At the ripe old age of 90, Blanche Duke is more alert than many much younger and as a former teacher, ever concerned about the present generation, but says the burden is on teachers to take their responsibility of moulding young minds seriously.
Thirty-five years after she formally left the public education system, the Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara resident has not shied away from doing her part to steer the young generation in the right path.
Whether it is stopping errant children in the street and speaking to them (she makes it clear that she does not quarrel), teaching Sunday school, or sharing her views with current teachers, Duke is not weary in her effort to impart knowledge. She abhors young people using profanity while conversing and does not shy away from upbraiding them whenever possible.
In fact not even police officers are spared. She recalls hearing one officer using profanity while conversing with his colleague in front of a police station.
“I said to him ‘Mr policeman, you using those kinds of words?’ I said, ‘You should be ashamed of yourself’