| Sunday, January 24, 2010 |
| ITUNI - THE PLACE THAT TIME FORGOT |
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| By R.O. Bostwick |
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‘Ghost Town’ is always a very sad sight. In most cases, it is a stark reminder of past glories. There will be an increasingly large number of potential ‘Ghost Towns’ in the United States as a consequence of the current economic crunch that is rapidly enveloping the world. Businesses are putting up shutters, banks have run bankrupt, foreclosures are escalating and several thousands are added to the ‘breadline’ daily. In small communities, this situation could be extremely vulnerable as alternative opportunities are invariably limited. Ituni, a small community located on the long trail from Linden to Kwakwani may be classified as one of our many ‘Ghost Towns’ that will surely have a worse plight as a consequence of the present economic situation worldwide.
As recent as the seventies, Ituni was known as a bustling small bauxite township connected by railway to the main bauxite operations at Linden. It had been a thriving location for well over 30 years and had been made famous for its night life and excellent entertainment as the community was known for its spontaneous hospitality. It comprised an admixture of all races and, as a consequence, there was absolutely no discrimination. There was much inter-breeding and to this day you will find a truly mixed population of all the races.
Ituni still has an abundance of bauxite but there is only periodic talk about resuscitation. As a consequence, the men-folk have to resort to cutting timber for survival of the community as the only available option. But very hard times continue to exist and it is claimed that the Guyana Forestry Commission is not making things easier with its regulatory measures, the cost of which the community’s limited financial resources could ill afford. It does not appear that consideration is given to the fact that most of the people already live at bare subsistence level; they are at times obliged to send their children as far away as Linden and Kwakwani for Secondary education and pay for their support to boot. No consideration is given to the poor maintenance of the lone trail that forces minibus operators to charge as much as $1,000 or more for a one-way trip to Linden in order to maintain their vehicles.
In a previous article some years ago, I had made the point that Ituni is a place where some of the most beautiful girls in Guyana could be found and we were making little girls mothers at the tender age of 14 or even less because of financial circumstances. There is an endless trek to Aroaima, Kwakwani, Linden, the Gold Bush and even as far away as the Caribbean to earn a living through the most devious means. And yet there is an over-abundance of lip service about HIV/AIDS prevention. Obviously not enough thought is being given to the basic causation which is associated with severe poverty.
There is no need to bring rocket scientists to Ituni for a solution. All that is necessary is a little bit of common sense coupled with on-the-spot leadership and an eagerness for self-help on the part of the community. There is an abundance of forestry so a sawmill and a Lumber yard could be established. There is always need for furniture, so a Furniture Factory could be erected. While I was studying in England, I had to tour a lovely place called High Wycombe which bordered a river and an abundance of forestry. This little town had at the time over two thousand furniture factories manufacturing and supplying furniture to Europe and North America. Ituni could certainly supply local demands for school furniture as a ready example. There is also excellent sand and clay around Ituni that could sustain a viable ceramic Industry. Here the irony is that we import ceramic ware and ornaments from all over the world when we could produce them right here at Ituni and elsewhere. There is also good terrain around for farming. I have eaten some of the largest and sweetest avocado pears and pineapples grown at Ituni. There could be room for canning and, also, the exportation of fresh fruit.
Around the bend from Ituni is a place called the ‘Goat Farm’ which had some of the largest goats and turkeys in Guyana. The place borders a creek filled with abundant fish. It ought not to be too difficult to harness these few resources and others which could make Ituni a ‘Boom Town’ once again. On a very conservative estimate, these few ventures as pioneer projects ought not to cost in excess of $300 million – less than the cost of building a single school in some cases. We need pocket micro-development and not questionable macro-development where foreign experts consume forty percent of the project cost.
This type of development will attract people back to their home-towns and re-populate rural areas that have been depressed by migration due to limited job opportunities.
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hi ituni people keep up the love |
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By:
sis bee
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4/11/2010 10:27:00 AM |
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This is a great article, i remember back in the 80's visiting ituni i was working as a porter on a lumber truck, i was employed by kenseco and we were hauling lumber for kings, and i must say i enjoyed being in ituni it was there i saw the sources of the demerara river, sorry to hear of ituni demise due to lack of development and financial constraint, the letter writer made some valid points in ways how to revive ituni, it can become a reality if the one's in authority listen. |
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By:
amen-ra-ta
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3/29/2010 9:34:22 PM |
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Ituni sounds like a beautiful place.I am fromTrinidad and I advise the people to mind cows. Best of luck. |
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By:
westernelectrics@hotmail.com
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3/12/2010 6:49:17 PM |
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Yes, Derrick I know that when you go you would make meaning contributions to the community in terms of development. The road to go there is not inviting and that is why so many people prefer not to travel. I hope the government, the residents and supporters work together to address the basic problems in the district. Electricity is solved but what about water, school, transportation, and medical services to name a few. |
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By:
Mrs Serpent
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3/11/2010 9:16:12 PM |
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I am from Ituni now living in the US for a very long time Ituni is still a bless place to live the people there needs to stand together to bring about change. I would be back in ituni shortly and hope to do my best with the people collectively. my Ph.no 347 998 5579, call me at anytime to dicuss. My E-mail dboyce24@hotmail.com
love.
Rev. Boyce ( young Mickle) |
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By:
Rev. Derrick Boyce (young mickle)
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3/3/2010 12:02:54 PM |
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that town is very nice not a gost town da, |
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By:
love angle
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2/26/2010 1:59:26 PM |
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As I said before on guest book to our Mr.President after giving the money to Haiti.It was good thing to help a country in need and God will bless,but it make wonder if thats for a show.Where in this God;s gaving world anyone would love or help another country/another person's child and not ur own.there's disaster in your country and you refuse to take care of it,are you looking for recordnation/or the reason for is because Linden,Ituni,Kwakwani its the strong hold for the opposition party.Mr.President charity starts at homeeeee. |
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By:
Concern Lindener/Afua.
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2/21/2010 1:29:32 PM |
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We now have 24 hrs of Electricity!!..Every one that prays for Ituni...Thank you!.Ituni im Comming this summer! My Family and friends i miss you! |
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By:
Pet
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2/16/2010 12:26:04 PM |
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I soo like the idea of all Ituni ppl being in Guyana for a Reunion,..why do we have to keep it in Brooklyn always, i want it to be right where its called.."Ituni reunion" in Ituni..and about the roads??..what is the cost to rebuild it?.Itunians we should pitch in to do this, CAN WE DO THIS YES WE CAN!! |
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By:
Pet
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2/16/2010 12:20:12 PM |
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that was a nice website on guyana lots of old pictures. good history. my greatgrandmother took down the british flag in Ituni and put up the guyana flag at guyana independence. she was the oldest woman in Ituni at that time. Latisha Baird was her name, born 1892. |
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By:
sis bee
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9/28/2009 10:57:22 PM |
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that was a nice website on guyana lots of old pictures. good history. my greatgrandmother took down the british flag in Ituni and put up the guyana flag at guyana independence. she was the oldest woman in Ituni at that time. Latisha Baird was her name. |
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By:
sis bee
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9/28/2009 10:52:09 PM |
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http://watookacoffeeshop.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/then-and-now/ |
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By:
anonymous
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9/28/2009 9:46:33 PM |
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There is a lot to be done but nothing is impossible. the spirit is there and that is all the drive we need to get started. first things first: focus on the rebuilding of the road to ituni, the cost and then everything else will follow. |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/25/2009 5:45:18 PM |
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The pool is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The guest house is not better than a guess(?) house. |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/25/2009 4:59:44 PM |
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whats up with the guest house and the pool is it still up and running. I know Ituni can come again if we all pitch in |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/24/2009 9:19:36 PM |
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true that. The road to Ituni is a problem the buses don't want to go. any engineers out there to tell us the cost to build the road from linden to Ituni. serious thing. lets start from here and now. |
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By:
sis bee
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9/24/2009 9:14:14 PM |
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Good, creative thinking. Ituni residents should also give serious thought to planning at least one event that coincides with the Linden Town Week activities. Offer visitors an alternative when happenings in Linden get 'soft'. Just an idea. |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/24/2009 12:19:39 PM |
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for real. that is a good idea. love you Ituni. |
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By:
sister bee
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9/24/2009 12:28:55 AM |
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big up all the Ituni oldtimers. All the Ituni people that was at the last reunion in New York. Next reunion should be in Ituni. That will bring money to Guyana and Ituni and may be this could be the start of a carnival or sunsplash. |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/24/2009 12:27:13 AM |
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Well, the Government is going to re-introduce a 24-hour electricity service. Hope this is the onset of the re-vitalisation of Ituni. |
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By:
Anonymous
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9/21/2009 9:21:30 AM |
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I was born in Ituni a beautiful and productive village . We must try to save this village and all the surviving good people
In every possible way , Maybe a Ituni Fund ???? |
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By:
Bustop
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9/20/2009 11:31:48 PM |
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I was born in Ituni a beautiful and productive village . We must try to save this village and all the surviving good people
In every possible way , Maybe a Ituni Fund ???? |
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By:
Bustop
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9/20/2009 11:31:36 PM |
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I grew up in Ituni and I am trying to do the best I can to build back Ituni by networking with other Ituni folks. As a little girl I loved Ituni and every thing about it. The school the cinama, bush cooking, girl guides, and much more. God bless Ituni and the people that are there still. |
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By:
Sister Bee
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9/12/2009 6:00:17 PM |
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To all the decision makers reading this,we are pleading for your help and support to get through this crisis.someone has to make a start and we pray that someone would be you.and to my fellow villagers just remember that everything is possible with god so just keep praying and we'll get through this together.god bless.
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By:
Ituni girl
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9/1/2009 8:35:43 PM |
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When I was a child I rember going there to sell with my mother and we met some of the most pleasnt people there. Laty that place has been o my mind and plan to do something about it.I know that the Lord has not forgotten about you folks. Help is on the way. |
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By:
I care
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8/31/2009 10:45:03 AM |
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That anonymous comes from me..Ituni girl, we love Ituni 100%. And noone can suggest anything but quality resources. |
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By:
Pet
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8/30/2009 12:58:06 PM |
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I agree with you Ituni Girl..This is our hometown! And no-one should suggest our ppl to leave, we love it there regardless of its condition!..My children are safe whenever i come home. My mom was also offended to know someone can suggest the ppl should leave.. |
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By:
Anonymous
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8/30/2009 12:55:34 PM |
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My heart cries for you Ituni~I cant wait to help. I'm so proud that we still have our spirits up and make everyday a blessed one
Keep up the sports and the good vibes!`
My heart is with you always~ |
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By:
Pet
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8/30/2009 12:51:17 PM |
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Whoever is saying that thd residents of my home town should relocatd to linden is completely heartless and foolish.no offence,but how would u like it if u were manipulated to leave your place of birth and childhood days?think about it.if someone close to u were in trouble,would u leave,knowing that u could've helped?idts.as the writer of this article stated,ituni has lots of resources and we can all do something to help. |
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By:
Ituni girl.
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8/30/2009 12:47:45 PM |
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First off ..i want to thank you for writing this article and putting us in the limelight/spotlight. I do hope our Goverment will take a good look at whats happening to Ituni, we can all agree that we are still fighters/ survivors that dont complain so now is the time we spoke up because we need help!, i now live in the USA but there is no where in the world i'd rather be but in Ituni every time i set foot in Guyana!..I pray that my fellow Itunians get some help!! |
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By:
Pet
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8/30/2009 12:17:17 PM |
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i think you're absolutely right.......we do have some of the most beautiful girls in guyana.i also think that it's about time someone stepped up and talk aboput the crisis we're going through.thanks.something desperately needs to be done.
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By:
ITUNI GIRL
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8/29/2009 8:24:14 PM |
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I remember the good times there in Ituni,it was truly a place to make friends in the community.I do still recall the fondest memory of having to take the bus to and from that beautiful community as well as the train.ituni will always be one of the quiet and peacefull places.I recall the days and timesworking up there with my dad.Unto this day i still recall those fond memories with my children.I saw movies in the cinema therewhich i can't locate or find unto this day.I recall the market square,where you borded the buss and train,school andcinema and sports groung |
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By:
gladstone
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8/27/2009 9:46:00 PM |
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ituni dats me home struggling goes on
no water feh three hours de light goes on
my true lyrics bout my life while i was there and still love ituni...the artist DEAD-Li is from ituni |
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By:
dead-li
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8/27/2009 11:12:15 AM |
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this is true ituni has lumber sand and clay and fruits that the goverment should look in to that could find job for people of linden and ituni i do hope the goverment will look into these matter as early as possible. people need work. |
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By:
don bremner
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8/26/2009 7:14:46 PM |
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True it's time the linkages should get stronger and closer i see person's from Ituni and close by places coming to Linden and partying if we can do this together and a people why can we find that same clothes and party money to do something in Ituni, the same where these people come to Linden we can go there and party if the place was developed a new environment to get away and relax is more than wonderful. So let's come together and do something becuase we are all humans and want to survive and enjoy the life that has been granted onto us. I will pray for my country because god answers prayers. |
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By:
Ms. Linden
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8/26/2009 12:01:29 PM |
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Oh shucks, ah sarry. |
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By:
Anonymous
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8/24/2009 12:55:05 PM |
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The residents of Ituni should collectively 'bite the bullet' and make the wise(st) decision to relocate to Linden or areas closer to the town. While it is true that Ituni was once a 'beautiful' community in which to live and visit, the area is now 'dead'. Unless bauxite mining activities resume soon, normal activities will only get worse for the remaining inhabitants. Power generation; health, recreational and educational facilities; vehicular and technological communication and associated infrastructure have and will continue to get worse over time. The Regional authorities need to collaborate with the residents of Ituni to brainstorm the relevant issues and arrive at timely and positive decisions in arriving at the best solutions for all parties. Lindeners have always enjoyed a close relationship with the folks of Ituni. Maybe its time for the linkages to get stronger and closer. |
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By:
Anonymous
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8/24/2009 12:11:17 PM |
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| Ituni community, a section. |
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