A sad day for Leonora as part of its soil is reclaimed by the Atlantic Ocean

Dec 21, 2022 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Leonora’s garden of blooming flowers is withering slowly but surely of all the seeds planted from the oldest of generations who have survived the test of time, and, have survived the blistering storms from the era belonging to the 1920’s. Yes, this historical village which has seeded the current President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, has enjoyed the livelihood of many famous, popular and well known personalities who have characterized each and every aspect of a life style befitting of the people from every corner stone which molded the status quo of Leonorians. Succeeding generations have amplified their echo, multiplied their gains and have built castles from cottages. Yet, many of the very oldest of senior citizens have befuddled the younger generations, beaten the test of time and have out lived their siblings.

Today, with memories full of nostalgia, an open book consumed with the rich legacy of vibrating energies and a pampered past time, Leonora has to reluctantly close the final chapter of a very well-known face, familiar to each and every one and an individual who has succeeded to grace the presence of unfathomable moons. She has outlived, outclassed and outsourced so many compatriots in her own way, with her own life style, in her own time and to the dictates of her own pace. Always one determined to play her own tune, she seldom danced to the beat of another drum or afforded the intrusion of an estranged rhythm, but, she did fine-tuned the tone of the moment to produce the required melody. She danced to 98 years and 8 months of pump and glory, name and fame and good times and challenging times.

Hailed from Kingston, Georgetown, this mother of 12 children (4 died as infants), was born on 12^Th April, 1924, as the daughter of Jagmohan and Budhni and as a sister to 2 siblings. Bread at Uitvlugt, as a little girl, her past time was typical of most Indian girl children; limited schooling (Teacher Bovell School from Stewartville) before being pulled out from the education system, then became occupied with house chores to suffice the home, spent a few years to enjoy as a teenager before being roped in a ‘marrow’ and being married off. This mother gave birth to Sgt. Doopan (deceased), Ruby (deceased), Doodnauth (Ajay) (deceased), Narine (deceased), Pearly, Lallman (deceased), Pampie and Mamzie. As a mother-in-law, she accepted 5 daughters-in-law and 3 sons-in-law. Turning and churning the subsequent roles as a grand-mother, there are 20 grandchildren (1 died); as a great-grand mother, there are 30 great grandchildren and as a great, great grandmother, she was lucky to see the birth of 2 great, great grandchildren.

As a  young lass, she came to reside in the village of Leonora with Albert Loo as the Eastern neighbor, an Afro nurse as her Western neighbor, Uncle  Bahadur as her Northern neighbor and Pandit Maraj as her Southern neighbor. Her life style included the functionalities of a Pandit’s family and she soon drew the attention of all and sundry who came to consult with her husband. Her trade mark was her sweet, charming and friendly smile which accompanied her to her last day. Being of small stature, her swift movements had others straggling to keep up with her dance-like movements. What an adorable character she proved to be, always advocating the friendly posture of being accommodating to visitors, welcoming children playing in her open yard space and, ready to offer genips from the huge tree during the season and also, the long dungs from the dungs tree at the back of the yard.

At the turning of the tide, her residence changed from Leonora to Stewartville (1973), but, she still traversed between side by side villages to play out her innings, deliver the call of duty and respond to her variable engagements. The shifting of the sand did not prevent her to maintain the true nature of herself but rather, to elevate from one diversion to another direction. As Mother Nature would request, such a charming body of exuberance, returned to her home village   to enjoy the golden days of her silvery life to match her still flowing hair and amorous companionship. Her latter days were spent rocking in her hammock with her familiar smile ready to greet any visitor and to indulge in memorable past time conversations, while, at times, still cooking for herself.

Leonora is hearkened with the longevity of her oldest citizen but saddened that her innings was completed before achieving the centurion mark. Looking around, there are sporadic survivals from the 1920’s who are domiciled or residing abroad. All Leonorians tip their hats, bow their heads and clasp their hands to the passing of this beautiful store house of history who bid us all farewell on the 16^th of December around 12:30 PM. The village feels lonely without its dearest and oldest villager and her absence will create an irreplaceable presence.

As we say goodbye to a monumental figure, let us all offer our gratitude to her affording us the pleasure of her amicable friendship and pray that the Almighty will grant her peace, bliss and happiness. The good natured civility of Sookrajie (better known as Aunty Doris), will not be forgotten when cremated on the 20^th December’22 at Ruimzeight Crematorium, because, she lived the role as the Dharampatni (wife) of the late and great Pandit Nandkishore (died 1995).

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

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