Part 2

Village economy restored

By Margaret Burke

“A MAJOR obstacle to the continuation of African farming was the access to capital,” said Dr. David Hinds. He, however, noted that there was now a conscious decision by Government to encourage the restoration of farming and entrepreneurship. Thus the infrastructure to develop 600 acres of land at the back of Buxton, for the purpose of agricultural cultivation, was recently acquired.

There is much optimism that this experience can only foster the restoration of the village economy.

The spinoffs from products can become the economic base for resuscitation of farming activities within the village — which can also be of benefit to other villages, as well as the country as a whole.

A management committee was also formed in an effort to carefully consult and plan, so as to be able to optimise the production and subsequent distribution of goods and services, which would be the outcome. In this regard, Dr. Hinds has indicated, the committee would continue to consult with the villagers of Buxton, so as to ensure their understanding of ventures as well as get their covenant of what is being done. He said the committee must engage in sensitising villagers on what it can do for them.

Further, Dr. Hinds noted: “The project will directly feed into a market -– village market — (which) emerges so that the money circulates in the village.” He added: “Arming young people with entrepreneurial skills, management skills and so forth” is also crucial for the economic advancement of the village.

From all indications, Buxtonians are poised to run with the vision, and at this point, they have already identified 2 spots for village markets. “The biggest job is to sensitise young people,” Dr. Hinds said.

LOCAL BUSINESSES
The George Abrams-owned Primo’s Sewing Establishment produces school uniforms and other types of clothing, and is one of the more recent businesses in the village. For now, the business intend to engage some 15 to 30 villagers, and will be involved in sewing to order, as well as selling in both the retail and wholesale markets.

The Morris Wilson Shopping Complex, which will go into effect by this year-end, will include a gas station, a pharmacy, convenient stores, Western Union, and a mini mall. This complex is geared to employ some 60 to 75 persons.

Benjamin’s Bakery is currently the sole bakery in a village where there were once 4 bakeries. Benjamin’s are, however, fairly well-established, and serve not only villagers but many persons who traverse the East Coast Demerara corridor, who make it their duty to stop by the bakery to have their ‘take home’ orders.

Agricultural economics, or agronomics, is an applied field of economics concerned with the application of economic theory in optimizing the production and distribution of food and fibre. Agronomics is a branch of economics that specifically deals with land usage.

EDUCATION ALWAYS A PRIORITY
From the commencement of life as freed men and women, there was always a balance with agriculture and education in the village of Buxton. The latter was always a priority for villagers, especially for the young people. This has been demonstrated by the measure of people, both men and women, who have excelled intellectually and in terms of the positions they hold within the society.

Buxton has been the only village with three secondary schools: Buxton Government School, Smith’s College, and County High School. At the same time, the village housed four primary schools: Arundel Congregational Missionary School, Friendship Methodist School, St Anthony’s Roman Catholic School, and St Augustine’s Anglican School.

Additionally, much emphasis was placed on early childhood education, thus there was the setting up of many bottom-house kindergarten (nursery) schools. There was also a ‘trade school’ in the village.

During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a ‘lessons place’ which offered free after-school lessons and tutoring for children. This centre of learning was run by Eusi Kwayana, David Hinds, George Hinds, Deon Abrams and Kidacki Amsterdam. Serious teaching was also imparted mostly by volunteers, who taught skills such as sewing, leather and straw craft, and many others. These were done with both small and large groups.

FIRST LADY EDUCATION PROJECT
As the village continues to focus on education and upgrading its people at all ages, First Lady Sandra Granger has successfully launched a Buxton-Friendship Youth Development project, also known as a remedial education project, late last year.

The First Lady is quite positive that this Guyana Robotic Camp, which teaches Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), will have a tremendous impact on the participants.

This ITC-training programme was a youth development initiative which targeted children mainly from schools within Buxton, Victoria and elsewhere.
The programme, which lasted for 13 weeks, had more than 159 young people in attendance. These young people received training primarily in introduction to computers, communications, interviewing skills, time management, literacy and numeracy, reproductive health, and sex education.

In addition to certification, the young adults also received gift vouchers for use at Austin’s Book Services.

CULTURAL AND SPORTS
According to Dr. Hinds, Buxton was, and will continue to be, the centre of education and culture in Guyana. He noted that there has always been a healthy cultural life in the village. In the past there were several drama groups, youth and sport clubs, a queh queh group –- Tutashinda — as well as other groups which are being encouraged and kept alive and well.

The libation, drumming, singing, cultural and fashion shows, folk and other dancing all form important parts of emancipation as well as other activities. Added to all this, it is said that women are very skilled in the cooking of many original and tapered African delicacies, which is a must on many occasions in the village.

The Rollo Younge-led Buxton Steel Orchestra continues to shine, as it recently returned from a trip to New York, where it was invited to play at the Jubilee celebrations from June 4 to 11, 2016. The band members, mostly senior secondary school students, also recently excelled at the Mashramani Steel Band competition, placing second.

The Buxton Arts Theatre (BAT) is said to be very definitely affecting the lives of especially the young people of that community. This is done mainly through the use of drama — by working with children mostly in an effort to help them improve their performances in theatre and arts. Their vision is to entertain, educate and motivate.

Football in Buxton is also a force to be reckoned with. The Buxton United Football Club, rivalling the Victoria Kings Football Club, recently became the second East Coast team to win the coveted Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament trophy at one of Guyana’s most recognised events.

Today, despite the problems in the village, youths still engage in drama, steel band, cricket and football, along with other sporting activities. However, it is felt that having all aspects of sports under one umbrella – bringing back that collective should bring better results overall.

International cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira recently visited Buxton and expressed his desire to make a positive input towards advancing sports in general within the Buxton community. His offer was well received.

In feeling themselves esteemed, Buxtonians have even written and directed their own ‘Anthem’, which is also called “The Battle Song”. The anthem was reportedly created by teachers George Younge and Ms Jacobs, who taught at the then Buxton Congregational Missionary School.
This anthem is sung at the beginning of every public event organized by Buxtonians at home and abroad. It inspires pride, passion, and personal dedication to the preservation and protection of the heritage of Buxtonians. The words of this anthem are reproduced below:

Thou wilt not cower in the dust
Buxton my own native land,
Thy glorious name shall never rust,
Oh Buxton my own native land.
Remember Fredericks, yes we must,
The Buxton Scholarship his thrust.
And now he slumbers in the dust,
In Buxton my own native land.

And now may every girl and boy,
In Buxton my own native land,
His heart and brain all day employ,
In Buxton my own native land.

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.