We are pleased to announce that a consignment of 35,000 books has been secured for the students of JCCSS.  The books have been donated by individuals and institutions including libraries.  

The books are currently being categorized and boxed in preparation for containerized cargo shipping.

This is by any measure a huge number of books.  It is expected that books surplus to the needs of JCCSS will be shared among neighboring schools under the supervision of the regional education administration.

We are currently negotiating for free or reduced shipping.

THE PASSING OF A KING: 30 YEARS LATER

by Abel Peters

In July 2008, just prior to the reunion in Queens, New York, as this web-site was gaining momentum ascending to the dizzying heights we’ve all been witnessing, I did a piece commemorating the twenty-eighth anniversary of the passing of Mohamed Rafi, unarguably a musical giant and one of India’s most treasured artistes. Now that it’s been three decades since that historic day, July 31, 1980, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t bring to the fore once again an account of the man who has left such an indelible impression in the hearts of millions the world over.

Over the decades, I’ve engaged in analyses of the Melody King of India, welcoming any opportunity to discuss him with other aficionados. I have quite a few friends who, like me, feel the urge to bow at the very mention of the name Rafi, and we are always in agreement as to his virtuosity and the reasons he achieved such an exalted status in Bollywood filmdom and the music world at large.

What made Rafi great? First and foremost, I would say his voice by itself has that unique captivating personality, which induces devotees like me to forget about everything else and concentrate on the melody and intricacies of his delivery – with reckless abandon, if I may. He mastered every aspect of the craft, be it classical, pop, sentimental, bhajans, or qasidas. But, in spite of his unrivalled status in music, Rafi was “humility personified” all his life, and “adulations and accolades never had an impact on his unassuming persona.” (Colors of India: Mohamed Rafi). Read the rest of this entry »

It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Mrs. Irene Carpen of Hampshire Village.  She was the wife of the late Jacob Carpen and mother of Alan (Class of 1967) and Christina (Class of 1978); mother-in-law of Rev. Errol Inshanally and Bibi Carpen; grand-mother of Albert Inshanally (Class of 2010). Aunt Irene was buried last Friday.

Mel Carpen

The CHS-JCCSS Alumni Association  extends warmest happy birthday wishes to a former teacher and someone I sometimes playfully address as "Nestor", that wise old king written of in the dactylic hexameter of Homer in the "Iliad".  Like his mythic archetype, Mr. Julius B. Nathoo, 72 years old today, defines wisdom and good judgment and maybe on a grander scale than any Homeric epithet could ever evoke.

Over the years many generations of CHS grads have come to know Jules by his brilliant and all-too-frequent writings on our website.  His blogs and comments treat of a wide range of subjects – sports, village personalities, events of yesteryear – which leave his readers not umimpressed by the  breadth of his knowledge and depth of perception. 

Whatever terms and attributes of grandeur we may choose to ascribe upon this man, I think he himself would prefer to be known for his Christian virtues of charity and truth as the expression of his humanity and fundamental decency.

Jules, we rejoice that you are with us.  As we wish you "Happy Birthday" we pray for the  continued good health and long life of both yourself and the beautiful Celena.  In three years' time, we will be celebrating the glorious 75th. anniversary of our old school, which reminds us that you will be as old as our school.  A double reason – casus et causa - for celebration !!

Rishi Singh

This is to say THANK YOU for the music on Radio Corentyne which I have come to look forward to every weekend.  Usually I just put it on and go about my business but it's the places where the music takes me that always catches me by surprise.  I would find myself stopping to cry, laugh, or tell the kids of an old story from my childhood. 

To put it in a nutshell, you have made me stop to smell the roses.  Thanks again for bringing more joy to my life, and all the lives your music has touched.

Cleo Bansgopaul

Arnold Bhajan, CHS-JCCSS grad from the class of 1960, passed away today in New York.  Arnold was the last surviving son of the late William and Lilian Bhajan from Rose Hall Village, Guyana. His brother Ronald ( grad '61) passed away last August, and many of us who were in New York for the "Last Lick" cricket match were able to attend the funeral. Read the rest of this entry »

Dhruva Devindranauth Dharry, Class of 1952, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Guyana.

Dhruva , a well know businessman from Rose Hall , was the son of the late attorney, David Dharry &  Edith(Hanuman) Dharry of Rose Hall Village, Guyana.

Dhruva was the third of four brothers , Susil and Amal are both  deceased the only surviving brother, Anand  Dharry is still residing in Guyana. The five sisters are Saras , Betty ( wife of Joe Solomon) Sati  Asregadoo, Sona (deceased)was a CHS teacher and Nila Narine. Read the rest of this entry »