UK-based Guyanese Sir Dexter Hutt, knighted in 2004 for his work in education makes nostalgic trip back home
Not having been back home for some 50 years, Sir Dexter Hutt, who was knighted in his second home, the UK, for his contributions to education, was initially apprehensive about feeling like a stranger. However, he was delighted by the warm reception he received upon arrival and impressed by the extensive upgrades to the airport and the city’s road network and surprised by the surge in traffic.
On his second day, Sir Dexter embarked on a nostalgic tour of Georgetown. He revisited Gordon Street, Kitty, where he spent his early childhood, and found Pike Street, where his mother had once lived. He was deeply moved by the preservation of Georgetown's wooden architecture, which, he noted, is a rarity in today’s world. “Despite the city’s hustle and bustle, it felt surprisingly tranquil,” he reflected.
The trip also included a memorable visit to the National Park with his daughter, where they enjoyed interacting with the manatees. Dining out in Georgetown became a culinary adventure for Sir
Dexter, who savoured roti and curry on five occasions. While he missed trying metemgee, he thoroughly enjoyed pepperpot and was pleased to see that local cuisine catered to both tourists and locals.
A particularly noteworthy dining experience was at Amici, which Sir Dexter described as “very nice, though on the pricier side.” He was intrigued to discover that most of the patrons were Guyanese, reflecting a prosperous segment of the local population.
In Linden, where Sir Dexter had lived in his youth, he stayed overnight at Watooka Guest House. While he appreciated the guest house's setting, he was disappointed with the customer service and overall experience, deeming it a missed opportunity for improvement. Conversely, his stays at the Herdmanston Lodge and Grand Coastal Hotel were delightful, and he had an excellent experience at Waikin Ranch in Lethem, where the service and organisation exceeded his expectations. A visit to Mackenzie High School, where he attended early years, allowed him to reconnect with his past, meeting old classmates and enjoying a tour led by the deputy principal.
Sir Dexter's exploration extended to the picturesque savannahs, a new experience for him. The visit to Kaieteur Falls was a highlight, as he had long learned about the falls in school but had never seen them in person. The sight was nothing short of spectacular.
In the Rupununi region, he enjoyed meeting local residents and was impressed by the well-maintained facilities and excellent customer service at various locations. Reflecting on his trip, Sir Dexter noted that while Guyana is evolving and its beauty is undeniable, there remain undercurrents of political and racial tensions. Despite these complexities, he departed with a renewed appreciation for the country’s charm and development. “Overall, Guyana is a beautiful country, and I am so happy I returned,” he concluded.
Sir Dexter left Guyana for the UK at age 14, subsequently became a teacher and later a headmaster at Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham, an award winning secondary school where he made his mark introducing programmes that saw the school’s test results soar. He was on the Queen’s honours list and knighted in 2004. He later retired.
Sir Dexter’s 12-day trip to Guyana was facilitated by KLTA Travel, which specialises in crafting bespoke travel experiences. Known for curating personalised itineraries for those with a keen interest in exploring Guyana, KLTA Travel ensured Sir Dexter's trip was tailored to his needs and preferences.
KLTA Travel played a crucial role in making Sir Dexter’s journey a memorable one, offering tailor-made itineraries and group travel opportunities to explore Guyana. Their expertise in curating personalised travel experiences ensured that Sir Dexter’s return to his roots was as enriching and enjoyable as possible.