THE SOFT UNDERBELLY
WEST INDIES
HAND-IN-HAND HISTORY OF CRICKET IN GUYANA, 1915-1923
Volume 3: No Silver
Lining Yet
By Carlisle Richardson
A murdered customs worker accused of stealing imported goods; collusion between competing politicians to overthrow the sitting Prime Minister; an international weapons trafficking syndicate one step ahead of British authorities; and a mysterious expat living on a small Caribbean island.
In what used to be a tropical paradise, police officer Gerald Brookes and MI6 agent Fiona Sawyer race against time to connect these seemingly isolated dots. But for the mastermind of these acts, there is a far more nefarious revenge plot in play. A grand design that would lead to an assassination and the resumption of a decades-old international conflict.
Carlisle Richardson is from St Kitts and Nevis and previously worked in the Foreign Service. He is a former Ambassador of St Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, and a former Economic Affairs Officer of the UN. He has published short stories, articles and books on international relations. The Soft Underbelly is his debut novel.
By Asher & Martin Hoyles
In 1831, the Christmas Rebellion in Jamaica, involving 60,000 enslaved Africans, led directly to the British Government’s decision, in 1833, to abolish slavery. It was one of many uprisings throughout the British West Indies, for example the rebellion in Guyana led by Cuffy in 1763, which lasted almost a year, or Bussa’s Rebellion in Barbados in1816 when 1,000 rebels were killed or executed, which illustrate how they continually fought for their freedom and dignity.
The appalling physical cruelty and psychological torture inflicted on the enslaved Africans demonstrated a racist ideology which saw them as chattels, not people. When slavery was abolished, compensation of £20 million (about £17 billion today) was awarded to the slave owners for the loss of their ‘property’.
Fabulous profits were made by slave owners who used the money to build large country houses in Britain, or to finance industries. The money made from slavery kick-started the industrial revolution that helped create the British Empire which continued to expand the ideology of racism which is still evident today, for example in the Windrush Scandal and Black Lives Matter movement.
The book concentrates on five Caribbean countries: St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica to examine the legacy of slavery and colonialism.
By Clem Seecharan
Despite the suspension of intercolonial and international cricket during the Great War, the passion for the game in British Guiana (Guyana since 1966) was undiminished – a vibrant and resilient club cricket culture crystallised.
In Georgetown, the capital (in the county of Demerara), competitive cricket was enhanced by a three-tier organisational structure – the Parker, Garnett and Dawson Cups, in descending order. Furthermore, the game, administered primarily by the all-white Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) at Bourda, was undergoing a quiet revolution. The dominance of the GCC in the first division Parker Cup was being effectively challenged by clubs comprising proficient nonwhite players, including those of various shades of lightness, the ‘Coloureds’ (mixed ancestry) and Madeiran Portuguese.
The British Guiana Cricket Club (BGCC) won the Parker Cup three years running (19171919), and the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) did so in 1920. This period also saw the founding of the East Indian Cricket Club (EICC) by the visionary J.A. Veerasawmy. In the early 1920s, the game gained momentum in the county of Berbice as well, with the inauguration of the Davson Cup.
This third volume of Hand-in-Hand History of Cricket in Guyana examines club cricket within the wider social and ethnic complexities of colonial society, highlighting two remarkable pioneers: C.R. ‘Snuffy’ Browne (1890-1964) and J.A. Veerasawmy (1889-1947). Snuffy represented British Guiana between 1921 and 1938, was the first Black captain in the Intercolonial Cricket Tournament (in 1921), and he lived in the colony for 48 years (1916-64). He was the finest Guyanese cricketer between the Wars, yet he is still virtually unknown there. This book gives belated recognition to Snuffy and Veerasawmy. It concludes with the West Indies tour of England in 1923 – arguably pivotal to their acquisition of Test status from 1928.
£9.99 / US $15.00
978-1-9195137-1-3
198 x 129 mm
256 pages Paperback
TRADE ORDERS
£20.00 / US $30.00
978-1-9192573-4-1
228 x 152 mm 544 pages Paperback
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BOOKS BY AND ABOUT GUYANESE
From 1582 to 2020
GLOBAL CITIZEN
Grass Roots Activism
and High Diplomacy
Second Edition
Compiled and Edited by Ameena Gafoor with Mark Tumbridge
Unearth the vibrant literary and intellectual landscape of Guyana with this definitive and long-awaited bibliography, a testament to the enduring legacy of Ameena Gafoor, completed with meticulous care by Mark Tumbridge.
More than just a list, this unique volume rectifies the oversights and inaccuracies of previous attempts, offering an updated and more comprehensive guide to the vast body of work by and about Guyanese people, both within their homeland (formerly British Guiana) and across the globe. From the rich tapestry of its Literature in English/Creole – encompassing evocative fiction and poetry – to insightful explorations of Anthropology, History, Sociology, Geography, Government and Politics, this bibliography unveils the diverse intellectual currents that have shaped Guyana. Delve into writings on Law, Labour, Religion and the allure of Travel, alongside the sharp observations of Journalism. Discover lesser-known works in scientific fields, the practicalities of Accounting, Business, Commerce, Mining and Technology, and the natural wonders documented in studies of Botany, Flora and Fauna, and Bird and Sea Life.
To contextualise this wealth of writing, significant historical timelines, detailing pivotal events both within Guyana and abroad, are interwoven throughout. These timelines illuminate the profound connection between the nation’s history and the creative and scholarly output it has inspired.
By Carl Wright
Dr Carl Wright has dedicated his entire working life to global action – a journey spanning fifty years from the trenches of grass roots activism to the halls of high international diplomacy. This powerful and timely memoir offers an intimate, first-hand account of global politics, recounted by someone who has undertaken high-level missions to nearly one hundred countries.
First published in 2022, his recollections are rich with personal encounters with political icons and world leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Indira Gandhi, Desmond Tutu and Fidel Castro. He reflects upon his experiences of “what it was like to be there,” and provides rare insights into the intricate relationships between inter-governmental bodies, global associations of mayors, and trade unions. Drawing extensively on his senior roles within the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the European Union, he shares what is truly required to implement good governance, uphold the rule of law and promote democratic values worldwide and especially local democracy.
In this updated second edition, Dr Wright confronts the dramatic geopolitical shifts since 2022 – a period marked by escalating conflict, rising poverty and a frightening global surge in far-right populism and neo-fascism. The devastating conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the suppression of human rights and the assault on liberal democratic values, fuelled by online misinformation, all throw the book’s core message into sharp relief.
Global Citizen is a passionate call to action to reject the siren calls of political populism, and rediscover personal idealism and political commitment. Carl Wright’s message is clear: in an ever-more interdependent world, we must all strive to become true global citizens.
By Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Guyana, once a land known for its struggles, stands at a pivotal moment in history. With the discovery of vast oil and gas reserves, a new era has begun, lifting the nation from the shadows of underdevelopment and into the global spotlight. But beyond the promise of economic prosperity lies a deeper, more profound challenge: to forge a unified nation from a history of division.
In One Guyana: From Division and Bankruptcy to Unity and Prosperity, Mohamed Irfaan Ali offers a powerful and candid account of his country’s journey. Drawing on his unique position as a sitting Head of State, he provides a first-hand, data-driven analysis of Guyana’s political and economic evolution. The book traces the nation’s struggle from the era of colonialism and authoritarian rule, which left deep scars of economic decline, political instability and a mass exodus of its people. It exposes how divisive politics have long plagued the nation, hindering progress and creating distrust.
The book is ultimately a visionary roadmap for an inclusive and unified future. Its author champions the ‘One Guyana’ philosophy – a dynamic, people-centred approach that seeks to build a society based on mutual respect, cultural celebration and equitable development for all. He outlines how his administration is channelling the country’s new wealth into human development by investing in education, healthcare, housing and job creation to ensure that prosperity reaches every citizen. One Guyana is an inspiring insider’s view of how a country emerges from structural underdevelopment to one of hope and national unity. It is a compelling testament to the belief that by promoting cooperation, celebrating diversity and striving for a shared destiny, a nation can overcome its past, defend its democracy and build a future where every citizen can thrive with dignity, regardless of ethnicity, religion or creed.
£20.00 / US $30.00
978-1-0682437-8-3
228 x 152 mm
252 pages Hardback
£16.99 / US $26.00
978-1-9192573-8-9
228 x 152 mm
352 pages Paperback
£20.00 / US $30.00
978-1-0682437-5-2
230 x 180 mm
272 pages Paperback
TRADE ORDERS
INTERNATIONAL (NON-UK): Gardners Books | TEL: +44 (0)1323 521 555 | EMAIL: internationalsales@gardners.com UNITED KINGDOM: Turnaround Publisher Services | TEL: +44 (0)208 829 3000 | EMAIL: orders@turnaround-uk.com
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
Memoires of a Caribbean Economist
GROUNDING VOICES
Anthology of Literature from The Walter Rodney Awards for Creative Writing, 2014–2016
By Compton Bourne
In this comprehensive and insightful volume, renowned economist Compton Bourne offers a unique perspective on the major economic and social challenges facing developing countries. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a leader in regional development banking, higher education and international cooperation, he provides invaluable insights into the policies and strategies necessary for sustainable growth.
From his early days at the University of the West Indies to his pivotal roles at the Caribbean Development Bank and the Caribbean Community, Bourne has been at the forefront of efforts to address the economic disadvantages of small states. Through vivid anecdotes and in-depth analysis, he explores the historical context of these developments and the lessons learned along the way.
Bourne also delves into the critical role of higher education in fostering economic growth and social progress. He examines the challenges and opportunities facing universities in developing countries and discusses the importance of institutional reform and international collaboration.
With a keen eye for historical context and a deep understanding of the complexities of development, Bourne offers a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing developing countries today. His insights and recommendations will be invaluable to policymakers, academics and anyone interested in the economic development of the Caribbean and other regions, and the future of global development.
By Daud Abdullah
The institution of slavery has existed in various forms from time immemorial. Chattel slavery, as practised in the Americas and the Caribbean, was, however, unique in its cruelty and inhumanity. For three hundred years, generations of Africans were sold to work on plantations in the New World. Throughout the region, their humanity was systematically denied.
This book examines the relationship between Islam, race and rebellion in the Americas. It highlights the intellectual and cultural influences of the West African jihadist movements on the enslaved Muslims in the region.
Set against the backdrop of general Islamic revivalism, it explores the tensions between religion and politics, as well as slavery and resistance, all of which combined to confirm the transfer of ideas and causes prevalent in West African societies into the New World.
DAUD ABDULLAH was born in Grenada; he is the director of Middle East Monitor (MEMO). Formerly a senior researcher at the Palestinian Return Centre (London), he also lectured in history at the University of Maiduguri (Nigeria) and Islamic Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is the author of Engaging the World: The Making of Hamas’s Foreign Policy.
£20.00 / US $30.00
978-1-0686993-7-5
228 x 152 mm
494 pages
Paperback
Edited by Mark Tumbridge
The Walter Rodney Awards for Creative Writing were created in 2013 by the members of the Walter Rodney Foundation and a private philanthropist who funds the awards through the foundation. The competition for the awards asked students of the University of Guyana to respond to different themes in the form of poetry, short stories and essays.
Over the three years, the themes changed and developed. In the first year, the subject material was left completely open; no conditions were placed on the students in terms of themes. Contestants could write either poetry, a short story or prose. In the second year, a similar approach was taken, but this time the authors were asked to incorporate the life or work of Walter Rodney in some way. The poetry competition was also dropped from the competition that year. The third year of the competition coincided with the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, so the theme was more focussed, but still had a certain ambiguity about it – ‘Guyana: Life in Another 50 Years’. This allowed the contestants to focus on the future, the past or both, but they had to write about their country in some way. Following feedback from the contestants, the poetry section returned and a new dimension was added in the form of an essay competition – within each of the categories the contestants still experimented with different structures and forms.
Within this eclectic collection you can savour the enthusiasm, focus, quality and humour of the winners from the first three years of the competition. Fist in the air!
TRADE ORDERS
£12.99 / US $20.00
978-1-0683952-3-9
216 x 138 mm
200 pages Paperback
£9.99 / US $15.00
978-1-912662-47-0
216 x 138 mm 96 pages paperback
INDENTURE WREATHED IN OPIUM Literary Representations of Indo-Caribbean and Sino-Caribbean Subjects from the 19th Century to the Present
FAITH AND HUMANITY
A Black British Journey of Discovery and Belonging
By Mark Tumbridge
Between 1838 and 1917, nearly 600,000 Indian and Chinese indentured labourers were brought to the Caribbean, forever shaping the region’s cultural landscape. Yet, their stories have remained largely untold.
In Indenture Wreathed in Opium, Mark Tumbridge excavates this overlooked history, revealing how the global opium trade was inextricably linked to the indenture system, impacting the lives of Asian migrants in profound and often devastating ways. While being focused on the often brutal realities faced by both Indian and the critically under-represented Chinese labourers, the work also analyses how they interacted with African-Caribbean subjects who toiled alongside them.
Through a masterful re-reading of historical texts, including long-neglected diaries and journals, Tumbridge reconstructs the stories of these subaltern subjects. He masterfully reconstructs their fragmented narratives, showcasing how authors, over time, gradually shifted their portrayals, moving these marginalised figures from the periphery to a more central, articulate and confident position within the historical record.
This ground-breaking work delves into the changing attitudes of authors across the centuries, demonstrating how the Black, East Indian and Chinese subjects evolve from mere background figures to fully realised characters. Tumbridge’s insightful analysis not only untangles these narratives from their rigid historical moorings but also lays bare the profound impact of their presence on the literary landscape.
Indenture Wreathed in Opium offers a compelling and vital exploration of a hidden past, shedding light on the global forces that shaped individual lives and the enduring legacy of a system built on exploitation and resilience.
By Errol A. Oliver
In a world striving for perfection, what happens when faith communities fall short of their ideals?
In Faith and Humanity: A Black British Journey of Discovery and Belonging, Errol Oliver offers a powerful and deeply personal exploration of modern church life, particularly within Britain’s Black Majority Churches. He fearlessly navigates the intricate dance between divine aspiration and human reality, acknowledging both the profound joy of belonging and the potential for alienation, even within the sanctuary.
Oliver doesn’t shy away from the complex realities: from leadership challenges and member dissatisfaction to the evolving landscape of worship in a post-pandemic, technologically driven age. A child of the Windrush Generation, he courageously confronts the paradoxes, including the sting of alienation and the enduring impact of racism within these communities, all while championing the transformative power of connection and contribution.
Drawing from scripture, the humanities, the sciences, observations and lived experience, this book is more than a spiritual guide; it is a candid journey of discovery. Oliver urges leaders and members alike to embrace transparency and address the full spectrum of human experience, encompassing both triumphs and struggles.
Whether you are a churchgoer or simply a curious observer, Faith and Humanity invites you to reflect on the essence of community, the complexities of active faith and the enduring quest for belonging in a world yearning for connection.
By Khalil Rahman Ali
Years have passed since Michael and Vishnu left the shores of their beloved Guyana. Now, with the promise of a new dawn, they are drawn back, eager to witness the transformation first hand.
Acclaimed author of The Domino Masters of Demerara, Khalil Rahman Ali invites you to rejoin a beloved group of Guyanese as they return to their homeland; a land transformed.
Once rivals on the domino tables of their youth, and now united by a shared curiosity, they embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of a Guyana on the cusp of profound change.
Since the seismic discovery of oil in 2015, whispers of incredible development have echoed across the globe. Armed with his meticulously compiled notebook, Michael serves as their insightful guide, offering a running commentary that blends historical facts with personal anecdotes.
More than just a travelogue, Guyana on the Rise is a deeply personal exploration of identity, heritage and the enduring bonds of friendship. Each character grapples with their own expectations, confronting the shadows of Guyana’s past while embracing the dazzling possibilities of its future.
£13.99 / US $21.00 978-1-0682437-2-1
216 x 138 mm 280 pages
Paperback
£13.99 / US $21.00
978-1-0683952-9-1
216 x 138 mm
292 pages Paperback
£11.99 / US $18.00
978-1-0683952-6-0
216 x 138 mm
300 pages paperback