Dear Editor,
In February 1966 the 29-year-old Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and her husband Prince Philip paid an official 2-day visit to British Guiana. This was the first (and very probably the only time) that a reigning monarch was visiting Guyana. It was a holiday in Guyana and the climax of months of preparation. Georgetown was festive at night with decorative lights, and during the day with flags and bunting. People from all walks of life, near and far, thronged the streets of Georgetown in the expectation of a glimpse of the Queen, to enjoy the ceremonial pomp and glamour, and to savour a moment of history. Children from the various schools in the coastal and interior regions were selected to travel to Georgetown to see the Queen. My brother, Chaitram Singh, was one of the lucky students selected to represent Corentyne High School.
I remember the day well because he brought back a miniature Union Jack which was my pride and joy for the next couple of days.
Upon disembarking from the Royal Yacht Britannia moored at the Sproston’s wharf, the Queen was greeted by BG’s governor, Sir Richard Luyt and his wife, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, and Chief Justice Joseph Luckhoo. The Queen then inspected a Guard of Honour commanded by Sandhurst-trained Major Ramon Sattaur.
The royal party then entered an open black Austin Princess and were driven to Parliament Buildings where on the balcony, alluding to our country’s Independence which was just three months away, she said, “Now is the time to look forward with hope and resolution that all of this land, of whatever ancestry or creed, shall enjoy a shared prosperity and happiness as citizens of Guyana.”
Later that day the Queen attended a civic ceremony at the Promenade Gardens, attended the races at D’Urban Park, and a reception that evening at the Prime Minister’s residence.
The next day, Sunday, February 3, 1966, the Queen travelled by train to the village of Plaisance. Plaisance lived up to its friendly reputation.
There were thousands of people waiting to see her. But it was going to be a very big day for a little Plaisance girl. Ann Jennifer Mendonca was nine years old at the time and she was selected by the village elders to present a bouquet of flowers to the Queen. Dressed in a dainty white frock, pretty Ann Mendonca made her way to the Queen, curtsied, and offered the flowers to the smiling monarch. Ann herself was bashful and smiling as she made three steps backward, curtsied again, and then turned from the Queen’s presence.
Ann lived in Plaisance with her son, and I was planning on visiting her the next time I go to Guyana. My hopes were dashed, however, when I read in the Kaieteur News that Ms Ann Jennifer Mendonca was found murdered in her home the previous night. According to KN, “her hands were bound with duct-tape and a black plastic bag was tied around her head, which was covered by two pillows.”
Where, oh where, is our country heading?
Yours faithfully,
Rishi Singh
