The First Crossing, the diary of British surgeon Theophilus Richmond who sailed on the first ship, Hesperus that brought indentured labourers from Calcutta, India to Georgetown was launched last evening at Le Meridien Pegasus.
The book which was published by the Derek Walcott Press is the brainchild of Guyanese writer, Professor David Dabydeen who teamed up with Professor Brinsley Samaroo, Jonathan Morley, Amar Wahab and Brigid Wells to edit the book. Speaking at the launching last evening, Dabydeen said it took them close to three years to complete the book.
He recalled how he was introduced to Richmond’s diary, noting that it was very enlightening to see the first written account of Indian existence in Guyana. Professor Dabydeen said they did extensive work in putting the book together, recalling the hours of research and editing that was done.
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Al Creighton who did an analysis of the book last evening said it was profound and timely. Creighton added that the book has made an important contribution to scholarship and he recommended it as a book to be read.
The diary chronicles Dr Richmond’s journey from Liverpool, England in June 1837 to Mauritius, to Calcutta, India and from Calcutta on January 29, 1838 to Guyana.
Richmond died two months after arriving in Demerara, Guyana on May 5, 1838 of yellow fever at the age of 23. His presence onboard the Hesperus was as a result of being employed by John Gladstone, father of the then British prime Minister who wanted labour from India to replace the ex-slaves on his sugar plantation on the West Demerara. Over 100 Indians started the journey but not all made it through.
Dabydeen said they have compiled a list of the immigrants on that first voyage, which would be made available for research purposes.
