THE DUNDEE FAMILY

The year 1992 marked one hundred years since our forefathers settled at Dundee, Mahaicony. We know that at four families have a connection to this village on the East cost of Demerara; i.e The Jumans, The Chans, The Sohans and The Golden Fleece folks. We also know that for the first fifty years; the first and second generations remained more or less settled in the village of Dundee although the Chans did move to  the neighbouring village of Novar. The second half of this centenary was somewhat more turbulent in terms of movement. From the mid 1950's we started to see a movement of younger second and third generation from Dundee to various institutions of learning in the United Kingdom, West Indies and North America. Coupled with the economic downturn of Guyana's economy in 1980's this resulted in an unprecedented migration of third generation to North America.

Despite this history of recent migration, once again, it remains true that those who originate from Dundee holds firm to the idea that they still belong to Dundee and that life there played a significant role in the shaping of their view of religion, family values, culture and business. Most of them, though they may have left some thirty or forty years ago, still aspire to the idea that they will return and contribute to life in this area and perhaps be buried with their ancestors.

Religious Influence

The four families were not only known to be practicing Muslims but also played a leading role in the development of Islam. Their presence were felt in Muslim life from Mahaica to Bush Lot and even beyond in Berbice whether on the occasion of Eid, or a nikkah (marriage), or a maulood shareef program.

In this respect some of the outstanding members of the family were: Maulvi Mohamed Hussain and Hasmat Mianji - Allah's Mercy be with them. Maulvi Mohamed Hussain also known as "Lilbhai Mianji" was well know and respected in his time not only for his Islamic knowledge and piety but for also the spiritual healing powers he possessed. It is well know that there would be a line of patients sitting at his doorstep every morning to be cured from different physical, psychological and spiritual ailments. After his demise the mantle of spiritual leadership was passed to Hasmat Mianji and to a lesser degree Mohamed Sherrif. As a part of their responsibility, the family played a leading role in the construction and management of the Dundee and Golden Fleece mosques. Although significant financial contributions did come from the Karamat family of Mahaicony Creek where the family commanded much respect. Through inter-marriage their influence was also felt in Mahaica where the leading Muslim personality at that time was Maulvi Khoda Baksh (Rahmatullah Alaih R.A.- Allah's Mercy be with him). He was married to one of the Saadu's daughters. In the annals of the Islamic history of Guyana, Maulvi Khoda Baksh stands out as a pious man and a wali-ullah (friend of Allah) who possessed many great healing powers. It is well documented that the great Muslim scholars who visited Guyana in 1940's thru 60's, such as Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqi RA, Prof. Fazlur Ansari RA and Maulana Noorani RA, out of respect for the Maulvi Saheb would ask their drivers to stop their cars at Mahiaca to visit with him where he lived in a small wooden house next to the mosque.

Family Values

The terms 'love and respect for all member of the family' was very much a part of family life in Dundee. It is not difficult to understand this concept if one were to meet an older member of the family who is still alive. At once you can sense a deep sense of love, care and compassion once you are in the presence of such a person....