BFMACC Completes Successful Anniversary Month Celebrations
BUXTON / FRIENDSHIP MUSEUM, ARCHIVES & CULTURE CENTER, INC.
(Supported by The Friends of Villages Museum & Archives Inc., a 501 C3 non-profit organization in the USA)
LOT 35 BUXTON MIDDLE STREET (Lower level)
BUXTON VILLAGE, EAST COAST, DEMERARA
EMAIL: BUXFSHIPMACC@GMAILCOM
Tel: 592-502-1970, Cell 592-659-9675
Note: The Museum is currently open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 1 pm- 5 pm.
On August 6th 2022, we celebrated our 4th anniversary at the Museum and Archives compound in Buxton. Apart from our opening in August 4th 2018, it was determined this anniversary was special. In keeping with our mission, vision and purpose, we invited persons from the various political parties including President Ali, various churches in the villages, University of Guyana lecturers, the International Decade for people of African Decent ( IDPADA-G), The Guyana Reparations Committee, Guyana Institute of Historical Research and other notable persons and representatives.
In acknowledging our ancestors contributions in purchasing and setting up our villages from 1840/1841 and persons who followed in their footsteps over the years, we decided to make this anniversary special to launch our “NOTABLE and OBSCURE VILLAGERS” exhibition which was long overdue. This exhibition signifies the beginning of a long list of villagers that contributed to our existence and development, some without being publicly acknowledged.
In keeping with protocol, we must first acknowledge the presence of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr Ifran Ali and his team of ministers. Our program was chaired by Patricia Mercylene Moses and commenced with the national anthem and as usual Bro. Deon Abrams poured the libation as an acknowledgement to our ancestors. Greetings and congratulations were read from IPADA-G, Ex Minister Mr. Joseph Harmon, Ms. Hazel Woolford of the Guyana Institute of Historical Research recognizing Buxtonians for being part of GIHR and the BFMACC administrators’ presentation on the museum at their last conference. Live greetings from Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship at the University of Guyana, Mr. Willis, representative from the Board of Industrial Training Center and UG 3rd year Social Work student coordinator for our Young Visionaries club, Simonica Cooper and Ms. Paulette Charles one of our “Notable Villagers”.
In the opening address by Keith Easton- Founder/ Museum Administrator/ Curator and President of FVMA in the USA, he applauded them for their support and efforts. He then focused on the BFMACC Mission and Vision, which was read by a Young Visionaire Kymanni Herman. He expressed thanks to all who made the museum and archives possible by their contributions and announced the opening of the “Notable and Obscure Villagers Exhibition”. The honorees are as follows:
LIVING: Mrs. Evadney Talbot, Bro. Eusi Kwayana, Mr.Lindon O. Barton and Mrs. Paulette Charles.
DECEASED: Mr. Ronald Owen Willabus, Mrs. Elfreda Marcus; Mr. Clyde Raymond Roopchand; Mrs. Elaine Eleanor Greene; Mr.Canon Geoffrey Dolphin; Sir. John Carter, OC, KB, CCH, OR; Mr. Thomas Joshua Levi; Mr. Kwesi Nkofi; Mr. Errol Bathersfield; Mr.Randall Mohan Buttisingh; Ms. Elvira Beryl Sydney and Ms. Winifred Gaskin.
OTHER NOTABLE PICTURES UNVEILED:
Buxton Friendship Village Council in the 1950’s. Information on Indian Immigration to British Guiana in 1838,donated by Ms. Joan Khan(Butisingh).
A “Board of Fame” for Villagers contribution to the development of the village, donated by the Buxton Friendship Restoration Committee was unveiled and prepared for viewing. Other notable donations during the year were a “historical piece of railway line” by Mr. Derrick Cummings and historical documents by Ms. Hazel Woolford of the Guyana Institute of Historical Research.
To conclude his presentation Keith Easton stated that the villages of Victoria and Buxton should be made and recognized as historical villages along with buildings in the villages, Tipperary Hall and the Buxton/ Friendship market to name a few.
The final greetings / remarks as per protocol were made by President Ifran Ali of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, who spoke of his commitment to Buxton’s development, with emphasis on agriculture. President Ali was then given a tour of the Museum and Archives by the staff and board members before he departed.
The last part of the program was most touching as graduating students received certifications and trophies for their performance at our first Young Visionaries IT course which is now recognized by the Board of Industrial Training Center. This course was coordinated by the BFMACC Secretary Ms. Karen Dey and staff Mr. Jermine Gilkes along with other tutors, as a result of a set of computers donated by IDB.
A plaque for Mrs. Evadney Talbot, now 110 years old, the oldest living Buxtonian was received by Mrs. Ingrid Nelson, her caregiver on her behalf. Our program included drumming, poetry reading and singing of the Buxton Battle Song.
Following our Anniversary celebration there was a Walk-a-Thon coordinated by a board member Ms. Moses. The aim of the tour was twofold: 1. Fundraising 2. Educational. Attendees were able to walk a scheduled route and were informed / educated on historical landmarks in the villages.
The Guyana Reparations Committee (GRC) hosted a Royal Delegation of 12 Kings, Queens, Princesses, and Chiefs who were in Guyana during the Emancipation Period. The delegation comprised Royalty from Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Kenya. The royal delegation visited the Museum and Archives on July 31st 2022 and were impressed. Special thanks to Chief Eric Phillips for organizing the tour.
In addition, we were visited by over 200 students from Linden, Essequibo, West Coast Berbice and the Methodist Church. The first three visits were organized by the reparations committee.
To close our month of anniversary celebrations we held our First Annual Fundraiser “ Guyana Pepper pot lime” sponsored by the FVMA in Maryland USA. This event which would assist in funding the BFMACC along with public and private donations, featured numerous Guyanese dishes, with pepper pot being the main dish. The event was a success and for attendees who were not familiar with the organization, the president and founder Keith Easton, made a presentation, to inform them of the opening, mission, activities and informed all that based on our incorporation in Guyana and the USA as nonprofit entities we are not permitted to be involved in politics and can lose our non-profit status.
Special thanks to staff, Board members of BFMACC and FVMA, volunteers and all donors from the United States, Guyana, Grenada, St. Kitts, Jamaica, Trinidad, Africa, Aruba, Canada, businesses and others from the diaspora for their generous support and contribution of cash, in-kind support, as well as the donation of artifacts and historical documents.
We are very pleased with what has been accomplished during our four years and look forward to your continued support as we seek to build on the foundation established and work towards the long term, functioning and sustainability of the BFMACC.
Please note, we encourage “Gifting”, speak to your financial planner. We would like to set up support groups in other states and countries. Please call for more information.
Please visit our Web Site under construction for pictures and other information.
https://buxtonfriendshipmuseum.com or http://friendsofvma.com Stay well, stay safe.
Sincerely,
Keith Easton-For BFMACC & FVMA
Acting. Museum Administrator, Curator for BFMACC, Founder and President, FVMA
