THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA AND REMINISCENCE 

Two photographs in Stabroek News on Saturday caught my attention and brought back a sense of nostalgia. Although on a completely different issue, the interesting and perceptive letter by DeLisle Worrell, pointed out with nostalgic sensitivity that the changing landscape and disappearance of old sites in Curacao and Barbados have devalued the importance to those economies of cruise ship stopovers.

The launching of the MV Konawaruk 1899 by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Juan Edghill, to ply the Parika to Supernaam route, was described as part of the government’s transportation infrastructure to build capacity and stimulating trade to and from Essequibo. The Minister said that “with enhanced connectivity for the region the vessel brings new hope, a higher standard of living, and major improvements for especially the people of the Essequibo Coast and those visiting.”

As an aside, Guyana has a rich history of internal shipping and shipbuilding. Dimitri Allicock records in “Steamers of British Guiana” that the colonial authorities commenced a steamer service in 1826 with the “Cambria.” In 1828 a steamer service was established across the Demerara River and ten years later the “Royal Victoria” established service between Georgetown, Essequibo and Berbice. The “Lady Flora Hastings” opened up a route to Leguan in 1841. Hugh Sprostons came to Demerara in 1840 to manage the interests of a London shipowner. Five years later he established his own business and the golden era of steamer travel began. Among the ships that entered service were “Berbice,” “Georgetown,” “Lady Longden,” “Princess,” “Guiana,” “Charlestown,” “Sproston Wood” and “Cuyuni.” Sprostons Dry Dock was opened in 1867 and among the vessels constructed were “Amy,” “Horatio,” “Amsterdam” and others. 

The first era of modern shipbuilding began in 1957 when the PPP entered Government for the second, and longer, time. My father had spent the first half of his working life at the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) in numerous positions, including as a “purser” on one or more steamers. In 1957 he was appointed Minister of Communications and Works and T&HD came under his portfolio. Up to 1961 when he moved to another Ministry, three vessels were launched, namely, the MV Makouria, built in the UK, the MV Malali and the MV Torani, both built by Sprostons. These vessels vastly improved river transportation, trade and economic development. I recall the great excitement when my parents were preparing to attend ceremonies for the launching of these vessels. As an avid traveler in my teenage years, I travelled on all of these vessels and recalled the sense of anticipation that I experienced when embarking on a long journey on a steamer. 

No vessels were built in Guyana between 1964 and 1992. One can only guess at the lost potential of creating a shipbuilding industry by Sprostons.

The second and more modern era of river transport began in 1992 with the launch of the MV Lisha, MV Kanawan, MV Sabanto and MV Aris IV. 

The second photograph which has been running for some days is that of the area in front of Stabroek Market with the legend “New Look: Beautification work is continuing in the Stabroek Market Square.” Some of my school years were spent in and around Stabroek Market and in and around the area of Parliament, particularly the building immediately east of Parliament Building. The building has been demolished, and the area is now a small flower garden. 

I travelled regularly from Stabroek Market to Subryanville on my way home in the “yellow buses.” I also spent substantial periods of time loitering the Stabroek Market awaiting to be towed home on my father’s bicycle. He began working at the Edward B. Beharry establishment shortly after he left prison to which he was sentenced after violating the emergency regulations of 1953. I roamed the market, knew all its nooks and crannies, and still have the smell in my nose. In the past when I visited, a deep sense of nostalgia gripped me. I stopped visitingmany years ago because of the crime. The photographs of refurbishment were wondrous sight to behold. Hopefully, Stabroek Market will surpass its glory days.

Travelling north on High Street on Friday, past the Parliament Building on the right and the flower garden that I referred to above on the left, I recalled to my fellow passengers, lawyers in their early twenties, that a building stood there where I spent many years waiting for a lift from my father to get home because he worked in that building. By then he had become a Minister of Government and the entire government had their offices there. That was the exceptionally modest seat of government between 1957 and 1961. After 1961 the Ministries were scattered around Georgetown and the then Premier, Cheddi Jagan, occupied the western wing of the Parliament Building. Prime Minister Burnham occupied the same office until he moved to Castellani House when he became president in 1980.

After 1961, the building housing the 1957-1961 seat of Government, was occupied by various government departments, and finally by the Statistics Bureau. It was quietly demolished without a single person recollecting its historic provenance. 

No one has thought of installing a plaque in recognition of the historic importance of the site.

The Christmas Season is a good time to reminisce.

Happy Christmas to all!