How many of us would have known that the expression "cool as Gokool" referred to Haji Gokool Meah (1847-1939) who came on an indenture ship when he was just six years old and grew to be businessman, cocoa proprietor and cinema magnate, builder of the Globe and Empire cinemas in the 1930's? Gokool drank his cup of dhal every day, and in the face of racial prejudice conducted his business with an icy calm that became proverbial, hence "cool as Gokool". [Extracted from Caribbean History Archives]

Yacoob Ali, at age thirteen in 1888, was sent back to India by his father Shaikh Bahadoor Ali to get an Islamic education. He returned ten years later as a hafiz (one who memorize the Holy Qur'an in its entirety - ed) and qari (one who masters the art of reciting the Holy Qur'an -ed)and could chant the inspiring verses in a very melodious tone. This was a great honour and it won for him the admiration of the Muslims of the island.  Hafiz Yacoob established several maktabs (classes to provide religious instructions -ed).   Hafiz Yacoob is pictured here (facing the camera).

Westmoreland witness to Hosay processions in the early twentieth century remembers that “Hosay represented mystery, beauty and violence. Non Indians, fascinated by the highly crafted Tazia, were often driven away forcefully by those in the procession. Looking or touching was forbidden, and dangerous. Fighting broke out…[chiefly] from each believer’s desire to be the first to launch his own shrine into the sea, an act which brings great blessing and good fortune…” She adds, more prosaically, that “the police were always on the alert during Hosay, and the Savanna-la-mar Hospital usually admitted a number of the wounded.

Georgetown June 30 2008:

As reported in Guyana Chronicle:

Outgoing, brave, and sensitive Zimeena Rasheed gives credit to Mr. Wilfred Success of West Ruimveldt Primary School at C. V. Nunes Primary School for her success.   She said her best subjects are mathematics, science, and she like participating in debates and dramatic poetry.

She said that by phone Mr Success, a close friend of the grandmother, would discuss the various areas of study with her, sometimes for long periods.

Like her classmate her parents are to decide whether they would further their education in the city.

As reported in Starbroek News:

Eleven-year-old Zimeena Rasheed of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, and pupil of CV Nunes Primary, who is also in fifth place, told Stabroek News that she feels contented since she worked very hard towards her success. The confident and well spoken Zimeena said she took extra lessons and studied early in the mornings leading up to her exams. She said her siblings along with her parents stayed up late and encouraged her throughout her studies.

She said the exams were not all easy; Science, Mathematics and English were okay, but Social Studies was very challenging.

Zimeena expressed sincere gratitude to her family, teacher and friends. She also congratulated her colleague, top pupil Yogeeta Persaud, with whom she had always competed.

Georgetown June 30 2008: 

As reported in Guyana Chronicle:- Eleven-year-old Ridwaan Safi said that he is elated to carry on what has become a family ‘thing’. Like his fellow classmate Arianna, Ridwaan was placed among the country’s top 10 National Grade Six candidates.

Ridwaan, who says that he is aspiring to become a doctor like his father, copped the fifth position with a total of 551 marks. This young man, who seemed lost for words after he was told of his performance, said that he was surprised.

Ridwaan said that he felt as though he was at a disadvantage since he was involved in an accident a few months prior to his preparation for the exams and hadn’t much time for studies. Now with the exams out of the way, Ridwaan said that he is now gearing his mind for two months of relaxation as he was promised a vacation by his parents.

Back in 2006 Ridwaan’s elder brother, Fawwaz, placed third in the country for the final sitting of the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination. Ridwaan added that he also feels very honoured to have his school earn a place in the country’s top 10.

Georgetown June 30 2008:

As reported in Guyana Chronicle:  For Shahrazaad Khan it was surprising as she too, like the other students was not expecting to be placed among the country’s top 10. Shahrazaed secured the fourth place position with a total of 552 marks. Like her fellow classmate, Shahrazaad said that she would rather stay at her current school instead of going to the school at which she would be placed.

She said that she was confident of doing well at the exams but not that well. Now that the exams results are out Shahrazaad said that she feels much more relaxed and will be looking forward to some form of relaxation now that the anxiety is all over with.

As reported in Starbroek News:

Shahrazaad Khan, 11, of LBI, East Coast Demerara grabbed the fourth spot in the country.

The soft spoken girl said she was shocked after learning how well she did and was on her way home when she got the news. She said her mother who was with her turned around and drove back to the school so she could celebrate with her teachers and classmates.

She recalled that the examinations' preparation was hard and pointed out that she took a decision not to stay up too late. Shahrazaad loves reading and is a huge fan of author, JK Rowling. She has read every book in the Harry Potter series and plans on reading anything new from the author.

She is undecided on a particular career but plans on working extremely hard as she continues with her studies. Shahrazaad said her parents; Sabina and Shazadh Khan offered endless support and that her teachers were the best. She is looking forward to attending QC later this year.

Georgetown June 30 2008:

As reported in the Guyana Chronicle:  “I am happy, excited and most, of all shocked,” were the first words of 12 year-old Sayyid Rajab after he was told that he was placed second among the country’s top 10 candidates.

“In all my exams I would place first or second. I never went below that so I knew that I would have done well,” young Sayyid said. However despite being placed at one of the country’s top secondary schools, Sayyid said he would rather stay at his current school.

“I want to stay here because I wouldn’t want to leave my friends and because of the Islamic teachings,” he added. He said he owes his success to his parents and his class teacher.

The reality of placing second in the country was yet to sink in for Sayyid Rajab, who was speechless for a brief period, but got talking after colleagues and teachers at his school started praising his performance. "I am shocked and happy to say the least. This is a great moment and after working so hard for it, I am really excited. I was told that I could top the country but I am happy with what I got," the 12-year-old Better Hope, East Coast Demerara resident said.

Sayyid said he had many late nights that often ended at midnight but according to him, it was not all work. He also spent time playing table tennis, watched an occasional television programme and surfed the internet.

He joined the Isa Islamic School from the nursery school level and is grateful to all his teachers for the hours and the extra effort they put into his schooling. Sayyid named his parents; Shakira Jameel and Gregory Rajab as his biggest supporters but he praised Allah for guiding him through it. Though he is unsure as to which career path he will take, the young man said that it will definitely be something in the field of science because that is the subject he enjoys the most.

As he spoke with Stabroek News, Sayyid's colleagues kept showing up and congratulating him, and one child remarked that if this is what it means to come second in the country then he will aim for the same.