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B.G. Bhagee: Memories of a Colonial Childhood By Philippa Perry

Philippa Perry
B.G. is British Guiana; Bhagee is a fiery local stew. Philippa was the second daughter in a family of six children growing up in mid-20th century in colonial Guyana. She recounts her Sisyphean trials growing up a Carrington in Lot 10, First Street, Georgetown — from the women’s battles to the neighbours that never wore clothes to the relatives who walked with their shoes in their hands.

About the Author Philippa PerryPhilippa Perry was born and raised in the pre-independence days of British Guiana — the only English speaking country in South America.  She recounts her early days as the second daughter in a family of six children in a struggling middle class family. Her stories come from a lost civilization of pre-independence stability just as the anarchic blessing of democracy came to the Caribbean. She recounts her Sisyphean trials growing up a Carrington in Lot 10, First Street, Georgetown — from the women’s battles to the neighbours that never wore clothes to the relatives who walked with their shoes in their hands. Her escapes came by winning scholarships — first to Bishops, the prestigious girls’ school where new trials and adventures awaited her, and later to Connecticut College. Philippa received her PhD in Psychometrics and became a Bunting Fellow at Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University. She lectured in Mathematics at University of Guyana and subsequently, at Queens College (NY) for too many years. Philippa has returned often to Guyana, but, these days, primarily for funerals. She currently resides in Pound Ridge, NY where she spends her time chasing deer from her garden.

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