Guyanese offspring turned Tennis Pro at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON SACHIA VICKERY
Miramar teen fulfills dream of playing at Wimbledon

By MICHELLE KAUFMAN
mkaufman@MiamiHerald.com

Miramar's Sachia Vickery, then 11, practices at the Grove Isle courts in Coconut Grove on May 31, 2007. Vickery won her first-round juniors match Monday, June 29, 2009 at Wimbledon but lost Tuesday to top-seeded Kristina Mladenovic. FILE PHOTO

WIMBLEDON, England -- Sachia Vickery was a giggly tinsel-toothed 12-year-old curling up with Harry Potter books in her Miramar bedroom a few years ago, dreaming of someday getting a chance to play at Wimbledon. It seemed a far-fetched goal at the time.
Not anymore.

Vickery, who turned 14 a few weeks ago, made it through the qualifying rounds of the Wimbledon junior tournament, and was the youngest player in the junior main draw. She won her first-round match Monday, and on Tuesday had the misfortune of facing No. 1 seed Kristina Mladenovic, a 5-foot-11 player from France.

Mladenovic used her lethal serve and powerful forehand to beat the scrappy Vickery, 6-1, 6-3.
Vickery was in no mood to talk afterward. When her mother, Paula Liverpool, tried to console her, Vickery turned and walked away. She reluctantly agreed to do an interview, as her eyes welled with tears.

''Even though she is No. 1, I thought I could beat her,'' said Vickery, who recently turned pro and began training at a French academy in February. ``I thought I'd play better, so it's very disappointing.''

She finally attempted a smile, when reminded by her mother that it is an honor and great accomplishment to be the youngest player at Wimbledon. Billie Jean King watched Vickery's first match and had encouraging words afterward. Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, also watched the match and jotted down some suggestions on how to improve her game.

''I was really happy walking through the gates for the first time, getting my credentials,'' Vickery said. ``I came two years ago as a guest, but it's way better being a player. I didn't think I'd get here so soon.''

Vickery had been training at the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton after receiving a scholarship, and also working with USTA coaches, but her mother thought she needed more individualized instruction, so she enrolled her at the Mouratoglou Academy in France.

Luis Moris, one of her coaches, sees great potential in his young student.

''Sachia should be very proud of herself, just for being here at her age,'' he said. ``She made it through qualifying, so she absolutely deserves to be here, and she won a difficult first-round match. She is one of the youngest most talented girls on the junior circuit and she has great potential.''

Vickery's mother and grandmother rotate and travel to France to spend time with Vickery, who admitted she gets homesick. Liverpool still works late-night shifts as a waitress at a North Miami nightclub to help fund her daughter's dream.

Tuesday morning, before the match, Liverpool sat Vickery down at the college dormitory where they are staying, and gave her a pep talk.

''I re-told her the story of David and Goliath from the Bible,'' Liverpool said. ``I reminded her that none of us expected her to be at Wimbledon at 14, and that she should soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the experience, just go out, have fun, and swing away.''

But like most junior tennis players, Vickery isn't in it for the fun. She wants to win. Too much sometimes, said her mother.

''Everyone talks about tennis players having pushy parents, but in our house it's the opposite,'' Liverpool said. ``I'm always trying to tell her to have realistic goals, but she is so driven. All I can do is back away and let her be alone for a while after losses. Then I go get her some sugar crepes. That is the only thing that sweetens her mood.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/tennis/story/1121563.html

Guyanese National Signed by Carolina Soccer Team

Forward Gregory Richardson is on trial with the Carolina RailHawks.

Richardson, a native of Guyana, previously played for the Trinidad & Tobago club Joe Public. Last September, he tallied a hat trick at Gillette Stadium in Joe Public’s 4-3 win over the New England Revolution during the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League. Richardson was on trial with Toronto FC during its preseason, and he scored a goal against the U.S. U-20 side in a 2-1 TFC win. TFC held the rights to Richardson before trading them to Colorado in February. Richardson was waived by the Rapids last Friday. He appeared in two matches and played a total of 101 minutes in Colorado.


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Richardson on trial with RailHawks


Forward Gregory Richardson is on trial with the Carolina RailHawks. He arrived this morning and trained with the team this afternoon.Richardson, a native of Guyana, previously played for the Trinidad & Tobago club Joe Publix. Last September, he tallied a hat trick at Gillette Stadium in Joe Publix's 4-3 win over the New England Revolution during the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.Richardson was on trial with Toronto FC during its preseason, and he scored a goal against the U.S. U-20 side in a 2-1 TFC win. TFC held the rights to Richardson before trading them to Colorado in February.Richardson was waved by the Rapids last Friday. He appeared in two matches and played a total of 101 minutes in Colorado.There's no word on the length of Richardson's trial with Carolina, whether he'll sign with the team or if he'll dress for Friday's friendly against Wilmington.

http://railhawksreport.blogspot.com/2009/07/richardson-on-trial-with-railhawks.html

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL AWARDS 2009

GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION FOLK FESTIVAL AWARDS

June 25, 2009



The Guyana Cultural Association of New York announces its 2009 annual Folk Festival Awards. The ceremony will take place in New York City on September 2, 2009. Four honorees with contributions to the development and celebration of Guyanese Fashion, Food and Art will receive Awards. This year we recognize the altruism and achievements of individuals and the philanthropy of a business entity. Magda Lois Muriel Pollard is the recipient of The GCA Wordsworth McAndrew Lifetime Achievement Award. Donna Ramsammy-James, former Guyana President Janet Jagan and Western Union Company receive The Guyana Cultural Association Award.

The honorees were selected from nominations by the Guyanese Diaspora and have demonstrated by their individual or entity's action a sense of purpose in promoting Guyanese creativity and excellence. A committee evaluated each nomination considering relevant aspects of the Guyana Cultural Association published selection criteria.

Ms. Pollard has had an illustrious career as an educator, author and administrator. After graduation from university she spent a substantial part of her career as a lecturer and the Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics in Guyana. Attaining leadership positions in Guyana, across the Caribbean and in the United Nations permitted her to bring new insights to “strengthening relations between governments and non-governmental organizations.” Her dedication and exemplary contribution in “the movement for women’s empowerment” have led to better circumstances for the whole communities in which she worked.

Mrs. Ramsammy-James as a choreographer, a designer, and international creative consultant “celebrates and represents the rich diversity of the Caribbean.” In places as diverse as Guyana, Montserrat, and Kenya she pursued her passions and displayed leadership: lead female dancer and choreographer in the Guyana National Dance Theatre Company and co-founded the National Dance Theatre Company of Montserrat. In Kenya, Ms. Ramsammy-James expanded her designing talent by melding cultural sensibilities. Her designer trademark is a distinctive fusion of African, Caribbean, Indian and Latin American influences. These features reflect the creativity and pride of heritage.

Former President Janet Jagan was responsible for converting Castellani House into the National Art Gallery. It provided an appropriate location to store the growing national collection that had been building over several decades. “Today, that venue is an active site with regular rotating exhibitions, film festivals, and other cultural events.” Ms Jagan’s leadership has led to the establishment of “a cultural oasis--encouraging dialogue among painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and the wider community, including school children.”Western Union’s philanthropic efforts include “supporting cultural inclusion”. The company recognizes “the importance of helping individuals and families build strong communities, in which all members can contribute their distinctive talents and feel at home.”

Guyana Folk Festival has witnessed Western Union demonstrate it corporate citizenship. In our experience it has been true and consistent to its value statement. Attendance at the Award Ceremony on September 2, 2009 at the Rotunda of the Brooklyn Borough Hall, New York is by invitation. All of the Awardees or their designees will be honored guests. Details about 2009 Folk Festival events are available on the GCA website www.guyfolkfest.org.

Our Cultural Director, Claire Goring can be contacted at telephone number 718.209.5207 or by emailmailto:claireagoring@aol.com.

Prepared by: Ronald H. Lammy,Co-Chair, Guyana Cultural Association Awards Committee


http://www.guyfolkfest.org/awards2009.htm

An Island Man - Anthony Wendell DeRiggs

Anthony "Wendell" DeRiggs was born in St. George’s Grenada. He was educated at the St. George’s Catholic Boys’ School and the St. John’s Christian Secondary School, known locally as Palmer and Schaper, respectively. After completing his education, he taught at Schaper until he left for the United States in 1978. He holds a BA in History from Brooklyn College (CUNY).
DeRiggs is a renowned author, poet and story teller and Reflections and Ole Talk is his third book. His first two books, Recollections of an Island Man and Island Reminiscences and Other Selections have been well received in the USA, Canada and the Caribbean where he has toured widely and wowed audiences.

Author of two celebrated books, Recollections of an Island Man and Island Reminiscences and Other Selections, De Riggs presents his most enigmatic work yet in a series of eclectic short stories and poems - Reflections and Ole Talk, taking his readers on a journey of everyday Caribbean life using dialogue which mixes standard English, American English and Creolism, and a vivid use of imagery and the portrayal of characters, to convey a richness of culture. He evokes in his readers symbolisms that make them laugh and cry at once. Moreover, he provides a rich volume of literature which will inform future generations of a way of life swiftly in decline.

See his Facebook page at the link http://www.facebook.com/anthony.w.deriggs

Another Stalwart of the Guyanese Community ‘Aunty Pat’ passes on…

Veteran broadcaster, Pat Cameron, dies
July 1, 2009 By Ananthsa Filed Under News

Condolences from far and wide are pouring in to the daughter of veteran broadcaster Pat Cameron. She died yesterday at 12:30hrs, according to information posted by her daughter, Gail Cameron-Langevine, on FaceBook.

Yesterday, another veteran broadcaster, Margaret Lawrence, offered deepest condolences to the entire family, from her radio ‘family.

‘Aunty Pat’, as she was familiarly known to most, will sorely be missed, Lawrence said.

On Friday last, Pat Cameron, aka ‘Auntie Pat’, one of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation’s veteran broadcasters was reported as hospitalized in a serious condition after she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm Thursday.

Pat Cameron, a doyenne of Guyanese broadcasters, was the host of the influential radio programme, On Show Young Guyana, which helped to give recognition to the musical abilities of many young Guyanese.

She was also a talented actor and an enthusiastic celebrator of Guyanese folk traditions. Reports from Gail Cameron-Langevine, Pat’s daughter, were that Pat, while reported to be brain dead after suffering a burst brain aneurysm but started breathing on her own when they removed the respirator.

Pat Cameron, on radio, was popular for hosting shows such as A Visit with Patricia, Woman’s World, Countryside Gaff, On Show Young Guyana, Colgate Cavity Fighters Club, Beauty that Endures, Hear What Ah Tell You, Salute to Senior Citizens, The Talking Book (for the Blind), Visits to Institutions at Christmas (Christmas at the Dharm Shala, ..at the Mahaica Hospital, ..at the Georgetown Hospital), A Theme for a Dream, A Song Like Poetry, Woman Home and Family, Music from Mackenzie, A Tapestry of Song, Randy (Randolph) Profitt and the Boys and Yesterpops.

http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/07/01/veteran-broadcaster-pat-cameron-dies