Research Engineer and Author

Trevelyan A. Sue-A-Quan was born in November 1943 in Georgetown, Guyana. He is the great-grandson of an indentured labourer. Trev attended Queen's College in Georgetown and attained B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, England. He immigrated to Canada in 1969.

Trevelyan A. Sue-A-Quan was born in November 1943 in Georgetown, Guyana. He is the great-grandson of an indentured labourer who had embarked with his wife and son aboard the ship Corona at Canton. They arrived at Georgetown in February 1874 after 78 days at sea. The family was allotted to La Grange sugar cane plantation on the West Bank of the Demerara River. Many of the Chinese immigrants and their second generation descendants became shopkeepers, including Soo Sam-kuan the author's grandfather. In the process of cultural assimilation his name became transformed into Henry Sue-A-Quan thus initiating the distinctive family surname.

Trev Sue-A-Quan's generation was the one that typified the transition from shopkeeping to professions based on higher education. His brother and sister both graduated from Edinburgh, Scotland and became chief surgeon and mathematician/computer specialist, respectively.

Trev attended Queen's College in Georgetown and attained B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, England. He immigrated to Canada in 1969 but then pursued a career opportunity with a major oil company in Chicago where he was engaged in research in petroleum processing and fossil fuel utilization.

Eight years later Trev headed East - to Beijing, China, becoming Senior Research Engineer at the Coal Science Research Center. He spent 5 years there and in 1984 returned to Canada with his wife and son, both acquired in Beijing. They now make their home in Vancouver.

The interest in Trev's family history came from a curiosity about the circumstances that caused his great-grandfather to leave his native land. Almost 20 years after obtaining a copy of his ancestor's contract of indenture Trev has applied his training in analytical research to compile this comprehensive account of the experiences of the first Chinese immigrants in Guyana.

Trev Sue-A-Quan is the Author of Cane Reapers and Cane Ripples

Cane Reapers is the story about the Chinese who were procured to replace the emancipated slaves on the sugar plantations of Guyana (then British Guiana). Following China's defeat by Britain in the Opium Wars in the 1840s the European powers, and Spain in particular, began a recruitment drive to obtain Chinese labourers for their colonies. This was executed using all manner of methods ranging from subtle inducement to kidnapping. Numerous abuses arose from this trade in human cargo and Britain later set up local emigration depots aimed at enlisting willing emigrants, with some degree of success. Between 1853 and 1879 a total of 13,541 indentured labourers arrived in British Guiana from China but by 1900 the resident Chinese population was down to 3,000 mainly because only 15% of the Chinese immigrants were females. The Chinese endured many tribulations both in the journey and after arrival in the new land. In the process of assimilation into Western culture some unique names have evolved for Chinese families, creating both a mystery and a topic of fascination for their descendants and for genealogists.

Cane Ripples is an integrated work that expresses the joy and pains experienced by a vital sector of Guyanese society during the 20th century. . . It uses oral histories, personal recollections, photographs, and archival materials to illuminate an important aspect of Guyana’s complex history. . . We can see the names and the faces that influenced Guyana’s social, economic, political, cultural, and scientific life. Contributors take us into their homes, share family histories, and tell us about the creation of some of Guyana’s most successful institutions and enterprises . . . Dr. Trev Sue-A-Quan must be congratulated for a most valuable and accessible contribution.

From rootsweb

Cardiologist

Dr. Esmond Barker, a native of Guyana, South America, received his undergraduate degree from the College of Staten Island, New York, and his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

He completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he later became chief resident.

In 1995, he obtained his cardiology fellowship at Rutgers University (Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital) in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He also completed a senior year of residency as an ambulatory care instructor and research fellow. Returning to Pittsburgh, he practiced cardiology at North Hills Passavant Hospital.

Dr. Barker continued his cardiology studies with a Fourth Year Interventional Cardiology Training at Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Lafayette, Louisiana. Subsequently, he joined Cardiovascular Institute of the South as a staff cardiologist in Lafayette.

Dr. Barker is a Diplomate in internal medicine and is board eligible in cardiovascular disease.

In 1990, Dr. Barker was honored by Uniontown Hospital as an outstanding physician and selected to "Who's Who Among Rising Young Americans."

From Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Scholarship win 'a gift for father'

Arriving in North Carolina in the spring semester of his sophomore High School year in 2004, Raj Persaud , a native of Guyana admitted he was “overwhelmed at first” in acclimating to American culture.
Two years later the youngest child of Charlie and Mohinie Persaud is only the fourth Clayton High School student ever to receive the -Morehead Scholarship -the most prestigious college scholarship offered in the state of North Carolina.

When Clayton High School senior Raj Persaud asked his father what he wanted for his birthday on March 8, Charlie Persaud replied, “The only thing I want is for you to get the Morehead Scholarship. ”

The younger Persaud said, “I felt like asking him, ‘Couldn’t I just go to Wal-Mart and pick you up a pair of new socks?’ ”

It turns out that Plan B won’t be necessary. The youngest child of Charlie and Mohinie Persaud found out – fittingly enough on March 8 – that he had become only the fourth CHS student ever to receive the most prestigious college scholarship offered in the state of North Carolina. He is one of just two Johnston County students to earn the scholarship this year, along with Emily Carter of South Johnston High School.

“I’m still in shock,” Persaud said. “I’m expecting Ashton Kutcher (star of “That 70s Show” and “Punked”) to walk through the door any second and tell me I’ve been punked.”

The Morehead Scholarship, named after long-time University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill benefactor John Motley Morehead, was instituted in 1957. The four-year scholarship, valued at approximately $80,000 for in-state and $140,000 for out-of-state students, covers all undergraduate college expenses, including the cost of a laptop computer and four summer enrichment experiences.

Persaud is one of 53 high school seniors in the United States and Great Britain to be chosen for the scholarship this year. A total of 1,620 applied.

CHS guidance counselor Pam Savage, who recommended Persaud for the honor, said, “Raj is the quintessential Morehead Scholar. If he hadn’t gotten it, I’m not sure we’d ever have another one who’d qualify.”

Persaud said, “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever dreamed of, and my biggest accomplishment. I feel that way because of the potential this gives me to do so much good, to utilize all my talent and skills to make a positive impact on society – the capacity to do that is tremendous.”

By all accounts, Persaud already has had a major impact on Clayton High School in just the two and a half years he has been a student.

Arriving in the spring semester of his sophomore year in 2004, the native of Guyana (by way of a short stay in Lakeland, Fla.) admitted he was “overwhelmed at first” in acclimating to American culture.

“My dad came here because his church (Faith Community) offered him a job,” Persaud said. “It was a bit of culture shock, but I realized very quickly I had to take charge of my future.”

He credits his father’s life-long devotion to missionary work and education (Charlie Persaud served as principal of a school in Guyana for rural students) and his mother’s losing battle with cancer (Sewranie Persaud died when Raj was 7 years old) for shaping his own social consciousness and activism.

“Everyone I have met has had an influence on me, but if I had to list who has had the most, it would be my dad,” Persaud said.

“Growing up, watching his amazing service to others, and the sacrifices he and my mom (Mohinie) made to move here and provide me and my older sisters an education in this country – I think getting this scholarship helps repay them for those sacrifices.”

Savage said, “Raj has always been very community-focused. He jumped right in when he got here and founded Teens Changing the World. To him, there is nothing too little to do to get people to think about others.”

Teens Changing the World is a service club whose members engage in a variety of activities to provide community assistance, including visiting senior citizens’ homes, collecting hats for cancer victims who have lost hair due to chemotherapy and encouraging diversity in the high school through “Mix It Up Day,” when students spent lunch sitting with strangers.

In addition to founding that club, Persaud also is president of the Interact Club; creator and Web manager for Inspiration4All, an Internet chat group that offers aid to suicidal teenagers; and a board member of the Youth Council of North Carolina on HIV Awareness.

As part of that group, Persaud organized and sponsored several AIDS awareness sessions in his native country of Guyana, for which he was awarded the Governor’s Award for HIV/AIDS as Youth Volunteer of the Year.

A straight-A student with a 5.04 grade-point average, Persaud has been on the Principal’s List (for maintaining an A average in all subjects) his entire high school career. He has earned AP Scholar with Honor recognition, been named a Quest Bridge College Match Finalist, received an Editor’s Choice award and recognition as a 2004 Youth Poet by Youth Voice Newsletter for his writings, and has served as a school ambassador to the National Youth Parliament in Guyana.

Along with the Governor’s Award for his involvement with HIV/AIDS education, Persaud also has earned selection to attend the Rotary Club Youth Leadership Awards Conference and the state Catalyst Conference for Youth Leaders.

He also was the district and state winner of the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Competition in 2005.
Persaud hopes to pursue a degree in biology (his favorite subject) with a secondary concentration in public policy.

His long-term goal is to become an oncologist – a specialist in cancer research and treatment – as a result of his mother’s experience with the disease.

“That was a tough learning experience,” he said. “But going through it gave me the desire to help others go through it and support them.”

Persaud said that social awareness and motivation is what most attracted him to Chapel Hill – even though he remains a candidate for scholarships at Harvard and Yale universities, as well as the Robert-son Scholarship, a combined grant to both UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.

He expects to accept the Morehead by the April 14 notification deadline.

“Winning this (the Morehead) is giving me the opportunity to really do something meaningful,” he said. “I feel I’ve been given the skills and motivation to lead others, to allow them to see their potential to do good and help people live lives of dignity.

“The atmosphere at UNC, I feel, really helps drive you to be more productive, and the Morehead is a wonderful tool to do something that will have a tremendous positive impact,” he said.

Persaud is the first CHS student to earn the Morehead Scholarship since Natalie Sanders in 1999. He and fellow CHS senior Alex Wiedemann, who was named two week ago as a Parks Scholarship winner to North Carolina State University, are the first CHS students ever to receive the Parks and Morehead scholarships in the same graduating class.

CHS Principal Jerry Smith said, “This is a tremendous honor for the school and, particularly, for this senior class. They have been an exceptional group ever since entering the school, and these scholarships reflect the character and achievement this class has demonstrated all along.”

From Clayton News-Star

'Chapter One'

Sankar Singh, also know as Prakash was born in Georgetown, Guyana, at the age of 11, Prakash migrated to Queens, NY. Currently he is an accountant major at Queens College, NYC.

Sankar Singh, also know as Prakash was born in Georgetown, Guyana on November 1st. At the age of 17th, he took upon the stage name DJ PRAKZ. Prakz was born to two wonderful Guyanese parents who always supported and guided him through difficult situations in life. Growing up in Guyana, he was always surrounded by a wide range of music as from chutney/Soca/Indian and Reggae.

At the Age of 11, Prakz migrated to queens, NY. Currently he is an accountant major at Queens College. On weekends, Prakz dedicates himself to his music.

“Music is my first love and I do hope to pursue a musical career in the long run”, says Prakz.

NYC is where he became more interested in a more diverse range of music. He followed reggae artists such as Sean Paul and Supercat. I develop my style through people such as Apache Waria and a mixture of different reggae and soca artists.

Around the age of 17, Prakz joined the Supertones Band based in Queens, NY. Rocky, a high school friend who was already playing with the band introduced him to band leader, Avinash Singh and Band Manager Terry Gajraj.

Prakz thanks Avinash and Terry who were really the true members who gave him a chance in life and Omesh for his encouragement and everyone else who’ve been there for him. He fought his way up to a recognized artist and Terry has been truly been an inspiration to him in terms of helping and giving him a break in life.

Collaborating with artists like Terry Gajraj, Queen Yasmin and Apache Waria, Prakz finally started showing the world his talent. His first Solo Album 'Chapter One' was released in the summer of 2005.

Some of the highlights of his debut CD are the songs like Under Water (talking about the floods in Guyana) & Move Yuh Feet ( a song that has packed dancefloors throughout the US, Canada, Trinidad & Guyana). Soon after the release of Chapter One, Prakz recorded the music video to “Move Yuh Feet” which was then later followed by a music video to Under Water.

From DJPrakz

DJ Prakz 'Chapter One' In Stores Now....

Professor Of Medicine

Born in Guyana, South America, Dr. Compton Gift was a mathematics teacher in Guyana prior to attending the University of Connecticut from 1963 - 1966. In recent years he has returned to Guyana as part of a medical team to provide free medical services and medications.

Henry Compton Gift, MD, is the Medical Director of the Saint Mary’s Family Health Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is the Associate Program Director for the residency program in charge of ambulatory education.

Born in Guyana, South America, Dr. Gift was a mathematics teacher in Guyana prior to attending the University of Connecticut from 1963 - 1966.

He delayed his studies to serve in the United States Army as Section Chief Of Microbiology And Parasitology at the United States Army Hospital in Heidelberg, West Germany, for two years.

Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Dr. Gift graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in Biology. He then earned an M.P.H. degree in Epidemiology and Environmental Health from Yale University School of Public Health and his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Dr. Gift completed an Internal Medicine residency and chief residency at Saint Mary’s Hospital.

Dr. Gift has a private practice in Waterbury. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor Of Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine.

In recent years he has returned to Guyana as part of a medical team to provide free medical services and medications.

From St. Mary's Hospital

Caribbean café

In 1968, Dr. Tony Martin, a PHD in Nutrition and born in British Guyana, immigrated to the United States, bringing with him secret recipes handed down to him through generations of his family. He moved to Charlotte, NC in 1986 and opened a small Cafe with a menu straight from the heart of the Caribbean. It is named for his mother, Ann, and himself, Tony.

Anntony's Caribbean café has won many awards, received favorable reviews and accolades for it's innovative style and tasty Island cuisine. Rotisserie chicken marinated and seasoned for an authentic Caribbean flair has made the restaurant famous. This flavorful fare caused such a stir; Dr. Martin had to develop his unique and flavorful sauces for retail sale.

These sauces are so unique and versatile they can be used for marinating, dipping, topping, in beverages or just boasting to your guests that you've discovered a new secret recipe. Demand has continued to the point that Caribe Food Development was created. And a factory was built. The company now bottles these flavorful sauces for retail and the restaurant sales at our 3500 sq. ft. south Charlotte plant.

Currently Caribe Food Development sells products in supermarkets such as Food Lion, Winn Dixie, Harris Teeter, Bi-Lo and Ingles throughout the Southeast. They also sell to specialty distributors who deliver Anntonys to many other retailers throughout the country. In addition we sell our products to restaurant suppliers such as PYA Monarch, and US Foodservice.

Anntony's Caribbean café products are unparalleled due to specially blended herbs and spices, distinctive to the Caribbean. They bring a special flavor to any dish.

Anntony's features award winning authentic Caribbean cuisine, including healthy low fat rotisserie style meats, vegetarian side items such as black beans, callaloo greens and sweet potato fries. In addition to their Caribbean crab cakes, grouper and homemade curry dishes are always excellent choices.

They offer fresh conch chowder, lobster bisque and black bean soup. Enjoy the spicy tropical flavors of the islands including Jerk chicken, loin back ribs, the best wings around, coconut encrusted seafood and Cuban roasted pork.

In their Island coffee bar (Asheville) they offer freshly roasted bean coffees from all over the world as well as delicious desserts, smoothies and gypsy teas. Live entertainment (weather permitting) on Friday & Saturday nights overlooking the streets of downtown Asheville.

Try one of their products today and "Hey Mon! - Don't Worry 'bout Nothing"

Anntony's Caribbean café has three locations in North Carolina:


The Original Location- Charlotte (pictured)
Cheshire Commons - Asheville
Historic Grove Arcade - Downtown Charlotte

From Anntony's Caribbean café

International Musician

Jah Breeze was born in Guyana, he grew up with African music and has traveled to other continents to perform and study. He is currently artist in residence at Islandwood School on Bainbridge Island and The New School at South Shore, Seattle ,Washington. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Speech Communication from Drake University

Jah Breeze is a Rastafarian name meaning God's breath.

He is an international musician and percussionist from Guyana, the only English speaking country in South America. A solo and group performer with experience on drums and other instruments, he grew up with African music and has traveled to other continents to perform and study.

His teachers are world renowned master drummers from West Africa, including Babatunde Olatunji, a Nigerian Yoruba priest known for his "Drums of Passion," and Mamady Keita and Mamady (Wadaba) Kourouma of Guinea, both versed in the Malinke traditions and students of the legendary djembe master drummer, Famadou Konate.

Jah Breeze received a Service to Education Award in May 2000 from Seattle Community College District in recognition of 5 years of dedication to teaching. He served on the board of directors for ArtsCorps, a nonprofit arts education organization. He has directed the African Drum Ensembles at High Point YMCA and Rainier Beach Community Center in the past years, and taught African drum workshops for Rainier Valley Youth Theatre and the Whidbey Institute's youth program, "Power of Hope."

He has performed with the Seattle Dance Company for "Dance Dis" at the Paramount Theatre, and taught African drum workshops at the 2002 Seattle International Children Festival at Seattle Center.

He also directed the Arts Corps African Drum Ensemble in a South African mural exchange celebration at the Seattle Art Museum. Jah served as the Percussion Director for the 2003 MAAFA Performance produced by the Sankofa Theatre, a Pan African Saga about the legacies of the Middle Passage Experience.

He is currently artist in residence at Islandwood School on Bainbridge Island and The New School at South Shore. Participants learn traditional rhythms from Africa, South America and the Caribbean (including steel drums), exploring different timbres and tones of the drums by applying various hand techniques.

They also learn songs and chants from different African cultures, such as the Yoruba, Malinke, and Nyabinghi (Rastafarian Culture). Participants are encouraged to explore their own rhythms, traditions and contemporary cultures with the aim of facilitating diversity and self-acceptance.

He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Speech Communication from Drake University.

From jankirosemusic

Dance With Words

Poet, publisher, and instructor Margot Van Sluytman was born in Guyana, South America, she moved with family to Canada in the late 1960's. Margot currently lives in Peterborough, Ontario with her teenaged daughters Olivia and Jessica, her partner, Rick McKenna, and their cat, Mr. Othello.

The words: passion, intensity, and focus, have been used to describe the work of Margot Van Sluytman, poet, publisher, and instructor, who was born in Guyana, South America, and moved with her family to Canada in the late 1960s. Margot is a Canadian Pioneer in the field of mentoring and teaching poetry and writing as both art and healing.

Margot has been published in magazines and eZines across Canada, the US, and South America. Her books include, Feeding Dreams, Bleeding Pupils and Beauty, Alba the Spanish Woman, Studying Love, and Of Dark Night. Her sixth book of poetry, Morning Tasting Whispers, will be published in the Fall of 2006. This work was inspired by an ongoing collaboration with, Robert Winslow, Artistic Director of Canada’s renowned 4th Line Theatre.

Margot created and hosts the Trent University Radio Show, Dance With Words On Air, 9-10 a.m. EST every Friday, on 92.7 FM, where writing, reading, discussing words, is shared with an enthusiastic audience.

She has just finished taping a six-segment TV Show with Cogeco entitled: Dance With Your Words: Poetry is Art and Healing, which will air later this year.

Her newest book, Dance With Your Healing: tears let me begin to speak, Poetry and Journal for Your Healing Words, will accompany this series and has been receiving attention from some very kindred and vital voices: “Margot's deeply felt, generous poems and exercises, in the tradition of 'Call and Response', is a dance well worth the taking to lighten any heart who has suffered loss.” Perie Longo, Poet, PhD, RPT, President of The National Association for Poetry Therapy, Author of, The Privacy of Wind.

Dance With Your Words: poems from word dancers, Volume Two that includes poems from members of the internationally acclaimed writing group www.Dance-With-Words.com which Margot Administers, will be published in Spring 2006 by Palabras Press.

Margot uses her extensive skills with language to teach others to write and express their voice. Her personal mantra, think by feeling, has been a starting point for novice, seasoned writers, students, as well as individuals who partake of the journey of using words for healing and personal development. Her online and in-class courses have inspired individuals to both write and publish their words often through Palabras Press.

Margot publishes a monthly eZine: www.Palabras-Press.com which has included the work of individuals including: Eric Ashford, Gary Zukav, Sandra Ingerman, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Stephen Levine, Robert Carroll, Lucia Capacchione, misty santana, Greg Levoy, Gavran, Anngwyn St.Just, Penn Kemp, Susan McCaslin, and Roger Humes to name a few.

Margot offers workshops and readings at colleges, universities, spirituality centres, and kindred venues where words are valued as both art and healing.

According to Poet, Misty Santana: “Teaching individuals how to write to use words for creativity and healing, is the gift Margot offers to her students and clients alike. Tapping into intellect, passion, and raw spirit, is what she focuses on, believes in, and inspires others to do. For Margot, art and healing are kindred siblings.” Misty Santana, Poet, Author of, spiritwind, the flesh of language, and fragile boundaries

Margot has traveled extensively, most recently living for a year and a half in Venezuela, teaching English and Art, learning Spanish, reading Pablo Neruda close to his home country of Chile, and discovering the work of Spanish poet Antonio Machado, tasting the air and food of Brazil, and returning to Guyana to reconnect with roots, seeking out and finding the graves of her Great Grand Parents, filling her soul with images and sounds which will be birthed in her play, Jack and Clare, for which he has received an Ontario Arts Council Grant.

In 2004, twenty-one of Margot’s poems were selected to be painted by Montreal Artist, Caroline Archambault. A show entitled, dialogue, held at Galerie le 1040, which highlighted the natural affinity between word and paint proved a rich success for both Poet and Painter.

Margot is a Member of The National Association for Poetry Therapy, The Peterborough Arts Umbrella, and is the Administrator of the internationally acclaimed writing community: www.Dance-With-Words.com. She was short-listed for the Canadian Literary Awards for her work, Pieces From the Same Puzzle, and Pieces From the Same Puzzle Too.

Margot lives in Peterborough, Ontario with her teenaged daughters Olivia and Jessica, her partner, Rick McKenna, and their cat, Mr. Othello.

~to dance with words is to be nourished~to dance with the kindred, doubly so~

From MargotVanSluytman

'Goddess Thoughts'

Amy Ramdass was born and bred at Susannah’s Rust a village, 34 miles up the right bank of the Demerara River, Guyana. Her childhood was serene, her parents over-protective. Ramdass and her 10 siblings were not allowed to travel. A portion of her elementary education was obtained at Susannah’s Rust Primary School. But essentially she was home-schooled. Amy is a professional accountant who now resides in Canada

“Books wove a magical flying carpet to secret worlds of intrigue, danger, romance, mystery, enchantment and wonder…it was poetry in the verbal and musical form that really enthralled and enticed….” – Poet Amy Ramdass

Professional Guyanese accountant, Amy Ramdass, who lives in Canada, recently published a hefty book of poetry. `Goddess Thoughts: The Rest Are Mere Details’, which was released late last year, is compact with more than 200 easy-to-read lyrical poems and rhyming thoughts on controversial subjects ranging from Big Bang, the Bible, the planets, celestial beings, ancient folklore and mythical gods, to love, family, friendship, nature and healing.

Ramdass was born and bred at Susannah’s Rust a village, 34 miles up the right bank of the Demerara River, Guyana. Her childhood was serene, her parents over-protective. Ramdass and her 10 siblings were not allowed to travel. A portion of her elementary education was obtained at Susannah’s Rust Primary School. But essentially she was home-schooled.

Being perennially surrounded by nature during her childhood, Amy said that she was able to engross in deep thinking – “to go deep for answers.” She sailed high seas and roamed deserts of the written word as she journeyed with numerous authors.

“Much of what I’ve learnt in life is from books, not from people,” Ramdass declared.

She states in the introduction of Goddess Thoughts that she fell in love with the written word at a very tender age mainly due to the entertainment void at Susannah’s Rust.

“Books [wove] a magical flying carpet to secret worlds of intrigue, danger, romance, mystery, enchantment and wonder…it was poetry in the verbal and musical form that really enthralled and enticed…,” she said.

Poetry became her solace. Her indulgence in the art form ruptured the monotony of academic study.

From childhood she began to pen her own feelings, working mainly during the early morning hours when her thoughts “flow like a river” and she can write her “heart out.”

As she matured, got married, moved to Canada and started a family, her interaction with people improved. Her relations with others boosted her writing.

Although Ramdass believes that her writing ability is a gift, she says, “Just being around people inspires me to write. I see their positives and I want to show them that they have something beautiful inside of them.”

Tragedy also induces her ink on paper talent as it did when her father died in 1988. Prior to his death, Ms. Ramdass had put poetry writing on hold.

She got serious about compiling the book in 2005.

With the title coined, she went after internationally recognized visual artist David Howard Johnson, who sketched a thought-provoking cover design for `Goddess Thoughts: The Rest Are Mere Details’.

The title of her book is inspired by Einstein’s “I want to know God’s thoughts, the rest are mere details.’

And who is the Goddess?

Ramdass answers: “Some believe that she is the divine principle, the feminine aspect of God, while others feel she is nature, the creative Goddess. I also believe that the Goddess is the ultimate power, the supreme mind within each woman. She is wholeness, negative and positive, good and evil, Kali and Durga, black and white, life and death. She is like the sea totally healing yet totally destructive. She is the warrior woman and the peacemaker, the unholy one and the saint.”

From AmyRamdass

"Goddess Thoughts"
A book on the secrets to life....a book that will bring magic to your life...a book filled with secrets vast... a book written in the divine language...a book to enchant your soul and make you loving and whole.

Goddess Thoughts "The Rest Are Mere Details"
by Amy Indira Ramdass (Author) (Paperback - October 2005)

Order 'Goddess Thoughts'

Critic, Writer and Novelist

David Dabydeen was born in in Berbice, Guyana, moving to England with his parents in 1969. He read English at Cambridge University, gained a doctorate at University College London in 1982, and was awarded a research fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford. David Dabydeen is Director of the Centre for Caribbean Studies and Professor at the Centre for British Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Warwick.

Critic, writer and novelist David Dabydeen was born in 1955 in Berbice, Guyana, moving to England with his parents in 1969. He read English at Cambridge University, gained a doctorate at University College London in 1982, and was awarded a research fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford.

David Dabydeen is Director of the Centre for Caribbean Studies and Professor at the Centre for British Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Warwick. He is also Guyana's Ambassador-at-Large and a member of UNESCO's Executive Board.

In 2001 he wrote and presented The Forgotten Colony, a BBC Radio 4 programme exploring the history of Guyana. He is the author of four novels, three collections of poetry and several works of non-fiction and criticism.

His first book, Slave Song (1984), a collection of poetry, won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and the Quiller-Couch Prize. A new collection, Turner, was published in 2002.His first novel, The Intended (1991), the story of a young Asian student abandoned in London by his father, won the Guyana Prize for Literature.

Disappearance (1993) centres on a young Guyanese engineer working on the south coast of England who lodges with an elderly woman. The Counting House (1996) is set at the end of the nineteenth century and narrates the experiences of an Indian couple whose hopes of a new life in colonial Guyana end in tragedy. The story explores historical tensions between indentured Indian workers and Guyanese of African descent.

His recent novel, A Harlot's Progress (1999), is based on a series of pictures painted by William Hogarth in 1732 and develops the story of Hogarth's black slave boy. Through the character of Mungo, Dabydeen challenges traditional cultural representations of the slave.

David Dabydeen's latest books are Our Lady of Demerara (2004) and Slave Song (2005)

Novels
Slave Song Dangaroo, 1984
Caribbean Literature: A Teacher's Handbook Heinemann Educational, 1985
The Black Presence in English Literature (editor) Manchester University Press, 1985
A Reader's Guide to West Indian and Black British Literature (with Nana Wilson-Tagoe) Hansib/University of Warwick Centre for Caribbean Studies, 1987
Hogarth's Blacks: Images of Blacks in 18th-Century English Art Manchester University Press, 1987
India in the Caribbean (editor with Brinsley Samaroo) Hansib, 1987
Coolie Odyssey Hansib, 1988
Handbook for Teaching Caribbean Literature Heinemann Educational, 1988
Black Writers in Britain 1760-1890 (editor with Paul Edwards) Edinburgh University Press, 1991
The Intended Secker & Warburg, 1991
Disappearance Secker & Warburg, 1993
Turner: New and Selected Poems Cape, 1994
Across the Dark Waters: Ethnicity and Indian Identity in the Caribbean Macmillan, 1996
The Counting House Cape, 1996
A Harlot's Progress Cape, 1999
No Island is an Island: Selected Speeches of Sir Shridath Ramphal (editor with John Gilmore) Macmillan, 2000
Turner Peepal Tree Press, 2002
Our Lady of Demerera Dido Press, 2004
Slave Song Peepal Tree Press, 2005
Guyana Diaspora
Prizes and awards
1984 Commonwealth Poetry Prize Slave Song
1984 Quiller-Couch Prize Slave Song
1991 Guyana Prize for Literature The Intended
1999 James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction) (shortlist) A Harlot's Progress
2004 Raja Rao Award for Literature (India)

From Contemporary Writers

Buy books by David Dabydeen at Amazon.co.uk

Reggae Queen

This Guyanese born dreadlocked singjay is a graduate of Trebas Institute where she received her diploma in Recorded Music Production and Multimedia and also is the proud owner of her own music label “DONNA MAKEDA MUSIC” and a quarterly music magazine called “REGGAEXCLUSIVE Entertainment News”. Donna migrated from Guyana to Canada in early 1990 as a worker in the entertainment field.

Donna Makeda is definitely a musical force to be reckoned with. She performed at the Calgary International Reggae Festival – and created quite an impact on the 6000-strong audience with her dynamic and impressive stage show.

With her beautiful and very talented back up dancers ‘The Caribbean Dance Theatre’, she created quite a wonderful spectacle and together they had the audience mesmerized with their stage act.

Donna started singing and performing 25 years ago, her foundation in music came from the church, which she attended when she was a little girl.

She received the Consul General’s Award at the Guyana Awards late May 2004 in appreciation for her steadfast commitment and service to the Guyanese Community, she also walked away with the Female Dancehall DJ Of The Year Award at the 20th Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards held March 2004, which makes it her 9th award to date.

Donna started out as a dancer; she was trained in Afro-Caribbean Dance, Modern Dance, Folk Dance, Kathak and Classical Ballet. At age 16, she opened her own dance & aerobics school called “Burning Flame International” Dance Troupe.

By the time Donna got to Canada, she had already been performing extensively throughout Guyana with her dance troupe. Singing at that time was just a fun thing for her. Upon siting Ras Tafari, Donna began to take her music more seriously and began writing lyrics and practicing on sound systems, singing at various stage shows and winning many competitions.

Upon migrating to Canada in early 1990 as a worker in the entertainment field, Donna did her first international stage show and captivated her audience to the point where Denise Jones of Jones & Jones Productions decided to manage Donna’s musical career. From there on in, it was just upward movements for Donna. Although that contract/relationship dissolved within one year, Donna kept on promoting herself and releasing her music.

Donna just released her new album entitled “Jah Ah De Rulah” which is a 12-track CD, which includes songs like “Come Into My Life” featuring Prince Everald, a slamming, conscious track, the hit single “Make Love, Not War” featuring Roger B, “In My House” featuring Negus Morris of the Heptones, the ever popular “Folk Song Medley” and ‘Sweet Victory’ (groundation dub). Performing on stage alongside many top artists including Capleton, Coco Tea, Marcia Griffiths, Sister Carol, Culture, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Michael Rose, Cutty Ranks, Yami Bolo, Anthony B and Louie Culture to name a few, Donna has certainly made a name for herself.

With her bevy of beautiful and flexible dancers (Caribbean Dance Theatre) and her hard-core conscious lyrics, Donna Makeda is certainly making a mark on the national and international reggae music scene. She has been very busy working on shows such as the Jamaica Day celebrations, the Marcus Garvey Day celebrations, The Canadian Reggae Music Awards, The Toronto Street Festival, Irie Music Festival, Afrikadey in Calgary and Caribana to name a few. Donna Makeda has certainly proven to be one of the hardest working recording artists residing in Toronto, Canada.

She has garnered for herself eight Reggae Music Awards including “Top Reggae Newcomer” in 1993, “Top Reggae Dancehall DJ" (female) in 1995, 1996 and 1999 and 2003 and “Top Reggae Music Video (for her video “Jah Great Woman”) in 1995 from the Canadian Reggae Music Awards. An “Arts & Entertainment Award” for her contribution to the Arts from her home country – Guyana in 2000, and an “Artistic Award of Excellence” from the Inter-City Multicultural School of Excellence Reading Club in 2001. Donna has performed extensively in Canada in places like Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary, also internationally in Barbados, Guyana, New York and Jamaica.

Her song “Sweet Victory” was #1 on the reggae charts in Miami for eight weeks while “South Africa” (from her CD “Who Can Endure” released 1998) was following closely at #2. “Jah Great Woman” also enjoyed much airplay and was #1 in Miami for six weeks. The “Jah Great Woman” music video, which was done with the help of Videofact, was on high rotation on Much Music and played in countries like Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and New York on selected programmes. Donna Makeda signed a licensing deal with Amiata Records in Italy for the remix of her song “Life Story” and also was involved in many stage plays where she performed as an actress, dancer and singer.

She also starred in a Documentary film called “Roots Daughters” alongside Judy Mowatt and that film is constantly being aired on television throughout the world. Donna Makeda released a 45’ (vinyl) with two tracks namely “Jah Ah De Rulah” and “Wonder Weed” in October 2003, which were pre-releases from her new album. She also released another music video “Who Can Endure” which was done with the help of Trebas Institute and just finished editing her new video entitled “Make Love Not War” (another single from her new album), alongside Roger B, which is soon to be released to television. The National Film School here is doing that project in Toronto, Canada.

Since 1993, this multi-talented, multi-award winning and indefatigable artist has released two full length CD’s entitled “Who Can Endure” and “Jah Ah De Rulah”, two cassette-albums (Who Can Endure & Sweet Victory), two vinyl-singles (Sweet Victory & Jah Ah De Rulah & Wonder Weed), one vinyl-album (for Who Can Endure), two compilation CDs with Canadian Music Week and four CD singles (Just Hurry, Money Crazy, Make Love Not War and Family Medley – Part 1). Donna has appeared live numerous times on City TV’s Breakfast Television, Entertainment News, Clip Trip, The Scene, Lunch Television, Rogers Cable 10, Soul In The City and Da Mix (Canada).

This Guyanese born dreadlocked singjay is also a graduate of Trebas Institute where she received her diploma in Recorded Music Production and Multimedia and also is the proud owner of her own music label “DONNA MAKEDA MUSIC” and a quarterly music magazine called “REGGAEXCLUSIVE Entertainment News”.Without a doubt, her voice is her wealth; her intellect a cultural strength, and her stage presence is an expression of royal heritage.

From GettoFabulous

'All I need is one mic.'

Born in Guyana, South America, Colin Aubrey Edmonds, aka, Maskal was brought to the United States at the age of 7 by his father, who wanted to do better for his family. A "quiet street kid who got along with pretty much everybody" while growing up in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY, he was drawn into the gang life, while hanging out with an older crowd and a cousin who was one of the most feared youths in the 'hood.

Coming up on the streets of Brooklyn, NY, Colin Aubrey Edmonds, aka Maskal, had his brushes with the gangsta life. But instead of hyping a bad boy past to raise his music profile, like a lot of hip-hop gangsta wannabes, Maskal is one talented rapper who is committed to dropping knowledge of a conscious and spiritual kind. Although able to kick styles from straight-up hip-hop to driving rub-a-dub and roots reggae, Maskal’s flow and superior lyrical content comes strong from the tradition of warrior musicians like Bob Marley and Steele Pulse.

Like the legendary Robert Nestor Marley, who he praises as "much more than a musician," Maskal is inspired by great icons of the Black struggle who came before him, like Marcus Garvey and Jomo "Burning Spear" Kenyatta. "I'm here to encourage sleeping warriors who are ready but don't see a way," declares the 28-year-old Rasta rapper. "All I need is one mic."

Born in Guyana, South America, Maskal was brought to America at the age of 7 by his father, who wanted to do better for his family. A "quiet street kid who got along with pretty much everybody" while growing up in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, he was drawn into the gang life, while hanging out with an older crowd and a cousin who was one of the most feared youth in the hood.

"I never got as far as murder," Maskal recalls about his days as a member of the Fifty Terrorists gang. But a beat-down did land him in New York City’s notorious Spofford Detention Center. "I wasn’t trying to kill the guy," he explains. "It was just due to the injuries he suffered." Incarceration and the "Public Enemy #1" tag he was branded with when he returned to the hood, convinced Maskal to get out of the gangsta life, and led him to music and a more spiritual path.

Maskal, first caught the music flava around the age of eight listening to his father, a professional bass player, jam with musicians in their home. As a teenager, he spent his weekends going with his crew to the jumpin’ sound systems in Brooklyn. The gigantic mobile DJ systems, popularized in Jamaica in the 50s, was where some of Jamaica’s best and most famous DJs, like Screechy Dan, Admiral Bailey and Frankie Paul, showcased their microphone skills whenever they visited New York City. "Every Friday and Saturday night, I knew what I was doing," Maskal recalls. "A couple of times I passed the mic with Shaggy," he adds referring to the "Hotshot" reggae/rap star who lived in his neighborhood when he was growing up.

Maskal eventually became known in Brooklyn for his own sound system, named Big Boss, and his mix tapes became much-requested party jams. After learning how to scratch by hanging with DJ Richie Rich of the old school rap group 3rd Bass, he began dabbling with lyrics and writing about whatever he saw. "Music is a chance to express yourself to the world," says Maskal.

Now, Maskal is ready to break out and make his mark on the music scene and beyond. Naming names and taking no prisoners, the mighty young dread with the mad lyrical skills is set to educate and inspire the masses with his keen social commentary and the thought-provoking observations of a "righteous Rasta livin’ the rebel life in Brooklyn."

Maskal's lyrics are a cut above the larger-than-life guns talk and boasts of bling-bling lifestyle perpetrated in the hip-hop game, and ring with the truth of what he has lived. "My music is not inspired by falsehood," says the conscious rapper. "There's no pretense. I want my music to be positive and the people to be inspired. If you're down, I want my music to pick you up."

Strong in his Rasta stance and in honoring his Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie in his rhymes, Maskal is one rapper who believes in "practicing what you preach and preaching what you practice." His name, which comes from the Ethiopian word for cross, came to him during a deeply spiritual experience after asking for a name with meaning and purpose. And like the story of the finding of the "true cross", lost and buried for more than 300 years, Maskal’s coming is helping lift the burden of false music prophets from the music scene and bringing the meaning and purpose back hip-hop.

From thegettoymz
Guyana Diaspora

District Manager

Stewarts Shops District Manager Deryck Singh, was recognized for his efforts in helping to revitalize the city of Schenectady NY. As a result of Deryck’s initiative, Schenectady has opened its doors to new immigrants from Guyana since the year 2000. These immigrants, who originally settled in the New York metropolitan area, found the city of Schenectady eager for their investment and energy; the city has welcomed Guyanese families looking for affordable housing, business opportunity and a place to build a home.

Deryck’s Singh's family emigrated to the U.S. from Guyana when he was 19 years old. His parents and 5 brothers and 2 sisters never had a TV, refrigerator or indoor plumbing until they came to America to stay with relatives in the Bronx.

"We started from scratch," says Deryck, "I had $30 in my pocket when I arrived and worked at 3 jobs- we all pitched in. After 2 years I saved $5000 to put down on 2 houses in the Bronx." Deryck continued to work and save money through his early 20’s and married his wife Sandra, an immigrant from Trinidad while in New York.

In 1987, at age 25, he decided to move to the Capital District; seeking an area that was large enough for opportunity, but small enough to maintain a sense of community. "In Schenectady you can buy a low-priced home, invest in it and live there with no mortgage." This same financial logic along with a deep-rooted sense of optimism has driven other Guyanese to Schenectady; Deryck’s brothers and sisters also settled in the Capital Region.

His first and only job in Upstate New York has been with Stewart’s. Deryck started as a Manager Trainee in the Brandywine Avenue Shop in Schenectady in 1987, and became Manager of the Livingston Avenue Shop in Albany the following year. He moved back to Brandywine as Manager in 1989 and continued to run the Hamilton Hill shop for 8 years. In 1997, just 10 years after moving to the region, he became District Manager for the Albany area and continues to teach and grow a group of 20 Stewart’s Shop Managers today. While moving up through the ranks at Stewart’s, he also became a U.S. Citizen.

One might say Deryck’s success has started a trend, and is a living testimonial to the opportunities in the area. Word of mouth has certainly traveled, along with active promotion of the area by Schenectady Mayor Al Jurczynski.

According to George Robertson of Schenectady’s Economic Development Corp one year ago there were about 1500 Guyanese- now there are estimates of 4,000 individuals in Schenectady. "There could be 5,000 this time next year. The movement has brought families and the housing market is coming back.

It was a matter of the Mayor realizing the opportunity and Deryck opening the door." This rennaisance is vital to Schenectady. "As GE declined over several decades, generations of young people left the area; currently Schenectady has the 2nd highest senior citizen population for a city of its size. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not our future. Recruiting young families is critical to bringing back the city and the county. Older cities have found the answer in recruiting immigrant groups."

Recently the National Associated Press ran a story naming 6 cities with the best downtown urban re-development. They were Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Schenectady.

The heart of many communities is the church. Deryck assisted Hindu Priest Jai Misir in finding and negotiating the acquisition of a vacant church building (the former St. Thomas Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant area) to hold services and serve as a center for community activities.

The church holds meetings, works to rehab housing and runs talent shows and fundraisers for a growing youth organization. His active involvement in developing the Guyanese Community in Schenectady renewed Deryck’s own sense of Guyanese culture.

In April of 2003 Deryck traveled to Guyana with the Mayor of Schenectady and a group of businessmen. They visited the President of the country & his ministers, the rainforest, and Deryck went back to his village and local church. He saw friends and a cousin who still lives there. "A lot has changed in 23 years, they now have telephones, the internet, ATM cards and credit cards are coming. The culture has changed too. There used to be kids hanging out, playing outdoors. Now they’re indoors." Many Guyanese know about Schenectady and the Mayor invited the President of Guyana to come for a visit.

While there, Deryck was able to share his perspective with the President regarding the image of the country, environmental issues and an effort to encourage Nationals to return vs. spending money on attracting European tourism.

He also made a commitment to giving back to help rehabilitate the Village Church and to solicit Guyanese in New York who have left. "One U.S. Dollar = 193 Guyanese Dollars," he commented, "even a small amount makes a big difference."

Deryck prefers to act as a catalyst for the cause as the effort could easily take more time than he can give as a busy District Manager. He prompted the Mayor to put a liaison on the city payroll to handle inquiries from interested NYC Guyanese. "I’ve found that leadership and conversation gets results," says Deryck. As in the case of Schenectady’s turnabout, sometimes the results are greater than you can imagine. Stewart’s commends Deryck Singh for making a difference.

Deryck lives in Niskayuna with his wife Sandra and children Andrew 13, and Alyssa 11.

From Stewarts Shops
Guyana Diaspora

Stewart’s congratulates Deryck Singh, Albany District Manager, who was recently recognized for his efforts in helping to revitalize the city of Schenectady. As a result of Deryck’s initiative, Schenectady has opened its doors to new immigrants from Guyana since the year 2000. These immigrants, who originally settled in the New York metropolitan area, found the city of Schenectady eager for their investment and energy; the city has welcomed Guyanese families looking for affordable housing, business opportunity and a place to build a home. Positive changes are taking place as the run-down neighborhoods of Hamilton Hill & Mount Pleasant are being transformed one house at a time.

Science is teacher’s inspiration

Born in Guyana Guytri Still now lives in Florida and teaches science to gifted students at McNair Magnet Middle School in Cocoa Fl. Guytri is one of eight finalists for the 2006 Teacher of the Year award for Brevard Public Schools.

Guytri Still never intended to be a teacher.

But when she found herself in front of a classroom of high school seniors in her native country of Guyana, she said she realized that’s where she “belonged.”

Now, for the second time in five years, the science department chairwoman at McNair Magnet Middle is up for the district’s most prestigious award.

“I love teaching because I have the opportunity to keep learning,” she said. “These kids keep you on your feet.” Still teaches five accelerated science classes and a research class to about 150 gifted students each day.

She often stays late after school and works many Saturdays helping students prepare for competitions.

Eighth-grader Alexia Baillow said Still’s hands-on approach sets her apart from other teachers. In a lesson recently on friction, motion and pressure, Alexia and her classmates built bottle rockets and sent them soaring outside.

“Anytime you have a problem, “Ms. Still is the type of teacher that you can go to and talk to, and she’ll help you solve it in an efficient way,” the 13-year-old said.

Guytri Still has been teaching for 28 years and has been at McNair Magnet Middle School since 1997, where she is currently Science Department Chair. Ms.

Still is also the teacher of Gifted/Accelerated Comprehensive Science for seventh and eighth grades. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Stetson University and a Master of Arts from Rollins College in Winter Park.

Past awards include the Space Coast Science Alliance, Exemplary Science Teacher Award in 2001 and 2005, Florida finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2002, and McNair Magnet School Teacher of the Year in 2001

From Florida Today

Novelist and Essayist

Wilson Harris was born in Guyana and studied at Queens College before taking up a career as a lecturer and writer. Harris moved to England in 1959 and his first novel, Palace of the Peacock (1960) was published soon after his arrival . He has twice been winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature.

Born in Guyana in 1921, and studying at Queen’s College, Georgetown, Guyana, Wilson Harris became a government surveyor, before taking up a career as lecturer and writer. The knowledge of the savannas and rain forests he gained during his time as a surveyor formed the setting of many of his books, the Guyanese landscape dominating his fiction.

Wilson Harris’ writing style often departs from accepted norms, and he is known for his broad vision and the abstract complexity of his mystical style. He first wrote poetry, but since has become a well-known novelist and essayist.

He came to England in 1959 and his first novel, Palace of the Peacock (1960) was published soon after his arrival. It became the first of a quartet of novels, The Guyana Quartet, which incorporates The Far Journey of Oudin (1961); The Whole Armour (1962); and The Secret Ladder (1963). He later wrote a trilogy: Carnival (1985); The Infinite Rehearsal (1987); and The Four Banks of the River of Space (1990).

His most recent novels are Jonestown (1996), which tells of the massacre of one thousand followers ordered by cult leader Jim Jones; The Dark Jester (2001) and his latest novel which has autobiographical elements, The Mask of the Beggar (2003).

Wilson Harris also writes non-fiction and critical essays and has been awarded honorary doctorates by several universities, including the Univeristy of the West Indies (1984) and the University of Liège (2001). He has twice been winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature.

From contemporarywriters

Novels
Fetish Miniature Poets Series (Guyana), 1951
Eternity to Season Georgetown (British Guiana), 1954
Palace of the Peacock Faber and Faber, 1960
The Far Journey of Oudin Faber and Faber, 1961
The Whole Armour Faber and Faber, 1962
The Secret Ladder Faber and Faber, 1963
Heartland Faber and Faber, 1964
The Eye of the Scarecrow Faber and Faber, 1965
The Waiting Room Faber and Faber, 1967
Tradition, the Writer and Society: Critical Essags New Beacon, 1967
Tumatumari Faber and Faber, 1968
Ascent to Omai Faber and Faber, 1970
History, Fable and Myth in the Caribbean and Guianas National History and Arts Council, 1970
The Sleepers of Roraima (illustrated by Kay Usborne) Faber and Faber, 1970
The Age of the Rainmakers (illustrated by Kay Usborne) Faber and Faber, 1971
Black Marsden: A Tabula Rasa Comedy Faber and Faber, 1972
Fossil and Psyche University of Texas, 1974
Companions of the Day and Night Faber and Faber, 1975
Enigma of Values: An Introduction Dangaroo, 1975
Da Silva da Silva's Cultivated Wilderness/Genesis of the Clowns Faber and Faber, 1977
The Tree of the Sun Faber and Faber, 1978
Explorations: A Series of Talks and Articles 1966-1981 Dangaroo, 1981
The Angel at the Gate Faber and Faber, 1982
The Womb of Space: The Cross-Cultural Imagination Greenwood Press, 1983
Carnival Faber and Faber, 1985
The Guyana Quartet (contents: 'Palace of the Peacock'; 'The Far Journey of Oudin'; 'The Whole Armour'; 'The Secret Ladder Faber and Faber, 1985
The Infinite Rehearsal Faber and Faber, 1987
The Four Banks of the River of Space Faber and Faber, 1990
The Radical Imagination (essays) Liège Language and Literature, 1992
Resurrection at Sorrow Hill Faber and Faber, 1993
The Carnival Trilogy (contents: 'The Infinite Rehearsal'; 'The Four Banks of the River of Space'; 'Carnival') Faber and Faber, 1993
Jonestown Faber and Faber, 1996
Selected Essays Routledge, 1999
The Dark Jester Faber and Faber, 2001
The Mask of the Beggar Faber and Faber, 2003

Prizes and awards
1987 Guyana Prize for Literature
1992 Premio Mondello dei Cinque Continenti
2002 Guyana Prize for Literature (Special Award)

Buy books by Wilson Harris at Amazon.co.uk

Giving foreign students a reason to stay

Eknauth and Kafi Persaud are married left and right brains. He's a 34-year-old former Marine who specializes in artificial intelligence software design. She's a 32-year-old graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in psychology and a passion for how people think. She was born in Guyana. His parents immigrated to the United States from that South American country too. They met by happenstance in San Francisco.

Want to get someone in academia all riled up? Bring up the hot topic of "flight capital." That's the growing phenomenon of foreign students coming to U.S. universities for advanced degrees only to return home for more rewarding careers than they can find here.

Computer science and software engineering are particular vulnerable to the skilled talent exodus. Cheaper costs in India, China and Russia have ignited software production there and siphoned jobs from American companies.

Eknauth and Kafi Persaud believe they've found a local answer to this global issue.

The couple's tiny Ayoka Systems Engineering LLC is cutting the cost of software production by setting up shop within the nurturing confines of the Technology Incubator at the University of Texas at Arlington and hiring master degree students in computer science and software engineering.

The students get more experience than they would at a typical internship with an established company. With Ayoka, they meet with clients, create the software solutions and implement the systems, rather than writing just one "widget" in a software code chain.

"We have students from Taiwan, India and Thailand who've already had three to five years' experience in those countries," says Mr. Persaud. "We have a start-up feel where they're an integral part of what happens."

Ayoka has five students on board and needs two more. So far, 19 students have worked on projects as semester interns.

"A number of our folks have gone on to work at top companies, including IBM, Microsoft and SSA Global," Mr. Persaud says. "They see how a U.S. business operates and the importance of creativity and decide to stay."

Arlington resident Abdullah Jibaly, a U.S. citizen from Syracuse, N.Y., has a full-time job, goes to school part time and works off-hours at Ayoka because he enjoys seeing projects from start to finish.

"We get to work with the latest technology, and we're doing some really fun and interesting things," he says. "The teamwork is great."

Academic calendar

One client, Paul Nichols, vice president of MMI Internetworking in Fort Worth, is so happy with the results that he adjusts his company's software development cycles to fit UTA's academic calendar.

Ayoka recently beat out several larger firms to create third-generation Web site software for LookLocally.com, a Grapevine-based Internet marketing company that specializes in local searches.

And while Judy Luchtman, LookLocally's chief executive, considered price, she's far more worried about getting code that will actually work.

She's already spent 15 months and $35,000 with two different developers only to come up empty-handed.

"Basically, we've been burned."

So is she wary about dealing with students?

"Not at all. They truly know state of the art and what's happening in the development world.

"They are absolutely pocket-protector nerds who love developing code."

Eknauth (pronounced ache-not) and Kafi (rhymes with Kathy) Persaud are married left and right brains. He's a 34-year-old former Marine who specializes in artificial intelligence software design. She's a 32-year-old graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in psychology and a passion for how people think.

She was born in Guyana. His parents immigrated to the United States from that South American country too. They met by happenstance in San Francisco.

Eknauth selected Kafi's middle name for the company because Ayoka means "one who brings joy to all." That's the company's de facto mission statement.

In 2002, he was hired as an independent consultant for a systems integration project at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's new international terminal.

After the airport gig wrapped up in 2004, Mr. Persaud set up the partnership with Geof Grant, director of UTA's technology incubator.

'Valuable asset'

"Eknauth's outgoing and entrepreneurial," says Dr. Grant. "I felt that even if his company didn't succeed, he'd be a very valuable asset to the area to develop university technology. He knows what he's doing and where he's going. That's critical for an entrepreneur."

Ayoka gets dirt-cheap rent and overhead. In return, UTA owns a 3 percent equity slice of the fledgling company and has a pledge from Mr. Persaud that he'll set up his company in the Arlington area once Ayoka is ready to leave incubation.

Dr. Grant says it's a perfect example of how the nesting system is supposed to work.

"UTA helps companies succeed and generate a workforce, which then builds a cluster of technology development in our local area – particularly technology that originates out of the university."

And in the process, it stems that troublesome flight of talent capital.

From DallasMorningNews