By Francis Quamina Farrier
AS we have come to the end of yet another year, 2023, I continue with my annual tradition of looking back at those who I knew and who are no longer with us. One of my dear friends who died this year, 2023, was Guyanese-born Msgr. Paul Jervis, who passed away on September 5, at age 69. He was what can be described as “Guyanese to de bone.” Having migrated at 19 years, he spent most of his 69 years living and pastoring in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, New York City.

Msgr. Paul Winston Jervis focused quite a lot on his homeland, Guyana, and gave much of his time to positive projects to help with the spiritual needs and development of many of whom he was privileged to pastor. He made it his duty, even self-appointed responsibility, and looked and found some well-deserving cases which needed attention, including those individuals and groups who needed a hands-up to improve their standard of living and quality of life. That included widows who would have needed a job to keep a family together or some youngster who needed a mentor or someone who would give them good advice for them to avoid making wrong and disastrous choices in their young life.

One of the most pronounced activities of the late Msgr. Paul Jervis, is the annual New York Guyanese Holy Mass, which has been celebrated annually on the second Sunday of October for over 30 years.
Msgr. Paul Jervis, who was a first cousin of Guyana’s former President Samuel Hinds, became very concerned when racial conflicts between citizens of African and Indian heritages exploded into physical combat in many areas of the country in the 1960s and went on for many months. After the conflict subsided and ended, the residue was clear to see. The verbal insults and disharmony continued as clear as daylight among many members of the two groups.

Msgr. There was hope even in the worst of situations for Msgr. Paul Jervis, so he took action. He established a group which comprised mainly of former altar boys from the Brickdam parish in Georgetown, who had migrated to the United States as adults. They were recruited as “Christian soldiers”, as it were, to fight a holy battle against the evil one and what was happening back in Guyana. They were honourable, Christian, Catholic men who were of different races. Men who did not turn their backs on what, for them, was a sacred and patriotic duty.

As members of the various races of Guyana, their getting together was a firm testimony of what the people of God can achieve when working together with a clear objective and the Blessings of the Holy Spirit.
Although at that time there were many unpleasant happenings going on between the races in Guyana, and the wicked one seemed to have been winning and causing quite a lot of confusion in Guyana, the prayers and good works of the people of God were gaining positive results. Many were actively engaging members of another race in peaceful and pleasant interactions.

During the ongoing unease in the country, there were many obvious pleasantries between members of the two main race groups – those of African and those of Indian heritage. Quite a number could have been seen socialising and doing the things that the majority of decent people do, showing respect and love towards one another. There were also interracial marriages as before and other unions, most of which were unbroken by the on-going racial turmoil. Romantic love between the races continued.

The foregoing was mentioned to have the current citizens of this nation realise, from Guyana’s contemporary history, that there must be no place for racial conflict in our beautiful Guyana and that such friendly interactions usually result in happier individuals and happier and more prosperous communities. People need to know that in the short span of our lives, we as individuals and groups must work for our own happiness and the happiness of others.

More recently the sub-motto of the country is “ONE GUYANA” which, in a way, is a shortened version of the official national motto of “One People. One Nation. One Destiny.” As such, no Guyanese should take the life of another fueled by racial hatred. When Guyanese die, it should be from natural causes. The reckless driving that continues on our roads and costs so many lives must be stopped. It can be stopped or at least greatly reduced if all drivers constantly bear in mind that a vehicle is not built to be a weapon of death.

THE ANNUAL GUYANESE MASS IN NEW YORK

That annual religious event, the Guyanese Mass in New York, brings together hundreds of Guyanese Catholics who are domiciled in New York and even beyond. The congregation is always made up of all the races of Guyana. The chief celebrant is usually a priest who resides in Guyana. Prayers are offered up for peace and prosperity in Guyana.

The financial offerings that are collected at the Masses are sent to Guyana for specific projects that are identified in advance. The Brickdam soup kitchen, which provided hot meals for many destitute citizens daily, is one such ongoing project. However, on a varying basis, repairs to churches and presbyteries have also been done over the years.

In his book QUINTENCIAL PRIEST, Msgr. Paul Jervis chronicles the work of the Irish American priest who worked in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, where many Guyanese reside. Guyanese were among those who benefited from the saintly life and deeds of Msgr. Quinn, who Msgr. Paul Jervis greatly admired.

The Irish American priest did projects of which some Guyanese benefited. One was an orphanage in New York. In fact, when the first structure was burnt down by the KKK because it harboured non-white boys, Msgr. Quinn immediately rebuilt it. The book QUINTENCIAL PRIEST by Msgr. Paul Jervis, is important reading for those who want or need to learn more about the history of New York City. Msgr. Paul Jervis is one of my friends who died this year and is already missed by all who knew him. He passed in New York on October 5, 2023. May his soul rest in peace.

ARTIST TONY PHILLIPS

Another friend who died this year was the renowned artist Tony Phillips. As a talented artist, he was involved with painting the mural of the Guyanese heroes whose images adorn the inner roof of the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry on Water Street, Georgetown. Although Tony Phillips was residing thousands of miles away in Melbourne, Australia, he always expressed his interest as well as concerns for what was happening in the land of his birth, especially at Christmas time. That resulted in my “Christmas in Australia” article, last year, in which I threw the spotlight on Guyanese residents in Melbourne and how they celebrate their Christmas holidays, Guyana style. Tony Phillips was one of the Australia-based Guyanese who provided me with much of the information recorded in my feature article.

CYRIL BRYANT

Journalist Cyril Bryant, who was based in Canada for many years, established an Online blog that was very popular worldwide. Although we were not very close friends, we had known each other for many years. When he commenced his Online blog, he invited me to submit articles, which I did, occasionally, until his death. His blog became quite popular, since it featured stories and reports from Guyanese worldwide. That resulted in them gaining a significant international readership. Over the years, Cyril Bryant also gave free promotion of the activities of Guyanese organisations in the Diaspora. He is already greatly missed.

FQF Msgr. Paul Winston Jervis with Francis
Quamina Farrier, in New York, June 18, 2019.