of Sancho buried in the vault at the cemetery in Golden Grove will be one day is revealed. I hope in the not too distant future. Also many persons have stated that Sancho migrated from Golden Grove / Buxton to Canje and the Corentyne and Suriname and French Guiana. Felix Bastiani, Olive Fraser and others have the same story as told to them by their ancestors. Boatswain, and Fraser, and others have Sancho DNA
Yes it’s true many slaves had the one name; Sancho. What occurred after the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1838? Many slaves took the slave masters’ names or some other European names for their surnames. The consensus is clear the people of Sancho today have no concrete data disclosing where our ancestors came from.

Also, I am with the Sumner ancestry. I am not with the porter take. I am with a great great-grandmother Mary Sancho being a descendant of that brutal overseer Thomas Sumner. I believe Mary Sumner is the maiden name of the grandmother of Alexander Sancho. Unless I see birth certificates of her children; Mary Sancho and Lammy Tuckness Sancho stating otherwise that’s what I will use as my thesis. I need to ascertain whether there were two persons named Bentick Sancho, alive in 1861. Could it be Bentick Sancho simply had several children’s mothers?

Are there more attacks upon the people of Sancho in the publication? Heavens forbid it. I really hope not. I am sick of reading Sancho attacking Sancho in print and in the judicial system in Guyana. Perhaps Kenneth Joyce Robertson would deem it fit to reedit that publication whenever there’s a second publishing.Kenneth Joyce Robertson needs to change or remove the commentary upon my mother. It is not accurate. He knows it is false. That would likely be the end of that. I will look up the sources of data. Kenneth Joyce Robertson could have saved me the time by sending me extractsthen again. It’s Kenneth Joyce Robertson’s prerogative....
There is no doubt that I am Sancho for I possess the DNA of Muriel Sancho, of Alexander Sancho, of Limy Tuckness Sancho, of Bentick Sancho, and others before them. The question which begs to be answered does Kenneth Joyce Robertson? DNA test could solve some questions - but it does not do so absolutely...It cannot - replace the human touch - the bonding amongst people who understood them to be closely related. Now is the time of decision - time to separate the wolves from the sheep....
There it is



A MAN CALLED BENTINCK
This, indeed, is a reference to Bentinck Sancho. There are actually two Bentinck Sanchos!

The first Bentinck Sancho is at the center and focus of what can be called the Sancho Folklore. It encompasses the "known unknowns." Quintessentially, we are looking at a whole series of questions.

Then there is the second Bentinck Sancho which would deal with things that we do know. Even in this area of our endeavors, there are still loads of questions. The answers are there, except that we have not located, studied, and analyzed them yet. This body of work would be expected to be historical but factual. It will be expected to be substantiated by records - both public and/or private. For the past seven or more years of unstinting research, we have been intrigued by the "Ignatius Sancho Factor."

Our dear cousin Muriel Sancho Ross has left us with the proposition that there were three brothers Sancho, grandsons of the African "man of letters" Charles Ignatius Sancho of England. This theory is further presented as a genealogical fact, which is translated into making all the Sanchos of British Guiana, now Guyana. descendants of Ignatius Sancho through his three "grandsons," BENTINCK, Tuckness, and John.


Despite the stellar scholastic achievements of cousin Muriel and her love for this family, her pronouncements have left us with more questions than answers. Neither her sibling, dear Aunt Inez, nor cousin Gwen Valentine, nor our relative Ms. Riley could shed light upon, or had any knowledge of, the Ignatius Sancho fatherhood. Remember now, they are from that age group.

Relentless searches at the FRC (Family Records Center) m London have not produced any birth records for Bentinck. Tuckness and John. At the same time, earlier parish records have divulged birth and baptismal records for the children of Ignatius Sancho. Going even further back the record of the marriage of Charles Ignatius Sancho to his beloved Ann Osborne is available. Everything

Kenneth Joyce Robertson

Lingers Deep within My Soul
Phenomena - Kenneth Joyce Robertson
As far back as I can remember I held Bentick Sancho in the highest of esteem. I was utterly proud to possess his DNA. I could not dare to imagine that I may one day be forced to compare my great-great-grand father to my father. That’s exactly what Kenneth Joyce Robertson’s most disturbing and abysmal literature has me doing. I must admit I do not know what the qualities of the character of Bentick Sancho are. But, certainly, I am yet to be made aware of any human being who would go out of his way to be deceitful to his descendants. Such a man, is not worthy of existence, much less to be considered a freedom fighter in the struggle for the preservation of Black life and culture.
Its high time, Kenneth Joyce Robertson is requested and/or called upon to answer a number critical questions concerning his absurd attempt to kick dirty upon my mothers, Muriel Sancho (1914-1990), Inez Sancho, Muriel Sancho (1912-2006), and Gwendolyn Ralph. I have no awareness of any noticeable differences amongst that generation of Sancho females. Perhaps, he is onto something that’s not there at all. It’s likely just his “imagination playing tricks upon” him again. Perhaps, he is simply some sort of snake in the grass. Whatever his reasons are I find them reprehensible at best...they are repugnant - totally unacceptable. I detest such a thought process. There ain’t any way I am going to stand for that sort of nonsense. There ain’t no way I am going to be associated with anyone who perpetuates fraudulent language against my loved ones whether just simply to make a mockery of the indoctrination I come to understand is required of being a member of the kinship of Sancho.
Please allow me to demonstrate and/or present an analysis and expose his ridiculous claims as exactly what they are; deceitful . . . It holds true that at a lie is a lie regardless who tells it. I have not known any human being who has not repeated in accurate thoughts and/or expressions. That is particularly accurate respecting politicians and religious philosophies and indeed the vast majority of the so-called experts in western society are all guilty of continuing to propagate and/or support the findings regarded as Humanities and Social sciences which they fully well know is most ridiculously inaccurate. However, most academics are institutionalized. The academics are highly visible. They are handsomely rewarded. They are compensated for their willful degradation of the history of Black life and culture. The academics are as reprehensible as the forces of destruction of humanity. They are the architects, supporters, defenders, antagonists and apologists of the most evil political, religious, and economical systems which have wrecked untold suffering upon billions of human beings for numerous millenniums and continuing in this dispensation.

Kenneth Joyce Robertson - Vexation of Soul of Sancho

“Jah Jah guide me from my friends for I know they are my enemies” . . . Peter Tosh (1944-1987)
“Fools die for the want of wisdom - vexation of the soul is vanity”
“Why do you fight each other? Why do you kill your brother? Then your reward will be the cemetery” . . . Peter Tosh (1944-1987)

That’s the reason the children cry


Oh Bumba Klaat - this Guy, Kenneth Joyce Robertson was really and truly serious. The content likely in that exercise will not shock me. I am sure such personalities as Imhotep, Eusi Kwayana, Malcolm X and Antonio Maceo will not be found there in. Those are freedom fighters I would be only too willing to accept without much argument. Now seriously, Kenneth Joyce Robertson had previously, perhaps, on more occasions than I care to remember told me about his point of view. I simply concluded he was trying to encourage me not to narrow my focus upon Ignatius Sancho and other kinships of Sancho of the United Kingdom. When he suggested that Bentick Sancho, John Sancho and Tuckness Sancho were not brothers at all - the band of brothers’ oath - I never took that seriously. I do not recall Kenneth Joyce Robertson even point out the names of Fothergill, Frederick and William. Had he done so, I might have requested researchers look up those three and their relatives on the Essequebo coast, and what could be learnt of their ethnicity and parentage in West Africa.
When Kenneth Joyce Robertson began to tell me, that not every Sancho in British Guiana are relatives. He lost me. You have to understand; I was indoctrinated on the subject of Sancho above and beyond all else. I grew to be told Sancho of Berbice came from the East Coast of Demerara.
Let us now for the sake of recognizing the possible implications and their reverberations respecting the Humanities and Social sciences as handed down by the oral traditions respecting Sancho; if Kenneth Joyce Robertson is absolutely accurate.
What is he really saying? Fothergill is deceitful; so too are Frederick and William. The three were absurd beings. They were most of all narrowed minded and thoughtless souls. They possessed characteristics I find most objectionable.
Kenneth Joyce Robertson is telling us that the three men deliberately deceived their children and grand children - or is Kenneth Joyce Robertson saying the story of the three men were lost - but now resituated and reclaimed by him.
Among the question I propose to the author are the following; if Bentick Sancho is Fothergill, and the others are not his biological brothers - why Bentick Sancho did not tell his children, and at least, perhaps, two grandchildren, Allick Sancho (1873-1945) and Big Daddy Christy (1880-1956) may have been too young to understand. I need to acquire his date of birth. I am thinking the year is 1880 and not 1875. Perhaps they were being deceitful to the magistrate and the legal system in British Guiana in 1892.
Can the author state beyond reasonable doubt that the three were not even relatives and/or the same ethnic group. What ethnic group do they belong to?
What are the names of the seven members of the kinship of Sancho who are entombed in the vault in the cemetery at golden grove on the East Coast of Demerara?
Leebert Sancho - I think Bentick Sancho also had a wife named Sarah, perhaps Sarah Giles, and a son named Charles Sancho and a daughter named Sarah. Could this be another Bentick Sancho? Could Bentick Sancho remarry after the death of Mary Sumner in 1849?
Who then is Lambert Tuckness Bentick Sancho? Did he exist? Or he another of Fothergill’s deceitful and absurd story?

Kenneth Joyce Robertson is stating that our Sancho heritage is unworthy. It is a heritage forged in deceit. It is ludicrous for me to accept that an ancestor I never met but revered was satanic to his own children and grandchildren. I think that’s a bit much - more than I am ever willing to accept.
The author is telling you and I that Cousin Phyllis Kendall, Cousin Nelly Mackie, the children of Theophilous Luke, Sancho of southern Trinidad and others unknown to me are not the relatives of Bentick Sancho. What then is he therefore expecting of us? If he was sensitive man he would have understood that fragments of the stories handed down from generations to generation over a course of 160 years will likely survive in different quarters of the kinships and pass for historical truth. Lammy Tuckness Sancho was an educated man. He was capable of writing at least two letters in the appropriate English grammar. I am told he possess a tremendous memory. I guess the size of his skull ought to have indicated to me he had a huge brain. Yes I saw his skeleton in April 1966. I saw the bones and hair when I accompanied numerous descendants of Allick
Sancho and Rachael Campbell to Sancho plot at the cemetery at Golden grove to bury Elsa Sancho my aunt. Muriel screamed when I begun telling her what I have seen. One of the Sharper’s - I can not remember which one - but it was likely Sidney Sharper - sealed the seven cracks which was visible on the tomb of Tuckness Sancho. Numerous Sancho died that year. I have always felt whatever the number of cracks upon that tomb that would be the corresponding number of persons of Sancho who will die that year. I used to keep a regular watch on that tomb. I often visited and slept in the Sancho plot on my grand father’s grave at all hours of the day and night. It was my sanctuary. my holy ground. I killed no animal there - not ants, snakes, mosquitoes - the only life form I destroyed was grass and weeds which would overrun the tombs if left unchecked. I am told the cemetery is a mess today. A jungle soldier could hang out there for days without being noticed. Well that’s a result of the politics of paramountcy of the party - which destroyed the ruling elite and the system of village districts which the colonialist regimes implemented upon our ancestors’ plantations.

What gives with Glenroy Williams

Lies infuriate listeners who know exactly what they are -
I can recall my mother being absolutely besides herself. She was lamenting the fact that Tom Keen requested her to back up his claim when he said he is a descendant of Sancho in her presence. I heard her say words to this effect. How dare that man? The gall of some people, he knows that I know he is not a Sancho - but insisted upon me to support his absolutely false claim. He is a Cupido. That’s what he is. He is not even a Campbell. Who really knows what he is? I was not the pillow.
The evidence suggests that while being transported from the East Coast Car Park to the corner of the Public Road and the Middle Walk at Nabaclis, the irrepressible Tom Keen, the undoubted champion of untruths of the generation immediately prior to mine, demanded that my mother second his absurd claim of being a member of the kinship of Sancho. Mother was having none of it. She regards such as blasphemy. Cousin Olga was also present. She tried to calm my mother down fearing the old girl may become stricken by high blood pressure. She further stated she never witnessed my mother in such a furious mood.
I do not believe King tom Keen ever apologized. I think neither mother nor I ever traveled or spoken to Tom Keen again. Since that incident I simply refuse to acknowledge his presence.

What gives with Glenroy Williams? A few years ago, I heard him arguing with Cush. He stated Cush does not know me. He continued Cush is a canje man. then, he questioned how in this world Cush could know me. Well! I got tired of the nonsense. I told Sue-bow I knew Cush before I meet you. I begged him to stop it. It seems he will not. I must realize that the safest thing for me to do is to totally ignore this fellow. I may very well at some point unable to retrain myself.
On an evening, in the summer 2010, I heard say he knows all of my uncles and aunts. He was trying to perhaps impress a female. She was hanging out with us. She is a Georgetown girl. The female stated I possess a recognizable face. However, she cannot quite place it. I asked her whether she was familiar with people of Princes Street area . . . she said yes. Then I told her I have an aunt. She resided at Princes Street. The female asked me her name. I said Hildred. Believe it Sue-Bow jumped in saying I have no such aunt. He began rattling off the names of my mother’s sisters. The female then said Hildred resided at Louisa Row. She visited my aunt often. She mentioned the names of my Cousins. She hinted that a female also resided with Hildred. That female was a student at Bishop’s High School and her brother made his intentions known to her.
I told I believed she is referring to my siblings. Sue-bow was flabbergasted. I asked if he ever saw my father. He said no . . . I said I believe that’s the most honest statement I have heard from you in the longest.
About the middle of the month of November last, two events occurred which left a taste too bitter for my understanding. They completely exposed the fact that English is an alien Language to me.
A few weeks ago, he said he found three pounds of gold in the interior of Guyana. Well! I am not entirely sure Glenroy ever visited Linden much less Essequebo. I do not know. I never heard of it previously.
That fable was followed by yet another. He stated he owned three thousand heads of cattle in Guyana. Again, that is baffling to me. When will it end? Glenroy is a grown man somewhere in the vicinity of sixty years of age.

Shortly, thereafter while seated in a vehicle on Franklin Avenue I noticed Glenroy. I do not know what got into me. I decided to say hello to him. The mighty Sue bow opened his mouth. He started saying every night he has a twenty-two-year-old female in his bed. He continued to bellow nonstop. It seems not even for air. Certainly, neither thought nor accuracy was a concern of his. I noted the man is losing his hair but not his flare for lying, needlessly. Isn’t that most remarkable? Sue-bow ran up his mouth in the presence of an East Indian. He has no idea whether the man likes Black people or hates us. He has no determination relative to the man’s logic on racism. He does not know if that Indo-Guyanese is simply bemused by Black people making spectacles of themselves. I am open to the probability that he ridicules us whenever he is amongst his fellow East Indians.
Sue-bow carried on about, he knows I was born and bred at Nabaclis. He further stated. He and I know the back dam at Golden Grove, Nabaclis and Victoria like the back of our hands. We could find any bed we wanted to at any time of the night. I could not stand it no longer. I left the vehicle. I began contemplating what to do about the latest episode. As I stood there, I was quite sure I heard him reveal personal stuff. He mentioned some thing about my mother. I did not quite get it - because by then, I was about ready to blow my cool.
The Indian fellow looked at me. He realized I wanted no part of the unfolding spectacle. A man making absurd statements is a vexation to both my mind, soul and body. He then dismissed Glenroy from our presence. By simply stating he had urgent matters to attend immediately. That being said his immediate absence was highly appreciated. The Indo-Guyanese has begun referring to him as three pound gold. He would say when last you see three pound gold. If he had three pound gold what is he doing here in Brooklyn? He further said he does not know of any in Guyana who possessed three thousand heads of cattle . . . Also if three pound gold is a champion welder as he claims - why isn’t he employed by a top company or self employed. I hated to admit it - I said would you employ a man with such an attitude - if you did how long do you think you would be able to put up with it?
I had previously warned about talking about me and/or my immediate relatives, behind our backs and/or in our presence.
That man continues to possess an extremely hard head. He simply refuses to listen. He’ll never get it. I have embarked upon a program of ignoring the man at all costs. Even if he accidentally bumps into me, I will not acknowledge him. That’s it. It’s over - no more of such nonsense. It seems to be the best policy. In fact, Eglande Younge told me when it comes to round back as he is known in Crown Heights, that’s his policy. It is probably the consensus.

Do you think Parents treat their children equally

My mother and I had a unique relationship. It was apparently a different relationship than she had with her other children. We seemed to be debating more than one important question or some trivial pursuit or another. I am quite certain such as it was amounted to the development my consciousness and rational thought process.
Do parents have a favorite child or children? Is it at all possible for a parent not to have a favorite child or children? Do parents treat their children equally?
As far back as I can clearly remember; I have always accused, indicted and found my mother guilty of displaying preference to first born over the six others. It was very clear to me that, whenever I presented the evidence against her; she would offer up what to my simple mind set amounted to excuses. I thought her most confounding and certainly most absurd statements I ever heard my mother utter are she loves all of her children equally. She repeatedly claims she has no preference of one to the other. I strongly doubt a human being without favorites has ever existed. It’s simply not possible.
I also took opposition to statements she would utter whenever she was administering punishment to me which amounted to – it hurts her more than it hurt me – but still the blows rained upon my physical until she was exhausted. I always wondered if she was hurting more than I; then, why was she continuing to tear up my hide until I was so bumped and bruised I could not dare to sit down.
In my thought process such claims were fraudulent. I always concluded. It’s not what the mouth says but what the actions reveal. I have always protested on such accountings. To this very day, I am absolutely certain I am correct.
Thus, I do not have high regard for any mother, or father who hands me the line. They have no preference of one child over the other. I conclude they are in denial and such a scenario is simply not at possible.
I have favorites amongst my siblings. I have favorites amongst the people of Sancho. I prefer my relatives who are younger than I, my mother’s siblings and the females of my mother’s generation whom I bonded with especially in Golden Grove and Nabaclis above and beyond all others with one exception Bouya Sharper.
Thus, I hold parents possessing favorites amongst their children to be a logical conclusion. I hold bias and prejudice to be a common feature amongst all creatures on earth.
Do you agree or disagree with me? You do not need to mention which child you prefer to the others. Simply say agreed or disagreed....

viewpoint

National Basketball Association
The New York Knicks has a record of two wins and two losses following their fourth game of the 2010-2011 NBA season. I must confess neither management nor players are fascinating. I remain unimpressed. I am as emotionally detached from The New York Knicks today as I was when I was made aware that Patrick Ewing was no longer in their plans. Today their program seems to reflect their pursuit of other teams’ undesirable high-priced ball players. Again the team seems to be going nowhere fast, albeit it’s only the fourth game of the season. Certainty that’s nothing new there. What would Yogi say about the current version of The New York Knicks? Perhaps something in the nature of this – it gets late, early. The New York Knicks could not possibly produce another miserable season, this season. The question is simply this – could the New York Knicks as presently constituted make the playoffs? What statements will they make if they get there?

Major League Baseball
The New York Yankees are out of it. The New York Mets never really possessed a prayer. Who cares about Major League Baseball season 2010? Wake me up when the off season starts. It could be very interesting if not downright entertaining. What would Cashman and the current ownership do about Derek and his contract? Would they treat Derek in similar cold fashion as they did Bernie now that George is dead and gone? What is the immediate future for the careers of Posada, Mariano, and Andy?
Would the New York Mets finally build their team around David Wright and rid themselves of Reyes, Beltran, Perez, and all those high priced statistics acquiring ballplayers? What have they won? Except of course the Wilpons allowed Omar to hand out gratuities to them for performances elsewhere while dismissing a proven winner in Willie Randolph in the wee hours of the early morning? The Wilpons and their version of the New York Mets are the comedians of MLB. They are a far cry from the bruising, hard partying, hard hitting, flame throwing and champions of 1986. The 1986 edition of the New York Mets is a team many of us will forever cherish although to be really honest I really think the core of that ball club underachieved. They were the best team in baseball 1985-1988 but their record does not reveal that indeed it does not. They only won one championship in that period and to crown it all they were chocking and struggling during the playoffs of 1986. They did not resemble the steam rollers they were in the regular season.

350 million US Dollars
The New York Yankees and the New York Mets invest nearly 350 million US dollars yearly on their franchises. Such a number of dollars would do wonders for Guyana’s economy and social economic development. Not even politicians as out of control and corrupt as those of the current versions of the PPP/C and the Burnham-Hoyte PNC/R regime of the immediate past would not be allowed to continue to not reproduce positive results such as a measure of investment in the development of the nation in all phases. One would expect Guyana to be lit up daily like the spruce they put up every Christmas in New York City from hydroelectric power supply and roads constructed along the banks of the four primary rivers from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the main centers in the Rupununi district and beyond into Brazil.


National Football League
It seems the best bets are the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Even if it’s early. Even if it’s a mirage. It’s most welcomed in New York City. Yes, those ball clubs perform in New Jersey. Who care where they play? They represent New York City.

CRICKET
West Indies test cricket and cricket in the West Indies is very ugly these days. That’s the simple and absolute truth. When your best batsman is in the mold of Shivnarine Chandrapaul; how could that be worth your time for enquiry and heaven forbid it your entertainment dollar? How about the selection of Darren Sammy and Brendan Nash as Captain and as vice-Captain of the West Indies test cricket team, respectively? There is an absolute requirement to check the officials of West Indies’ Cricket Board for illegal drug usage. What on earth are they consuming? What’s more? What is the West Indies cricket Board selling to patrons? Why neocolonialism in the English-speaking Caribbean? Haven’t they either heard of Kwame N’Krumah or read his writings? That seems like a prerequisite for holding office in the Caribbean these days. Perhaps, those clowns are suffering from amnesia. They may have for gotten the days of slavery and indenture ships in the Caribbean basin.
The West Indies’ selectors chose only one Guyanese Chandrapaul in a fifteen man touring team to Sri Lanka winter 2010. What does that say about Guyanese cricketers? It seems gone are the days when five Guyanese; Kanhai, Butcher, Gibbs, Lloyd, and Fredericks were regularly selected. In the early 1970s Kallicharran would be amongst the five. Butcher retired in 1989. In fact as many as six Kanhai, Butcher, Gibbs, Lloyd, Camacho and Fredericks toured Australia in the winter of 1968. Do you think Guyana should separate itself from West Indies’ Test Cricket and participate in the international arena as a nation fielding its own team? Is there any binding charter which would not permit such a scenario? Well let’s hope the selectors will fashion the West Indies’ test cricket team with youngsters, in the near future. I would love to witness Jonathon Foo, Davendra Bishoo, and Brandon Bess from Berbice and Adrian Barath playing test cricket, regularly. The West Indies test cricket teams lose regularly with Gayle, Sarwan, Chandrapaul, Benn and Bravo and four quick bowlers. Why not play the youngsters and a number of spinners?
I cannot imagine any test team worrying themselves about Nash and Sammy. It is obvious, neither Nash nor Sammy really merits a place in the test team. The talent of Nash and Sammy simply does not require me to be interested in their performances. Where are this era’s Fredericks, Kallicharran, Kanhai, Butcher, Lloyd, Gibbs, and Croft?
The West Indies’ selectors rationale bypassing Gayle and selecting Sammy bear little or no semblance the choice of Sobers over Hunte. The case could have been made for either player. They deserved. Sobers and Hunte were great cricketers. Sammy has experienced only a cup of coffee. He appeared in only eight test matches covering six years. Historians of West Indies test cricket are likely to find that perhaps only at the beginning of the West Indies in the international arena has captains with fewer appearances were chosen. However, I do recall the idiots wanting to choose Cousin David Holford, and /or Joey Carew over Clive Lloyd as the Captain of the West Indies test cricket team. I still believe neither Holford nor Carew should have played test cricket. They were both horrible, at best. The initial selection of Holford was simply an appeasement of Gary Sobers. It’s an absolute blessing common sense prevailed and the rest is history.


OUT OF CONTROL
Almost every time I write an article which is critical of the PPP/C, the Jagans, Jagdeo and whomever is connected with the PPP/C, a few indo-Guyanese especially from Skeldon, and a few enclaves on the East Coast of Demerara throw up a lot of venom, rather needlessly. Perhaps, a few clowns, fanatics, idiots will do so again. I must rather admit at times I found it rather amusing. Then, when I reminisce respecting the efforts of school teachers such as Harold Christopher Scarder, Jacob Stanford Ralph James Alfred Trotman, Donald Ashley Bevel Trotman, Carlton Paton Melbourne, Joseph Parkinson, Tappin Johnson Elliott, Prince Johnson Patterson, Cecil Orpheus Philbertus Patterson, Muriel Sancho (Muriel Ross), Winslade Simon, Henry Chin, Bourne (Blairmont), Hubert Alfred Thompson, Moore (Skeldon) and others I am overcome with the sense of responsibility to reveal truth and exercise control of emotions.
Here we go again
I noticed East Indians did not arrive in Trinidad until May 30, 1845 onboard The Fatel Rozack. It seems to me; 1845 was a pivotal year in the economics of the British West Indies. By that I am most certainly reflecting on the exploits of British Capital investment in the plantation economy in the Caribbean basin. I am absolute. Sure indentureships were resumed in the colony of British Guiana in 1845. Also, East Indian laborers were shipped to plantations in Jamaica in 1845. However, as you should be aware by now two ships “Whitby” and “Hesperus” sailed up the Demerara River on May 5, 1838. East Indian indentured laborers disembarked at Vreed-en-Hoop on the West Bank of the river. They were sent primarily to the plantations of John Gladstone in Demerara.
By 1894 East Indians started to voice their opinions and clamoring for political enfranchisement. Rev. Bronkhurst and Joseph Ruhomon were the leading advocates. By December 31, 1899, several others joined the call for all phases of socioeconomic empowerment. The Luckhoo brothers joined their cousin Joseph Ruhomon, Drepaul of Achlyne; the Wharton brothers, Thomas Flood, Gul Mohammed Khan, Bechu and a number of interpreters came to the forefront of advocacy of grievances on behalf of the masses of East Indians in the colony of British Guiana.
The establishment of the British Guiana East Indian Association with its organ the Indian Opinion brought the cry of reformation in an articulate manner regularly in print. Seeram emerged out of this era. However, it was Ayube Edun who gave East Indians females a real female champion, Eleanor Sewdin, both the young and older females could imitate. Apparently Eleanor Sewdin was birthed on the Corentyne coast. There was quite a commotion following her being elected chairperson of the Rose Hall Village district. In fact, there was a court case launched by Batson to unseat her claiming she resided at Plantation Port Mourant by operated a place of business at Rose Hall Village. The problem was proof of residency on the surface. But make no mistake the underlying cause was sexism more so than racism. Let me make it absolutely clear that in a number of the disturbances and riots East Indian females played initial and leading roles. They were not sitting around waiting for the birthing of Cheddi Jagan in 1918. They were not praying to some statute for the Jewess Janet Rosenberg to arrive in the colony of British Guiana via Chicago via Czechoslovakia in the 1940s. I am very sure Vishnu and his son Krishna would not wish Janet Jagan upon slave-masters and those who conned East Indians into leaving India for locations around the globe in the nineteenth century. Why then would those black gods set her upon the African Guyanese populace is beyond my imagination? Guyanese must guard against such a recurrence. Foreigners must never ever again be allowed to occupy high offices in the land. On the other hand, why stop with Janet Rosenberg? Why not encourage either Bill Gates or Michael Bloomberg to be President of Guyana for two terms and/ or as long as they are inclined. I am positive. They would at least bring with them economic development. What did Janet Jagan do - besides being a disruptive force in the political arena – and thereby exacerbating the imagined differences between the two major groups of nonwhites in Guyana?
In recent times you and I have witnessed the rise of Kamla in Trinidad and Tobago. Now therefore tell me where is the East Indian female of Guyana capable of rising in Guyanese politics as Kamla did in Trinidad and Tobago? Who can be so identified? Stop your sobbing and answer the question Guyanese females – where are you? Your men have destroyed the magnificent province. It is high time you put down the pot spoons, stop being housewives and demand that you be the part of the decision making process. In fact; why not demand to be the decision makers, and the law makers? Aren’t you tired and sick of the unnecessary violence which have buried many of our people especially our young people? Now if you don’t stand upon your own two legs and use your heads and reject that which is clearly not working in your best interests and safety and national interests whose fault is that.
And one more thing - there were numerous persons of East Indian heritage who never supported the PPP/C party and they are not enemies of their heritage or the people of Guyana and that for Sure. Will the Guyanese Kamla Arise? It does not really matter whether she is East Indian, Portuguese, Amerindian, and African or Chinese; Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Rastafarian, whether religion there is or none at all really matter. She is only required to be feminine, and nationalistic the call is a simple one out of the kitchen and into the office of the President as the leading architect of our future. That’s it – nothing sinister – nothing more than simply that has been spelt out Females are you up to the task. Do not tell me you are not ready yet – that seems so male chauvinistic to my thought process.

Rumours or Truth
Is Jagdeo related to Cheddi Jagan? Did the mother of Jagdeo birthed children with an African-Guyanese? A number of years ago I heard it said Jagdeo has relatives who are considered African-Guyanese. I was pretty certain the gossipers stated his sister mothered a number of children whom common place persons would refer to as Douglas. However, a few days ago, I heard several indo-Guyanese stating it’s his mother. More over, Jagdeo is related to Cheddi Jagan. Was there some extramarital activities occurring?
There are also persons claiming to have been involved in the trafficking of illegal narcotic drugs from Guyana to the USA during the Burnham era and with the knowledge of Burnham’s participation and interest. Could he have simply googled the names of locations in the county of Essequebo? It is quite plausible. But is it factual? Who would dare to substantiate the truth of the matter? Must the truth be buried and remain unknown? I think not.
While such unsolicited commentary may or may not have any merit - You ought to be well aware by now it is always open season on the lives of notable persons and/ or people in the spotlight. It just seems to occur with gross regularity and beyond political and/or ethnic boundaries.

THE WILD GEESE
I borrowed the thirtieth anniversary edition of the Wild Geese. Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, and Hardy Kruger are the leading actors of the film. African actors, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona, Stewart Granger, and Jack Watson also have prominent roles in the motion picture. The Wild Geese is the only movie I saw at Crescent cinema in Mackenzie on the Demerara River. I am quite sure it was the last movie I saw in Guyana.
The characters of Jack Watson as the irrepressible Regimental Sergeant Major Sandy Young, Richard Harris as Captain Rafer Janders and the dialogue between Hardy Kruger (Second Lieutenant Pieter Coetzee) and Winston Ntshona (President Julius Lambani) gripped my attention. There were numerous outstanding barbs. “That was ludicrous, sir, you are jumping from an airplane, not a whore house window” …R.S.M. Sandy Young (Jack Watson) chastising Lieutenant Shawn Flynn (Roger Moore) is perhaps the standout lines of the movie. The political ideology may perhaps prefer the exchanges between Lieutenant Pleter Cootze (Hardy Kruger) and President Julius Lambani (Winston Ntshona). “Freedom is only a word for a new oppressor” Lambani reasoning with Cootze was simply a most memorable and rational statement
I realize today, after more than thirty years, they still do. Although I am aware the wild geese is simply choreograph, a fictional depiction of betrayal of contractual agreement, loyalty amongst friends, the need for Blacks and Whites to live together in peace in Southern Africa, and most of the bloodletting which occurs when Ruthless Dictators overthrow the man of the people and make deals with unscrupulous foreign businessmen. The main interests of the foreigners are the exploitation of the nations’ resources for the benefit of their personal prestige in western society. I still became emotionally overwhelmed. The scenes which included the characters of Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris remain delightful

THE WILD GEESE EXTRAS
In the section referred to as special features and/or The Wild Geese extras
; There is found under the heading, “Stars War – the making of The Wild Geese”, the following narrative:
“In 1968 a mysterious Dakota landed at Kariba in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the middle of the night carrying dead and battle-scarred mercenaries.
The fact was reported in some papers the next day and there was speculation that a famous president was on board.
But to this day nobody knows. The whole incident has been shrouded in a mysterious silence.”
Has evidence been found to support the claims made in the above statements? If proven - who is the President suggested?

THE FLIGHT OF THE WILD GEESE
I particularly love the lyrics and the phrasing of the song - the flight of The Wild Geese – written and performed by Joan Armatrading.

“That was ludicrous sir you are jumping from an airplane not a whore house window” …RSM Sandy Young (Jack Watson) chastising Lieutenant Shawn Flynn (Roger Moore)

Food for thought and Action

FOOD FOR THOUGHT AND ACTION
Walter Rodney died for nothing I suppose. The fact that WPA is willing to bond with the PNC is absolutely repulsive to my simple mind set. I must admit Dr. Clive Thomas and Dr. David Hinds are honorable men. However, I simply neither fathom nor accept their thinking in this instance. I do not suppose they are suffering from amnesia. They should be able to recall the PNC violated numerous members and supporters of the WPA. Least you forgot I and other similarly inclined are still here to remind you and/or if you did not know I am here to inform you that Walter Rodney and others died because of tyranny. They died because the Guyanese People were still oppressed. The enemies of the people are cloaked in similar ethnicity. They died because Guyanese people simply refused to extricate themselves from an illegal regime which masqueraded as those having the best interests of the nation foremost in their thoughts and actions. They did not make their transition to the spiritual realm of existence as a result as death by misadventure.
It is quite possible, either Ming or Murray might be able to muster a fight as the Presidential Candidate of a coalition movement. Anyone would be more attractive than the relics being rolled out in the recent past. However, PNC dinosaurs such as Robert Corbin, Hamilton Green and David Granger are simply too much baggage to stomach and to overcome. They must be expunged from the PNC if the party is to become relevant. Aren’t there any forward thinking people within the ranks of the PNC? I find Mr. Eusi Kwayana even at this advanced age far more an attractive candidate than the entire rooster of the PNC and the PPP. Why not nominate a female? Any female born in Guyana would be better than the choices spoken of by the memberships of the old boys clubs to date.
The development of the rural communities is a most pressing issue than tricksters running amuck in Guyana. It is obvious. It is clear as the sun shines Village Administration has regressed dramatically. James MacFarlane Corry, Henry Aaron Britton. W. Harold Hinds and other stalwarts of the Village Chairmen’s Conference would be appalled at the conditions in the rural districts. The business of Paramountcy of the Party has bedeviled the village leaders. The rural communities have not recovered from a series of ridiculous enactments since 1966. The government administrations have crushed the rural elite. The descendants of the shareholders of the plantations have for the most part abandoned their adopted homeland. The blame falls squarely upon the shoulders of the politicians of the PNC and the PPP and their supporters. This business of blindly voting because of the ethnicity of the leader of the parties is the venom which undermines development of the rural communities. Thus politicians singing the tune of nation building are simply expressing flowery language with flat notes, unfulfilled promises and no harmony – racial and/or otherwise.
I believe if the voters have any sense and respect for their descendants they would sweep the nation clean of the PPP and the PNC. They are copycats of each other. They have done nothing of note during the last 57 years at the held. They will accomplish nothing in the future. It’s time to move forward. How many more years must elapse before you act regarding the continual state of retardation in Guyana? Guyanese must take a long look at themselves and their communities. Everywhere or so it seems are bloodshed, and petty criminal activity, and high unemployment. Common sense dictates whenever and wherever there is high unemployment there is an abundance of petty criminal activity and prostitution.
The beneficiaries of illegal narcotics trade should be caught and shipped to the USA where they would face the full weight of the American justice system. I am referring to the occupants of the highest offices in the land. The fellows are known to have connections in Queen’s, New York.
Kellwan Lall ought to be in a dog house. Why that is criminal allowed to supervise a ministry of the Government of Guyana? He should be convicted and housed at Mazaruni. Politicians are obviously above the law in Guyana. Why is there one standard for the politician and another for lesser known Guyanese citizens? I am quite certain I read it somewhere – where there is no law there is no freedom. If law makers are law breakers why have laws in the first place? Whenever legislatures are allowed to violate the laws of a nation, it is certainly indicative of a barbarian society. I suppose numerous savages occupy seats in the Guyanese legislature. What is worst - is Guyanese people cast their ballots in support of such nonsense for the better portion of 57 years? Fellow Guyanese aren’t you sick and tired of hiding under the cover of ethnicity? What benefits have you and the community, in which you dwell, derived from such practice? Recently, I encountered a photograph displaying the image of Jagdeo at a community meeting at Port Mourant. I was so shocked at the condition of the community. It’s in a worst state than in the early 1970s when I last visited the village. Of the locations I was familiar only Skeldon seems to have vastly improved in recent years. I believe that due to the fact it’s a border town. Therefore, Corriverton has benefitted from the trafficking across the Corentyne River. I suppose with improved infrastructure linking Lethem to Georgetown and to metropolitan centers in Brazil by road, that border location will also prosper. Whatever results in the aftermath of election 2011 the choice is simply that of the people of Guyana? They must take the full weight if the fail to change their pattern of behaviour. It is obvious. They are not oblivious to continuing problems plaguing the nation. They are required to make sure that their needs are addressed. Failure to do so is simply saying they do not give a damn about themselves and the future of their descendants in Guyana. What else could it be?

Myths of Longevity as Recounted In the Bible.

Genealogists and the Myths of Longevity as Recounted In the Bible.
I have always had great difficulties accepting the accounts of numerous characters found in the various versions of the Bible as entirely wholesome. By that I am saying several biblical epics cannot stand scrutiny positively in a literal and scientific sense, beyond the shadow of doubt. I have involved myself in the process of researching and documenting my maternal heritage with particular emphasizes on the people of Sancho, Campbell and Young as accurately as humanly possible. I could not help but wonder whether a number of the tales of Longevity as Recounted in the Bible are and/or could well be indeed factual.
As selfish as that may seem, The first thought which crossed my mind is had my ancestors survived as long as a number of biblical characters there would be no need to running around the various web sites, trying to contact and communicating with people whom I never really realized existed until I decided it’s about time a comprehensive approach to the genealogy of Sancho must be undertaken.
If a number of my known ancestors; Bentick Sancho, Mary Sancho, Lammy Tuckness Sancho, Josephine P. Young, Alexander Sancho, Rachael Sancho, Muriel Sancho, James Campbell, Coolie Campbell, Walter Young and Walter Young and their relatives and colleagues and the shareholders of Nabaclis, Golden Grove, Victoria, Buxton and Friendship were alive today, then, obviously, this undertaking would certainly not be required to be as extensive as is the current scenario. I cannot help but feeling deprived of the knowledge of self by acts of Nature.
The Book of Genesis informs readers that Methuselah is the son of Enoch. He is the grandfather of Noah. Most unbelievable, Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years. Can you imagine that? Another striking feature of the Bible, sexism is clearly visible. Only one of the thirteen is a female. Sarah had the shortest lifespan some one hundred and twenty seven years. Below I listed thirteen such feats of longevity of biblical characters from Adam to Noah and beyond as found included in the Book of Genesis.
1.And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died. (Genesis 5:5.)
2.And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died. (Genesis 5:8.)
3.And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years; and he died. (Genesis 5:11.)
4.And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died. (Genesis 5:14.)
5.And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred and ninety five years; and he died. (Genesis 5:17.)
6.And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty two years; and he died. (Genesis 5:20.)
7.And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty five years; and he died. (Genesis 5:23.)
8.And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty nine years; and he died. (Genesis 5:27.)
9.And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy seven years; and he died. (Genesis 5:31.)
10.And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died. (Genesis 9:29.)
11.And all the days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran. (Genesis 11:32.)
12.And Sarah was an hundred and seven years and twenty years old; these were the years of the life of Sarah died in Haran. (Genesis 23:1.)
13.And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived; an hundred three score and fifteen years. (Genesis 25:7.)
It seems to my simplistic mindset; people in this day and age cannot accept such absurd tales of feats of longevity as factual. Whenever, I am made aware, that, they do I simply question their sanity. More over such folks I stand miles away there from.
It must be particularity troublesome to Genealogists who are Christians to fathom. How could they not have a sense of being cheated? I suppose the shortness of the lives of their ancestors and especially so whenever they access the book of Genesis ought to encourage such thoughts and conclusions.
I love the name Melchizedek
Allow me to add that I find the morals of the epics in the Bible are very upright, although I find the content to be racist, sexist, and moreover plagiarisms of African and near east cultural traditions. I would go into any further details here; for my primary interest is the knowledge of self devoid of political, religious, and social and/or whatever else is known to mankind. Quite, frankly, I am predominately concerned and committed to the truth - the accurate accounting of the history of my maternal kinships and that of the communities they adopted as their ancestral home.
BIBLICAL FABLES…
I also find it a rather difficult proposition to swallow such fables as
1.Jonah in the belly of the Whale;
2.Moses’ staff turned into a snake.
3.Moses’ partitioning of the red sea.
4.pharaoh’s army drowned in the red sea, shortly thereafter
5.In the fire but not getting burnt
6.Lot’s wife turn into a pillar of salt.

I am not selling out. I simply never bought into indoctrination. If you like call me a runaway slave or doubting Thomas and/or whatever you fancy however I refused to be conquered by whatever means mankind has created or shall create in the not too distant future.

Females for President

There are a number of declared aspirants to occupy the highest office in the land. Frankly speaking there remain a number of unanswered questions. What is their program to promote development in Guyana? What problems have they identified as culprits hand-cuffing the nation? What methods would they employ to address the issues? What is likely to be their program for community development of the rural districts?
The mentality of blind faith must be retired. It has not reproduced tangible results. Ethnic cleavage has fostered neither development nor national unity. How could it? Guyanese have to realize it’s in their best interests to arrest and /or reject the legacy of prior generations. They must stand for either National unity or complete separation. I believe national unity is preferable. Then, therefore, the majority of the populace cannot exclude others for political power. The decision making process must be made available and beneficial to every Guyanese national.
The Candidates must address reforms. Political, constitutional, local government and educational reforms are urgently needed and necessary to return the nation to some semblance of the nation building process. It is utter rubbish that foreigners are allowed to vote in Guyana but not Guyanese resident overseas who contribute to the national economy. The simple fact remains remittance makes up a huge percent of the cash flow in Guyana. Overseas based Guyanese must be allowed to vote in elections in Guyana. Foreigners should never be enfranchised in Guyana. What’s to prevent 250, 000 Brazilians or Venezuelans from handing over Guyana either Brazil or Venezuela as the case might be? All they would need is meet the residency requirements. One Foreigner as head of State is one too many. Enough with the future Janet Jagans, already. Constitutional reform is absolutely necessary to prevent the possibly of such an occurrence. If Guyana is to be over run let it be by superior military or natural catastrophic events and not aided by the Guyanese Constitution.
I realize it is similar to pouring water on duck’s back – however, for crying out loud - how long must Guyanese people turn their collective heads, shut their eyes and point their fingers at each other as individuals or ethnic groups? Instead of addressing and arresting the issues plaguing our society, Guyanese people simply allow the blind to continue to lead them down the pathway of no growth. Thus then escapism is a Guyanese as apple pie is to Americans. Migration is the best option for many a Guyanese and who can blame them – remember there are no second chances and guarantees in life. Thus one has to make the most of the opportunities as they present themselves in the interest of their personal survival and those of their relatives and members of their kinships. Any person would be foolish to stay in conditions which are not conducive to livelihood when alternatives are available. Such a person would have no self love and low self esteem.
It is rather obvious Guyana and Guyanese need visionaries at the helm. They have been rudderless for more than 57 years. Gross negligence seems to be the order of the day. Look at the in fracture after some 44 of political freedom. It’s a mess. Go ahead blame one dictator or the others –if that makes you feel better about yourself. Well, simply, look at absurd conditions of the cemeteries in your communities and elsewhere – is that anyway for the living to treat their dead? Most are covered with shrubs, and refuse such as old cars and appliances. Often times it’s an exercise to local family plots to inter the dead therein. A people must be measured by the way the majority treat the other ethnic groups, by the way the males treat the women and children by the way the people treat dumb animals and very so by the way the living treat the dead. By any measuring rod Guyana remains a failed state. Thus then it high time females Guyanese females man the highest offices in the land they simply could do no worst than the brutes who have delivered absolutely nothing during the last 57 years. Could they? I simply don’t think so…I am no male chauvinist. Only chauvinistic males would ever utter such rubbish as woman can not run countries. Please believe me they are still breathing here upon earth in this late day and age. I ascribe to the thought that females contribute to that sort of thinking. They simply ought rebuke such idiots and move onto relationships with open-minded males. Have you ever seen a rich cane-cutter? I don’t ever expect to see any such. However, I would love to witness females as the leaders and not just simply window dressing of most organizations, and political platforms. I would love to witness females playing leading roles, particularly in Village Administration and in the fields of education and health. Yes it high time girl power run Guyana.

Political Violence in Guyana

I am taken aback. I am horrified. I simply cannot accept as factual that Dr. Rupert Roopnarine would make such statements. Even if Dr. Roopnarine and the producers of the documentary film WAR Stories and the reporters were accurate in their expressions - What’s to be gained by stating WPA was accumulating weapons? What are they really saying? What does this mean? Was WPA acquiring weapons for their personal protection or to launch a revolutionary effort in Guyana? I would have to agree that the members of the WPA needed protection from Forbes Burnham and his goons. It is known numerous persons attached to the WPA were victimized. Well the acquired weaponry did not prevent many of them from being executed. Their statements give the impression Forbes Burnham and his lackeys made preemptive strikes against threats to remove his illegal regime from the highest office of the land by removing the physical presence of Vincent Teekahsingh, Walter Rodney and numerous others from the society. Was it intended as a compromise with the PNC? Was the intent to whitewash and/or refurbish the image of Forbes Burnham? Was it an attempt to tarnish the image of Walter Rodney, Eusi Kwayana, Moses Bhagwan, Nigel Westmaas, Clive Thomas, Freddie Kissoon, David Hinds, Andaiye and Karen DeSouza, and others associated with the WPA? I cannot imagine how such statements are beneficial to the WPA and others who were opposed to the PNC regime. It was clearly understood. Rodney was a revolutionary thinker. Revolutions are bloody affairs. Also, the recorded history of societies informs us, that political affairs, in the human experience have always been bloody. This is especially true in developing nations. The bloodbath which occurred during the period February 1962 - December 1964 in the colony of British Guiana was as racial as it was political. The negative consequences of ethnic conflicts in the struggle for political power of opportunists and self minded theoreticians made lasting impression in the mind set of numerous youngsters of that era.
Fortunately, for myself, the people of New Amsterdam must have had their heads screwed on right. I do not recall noticing any signs of racial violence during that period in the capital of Berbice. Unfortunately, ethnic violence reigned supremely in the villages of my maternal ancestry. Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Victoria, Buxton and Friendship and other communities, on the East Sea Coast of Demerara, showed the aftermath of the bloody conflict which transpired in those political boundaries. There is no doubt that the adults were poisoned. The rhetoric emanating from the leaders of the PPP and PNC was a major factor. Those two political icons should have faced the judicial process in the colony for exacerbating and exploiting the ethnic tensions between two groups of nonwhites’ in the colony. Instead Guyanese seem hell-bent on making Jagan and Burnham national heroes. Many claim Jagan and Burnham were best Guyanese to have emerged out of the working class people of Guyana in the twentieth century. Those of us who ridicule Jagan or Burnham and/or both are considered racists by their supporters. It appears the vast majority of the Guyanese people seem to think every Guyanese ought to align themselves with either the PPP or the PNC. If not then they have choice expressions for those of us, who highlight the negativity of their beloved iconic figures.
I would love to think that our people don’t want to experience more events of ethnic slaughter. The citizens of Guyana need to draw lessons for the experiences of the 1960s and the recent times and simply refuse to do the biddings of the politicians. Violence is often the expression of oppressed people; however, in Guyana that fire, that militancy is misdirected. The beneficiaries are those who seek the highest offices in the land. The victims are always the members of the underprivileged working class people. I simply hope Guyanese are as intelligent people as I have always expected them to be – and has such distance themselves from unnecessary blood baths. What are the lessons to be drawn from prior events of political violence in Guyana?

Political Parties and the Community of Your Interest

What is on the agenda of the political parties, PPP, PNC, AFC, WPA and others respecting community development of the people and community of the following locations; No# 64, No# 65, No# 68, Line Path, Port Mourant, Sandvoort, Peyt Anker, New Amsterdam, Cumberland, Blairmont, Hopetown, Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Haslington, Victoria, Ann’s Grove, Two Friends, Buxton, Friendship, Beterverwagting, Lancaster, Enmore and Cove & John?
What is each of the political parties program for the development of the people and the infrastructure of the community of your interest? What are political parties’ ideas for Job creation and institutions and social and economic development of the communities?

Corbin Rewarding David Granger for services rendered

I was an enlisted member of the GDF 1974-1977. I was popularly known as Little Manish Puppy. I interacted with a number of Commissioned Officers. The majority of the officers referred to me as Young Ross. Lt. Boyce was the officer in command of recruit training at Tacama Battle School on the Berbice River. I was in D’ Company, in Pirai Battalion for three years. The commanding officers were; Capt. Victor D. Wilson, Capt. George Arlington Davidson, and Lt. Edward Collins.
OFFICERS ADMIRED
The first two Guyanese Commissioned Officers I admired are Major Raymond Sattaur and Col. Desmond Roberts, then a second lieutenant. I kept clippings of articles which were printed in the dailies which also included their images. The image of Desmond Roberts at the flag raising ceremony was inspiration for me. I decided and often declared there after, that, I was born to be a soldier. I was never fortunate to participate in flag raising ceremonies in Georgetown. However, I lowered and raised the Guyana flag on numerous occasions in remote areas of the country. I always imaged I was doing so before dignitaries in major national events. I smile these days as I reminisce at how naiveté and how nationalistic I was. Well that was until I witnessed Black Venezuelan soldiers on the opposite bank of the Cuyuni River.
I did not possess a high opinion of Colonel Granger. During that three-year period I admired the following commissioned officers; Col. Ulric Pilgrim, Col. Carl Morgan, Col. Joseph Singh, Col. Fairbairn Liverpool, Col. Marcus Monroe, Maj. Brenda Aaron, Capt. Ian C. Fraser, Capt. George Arlington Davidson, Capt. Victor Orlando Wilson, Capt. Compton M. Ross, and 2Lt. Lenny Davis.
ENLISTED SOLDIERS
Cpl. Vibert Sancho, Cpl. “Boonkcum” Ross, Warrant Officer Class 1 Bolton Sutton, Warrant Officer Class 1 “Jungle Jim” Gerrard, L/Cpl. Sugrim, L/Cpl. Moe, L/Cpl. Buck Allen, L/Cpl. Malcolm Grogan, Sgt. Leland Solomon, Sgt. Ewart Reynolds, Dexter Sue-ho, Terry Milne, Bridgelall, WAC King and my squaddies, Herman Reynolds and Dennis Simon are numbered amongst the enlisted, I admired.
It is my contention. It must be made enormously clear that David Granger is a link to the policies of the past. The published reports stating David Granger is interested in being the Presidential Candidate of the PNC in the next general election scheduled for 2011 are not at all surprising. It is a vindication of the accuracy of the oral tradition. It is proof. It is positive proof that, the persistent rumours, especially during the 1970s suggesting David Granger is an operative of the PNC were absolutely accurate. It was my view that David Granger was simply stated a puppet, a crony of the PNC. He is linked to a monstrosity known as the Paramountcy of the Party. Granger is perhaps the greatest catalyst in the process of the politicizing and the policing of the GDF, during the era of Forbes Burnham and his ruthlessness. One must bear in mind, between 1961 and 1977; there seems a propensity of coups by the Military in various regions of the developing world. In fact, on April 21, 1970 Lieutenants’ Raffique Shah and Reginald Andrew Lassalle led a group of soldiers in what became known as Teteron Barracks uprising. It was indeed a short-lived attempt aimed at overthrowing the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Please note no such attempt was ever propagated in the GDF. Was it the effect of David Granger, the fear of the aftermath of snitching or the fear of being labelled a traitor to the African race? Whatever it was, I am sure several factors contributed to this failure.
I charge the possibility of David Granger being selected as the Presidential Candidate of the PNC is nothing more than reward for services rendered to the PNC, 1966-1992
THE IMAGE OF THE GDF?
What was the image of the GDF? The military was not a singular entity. The military was an arm of the PNC. David Granger was a lackey of the outrageous dictator, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. In the GDF, David Granger was said to be the eyes and the ears of Burnham. The Guyanese electorate must be concerned with such a possibility of David Granger as a presidential candidate. The electorate must be committed to distancing themselves from those associated with the Burnham illegal and dictatorial regime. It’s my contention. David Granger is a facilitator of one of the most brutally repressive periods in the history of Guyanese working class people. Granger is perhaps best remembered as one of the commissioned officers who propagated Paramountcy of the Party in the GDF. Deductions were taken out of the soldiers’ monthly pay. That transaction was referred to as PNC dues. Also, soldiers who were thought to be supporters and/or sympathizers of other political platforms were forced to discard their lifelong dreams of being a career soldier in the Guyanese military. I was shocked when intelligence personnel informed me that I was considered if not a supporter, then at least a sympathizer of the WPA. In that period, although, I revered Eusi Kwayana, the only party which interested me was those in which Sounds Dimension, Mischievous Guys, and Yoruba Singers were providing the musical entertainment. The Guyanese electorate should connect David Granger to destroyed Ballot Boxes, the fraudulent exercises of 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1985 and the murder of several East Indians at No. 63 Village in the aftermath of the deceit of November 1973?
David Granger is a direct connection to the ghost of Forbes Burnham. If David Granger is the candidate the PNC offers - then that platform is in a much more sorry position than I had concluded. Why David Granger? Then, amongst questions Guyanese should require honest answers are; Why not consider females? The political platforms in Guyana have been saying females are not up to the challenge of occupying the highest office in the land. What’s worst? The Guyanese people have supported that scenario for more than 57 years? It is high time. The Guyanese females become militant. They must object to the shenanigans of the political parties. Guyanese females were for the most part at the forefront of every struggle during the colonial era. This is not new. Gertie Woods made such statements in the early 1930s. Guyanese females were certainly not sitting around doing anything but praying for the arrival of the Czechoslovakian Chicago born Jewish Woman to migrate to British Guiana in the 1940s to be crowned the foremost female in history of the Guyanese people. If you accept such notions as factual then obviously you are ignorant of numerous accounts in the history of colonial Guyana.
Why not Cheddi Jagan Jr.? It is known. Forbes Burnham is a godfather of Cheddi Jagan Jr. I believe courting either Cheddi Jagan or Joe Singh would provide an indication that the current PNC is serious about healing and distancing itself from the period 1968-1992. It would be a definitive political move. Such a move or similar that would give every indication that the PNC is making positive steps with respect to correcting and eradicating the persistent problem of ethnicity in Guyana.
MEETING DAVID GRANGER
I simply kept my distance from the likes of David Granger, Keith Ross, Larry London, Hartley Liverpool, Maynard, and Bob Mitchell and numerous other commissioned officers. I am really sure I encountered David Granger on at least three occasions during that period. They are memorable to me because each occasion was progressively worst than the previous.
I recall vividly David Granger asking me a number of absurd questions at Matthews Ridge in 1975, and in the regions of the Venezuelan border at the foot of Mount Roraima in 1976. There I was with five soldiers and little or no ration at an outpost. We had resorted to catching shrimps in the nearby stream. The Venezuelan military planes flying so low over us one could identify the ethnicity of the occupants. A helicopter arrives out steps David Granger. After a few pleasantries, Granger asked me why the soldiers were not shaven. I am somewhat surprised that as angry and as hungrily as I was, I managed to offer up as polite a response to the absurd investigation.
COUP BY MILITARY UNLIKELY
Why wasn’t David Granger interested in occupying the highest office in the land between 1968 and 1992? It is an absolutely difficult proposition for me to associate the word respect with David Granger.
Did David Granger oppose the fact that Burnham placed the policeman Norman McLean at the head of the GDF? That was such a shame. It was reminiscent of Jean-Bédel Bokassa (1921 – 1996), placing his nine-year-old-son at the helm of the military in the Central African Republic. That was such a bitter pill the Guyanese military swallowed. The Guyanese military commanders did not possess the testosterone to necessitate an overthrow of the Kabaka albeit such a slap in their collective faces. The Commissioned Officers of The GDF were satisfied and secure with the trinkets the PNC administration permitted them. The GDF never took a stand in the interest of the Guyanese people. The GDF were certainly Burnham’s army. The GDF were called out against the underprivileged working class people. The GDF were used against strikers. I remember being ordered to cut sugar cane. The cane cutters were on strike. I politely requested not to participate in such an exercise. It was granted. I was simply unwilling and unable to hurt Guyanese people. Unless of course, it was personal matter.
DAVID GRANGER AT BEST
The published reports stated David Granger considered himself a professional. I began to wonder, what was he alluding to? Perhaps he was simply saying he receives compensation for his services. That’s about the truth of the matter. Was David Granger simply saying he is in it just for the sake of financial rewards and material self worth?
I conclude the best thing about David Granger is that he has published historical accounts of the African experience in British Guiana (colonial Guyana). The articles are indeed useful. They are primarily informative. However, those that I have accessed demand further research. They often lack comprehensive approach and analysis. His efforts make truth seekers long for the talents of Norman Eustace Cameron, Walter Anthony Rodney, Tommy Payne, Alvin Thompson and Brian Moore and others of such esteem.
David Granger seems to be a compromised candidate. The business of retreads and disasters such as Robert Corbin, and Hamilton Greene continue. The PNC hierarchy attempting to spray cologne on unwashed bodies is a most ridiculous scenario. The Guyanese electorate must refuse to be bought and sold repeatedly. Election after election the same old story, the same tired situation, the rural communities, particularly those on the East Coast of Demerara have taken serous beating during the last sixty years and has gotten progressively worst year after year, yet the electorate has time and again thrown their support and their votes to the PNC and the PPP and has not reaped any benefits whatsoever. What are the rural communities producing? At the beginnings of my sojourn the Mighty Sparrow used to sing a song which said “one BG plantain full up my belly.” I recently purchased plantains on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The plantains were labelled products of Colombia and Peru. Don’t you think I would have preferred Guyanese plantains? Between November 1839 and May 1966, the villages of British Guiana were agricultural communities. The people of the rural communities were industrious. The vast majority were farmers. There were numerous District Agricultural and Livestock Shows. I am really quite certain the first such display was held at Golden Grove on the East Sea Coast of the County of Demerara on December 7, 1897. Products of all description were on display. It seemed every tropical fruit and vegetable was available in the rural communities. I am sure the same cannot be said today.
I must also state that petty criminal activity is linked to availability employment and/or the access of a satisfactory financial situation of those likely to participate in such immoral endeavours.
CONCLUSION
No social scientist would dare to favourably compare David Granger with the likes of Thomas Sankara, Yakubu Gowon, Idi Amin Dada Oumee, Douglas McArthur, George Patton, and easily the greatest soldier in the American experience, Antonio Maceo. I suppose David Granger is perhaps, familiar with print media on the lives of the above mentioned and others. I am well aware he fancies himself a historian.
I must call attention to the electorate especially those of the Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Victoria, Buxton and Friendship and other communities, on the East Sea Coast of Demerara, to reject David Granger if ever he is chosen to be the PNC Presidential Candidate. I also demand of the people of the villages of my maternal ancestry to refrain from voting for the PNC or the PPP. I call upon the people of the East Sea Coast of Demerara, and the Corentyne Coast to vote for the AFC.
I call upon the electorate to demand change in the political atmosphere in their communities. The electorate must simply refuse to be repeatedly taken for granted. The electorate must demand development and industry of their communities in exchange for their votes. The electorate must demand that they elect the members of a parliament as they did following the elections of 1953, 1957 and 1961. It is obvious. The political platforms have the authority of choosing the parliamentarians. That’s certainly not consistent with the democratic process they claim to uphold. The electorate must demand that Guiana be divided into numerous electoral districts as it were during the elections of 1953, 1957 and 1961. I charge that’s more in line with the philosophy that each vote is relevant to the process. The electorate must demand the self-government of their communities at the local government level in exchange for their support. It is high time the national government is excluded from village administration. The various administrations of the Government of Guyana have made a mockery of the process of Village Administration. Now, the administration of villages is worst than it was following any ordinance in the last half of the nineteenth century. What’s the agenda of each of the political parties for the people and community of your interest? I further think the Guyanese people must in 2011 abandon the political platforms that have done absolutely nothing during the last 57 years baring the period of the interim Government, 1954-1957. I would prefer to witness the WPA and other parties aligning themselves with the AFC. Wouldn’t you wish to witness a Guyanese of Portuguese, Chinese, and indigenous heritage being elected to the highest office of the land? Would the electorate elect a really Guyanese female as the President of Guyana? I’d love to witness change in the political climate in Guyana. But I doubt I would be alive to witness such an occurrence in Guyana. Chances are, there would be snow storms in Guyana before the Guyanese people change their disastrous practices and elect an administration other than either the PPP or the PNC. Just think about it. It seems the faces change, the names change, the physical appearance change but the politicians are allowed to remain male dominated, male chauvinistic, corrupt, inept, decidedly racist and mediocre. That is simply in a nutshell the horrendous spectre of the political climate in Guyana covering the last sixty years. No change is in sight. There’s no light in the tunnel.
Little Manish Puppy,
Regimental Number 3642
D’ Company, March 1974- November 15, 1977