Tributes to Guyanese who died

Born Chanderpaul Persaud at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, he was educated at St Augustine Anglican School and then St Anthony's Roman Catholic School in Buxton.

He began his long career in news reporting, filing local stories at an early age. Later he reported for several foreign news agencies.

Although most of his work was done for the print media, he was greatly attracted to radio and television. He contributed to the broadcast of radio news in the early days of radio in Guyana and later to news broadcasts on television.

Paul O'Hara, the name by which he was best known, was the presenter of the radio program, "Believe It or Leave It." On television, he presented the Channel Six program, `Top Story.'"

A distinguished son of Guyana, Gavin Kennard served well in several capacities, mostly related to agriculture, including that of Minister of Agriculture from September 1974 to January 1981, but also as Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada in Ottawa.

He was awarded Guyana’s Cacique Crown of Honor and earlier, in colonial times, Commander of the British Empire.

Fittingly, he became Guyana-born Director of Agriculture. At the University of Guyana today, the Gavin B. Kennard Award is given to the best all-round student in the Faculty of Agriculture.

His father was white, a Scottish medical doctor who made Guyana his home. His mother was black. Gavin Kennard, a man of mixed heritage, was notably gracious and accessible to everyone. He married Indrani Singh in 1940.

He is remembered as a man of decency, good taste, simplicity and devotion to family and country.

In Canada, where he spent the last days of his life, he retired to Markham after leaving Ottawa. Gavin Kennard is survived by his wife Indrani, his daughters Greta Kennard-Kornet, Cynthia Currie, Cheryl Kennard, and Linda Harrison; four siblings; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Sad news - Cecil Griffith passed away this evening, Monday 29th January. I just got word ……and thought I would pass it on as many of my colleagues in the media would remember this doyen of journalism.

Sure is sad. there must be something significant in CG's death almost one year to the day of Ulita. CG will always be remembered not only for the journalist he was but also the smart and tasteful dresser. Rest in peace CG.

I hope all concerned understand how great a loss to Guyana and Caribbean media is the passing of Cecil Griffith. Definitely one of the greats who never abandoned journalism and who had so much to offer even in the last days and years.

How old was he, by the way? I always thought he was close to 80 (he had an 'old' face), even when I met him about 18 years ago and failed the socialist test at a workshop in Jamaica. "One Trini capitalist," I understand were the words used. I muttered something in return about his association with VOA.

I think he must have really enjoyed the way people like Bert and Denis and Enrico and Michelle and other younger Turks drew from his vast experience and wisdom. A pity the new, rising stars appeared not to recognise his value as a professional and as a good man ... a good, good man who never found time between Burnham and the new bunch to grow bitter ... maybe sad ... but never disenchanted or lacking hope. His large, brown eyes textured as a child's fixed upon a giant
ice cream cone.

Denis' post has reached me at close to 11 at night. How dare I sleep when there is so much to remember about Cecil?

Wesley (Association of Caribbean Media Workers)

I join the media in mourning the passing of Cecil. He and I worked at Radio Demerara and then the GBC for several years. I succeeded him as Editor in Chief of the GBC and I can say without successful contradition that he was one of those with whom it was not easy to strike up a friendship, but when this was achieved, he would go all the way to work closely with you and offer as much advice as possible. Cecil was always a 'lone wolf' so to speak but he was always available to his colleagues. Sometimes he would fool others with his loud voice but he always had a soft heart especially for those who worked with him. Those who would certainly remember him include Ave Brewster, Charles McKenzie (now deceased) Julian Mendes, (now deceased) Hugh Hamilton, Hugh Cholmondeley, Rafiq Khan, Richad de Corum (deceased) Bertie Chancellor (deceased) Pete Ninvalle, Edgar Moonsammy (deceased) Pat Cameron, Prince Maison, Rickey Singh, Charles Chichester, Rovin Deodat and others . Do not know if he left any relatives. Take care and do not forget "Jerusalem, Peace not Apartheid.

Condolence Message from H.E. Edwin. W. Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the death of Cecil Griffith, A.A.

It is with deep regret that I have learnt of the passing of veteran Guyanese journalist, Mr. Cecil Griffith, A.A.

As a journalist with the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), and later, the Voice of America, Mr. Griffith, in his heyday, was one of the tenacious regional journalists who covered the CARICOM ‘beat’. His relinquishing of the beat years ago left a void in the coverage of CARICOM issues, and his unmistakable dry wit and candour were noticeably absent, particularly at fora held at the Secretariat.

On behalf of the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his relatives.

Born at Triumph Village, ECD, Makepeace Richmond was, to those who knew him well, highly-regarded as a dentist, but also as a political activist and sports enthusiast.

Dr. Richmond practiced dentistry for over 50 years at his Brickdam, Georgetown and had a large clientele. He was also a senior official of the Liberator Party. "He was drawn into politics not to pursue the prize of high office but to relentlessly attack public wrongdoing," one commentator wrote. A keen sportsman, he played cricket, hockey and tennis. He also served as President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association.

After Queen’s College in Guyana, Makepeace attended Columbia University in the United States, graduating as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). He opened a practice on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York and lectured part-time, but was conscripted into the United States Army Dental Corps as lieutenant. After service in the Korean War, he returned to Guyana where he started a practice that was to continue until the year before he died.

At his death, Dr. Richmond was survived by Megan, his sister and Quintin and Angus, two brothers living overseas.

“He was a pleasant soul and jovial person who was always there to give advice.”

I join Guyana in mourning the passing of Dr.Makepeace Richmond. Guyana has lost an ideal citizen. A patriot, whose practical life and discipline were founded on his devout religious beliefs and godliness. A man of wisdom and moral conviction, who honoured the ethical codes of social service covering many areas in society. His political life was one of simple truth and justice for all. His uprightness and fortitude have won the admiration of the intelligentsia and the public at large. May the Lord grant his soul eternal peace.

Pt. Birbal Singh.

With the passing of Dr. Makepeace Richmond, Guyana has lost one of its noblest sons. Makepeace was a giant among men who helped to mould our nation’s [Guyana's] conscience.
To most people, the term 'an honest politician' is an oxymoron. However, Makepeace was an exception. He said what he meant and always meant what he said. ........
I consider it an honour and rare privilege to have known Dr. Makepeace Richmond.......... As we join to say farewell, may Horatio’s last wish to Hamlet be ours as well. “Now cracks a noble heart / Good night sweet prince / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Ganraj Kumar, Ontario, Canada.

Died in hospital on April 25, 2003 in Georgetown, Guyana. He was Senior Counsel, Judge Advocate and a sports administrator.

Donald Robinson served as president of the cycling federation and on the Olympic Association.

Mahadai Das, poet and activist, died on Thursday, April 3 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados. Born Oct. 22, 1954 at Eccles Village, East Bank Demerara, her father was Tilokee Das and her mother, Beatrice Das (nee Matadin). Siblings: Patrick, Deodat, Chandradai, Sandra, Susan, Esther, Pamela, Charles, and Tina.

Mahadai studied at University of Guyana and University of the West Indies. She obtained a BA in Philosophy (Columbia), MA in Philosophy (U. of Chicago).

I Want to be a Poetess of My People (1977) was her first major collection of poetry. Her poem “I Came to India” was selected by George Lamming as one of three pieces exploring ethnicity and identity in the Caribbean for his presentation at the fourth annual Cheddi Jagan Lecture in York, Canada.

“Bones” her last book of poetry was published by Peepal Press in 1988). It deals with her experiences as an Indo-Caribbean woman living in the United States.

Art Brooms, well-known jazz drummer, died on March 8, 2003 in Georgetown, Guyana.

He was the brother of Norma Clarke, Arlene Harris, Daphney Jackman, Loraine Scott and Lilieth Clemonds.

Father of Ingrid Broomes (London) Diane Broomes (Trinidad) Abdul Salim (New York) Christine Broomes and Recardo Broomes (Guyana) and Clarence Broomes (deceased).

Uncle of Tangerine Clarke, Patricia, Marilyn, Peggy, Joy, Ann, Myrtle, Kim, Petal, Dale Deborah (deceased), Raphel, Kenrick, Anthony, Dexter, and Mark.

The Guyana Cultural Assocciation would like to extend our condolences to the family of well known Guyanese musician Art Brooms, who passed away on Saturday March 8, 2003 in Georgetown Guyana. Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Abdul Salim (Master Drummer); his nieces Tangerine Clarke and sisters, Tangerine's Mom and the other members of the family.

CONDOLENCES CAN BE SENT TO TANGERINE AT
tangerine@wallacechurch.com

From Vibert Cambridge
Dear Tangerine:

         Please accept my sincerest condolences for the passing of your relative Art Brooms. He was a dear friend. I remember him fondly. Art must be remembered not only for his contribution to jazz and popular music he must be remembered for his role in the promotion of the creative and performing arts.

         I want to take this moment to reflect on a period early in the 1970s. It was late 1971/early 1972 and Guyanese were beginning to create private creative spaces and to express their poetic juices publicly. One such space was the Green Shrimp.The owners, Victor Green and Conrad "Shrimpy" Meertins opened that space to a group of experimental poets/writers /performers known as the "Commune"---Art Brooms, Vibert Cambridge, Gordon Carrega, Derrick Jeffries, Marc Matthews, Abdullah Omawale, Roy Green, Shaft, Gora Singh, Kamal Singh, among others.

         Art gave unselfishly to that group. For almost 1 year, the group produced a new show every Sunday at the Green Shrimp...a marvellous fusion of music and the spoken word --making the works of Martin Carter accessible; showcasing Marc's experimental work, Derrick's short stories, Kamal's sets, and giving me an opportunity to experiment with multimedia productions. Art was there creating the rhythmic patterns --creating the tensions and providing the patterned relief. Art was the belly of the shows.

         That group clearly was one of the most influential groups in Guyana's cultural life in the last three decades of the 20th century. The impact of that group is still evident. Like so many things in Guyana, the contribution of this group to Guyanese arts and culture seems be forgotten.

         It is with the passing of an artist such as Art Brooms that we recognize the imperative to document and celebrate them. Let us celebrate Art Brooms!

         Tangerine, please extend my sincerest condolences to the family and relatives of Art Brooms. May we all remember him as an unselfish contributor to Guyana's quest for its voice and rhythm.

Peace
Vibert Cambridge

The Guyana Tri-State Alliance sends sincere condolences to Tangerine,(Niece) and her family, to Jemel and Yvonne(Grandson),to Abdul,(Son)and family, and to all of the other members of Art Broom's family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, remembering a Guyanese whose creative brush helped to craft the beautiful landscape and his contribution to the
wonderful memories of our magnificent Guyana. May his light shine on, and on.....

Pat Jordon-Langford

From Hugh Sam
Hello Tangerine and Abdul,
I was indeed sorry to hear of Art's passing. We shared some good musical moments together, and our last performance was about four or five years ago in Guyana, when Edith Pieters put on a choral work which needed a jazz drummer and pianist. It was a reunion for us since the last played time we played together was on "A Saxful of Harry". When he worked at Doria's Record Store, he would always inform me when a shipment of the record came, so that we could get our royalties from Harry Whittaker, who tended not to want to inform us. He was a pleasure to work with and his soft voice and gentlemanly behaviour were always a welcome sound and sight. he was, of course a very good drummer who was always listening to what was going on around him. Thank goodness, I can still hear him on "Saxful" where I think "Softly in the morning sunhine" really shows him off. It seems that I am now the only surving member of the 560 quartet
My deepest sympathy to all.

Hugh Sam

Art Broomes is not dead. My good friend Martin Carter wrote, 'Death must not find find us thinking that we die......'. So with Art should it be. My friendship with Art with warm and true. We enjoyed each other's company...each other's art. I would visit his Bent Street home and we would talk for hours at a time. At Trevor Roger's club we would jam, Art, Maxie
and Peggy Gouivea, Trevor and my cousin TJ providing Jazz accompaniment to my poetry. When tired of being framed by corrupt politicians, haunted by bounty hunting police and burgled by those would like to silence my pen, I stayed over here in this cold wet and most times friendless 'United States
of Hypocrisy'. I sought refuge in my friend Wancy's club at Nostrand and Clarkson in Brooklyn. Enduring for the first time the shivering cold and concrete indifference of New York city. Many nights I prayed for a way to make a quick raise that would ensure my return to my warm and more familiar
Georgetown. Many times after being lied to tricked of due wages by greedy editors I felt sorry for staying. Then one day a man came to see me. He had heard of my plight. He was a Guyanese. He told me to pack my bags and go with him. Into his home he took me and made me for the first time comfortable without obligation. He provided forums for me to perform my poetry. My spirit, my body and my mind he gave opportunity to heal. He was the son of Art Broomes. We had never met before. He had not known I was his father's friend. He had not known me just heard of me and yet that spirit of
love flowed way across the oceans from our sunlit 83,000 square miles of tropical green to this concrete prison of dreams and ambitions. How can I then believe that Art is dead. His memory, his love, his strong feeling of being his brother's keeper was still alive.
I know Art is not dead for I can never forget and once he lives in my memories as he lives in the memories of so many of us, he lives on. Like Martin said, 'Death must not find us thinking that we die....'

rasmichael

Veteran trade unionist, Joseph Henry Pollydore, O.R., C.C.H, died around 2:30 p.m. on February 26, 2003 at the Medical Arts Center, Georgetown, after serving the trade union movement for 61 years.

Kester Alves, Communications Specialist and journalist, died yesterday at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital after a brief illness.

Alves, 57, attended St Stanislaus College. He earned his Master’s Degree in Political Science at Columbia University and was very active in the media and in the political life of Guyana.

He served as chairman of the Guyana Public Communications Agency (GPCA), member of the board of directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd., public relations consultant to the Guyana Football Federation and member of the marketing committee of the Guyana Cricket Board.

Roland was the husband of Andrea; father of Justin Brandon; son of the late Patricia Phillips, organist of Kingston Methodist Church; nephew of the late Cicely Phillips of Carnegie School of Home Economics, and Robert Phillips of Kingston Methodist Church; Cousin of Hazel Griffith, Billy Phillips, Leila Phillips, Andrea Phillips-Merriman, Winifred Welcome, the Bowen Family, Dolly Argyle and the Braithwaite family. Uncle of Gavin and Mariel. Brother-in –law of Lynn and Gordon Spooner.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 28, 2002 at Calvary-Roseville United Methodist Church, 400 Main Street, East Orange, New Jersey.
Burial took place on Friday, March 1, 2002 at the Heavenly Rest Memorial Park, 268 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey.

This has totally shocked and devastated me. I am still inconsolably in tears. Roland has been the best friend in my life, my brother. He has been the kindest, most caring, funniest, brightest, most talented but extremely humble and sometimes inordinately introvert and annoyingly modest man I knew. To me he was an angel on earth.

I guess the thing that hurts me most and fills me with remorse is the fact that I did not get to visit him as promised when I was in New York last. More than that, I was not in touch as much as a friendship like we had, deserved. I feel as if I have been extremely careless with this friendship and I have been condemned to suffer the painful consequences of this neglect.

From Errol Hazlewood
Producer at CBS News,
and former reporter and newswriter at the Guyana Broadcasting Service

Roland Phillips was a natural broadcaster and a true gentleman. A confirmed member of that select group of broadcasters in the golden era of radio in Guyana and the Caribbean, his fairness as a journalist and decency as a human being always shone through in his work. These talents were no more evident recently than in his role as moderator of a New York originated live coverage of the very controversial Guyana elections. His deft handling of very controversial Guyana elections. His deft handling of very opinionated panelists and often antagonistic call-in guests resulted in a very successful show. Roland will be missed by all of us, his radio colleagues and friends.

Much has been or shall be said about my beloved friend Roland. What can I say that hasn't been said, or shall be said about him? That he was talented, gifted, cheerful, gentle, caring, loving, respectful and without arrogance? No!. We all knew him to be all of that and much more.

Roland and I grew up together in the mid-60s, roaming the streets of Kingston, Georgetown and Kitty on our bicycles just going nowhere. None of us realized that fate would bind our friendship for a long time as we ventured into the exciting worlds of music (Friends Inc.), and broadcasting (he at Radio Demerara and I at GBS). For two young fellas, barely out of high school, this was stuff to "swell your head", as the old folks would say. But, this is where the character of a "well-brought up" young man shone through. Roland was unpretentious. Humble, if you will. He never really believed he was all that talented or gifted. In like manner, he conducted his affairs.

It has been said: "Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality." I know this wasn't his goal when he showed us how to hold complex chords on the guitar or sing perfect harmonies. For as long as many of us make music, we'll be indebted to Roland. Our ability to make music has been given wings to soar to great heights through the efforts of this man.

Roland's mind was forever churning out witticisms. However, he preferred to amuse and not abuse with this rare talent.

If it's true that the quality of one's life is determined by the quality of people in our lives, then we couldn't have done better than be touched for such a brief interval by the life of my beloved friend Roland.

"Roland, someone was always looking at you as an example of how to behave. My friend, you never let me down. Thanks!

"Farewell, Roland! You were a true Prince of your people. We'll meet again someday. Your friend always...."

We entered Queen's College in September 1961; we were as it evolved, a "rag tag" bunch thrown together by the fortitude of one day's academic excellence. There we met Roland - or Tolodius - as we soon learned Latin and rechristened him. He was a regular, one of us, although he neither swore nor lied, nor introduced the vernacular of the street. We wondered how he would survive. He had his niche - unassuming as he was, a leader by example, his strength of conviction and moral rectitude his calling card. Along with the late Charles Maxwell, he was our standard bearer at the (annual) Music Festivals. We counted on him for our victories; he delivered and made us proud. We met a decent young man and an avid competitor and were fortunate to have an opportunity to learn from him. He was one of us.

My dear brother was a gentle-man with a very big heart, who shared freely with others even from his last slice. Roland's spiritual upbringing at Kingston Methodist Church Georgetown helped to shape a lifestyle which was genuine and which was admired by many persons. He made friends easily and cherished among his loves: his family, his church, his music, his broadcast profession and his "Dear Land of Guyana". May such a great spirit be a lasting inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Here is a poem which Roland loved saying on his broadcasts:

Whether the weather be fine, or
Whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold, or
Whether the weather be hot
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not

Dear Andrea and Justin,
I have been traveling a bit in northern Wisconsin, but am now back in Madison. Let me say that the word about Roland, my dear friend, has been spreading far and wide. His friends and others are in shock. The reality is really taking a toll on me, and work is going only so far in taking my mind away from what you must be going through. My thoughts, best wishes, and spiritual tidings are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Calvin

Calvin D. Brutus
Assistant Professor & Community Development Specialist
Department of Life Sciences Communication
University of Wisconsin-Madison & Extension

Roland was a warm and caring friend. We met 30 years ago in the studios of Radio Demerara. Our kinship was immediate, long lasting and genuine. We were young and vital and engaged by the excesses of our time.
Roland was sound, accessible, fitfully hilarious, vulnerable and full of imagination. When you spent any time with him, all these facets of his being would play before your very eyes in an unfolding tapestry of human emotion. He was a kaleidoscope of talent loved by many and embraced by all who knew him..
Aah! how he loved music. And that ever present guitar. His was a voice for song and a passion for broadcasting. Everywhere I went people would ask after him repeatedly.
Roland, " salute ol' pal". I take solace in your passing, that it was not the culmination of a long and painful illness. You will not be forgotten.
Michael Archer

Tribute from:
Vibert C. Cambridge, Ph.D.
School of Telecommunication and African American Studies
Ohio University
Athens, OH

Among the many benefits I derived from being a member of the Guyana National Service during the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s was a solid appreciation for Guyana's multicultural heritage. That love is enduring and it inspires and guides much of the work that I do today as the Chairman of the Department of African American Studies at Ohio University. Central to the development of my appreciation for Guyana's multiculturalism is Lakshmi Kallicharran.

I first met Lakshmi at the Kimbia Training Center in 1976. I remember the meeting vividly. I was the Education Officer at the center and she had come to evaluate the collection of books we had in the library. She wanted to see if our collection was representative of Guyana's heritage and was supportive of the nation's ambitions for the future. We passed her scrutiny.

During that visit Lakshmi and I talked about the things that Guyanese literature should be exploring, especially the common themes that run through the history and lives of Guyanese people. I remember vividly to this day, her explanation of the ideas and principles behind Deewali. To this day, on Deewali, I think not only of dias and lights, but of justice and renewal.

I continued to work with Lakshmi after I left GNS and joined the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation as Program Director, Culture. Lakshmi helped me with my mission of giving Guyanese expression a place on the radio waves. As an independent producer, she had innovative production ideas. She was not anchored to the studio. She brought the voices of the people to airwaves. Lakshmi was there when we organized the first Folk Festival to celebrate all of Guyana's folk traditions.

I found Lakshmi to be an unselfish colleague when I served as the Secretary of the Guyana Commemoration Commission. She played an important role in the development of the Heritage Days program. At every step, she was there, participating in the discourse on how to find and celebrate the things that connected us as a creole people. My last conversations with her were about the popularity of Kali Mai Poojas among Guyanese of African ancestry. We never finished that conversation.

With the passing of Lakshmi, Guyana has lost another stalwart. Lakshmi now joins Joel Benjamin another one of those unselfish Guyanese who understood that as creole people we have rich particular stories to tell. I hope the passing of Lakshmi and the earlier passing of Joel Benjamin will cause our political leadership to focus attention on the importance of collecting and preserving our heritage. From what I am told and what I have read, the Guyana Archives and other collections of our history, are in shambles, in a very poor state.

VK, I will miss you and thanks for talking with me that Saturday in 1976 at the GNS, Kimbia.