Buxton-Friendship
Express
JUNE 2015
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE FUND,
INC.
COMPANY PRIMARY STUDENT
TOPS BUXTON 2015 NGSA
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
2015 NGSA Results:
Company Road Primary
2
Buxton Primary School
Friendship Primary School
3
5
More NGSA High Achievers 6
Copier for Friendship Primary 6
Cleanup Drive in Buxton
Recent Donations
8
8
2015 Home Pride Contest
Haynes: The Journey —2
10
12
Obituary: Evelyn Bathersfield 14
Recent Departures
15
Buxton Battle Song
Upcoming Tea Party
General Information
B F E 1 5 - 6
16
16
16
Following the release of the 2015
National Grade Six
Assessment results
on 11th June, 11-year
old Tonique Hatton
emerged as the top
student from within
schools in the Buxton-Friendship area.
The Company Road
P r i ma r y
School
(Methodist)
pupil
scored a total of 493
marks, earning a
place for herself at
President’s College.
Tonique is the
daughter of Mr. Atiola Hatton and his
wife, Mrs. Bonita
Hope-Hatton. She is
the eldest of their
three children. Mrs.
Hatton is a teacher
(Continued on page 2)
Tonique Hatton
Qualified for President’s College
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
PAGE 2
COMPANY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL
(Continued from page 1)
at Company Road Primary School, while Mr.
Hatton is a construction worker.
Mr. Hatton believes that his daughter performed better than what is reflected as her
final score. Initially, he considered submitting a request to the Education Ministry for a
review of her exam papers, but changed his
mind after the new Minister, Dr. Rupert
Roopnaraine promised to increase resources
for President’s College that would restore it
to a “premier school of excellence”. Although
he thinks she was capable of achieving
marks for the eminent Queen’s College, his
preference for his daughter was St. Stanislaus College. He likes the strict discipline
and culture of academic excellence maintained at “Saints”.
Tonique is the only student from Company
Road Primary School to secure a place at an
A-list secondary school this year. Three other
students from the school passed for Bladen
Hall Multilateral School, and four more will go
“To catch the reader's attention, place an
interesting sentence or quote from the story
here.”
on to Buxton Secondary School. Twentythree students wrote the April examinations. The Grade Six class was taught by
Sir Collis Nicholson.
In an invited comment, Mr. Nicholson,
who is also the president of the Buxton
Branch of Guyana Teachers’ Union, had
this to say about the results:
“I will first like to extend my congratulations to all the pupils who were successful
at the examination. However, as a classroom teacher, while I am a bit disappointed with the performance by pupils of my
school and the village at large, I must
acknowledge the various factors which
would have hindered their performance.
The pupils’ level of responsiveness was
poor, in that concepts had to be taught
very often, and yet, many of them did not
grasp. Various interventions were introduced, and parents did not lend support.
In spite of all of that, it was still not
enough and, by extension, if parents do
not take the fact of education seriously,
then we are heading on a downward spiral.
May I also mention that the afterschool
classes were a big aid for the pupils. One
parent came by to express thanks to the
sponsors for such.”
Almost all of the successful students
from Company Road Primary School benefitted from the afterschool test-prep lessons sponsored by Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund (USA) and COTAB (Canada).
JUNE 2015
PAGE 3
BUXTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Over at Buxton Primary School (Missionary), there
was much more cause for celebration. Five of the
students there scored places at the highly recognized Annandale Secondary School. Three more
made it to Bladen Hall Multilateral, and another
two got Buxton Secondary School.
Topping the class is Keneshia Amsterdam, who
scored a total of 485 marks. She also finished as
the second best performing student for the
schools in the twin-village. Keneshia had hoped to
make the mark for St. Stanislaus College, so she
was not entirely satisfied with her performance.
She thought that the Mathematics exam was
tough, but, as it was for her classmates, the English test seemed to have given a lot of trouble as
well. The English exam covered composition, vocabulary, spelling, comprehension and grammar.
Keneshia Amsterdam
Passed for Annandale Secondary School
Keneshia Amsterdam’s parents are Rupert
Amsterdam and Donna Valadares. She received extra lessons from Mr. Kidackie Amsterdam.
The other students who gained places at
Annandale Secondary School are Johnetta
Joseph (474), Collene Marcus (471), Aliyana
Marshall (471), and Marvin McDowell (465).
The neighbouring institution is the second
best performing high school in Region Four,
and it has consistently ranked among the
nation’s top ten at CSEC examinations.
Collene Marcus is one of eight children in a
home that is headed by her mother, Allison
Garnett. Her father is Terry Marcus (Grant),
a former popular disc jockey in the village.
(Continued on page 4)
Collene Marcus
Heading to Annandale Secondary School
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
PAGE 4
BUXTON PRIMARY SCHOOL — 2015 NGSA
(Continued from page 3)
Collene gained her highest marks (123) in
Mathematics, and this she confirmed was the
easiest subject for her. She thought the Science
test was tough; she got 116 there. She is eagerly looking forward to attending her new school,
and hopes to become a teacher.
Buxton Primary School entered 23 students for
the exams. This is a significant increase in the
number of candidates over recent years. This
class was taught by Ms. April Smith, also known
as Teacher Stacey.
This school is the smallest of the three primary
institutions in the village, and it frequently
trailed the other two in the NGSA results. However, coinciding with the appointment of a new
Marvin McDowell
He qualified for Annandale Secondary School. His
parents are Pauline McDowell and Mark McKenzie.
headmistress, Ms. Shelley Petrie two years
ago, the school has shown marked improvement in performance since that time.
Ms. Petrie disclosed that her students experienced difficulty comprehending the problems
presented. She acknowledged that although
they could read at the grade level, they were
largely unable to analyze and evaluate the
questions easily. She opined that the syllabus,
which introduces a number of new materials
at Grade Six, is too compact for the period of
time the students are given to grasp it — just
about six months (September — March). “The
curriculum is wide, and the children are expected to know too much within a
[relatively] short time,” she contends.
Ms. Petrie also noted that the students were
lagging in knowledge of current affairs, which
is a major component of the Social Studies exam. They are expected to be aware of happenings in Guyana, the Caribbean and South
America by regularly following the news, but
they do not keep up with it as they should.
Buxton Primary School
(Buxton Congregational [Missionary] School)
JUNE 2015
PAGE 5
FRIENDSHIP PRIMARY SCHOOL
ROYDEL MAXWELL, with a total of 480 marks,
emerged as the top performer for Friendship “I would like to thank Teacher Yolanda;
Primary School (Roman). He earned a place at she worked very hard with me. When I did
Annandale Secondary.
He revealed that he prayed and worked hard to qualify for either Queen’s College or Bishops’ High School.
Nonetheless, he is thankful for what he obtained. He
also expressed thanks to God, his teacher, his mother
and the community.
He found The Math exam to be the most challenging
one, while Science was his easiest. He promised to
continue taking his studies seriously to achieve his
dream of becoming a paediatrician.
Roydel and his three siblings live in a single-parent
household, in the Buxton Backdam area. His mother,
Shondell Yarde is employed as a labourer by the Ministry of Housing and Water. She also works as a parttime bus conductress. She had greater expectations
of her son, but was pleased that he topped his class.
She made it known that she did not go far in school,
but has grown to understand the value of an education. Hence, she tries her best to provide support or
seek help for her children to succeed with their
schoolwork. Roydel’s father is Mr. Dexter Maxwell.
Friendship Primary School entered 59 students for
the examinations. Fifteen of its other pupils gained
places at Bladen Hall Multilateral, while seven more
earned placement at Buxton Secondary School. This
year’s class was taught by Ms. Yolanda Stoby.
In expressing both disappointment and frustration
with the results, Ms. Stoby let her feelings known:
wrong things, she talked to me about them.
I would like to thank God, and my mother
[Shondell Yarde]. She pushed me.
Also, I thank the villagers. They encouraged me to take in my education.”
~ Roydel Maxwell
“It was a struggle that could have ended better
but the children weren't that committed to their
work. I tried several things to motivate them, but I
guess I didn't find the one that worked. A few of
them could have put a little more effort, but beyond school, I wasn't in control.”
Across the country 15,225 students sat the Grade
Six exams on April 1st and 2nd, this year. The tests covered English, which accounted for 132 marks; Mathematics — 138 marks; Science — 133 marks; and Social Studies — 132 marks. The maximum score was
535. The top score attained was 530.
Roydel Maxwell
Annandale Secondary School
PAGE 6
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
CONGRATS TO 2015 NGSA ACHIEVERS
Congratulations to all of the successful students of the 2015 National Grade Six
Assessment! You would have given up some cherished pastimes to devote the time
needed to study and prepare yourselves for the exams. Now you can bask in the
glory of your success. You deserve it. Best wishes on your educational journey!
In addition to the children who passed from the three primary schools that are located inside Buxton-Friendship, there are other successful students who reside in
the village, but they attended schools outside. We would like to salute them and
salute their achievements too.
 ANA MATTHEWS attends Annandale Primary School, and is going on to Bishops’
High School in Georgetown. She attained a score of 515 marks.
 DAFFINA NIALS, daughter of Reverend Kofi Nials of Friendship Methodist
Church, took the NGSA exams at Marian Academy in Georgetown. She scored
510 marks and qualified for Bishops’ High School.
 SHAQUAN DUBLIN got 508 marks and has earned a place at St. Rose’s High
School. He is a student at North Georgetown Primary and a grandson of the late
Eric Shortt.
 ADIETTE MCALMONT passed for President’s College with 493 marks. She is a
student of Annandale Primary School.
 SHAQUAN EARLE scored 482 marks to go to Bladen Hall Multilateral. He is a student at Lusignan Primary School.
COPY MACHINE FOR FRIENDSHIP PRIMARY
We are pleased to announce that Friendship Primary School
will soon be getting a brand new Cannon multifunction duplicating machine. In addition to photocopying services, it can work
as a network computer printer. It has fax and scanning features
as well. The school will also receive a supply of extra toner cartridges and print paper.
This donation was largely funded by Mr. Charles Dougall, a past
student of the school, previously
known as St. Anthony’s R.C.
School. He contributed $920.00
towards the cost of these items.
Thanks, Charlie!
JUNE 2015
PAGE 7
Fish Fry
Saturday, July 11, 2015
from 6:00 p.m.
123–11 150th Avenue, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
(between 123rd and 124th Streets, off North Conduit Avenue)
Fried Fish * Codfish Cakes * Phulouri * Spinach Rice *
Rice & Peas * Roti & Curry * White/Black Pudding *
Barbeque * Chicken Souse * Homemade Ice Cream *
Mauby * Sorrell * Assorted Pastries & More…
For more information, contact:
Errol Cockfield: (718) 843-3690
John Massay: (347) 228-6939
Monica Sandiford: (718) 284-0911
Wilbert Hope: (718) 235-0718
BESAC, INC.
BUXTONIANS FOR THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY, INC.
PAGE 8
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
CLEANUP FEVER HITS BUXTON
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
The spirit of renewed pride caught on in Buxton. Undaunted by rain and cloudy skies, residents of
this north Middle Street block, between Public Road and Cummings Street, came out on Sunday,
7th June, to clean the drains and spruce up the parapets.
Kudos!
Photo, courtesy of Theola Harper
DONATIONS RECEIVED
We would like to thank Mr. Charles Dougall, of Connecticut; Mrs. Eleanor King (Claudette Burgan) and her aunt, Mrs. Noelle Edgehill (Dolly Burgan), both of New York City, for their recent donations to The Fund. We greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and generous support for the education and welfare of needy children in Buxton-Friendship.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc. is a registered tax-exempt charitable organization in the
United States of America, under the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)3 tax code. Donations made
to the Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the U.S. law.
Please make cheque/money order payable to Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc., and send it
to the organisation at: 454 Vermont Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207.
JUNE 2015
PAGE 9
CLEAN UP FEVER HITS BUXTON
PAGE 10
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
2015 HOME PRIDE CONTEST
The Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, USA is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Buxton Home Pride Competition, this year. This is an initiative to encourage residents to maintain better care of the environment, to
promote economic security and enhancement of social wellbeing throughout the village.
Eligibility is restricted to local residents/
homeowners. Homes will be judged on the following
conditions:
 Aesthetic Appeal
 Fruit trees
 Kitchen garden
 Eco-friendly poultry/animal/fish farm
 Well-kept parapets and drains
 Attractive front yard
 Decorative flowers or trees
 Effective outdoor lighting
 Clean and Healthy Environment
Judging will take place in August, during Heritage Week observance. Other
activities planned for the week include
the Students Empowerment Workshop, Distribution of School Supplies,
Emancipation Debate Competition,
and High Achievers’ Edutainment Tour.
Several cash prizes will be offered to the finalists.
More than GY$100,000.00 were distributed to the
winners last year, and that may be exceeded this
year.
2014 First Place Winner: Home of Mark & Arlene Abrams
at 94 Sideline Dam, Buxton.
2014 Fourth-place winner, Mr. Kelso Sancho
of 94 Webster Avenue, Buxton Backdam
Side, proudly holds up his award certificate.
JUNE 2015
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
HAYNES CITE: THE JOURNEY - PART 2
I shall like to commence by congratulating the students of
Buxton on their success at the 2015 National Grade Six Examinations. May your academic future be fruitful and rewarding!
The previous article concluded with a brief description of the
scenario that shaped the November 28, 2011 elections. I
shall like to continue with the hype that preceded, a synopsis
of the results and a brief analysis of what those elections results meant.
The race for the Presidency heated up on nominations day.
The incumbent, PPP/C, APNU and the AFC had large colourful
and noisy contingents following them to City Hall to present
their Lists of Candidates. Prior to making its way to City Hall,
the AFC supporters assembled at the Parade Ground. They
were joined there by Messrs. Ramjattan and Nagamootoo
who then led the contingent to City Hall. At the AFC Rally, following the presentation of their lists, Presidential Candidate,
Khemraj Ramjattan, introduced Moses Nagamotoo to the
crowd indicating that he was then in the AFC camp and would
certainly strengthen the party. Also joining the AFC campaign
then was Valerie Gorrido-Lowe – the recently elected head of
The United Force, social activist Mark Benchop, prominent
attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Dr. Richard Van WestCharles - formally of the PNC/R. Fredrick (Freddy) Kissoon,
social/human rights activist, also joined the campaign; he
was the first and only person to mount both the AFC and APNU political platforms for the same election.
AFC Leaders outside City Hall [2011]
The days leading up to November 28,
2011 were indeed hectic - the ‘silly season.’ The leaders of the AFC, and now
Moses Nagamootoo, were the main focus of the ‘venom’ from the ruling administration. Former President, Bharrat
Jhagdeo, led the character assasination
and ‘cuss-out’ crusade of the PPP/C.
The new Presidential candidate, Donald
Ramotar, while appearing to be limited
in his ability to speak freely on a wide
range of issues, predicted that his party
would win a two-thirds majority. The
Prime Ministerial candidate of the APNU,
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine would have
classified Mr. Ramotar’s nomination as
presidential candidate as an absurdity
since he, Ramotar, was not known to be
engaged in any significant job in Guyana.
While the AFC actively campaigned in
all ten of the electoral districts, its campaign was more intense in districts 4, 6
and 8. Based on reports from the
ground, it was clear that the political
message of the AFC was being well re(Continued on page 13)
APNU supporters outside City Hall
JUNE 2015
PAGE 13
THE JOURNEY (2) … BY ANTHONY HAYNES
(Continued from page 12)
ceived. The APNU kick started its campaign with a
massive rally in Buxton. It became evident that David Granger’s presence did bring fresh air into the
camp of the PNC/R and thus the APNU, as they
pontificated a GOOD LIFE FOR ALL.
At the close of poll on November 28, 2011 there
was a state of expectancy in the three main political camps. The PPP was expecting a big win; the
APNU was also expecting victory while the AFC was
hoping that it could win enough votes to have the
balance of power.
The results of the November 28, 2011 elections
would have indicated that the PPP/C was losing
ground with the electorate. When compared to previous elections since 1992, this would have been
its poorest showing, only being able to garner
48.6% of valid votes and 32 seats out of the 65
seats in the National Assembly. The result relegated the PPP/C to minority status after sitting comfortably in government with 36 seats in 2006.
While the APNU would have garnered a significant amount of additional votes as compared to
2006, it was the smallest of the parliamentary political parties; the Alliance for Change whose increase in strength was significant. The 10%, a
tithe, of the votes cast allowed that party to hold
balance of power in the National Assembly, one of
the objectives the Party set itself when it was
launched.
It was expected that with the new and historic political/parliamentary configuration the governance
structure and function would have been positively
improved. The Alliance for Change was therefore
poised to play a major role in the transformation of
the country. That process commenced when Raphael Trotman, with the help of the APNU, became
the first opposition elected Speaker of the National
Assembly.
Remember, ‘rain na fall a wan baddy door mouth.’
Until the next time, TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
2
0
1
1
2
0
1
1
Source: Guyana News and Information — www.Guyana.org
PAGE 14
BU X TO N - F R I E N D S H I P E X P R E S S
OBITUARY: EVELYN VERONICA BATHERSFIELD
Sunrise – January 16, 1925
Sunset – May 26, 2015
The Book of Job, Chapter 5 and verse 26 states: “You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a
sheaf gathered up in its season,” and this can be said of Evelyn Bathersfield who departed this life on
May 26, 2015 at the ripe old age of ninety.
Evelyn Veronica Bathersfield was born on the 16th of January 1925 to Princess Wood and Alban Henry,
of Buxton Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.
As a young girl, Evelyn attended Buxton Congregational School. After leaving school, she went on to
learn sewing and home economics.
In 1954, Evelyn married Clarence Bathersfield, with whom she had five children, namely: Albert, Haslyn,
Hazel, Carol and Errol. Dorsil, her husband’s daughter from a previous relationship was also a part of
her household.
In 1987, Evelyn’s husband, Clarence, went home to glory and later, in 2003, her youngest son Errol,
also preceded her in death.
“Cousin Evelyn”, as she was fondly called by many, was a wonderful and dedicated wife and mother who lovingly
tended to the needs of her family. Over time, she also became mother to many other children in the village. She
always had a cup of milk, some fruits from her yard, or something else for visitors to eat or drink. She loved to
cook, bake and sew, and her gifted handiwork often went on display in the church during the Annual Harvest Celebration.
Cousin Evelyn was a people’s person. Young and old came to her for advice and whatever wise counseling she
could give. She was the oldest of her living relatives, and her heart was as open as her hand.
Sometime after the death of her husband, Cousin Evelyn migrated to the United States to be with her children,
but her heart was always in Buxton. She traveled home often and there was always something in her barrel for
relatives, friends and neighbors when she went back. Her home was a sanctuary to all and she helped many in
need of a place to stay.
Cousin Evelyn loved the Lord, and at an early age she became a member of the Buxton Congregational Church.
She remained active in the church until ill health prevented her from attending. During her earlier days, she sang
in the church choir and was later a proud member of the “Golden Ages of Buxton Congregational church” group.
While in the United States, Cousin Evelyn also became a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Washington DC.
Cousin Evelyn lived an exemplary life, and she leaves to mourn: Her children-- Albert, Haslyn, Hazel and Carol;
Grandchildren: Herman L. Bathersfield, Jason Bathersfield, Christopher Bathersfield, Quincy Bathersfield, Kevin
Bathersfield, Olivia Bathersfield, Francheska Bathersfield, Bryan Bathersfield, Monique Bathersfield, Shevon Bathersfield, Tawana Bathersfield, Darrell Bathersfield, Warren French, Nicole Strothers, Sharon Haynes, Kelvin
Haynes, Tia Bathersfield, Junior Bathersfield, Gerrol Bathersfield, Anson Bathersfield, Dwayne French, Gayle
French, Yolande French, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Daughters-in-law: Maryam and Melanie Bathersfield; Sons-in-law: Frank French and Alwyn Hope; Sisters-in-law:
Doreen Bathersfield and Beryl Bathersfield;
Adopted children: Carol Walker, Jenny Thomas Arthur, William Wright, Michelle Adams Miller.
Cousins: The Bathersfields, Holders, Henrys, Grahams, Smiths, Lewis, Phils, Austins, Grants, Nurses, Rodneys,
Simons, Butts, Hillimans, Woods, Bairds, Newtons, and Wards;
Friends: Mrs. Jean Gill, Mrs. Elaine McNeal, Miss May Hamer, Mrs. Winifred Bryan as well as All members of the
“Golden Ages” Buxton Congregational Church, Guyana and many others.
During this time of bereavement, the family takes comfort in the words of Psalm 30: 5 which reads, “Weeping
may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. Cousin Evelyn “fought the good fight, finished her race and
she kept the faith”. It is now her time to rest as we remember that “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside
us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
JUNE 2015
RECENT DEPARTURES
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved families of those who recently left us for their heavenly home. Among the recently departed villagers
were:
 SYDNEY ORMOND BURGAN (“BUNTING”), 88; May 16, 2015; United Kingdom.
He was the youngest child of the late Rev. Cannon William Burgan and
Mrs. Imelda Burgan. He is survived by his sister, Noelle Burgan-Edgehill,
several nieces and nephews.
 MANU DURANT, aged 40; 4 June, 2015; Georgetown, Guyana.
 REVEREND CYNTHIA WILLIS-STEWART, aged 70; 8 June, 2015; Uniondale, NY
 RUDOLPH RIDLEY, JR., Buxton
 PATSY MORRIS; Buxton
 HERMAN SOBERS; Buxton
 LESLIE “ LLOYD” TODD; Friendship
PAGE 15
Buxton-Friendship Express
June 2015
The Buxton Battle Song
PUBLISHER:
BUXTON-FRIENDSHIP HERITAGE FUND, INC.
1.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Thou wilt not cower in the dust
Buxton my own native land,
454 Vermont Street
Brooklyn, NY 11207
USA
Thy glorious name shall never rust,
Oh Buxton, my own native land.
E-MAIL: [email protected]
2.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Remember Fredericks, yes we must,
The Buxton Scholarship his thrust.
Lorna Campbell
Anthony Haynes
And now he slumbers in the dust,
In Buxton, my own native land.
EDITORS
Dr. Clayton Bacchus
Lorna Campbell
3.
And now may every girl and boy,
In Buxton my own native land,
His heart and brain all day employed,
LET YOUR DONATION HELP
In Buxton, my own native land.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund, Inc. is a
registered charitable organization, under
section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue
Service code for not-for-profit organizations.
Donations made to the Fund are taxdeductible to the fullest extent of the law.
4.
To add to our illustrious line
Of sons and daughters who all time,
Give of their best that you may shine
For Buxton, my own native land.
Save the Date
Saturday, September 19, 2015
from 4:00 p.m.
Buxton-Friendship Heritage Fund
Back-To-School Tea Party
St. Gabriel’s Golden Hall
331 Hawthorne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Proceeds to benefit School Projects in Buxton-Friendship
BUXTON: Our Legacy, Our Pride, Our Responsibility