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FM
Former Member

F83DA894-FA09-4B4F-8EBF-A594E323D2E6
Dec 04, 2017 Letters 0 Comments


Dear Editor,
Though only seven years old when we immigrated to Canada, the thought of revisiting my homeland, Guyana, has never suggested itself since departure. When I allow myself to consider why, I realize that I have intentionally suppressed every opportunity for it to return, even with the knowledge that the visit would be temporary. The idea alone invites flashback upon flashback, all unpleasant.
I still remember that night so vividly—it was 3:00 am, October 14th, 2002. Bullets from every angle, shattering the peace of the night as window panes crashed inwards and bullets became our bedmates. I remember barely daring to open my eyes, dreading the damage. My father lay on the ground helplessly, his arm the picture of carnage. Next to him, a pistol, shell casings spilt across the floor.
I watched as my mother, a strong, competent woman of the subcontinent, cry as she ran to help him. Thankfully the next morning brought the light of good news. My father would survive his injuries.
As my father began to recover in the following days, one thing became overwhelmingly clear. Our family could not remain in Guyana. Typical of the country, the shooting was never properly investigated and no charges ever made. Canada presented itself as an idyllic refuge for immigrants to seek a better life and raise children. This migration to North America is how my law journey began.
I’m often asked “why law school?” Why this career, that requires long hours and essay upon essay and research until you’re bleary eyed, when there are so many other options. The answer has always been simple though. I have a responsibility, as a son and as a victim of a blatantly ignored act of violence, to honour the incredible sacrifices my parents have made and contribute to the prevention of mishandled and un-prosecuted cases.
My parents worked 14-hours a day and seven days a week when we first moved to Canada. Their sacrifices have been endless, all to allow me to pursue my dreams. Beyond that, no matter how cliche, seeking justice for individuals that receive little to no assistance and are often marginalized has always been a worthy cause to me.
MICHAEL DAWUD
Harvard University – MA Candidate
NWC Law School – JD Candidate

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Dave,

Congrats to the young man Michael Dawud.

Politics and Crime have caused most individuals to migrate,my moderate home in Guyana was built in the 90's,like a prison for safety,i doubt it's currently full proof,the miscreants using modern tools to break and enter.

The country needs to send a serious message to home invaders,pop their necks,screw the GHRA.

Me thinks you are related to the young man.

Django
Last edited by Django
Django posted:

Dave,

Congrats to the young man Michael Dawud.

Politics and Crime have caused most individuals to migrate,my moderate home in Guyana was built in the 90's,like a prison for safety,i doubt it's currently full proof,the miscreants using modern tools to break and enter.

The country needs to send a serious message to home invaders,pop their necks,screw the GHRA.

Me thinks you are related to the young man.

Thanks Djanjo , the young man is my son. He wrote the article for a assignment to his university and we have no idea how it end up in Kaieture News . 

After visiting Guyana recently with my wife and daughter who is now 15 years  we decided to visit our former employees who we lost contact with , one of our former employee mention to us about it and we were surprise . My son decide to look it up and saw it was indeed published . 

My daughter was 3 months old when this happens . My son refuse to go with us. 

The business place is still there and we have never revisit it ... it’s up for sale now. 

FM

Best of luck to your son and your family in future endeavors.   Your son's story echoes the emotions of what many Guyanese immigrants feel and tell of who you are as a father.  Yet some of us have forgotten from whence we came and why we are who we are.  From day one I had a feeling you were a person of profound integrity and deep character.  I was right.  

Bibi Haniffa
Last edited by Bibi Haniffa

QUOTE: "My father lay on the ground helplessly, his arm the picture of carnage. Next to him, a pistol, shell casings spilt across the floor.
I watched as my mother, a strong, competent woman of the subcontinent, cry as she ran to help him. Thankfully the next morning brought the light of good news. My father would survive his injuries."

That was one helluva experience, Dave. Glad you're alive and interacting with us here.

FM
Gilbakka posted:

QUOTE: "My father lay on the ground helplessly, his arm the picture of carnage. Next to him, a pistol, shell casings spilt across the floor.
I watched as my mother, a strong, competent woman of the subcontinent, cry as she ran to help him. Thankfully the next morning brought the light of good news. My father would survive his injuries."

That was one helluva experience, Dave. Glad you're alive and interacting with us here.

We have some tough guys here.  One was run over by a car, another was hit by a reversing car, another escaped Wall Street as the Twin Towers were tumbling down, some survived heart attacks and major surgeries, etc. 

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Dave, congrats to your son on his achievements BUT more refreshing and important is his attitude and his quest for Justice and Righteousness.

He was right not to visit Guyana.

Nehru
Last edited by Nehru

If noting,the politics of Guyana made us strong. Dave story is one of many from Guyanese having to flee their homeland. This coalition promised the cure for all the crimes, the people believed thus voted for change, yes change for the worst.

K

Congrats to your son Dave. He makes you a proud father and I am sure that experience and scene is etched in his brain. I don't blame him for not wanting to return. Glad you survived to share this experience with us. It's unfortunate that many of our brothers and sisters in Guyana face the same threats on a daily basis. There is no refuge for most of them. Is Guyana an ancient civilization burial ground?

FM

Dave be careful posting personal information,  people like Mitwah, d2, cain and other low lives will lash it back in your face in time.

This is a reminder to all of us who romanticize about Guyana that it is nice to visit but not to live there and be fearing for your lives day in day out. Some of foreign supporters of the PNC on this site will tell us otherwise as they enjoy the comforts of a 1st world country. Recently Mars visited and stayed for 3 months and claimed that he felt safe as he was "careful".  Guyana has always been the land of steel bars on your windows/doors. A prisoner within your own homes. Granger et al have done little to change this perception as we see crime continues unabated despite their grandiose promises during the electoral campaigns. 

FM
Leonora posted:

Mitwah, why did you post the picture?  You should remove it.

Mitt asked me if he can... I told him it’s ok . Unfortunately, I don’t see my son going back to Guyana. He once asked how can he contribute to change the political atmosphere in Guyana ... instead he sends money every month to help homeless kids. 

Last year he raises money for Sick Kids in Canada and was recognized .

He hate the publicity , he will kill me if he knows I did this lol .

I am proud as a father and I know everyone has kids who has done well. 

Guys Thanks for the support. 

FM
Leonora posted:

Well, Dave made the mistake of giving out personal info. We've all seen how such info. is used here over and over to torture others.

Bahenji, I removed it. Your concerns are valid.

Mitwah
Leonora posted:

Well, Dave made the mistake of giving out personal info. We've all seen how such info. is used here over and over to torture others.

Dave better be careful now with his political views as lilmohan is vicious creature and will use this information and photograph when he gets desperate and is brackled in a corner. 

FM
Mitwah posted:
Leonora posted:

Well, Dave made the mistake of giving out personal info. We've all seen how such info. is used here over and over to torture others.

Bahenji, I removed it. Your concerns are valid.

Thanks. You have a good soul, after all.  

FM

You fellows be careful with posting personal information. This site is monitored. Prashad recently got several hang up calls on his personal phone from a Chinese consulate.

Prashad
Last edited by Prashad
Prashad posted:

You fellows be careful with posting personal information. This site is monitored. Prashad recently got several hang up calls on his personal phone from a Chinese consulate.

Lilmohan or d2 possibly the culprit.  These two fellows in the past post people's personal information and djangy close to following them. 

FM
Prashad posted:

You fellows be careful with posting personal information. This site is monitored. Prashad recently got several hang up calls on his personal phone from a Chinese consulate.

They probably have some land for you and your Indo group.

cain

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