GIHR Online News May 2023

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Email address: hazelwoolford@yahoo.com

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The Guyana Institute of Historical Research is a partner of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York. Professor Dr. Aubrey Thompson, of Morgan State University is the GIHR representative. The Institute is also a partner of the IndoCaribbean Cultural Centre.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Promoting literacysince 2000

Tota Mangar

Fitz

David Hinds

Thomas Singh

Hazel Woolford

Dhanpal Narine

Videographers/Photographers

Lawrence Gaskin

NatashaAzeez

Walter George

Contributor

VibertCambridge

Tangerine Clarke.

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1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

2023 May day parade

A joyous and festive Lunar New Year and Spring Festival to all!

The contributions of our workers to the advancement of Guyana and our collective, progressive future are invaluable and have been the bedrock of the struggles for betterment for all. On the occasion of Labour Day 2023, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes and pay homage to their sustained hard work and indomitable spirit.

The PPP/C Governmentcontinues to work assiduously to ensure that our workers are a priority and that their lives and conditions continue to be improved.

This recognition is evident by the emphasis and value placed on their welfare by the immediate reestablishmentof the Ministry of Labour upon taking office in August2020. We believe that mechanisms to engage and represent our workers must not be diluted and that they must be able to access related services in a structured and holistic manneras is necessary through a Ministry. While the Party is aware that there is more to be done, it continues to advance a multifaceted approach to ensure the advancement of our workers. Very early within this current tenure of the government, burdensome taxes and fees were removed and the education cash grant was restored and increased. To date, thousands of jobs have been created and restored to allow our workers a dignified opportunity to provide for theirfamilies.

Further, access to thousands of scholarships to aid in capacity buildingand the implementation of various programmes and policies to improve the social and physical infrastructure, are just part of the PPP/C Government’s thrustto betterthe lives of all workers.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

As workers rally in solidarity in celebration of theirinvaluable contributions to nationaldevelopment, once again, the PPP salutes their resoluteness and innovativeness in advancingour country. Bestwishes to them on theirday.

People’s Progressive Party

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

MessagefromtheMayorofGeorgetown

Happy Labour Day to all the hardworking men and women in Guyana! Today is a time to reflecton the contributions made by workers and trade unions toward improvingthe lives of workingclass people and the struggles they have endured to gain their rights.

It is a time to honor HubertNathenial Critchlow, who foughtfor workers'rights and is regarded as the fatherof trade unionism in Guyana. I'd like to recognize and appreciate the work of the men and women employed by the Georgetown Municipality and represented by the Guyana Local Government Officer Union (GLGOU) and the GuyanaLabour Union (GLU). These employees provide various services to the community, I understand the challenges they face and the critical role they play in ensuring high-quality services for residents.

Trade unions have played a significant role in advocating for workers'rights and improvingsafety and health in the workplace. Although we face current challenges at the council, we need to take unconventionalsteps to sustain our employmentcosts while providingefficientservices to our citizens.

It is also important to rememberthatworkers are vital to the economic, social, and political well-beingof any nation. Every employee is valuable and plays a critical role in achievingthe overall economicgoals of the city and the country.

I am optimistic that we can achieve a paradigm shift in several areas, including payment of rates, implementingnew revenue-earningavenues, and improvingservices, and workingconditions. As the Mayor of Georgetown, I also acknowledge the essential role of trade unions in the lives of employees and I am committed to working with workers' representatives to advance their rights and interests.

The Mayorand Councillors of the City of Georgetown welcome the continued supportof the trade union as we work together to restore the city's beauty. Let's embrace collectivism and promote collaboration instead of confrontation to advance the city's progress in every area. Let's continue to work together towards a brighterfuture, where every employee is appreciated and respected fortheircrucialrole in our society.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Leaders fromtheGuyana PublicService Union (GPSU);theGuyana Agricultural &General Workers Union (GAWU);theClerical and Commercial Workers Union(CCWU); theNational Association ofClerical, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NACCIE); the Guyana Labour Union (GLU)and the Guyana Teachers Union(GTU).

President Alireiterated his government’s commitmenttoworking withallstakeholders to achieve the holistic upliftment of workers.

Hepointed tothe significance ofthe engagement andthe ensuing discussions and spoke ofthe relevance ofthe day and theimportance ofworkers' rights.

DrAliemphasised that inadvancing any cause, allstakeholders should unify around one commonagenda, whichis Guyana.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Senior Minister within theOffice ofthe President withresponsibility forFinance, DrAshni Singh; Minister ofLabour, Joseph Hamilton; Minister ofPublicService, Sonia Parag were alsopresent.

(Source President IrfaanAli/Facebook) Request

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

MAYDAYMESSAGE2023

THEME: BUILDING A STRONG PROGRESSIVE UNION TO RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGES

FellowWorkers,

Today, May Day or Workers Day, we, in the PNCRand the Parliamentary Opposition, pause to say thank you to the thousands of you, past and present, who with your sacrifice of Blood, Sweat, Tears, Determination, and Dedication committed to the task of nation building, even in the face of oppression and suppression. We thank you for your continued love for the country amidst the trampling of your rights, the just past pandemic and the others that have plagued you as workers. You have shown great dexterity and resilience and forstandingyourgroundhave been bestowedwith the crown as CHAMPIONS.

Today, it is with humility, strength from those whose back we now stand on, decency and gratitude that we address you, the wheelturners. The theme this year, we find to be apt and fitting as indeed stronger and progressive unions is what is required to respond to the challenges of today which have increased. However, it must be noted that Unions must continue to build capacity among its ranks if it were to achieve this feat of responding. More than that, Union Leaders must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and tact to be able to skillfully navigate the path successfully.

As you would have noticed, it is the Workers who have keptthe wheels of this economy turning. It is the very workers who have been bravingthe effects of the high costof living, non-recognition by an uncaring government, poverty and all the otherills that come along with it, but continue to give of their best, and it is for this simple fact, We must SALUTE YOU! Workers, we say, must be valued irrespective of their gender, race, creed, religion, position or job responsibilities. There should be no disparity between men and women, pro-government or anti-government. This principle is universal and it is one of the front runners that the Labour Movementand its Leaders must hold onto and continue to champion the cause of its implementation.

Conditions of work

Unfortunately, the present conditions of work are still not beneficial to workers, as we have witnessed over the last year the many workplace accidents (both fatal and nonfatal), and the abuses - physical, emotional and sexual in nature - that continue to prevail. Lives were lost, workers maimed and scared, yet the powers that be see these incidents/accidents as just a mere passing one simply because the ordinary workeris not importantto them because you don'tfitinto theirgrouping. As a matterof fact, in their minds and mode of operation it’s “Let's carry on”. Our workers/citizens have been working under unacceptable conditions, for longer hours while receiving less money. These kinds of exploitations and atrocities must be foughtback by all and sundry. On this very note we must ask what systems have been put in place to assist the families of so many others who have lost their lives or who have been maimed? What is the governmentdoingto minimize these incidents/ accidents and the penalties? These mustbe made public.

You, our WorkingClass, deserve much better, especially since we, this country of ours, have been dubbed the "New Dubai" of the Caribbean and with the fastestgrowingeconomy. Our citizens/ourworkers must be able to live a better life. If this government wants us the citizens to take them seriously, then the President should, with immediate effect, commission the Judicial and Public Service Commission. He should appoint the Chancellorand the Chief Justice by Tuesday justlike he did in anothersector. For too

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

long workers have been burdened with the task of being actors and actresses. Release those loops you have around the necks of our People. This government must understand that workers are having stood the test of time and should not be treated as beggars. They deserve to be appointed in every sectoras is deemed fit by the conditions set out. Workers deserve job security. The President must stop holding contract appointments and acting overthe heads of our citizens. May we hasten to add that this process mustbe free, fairand transparent.

As we have also recognized that in recent times the government has embarked on a route with the aim of puttingworkers againsteach other, and Union Leaders againsteach other. This new medicine of control must be rejected forthwith. Let us remind union leaders that you were not elected by the government and that you are nottheir puppets. You were elected by the Workers within the various sectors and your mandate is to serve and representyourmembership withoutfearor favour, so let me caution you, don't be dragged into the netof selling out your membership fora few pieces of silver because history will not be kind to you. Union Leaders must stand tall, decked out with decency, integrity and a commitment to fightforEquity, equality and fairness. Yourstruggle in essence should be to ensure and secure jobs, decent livable wages and conditions of work for your membership. We ask you leaders to raise your voice for betterhealth care and secured retirementpackages. As we are remindedby Aristotle who said, "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."

In conclusion, the time has come for all of LABOUR to demand the return of Collective Bargaining. It is from this standpoint that our Citizens/our Workers will be given their rightful due. We must no longer acceptacross the board increases as this does notcater forinflation and the specifics as is required in the various sectors. This governmentmustreturn to the table with union leaders. There's an old saying that says, "Come see me and come live with me is a differentthing."We have seen thatwith this government and let us remind them: when you were in opposition you championed the call forthe return of collective bargaining. You are in governmentnow, do it!

Just in case you didn't know, Labour is the Ladderthrough which Human Dignity and Creative Excellence is expressed.

So today and for every day, we will continue to salute you the WorkingClass, who have stood to the task of Nation Building amidstthe challenges.

Long live the Working Class!

Happy LabourDay!

-END-

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

MESSAGEONPORTUGUESEARRIVALDAY2023-3rdMay

In commemoration of Portuguese Arrival Day 2023, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) extends greetings to all Guyanese, especially those of Portuguese origin. This year, we observe the 188th anniversary of the arrival of the first Madeiran-Portuguese indentured immigrants to our Dear Land of Guyana.

The former Leader of the PNCR and President of Guyana, Mr. David Granger, issued a public notice on 27th February 2017, proclaiming 3rd May each yearas ‘Portuguese ArrivalDay.’ The intention behind the notice was to strengthen national integration and social cohesion by giving due respect and recognition to the various ethnicgroups which belongto our multicultural society.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

On this anniversary, the PNCRthus reaffirms its recognition of the role played by Portuguese historically and presently in the nation’s development – particularly in agriculture, commerce, culture, education, law, manufacturing, religion, social organizations, shipping and sports.

HAPPYPORTUGUESEARRIVALDAYTO THE NATION. About

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a home based ministry. It is a Protestant Christian ministry based on the Wesleyan Holiness movement tradition. The Church was established on 7 January, 2007.

Blog spot

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Guyana Institute of Historical Research | East Coast Demerara (eastseacoastdemerara.blogspot.com)

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1. We are on a path of convertingrevenues from the oiland gas sectorto advance oureconomy and make it one of the mostcompetitive globally. Qatarprovides agood example forus to learn from

2. Guyanais leadingon the issue of climate change, globally. We are the firstcountry to deploylargescale carbon on the international market, the first country to sign an end-user agreement with Hess Corporation, and a bilateral agreementon the sale of carbon with the Kingdom of Norway. The forest, which is the second-largest forestcoverglobally, stores 19.5gigatonnes of carbon. So, as we discuss climate change and environmental services, those discussions cannot be without Guyanaas a main player and stakeholder.

3. These non-partisan activities are intended to promote greater environmental health and sustainability. I encourage all Guyanese to come outand supportthese efforts. Simple choices, at the individual level, can have an immense impact.

4. This party is about improving the well-being of people. It is about investing in communities and investing in the lives of people. This is a party you can rely on. This is a party that sticks to its commitment. This is an all-weatherparty. We come in the sunshine and in rain.

5. On this World Environment Day, I urge all Guyanese to act more responsibly in the manner in which they dispose of plastic waste.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

We all have a duty to keep our environment clean and safe. By acting responsibly we can end plastic pollution.

Each of us can contribute by makinginformed, ethical and responsible choices including:

- reducingplastic usage, especially that of single-use plastics;

- promotinggreaterrecycling;

- ensuringproperwaste disposal;and

- endinglittering.

-Over the past year, I have personally led efforts to enhance our physical environment through national clean-up exercises. These non-partisan activities are intended to promote greater environmentalhealth and sustainability. I encourage all Guyaneseto come outand supportthese efforts. Simple choices, at the individual level, can have an immense impact.

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1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

The # 78 Corentyne and Philadelphia Mosques of Guyana

by Ray Chickrie Dear Editor,

We are in another Mahe Ramazan (Month of Ramadan), and I share with your readers a little bit of our Muslim history. Recognizing the efforts and sacrifices made by past generations to institutionalise Islam in Guyana, amidst a sea of evangelism, since times of slavery to the period of independence, we are gratefulto them.

There is evidence of Anjuman (Jamaats or association) and mosques, and some of these organisations were registered since 1863 in Guyana to address the needs of the Muslim communities. Some formally and some informally. There is evidence that the founding of the Number 78/79 Masjid (Mosque)was in 1863 according to an article to commemorate the Centennial of the Masjid published in the Daily Chronicle of August25, 1963. Yet, there are still some unanswered questions. There isn't conclusive evidence of the first constructed mosque in Guyana. That could have been during the era of slavery or was it the 1863 # 78/79 Mosque orthe PhiladelphiaMosque on the East Bank of the Essequibo which was alleged to have been "built in the 1860s."

In 1999 several Muslims groups, The Central Islamic organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and the Anjuman Hifazatul-E-Islam gathered at Philadelphia, Guyana to “The marked the site where the first masjid (on the South American continent) was built by Guyana’s indentured Muslims in the 1860’s.”

They did howevernote that“with more work and scholarship, future studies can be undertaken to bring more clarity and accuracy in learning more about Guyana’s firstmosques.”Butone thing is certain, since the second wave of Islam in Guyanain 1838, from India, Afghanistan and what is now Pakistan, Muslims have built many mosques and formed severalorganisations to preserve theirhistory and culture.

Subrati, identified as one of the chief founders of the 78 Village Mosque, arrived in Guyanaon board the Syria in May 1869 from the Port of Calcutta, and with his youngerbrother, the 19-year Suhabuth. This is how the brothers nameswerespilled in the 1963article. On his immigration certificate, his name is spelled "Soberauthy." The two brothers were the sons of Rumul, and both were indentured to Eliza and Mary (Skeldon) Plantation. This was alarge sugarplantation in upperCorentyne with astrongMuslim presence. Muslims took up residence close to each otherand sometimes occupied an entire street. The brothers' names would eventually take on several differentspellings on various documents relating to them; “Sohabat, Sohabet, and Shahadat, Subrati.” This was quite common in Guyana. It is impossible to record Urdu, Arabic or Hindi names using an English alphabet and mistakes were common. Further many Hindustani immigrants ended up not carrying their father's surname. For example, if the child was registered as Abdul Gaphur, which is one first name, then that was the one name the child carried, basically, his father's firstname. Cultural barriers, especially language, left us a legacy of people with one name and not inheritingtheir fathers title.

The firstMosque in Guyanacan'tbe the Philadelphia, EastBank Essequibo. The timeline is off. Its founder, Hazrat (Mr) Chand Khan was a teenager when he arrived in British Guiana in November 1866 on board the Atalanta with his parents Hazrat Lall Khan and Woolfat (Ulfaat Begum/Mrs) from Benares when he was 15 years old. Chand and his parents were indentured to Plantation Uitvlugt. While it is alleged that Chand Khan came to Guyanain 1839 on “the Atlantic,” there is no record of such a ship arriving in Guyana that year from India. In fact, several years after 1838 when immigration from India commenced, there was atemporary stop and immigration restarted afterimprovementwas sought to ensure passengerwellbeing. After the initial arrival of the Whitby and Hesperus in 1838, immigration from India resumed in 1845.

According to Archives records, and Mr. Evan Persaud, an authority on Indian immigration to Guyana, the Atalanta arrived 4 times in British Guiana:(1) 13 April 1862; (2) 22 November1866; (3) 21 May 1874; (4) 1 May 1875. The Atalanta 1866: 388 landed of which 386 were allotted to 15 sugar plantations: (1) Meten-Meerzorg;(2) Uitvlugt; (3) Stewartville;(4) AnnaCatherina; (5)

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Haarlem; (6) Malgre Tout; (7) Nismes;

( Providence (East Bank Demerara); (9) Houston; (10) Bel Air; (11) Mon Repos; (12) Annandale; (13) Nonpareil;(14) Cove and John;and (15) Wales. Twenty five Hindustanis were allotted to Uitvlugt:19men, 5 women and 1 boy, and among them was young Chand Khan and his family. No one went to Vergenoegen.

This same Chand Khan # 166 from Benares, notHyderabad, was the fatherof Ameeran who was born in Philadelphia, ECE on December14, 1889 to Chand Khan (166/Atalanta/1866) and Mooradun who was an Indian immigrant that came on the Sydenham in 1864. However, the Number78 Mosque, originally built at #79 Village and “founded in 1863” also leaves some discrepancies because Soberauthy (Subrati) and his brother arrived in Guyana in 1869. This leaves some questions, was the 78 Mosque founded about 1870 after the brothers arrival? Or was the process of acquiring the land commenced in 1863 by the other founding members like Khadmi, Shahabuddin, Ishmaeland Wajid Ali?

The Ulema of Guyana spanned from Essequibo, to Demerara and Berbice, and included Al Haj Hazrat Ramjohn (Ramazan), Hazrat Mohammad Ahmad Nasir, among many other wise and intellectual Musalman. In presentingtheirresearch to commemoratethe Centennialof the # 78Mosque in 1963, they said, “Extensive and exhaustive research has revealed that the mosque was built in 1863 by Sohabeth Subrati, fatherof the late Moulvi Ibrahim; Ishmile Shahadeen, Wajid Ally and Khadmi, motherof Messrs, Dookie and Sankar. They “showed keen interestin Islam and it was by theirinstrumentality thatthey have been fortunate to acquire a piece of land and built a small mosque.”

Taken from Daily Chronicle, August25, 1963

The story of Khadmiis of great interest. She comes from apious and humble Muslim family and herfather was also a Majee. She was married to Ramessar, an Indian born Brahmin who converted to Islam to marry her and agreed to raise their children in Islam. They had two sons, Susankar (Maula Baksh) and Dookie (KhodaBaksh). Ramessarmay have been the firstHindustani Goldsmiths in Skeldon in the 1880s afterhe returned from India in 1880. In 1880 Ramessar took his family to India but abruptly returned to Guyana after the family discovered that he had converted to Islam and assimilated with Muslims. On the birth certificate of his grandson, Aminul Ahmad Sankar, Ramessar is recorded as his "grandfather"who was a "Goldsmith from # 79." From Susankar, the name changed to Sankar from this period.

It is worthy to mention thatSankar’s wife, Sakinatul, was the eldestsisterof Kabul(Kabil) Khan, NurKhan, Shehzaadi and Zainab. Zainab Khatoon was married to Ibrahim Majee, a son of Sohabat. Shehzaadi Khatoon was married to Hazrat AbdoolRahaman of 79. The two brothers were NurKhan and Kabil Khan. Kabil Khan's wife, Imaman, was from Tushen. It demonstrates yet another piece of historiography, that from one end of Guyanato the other, Corentyne, to the Essequibo Islands, our families were connected. And I speak of all Muslim Guyana in this context. It's a common habit of the survival of a minority community to do so.

Ghanim Khan, wellknown Guyanacricketer,was one of Kabil's sons. TheirmotherGoolmaniKhatoon, and herinfant child, Sakinatul were kidnapped from Benares, Indiain 1878 and senton board the King Arthur ans were indenturedto Eliza and Mary. Anotherone of Kabil’s sons, Imamuddin was Presidentof the # 78 Jamaat in the 1960s.

Al Haj Ramjohn and Ibrahim Majee

Soberauthy was married to Rahiman, a Hindustani native who migrated to Guyana in 1867 on board the Clarence to Skeldon. Amongtheirchildren were Karim Baksh (1880), Abdul Karim (1882), Ibrahim (1886), Haliman (1888), Shakuran (1890) and all were born at the Number 78 Village. We know that two of his sons, AbdulKarim and Ibrahim were Imams. AbdulKarim died at PeterHall, EBD on November19, 1935.

(Far Left, Ibrahim Majee and to his leftis Haji Ramjohn)

The original site of the 78 Mosque was at Number 79 Village, where Mohammed Ezammudeen, a great grandson of Sohabatlives today. The original mosque was moved from #79 to its current location at # 78 Village.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Returningfrom Makkah, the Middle East and India, the masjid was modernised by the gigantic efforts of Al Haj Ramjohn (Ramazan) who garnered supportto build one of the most beautifulmosques in Guyana. He didn't hesitate to go deep into his pockets to finance the expensive project. His home like that of Al Haj Mohammed Ballee (Wallee) hosted Maulanas from Pakistan, Imams, Majees, Ustads, dignitaries, Ambassadors and visitors from Guyana, the Caribbean, Pakistan and elsewhere.

(At# 78 Maulana AbdulAleem Siddiqi, Al Haj Shakoor, and Al Haj Mohammed Ballee, 1950)

Maulana Aleem Siddiqi in 1950 became one of the first illuminary Islamic scholars to visit Number 78 Village and he was hosted by Al Haj Ramazan. The Maulana was accompanied by his Secretary, Hazrat Fazlur Rahaman Ansari, who also stayed with Al Haj Ramazan. Hazrat Fazlur Ansari returned to Guyanain 1967. In 1967 when MaulanaNoorani, son of MaulanaSiddiqi visited Skeldon, he was hosted atthe home of Al Haj Ballee and the entire 78 Anjuman (Community), and Al Haj Ballee was hosted by the Maulana when he visited Karachi. Haji Ballee was an Ustaz of Arabic and Urdu who trained and groomed anumber of Imams who eventually moved to North America. Al Haji Balle also was instrumental in building relationships between the Muslims of Guyanaans Suriname. Haji Ballee, Haji Ramjohn and Sardar Imtiaz Majee were some of our legendary nation builders and they were well known in Suriname at Plantation Waterloo where they also carried out Islamic work.

(Imamoudeen Khan, aformerPresidentof 78 Jammat and MaulanaNoorani, 1967)

A striking piece of information which was notelaborated in the 1963 article was asubheading, “Centenary of Islam, How the first Muslim Came,”and there was asubheading“First Mosque.”Did the elders of 1963 validate already that the Number 78 Village Mosque was the first in Guyana? Then there was another piece of information. In the caption of a picture reads, “No. 78 Village, Upper Corentyne, where stands the oldestMosque in British Guiana, was hosts to thousands on Sunday last at the occasion marking the centenary of Islamic in this country.”

According to Mohammed Ezammudeen, a great grandson of Sohabat, "Sohabeth Subrati'' referenced in the 1963 article, isn’t the name of one person but the names of the two brothers who came from India. And indeed documentations have proven him correct. So who are the children of Soberauthy? Also, I continue to investigate the other founders, Khadmi, Ishmile, Shahabeen, and Wajid Ally. Research continues to bring more light and clarity to the foundingof the 78 Masjid, and I welcome any help from the public.

Since its original construction, the mosque underwentseveralreconstruction phases and modernization. Sadly, the ornate mosque in white and aqua blue/green that was expanded and modernised after Haji Ramjohn after his return from Makkah was reconstructed to erect a mega structure about two decades ago, and which lacks asceticism.

Conclusion

There is no mosque in Philadelphiatoday buta commemoration monument. The 78 Village Mosque still exists today; it has had a continuous history. While there are still some unanswered questions aboutthesemosques, evidencesuggests thatthe 78Village Mosque is likely older than the one founded atPhiladelphia, especially that its founder, Hazrat Chan Khan arrived in Guyanain 1866, not 1839, and was only 15 years old. Evidence exists that the Chief founders of the 78 Village Mosque, Soberauthy, age 22 and his brotherSohabat, age 19 arrived in Guyanain 1866.

Gratitude

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Ms. Melissa Jones of the Walter Rodney Archives of Guyana, Mr.Alim Ali at Caribbean Muslim, Deen Ameerullah ( GreatGrandson of GoolMohamed Khan, founderof the Queenstown Mosque 1895), Uncle Saleem Ballee, Uncle Emo and so many more people who have shared their knowledge and historical artefacts with me.

[Source: Maurits Hassankhan face book page]

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

GUYANA:Twentyperishedin Mahdiasecondaryschoolblaze – Gov’t

By Staff Editor and DavidPapannah May 22, 2023m – Stabroek News

Eighteen female students of theMahdiaSecondarySchooland one boy were killed afteradormitory blaze started minutes beforemidnightlastnight. The fire reportedly began at11.40pm in the female dormitory. The governmentthis morningprovided the figure forthose killed.

On her Facebook page, EducationMinister Priya Manickchand provided the following update:

“Standing in what remains of the Mahdia Female Dormitory that housed 59 students less than 12 hours ago. 56 girls were present at the time , 3 went home with their families for the weekend. Children housed at the dorms came from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapao. Today, on this 22nd day of May ,19 students lost their lives, 18 of whom were females all between the ages of 12 to 17, and one boy aged 5, child of the dorm parents, who were tryingto rescue otherchildren at that time.

6 of our girls remain at the Georgetown Public Hospital and 17 at the Mahdia Hospital, where they are beingtreated and cared for, let us pray for their recovery and strength at this time”.

The Governmentof Guyanaissued the followingstatementthis morning:

STATEMENT ON FIRE AT MAHDIA DORMITORY

It is with great sadness thatwe bring to you a heart-wrenchingupdate on the fire at the dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary school. We have lost many beautifulsouls in that fire. The death toll currently stands at 20, while severalothers received injuries.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Five planes have already taken off to Mahdia to support the regional health officials with additional medical supplies and medivacs. At this moment, seven children are prepared to be medivac to Georgetown.

The Prime Minister is leading a team of cabinet and other officials to Madhia whilst Minister Benn is already on the ground. The president and other officials are supporting efforts at Ogle to receive the critical patients and coordinate an emergency plan of action. A full-scale medical emergency action plan has been launched. We ask that our prayers continue to be with these children, their families, and communities. (End of statement)

The police this morning issued the followingstatement: Police in Region Eight are probing a devastating fire of so-far unknownorigin, which destroyed the Mahdia Secondary School’s Female Dormitory, killing 20 students and injuring several others, some in critical condition.

The tragic incident occurred last night (Sunday, May 21) at about22:50 hrs. Atthe time of the fire, sixty-three (63) femalestudents werereportedly in the dormitory. Reports are that 20 students died in the fire:(14 students died inside the building, five died atthe MahdiaDistrict Hospital, and one died on the way to Georgetown).

According to one of the female students, who managed to escape, she was awakened by screams and upon checking, she saw a fire in the bathroom area, which quickly spread to otherparts of the building.

Commanderof the Region, SeniorSuperintendentKhalid Mandall, alongwith a Police team and members of the GuyanaFire Service and others from the JointServices, are on location as investigations continue. A high-level team of Government officials led by Prime Minister Hon. Mark Philips and including several Ministers are currently in Mahdia as Guyana mourns the heart-rending loss of the students. (End of statement)

DETAILS

Details surroundingthe cause of the fire at this time are yetto be determined. From the information reaching Stabroek News, as the fire ripped through the dormitory severalstudents were trapped inside the building.

Firefighters and public-spirited citizens were on the scene trying to contain the blaze and conduct rescue operations.

News of the tragedy sent shock waves across the nation as many were awakened by calls and alerts on the tragedy.

The Governmentof Guyanain a statementissued at1 am, today said all efforts are beingmade to have a full-scale medical evacuation-supported response.

The statementstatedthatThe Ministry of Health and theJointServices havebeen collaboratingto address the situation. However, the inclement weather and heavy overcast conditions are posing severe challenges to this exercise.

Parkinson John, aresidentwho resides nextdoorto the Region Eightdormitory this morningtold Stabroek News that he assisted in saving at least eight students. According to him, he was the first person to respond to the fire afterbeing alerted by his dogs constantly barking.

“I wentoverin my underwearalone and tried to save them. On the leftside of the buildingthere was only smoke so I rush in and try to getthem to exit. The smoke had them bad butI wrap a cloth around my face and run and grab who I can,” John explained. He stated that he made two trips before he had to pull out of the rescue mission due to the high volume of smoke. He went on to state that if others were brave as him they could have saved more students in a timely manner.

Nonetheless, he stated thatpersons who responded afterhim, assisted in trying to open up the grills for the students to escape.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

“When I hearthe screams I run to get a piece of wood and try to open the grill but I couldn’tdo it on my own and the other guys help. They pull who they could have out of the building. Some of the kids were badly burnt…” John who spoke with this publication via phone added.

The first responder and local community hero added that the fire service responded approximately 20 minutes afterthe blaze started. By then the building was consumed by the inferno.

In a Facebook Live from Mahdia, resident Kyle Smith said that despite the doors being opened after the alarm was raised, students were trapped. It was related that the grills on the windows would have contributed to students beingtrapped.

Smith in his video stated his wife alerted him to an amber glow in the sky and he later realised it was a fire at the dormitory.

“My wife wake me up and said look how the place looking red red on that one side and it looked so attractive to my eyes. I picked up my phone to take a picture but there and then I realised when people start shoutingfor help and when I look closely there is fire,”he recounted.

He noted that just after his arrival on the scene, he assisted in taking a student to the Ambulance but many others remained trapped.

He noted that from all indications some students were severely burnt. Those who perished in the fire were badly burnt, it was reported and a few students were found on theirbeds.

“There isn’t much the fire service could have done because there is just one truck in Mahdia and the lil waterit had stored up, they use up and itfinishes and the truck gone…about20minutes lateritreturned,” he explained to viewers.

During his live stream, he stated that the roof of the building collapsed and the entire property was engulfed in flames. The rains howeverarrived some minutes laterand helped putoutthe blaze.

Government in their statement added “It is with heavy heart and pain that the Cabinet is being briefed and kept updated on a horrific fire at the dormitory in Mahdia…Our thoughts and prayers are with our children and theirfamilies at this time. We will continue to update as information becomes available.”

Meanwhile, Opposition parliamentarian Natasha Singh-Lewis said her party is deeply saddened by the news of the fire that engulfed the schooldormitory in Mahdia, taking the lives of severalschool children.

“The loss of innocentlives is always a painful and heartbreakingexperience, and this incident has left us all with a heavy heart. As acommunity, we stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, and we offer our sincerestcondolences duringthis difficulttime,” she added.

In the same breath, she used the opportunity to call for a thorough investigation from officials into the cause of the fire and for a detailed reportto be released to the public on whatwentwrong.

“We need to understand how this most horrific and deadly incident occurred and take all necessary measures to preventsuch atragedy from happeningagain in the future,”Lewis-Singh said as she pointed out that it is a sad day for the country.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

OlympicAssociationunveilsbustinhonourof Parris;Guyana’s only Olympic medalist

Village Voice May 29, 2023

The Guyana Olympians Association recently unveiled a bust of Guyana’s only Olympic medallist, Mr. Michael ‘Mike’ Parris. Parris competed in the bantamweight (54 kg) division at the 1980 Summer OlympicsinMoscow, Soviet Union, where he earneda bronze medal,holding the coveted title of being Guyana’s first ever and only Olympic medalist. He is also the only pugilist from the English-speaking Caribbean to achieve this feat. The bust, unveiled on May 18th May was crafted by Keith Agard in honour of Parris’ 1980 achievement. It is located on the Merriam’s Mall, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive between Church Street and North Road.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Michael 'Mike' Parris and family standing next tohis bustwhichwas unveiled onMay 18. (SN photo)

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

MichaelParrisstanding nexttohisbust (KNphoto)

The 65-year-old Parris, who was born on October 5, 1957, was accompanied by his family and sports officials from the Olympic Association, National Sports Commission and Government of Guyana to the unveiling event.

What we need to do knowing we live on borrowed time

By Clement J. Rohee

Probably, it has taken hundreds of thousands and perhaps trillions of words, printed and spoken nationally and internationally, to explain how and why the nineteen school children perished along with the nine who have been hospitalized as a result of the fiery conflagration that ripped through the girl’s secondary school dormitory at Mahdia, at Region 8.

Death remains a deeply personal experience alongside a postmortem operation or an exhumation that some might have had cause to witness.

As I read more and more about this tragic loss to family and nation, I could not help but wonder how in this modern age of technological advancement, and where technologies tend to occupy a greater part of our daily lives, fires of this type cannot be avoided.

From news reports published long before, we know that residents of the communities affected by the tragedy have, over the years, experienced social and economic changes of varying degrees. As a consequence, many young Amerindians are opting for professional occupations that require them study away from home; to concentrate and to be more focused on their academic endeavours.

Inthis regard, the secondary schools withseparate dorms for girls and boys, as wasthe case at Mahdia, represent the institutional arrangements that are offered to successful graduands of the CSEC to attend and to be accommodated with the consent of their parents and/or guardians.

Notwithstanding the social and economic challenges in the communities where the deceased children came from including; Chenapou, Campbelltown, El Paso, Karisparu, Micobie, Madhia and several other villages in the North Pakarimas, the strength of traditions maintained by villagers derives from the fact that they continue to live where they always have.

That apart, there is a certain irony for those of us who from time to time contemplate loss and death, in that, we too go through the process of grieving when we utter the words ‘our thoughts and prayers are with you’ making it not so easy for our thoughts to be easily diverted from grief and sorrow to some other unrelated event or events.

Those of us who have suffered loses because of death in the family, have long, managed with the passage of time, to come to terms with the physically tangible reality that death is inevitable. But to die in the way those children died is at the same time, a huge loss to families, communities and the nation as a whole.

Kudos must be extended to the President for imbuing in the nation at this time, the need to develop a greater sense of patience, tolerance and perseverance in the search for answers to legitimate questions and concerns the tragedy has brought to the fore.

Moreover, it was pleasing to see the magnificent response by students from schools across the nation who, through their expressions of public support and solidarity sought to help heal the pain and suffering felt across the country.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

The extraordinary expressions of solidarity and support extended by the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Cuba particularly, and more generally, by governments around the world are timely and most welcomed.

As the nation mourns its loss, we need to keep the faith, singing and bonding. And as we reflect on the tragedy at Mahdia we must always bear in mind that we are all living on borrowed time with our family, our loved ones, relatives and friends.

In the final analysis, it is compassion that will strengthen our interdependence and that intimate connection withothers nationally and internationally.

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Thescheduleofthe2023GuyanaInstituteofHistoricalResearchConference

Name Item

Thursday22June2023

18-19:00hrs.

Countryoforigin

Welcomereception All participating countries

Ms.CharleneWilkinson Introduction of the Chairman Guyana

Mr.EricPhillips Chairman Guyana

Mrs.HazelWoolford Welcome and introduction of Country representatives

Guyana

Mrs.MarjorieMcCaskey Introduction of featured speaker Guyana

Mr.DerrickCummings The Cooperative in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Guyana

Ms.SyndreneHarris Presentation to Mr. Cummings Guyana

Trinidad

Ras.LeonSaul Drumming & spoken word

Mr.CeranSondy Songs Haiti

Mr.IvorThom Poem Guyana

Dr.DavidHinds VoteofThanks Guyana

Ms.SyndreneHarris Announcements and Registration Guyana

Friday23June2023

09:00hrs-09:45hrs

0peningceremony Guyana

Mr.EricPhillips Chairman Guyana

NationalPledge Guyana

NationalAnthem Guyana

Mrs.HazelWoolford Welcome Guyana

Ms.SyndreneHarris Announcements Guyana

Mrs.DawnCush

Introductionof Featured speaker Guyana

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Dr.MarkKirton The evolution and development of foreign policy and international relations in postindependence Guyana” (20minutes)

Q&A Mrs.DawnCush

Mr.KeithEaston PresentationtoFeatured Speaker

09:50-10:05hrs.

Teabreak

Guyana

Guyana

Session1 Panel1

Guyana

Guyana 10:10hrs.-11:45hrs. Title:The1823Demerara rebellion

Mr.DeonAbrams Chairman

Mr.IvorThom The Demerara slave rebellion monument(15 minutes)

Mr.DwayneBenjamin The Demerara slave rebellion.(15minutes)

Mr.IsaacCritchlow The First West India Regiment and the Demerara Rebellion of 1823(15minutes)

Mr.EltonMcRae The1823Demeraraslave rebellion(15minutes)

Q&A

Session1 11:50hrs.-12:30hrs.

Panel2 Title:Villagehistories

Mr.CarlBrathwaite Chairman

Mr. Rodwell Lewis will presentfor

Mrs.BerylHaynes

A History of the Plaisance Village(15 minutes)

Mr.KeithEaston Myjourney(15minutes)

Dr.SimpsonDaSilva The Village economy(15 minutes)

Q&A

Guyana

Guyana

Guyana

King’sCollege University

Guyana

Guyana

Guyana

Guyana

Guyana

Guyana

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Lunch 12:35hrs.-13:05hrs.

Session2

13:05hrs.-14:30hrs.

Panel1 Title: Legacies of Enslavement: Exploring Britain’s Links with HistoricalSlavery

Dr.CassandraGooptar Chairperson

Mr.FrederickBricknell History below the waterline: Exploring the environmentalhistoryof British Guiana, c.17961838.(15minutes)

Dr.RichardStone Bristol, Capital and Enslavement: Researching

Enslavement and its legacies in Britain and the Caribbean through Co-Production and Citizen Research(15 minutes)

Dr.AndreaLivesey Researching with students: slavery research at Liverpool John Moores University”.(15minutes)

Dr.CassandraGooptar

LegaciesofEnslavement: Exploring links of UK Institutions with HistoricalSlavery& Engagement with Descendant. Communities. (15 minutes)

Hybrid

Q&A

Trinidad

Hull,UK

Bristol,UK

Liverpool,UK

Trinidad&Tobago

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Session2 Panel2

14:35hrs.-15:50hrs. Title: Gender, sexuality andimprisonment.

Dr.NormanNg-A-Qui Chairman

Dr.EstherineDoobay Gender, Women and PrisonsinBritishGuiana. (15minutes)

Dr.DianaPaton Emancipation, Indenture, and the Policingof ‘PublicOrder’ in British Guiana, 18381900.(15minutes)

Mr.JoelSimpson

Q&A

Session2 Panel3

15:55hrs.-16:20

Guyana

Guyana

Edinburgh

Guyana

Guyana

Title:ArtandArtists Guyana

Mr.IvorThom Chairman

Ms.PekahiahJames Severed Lines: The Role ofArtinthePreservation ofourCulturalHeritage.

Saturdaymorning, 24

June2023

09:00hrs-09:45hrs

Session3

Calltoorder

Dr.RichardStone

Dr.RichardStone Chairman

Guyana

Ms.ShalimaMohammed Introductionof Featured speaker Trinidad

Dr.KumarMahabir Why we should talk about race in the Caribbean (20minutes)

Hybrid

Q&A

Ms.ShalimaMohammed Hybrid 09:50-10:05hrs.

Teabreak

Session3 Panel1

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Dr.DuaneEdwards Chairman

Guyana

10:10hrs.-11:45hrs. Title:7. Main trends ineducation. Guyana

Ms.NaliniNaidu Museum resource in academia: Observations of the Chau Chak Wing Museum at The UniversityofSydney (15minutes)

Australia

Mr.CecilSimon (15minutes) Guyana

Dr.NigelWestmaas Teaching: The 1823 Demerara slave rebellion

Q&A

Session3 Panel2 Guyana

11:50hrs-12:30hrs. Title:TheCreoleworldof Guyana and the Caribbean

Guyana

Mr.VincentAlexander Chairman IPADAG

Dr.JaniceImhoff And tomorrow did come…(15 mins)

Dr.NastassiaRambarran An exploration of the nightlife in New Amsterdam, Berbice during the turn of the 21st century (15 minutes)

Lunch

12:35hrs.-13:00hrs

Session4 Panel1

13:05hrs.-14:05hrs. Title:8. Business andethnicity

Guyana

Barbados

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

Dr.DianePaton Chairperson

Mr.CarlBrathwaite “Race, ethnicity and, business(20minutes) Guyana

Q&A

Session4 Panel2

14:10hrs.-15:05hrs. Title:12.Cultureand the Arts.

Dr.VijayMaharaj Chairperson Trinidad

Mr.WinstonFelix The Story of a Great Warrior. (20minutes)

Q&A

Session5 Panel1

15:10hrs.-16:10hrs. Title:5. Gender, women, race and, identity

Dr.Andrea Livesey Chairperson

Dr. Kathleen RodneyScott The feminization of the University.(20minutes)

Q&A

Session6 Youthforum

16:15hrs.-17:30hrs.

Chairs

CharleneWilkinson

DavidHinds

Q&A

Upcoming events and conferences

HazelWoolford Conference Theme for 2024

Guyana

A Briefevaluationof the conference Guyana

Ms.SyndreneHarris Voteofthanks Guyana

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion

1823-2023. Bicentennialof the Demeraraslave rebellion