Awarded
British Guiana Government Exhibition to Miss Joyclyenne Loncke who will read for a degree in Arts. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI No. # 32; of September 25 –October 1, 1960: page 170.
Guiana Scholar Announced ---November 3, 1960
Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, announced on November 3, that the Governor-in-Council has approved of the following awards for the 1960 British Guiana Scholarships.
E. A. C. Thomas – Queen’s College – distinction in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Physics; Miss J. E. Loncke – Private Candidate - distinction in English Literature and Latin. Good in French; W. A. Ramsahoye – Queen’s College – distinction in Mathematics, (Pure, and Applied), Physics and Chemistry.
Sixty-seven candidates (38 boys and 29 girls) had written the examination. The minister sent his personal congratulations to the winners. He also expressed the hope that they would pursue their new studies “with the same eagerness and diligence with a view to serving our country and our people.” (Page 195). Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI No. # 37; of October 30-November 6, 1960: Pages 194 and 195.
Guianese Awarded ICA Grants
The recipients of these awards are George Hopkinson and Aubrey Alexander of Air Traffic Control Department at Atkinson. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI; NO. # 33; of October 3-9, 1960: Page 177.
Hat Factory For BG
Plans for establishing a hat industry employing over 60 persons will soon become a reality. At $60,000 hat factory is being erected at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, by a Guianese - Mr. Ernest Basso. Machinery and equipment costing over $30,000 are already on order from the USA. Local employment will be recruited from the ranks of 4H’ers in the district and other skilled handicraft workers in the village. Local grass and straw materials will be used in the manufacture of these hats. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 33 October 3 -9, 1960: Page 175.
Third Force to United Force
Peter D’Aguiar Speaks “Can’t afford it philosophers - Cheddi Jagan and Kenneth Berrill” “The main object of my economic plan is to break open this country and to make it one unit. To open up this land for farms and so on, and not just use the little ribbon of worn out land along the coast.”
- Peter D’Aguiar, November 2, 1960
D’Aguiar Policy for Economic Dynamism.
“The plan has nothing to do with a political party. It is a policy which could benefit BG and, if necessary, be adopted by any party.” -- Industrialist Peter D’Aguiar, October 14, 1960. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 34; October 10-16, 1960: Page 181.
Peter D’Aguiar Leader of the Third Force.
“I have failed to influence the PNC to make concessions towards integration. I have failed to form a party based on the social ground work of integration. I will pledge my support to any party that offers true integration and sound economic policy.” --Peter D’Aguiar October 8, 1960. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 33 October 3 -9, 1960: Page 178.
L. F. S. Burnham - Kill or be killed speech delivered on October 7, 1960 at Bourda Green “if we can’t teach them we must destroy them politically.”
Cecil Gray - Leader of National Labour Front (N.L.F.), Harry Obermuller -
Leader of National Independence Movement (N.I.M.), October 21, 1960
“The PPP is not a communist Party. We are prepared to guarantee freedom before and after independence.” “I will go anywhere to get money, even if it is to Russia or Cuba, to develop this country.” – Dr. Cheddi Jagan October 21, 1960 Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 35 October 17-23, 1960: Page 187
His Excellency the Governor has issued a decree setting out the official spelling of the name Corentyne, the river which separates BG from Surinam. The official spelling is C-O-R-E-N-T-Y-N-E. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 35 October 17-23, 1960: Page 187.
BG on the Threshold of Great Changes.
“History and Culture Week provides an occasion for all our peoples to come together on the basis of a common past and of an equally common destiny.” Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, said this in a radio message to the people of this country on the occasion of the beginning of the celebrations of History and Culture Week. Speaking on the Theme “Towards a New Guiana”, Mr. Rai declared: “There can be no doubt that Guiana is on the threshold of great changes. We will soon be experiencing a change in political status whereby we will be self-governing in our internal affairs. With change status will come new responsibilities and the need for changes in our social and economic life.”
2,000 at Opening of History and Culture Week
Two thousand pairs of hands beat out a rapturous applause for the inspiring image of Guianese culture which emerged at the opening session of the third History and Culture Week celebrations at Queen’s College on October 24. Songs, dances and other forms of Guianese art were presented to a fully appreciative audience that encourage the performers to greater effort by their spontaneous, electrifying cheers. Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, expressed his full appreciation of all the wonderful efforts put forward. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 189. 25,000 Jump at first Festival
It was a fete, beauty and originality, on October 29, as some 25,000 Guianese jumped in line at the Festival – BG’s version of Mardi Gras and Carnival. The day was the end of BG’s official 1960 History and Culture Week and the beginning of the unofficial grand finale planned by the Chambers of Commerce and supported by thousands of people from all walks of life. The 35 floats displaying attractive motifs, beauties, etc; circled the city, arriving at Eve Leary around 5, 45 o’clock. While the “floating” was in progress the grand opening of the Festival took place at Eve Leary.
Declaring it open, His Excellency, the Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, said he was happy to see the unity of Guianese expressed at the festival. He wished the festival would be a success. The float parade was accompanied by three steel bands and bevies of dancing beauties who zigzagged across the lush lawns at Eve Leary. And the crowds cheered and cheered as the girls danced. There was also cheers for fourteen pretty Drum Majorettes. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 191.
Children’s Show at Festival
BG’s Show of Shows --- The Festival 1960--- continued in its second day on October 30 with the children coming into their own in an hour-long fancy dress competition at the BGCC ground. The show continued into the night with a fashion parade.
This first-ever Festival ended in a blaze of glory on the BGCC ground, early on the morning of Tuesday November 1, and laid the foundations for greater festivals in the future.
A crowd estimated at more than 25,000 persons jammed the grounds and saw 18-year-old Penelope Paddenburg (Miss Banks), the first Festival Queen, crowned by Lady Grey, wife of His Excellency, the Governor.
Peter Fernandes’ cleverly captioned “political Situation in BG” gained the top prize in the Costume Band of the Year Competition. But the judges’ decision in this event provoked vociferous protest which were followed by missile throwing. This caused the Police Special Squad to be called out. The Festival was declared open by His Excellency, the Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, and K.C.M.G. on October 29. (See Guiana Diary Vol. XVI; NO. # 36; of October 24-30, 1960: Page 191) Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI; NO. # 37; of October 31-November 6, 1960: Page 197.
Ban on Painting Starts Controversy
Leader of the People’s Progressive Party, the Honourable Dr. Cheddi Jagan, told a large crowd on October 26, that the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society had refused to put on exhibition an oil painting sent by Guianese artist Aubrey Williams, now residing in London.
The painting, one of the largest displayed in BG, is approximately 5 feet by four and a half feet. The main figure which dominates almost the whole canvas is a slave with the chains on his wrists broken, a cutlass in one hand, and whip lashes on his back.
Mr. Williams, in describing his painting, has said: “ I have named it ‘Revolt’ because the Berbice Slave Rebellion to me, represents a great attempt of the Guianese people to fight with courage and dignity against – tyranny and oppression.” Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 190.
Walter Rodney, a Guianese student at the University College of the West Indies, was a member of the two-man debating team which has defeated an American University Debating team with his partner, Mr. S. A. Walter of Antigua, he successfully defended the proposition that the United Nations is justified in refusing membership to Red China. Their opponents were the William Pitt Debating Union Team of Pittsburg University. Source: "News Briefs"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 5; February 6-12, 1961: Page 38.
Here to Microfilm Newspapers
To Microfilm Newspapers and other records at the archives Mrs. Ada Corbeau of the University of Florida arrived in British Guiana on February 20. The project is a joint effort of the University and the British Guiana government. Mrs. Corbeau will be filming the more important Newspapers from 1803 to present time. One copy of the film will be kept by the University and one will be given to the Archives. Mrs. Corbeau will be in British Guiana for about 2 months. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 7; February 20-26, 1961: Page 51.
5 Teachers Get Government Scholarships
Five Primary school Teachers have been granted scholarships by Government . They are L. R. D. Ainsworth of Golden Grove Methodist School; John Monize of Bartica Roman Catholic School; Miss Sybil Sargeant of St. George's Anglican School; Mrs. Pansy Bobb-Semple of St. Cyril's Anglican School; and Mr. Gildharie of the Mahaica Creek School. Each Scholarship is tenable in the United Kingdom for one year and commences from September 1961. To study Rural Education are Messers. Ainsworth and Gildharie. Mr. Monize will study handicraft, Mrs. Bobb-Semple infant Education, and Miss Sargeant, Physical Education. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 7; February 20-26, 1961: Page 51.
Basil Arno New British Guiana Teachers' Association Head
Mr. Basil E. Arno, former Secretary, Vice-President, was elected unopposed President of the British Guiana Teachers' Association on April 15. Mr. Vere T. Daly was elected Senior Vice-President ; Mr. Basil Armstrong Junior Vice-President ; and Messers. R. F. Lucas and G. N. Cave Secretary, and Assistant Secretary, respectively. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 13; April 3-9, 1961: Page 80.
British Guiana Government Exhibition to Miss Joyclyenne Loncke who will read for a degree in Arts. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI No. # 32; of September 25 –October 1, 1960: page 170.
Guiana Scholar Announced ---November 3, 1960
Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, announced on November 3, that the Governor-in-Council has approved of the following awards for the 1960 British Guiana Scholarships.
E. A. C. Thomas – Queen’s College – distinction in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Physics; Miss J. E. Loncke – Private Candidate - distinction in English Literature and Latin. Good in French; W. A. Ramsahoye – Queen’s College – distinction in Mathematics, (Pure, and Applied), Physics and Chemistry.
Sixty-seven candidates (38 boys and 29 girls) had written the examination. The minister sent his personal congratulations to the winners. He also expressed the hope that they would pursue their new studies “with the same eagerness and diligence with a view to serving our country and our people.” (Page 195). Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI No. # 37; of October 30-November 6, 1960: Pages 194 and 195.
Guianese Awarded ICA Grants
The recipients of these awards are George Hopkinson and Aubrey Alexander of Air Traffic Control Department at Atkinson. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI; NO. # 33; of October 3-9, 1960: Page 177.
Hat Factory For BG
Plans for establishing a hat industry employing over 60 persons will soon become a reality. At $60,000 hat factory is being erected at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, by a Guianese - Mr. Ernest Basso. Machinery and equipment costing over $30,000 are already on order from the USA. Local employment will be recruited from the ranks of 4H’ers in the district and other skilled handicraft workers in the village. Local grass and straw materials will be used in the manufacture of these hats. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 33 October 3 -9, 1960: Page 175.
Third Force to United Force
Peter D’Aguiar Speaks “Can’t afford it philosophers - Cheddi Jagan and Kenneth Berrill” “The main object of my economic plan is to break open this country and to make it one unit. To open up this land for farms and so on, and not just use the little ribbon of worn out land along the coast.”
- Peter D’Aguiar, November 2, 1960
D’Aguiar Policy for Economic Dynamism.
“The plan has nothing to do with a political party. It is a policy which could benefit BG and, if necessary, be adopted by any party.” -- Industrialist Peter D’Aguiar, October 14, 1960. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 34; October 10-16, 1960: Page 181.
Peter D’Aguiar Leader of the Third Force.
“I have failed to influence the PNC to make concessions towards integration. I have failed to form a party based on the social ground work of integration. I will pledge my support to any party that offers true integration and sound economic policy.” --Peter D’Aguiar October 8, 1960. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 33 October 3 -9, 1960: Page 178.
L. F. S. Burnham - Kill or be killed speech delivered on October 7, 1960 at Bourda Green “if we can’t teach them we must destroy them politically.”
Cecil Gray - Leader of National Labour Front (N.L.F.), Harry Obermuller -
Leader of National Independence Movement (N.I.M.), October 21, 1960
“The PPP is not a communist Party. We are prepared to guarantee freedom before and after independence.” “I will go anywhere to get money, even if it is to Russia or Cuba, to develop this country.” – Dr. Cheddi Jagan October 21, 1960 Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 35 October 17-23, 1960: Page 187
His Excellency the Governor has issued a decree setting out the official spelling of the name Corentyne, the river which separates BG from Surinam. The official spelling is C-O-R-E-N-T-Y-N-E. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 35 October 17-23, 1960: Page 187.
BG on the Threshold of Great Changes.
“History and Culture Week provides an occasion for all our peoples to come together on the basis of a common past and of an equally common destiny.” Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, said this in a radio message to the people of this country on the occasion of the beginning of the celebrations of History and Culture Week. Speaking on the Theme “Towards a New Guiana”, Mr. Rai declared: “There can be no doubt that Guiana is on the threshold of great changes. We will soon be experiencing a change in political status whereby we will be self-governing in our internal affairs. With change status will come new responsibilities and the need for changes in our social and economic life.”
2,000 at Opening of History and Culture Week
Two thousand pairs of hands beat out a rapturous applause for the inspiring image of Guianese culture which emerged at the opening session of the third History and Culture Week celebrations at Queen’s College on October 24. Songs, dances and other forms of Guianese art were presented to a fully appreciative audience that encourage the performers to greater effort by their spontaneous, electrifying cheers. Minister of Community Development and Education, the Honourable Balram Singh Rai, expressed his full appreciation of all the wonderful efforts put forward. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 189. 25,000 Jump at first Festival
It was a fete, beauty and originality, on October 29, as some 25,000 Guianese jumped in line at the Festival – BG’s version of Mardi Gras and Carnival. The day was the end of BG’s official 1960 History and Culture Week and the beginning of the unofficial grand finale planned by the Chambers of Commerce and supported by thousands of people from all walks of life. The 35 floats displaying attractive motifs, beauties, etc; circled the city, arriving at Eve Leary around 5, 45 o’clock. While the “floating” was in progress the grand opening of the Festival took place at Eve Leary.
Declaring it open, His Excellency, the Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, said he was happy to see the unity of Guianese expressed at the festival. He wished the festival would be a success. The float parade was accompanied by three steel bands and bevies of dancing beauties who zigzagged across the lush lawns at Eve Leary. And the crowds cheered and cheered as the girls danced. There was also cheers for fourteen pretty Drum Majorettes. Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 191.
Children’s Show at Festival
BG’s Show of Shows --- The Festival 1960--- continued in its second day on October 30 with the children coming into their own in an hour-long fancy dress competition at the BGCC ground. The show continued into the night with a fashion parade.
This first-ever Festival ended in a blaze of glory on the BGCC ground, early on the morning of Tuesday November 1, and laid the foundations for greater festivals in the future.
A crowd estimated at more than 25,000 persons jammed the grounds and saw 18-year-old Penelope Paddenburg (Miss Banks), the first Festival Queen, crowned by Lady Grey, wife of His Excellency, the Governor.
Peter Fernandes’ cleverly captioned “political Situation in BG” gained the top prize in the Costume Band of the Year Competition. But the judges’ decision in this event provoked vociferous protest which were followed by missile throwing. This caused the Police Special Squad to be called out. The Festival was declared open by His Excellency, the Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, and K.C.M.G. on October 29. (See Guiana Diary Vol. XVI; NO. # 36; of October 24-30, 1960: Page 191) Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary- Vol. XVI; NO. # 37; of October 31-November 6, 1960: Page 197.
Ban on Painting Starts Controversy
Leader of the People’s Progressive Party, the Honourable Dr. Cheddi Jagan, told a large crowd on October 26, that the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society had refused to put on exhibition an oil painting sent by Guianese artist Aubrey Williams, now residing in London.
The painting, one of the largest displayed in BG, is approximately 5 feet by four and a half feet. The main figure which dominates almost the whole canvas is a slave with the chains on his wrists broken, a cutlass in one hand, and whip lashes on his back.
Mr. Williams, in describing his painting, has said: “ I have named it ‘Revolt’ because the Berbice Slave Rebellion to me, represents a great attempt of the Guianese people to fight with courage and dignity against – tyranny and oppression.” Source: Government Information Services, BG - Guiana Diary - Vol. XVI No. # 36; October 24-30, 1960: Page 190.
Walter Rodney, a Guianese student at the University College of the West Indies, was a member of the two-man debating team which has defeated an American University Debating team with his partner, Mr. S. A. Walter of Antigua, he successfully defended the proposition that the United Nations is justified in refusing membership to Red China. Their opponents were the William Pitt Debating Union Team of Pittsburg University. Source: "News Briefs"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 5; February 6-12, 1961: Page 38.
Here to Microfilm Newspapers
To Microfilm Newspapers and other records at the archives Mrs. Ada Corbeau of the University of Florida arrived in British Guiana on February 20. The project is a joint effort of the University and the British Guiana government. Mrs. Corbeau will be filming the more important Newspapers from 1803 to present time. One copy of the film will be kept by the University and one will be given to the Archives. Mrs. Corbeau will be in British Guiana for about 2 months. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 7; February 20-26, 1961: Page 51.
5 Teachers Get Government Scholarships
Five Primary school Teachers have been granted scholarships by Government . They are L. R. D. Ainsworth of Golden Grove Methodist School; John Monize of Bartica Roman Catholic School; Miss Sybil Sargeant of St. George's Anglican School; Mrs. Pansy Bobb-Semple of St. Cyril's Anglican School; and Mr. Gildharie of the Mahaica Creek School. Each Scholarship is tenable in the United Kingdom for one year and commences from September 1961. To study Rural Education are Messers. Ainsworth and Gildharie. Mr. Monize will study handicraft, Mrs. Bobb-Semple infant Education, and Miss Sargeant, Physical Education. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 7; February 20-26, 1961: Page 51.
Basil Arno New British Guiana Teachers' Association Head
Mr. Basil E. Arno, former Secretary, Vice-President, was elected unopposed President of the British Guiana Teachers' Association on April 15. Mr. Vere T. Daly was elected Senior Vice-President ; Mr. Basil Armstrong Junior Vice-President ; and Messers. R. F. Lucas and G. N. Cave Secretary, and Assistant Secretary, respectively. Source: "Community Development and Education"- Guiana Diary - Government Information Services, BG - Vol. XVII No. # 13; April 3-9, 1961: Page 80.
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