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Home Feature

Honouring the Past: Streets in Belladrum and El Dorado, Berbice, Renamed After Founding Ancestors

"Let our streets tell the story of our heroes. Let them be constant reminders of the service that built us."

Admin by Admin
June 29, 2025
in Feature
A gathering at the unveiling of the Frederick Robertson Street

A gathering at the unveiling of the Frederick Robertson Street

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In a poignant ceremony held on Saturday, June 14, the villages of Belladrum and El Dorado, located within the Profit/Rising Sun Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), paid tribute to their rich heritage by renaming several streets in honour of their ancestors—men and women who were pioneering educators, farmers, leaders, and philanthropists. The event was not only a celebration of history but a reaffirmation of community identity and pride.

These two adjacent villages on the West Coast of Berbice were among the first purchased by former enslaved African in 1838, shortly after Emancipation on August 1 of that year. Like many other post-slavery communities, Belladrum and El Dorado were established through pooled resources from former enslaved people determined to build independent lives. They became part of a wider “Village Movement,” which transformed Guyana’s rural landscape and shaped the foundation of Afro-Guyanese identity in the post-emancipation era.

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Known for their fertile lands and strong communal values, both villages flourished through rice farming, fishing, cattle rearing, poultry, ruminants, and ground provision cultivation. Over time, they grew into symbols of resilience and self-sufficiency, with churches, schools, and local institutions playing pivotal roles in their development. At the national level, Belladrum and El Dorado have also contributed to Guyana’s progress, producing disciplined professionals who served in education, public service, and other sectors.

Saturday’s event was chaired by Mr. Lelon Saul, who noted the Scottish origin of the name “Belladrum.” The ceremony began with a prayer and was attended by relatives of the honourees, trade unionist Mr. Lincoln Lewis, and representatives of the NDC. As streets now bear the names of those who helped build these villages from the ground up, the moment stood as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of emancipation, unity, and self-determination.

Mr. Saul, himself a descendant of Belladrum, remarked that:

Today, we’re not just talking about street names—we’re honouring the soul of our village. This isn’t about monuments or plaques hidden away, but about something more personal: naming the streets we walk and live on after villagers whose quiet service helped shape our community and country.

Why does it matter? Because streets are part of our daily lives. They connect us—to each other, to our homes, our schools, our future. What greater tribute than having one’s name become part of that shared journey?

As was said: “This is a Permanent Memorial, Woven into Daily Life. Unlike statues or fading ceremonies, a street name is encountered every day. When a child walks to school on ‘Frederick Robertson Street’ or a farmer drives down ‘William Burgan Avenue,’ their story lives on. Their legacy isn’t locked in the past—it’s beneath our feet.”

This is how we honour the Unsung Heroes: the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse, the midwife, the farmer, the elder, the volunteer. Naming streets after them ensures their contributions are recognised and remembered. It tells the world—and reminds us—that this is what builds a true community.

Rooting History in the Tangible

Mr. Saul also mentioned, “Rooting Our History in the Tangible: History isn’t just dates in a book; it’s the lives lived and the work done right here. When streets bear the names of those who shaped us, our history becomes immediate and relatable. A child living on “Eustace Wilson Avenue” naturally asks, “Who was Eustace Wilson?” The answer becomes a living lesson about dedication to education, about the village’s journey.

It transforms abstract history into personal connection. Inspiring Future Generations: Imagine growing up on a street named after someone known for their integrity, their hard work, or their service. It sets a powerful, local example. It whispers: “Look what one person from here can achieve for us.” It fosters pride in our community and plants the seed that their own contributions, however humble, matter and could one day be remembered. It creates a lineage of service, visible for all to see.”

“Affirming Our Shared Values: Who we choose to honour speaks volumes about what we value as a community. By naming streets after those who served selflessly, built bridges, nurtured the land, or cared for others, we publicly declare: “This is what matters here. This is the spirit we cherish.” It strengthens our collective identity and reinforces the values that bind us together.

When we name a street after a villager who served us all, we do more than assign an address. We weave their spirit into the map of our home. We declare that the foundations of this place were built by hands like theirs. We ensure that their quiet dedication echoes in the footsteps of every generation that walks these paths.

So, let us move forward. Let us honour those quiet giants who came before us. Let us ensure that the lanes they walked, the roads they helped build or maintain, bear their names. Let us create a living memorial where every journey, every errand, every return home, becomes a subtle nod to the service that made our village what it is today, and what it will become tomorrow.

Let our streets tell the story of our heroes. Let them be constant reminders of the service that built us, the values that sustain us, and the legacy we are all called to continue.”

Unveiling of the Frederick Robertson Sign (In photo, Frederick Robertson’s son and the NDC Councillor for Belladrum)

A gathering at the unveiling of the Frederick Robertson Street

Relatives of the honoured ancestors reflected on their forebears’ lives and contributions, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Saul, the Profit/Rising Sun NDC, and the residents of Belladrum and El Dorado for the meaningful and memorable tribute.

The following persons were honoured:

  1. Frederick Robertson
  2. Claude Saul
  3. Brumell Williams
  4. William Burgan
  5. Newton Fraser
  6. Sydney Greville Avenue
  7. Anthony Amon Avenue
  8. Henry Cummings Avenue
  9. Nelson John Avenue
  10. Martin Hutson Avenue
  11. Egbert Noble Avenue
  12. Eustace Wilson Avenue

William Burgan

William Burgan

Canon William Granville Burgan (1886-1958). In 1938, he was appointed Canon (St Alban’s) at St George’s Cathedral.

During his many years at Belladrum, in addition to his ministerial duties, he interested himself in the general welfare of the villagers.   He was Chairman of the Local Authority of Eldorado and as President of the Farmers’ Association and First Secretary of the Belladrum and Lichfield Co-operative Credit Banks.

Burgan was instrumental in encouraging farmers to expand the area under rice cultivation. For his services in connection with the Credit Banks, he was made a Justice of the Peace of the Colony, and so that the operation of the Banks could be effectively controlled, a considerable area of undivided lands was brought under the provisions of the District Lands Partitions Ordinance.  For this purpose, Government appointed him Settlement Officer for the partitioning and the issuing of titles of the villages of Belladrum, Eldorado, Paradise, and Golden Fleece.

Newton Fraser

Newton Fraser

Mr. Newton Fraser was an educator and headmaster.

Sydney Grenville (1928 – 1921)

Sydney Grenville (1928 – 1921)

Mr. Grenville was a community activist, and farmer.

Claude Saul (1930 -2023)

Claude Saul (1930 -2023)

Claude Saul served as an engineer and senior public service executive.

Frederick Robertson (1913 – 1986)

Mr. Robertson served as an educator and headmaster.

Frederick Robertson (1913 – 1986)

STREETS/AVENUES NAMES FOR ELDORADO AND BELLADRUM

Eldorado Sideline Dam

The common boundary between Eldorado and Foulis. This name is in keeping with the cadastral plan

Plummy Dam

The common boundary between Eldorado and Belladrum was given the name by our predecessors

Station Dam

Common boundary between Belladrum and Paradise was given this name owing to the train station that was located at the backdam.

Frederick Robertson Street

Primary School’s Road Extending from public road due north to school compound. He was a  renowned educator and son of the soil.

Claude Saul Street

Belladrum Middle Walk extends from the public road due south to a dam bordering the rice field and name in honour of the renowned senior public executive and engineer.

Brumell Williams Street

Belladrum Secondary School Street named in honour or the farmer and community leader

William Burgan Avenue

The dam north of the rice field extending from Eldorado Sideline to Station Dam. Burgan was an Anglican Priest who served as headmaster and Priest at St Albans Parish. He was instrumental in the layout of the villages and established the first community bank, He encouraged the citizens to be self-reliant through agriculture.

Newton Fraser Avenue

Road immediately behind burial ground renamed in honour of the renowned educator

Sydney Grenville Avenue

Newly constructed roadway commencing from Belladrum Middle Walk (In Front of Ganja’s house extending to Plummy Damm by Boodum), named in honour of  the renowned community activist and local politician.

Anthony Amon Avenue

Extending from Primary School west to Plummy Dam, named in honour of one of the four original purchasers of Belladrum. Jackie Wilson is a direct descendant of him.

Henry Cummings Avenue

Commencing from Station Dam extending due west to Belladrum Middle Walk south of public road and north of rice field dam, named in honour of one of the four original purchasers of Belladrum.

Nelson John Avenue

Extending from Plummy Dam due west to Eldorado Sideline north of public road, named in honour one of the two original purchasers of Eldorado

Martin Hutson Avenue

The street immediately north of secondary school fence, extending from Eldorado Middle Walk to Sideline, named in honour of one of the two original purchasers of Eldorado

Egbert Noble Avenue

Second street north of public road extending Plummy Dam to Eldorado Middle Walk, named in honour of the farmer and entrepreneur.

Eustace Wilson Avenue

Street behind Omadelie’s residence Belladrum commencing at Station Dam due west to Eldorado Sideline Dam, named in honour of a renowned educator.

A section of the audience at the event listening to Ret’d Lt. Col Lelon Saul, Chair of the event
A section of the audience at the event listening to Ret’d Lt. Col Lelon Saul, Chair of the event
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