Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 13, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
I was in deep shock having read the news report on the death of Trevor Balgobin, who drowned on Sunday (08-03-09) at the 63 Beach on the Corentyne while on a picnic with his colleagues.
I met Trevor more than 10 years ago while teaching at the Queenstown Community High School in Georgetown. While not himself a student of the school, he was there every afternoon with his elderly aunt who provided cleaning services there. Trevor worked with “granny”, as we all called her, as a reliable, dedicated and responsible partner; he ensured that he did all the major and strenuous work, such as lifting and moving furniture for her to get to those areas that needed cleaning.
Trevor and I became close when he approached me one afternoon and said, in a shy but determined manner, “Ms. Lurlene, ah wan tek some lessons, yuh know, yuh could help me.”
I did not realise that this young man would have been watching me every afternoon as I was assisting other students who needed after-school help.
He said he needed to learn so he can do better for himself later. I immediately consented and arranged a schedule for him; we worked in the afternoons after he was done with his job; then on weekends I made some time for him.
I was drawn to Trevor as a result of his deep passion for learning; he knew exactly where he was and was eager to better himself.
He had a kind heart, and was respectful in every way. One afternoon I remember him saying, “Ms. Lurlene, ah can’t buy a sweet drink fuh yuh; man, I glad yuh helping me”.
I knew he felt he had to pay me back in some way. I told him when he starts to do well he can buy all the drinks, but not to worry now. In all my years of teaching I have never seen someone so excited, willing and grateful for teaching.
This was a poor city boy who was engaged in hard labour at an early age; but who had a dream to rise above his shackles, and who saw the pursuit of education as a way for him to realise his dream.
Some might have expected someone in Trevor’s position to turn to the streets to achieve his goals; but I have never heard him hint one word to that effect. He hugged his books; caressed his pens and pencils as he proudly entered and left the classroom.
Trevor was aware that he was much older than most of the children in the class, but this did not bother him; he was just focused on his mission to learn to read and write.
However, after a year or so, while sitting in my classroom, one afternoon Trevor came to the window all dressed up in tie and working attire He said, “Ms. Lurlene, I can buy the drink fuh you now, I get a job at the Parliament.”
I was not surprised but was moved by his kindness. I congratulated him and encouraged him to stay focused; he thanked me over and over before he left. However, as fate would have it, shortly after then, having been called to serve in the National Assembly, I met Trevor again; this time we were working in the same place. I remember him telling almost everyone: “This is my teacher; Ms Lurlene, bhai”. Always with a smile,
Trevor executed his tasks at the Parliament with a degree of satisfaction and humility My own observation is that he was respectful and helpful to every parliamentarian, always enquiring whether they needed anything, or if he could help them in any way.
My own feelings and thoughts of Trevor is that his story is an interesting and inspiring one. He might not have been the most brilliant person around, but he understood the importance of an education, more so, the value of knowing to read and write.
Recently, whenever I visited Parliament to listen to the debates in the National Assembly he was always there to greet me and exchange kind words. I will miss his warmth, kindness and the wonderful conversations.
The Parliament office has lost a great worker, who was proud of his employment; the parliamentarians have lost a great assistant; his colleagues have lost a great workmate. His permanent smile will, however, always lingers in our minds.
My sincere condolences to Granny and the rest of his family. I trust that you find comfort in the fact that God still cares.
Lurlene Nestor
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]