Dear Editor,
Winston Miller Sr came to Bartica as a mechanic soldier with his army jeep about 40 years ago. He got married in Bartica and had two sons. He was very kind and courteous to all. He also used to assist the police with his army jeep. After a few years he resigned from the GDF and took up civilian life in Bartica. He was sent for by the GNS at Tumatumari/Potaro where he was a mechanic foreman. He was also employed later at UMRP, UMDA and GEC, now GPL. He then became a speedboat operator and turned to the Regatta in 1967. He built a Regatta pavilion with help from GSM, A Mazarally and Willems Timber Co. That pavilion is still there.
Mr Miller was also the CDC coordinator for Region 7, and got house lots for many people.
He started to liven up the Regatta as a racer, and raced with many big names like John Willems, Pat Holder, Frank De Agrella, Chris Belle, Stephen Belle, Dave Scott, etc. Mr Miller then started the Lake Mainstay Regatta in the year 2000 and still runs it as well as Bartica. He joined an international racing authority in Dubai, Singapore and the USA ‒ Guyana Power Boat Racing.
Mr Miller is also a television host on TTS Channel 5 in Bartica. His programme is called the People’s Voice and is aired every Sunday from 5pm to 6pm. When the PPP was in power, President Jagdeo came to Bartica, and Miller interviewed him live. He asked the then president for a freezer to keep the dead and an X-ray machine because there was only an old one there. This was granted by the President.
Mr Miller asked a miner, Mr Ramnarine, for a donation to purchase a hearse; this he got and the hearse was brought in duty free. Mr Miller handed it over to the RDC Region 7, and this Toyota Hi-Lux 4×4 is now serving Bartica free.
I asked Mr Miller if he had ever got a letter thanking him for all he has done for the community of Bartica and its environs. He replied that he never had, but was happy for all he has done.
Other people are getting praise for his work, but the majority of people in Bartica would like this man to receive an award.
Yours faithfully,
Balram Persaud
