Randall Butisingh – Dec 1, 1912 to Dec 9, 2012 – was the “World’s Oldest Blogger”
Now the worlds’ oldest BLOGGER at 97years”
Randall Butisingh was born in British Guiana (now Guyana), on December 1, 1912. He grew up in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, where he received his primary education. In 1925, he qualified and was the first runner-up for the first Buxton Scholarship. In 1927, he passed the School Leaving Examination and became a Pupil Teacher at the age of 15. This was the start of a 45 year-long career, with a few short breaks, in which he served as a Class II Certified and Trained Teacher until his retirement in January,1972. During his career, he taught mainly in Buxton, with short assignments in Lusignan, Nonpariel, Ann’s Grove and Mon Repos. According to him his best teaching experience was with head teacher Frank H.V. Russell who was supportive of his suggestions to put more importance in activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, and physical education as the majority of the children only attended primary school. He was able to organize exhibitions in these areas at school fairs and the annual May festivals.
Around 1930, he became a member of the Buxton Literary Institute where he read papers, participated in discussions and debates, and served as a delegate to the Plaisance Literary Institute.
In 1940, he was appointed Lay Reader of St. Augustine’s Church by Canon William Granville Burgan, where he served for 18 years performing such functions as reading the lessons, preaching at evensong, burying the dead and holding cottage meetings. He was also treasurer for the Church.
“Teacher Randall” in 1962
In 1958, he was appointed Senior Assistant of the Lusignan Government School, under Head Master George Bryan, where later, he became the acting Head-Teacher during the 1962 disturbances. At Lusignan, he served as Chairman for the Adult Education and Study Groups, Chairman of the Community Centre and part time Welfare Officer, during which time youths from Buxton met for sports and rallies at the Community Centre. At Lusignan School, he regularly organized fairs, concerts and parent-teacher meetings. Also working with the staff, he helped to write a textbook for the middle division, and to do a school magazine.
His literary accomplishments include:
* Three books of poems entitled Loves Light, Wild Flowers and Loves Balm which was his whole collection.
* A book of Thoughts entitled “Flashes of Light”
* A series of articles and letters to the press dealing with topics on education, morality and other issues.
* A paper on “Hindi in Multicultural Guyana.”
* A thesis on ‘The role of the School in the Estate Community.”\
* A translation of a biography of Mahatma Gandhi – from Hindi to English.
* An article in Hindi, jointly written with J.S. Roopchand and published in “Gagan Anchal” a prestigious Indian magazine.
A Paper on “Annandale Today”.
A Paper on Humanity read to youths of the Vir Dal, an organisation within the Arya Samaj.
He was awarded a Poet of Merit Certificate by the American Poetry Association.IN 1976, He became a member of the Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha, an organisation which sought to propagate Hindi in Guyana. He was the organization’s Hindi correspondent and editor of its Journal, “GYANDA.”
Now in the evening of his years, his thirst for knowledge and service has not diminished. Among the areas of his interest are; Comparative Religion, Eastern Philosophy, the Computer, and teaching Hindi. In his late 70’s he learnt to read the Arabic script and is able to read from the Holy Quran. He can also recite a few of the Suras from memory. He can also read Urdu, a sister language of Hindi, written in the Persian script to a fair extent. At age 89, he began learning to play the Recorder and according to him has acquired some degree of proficiency. He also practices on the keyboard. In this, his 96th year, he is studying Spanish and art.
He has documented his life story in ‘My Story’ , which is now on his blog. It recounts interesting aspects of his life dating back to 1914, the beginning of World War I.
He does his own typing and keeps studying and selecting, commenting and writing articles and poetry for the Blog and other publications. His Blog now has almost 700 entries on a whole range of subjects and has hundreds of visitors daily. For his Weblog and being the world’s oldest blogger he recently received the “Graypow Award”. Added to his surfing of the web and corresponding with friends, he is now a member of FACEBOOK, most likely its oldest member, where he communicates with his closest friends who are members.
Mr Butisingh would liketo thank Mr. Cyril Bryan, Economist and Management Consultant, for initiating the idea for this Blog on October 21, 2007, with some of the poems sent to him by Mr. Butisingh. Mr. Bryan, along with Mr. Butisingh’s grand-daughter Vanessa, tutored Mr. Butisingh in operating and maintaining the Blog and today he is able to add and correct entries himself.
He said in one of his writings:
”Gold and silver have I none but such as I have, give I unto thee. If my messages can touch only one heart, I know I have not lived in vain”.
Feel free to contact Mr. Butisingh at: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Randall Butisingh's Weblog 
Mohamed said,
November 25, 2007 at 10:13 am
Hi
Am from Guyana originally and will like to know when your book will be finished, I remember hearing about you since I was in Guyana and perhaps you have also taught me at Mon Repos school.
All the best
randallbutisingh said,
January 20, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:33:51 -0800
From: avinmohabir@yahoo.ca
Subject: RE:Web
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Dear Mr.Butisingh,
I looked at your web site and am impressed that a man of your age can still find time for poetry and correspondence. To me that is intellectual fulfilment and no doubt you must have been in the educational system in Guyana. In some respects you reminded me of my Head Master Mr.J.R.Latchmansingh at Albion C M School.
I address you as Mister because I am your junior and from the old school where we show respect to our seniors. Yes, as a parent I am proud of my daughter Nalini. It is not academic achivement that makes me proud, but her devotion to the simple human being. She worked with battered women,homeless men and women, street tugs,indigenous people in Canada and the US,prisoners and refugees.She has a feeling for humanity. You probably do not know that she spent a year working in South Africa. She visited Malawi,Zimbabwae,Swaziland,Lesoto and Mozambique. She was awarded a Fellowship by the Government of India in 2007. During her research in 2007 she visited many villages and towns in Utter Pradesh,Rajasthan,Bihar,Weat Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Chennai in Madras. Last year she was awarded a scholarship to the University of Leedsto pursue her PhD. Presently she is in India on a conference and I am sure you will hear from her on her return to Leeds.
She is interested in stories from people like you. Very few seniors can remember details but your knowledge of the early days in Guyana can help her to finally put things into perspective for the benefit of those interested in history.
Since you have a lot of interest in poetry here is one you will find inspirational:-
Give me the supreme courage of love,this is my prayer,the courage to speak,to do,to suffer at thy will,to leave all things or to be left alone.
Give me the supreme faith of love,this is my prayer,the faith of the life of death,of the victory in defeat,of the power hidden in the frailness of beauty,of the dignity of pain that accepts hurt,but disdains to return it.
Sincerely,
Avin Mohabir
randallbutisingh said,
January 20, 2008 at 11:35 pm
From: Violet.Chowbay@montgomerycollege.edu
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Dear Mr. Butisingh,
My brother, Compton, just forwarded to me your website and felt compelled to write to you because my emotions got the better of me when I read your poems. Words cannot explain the pride I fell as I read your writings. It gives me enormous pride to be a Guyanese and an honor to be able to say that I know you.
You may not know me, but we lived in Buxton and then in Courbane Park. I know Joan because we went to Annandale High School – she was in the same class with my brother Frankie. My father’s name is Dan. I remembered that my grandmother always referred to you as “Teacher Randall.” It is quite a blessing to be able to communicate with you and I hope that you would write me back.
Take care and I am looking forward to hearing from you. Give my regards to Joan.
Sincerely,
Violet Chowbay
randallbutisingh said,
January 21, 2008 at 1:18 am
From: Randall Butisingh (randallbutisingh@hotmail.com)
Sent: Mon 1/21/08 12:49 AM
To: Avin Mohabir (avinmohabir@yahoo.ca); cybryan@hotmail.com
Dear Avin,
Thanks for your kind assessment of my weblog and for apprising me of the activities of Nalini in many countries of the world. That kind of work takes courage, commitment and dedication. I am happy that she made my acquaintance and I will follow her career as long as I live. As I mentioned to you before, I will do my best to give her, as much as I can, the information she needed.
I heard of Headmaster Latchmansingh. He had one of the best schools in Guyana, but I cannot be ranked in the same category. He was outstanding. I am however trying to make up in the winter of my years, for the many lapses I have made in in the other seasons of my years. I trust Providence will provide me with the strength, wisdom and love to continue to the end.
Yours sincerely,
Randall.
randallbutisingh said,
January 23, 2008 at 6:56 am
Subject: Hello
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 13:21:26 -0500
From: mjagarna@scripps.edu
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Hi Uncle,
I just finished reading your entire weblog. It certainly has quite a large amount of interesting information.
I loved your Thoughts of the Day!
Hope all is well and you are keeping warm.
Love,
Maggie
randallbutisingh said,
March 8, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 02:39:27 -0800
From: tiwaribrahmin@yahoo.com
Subject: Maha Shiva Ratri Greetings from India.
To: tiwaribrahmin@hotmail.com
Respected Sir,
Saadar Namaskaar!
My best regards to you!
May Lord Shiva shower His choicest blessings on you for peace, progress and prosperity in your daily life. May happiness and peace surround you with His (Lord Shiva’s) eternal love and strength. Wishing you & esteemed members of your family a very Happy Maha Shiva Ratri today.
With warmest regards,
Yours affectionately,
A. K. Tiwari.
The line separating good and evil passes neither between states nor between classes ….. but through the middle of every human heart. — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
randallbutisingh said,
March 9, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Randall Butisingh wrote:
Hi Brian,
Glad to know you are visiting the different places in South Africa and accumulating a richness of experience which will be brought to bear in your task ahead. Fortunately you have a partner who is willing to go with you all the way. Wherever you go on this planet you will encounter evil. That is the negative which makes the positive good. The good deeds done in direst circumstances by the great ones, shine brightest, even as the stars shine brightest in the darkest night. There would have been no great deeds done and no Nobel Peace Prize winners had there not been the presence of evil. For the enlightened, they find happiness and peace not in complacency or neutrality, but in the words of the Saint who puts it thus:
Teach me dear Lord to serve Thee as Thou deservest,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to ask for rest,
To labour and not to seek for any reward
save that of knowing that I do Thy Will.
In Him who took our sins upon Himself.
Randall
J Manders said,
January 7, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Thank you Randall for these beautiful words written above, I have copied them and will commit them into my heart in full measure.
Our hearts may feel heavy towards Our Lord when we see the weight of our sins he took upon his righteous person yet our Eternal Father inspired the writer in Psalms to instruct us as quoted.. “Throw your burden upon YHWH himself. And he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter”.
It is good to communicate with people who emulate that love.
Blessing to You and to hearts of Peace throughout the world greetings to You and them sent with agape Love.
randallbutisingh said,
March 10, 2008 at 12:00 am
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:41:48 -0700
From: bekonkol@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: South Africa – February, 2008
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Randall:
Thank you for the amazing words of wisdom. All I can say is that, they give me pause, and they allow me to rethink all that is taking place around me.
Yes, we have certainly had some fun travels as of late. Our visit to Johannesburg was really great, for we got to see places that we had read about for so long. And, this next week we will be taking another long work-related road trip, as we travel from here to Port Elizabeth, then to Cape Town, then to Kimberly, then back here to Pietermaritzburg. We’ll be in Cape Town over Easter weekend, so that will be quite a bit of fun. I’ve heard it’s an amazing city, so Kristen and I are both real excited.
I will be sending out one of my periodic newsletters soon, so as usual, I will look forward to your response. It is one that I have been thinking about for a while.
With peace and love,
Brian
Khairun Nisa said,
March 27, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Dear Mr.Butisingh,
I found your blog today and have been reading it for the past 2 hours. I love your writings, I love your messages and toughts. I love what you wrote about the Holy Quran “The true message, like all good poetry, is that which is felt but cannot be written; and it needs not scholarship but the faith and humility of the listener to get the message”.
May God keep you in good health, so that you can continue sending messages and thoughts because I only just found your blog.
Khairun Nisa
randallbutisingh said,
March 28, 2008 at 2:37 am
March 27,2008.
Dear Khairun,’
I was happy to know that you visited my Blog and was appreciative of what you discovered there. As you may have discovered also, I am not a professed Muslim. I was raised as a Christian from birth by Hindu parents and grew up in the Christian Church, in a village which was predominantly Afro-Guyanese. But eventually I separated from the church as I saw it as exclusive and divisive and I wanted to be involved in all mankind. However I still look to Hazrat Isa as my role model. I am at present living in the home of my son-in-law and daughter who are Muslims. There I learnt to read the Holy Qur’an in the Arabic script and have memorised some of the shorter Suras, including Al Fatiha. You may also have discovered that I am interested in Comparative Religion and Philosophy and have done studies in them.
I am glad to know that your son is accomplished in the recital of the Holy Qur’an. I only trust that he has not been brainwashed by the bigots who have misinterpreted Jihad and will want to throw away his young life, but as his name Hafiz connotes, protect it and use it for the protection of others. I am sorry that this illegal war which most people did not want is claiming the lives of thousands of innocent lives and have brought untold suffering to many. It is well that you have found a haven in Canada. I have some friends in Toronto with whom I keep in touch. Now that I know you, I trust that we too will become friends. Allah has made us all of the same clay, male and female, all the various ethnic groups and want us all to unite as one family. Only in Unity, not Division can there be Peace on Earth.
I thank you again for visiting my weblog and for your favourable comment. I am happy to know that I am providing food for thought to so many who choose to read my opinion on various topics. I sincerely welcome you and will be happy to hear from you again.
Salaam,
Randall.
Khairun Nisa said,
March 30, 2008 at 3:34 am
Dear Mr. Butisingh,
Thank you for this lovely reply and for sharing your religious background. I showed the reply to my son. He would like to know what motivated you to memorize a few surahs from the Quran.
May God keep you safe always.
Khairun Nisa
randall butisingh said,
March 30, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Dear Hhairun
Tell your son that I believe in the validity of, not only the people of the Book, but of other religions that are striving to reach God by their own paths. I believe there is the fine thread of truth woven into the fabric of every religion which only the discerning few can find. I have found that thread of truth in the religion of Islam by association, by reading the Qur’an and the Hadith. I like the beautiful cadence of the Suras and also the elegant caligraphy of the script. I make it a point to memorise inspirational passages, not only from the Qur’an, but from other holy writings.
Khairun Nisa said,
April 2, 2008 at 3:03 am
Mr Butisingh, Thanks for your reply
randallbutisingh said,
May 8, 2008 at 2:06 am
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 11:28:44 -0700
From: budgenuk@yahoo.com
Subject: Indo-Guyanese History and culture
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Hello Randall
I have recently came across your site and am very impressed, it is a well put together and wonderful site.
I am also amazed that at 96 you are so well connected on the internet, it is great that you are sharing your experiences with others.
I am the secretary of the Guyana Genealogical Society and also help to moderate two Guyanese genealogical groups online – Bhatchaman and Guyanese genealogy.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/index.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bhatchaman
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/guyanese_genealogy
Many there will be interested in reading about your experiences.
I myself am a historical researcher and trainee teacher, i noticed you have listed some Youtube pages your site, you may be interested in visiting my channel there – “Coolymic”.
http://www.youtube.com/user/coolymic
I am born and raised in England of an Indo-Guyanese father and an Irish mother and am very proud of my heritage and roots, i like to share my historical knowledge with others so regularly post videos on Guyana or it’s history, likewise also on Ireland and a few other subjects such as Country music which i think we may both share an interest, re : Loretta Lynn.
Please feel free to join any of the above groups if you wish or to get in touch.
Keep up the great work !
Regards
Jon
randallbutisingh said,
May 16, 2008 at 6:15 am
Randall Butisingh wrote:
Hi Jon,
Thanks for visiting my Weblog and for your kind comments. I commend you for the work you are doing. I am happy that at this time I am able to share my experiences with the younger generation. If I can influence them in anyway positively, I will feel rewarded.
Please continue to visit. I was glad to hear from you. I am enjoying your videos.
Thanks again.
With all good wishes,
Randall.
randallbutisingh said,
May 16, 2008 at 6:16 am
Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 17:49:51 -0700
From: budgenuk@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: Indo-Guyanese History and culture
To: randallbutisingh@hotmail.com
Hello Randall
Your welcome.
I find your blog a very interesting read and your site excellent.
I will continue to visit and to tell others of such a wondeful site.
Thank you for visiting my videos too, i have just added three new ones you may find interesting :
http://www.youtube.com/user/coolymic
I will be tied up for a few days with College assignments but i will be back online later next week.
I will catch up with some reading of your blog then.
Best regards
Jon
me said,
May 16, 2008 at 11:36 pm
like colombus on his maiden voyage i discovered this site a few minutes ago and will be bookmarking it and checking it out from time to time
by the way are you still in Guyana?
happy friday and enjoy the weekend ahead
randall butisingh said,
May 17, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Dear Me, please reveal your identity more clearly. I most heartily welcome you to my blog and would like to know about you. I am not in Guyana now. I am posting from Florida in the U.S. and am thrilled when someone who knows me shows up. I value your contribution and am looking forward to getting more from you. Enjoy each day; it is a gift from your Creator.
me said,
May 22, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Randall am a photographer and writer from Guyana. Good to see you’re out there blogging and spreading a positive vibe. will email you offline more details
Mensah Fox said,
May 28, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Good Day,
I am Mensah for a publishing company called Advertising & Marketing Services, Guyana, we produce the HORIZONS Magazine.This annual magazine focuses on the Immigration of East Indians to Guyana over the years. You were interviewed by Petamber Persaud to be featured in the magazine. We are requesting some interesting High Resolution Photos of yourself to go along with the article along with your permission to use a few which we got from this site. Please email same to mensah@amsguyana.com soonest we are looking for a close off deadline of May 30, 2008.
Best Regards,
Mensah Fox
Graphic Designer
AMS GUYANA.
Stanley said,
May 29, 2008 at 10:24 am
Good Days
Came to read from Business Standard online newsletter and noticed an Indian who keeps studying, A Good Lesson to be learnt by the People in my generation who goes to Old age with lots of Health Problems and Lack of hope.
A Good Example and Good Energy at this Age.
Great going
randall butisingh said,
May 29, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Thanks Stanley for that comment. I truly appreciate. Loking forward to hearing from you again.
Mensah Fox said,
May 29, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Good Afternoon,
I deeply appreciate the quick response to my earlier request for pictures. I have received same and will go forward to add it to the publication. From reading your article i know you are a truly great man and as a company we are honored to feature you in the Horizons Magazine 2008. Keep up the good works.
Much Thanks
Mensah
AMS GUYANA
Khairun Nisa said,
July 7, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Dear Mr. Butisingh,
I hope that you and your family are keeping well.
Recently I went to visit a small town in Ontario call Buxton. It was an early Black Settlement for ex-slaves from the Underground Railroad.
http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/Previous/evolution_of_race_relations.html.
I believe both Buxton, Guyana and Buxton Ontario were named after Thomas Fowell Buxton who fought for the abolition of slavery.
May God keep you heathy for a long long time and keep on writing. I just read your article on Creolese ,very interesting. I love this by the young man from Port Mourant ,”maa, come out me eat.”
regards
Khairun Nisa
Brian Konkal said,
August 5, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hello Randall:
Just wanted you to know that I really appreciate your blog, for it provides me with great “nuggets” to think about and ponder. I find your thoughts to be very intriguing, and it allows me to take a step back, think, and consider all the ways in which God shows Godself here in this world. As I was telling a friend the other day, when we think we’ve got God figured out, that is when we know we have serious problems. What I love about your writings is that, while you have many life experiences, you continue to be a “seeker” and “searcher” in many ways. I love your passion to keep trekking on in the journey of life and faith. I only hope and pray that I will have the same enthusiasm if/when I am your age.
Brian Konkai
randallbutisingh said,
September 12, 2008 at 11:08 pm
1 | Preya Ramchand
January 5th, 2008 at 9:36 pm | edit
Hey Great Grandfather,
How are you? Im Sam Granddaughter, Florence Daughter. WOw 95 years old….You are bless. I hope I live to see your age. I hope to see you soon.
love Granddaughter,
Preya
Andrew G.R. said,
November 3, 2008 at 4:34 pm
http://www.blogherald.com/2008/06/03/worlds-oldest-blogger-2/
Filed as News on June 3, 2008 7:02 am
by Andrew G.R.
I love blogging. A lot. But I’d be surprised to carry the passion with me for the next six-plus decades.
Meet Randall Butisingh, quite possible the world’s oldest blogger at the ripe age of 96. Covering topics ranging from economics to poetry, religion to history, Butisingh writes from the heart.
Butisingh believes that learning is a process, which never ends. A man learns till the end of his/her life.
Heck, the guy learned Arabic at the age of 80 and is now learning to speak Spanish.
What’s your excuse, you lazy bastard?!
With seven children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, it’s amazing that the blogger has time for anything.
“I am a learner. I believe that when one stops learning he ceases to live and that it is never too late to learn,” Butisingh says.
Born in 1912, with memories spanning back to 1914, it’s time you showed your elders some respect and paid Mr. Butisingh a visit on the Web.
knowledgetoday said,
March 29, 2009 at 5:55 am
I love your site. Keep it up !
Shirley Brown said,
August 10, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I am the daughter of one of your nephews – Julian (Lenny) Sylvester (mother is Rose Willis). My brother Peter Sylvester told me he had spoken to you a month ago and told me to check out your website. I find it very interesting and wish I had known my dad’s side of the family more. I only knew his brother (Ralph) and his mother. Keep up the good work
randallbutisingh said,
August 13, 2009 at 2:52 am
Thanks Shirley for visiting my blog and for your comment I am happy to have got to know you. What a difference the internet can make. I am in regular communication with your brother Peter and I am pleased to know how the family is living in close contact and lovingly with one other. Consider me as one now. I will keep in touch with you as I will with the rest of the family.
All the best.
Uncle Randall.
Shirley Brown said,
August 13, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Uncle Randall for getting in touch with me so quickly. I hope you do keep in touch – at least with one of us (Peter or my dad) so we know how you are doing.
Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you want to chat.
Take care.
Shirley
randallbutisingh said,
August 14, 2009 at 2:19 am
I wll keep in touch, Shirley. You have my e-mail now; that makes it easier. Waiting for those pictures.
jeeturaaj said,
August 19, 2009 at 12:11 pm
yeahh randall saaheb wanna rekod an intw wid u fro all r listner friends in mumbai in india they r gonna love it plzz help wot number cud v get intouch wid u
mj said,
August 19, 2009 at 1:35 pm
nice work and congrats in keeping it going
will be in touch and possibly drop in when in florida
Randall Butisingh of Buxton, Guyana - worlds oldest blogger going strong at 96 at propaganda press! freedom now said,
August 19, 2009 at 1:39 pm
[…] Randall Butisingh was born in British Guiana (now Guyana), on December 1, 1912. He grew up in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, where he received his primary education. In 1925, he qualified and was the first runner-up for the first Buxton Scholarship. In 1927, he passed the School Leaving Examination and became a Pupil Teacher at the age of 15. This was the start of a 45 year-long career, with a few short breaks, in which he served as a Class II Certified and Trained Teacher until his retirement in January,1972. During his career, he taught mainly in Buxton, with short assignments in Lusignan, Nonpariel, Ann’s Grove and Mon Repos. According to him his best teaching experience was with head teacher Frank H.V. Russell who was supportive of his suggestions to put more importance in activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, and physical education as the majority of the children only attended primary school. He was able to organize exhibitions in these areas at school fairs and the annual May festivals. […]
Stabroek News - World’s oldest blogger is Guyanese said,
August 20, 2009 at 9:07 am
[…] out Randall Butisingh’s20blog here: https://randallbutisingh.wordpress.com/about/ Yours faithfully, David […]
Satish said,
August 20, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Congratulations and Best Wishes for you Mr Randall Butisingh:-)
The Times of India is reporting that a ninety-six-year-old great grandfather, Randall Butisingh, a Guyanese living in Florida, has become the world’s oldest blogger.
Thanks for this wonderful find, David Seegobin.
Occasionally we really get to see what great-good Guyana’s sons and daugters CAN be. In Mr Butising, we get just such uplift. God bless the WORLD’S OLDEST BLOGGER with continued health and happiness just as he shares HIS with us.
http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/letters/08/20/world%E2%80%99s-oldest-blogger-is-guyanese/#comment-197490
randallbutisingh said,
August 20, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Thanks David for your touching sentiments. I am glad that I am able to do something which will help to bring some respect to our beloved Guyana. Keep on reading and enjoy and share, and let me hear from you again.
randallbutisingh said,
August 21, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Thanks Satish for your kind comments. I wish you all the best.
Nanda said,
August 20, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Pranaam Baba,
Just read about you in Stabroek News.I am from Mon Repos.Just wanted to tell you that I am so proud of you. Will write more later as I fractured my right elbow and it is in a cast.
randallbutisingh said,
August 21, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Thanks Nanda, hope to hear some more from you.
randallbutisingh said,
August 24, 2009 at 2:25 am
Thanks for your comment Nanda. Will like to hear from you again.
Rajendra Persaud ( RAJA ) said,
August 20, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Dear Teach,
I am Raja from Lusignan. You taught me in Lusignan Primary School. I am the owner of Silvie’s Variety Store in High Street. You came many times to visit me at my business place in High Street. I understand you are living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I would like to come and pay you a visit sometime.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Raja
randallbutisingh said,
August 20, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Raja, I remember the times well when I used to visit you at your business and the conversations we had. I am so happy to hear from you now. I will be happy if you come to visit me in Florida. My daughter who is married to Dr. Husman Khan knows Silvie.. I am sure you will be very welcome. It has been a long time now. Hope your health is good and business is doing well. Keep in touch.
All the best.
Teach
Vyasamoorthy said,
August 21, 2009 at 12:50 am
Dear Sir
I am amazed at your energy. You are an inspiration. I have circulated some details of your achievements to my group of 550 senior citizens in India (sss-global as it is called). May GOD bless you and us through achievers like you. Regards.
randallbutisingh said,
August 21, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Thank you Vyasamoorthy for your kind comments. I truly appreciate. I trust my achievements will inspire and motivate other seniors so that they may learn that not only youth is the time to learn, but old age also. That when we cease to learn, we cease to live, that the mind never grows old. So let us live today as if we will die tomorrow, but learn and work as if we will live forever.
Venky Krishnan said,
August 21, 2009 at 1:31 am
Dear Mr Randall:
It was a pleasure to read about you in the Times Of India web site tonight and then find you back here in Fort Lauderdale.
I run a small web site for the Asian Indian Community in South Florida http://www.sfindians.com. I was born and raised in Bombay, India and and am live in Davie, Florida. I have been living in South Florida for over 15 years now.
I look forward to meeting up with you in person if possible.
Regards
Venky
biren said,
August 21, 2009 at 4:05 am
Cogratulation for acheiving oldest blogger title . I just read it in Times of India …. I am from ahmedabd, gujarat.
My site is in Gujarati language
http://www.gujarativisamisadi.com
The site is digitization oldest magazine of India that is visami sadi
Published in 1924.
mortlan achaia said,
September 9, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Dear Mr Butisingh,
I remember when you taught at Mon Repos Primary school. You were strict but fair and I still remember some of the songs you taught. Ialso remember receiving six lashes on my back side when you heard me swearing.
kind regards
randallbutisingh said,
September 10, 2009 at 1:50 am
Thanks Motlan, I am happy to hear from one of my pupils at Mon Repos. It gives me satisfaction to know that you have remembered some of the things that I taught. I hope I will hear from some more of my pupils. Never mind the punishment; I am sure you have learnt from it.
Jackie Ferreira said,
September 26, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Would you hapen to know a family called Nelson Cannon
randallbutisingh said,
September 27, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Jackie, the name seems familiar to me, but I do not know the individual. I lived in the country in Guyana,
I believe that Nelson Cannon lived in the city. If I can get any information of him, I will let you know.
Lyndon said,
October 20, 2009 at 4:03 am
Dear Teacher Randall,
CONGRATULATIONS! on the 2nd anniversary of your weblog, and best wishes for your continued success.
As one of the readers and occasional contributor to this weblog, I am happy to see the way it has evolved to become a unique global forum that not only shines a positive light on our homeland GUYANA and the Guyanese culture, but also one that affords readers the world over a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights into your longevity and philosophy of life, which you so willingly share though your poems, thoughts for the day, inspirational messages, personal interviews, and recent book “My Story.”
For all this, I, personally, feel privileged and proud to be your former pupil, then a colleague, and now a friend.
Keep up the good work!
Lyndon
Lorna Ifill said,
November 9, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I was at the CIMBUX Dinner Dance in 2003, when you were honoured alongside fellow Buxtonians John Carter and, if my memory serves me correctly, Eusi Kwayana. It was a privilege seeing you in person. You looked amazingly well for a man that age. I did hear my older relatives talk very well of you. Henny Lesfrance was my grandmother.
By the way, your sister, “Aunt” Rose was one of my neighbours at Buxton Front. She was one of the kindest persons I ever met.
Stay well!
Lorna
randallbutisingh said,
November 9, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Lorna, I do not think I know you, but I know your grandmother and her children. Perhaps ypu can refresh my memory with the names of some of your relatives, I always like to hear of Buxtonians. I have taught many of them in school. Nice to hear from you .
All the best.
Teacher Randall
walter nehaul said,
January 11, 2010 at 8:26 pm
years ago my daughter won the academic and sport awards, her head teacher unknown to us asked her to give up the academic award because she was sure to win many more and it would help the second place winners self esteem,I was livid.few years later my grandson won the same academic and sport awards, and he agreed for exactly the same reasons. Only recently I was relating the incidents at a family gathering,and next day i come across your writings of the Buxton Scholarship which was won by my uncle BG and the objections of my grandfather. I am now sure it is a Nehaul thing.You managed to bring back some good memories with your writings I am sure that many people are happy that you took the time to do it.Thanks from all of us.
randallbutisingh said,
January 11, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Walter, your uncle BG was my best friend. He was very studious, but I was very playful I loved him and I visited the home frequently. When he won the Buxton scholarship, Iwas happy to take second place, although I had to be goaded to study. All the years, we never lost touch and in our latter years we carried on a continuous stream of correspondence. I still keep some of his letters – I received scores from him. We corrsponded until his passing..
Beatrice Adams said,
February 10, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Dear Mr. Butisingh,
You are indeed an inspiration to the Guyanese People! I happened upon your blog, and I enjoy reading your poems. I have introduced your work to many fellow Guyanese, including a couple from BUXTON. I am originally from Corentyne, Berbice; I now live in Connecticut USA. I am so intrigued by your work. Thank you.
Respectfully Yours,
Beatrice Adams.
randallbutisingh said,
February 11, 2010 at 5:17 am
Dear Beatrice,
It is indeed a joy hearing from you and reading your favourable comments on my Weblog. I am also happy that you are introducing it to other fellow Guyanese. Keep on reading; there is much on various topics that will interest you. I lived and worked once in the Corentyne. It is a lovely part of Guyana and I still have some friends there.
Thanks and all Good Wishes,
Sincerely,
Randall Butisingh.
sourav894 said,
February 21, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I can only learn from a man of your age. Its an honor reading so much about you sir.
Keep Walking…
Greg Galik said,
March 22, 2010 at 5:33 am
Mr. Butisingh
I would like to thank you for being YOU, and offering the world your memories and insights and poetry about living life to its most full.
I want you to know that your blog (in printed form) has been a real joy for my mother Sybil (Haly) Ramsey who grew up in Georgetown in 1920’s. She has never spoke to her family much about her life before leaving there in 1948, but, I find showing her your blog and stories help to loosen her up a bit, and I then get some tidbits about her life and upbringing.
Most recently she commented on your story of the tramways of Georgetown, and she recalled the pictures that you had! These times with my Mom are very comforting, and I am learning more about my heritage as well. Your article on the ethnicity of B.G. prompted a discovery of our Indo-Portuguese heritage. She has lived in Alaska for the past 55 years, and raised us with a very Catholic ethic, strongly rooted in her upbringing there. If anyone in your community knew of the Haly family in the 20-50’s in Georgetown I would appreciate it greatly. She is 89 yrs now, and in poor health, and I appreciate each day she is with us.
And, for myself at 60 yrs, I find great strength from your writings and philosophy of life; and think of all the possibilities yet ahead for me and to do right by the world around me. God bless you in every way Sir!
PS_Somewhere in your blog you had a comment from an individual with the B.G. Geological (?) Society I believe. If you have his post or contact I would like to contact him to dig more into my heritage.
Gregory Galik
From up North in
Anchorage, Alaska
randallbutisingh said,
March 31, 2010 at 12:52 am
Greg,
Thank you for your generous comments on my weblog. I am happy to hear that I brought a little sunshine into the life of your mother. I wonder what motivated her to leave the sunny, salubrious climate of her hometown for the bleak weather of Allaska. I empathise with her poor health after reaching the ripe age of 89, and pray that she, with your attention and the help of God, will find comfort in the midst of her suffering. I am not a Catholic, but I ADMIRE Catholicism, St. Francis of Assisi being my favourite Saint. I say his prayer “Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace” every day, and I also greatly admire the work of Mother Theresa. Pope John Paul, too was my favourite Pope, and St. Augustine of Hippo is the patron Saint of my Anglo Catholic Church in Buxton, Guyana.
So long for now , we will keep in touch and I will see if I could garner any more information for you.
With Love and Peace,
Randall Butisingh.
Keith Burton said,
November 3, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Gregory
I have in my possession a letter from a Mrs Frances Haly of Bohemia, Berbice written in 1903 on the subject of her son, who sailed to Norway, fell upon hard times and was in Durham England, sick, when she wrote.
Could this be a member of your family?
If so I would love to hear from you and if possible hear the end of the story…
Keith Burton
Middlesbrough
England
G J Galik said,
December 28, 2011 at 1:47 am
Mr Burton, How kind of you to offer this information to me. You, like our family would love to hear the end of the story!
My Mom passed away one year ago on Christmas Eve, and we all enjoyed a great year with her. Her lips remained sealed on just what heritage and history she had back in BG.
Her obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer/obituary.aspx?n=sybil-u-ramsey-haly&pid=147447382
However, you information may provide a clue to the Haly side of the family, of which she told a story of being sat on a table by her Grandfather, who was a sailor – lecturing her on how to be tough against all the winds that blow!
I found a very big clue on her maternal side of the family, and that her Grandfather owned a very large bakery in Georgetown – well known to all. Her mother is listed here as married to A O Haly, who could be a brother of this man you mention. No matter how hard I search Google on the unique name and spelling of “Haly” it doesn’t lead up much result.
So now, how to link this letter – but it is definitely part of the story.
Here is that obituary except that I found:
John Patterson Mansell
OBITUARY: – Mr. John Patterson Mansell, Passes On – Funeral Largely Attended
Georgetown, Wednesday, May 3, 1944 – people from every walk of life gathered yesterday afternoon to pay their last tribute to Mr. John Patterson Mansell, a city businessman, whose funeral took place from his residence, 21 Broad Street.
Mr. Mansell took ill about a month ago but during the last ten days his condition worsened and he passed away at his residence about 4 AM, yesterday.
Born at Golden Grove Village, East Coast, Demerara, 63 years ago, Mr. Mansell, was in the baking business for more than thirty years and in his time was much respected, proof of which was seen at the funeral.
Those left to mourn are his wife Mabel Dance (to whom he was married 33 years ago) three children – Mrs. Alan Haly and the Misses Patsy and Elsa Mansell; a brother, George and a sister, Mrs. Edith Reid.
The corpse was borne from the house by Messrs. A. O. Haly (son-in-law); P. Dettering; A. L. DaSliva; J. R. Perreira; Honourable J. I. de Aguiar and Dr. J. Bisessar, while bakers before him at the Church and at the graveside.
Mr Burton, what are the circumstances of the letter that you have? A relative or heritage involved on your side?
Greetings and best wishes for the New Year,
Greg Galik
Anchorage, AK USA
J Manders said,
January 7, 2012 at 11:10 am
Dear Keith, I reached this site after searching according to a dream I had last night. I was spoken to by a messenger from heaven many years ago and was told to write to a person who would be directed by God through dreams. Truth must come to light in this world. Are you a person who God will use to help shine forth the truth? I wonder if Mr Randall Butisingh would be able to help although he is so far away. The power of the Most High God is amazing and will witness with the spirit of his servants regardless of difficulties.
Lola Douglas said,
December 16, 2012 at 3:18 am
Lola Douglas, Kissimmee, Florida.
On Randal Mohan Butisingh:
Some people live in our hearts forever. With pride, I’ve always called him “Dad” and, just two weeks ago, on a sunny and beautiful day, at the FT.Lauderdale nursing home, I was previledged to attend the celebration of Randal Mohan Butisingh’s 100th birthday. (I’ve been his eldest daughter’s very close friend for over 43 years). I felt honored to assist in the preparations for this significant occassion. It was a sun shinny day of December 1st, 2012, Dad was wheeled into the reception room, by his loving and dedicated, eldest daughter, Joan Khan. He was, as usual, his handsome self, wise and gentle, thanking everyone for their outpour of accolades. His wish was, “hoping to have another party, and see his friends again”. When I visited dad again, on December 3rd, his daughter, lovingly dressed him, and took him for a stroll, along the lawns nearby a beautiful gazebo. There, dad mentioned something along the lines, to his daughter, Joan, about “traveling the waters”. He seemed a little tired, but his beautiful, platinum grey hair, shone like a bowl of gold. I thought, how beautiful that was! In less than a week after my visit, dad peacefully passed, in his sleep. The contributions, from students, poets, writers, grand children, and loved ones, who attended his farewell from earth, have left an idelible print in our hearts. Randall Mohan Butisingh’s art to us will never fade. RIP, Dad.