…Patamona mother honoured by her community
VERY little is known of the history of the Patamonas who have probably resided in parts of the Pakaraimas for a very long time.
An early contact between them and the Europeans was made in the early nineteenth century when they were described as mountaineers. http://www.guyana.org/features/guyanastory/chapter3.html Madeline Simon was born on January 1, 1906, at Paramakatoi. She and her husband raised eight children, three of them – Calvin Simon, Kathy Sue Belle and Gregory Simon – still live at Paramakatoi, while Ashton Simon, Michael Simon, and Nancy Perreira live on the coast, and Cheryl Arneaud lives in Trinidad.
The communities of Paramakatoi, Monkey Mountain, Kato, Taruka, Kaibarupai, Kopinang, Chenapau, Kurukubaru  and many more communities of Region 8 recently went to a grand launching of a new church building at Paramakatoi. They took the opportunity to honour Amai (Mother) Simon as the oldest resident and thanked her for services she rendered to the community in her youthful days.
Many more honorees’ were recognized. John Simon, her husband, who was the first local pastor of the then Pilgrim Holiness Church, and who was  responsible for bringing over 200 Brazilians to reside at Taruka during his missionary stints, was given special recognition. Many other senior citizens were also recognized, including Amai Iris, Yako Issacs, Pastor Bagot Paul, Nurse Saigo of the Indigenous Peoples Commission and more.
What is the reason for longevity among the Patamonas? Ashton Simon answers, “We are mountaineers and exercise is an important element for health, Patamonas climb every day, clean air, organic foods, and lots of cassiri, the health system does play an important element too, particularly the educational component.
Special mention and recognition was showered on Papai and Amai Agness Williams, father and mother of Ovid and Ian Williams. Agness Williams was the only known person who spoke English to the missionaries during the mission’s initial visits to Paramakatoi; she subsequently became their interpreter, and so many accolades were bestowed on her and family. Her contributions as an English speaker became the bedrock for the missionaries during the latter 40’s and onwards. Papai Williams, as the longest serving Toshao, was highly respected and showered with the fullest of cooperation on matters that benefitted Paramakatoi and other villages.
Paramakatoi has scored many firsts for the indigenous sector, dating back to the early 60s:  Ovid Williams – First Indigenous Pilot, Ian Williams – First Indigenous Regional Chairman, Ashton Simon – First Indigenous Army Specialist, and more. Many have gone on with their lives excelling in the academic and specialist worlds.
As her eldest son, says Ashton Simon, “I cannot ever remember experiencing anything out of the ordinary.”
“My dad was an expert hunter, my mom a hard working farmer; so between them, we were never out of food. My mom prays every day for her children and their families and the villagers, maybe that has kept us on safe ground over the years. I am proud to be one of her many children whom she raised under careful guidance of the church, and never spared the rod – that was an important element of my childhood upbringing.
“During my recent visit back home, I walked to the local shop, bare-footed, and found it to be surprising to some youths, but little do they know, I and many others ran up the Paramakatoi Mountain from our humble dwellings, bare feet, to get to school.
Amai Simon would await our homecoming to offer cassiri, bananas and other goodies.
“Scoring her deserved 106 is a grand achievement. I ask Guyana to celebrate with her and the people of Paramakatoi on her 106th. “And as the saying goes ‘still batting strong’.