Guyana is a land of six races, so we have lots of stories to tell. This blog features stories and articles related to the people, history and cultures of Guyana, South America
Chutney music is a fusion of several genres of music including Indian Folk Music, Bollywood Music, soca music, and Caribbean calypso. It emerged against the backdrop of indentureship in several British colonies, including Guyana and Trinidad and is most popular amongst people of East Indian descent in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, and Jamaica.
The indentured servants arriving from India, having been forced to forego their language and culture and assume new ones, found a creative way to merge their roots with their emerging identity. And so was born Chutney music – a genre of music which fuses East Indian instrumentals with Creolese and English lyrics.
Famous chutney artists include: Sundar Popo, Ravi B, Terry Gajraj, Chris Garcia, Tauseef Baksh, and now…introducing…Farouk “De Fyrishman.”
Farouk De Fyrishman was born, as the name suggests, in the village of Fyrish on the Corentyne Coast of Region 6, Guyana, South America. Although he has migrated to the United States – he took his roots and culture, and chutney music with him. As he so humorously put it, ” you can take me out of Fryish, but you can’t take the Fyrishman thinking out of me.”
You can take me out of Fyrish, but you can’t take the Fyrishman thinking out of me.
Farouk de fyrishman
And on this note, Farouk De Fyrishman is busy in New York. Aside from holding a steady, full-time job, he spends most of his free time, entertaining, recording, writing songs, and promoting chutney music. To this end, he has created his own Facebook Group where he promotes all things Fyrish, and all things chutney. You can join the Farouk De Fyrishman Group by clicking here.
Not About Money
Farouk De Fyrishman relates that he is fueled not by the desire to become rich or famous, but to promote love and unity through chutney music, because, as he says, “that’s what chutney music is about, promoting love and unity amongst Guyanese people.”
Farouk has won several singing competitions, and has sung alongside internationally recognized chutney stars such as Raymond Ramnarine and Terry Gajraj. And just in time for mother’s day, he would like to bless your hearts with his latest release, a mother’s day song entitled, “Love Your Mother.”
Chutney music is about culture, happiness, and bringing people together, because music is about love.
farouk de fyrishman
Singing for Charity
Farouk de Fyrishman often performs at concerts and donates parts of the revenues to persons in need such as those living in poverty or needing costly medical attention.
Stephanie’s says her parents don’t believe in her dream of becoming a professional singer, and they don’t encourage her to pursue it. She says that’s OK with her, but she wants to prove them wrong, and as such, the determined young woman is pursuing her dreams of being a professional singer full speed ahead. Fueled by her passion and a deep-rooted confidence in her own abilities, Stephanie believes that all she truly needs to succeed in the music industry is her unquenchable passion to do so.
After spending years learning to sing, I decided it was time to put my music out as my own. I hope to inspire everyone especially my Guyanese people to believe in yourself and work hard. Anything is possible if you have a plan.
Stephanie brassington – march 14, 2022
Stephanie Kyrstal Brassington was born on the 25th of May, 1996 in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. She is the second of 3 siblings – 1 boy and 2 girls. Her father, Winston Brassington, is a well known economist, and her mom, Alana, was an English Lecturer (now retired) at the University of Guyana – Turkeyen Campus.
Stephanie attended the Marian’s Academy Nursery, the Marian Academy Primary School, and then the School of the Nations Secondary School. By the time she was 19, she had migrated to the USA and licensed in Insurance. She then started running Allstate Insurance Agency which turned out to be a very successful enterprise for her – pulling in six figures. At 22, Stephanie started studying economics at Florida International University.
In the year 2017, while Stephanie was in New York at the recording studio of her friend, Poonam Singh, her childhood flame started to flicker anew.
I developed my passion for writing first at 11. I’d just find words that were deep and try to rhyme and write a poem. I went to guitar and piano classes at 12 with my sister, and that’s when I developed a passion for writing songs…but I never wanted to sing them myself because I believed I couldn’t sing.
Watching the creative work of the woman whom Stephanie describes as her “best friend,” the internationally acclaimed Guyanese artiste, Poonam Singh, rekindled her childhood flame of becoming a singer. But this time, she had already built up the confidence to let her voice out to the world.
Stephanie says she is inspired by her best friend, Poonam Singh
Stephanie returned to Miami the following month and started training with professionals, learning the basics of singing, and fitting songs to tracks. She started doing demos and sending them to artists she had through studios and networking events. Through extensive research, she connected to A&R label managers who connected her with other writers and vocalists looking for samples.
So far, Stephanie has written and recorded about 79 songs. She sold 30 song lyrics and the rest are in her archives. She has worked with professional artistes on collaborative projects.
But that’s not all. Stephanie recently released her first song, “Been Through” which was actually recorded 2 years ago. She’s super excited to share new music and showcase the level of production and work she’s done over the last two years.
24th of January, 2022. Region 9, Guyana, South America
Last updated: January 27, 2022 at 5:22 am
21-year old Kemmely Alexia Chapman is a daughter of the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, South America. Although she was born in neighboring Brazil, her parents, Karina and Daniel Chapman, are both Guyanese citizens and proud residents of Region 9. As a result, Kemmely is one of those rear gems of Guyana who can speak both English and Portuguese fluently – making her an even greater asset to her country which shares strong and ever-growing diplomatic and economic ties with its southern neighbor.
Growing up in the Rupununi, Kemmely attended the St. Ignatius Nursery School, the St. Ignatius Primary School, and then the St. Ignatius Secondary school where she wrote and excelled in the CSEC exams. Because of her outstanding academic performance, she was immediately selected for a full scholarship to study Communications at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.
In high school, the young girl was an outstanding athlete competing fiercely in the track & field 400, 200, and 100 meters sprints where she emerged a champion and was named Best Sports Woman at the St. Ignatius Secondary School. She also represented her Region at the National level where she won a gold medal, and in Brazil where she brought home three golds.
In the year 2022, Kemmely completed her two-year programme achieving her Diploma in Communications at the University of Guyana. Kemmely says that her next move is to pursue a degree in Business at the University of Guyana which she will be starting this year (September, 2022).
Join us in cheering Kemmely all the way to the top of the ladder of success as she makes her parents, region, and country proud.
Guyanese Born, Tauseef Baksh, is a Rising Star in the West Indian Music Industry
First Published: 17th o November, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: July 1, 2022 at 1:33 am
Tauseef Ahmed Baksh was born in the small rural community of Belvedere in the ancient county of Berbice, Region 6, Guyana, South America at the home of his grandparents. An only child, he grew up with his parents, Momin and Hassena Baksh, in Nigg Settlement – which is located right next to Belvedere. He attended the Albion Sports Complex Nursery School, the Cropper Primary School, and then J.C Chandisingh Secondary School.
From ever since he knew himself, Tauseef had a passion for singing, and this passion was greatly helped and encouraged by his uncle, Akbar Khan, who opened a music shop in the same village within close proximity to his home when the lad was just 7 or 8 years old. Tauseef seized the opportunity to go over often to his uncle’s music shop and listen to music as well as hone his singing skills through practice. He related that his uncle, Akbar Khan, who is also an excellent singer, was very supportive of his dream to become a professional singer, and helped him to become a better singer.
In the year 2006, Tauseef got married to the woman of his dreams with whom he shares three wonderful children – two girls and one boy, and his recently released (November 2021) hit song, “Love me too” was written for his wife.
In the year 2011, Tauseef recorded his first album entitled “Legends” featuring songs by Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, & Mukesh. The recording was done at Dr. Sugrim’s Recording Studio in Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice. The same year, the young man migrated to the United States to be with his wife and children, and his music career took the back burner for a few years due to other commitments and endeavors.
In the United States, Tauseef worked for a major telecommunications company for approximately eight years before exceling at a real estate course and obtaining a real estate license. He currently works with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Blake, REALTORS in the USA.
But Tauseef’s success in his new job and the fact that he was blazing a new, profitable career path didn’t cause him to forget his passion for singing. He kept at it whenever he had the time, and in 2019, he performed on stage at a public event where he was applauded by renowned artistes such as Terry Gajraj and Ranjeev Ramdeen. Later in the year, he entered a “Rising Star” competition hosted by Ranjeev where he emerged a winner.
In 2020, Tauseef Baksh entered into another competition based out of Canada called “Guyana’s Diaspora Music Monarch” hosted by Mr. Narine Dat Sookram where he was also a winner and gained the title of Monarch.
Earlier this year, the emerging artiste recorded his first Bollywood Cover Music Video entitled Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi featuring his youngest daughter in it. He then released another Bollywood Cover Music entiled Tere Bin alongside Yangki from Canada.
On November, 13th, 2021, in solidarity with Guyana’s one-of-a-kind Chutney Music Industry, Tauseef Baksh released his hit Chutney single, “Love Me Too,” which was cowritten by his eldest daughter, Tasleema, who is now 13 years old.
Released on November 13, “Love Me Too” became an overnight sensation which has already clocked more than 11,000 views and counting on West Indian Chutney Music YouTube Channel.
This music video and song was a complete home production. Music was built & vocals were recorded right in my home studio. We do videography work as well. All of my music videos were done by Triple T Productions, managed by my daughter Tasleema. I am already working on my next production which will be another Bollywood cover.
tauseef baksh – november 2021.
Tauseef Baksh’s extra-ordinary success in the local music industry which speaks to a Guyanese identity has been an inspiration to Guyanese both at home and abroad. You can follow and cheer the young singer on by following him on:
First Published: 21st of October, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: June 22, 2022 at 13:43 pm
Ryan Huckumchand has a talent for singing as much as he has a passion for his Christian faith – and in this context, he plans to take worship music to a whole new level with an emerging genre called “Soca Gospel.” Soca Gospel incorporates some of our local Caribbean linguistic styles into songs of worship as you can see from Ryan’s professionally produced music video “Kinda Way.”
Ryan Huckumchand was born on the 4th of November in Essequibo and as such describes himself as a “country boy.” He currently resides in Bartica where he attends a Pentecostal church called the Bartica Full Gospel Church. At church, Ryan is a worship leader and a young ordained elder.
He completed his primary and secondary education at Zeeburg on the West Coast of Demerara, Guyana, South America.
My dream is to become a gospel artiste who promotes the word of God and His love through Soca Gospel Music, but I also sing other genres. I often travel across Guyana with my Pastor, David Yasin, also known as Solid Youth, and his missionary team called Team Mission Possible Army — where I serve as the main worship leader and singer.
Ryan says he has been singing “ever since he knew himself.”
You can keep updated with more of Ryan Huckumchand’s gifted productions and give him your support by following him on:
First Published: 14th of October, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: June 20, 2022 at 15:30 pm
A former soldier and teacher, a politician and family man, Community Development Officer of the South Rupununi Savannahs, Region 9, Guyana, South America, Mr. Manley Thomas, is a man who truly inspires.
Manley Thomas’ determination to succeed in life despite great challenges and the odds sometimes stacked against him is the driving theme of this story. The deaths of his mother and sister while he was still young were some of his greatest challenges – but he fueled his emotions in a positive direction – determined that their lives and sacrifices would not have gone in vain.
Manley Thomas is a dedicated family man.
Manley Junior Polo Thomas was born in the beautiful South Rupununi Village of Aishalton in Region 9, Guyana, South America. His mother, Jenny Francis Thomas, belongs to the Wapichan Nation of Indigenous peoples from Awarewanau village, and his father, Manley Thomas (Senior), belongs to the Akawaio Nation from Warmadong Village, Region 7, Guyana, South America. Mr. Thomas explained that there is no specific name for an indigenous child mixed with two different nations of indigenous peoples, but that he identifies with his mother’s side – a proud Wapichan.
The main economic activities for people living in Aishalton village are farming, mining, cattle rearing, and small businesses. As such, in addition to being a Community Development Officer, Mr. Thomas also does small scale farming in his hometown of Aishalton, and believes that one day the Rupununi Savannahs can become self-sufficient in terms of food production – and even export to different regions and countries instead of being so heavily reliant on Brazil as is happening now. He relates that with greater effort and cooperation, many of the foodstuffs that are being imported from Brazil can actually be produced and sold at a much lower cost right in the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana.
The young Manley Thomas attended the Aishalton Nursery School and then the Aishalton Primary School. He was later transferred to Awarewanau Primary. Then, he came back to the Aishalton Secondary School, and was later transferred to the St. Ignatius Secondary School at St. Ignatius Village, Region 9 – where the wrote the CSEC examinations in 2004.
After Highschool, in the year 2005, Mr. Thomas went straightway to enlist in the Guyana Defense Force. He became a soldier and was immediately posted to the G2 branch where he served as a military police for 2 years and then was posted to the Military Intelligence Unit where he served for another two years. A few years later, Manley was sent for overseas training in Belize where he spent one month training in the area of Marine Close Combat Training. Unfortunately, due to welfare problems, Mr. Thomas pulled out of the training and the military and set out to find a new focus in life.
My journey to upgrade myself was not easy since my support came from my mother, sister, and father. Unfortunately, my mom passed away in 2008 followed by my sister in 2010. This shook my world, but their deaths inspired the determination in me not to give up in life.
CDO Manley thomas
Manley said his “firm resolve to remain positive in life” guided him to become a teacher at a Private School, Institute of Professional Development, on the East Bank of Demerara where he taught Social Studies and History for one year.
Move to Politics
Mr. Thomas explained that his motivation to enter the political arena, which he did in the year 2014, was fueled by his desire to leave a better legacy for the children of his community. His emboldened personality type further pushed him into this field where he is happy to have an opportunity to be the voice of his people.
I was an outspoken kid in Grade 1, a prefect in Primaries 4, 5, 6, class Rep in Forms 1, 2, and 3, and President of the School Body at St. Ignatius Secondary School during the years of 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Disheartened by the former APNU/AFC government’s many failed promises, Mr. Thomas joined forces with the PPP/C and rallied for its victory in the 2020 elections.
Today I am 34 years old, and all I want is to see that our government set the pace for our children. They must not be deprived of opportunities that I did not have. I will also be happy when I see the opposition and the government of the day work hand in hand to craft polices and implement them for the development of our country.
manley thomas
Mr. Thomas says he was especially inspired by former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues – especially Mrs. Rodrigues words, “you can make a difference, you can create your path.”
An Accident That Didn’t Change His Life
Manley’s love for biking cost him dearly – a broken arm during an accident while biking to Parabara Village to deliver salaries to CSOs. He explained that the road was wet and slippery, and further, the waters had undermined the foundation of the road causing the bike’s wheel to sink. He lost control of the bike going at about 60 mph. The female companion at the back of his bike was also thrown off, and, unfortunately, also suffered a broken arm.
Manley suffered a broken arm, but that didn’t daunt his spirits. In a few short weeks, he could be seen out and about using the other arm to help load a tractor carrying relief supplies to different parts of the Rupununi.
Despite this tragic accident, Mr. Thomas keeps his love for biking. He’ll just be a lot more cautious and a bit more experienced next time.
At the same time, he would like to dispel rumors that he was under the influence of alcohol and racing on the day of the accident.
Continual Educational Advancement
In 2012, Manley applied for a short course in Public Management at the Institution of Distance and Continuous Education/University of Guyana where he came out with a pass in Credit. In 2020 he enrolled in the free courses that the government of Guyana had facilitated online and completed five courses at the University of California, Irvine. These included the Art of Negotiation, High Impact Business Writing, Managing Project Risk & Changes, Initiating and Planning Projects, and Basic Psychology.
Presently Mr. Thomas is a student at Indira Ghandi Open University through the Goal Online Scholarship.
So I’m happy to incorporate all of this knowledge and experience into this present job that I am doing as a Community Development Officer. I love my job. I am in charge of 14 villages, 10 of which are in the Deep South District and 4 in South Central.
Manley’s job entails monitoring of projects done by the villages through grants given by the Government of Guyana, monitoring the Community Support Officers, and supporting and guiding the Toshaos in the area of development. He is also also a direct link between those villages and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Mr. Thomas has a strong love for the Rupununi and boasts that he has already visited all 57 villages in Region 9. He explains that the average Community Development Officer is assigned 8 to 10 villages, but he was given 14, for which he is proud, because, as he says, “I guess when you are reliable, more responsibility is given.”
CDO Manley Thomas is happily married to Renita Casimero with whom he shares three beautiful children.
First Published: 11th of October, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: July 5, 2022 at 15:03 pm
Aurelia has always been in love with words. At the age of four, she found her mother’s copy of “Julius Caesar” and read it from cover to cover and has since devoured many pieces of literary works that even adults may find daunting.
These are the worlds of Aurelia’s mom, susan ibrahim.
“Teachers,” is a sample taken from Aurelia’s first book, a collection of poems entitled, “A Little Poet’s World.”
The success of Aurelia Ibrahim at such a young age in one of the world’s most competitive and challenging industries is yet another beautiful example of a parent’s ability to recognize a child’s latent talents and abilities and help them to harness it. This key concept is the backbone of the success story of young Guyanese author, Aurelia Ibrahim, who is the published author of her first book, “A Little Poet’s World,” and who is working on her second book which is to be released soon.
Aurelia (right), along with her mom, Susan, and her sister, Kate.
Aurelia Ibrahim was born on the 16th of March, 2008. Her mom, Susan, is a make-up artist by profession and CEO of SAKS Makeup Artistry. Her dad, Shafwaz, is an architectural engineer, and founder and CEO of SAKS Consultant and Drafting Corps in Georgia, USA. Aurelia has just one sibling, 9-year-old Kate Ibrahim who is currently a student of Mae’s Primary School.
Can you believe that such enlightening words spring from the pen of a 10 year old?
Aurelia attended Mae’s Nursery and Primary in Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana, South America. She then moved on to Marian Academy where she is presently in Grade 9 (Form 3).
Aurelia and her younger sister, Kate, share a moment of fun in the sun.
The young Aurelia was passionate about writing, art, and literature from a very tender age, and she was showered with literature books and other reading material from “since she was a baby.” However, Aurelia’s mom, Susan, relates that it was Aurelia’s 5th grade teacher, Shelly, who first noticed the young girl’s exceptional writing talent and brought it to her mother’s attention.
One of Aurelia’s customers/fans pose with a copy of her book, “A Little Poet’s World.”
The poem was “Secret Garden.“ Teacher Shelly asked to see me and her exact words were, “Susan you have a talented daughter, and you should publish her writing. Waste no time.” And I followed her advice, and it was months after…she was still 10…that we officially launched her book…which was September 2018.
“Secret Garden,” is a sample taken from Aurelia’s first book, a collection of poems, “A Little Poet’s World.”
Aurelia, with the help of her mother, published her book, a collection poems, at the tender age of ten.
Get your copy today at Austin’s Book Services
You can support Aurelia’s literary and artistic work and cheer her all the way to the top of the ladder of success by liking and following Aurelia’s social media pages where you will be updated with her upcoming books and other projects.
Remember that you can also walk into Austin’s Book Services in Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana, South America and grab your copy of a “A Little Poet’s World” at any time!
Aurelia’s personal website and Amazon author page are coming soon!
First Published: 6th of October, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: June 19, 2022 at 14:18 pm
Guyana’s got talent! And 18 year-old Galina Edmund, of Paruima Village, Region 7, Guyana, South America, is living proof of that! In her first three professionally made music videos, which we will put on display here, Galina showcases not only her extraordinary talent in singing and acting, but also the scenic beauty of her village of birth, Paruima in Region 7, Guyana, South America. After watching these videos, you’ll be compelled by pure conscience to give this young performer your full support as she climbs all the way to the top of the ladder of success.
Galina Susie Edmund was born on the 8th of April, 2003 in Paruima Village on the East Bank of the Kamarang River in Region 7, Guyana, South America. She attended the Paruima Nursery School, and then the Paruima Primary School where she wrote the Common Entrance Examinations and was awarded a place at one of Guyana’s top secondary schools – the Christ Church Secondary School in Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana, South America.
Although her transfer to the heart of the city would have been sponsored by a Government of Guyana Scholarship, Galina chose to remain in her village of birth and attend instead a private secondary institution called the Paruima Private School where she wrote and passed 6 CSEC subjects. Galina related that, despite the fact that she would have been taken care of by government officials, she was hesitant to be transferred away from her family to the heart of the city at such a young age. In her own words, “I didn’t go ’cause I was very young…and why go while there was a school just next door?”
Nevertheless, the government still funded Galina’s secondary education at the Private Institution in Paruima Village by catering for uniforms, tuition fees etc. The scholarship was a PPP/C initiative which was awarded to her by the then PPP/C government before it lost power in 2015, but it was upheld for the rest of the entire 5-year period by the APNU/AFC government after it took office in 2015. The young woman says she applauds government support of education in hinterland regions such as this one from which she has benefited and plans to make good use of it.
Having developed a love for singing from a very young age, Galina, along with a videographer from the same village, Chris Elliman, teamed up and produced an adaptation of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” When the video was first posted on Facebook, it captivated tens of thousands of people both in and out of Guyana who were curious to learn more about this talented young girl – and which is what prompted us to do this feature.
The music video presentation, “You Say,” filmed by Chris Elliman and featuring Galina Edmund, not only showcases Galina’s powerful vocals and exquisite voice, but her outstanding acting skills and magnificent composure as well. These admirable qualities are the unifying thread that would run through the two subsequent videos released by Galina Edmund and her team of talent at Paruima Village.
Below are screenshots from Galina Edmund’s rendition of “You Say.” Click on any one of the pictures to watch the full video on YouTube.
A few months later, Galina stunned the world again with her new, 100% original music video performance delivered in her native Arecuna language, “Inya Nono, Inya Kowantok!” This, translated, means “Our Land, Our Life!” The song, the lyrics of which will be translated to English soon, highlights the importance of the land to the Arecuna Nation of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.
Below are screenshots from Galina Edmund’s song in the Arecuna language, “Inya Nono, Inya Kowantok!” Click on any one of the pictures to watch the full video on YouTube.
Galina’s most recent release is a mesmerizing rendition of Selena Quintanilla’s “Dreaming of You.” She relates that she sees Selena as a role model and has drawn tremendous inspiration from the iconic singer whose tragic death broke the hearts of millions of people around the world. On this note, Galina relates that, like her role model Selena, she too can sing in both English and Spanish as well her native Arecuna language.
Below are screenshots from Galina Edmund’s music video performance of “Dreaming of You.” Click on any one of the pictures to watch the full video on YouTube.
Galina explains that her ambition is to become both a professional singer and a doctor as both professions give her the opportunity to positively impact the lives of people and make them happy.
As she graces her way into the world of music and entertainment, the young performer is now working on yet another music video production with her team at Paruima Village.
Update: 17th of June, 2022. Galina has migrated from her hometown to pursue medical studies at the Bartica Health Institute, so she won’t be doing videos for a while. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the ones she has already done.
You can keep abreast with this and all the other great stuff she is doing, and help to cheer her on, by following Galina Edmund’s Facebook Page.
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First Published: 5th of October, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: June 21, 2022 at 14:53 pm
For teacher’s day 2021 – October, 5th, we have the honor of featuring one of Guyana’s most outstanding veteran educators – a young man by the name of Kenrick Lewis who has touched the hearts of thousands of people and impacted countless lives throughout his 26-year long ongoing career. He is presently the Headmaster of St. Ignatius Secondary in Region 9, Guyana, South America.
Mr. Kenrick Lewis was born 44 years ago at the Georgetown Hospital in Region 4, Guyana, South America to Henry and Juliet Lewis, and he grew up on what he describes as the “beautiful island of Wakenaam which is located in the mouth of the Essequibo River.” Kenrick describes his father as a really hard working person and his mother as an inspiration and one of the most caring persons on earth.
Kenrick’s education began at Maria’s Pleasure Nursery and Primary Schools in Wakenaam and then advanced to the Essequibo Islands Secondary School where he graduated with 7 CSEC subjects in the year 1995. After high school, the young Lewis started his career in teaching as a TQM (Temporary Qualified Master), and in 1997 he started pursuing a Train Teacher’s Certificate at the Cyril Potter’s College of Education where he majored in Mathematics and graduated with flying colors in the year 2000.
In 2002, Kenrick Lewis was awarded a Government of Guyana scholarship to study Physical Education and Sports in Cuba where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in the year 2007. In 2008, he started working as a lecturer at the Cyril Potter’s College of Education in Georgetown, and by 2010, he had completed an Education Management Course offered by NCERD.
Move to the Rupununi
In the year 2008, the accomplished and successful Kenrick Lewis met the woman of his dreams – Mrs. Faye Ann Lewis – who at that time was a teacher at the Arapaima Nursery School In Lethem, Region 9. The two dated for two years and got married in 2010. This is what compelled Mr. Lewis to relocate to the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana – where he now owns his own home at Culvert City, not too far from the Lethem Airport. He lives at his recently constructed home in Culvert City with his beloved wife, their adopted daughter, Anna Jose, and their biological son, Lemuel Lewis.
Mr. Kenrick Lewis poses for a photo with friends and family.
Upon arriving in the Rupununi, Mr. Lewis took up employment at the St. Ignatius Secondary School as the Head of the Mathematics Department. He subsequently started acting as the Deputy Headmaster and was appointed in the year 2014. In 2020, he was appointed as the Headmaster – a position he currently holds and enjoys tremendously despite the many challenges that come with such a position.
Throughout his life, Kenrick says, he was inspired by many outstanding Guyanese teachers – such as Jaidat Persuad, Moses Ramnarine, Chandraka Balgobin, Lenny Mohammed, Seewchand Jewnandan, “teacher Aftab,” and Pamela Thomas…just to name a few. Teacher Aftab, he says, always promoted heath and wellness, and this is something he can relate to since, in addition to being a Mathematics major, he is also a Physical Education teacher and graduate from Cuba.
Visions for a Brighter Future
Mr. Kenrick Lewis has many great ideas and dreams for improving the education system in general, but especially in the Rupununi – a place where he says he feels comfortable and is happy to call his home. One example of this is the classroom sponsorship program where businessmen or other people who could afford it sponsor a classroom. By sponsoring a classroom, your name is assigned to the classroom and you help to upgrade and upkeep it. The “Sponsor a Classroom” program is often advertised on social media and other forms of media accessible to the school. On this note, Mr. Lewis would like to thank St. Ignatius businessman, Mr. Ken Grant, for being the first person to have sponsored a classroom at the St. Ignatius Secondary School – in addition to making various other contributions to the school, and having been proactively involved in helping to develop the school.
Aside from evangelical outreaches, Kenrick also enjoys playing cricket, swimming, and walking for exercise. He advises that walking is one of the “best exercises ever” since it places less stress on the joints and conditions the body gradually.
First Published: 25th of August, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: June 19, 2022 at 14:15 pm
Caleb Benjamin is presently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Guyana, but on the side, he has developed a profitable photography business that is quickly spiraling into a fulltime career – to the point that Caleb considered dropping out of the University to focus entirely on his photography career. However, after taking some sound advice from several well-meaning individuals, Caleb decided that he will do both – push through with his studies at the University of Guyana to obtain a B.A in Forestry and continue to develop his photography skills and business at the same time. At the time of this article, he has just finished his second year at the University of Guyana and has two more years to go to obtain a bachelor’s degree in forestry.
Caleb Benjamin, founder of photography business, Caleb’s Production, was born and raised in the village of Pomeroon in Region 2, Guyana, South America. He attended Liberty Primary School in Pomeroon Village before moving on to the 8th of May Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast. After graduating high school, Caleb advanced to the Guyana School of Agriculture where he studied Forestry for one year, obtaining a certificate in Forestry. Right after that, he advanced to the University of Guyana where he is currently in his third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry.
My photographer friend came over from town, and I held his camera for the first time, and I took some shots with his camera with no experience, and they came out great. And they were like, “wow you have the gift!” Then a relative lent me a Nikon for the first time. I used to take random pics of nature…sunset, plants, and so on. I uploaded these pics to my Facebook profile, and when people saw them, they invited me to photograph their birthdays, weddings, etc.
caleb benjamin – founder of caleb’s production
Believe it or not, Caleb still has a copy of the first photo he’s ever taken using a mobile phone, and he shares it with us here.
The young student/photographer relates that at first, he turned down offers to do paid photography work at social functions, but accepted some with close friends and relatives. However, noticing how good his photos were, and after getting more and more compliments and request for paid jobs, he invested in a Canon 90 D camera.
The Canon 90 D camera arrived at his home in September, 2020, and with that, his photography career took a leap forward. He’s had some challenges, he says, but he overcame them. Further, he relates that he never took any formal photography classes – but learned from YouTube videos instead.
What motives me is the end result of my work – seeing the joy in my customers’ faces when they see the photographs I’ve captured for them. I always learn from my mistakes and try to make the next shoot better than the one before.
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