Guyana chronicle pepperpot 05 27 2018

See inside: The journey back home II ► Page

What Independence means to the people ► Page III

Let the youth shine!

Over 2,000 children participated in the cultural programme at Friday’s Flag Raising Ceremony at D’Urban Park to commemorate Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary. In this photo, a group of children are seen decked in colourful costumes depicting the country’s national flower, the Victoria Regia (Victoria Amazonica) while in formation during the cultural presentation. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

The journey back home Reflections of Pre-Independence Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite “I HAD to come back to Paradise,” were the words of British Guiana-born Steve Connolly who returned to Guyana after 63 years to fill that void that he was longing for more than half of his life. The now 75-year-old Connolly has documented the first 10 years of his life he spent in British Guiana in a book he authored, ‘Children of Watooka’.

This book was released in 2016 when Connolly returned to home sweet home to celebrate Guyana’s 50th anniversary. Since then, he has returned four times and has written a second book, which is filled with the rich history of Linden and details on the early days of bauxite mining.

His story is one of memories that will forever be etched in his mind. So profound are they, that he had to share it with the world; hence why he wrote the book.

outside. There were about 12 children and my brother and I learned to swim in the Watooka swimming pool (which still stands today). We swam every day in that pool, the girls, the boys-everybody. We went into the rainforest and we were taken there by experts and our gardener Gobin, he was an Indo-Guyanese; a wonderful man. There were orange trees, it didn’t matter. We had to paint them silver, we had to make our own decorations for Christmas. The days were so warm or raining it didn’t matter, we played every day…I remember well,” the septuagenarian recalled.

EARLIEST MEMORIES Connolly was born in 1943 in Mackenzie Linden, to Canadian parents who were amongst the first to commence established bauxite mining in Linden.

His father came and his mother subsequently joined after. He grew up in the community of Watooka. During that pre-InMr. Steve Connolly holding the two books; Children of Watooka and Journey Back to Watooka

dependence era, Linden was known as a company town and the expatriates established all the rules. One of the strictest was that the locals were not allowed to cross the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, thus accessing communities such as Watooka and Richmond Hill which was an All-White terrain.

“The first three years I don’t remember,” Connolly joked, but what I remembered was a paradise; we didn’t know what was

MAKING THE MOST OF PARADISE Despite being locked away as it were from the rest of Linden and Guyana, the 12 Caucasian children at that time who resided in Watooka, made use of all that nature provided.

They attended the Watooka Day School. The man-made hills, the bushy treks, the Demerara River flowing behind and the trees that danced to the midday winds were all part of Connolly’s little paradise. He recalled travelling in the RH Carr and the outlying communities of Region 10 such as Ituni and the Watooka Club House which is now the Watooka Guest House.

Despite disparity during that era, Connolly said that he could not have become a racial person or an advocate of inequality because of the example his parents set in this regard. “My Canadian parents never had to teach me about the value and wonders of diversity. I watched them, they demonstrated

it. I saw what they did, my mother would come out and be with the Girl Guides of Cocatara. My father would work with the coloured people, to teach them how to become welders and tradespeople in the plant. People got to love my mother and father and when they [were leaving, it was a very tearful farewell and my mother and father never forgot that- neither did I. I love diversity; people of every kind and every colour,” he said.

is incredible in Europe, the Caribbean, United States and Canada, the feedback is that how is this man who is white, lives in Canada and knows so much and be so fond of the country he was born, the answers are in those books.

The books have enchanting and adventurous real-life stories of life back then.

One of these he related in the second book, is the contribution of the bauxite plant to the World War II. Most of the aluminium RICH HISTORY used to manufacture ships that were used He wanted to share this rich history in the war was sourced from Linden. with others His father and other engineers worked overtime y oll nn Mr. Steve Co to meet the demand on the ren ild ch me so and world market for aluminiin Watooka playing um. They worked 13 days in the 1940s straight and were lucky to get the 14th day off. The ships fetching the bauxite were sunk by submarines and many lost their lives.

The very ship his mother had journeyed to British Guiana with was sunk on its next voyage. “One out of every three would have sunk in 1942, there were submarines out there like sharks, then the United States went after them in 1943, about a year later and things greatly improved,” Connolly related.

Another story that was related is that of a young baby that was found in the bushes of Wismar by some young boys who were playing. She was one day old and was found on an ant hill with a rope around her neck.

They brought her across the river and Dr. Rose saved her and but was unable to do so after his parents adopted her. The family along with the died because no one understood what was baby girl travelled to England in 1972 and inside of him; what needed to be expressed she grew up to be a BBC television star. in the most colourful and narrative way.

So persons can understand how wonderful CHANGES life was in Linden. “For all those 63 years, Upon his return to Guyana, Connolly my memory remained here, who could said that he was not surprised about the I talk to? Canadians don’t understand way things have deteriorated but is more Guyana, they don’t even know where it troubled about the continuous disparity is, so I said I will talk to myself. I said my and political segregation amongst Guyachildren would want to know where I was, nese, though the Whites are no longer here where I came from, where I was born, so I to set rules of class. He shunned political started to write,” he said. disparity and is urging all Guyanese to embrace their diversity and to live in unity.

HIS BOOKS “I tell my black friends today because we His first book, ‘Children of Watooka’ can joke about this- I tell them, ‘You think was released in 2016 and encapsulates you weren’t allowed in my village, I was Connolly’s life as the child of an expatri- trapped inside!’ Now I know more friends ate, locked away in Watooka, growing up that were raised, born and brought up on around bauxite dust and everything else the other side of the bridge than... friends Linden had to offer at that time. Upon of my own race; that is fantastic.” his first trip back to Guyana in 63 years, The books can be bought from the Connolly collected more material for his National Library, Linden Branch and second book, ‘Journey Back to Watooka’, at Austin’s Book Store for $5,000. which was released three weeks ago.

Connolly expressed his gratitude to Fly The response to the books he described Jamaica for flying the books to Guyana as amazing, even though more are sold free of cost so that they can be sold at a out of Guyana than in. “The feedback reduced price.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

III

What Independence means to the people

By Vishanie Raghobeer INDEPENDENCE was achieved 52 years ago after Guyana’s founding fathers lobbied the British government and monarchy and tried to prove that the country was ready to manage its own affairs. It was achieved at the cost of much strife and tension but paved the way for a free and democratic society.

May 26, definitely provides a time for much celebrationand why not? Independence is an achievement and a half and should be celebrated with much jubilation. More than that, it is a time to reflect on the struggles of Guyana and the Guyanese who enabled the country to become independent.

Yesterday, Guyana celebrated its 52nd Independence Anniversary and many Guyanese would have had the opportunity to reflect on what Independence means for them and how they celebrate the nation’s sovereignty.

The flag raising ceremony was held on the afternoon of May 25, instead of in the evening as was traditionally done in prior years. This allowed youths to come out in their numbers to participate in and witness the programme, perhaps allowing them a greater appreciation for their country’s independence.

Celene Vansluytman was present at the D’Urban Park

Celene Vansluytman

on Thursday enjoying the rehearsals for the Flag Raising ceremony. She shared, “This is my first year out here and I must say I’m enjoying it.”

Her two daughters represented the National School of Dance and were part of the cultural programme for IndeRebecca Duncan

Kellay Andres, Delinda John and Diasicia Chung (Samuel Maughn photos)

pendence, which is why she came out to the show. Usually, however, she would spend her Independence at home just viewing the ceremony on television.

This ceremony is the national celebration for the Independence anniversary in Guyana. It’s one that attracts a host of Guyanese and reminds them of the nation’s struggle.

Rebecca Duncan, on the other hand, uses the holiday as an opportunity to sell snacks and goodies to people who come out in their numbers to witness the Flag Raising ceremony.

While present at the D’Urban Park during rehearsals, Duncan said, “I don’t really celebrate Independence, to be honest, but from what I’ve seen here so far, I like it a lot.”

She also noted that the ceremony provides a great opportunity for her children to learn about their country and its struggle for Independence.

Kellay Andres, a Community Development Officer from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs attached to Region Seven recalled being only a little boy when Guyana first celebrated its Independence in 1966.

“It was celebrated in a kind of a way in the first time but it has only improved over the years. The present one has lots and lots of improvements,” Andres said.

He, however, bemoaned that the Amerindian communities have missed out on the celebrations. He explained, “In the Amerindian communities, like where I work, there is nothing for the people.

They just know Independence is a holiday but they don’t celebrate anything, there’s no programme like this.”

Andres stressed, “Georgetown is not Guyana. Individuals should take this kind of programme to the communities so that they can see it and have exposure and have better ideas to see what is going on outside here.”

Attributing to Andres was Delinda John and Diasicia Chung who travelled to Georgetown from the CuyuniMazaruni Region, just a few villages before Mount Ayanganna.

“We don’t really celebrate Independence,” John said.

“It is nice but we don’t know much about it.” Chung shared similar sentiments but made known that she knows of the soldiers travelling through her community to get to the mountain to hoist the flag for Independence.

But for some, like Joshua Duke, who is a migrant, Independence is a fantastic time for him no matter where in the world he is.

“I think personally, Independence is basically us saying as a country that we’re mature, responsible and wise enough to make decisions a mother country would usually make for its colonies,” he shared.

And for him, the country’s independence also ascertains his own personal independence no matter where he goes. “It means, I am free,” Duke said. “I don’t have to say that we’re a British colony or anything because I know that many years ago people risked their lives for our Independence and one should feel proud to belong to a free nation.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Celebrating 25 years Artists showcase powerful images of Guyanese Art

By M Margaret Burke CASTELLANI House on May 21, was once again transformed into a gallery of national treasures as artists from all over Guyana displayed some of Guyana’s most thought-provoking pieces of art and craft through an art exhibition which is being held as part of the country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The exhibition, which will run until June 8, not only celebrates Guyana’s Independence but is also being held in observance of the 25th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art. Many of the exhibits are stunning expressions of art, which seem so perfectly done, using the medium of oil, pen, ink and acrylic; ceramic; wood; mirror leather and wood; watercolour; stones, mixed media; pyrography; bronze; fibreglass and found objects, pastels and others.

The artwork depicted almost every aspect of human life and living – ranging from food

Debra Mathias Ohene Koama, Curator of the National Gallery of Art

to fire, from struggles to freedom, from love to hate, birth and death, from the mountain top to the bottom of the mountain; scenes of Guyana and also of overseas.

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE Curator of the National Art Gallery at Castellani House, Ohene Koama told the Pepperpot Magazine that this exhibition is a special one that has been planned for a number of years. “We knew that we were approaching the 25th anniversary of art exhibitions and we thought of having the artists showcased and praised. We thought of the concept of selecting 25 artists,” he said. The curator stated that he knew it would have been a hard task; one for which he had to apologise to the artists who

Debra Mathias – Face of diversity

about 27 years old. The group of artists also includes both Guyanese who are here and who live abroad, but returned home to showcase their pieces.

MARKETING AND EARNING Koama said that artists in Guyana are very dedicated to what they do, however they need as much exposure as they can have. He went

Betsy Karim – The capture of Plantation Peerboom (Adrian Narine photos)

were left out.

Koama explained that the artists were not bound by a theme which gave them freedom in the pieces of work they displayed. He said that the artists, therefore, selected their work, which was reviewed and accepted as good quality for exhibition and from that collection, two pieces each were chosen for the exhibition. He stated that the pieces were arranged in such a manner as to tell a clear story to the public.

He added that the oldest artist is Jorge Bowenforbes who will celebrate his 80th birthday in May and the youngest artist is

on to explain that artists would grade their work themselves and that some artists work fulltime and would sell their work to live. He stated that they would also take time to produce other work that they consider marketable or worthy of being a part of an exhibition or competition. “[This] is an opportunity for the artists to showcase their work and sell... At the national gallery, what we are responsible for is to help promote the works by exhibiting them and coming up with concepts and ideas for an exTurn to page VI ►►►

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hibition. But we are not really a market-driven entity, in terms of having an event every day for them to have an outlet to sell,” he said. “Sometimes we are overcrowded when the year comes for exhibitions, but every opportunity we have to help the artists to showcase their work and we are happy to do it.”

GALLERY IS MANDATED In terms of helping to promote the work of the artists, Koama said that the gallery itself is also mandated to acquire works from artists as long as the work is of a high quality and it is properly presented, and the artists have developed a mature talent. “We even judge them and some artists have repeated winnings for dedication and consistency for producing good work,” he said.

He added that another aspect is where artists produce bodies of work and are mature

enough to have a one-man show or a group show. “When you identify these consistencies and maturity in the artist, you know that they are serious about their work,” he said.

VISUAL ART AND CRAFT MARKET Koama explained that the government has been doing quite a lot but that the artists have to do their part to help themselves and that he would not advise anybody to spoon-feed an artist.

He mentioned a Literary and Visual Arts Fair which was held in February, which invited visual artists into that exhibition for the first time. “We transformed Main Street and made it into a venue for exhibits and people came and purchased work. From that survey the artists yearned to have more events of the same and that was taken to the Minister. It was discussed and he was overwhelmed and happy and so this year for the Independence (which is the first

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

time it is happening) there would be the market of visual art and craft,” Koama offered.

He asserted that all the efforts and opportunities to help the artists to sell their works are being put in place by the government. At the same time, Koama said, “we are not taking a cent from the artists to make these events happen.”

He said that he views this move by the government to help the artists as one that is needed and wherever the opportunity arises for this kind of event to happen, he encourages the authorities to allow it.

BETSY KARIM’S ACRYLIC PIECE Just as Betsy was being interviewed on her piece – The Capture of Plantation Peerboom, it was being sold and taken down since the Guyanese who wanted to purchase it was taking it to the place she now lives – in the United States. “From the first time I saw this painting I just wanted to buy it for myself. I called my brother and when I described it, he said that if he was here he may have bought it before me,” the purchaser said.

Betsy recorded her comment on the creation of art in this way, “Every artists’ concept of colour is a huge velocity of meditation. It will meditate on the mind of the admirer as he measures the distance or percentage.”

Dageraad (in the year 1763), according to Betsy, is a piece which speaks of a situation high up in the Berbice River at Plantation Pereboom. There were slaves who constantly rebelled, resulting in what she termed ‘a great revolution’ in pursuit of freedom.

“One man who could neither read nor write,

somehow managed to stimulate the interest of a people – later a nation to fight for their freedom. At that stage of the history of British Guiana (now Guyana), the country was described as being, ‘in her infancy’,” Betsy said.

“And now this story has grown into maturity and infiltrated my mind and soul of which I proudly canvas the history of my country’s only national hero.”

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has also saluted the works of her fellow artists as patriotic and priceless, as well as the forefathers’ vision of independence in thought and spirit for generations to come.

DEBRA MATHIAS – FACE OF DIVERSITY Jewellery designer and owner of Rave Designs, Debra Mathias said that she has come from a diverse ethnic background. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is from this rich cultural mix from which she draws inspiration for her unique jewellery.

She said that her piece – Face of diversitywas done from semi-precious stones, chips and beads, red coral, black volcanic rock, bamboo, wood and leather. This piece, she says, consists of five semi-precious stones, two amethysts at the top encircled by red coral, a green quartz in the middle, circled with nuggets of agate and green semi-precious beads, next a small amethyst circled with a black volcanic rock.

Mathias said that the red area at the top of the piece represents the artist’s Indigenous roots, while the bottom part represents her African roots. (mercilinburkie2017@ gmail.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

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Why practise karate?

By Gibron Rahim KARATE is an undoubtedly well-known martial art. In fact, we might sometimes mistakenly categorise all the martial arts we see in films as karate. Contrary to portrayals in popular culture; however, its focus is not on violence. Karate builds mental discipline even as practitioners learn to defend themselves and others against harm.

The term ‘karate’ translates to “empty

“At the same time, being in karate doesn’t mean it makes you violent – at times it calms you.” As karatekas advance to higher ranks, he said, they become more aware of the kind of harm they can do. As a result, they tend to avoid circumstances that would lead to the use of force. “It gives you a different discipline of mind, body and spirit.”

Some of the karatekas of the YMCA school (All photos courtesy of the Association do Shotokan Karate Guyana)

SELF-DEFENCE Learning self-defence is an option that might at least be considered in today’s Turn to page XI ►►►

“Kumite” or sparring

hand”. The martial art focuses on the use of defensive and counterattacking body movements rather than the use of weaponry. Practitioners or karatekas as they are called, of the Shotokan style of karate, progress through belts beginning with white all the way up to black. There are also different dans (or ranks) of black belt karatekas. The ‘Association do Shotokan Karate’, Guyana’s YMCA school, is among Guyana’s admittedly small number of groups that train practitioners in karate.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to two of the school’s older practitioners to learn about their experiences with karate. Wanda Agdomar, a brown belt, began practising karate when she was in primary school. She recalled that she would attend classes after school. Unfortunately, Agdomar had to stop attending classes to prepare for CSEC when she entered the Fifth Form. She revealed that she had only recently restarted classes after a 15-year gap.

Agdomar affirmed that karate has taught her discipline. “It’s a disciplined sport, it’s more for self-defence and not like the other [martial] arts like ju-jitsu,” she said. Karate, she noted, is more about defending oneself and not necessarily violently at that. One of the aspects of karate is kumite. Agdomar explained that kumite involves karatekas sparring with one another, with one person attacking and the other blocking. “As in everything you have different aspects and that is included in karate but it’s not anything violent,” she said. Violence is always the last possible resort for practitioners.

BENEFITS OF KARATE There are psychological benefits to practising karate. “I think it makes you stronger

mentally because sometimes, as with anything that you do, you have to have your head on to get your techniques right,” explained Agdomar. “And then we have the gradings that we do so you have to be physically, as well as mentally prepared to get to the other belt,” she added. Advancing to higher belts through the various grades requires mastery of a kata (detailed pattern of movement) and either one-step or three-step sparring.

Tournaments provide invaluable learning opportunities for karatekas. Agdomar related that regular karate practices only involve persons from a single school. On the other hand, “When you go to a tournament you see other persons from different schools,” she said. “They have different styles, although it’s still Shotokan there are different styles that they come with.” She opined that the YMCA school practices traditional Shotokan. “I think this is the best one, that’s why I came back.”

Leonard Leuwaisee began practising karate around 40 years ago. Progressing to his black belt and then beginning to advance through the dans, Leuwaisee stopped practising karate when he migrated to Barbados 36 years ago. Though he wanted to restart, he was hindered by the challenges of moving to a foreign country and beginning a new life.

Several years ago; however, he finally began practising karate again. There was no true difficulty in doing so. “The mental feeling was always there as well as certain basics,” Leuwaisee explained. In fact, he was able to resume at the same rank he had stopped at.

Leuwaisee also noted the mental benefits of karate. “I find that it helps you in terms of giving you a clarity of mind, of thinking,” he said. “It also enhances your health.” He, like Agdomar, pointed out that karate can be used to defend oneself. He emphasised, however,

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 2016 VIII

XLIX Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Pictures tell their own tales All together now was the rallying call on the National Park tarmac

President Hoyte acknowledges cheers of the Mass Games participants at the National Park tarmac

Gas shortage: Burnham on a bicycle

School children in action

L Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 2016 IX

Pictures tell their own tales

Performing a daring stunt

Getting it right: Colonel David Granger (left), Commander of the Guyana Defence Force and Chief of staff Norman Mclean make some adjustments to the uniform of President Forbes Burnham

President Burnham with Georgetown Hospital matron Joyce Gain when he arrived at the hospital for surgery on Tuesday, August 6, 1985

President Burnham meets with members of the team preparing to walk 13 days to Mount Ayanganna and back... in honour of Guyana gaining Independence. Lt Assad Ishoof (third from left) led the contingent which included expedition leader Adrian Thompson (left of President Burnham) Dennis ‘Bunny’ Stewart is second from right

President Burnham’s official automobile

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Prime Minister LFS Burnham’s Speech in Parliament on the Presentation of The Instruments of Independence (From Colonial Rule 26th May, 1966) “YOUR ROYAL Highness, Mr. Speaker: May I, on behalf of the Parliament of Independent Guyana, and the people of this new nation, express gratitude first of all for your Royal Highness undertaking the duty – we hope with pleasure, of representing her Gracious Majesty, the Queen of Guyana on the opening of this first and significant session of the National Assembly of Guyana.

Today is historic, primarily because we are indulging in an exercise which is the first of its kind by the Parliament of Guyana.

We have come to the end of the road of Colonial Rule and not without significance, to our minds is the fact that her Gracious

Majesty, Queen of the United Kingdom, is Queen of Guyana.

Our associations with the Crown, our membership to the Commonwealth, are matte s of free and untrammelled choice by the representatives of the people of Guyana.

After some 150 years of British Rule and in some cases, misrule, we are now independent, but we harbour no bitterness. Bitterness we feel is for children and the intellectually underdeveloped.

It is difficult, nay- impossible, to change the facts of past history and, in the circumstances, though we welcome with enthusiasm our new status, we are prepared not to spend the time ahead of us abusing those who once

dictated to us, but rather to, seek means of cooperation with them – to our mutual advantage, or should we say self-interest?

I desire, on this occasion to request you, Your Royal Highness to convey to her Gracious Majesty, the Queen, the kind feelings we hold towards her as Head of the Commonwealth, and a person whom we have met, seen and admired, and in some cases loved.

I shall ask your Royal Highness to convey to Her Majesty, the Queen of Guyana, the loyalty of the people of the independent nation of Guyana, who are happy to have her

as their Queen.

The days ahead are going to be difficult and, in the circumstances, we are heartened and encouraged by Her Majesty’s kind wishes, and also by the asseverations of friendship and willingness to assist coming from other Governments in the Commonwealth, more particularly in the present circumstances, from the Government of the United Kingdom.

Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in our usual political conflicts and ideological differences, but today, to my mind, is above such relatively petty matters, for today Guyana is history.

Today we say goodbye to the British as masters, and we shake hands with them as friends and colleagues.

It is difficult to say more, a descendant of those who were brought here against their will, one who has known the embarrassment of being a Colonial subject, I am moved and all I can say now is “Thank You Sincerely, your Royal Highness, and please be good enough to convey to the Queen our thanks, our gratitude and our undertaking to make Guyana an outstanding member of the Commonwealth – we hope surpassing those who have been independent members for years before us. Thank you.”

Presentation by Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan – Architect of Guyana’s Independence on The Occasion of the Presentation of the Instruments of Independence (From Colonial Rule) “YOUR Royal Highness, Mr. Speaker, the severing of the British Colonial tie in Guyana, and the attainment of political independence are welcome features of the struggle of this country and its people for a better life.

These features in today’s context do not, however, guarantee the realisation of the better life we all seek. They merely represent a further stage – advancement of the continuing struggle.

I wish to thank their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, as representatives of Her Majesty the Queen for their presence in the house to hand over the new Constitutional Instrument. But lest our position at this historic ceremony be misunderstood, it is necessary for me to observe that the people whom my party represents hold considerable reservations.

The form of the Constitution being handed down at this time is one which perpetuates division in our society and entrenches minority rule. The Constitution has failed to lay the foundation for national unity. The fundamental right, which the Constitution seeks to safeguard, is in a great measure, nonexistent and the Government has provided evidence in great abundance of its intentions to render all safeguards nugatory.

Detention without trial has plagued our country since July 1964 when by a Constitutional Amendment, the United Kingdom Government gave to the Governor, acting without advice, power to detain without trial.

The power was made to appear by the world press and the radio, to have been exercised by the Government of which I was the head. The powers were in fact arbitrarily exercised by the Governor to the detriment of the members and supporters of the PPP. Abuse of these powers were now transferred to the Government, and the extension of such state of emergency beyond the date of the attainment of independence have gathered fear in our land, and have frustrated the efforts of our people and their struggle for peace and security.

The people whom my Party represents are denied any participation in the governmental

process. Besides, political independence has been attained under the continuation of the consolidation of foreign economic control and the maintenance of a colonial type of economy based on primary production and extraction.

Debt burdens are already increasing with the resulting pressure on the economy. The annual recurring budgetary deficits will inevitably mean dependence on other governments for budgetary support.

In these circumstances there is no prospect for real independence in external affairs, and the protestations of the Government of pursuing a neutral policy are illusory.

The PPP has been the victims of repeated constitutional manipulation designed to keep it out of office.

We are nonetheless confident that, despite these manipulations, the PPP can be triumphant in future elections if these are fairly held.

Parliamentary democracy as an important place in this country and a heavy onus lies on all of us, but more particularly in the Government to see how it works.

The PPP, the vanguard for Guyana’s struggle for natina berate, is convinced that liberation is achieved only when it has been struggled for and won.

It cannot be a gift of charity. For the people real freedom is still a prize to be won – and win it we will, as a reunited free people.”

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page VII

troubled times. “I would personally advise anybody in this climate of how the world is today to learn something,” Leuwaisee said, “not so much to fight but it gives you that discipline.” He opined that, from his observations in Barbados, children who practise karate also do well in school. He expressed his personal belief that the employment of mental faculties that practising karate requires translates into the academic life of young karatekas.

Though karate might not necessarily be for everyone, “It’s something to try,” Agdomar said. She conceded that, while not everyone will like karate, parents can always take their children to classes where they may be pleasantly surprised to find that they enjoy it. She pointed out the benefits for younger practitioners especially.

“It will help to give them some amount of self-confidence,” she pointed out. She noted that bullying has become more commonplace in schools today. “It’s not

that they’re going to be fighting but you know that, in case anything happens, they can defend themselves,” she stated and emphasised, “It’s not about brute force and ignorance, it’s defending yourself.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Landscape transformation

The infrastructural changes in Region Two over the years

By Indrawattie Natram WITHOUT a shadow of a doubt, residents and frequent visitors of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) would agree that over the past five decades, there has been an impressive transformation in the infrastructural landscape in the Cinderella County.

In the early 1960s, before Guyana gained its Independence, persons lived in thatched-roof houses. Now, the entire landscape of the region has changed in all areas. Due to necessary enhancements in infrastructure, the economy in the region has improved giving

A supermarket’s modern design at Anna Regina

rise to more business activity.

In the northern section of the coast, there are approximately nine newly built modern supermarkets while in the south over five were constructed.

Gone are the days where potential homeowners had to travel outside the region to acquire housing materials. In the past, persons had to venture to the city of Georgetown to acquire these materials at a higher cost. But the region has since seen a tremendous transformation with many established hardware stores.

TRUE TRANSFORMATION Taking Pepperpot Magazine down memory lane, Essequibo Historian, Ishahack Basir said that every house long ago had

The modern design of a house at Anna Regina

thatched roofs pasted with mud and made out of sticks or “wattles”. According to this learned historian, in the1980s, wooden buildings started to emerge while in 1990s concrete structures became popular.

The 84-year-old Basir said concrete construction commenced after the Tapakuma Irrigation Project was executed which provided proper drainage and irrigation for rice farmers. Basir said the rice industry was doing well, as such persons living along the coast could have purchased luxurious items.

Basir said residents began to construct concrete structures taking into consideration the longevity of the concrete which was more feasible to construct since it would have given them many years of occupation.

Basir explained that in the earlier years when the Indian ancestors arrived in Guyana they brought their own traditions and customs and though they brought the concept of “Logies” in the 80s, persons started to construct wooden houses.

Lumber, he said was a source from the majestic Pomeroon areas from the first sawmill, Picker Gill. which was then transported via boats to the coastlands. Basir said that in those days, “all houses looked alike” given the lack of ability to research other types of architecture. Today Basir is overwhelmed to see many ‘Essequibians’ owning and building their own homes with

Eighty-eight-year-old Rajkumarie Prashad

Essequibian Historian Isahack Basir

modern designs.

Measnwhile, 88-year-old Rajkumarie Prashad, reminisced on yesteryear when she was searching for mud in the backdams.

Prashad has fond memories of housewives hustling in the back dams for “fresh” mud to dab the fireside and their house. She said those were the days when people were so proud living in “mud” house and persons slept peacefully. She explained that today life is much more easy and comfortable compared to the old ages.

She explained that in the past persons had to walk miles to access drinking and potable water. Commenting on the housing sector, the pensioner said that in almost every village, the construction landscape has transformed The residents of the region can confidently say that there have been developments in every sector, especially the construction industry,within the last 52 years. There is also a visible enthusiasm with the business community to explore new business ventures.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

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What you should know about Biodiversity

GUYANA joined many other countries around the world in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2018. With that, you would have probably read a lot about species and ecosystems diversity and how some of the world’s biodiversity has had to be protected because of man’s actions. This week’s article will shed light on what some of these terms really mean and what you should know about them.

• Species - a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring of both genders and separated from other such groups with which interbreeding does not (normally) happen.

• Ecosystem diversity - is the variety of ecosystems in a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their surroundings, e.g., forest, ponds, savannahs, marshes, etc.

• Species diversity – this variety is the basis for distinguishing organisms into different groups, e.g., humans, insects, cats, dogs, fishes, palms, mangroves, etc. Species diversity plays a pivotal role in making life on earth expansive, captivating and unique. Although biologists are not really sure how many species live on earth, they have agreed that it is an astronomical number since the estimates range from about two million -100 million.

• Genetic diversity - within each species there is a genetic variability causing each organism from the same group to be different. One example of diversity within species is dogs; dogs are a single species but there are many different “breeds” of dogs.

FACTORS AFFECTING BIODIVERSITY • Extinction According to scientists, since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution when man began to use a lot of machinery to make work easier, a large number of species have gone extinct. According to research, human actions have accelerated the rate of extinction to 1,000 – 10,000 times faster than natural extinction.

• Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation A rapidly increasing human population and the quest for wealth have been causing significant degradation on the world’s ecosystems. Since the habitat and food of species are specific habitat disruption has affected species productivity due to factors such as food shortage, increase in predators, etc.

• Invasive Alien Species This is a very important cause of extinction which is usually overlooked. However, invasive alien species can invade an ecosystem and out-compete the native species thereby forcing them out.

• Pollution This is another factor which poses serious threats to species since many species are habitat and food specific. Contaminants can alter the habitat and food supply of species, thereby affecting their productivity and survival • Climate Change This is a single indispensable factor which threatens species and ecosystems. The distribution of many species is largely determined by climate. In addition, many species of birds and marine turtles are migratory. The change in climate will shift this distribution and affect the productivity of species since climate can become relatively unpredictable and difficult to forecast. In addition, changes in climate will cause changes in ecosystems and ultimately habitats, hence many species will be unable to adapt to these changes in conditions, thereby accelerating the rate of extinction.

As a result of the issues of habitat loss and degradation of the environment due to pollution, timber harvesting and more direct threats such as overhunting and trapping have resulted in many species becoming endangered. Endangered species,

such as the Harpy Eagle, Arapaima and Jaguar which are all found here in Guyana, are at an overall low in population size in the world today. As a result, if existing populations are not monitored through conservation strategies, they may soon be added to the list of extinct species.

As such, the work done in Guyana over the last 22 years has been especially vital in conserving our wild flora and fauna. As last week’s article pointed out, a few of the strategies that have been implemented are: 1. Development of a National Biosafety Framework 2. Conducting training workshops on biosafety 3. Regulations on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing 4. Establishment of protected areas 5. Development of wildlife regulations.

As we continue to celebrate our achievements in biodiversity conservation over the last 22 years, we call for the continued support of relevant Agencies and you, the general public to ensure our natural wealth is preserved since we all benefit from the goods and services biodiversity provides.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Solar Drying

FOR weeks, NAREI in Focus has provided readers with information on solar drying.

By now readers are familiar with what solar drying is, the different types of solar dryers and the importance of not over drying fruits and vegetables. This week readers will be exposed to the process for dried fruit production.

PREPARATION OF THE FRUIT All fruit to be dried should be hand-picked and not shaken from the tree. To obtain optimal yields of top quality dried product, all fruit should be ripe and free from bruising. Any rotten or bruised fruit should be thrown away.

For maximum profitability, the dryer should be loaded to full capacity as often as possible. It is advisable to acquire more fruit than required.

Bananas have a low level of acidity and turn brown very rapidly after peeling and cutting. To prevent this, they should be immersed in water containing sodium metabisulphite (400 parts per million of sulphur dioxide) immediately after peeling. Unpeeled fruits should be washed in a mild disinfectant solution made from one part of bleach to 50 parts of water.

Care must be taken not to break the skin of the fruits as this will contaminate the flesh.

Gloves and aprons must be worn to protect the workers’ hands and clothes. Ten litres of treated water will be sufficient for about 20kg fruit. The wash water should be changed after this amount has been washed as it becomes contaminated by the fruit.

Soft fruit, such as berries and apricots, are delicate and should be handled carefully to

avoid bruising. Washed fruits are carefully peeled to remove all the peel and any damaged parts of the flesh. Fruits are cut into slices of varying thickness depending on the type of fruit and the dryer. The following points are useful to consider: thick pieces dry at a slower rate than thinner ones; very thin pieces tend to stick to the drying trays and may be difficult to remove; thicker pieces may not dry fully in the centre and will not store well; packets of mixed thick and thin pieces do not look attractive.

BLANCHING OR SUGARING This stage is optional, but some processors choose to soak fruits in sugar syrup prior to drying. There are several benefits in this process. There are also constraints to sugaring.

Fruit pieces are immersed in a concentrated sugar solution for up to 18 hours. They are rinsed in clean water to remove any excess syrup before drying.

Most vegetables and some fruits are blanched before drying to inhibit enzyme activity and to help preserve the colour. The material is cut into appropriately sized pieces and plunged into boiling water for up to five minutes. They should be blanched in small batches to ensure that each piece is properly heated through.

If too many pieces are put into the water at one time, the water temperature will drop and prolong the blanching time. After blanching for the required time, vegetables are rapidly cooled by plunging into cold (or iced) water.

SULPHURING Sulphuring or sulphiting is an optional stage of processing. The main benefit of sulphuring is to preserve the colour of the fruit.

Some consumers object to chemical preservatives and prefer naturally dried fruits. Sulphur

dioxide gas (SO2) is applied to the fruit pieces by placing them in a cabinet or tent in which sulphur is burned. The gas is absorbed by the fruit. For most fruits, 5-6g sulphur per kg food is adequate. The gas given off is toxic and corrosive. Therefore, sulphuring should be carried out in a well-ventilated place, using appropriate equipment. See the information on sulphuring for more details. Sulphite can be included in the sugar syrup (as sodium or potassium metabisulphite).

DRYING Fruit pieces are arranged on mesh-bottom trays so that they are not touching or overlapping. The fruit should be loaded into the trays as soon as it is cut. This prevents the pieces from sticking together and allows the drying process to start as soon as possible.

The trays should be brushed clean to remove any old fruit pieces. They should be loaded into the dryer as soon as they are ready. The dryer doors should be closed after each tray is loaded. Direct sunlight should be avoided as this bleaches the colour and reduces the level of vitamins A and C. The drying temperature should be controlled to avoid over-heating and spoilage of the fruit. Most fruits are dried at about 60-70 degrees C. Fruits are dried until they have the desired final moisture content (15 percent for conventionally dried fruits; 20-25 percent for osmotically dried (sugar-treated fruits).

PACKAGING Dried fruits should be packaged immediately after drying to prevent them absorbing moisture from the surrounding air. After drying, fruits can be packed in bulk in sealed moisture-proof polyethylene bags then packed into smaller packets at a later date.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

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Five-day stroke camp hosted for residents of the ‘Palms’ The exercises were intended to stimulate the nervous system and help with recovery

Local and overseas health workers patiently assisting a stroke patient to get into the water

By Telesha Ramnarine FOR the first time ever, stroke patients of the Palms Geriatric Home in Georgetown were able to benefit from hydrotherapy (exercising in a pool), thanks to a joint effort between local physiotherapists and experts from Pennsylvania.

Maureen Pascal, a physiotherapist who teaches at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania, has been sharing ideas on rehabilitation for many years now with Senior Physiotherapist at the Palms, Barbara Lawrence.

Lawrence made all of the arrangements once she heard that Pascal wanted to visit Guyana to conduct a stroke camp. A fiveday camp which featured intensive exercises at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was then successfully held.

The stroke patients were also invited to benefit from the hydrotherapy sessions that were conducted in the pool at Castellani House.

“Usually the patients are not open to anything outside a clinical setting but they have responded well to this initiative at the pool. It challenges them and they are able to understand the value of exercise. Although many are afraid of water and don’t know how to swim, they have responded positively,” Lawrence told the Pepperpot Magazine in an interview at Castellani House.

CHANGING PATTERNS The six students who came to help out at the stroke camp could’ve been seen kindly helping out the patients

Pennsylvania-based Physiotherapist Maureen Pascal

Pascal, who brought six of her students on the trip who could’ve been seen kindly helping out the patients with much care and patience, told the Pepperpot Magazine that Turn to page XVII ►►►

Lawrence observed how the age of persons suffering from a stroke is getting lower and how one of the main reasons has to do with lifestyle choices.

“While it used to be 70 or 80-year-olds, now there are about five persons here who are just about 30. And a lot has to do with people’s lifestyle choices. They don’t look after their health; the way they eat, lack of physical activity; nobody walks anymore.

And the sad thing is that your life changes with a stroke,” she expressed.

Then there’s the issue of discrimination where some employers simply do not hire someone because of the way they look.

“After a stroke, you don’t lose your skills; you might lose a function. So we still have to work on the discrimination in society,” she said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XV

the idea of a stoke camp came to her when she learned that some places in the US were doing high-intensity exercises for persons with stroke.

“So I asked her (Lawrence) what she thought about it and we had a group of students come last year and come up with some ideas. We talked about how we might make it work here in Guyana and this year, I brought some more students and decided to go for it.”

Commenting on what hydrotherapy does for the patient, Pascal said the exercises stimulate the nervous system and help with recovery after a stroke. “Even for more than 10 years after a stroke, people can continue to improve if they work hard. So the idea is to make them work as hard as possible.”

Palms, said working with the patients in this way helps to enable them to become more independent. “We break things down for them; simple things like putting on and taking off clothes. We adjust techniques and show them how to do it. Here with the hydrotherapy it is good because they are allowed to function more with the water.

The water causes muscle stimulation so it’s easier for them and the buoyancy allows free

Senior Physiotherapist at the Palms Geriatric Home, Barbara Lawrence

movement.”

One of the patients, 37-year-old Leon Christian, was injured about two years ago and thereafter walked with the help of a walker. “But all of a sudden my feet got stiff and the doctor told me I needed to do some physiotherapy,” he recalled.

Christian, who struggles to walk at the moment, said being in the water made his feet move again. He was able to participate in all of the activities in the water with little help.

The hydrotherapy sessions were conducted in the pool at Castellani House

Stroke patients participating in a group activity

Stroke patient, Leon Christian, struggles to walk but did well in the water

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

International Literature Prizes and the Guyanese Writer

THURSDAY NIGHT marked the prize-giving for “The Guyana Annual’s” competition in various disciplines, including Poetry, Prose, Playwriting, etc. While this is a significant event that rewards

literature and other art forms in Guyana and will be looked at more in depth in future articles, there has recently been another important competition that is worth looking at. I am, of course, talking about

“Pauline Melville”, winner of the 1991 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize: Best First Book of Fiction for ‘Shape Shifter. (Image via British Council, Literature)

the Commonwealth Short Story Prize which recently announced its shortlist of writers who are all in the running to win either a regional prize (awarded to various regions: Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean, Pacific) or the overall prize.

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize has racked up some notable prestige over the past few years, borne, no doubt, the way the competition is global in scale, truly highlighting the best writers around the world, and also in the way the competition serves as a way of highlighting writers from countries that otherwise would not be able to garner a spotlight on the world stage of global literature. Further, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize opens many doors for writers, such as the publication in the eminent “Granta” magazine. Guyanese writers have been shortlisted and have won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and the now discontinued Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Examples of such writers include Mark McWatt, Pauline Melville, Dennis Nichols and Maggie Harris.

Although Guyana does have a legacy attached to the Commonwealth Prizes, more needs to be done to ensure that local writers are aware of the existence of the Prize and other similar competitions, while simultaneously being fully prepared in the skills that would enable them to win. I hate to be the sort of person who is constantly comparing Guyana to other countries, but it is hard to ignore the fact that two Trinidadians (Kevin Hosein and Breanne Mc Ivor) and a Jamaican (Marcus Bird) have been shortlisted for this year’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize, while a further two Trinidadian writers (Vahni Capildeo and Shivanee Ramlochan) have been shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for

Poetry. While I am excited for and proud of, all of these writers, especially because they belong to the Caribbean, I wish Guyanese writers could be more involved with what’s happening with literature around the world.

The question that is continuously explored and answered, but still remains a part of our literary consciousness and heritage is: what needs to be done in order for contemporary Guyanese writers to truly excel at creative writing?

While I can go through the route of pointing out the lack of government incentives that contributes to the failure of fostering a true artistic environment in Guyana – incentives such as Creative Writing programmes at the University of Guyana, writing workshops and competitions, etc. – it is more important to point out that without government support, writers need to foster their own creative environment. There needs to come a point when writers realise that their art comes from within themselves and therefore, it is up to them to hone and channel their artistic prowess regardless of what else is happening in their surroundings. This basically means that no writer should allow the lack of local opportunities as a reason for them failing to write. There are many examples of writers who relied on the library and on reading as the main source of training they ever received. Literary icons like Ray Bradbury, Maya Angelou, Charles Dickens and William Faulkner never went to college. It is possible to write in a non-artistic environment. However, there is no negating the fact that the task will be more difficult when contrasted with spaces that encourage creativity and artistry.

The one thing that I have realised that contributes to the lack of artistic output in Guyana is the way in which many young writers – poets and storytellers and dramatists – easily give up. Many of us lose hope when we have that moment of realisation that lets us know how difficult publishing is, or how breaking out into the literary world can be.

The key to success is to never give up, even if you feel like your time is up or that you are too old to try to make a writing career happen. Toni Morrison wrote her first book when she was 39 years old, and Anthony Burgess published his first novel at the same age. Charles Bukowski published his first novel at 51 and Bram Stoker wrote Dracula when he was 50. Would they have achieved success and literary fame had they given up? Many writers come from difficult backgrounds. Indeed, it may seem like hardships can be used as fodder for creativity, but the truth of the matter is that perseverance is the key to success in the literary world. I do believe that if Guyanese writers continue to write, despite their circumstances, then they will one day achieve the kind of success that lies in, or beyond, awards such as the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and the Forward Prizes for Poetry.

FILES E S A C COURT

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Rape appellant freed – Identification unreasonable…

Voice identification became ‘features’ identification A WOMAN who was raped and robbed by three (3) men in 1965 told investigators that she had identified the appellant by the side of his face and his voice.

At the jury trial she added “I recognised the appellant, Wilkie, by his voice, his rising cheek bone, straight nose large ears and a cut on the nose bridge between eyes”.

However under cross-examination she admitted, “I did not give such a detailed description either to the police or to the magistrate at the Preliminary Inquiry.

As a consequence, on appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal, allowed the appeal and quashed the conviction and sentence. Wilkie was freed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the woman was sleeping in a room with her four children whilst her husband was out at work. About 5am, three masked men entered the home, covered her face and proceeded to rob and rape her.

The next day, whilst the victim was sitting on her neighbour’s step, she saw a man who came up close to her and asked her to allow him to pass. She said she recognised his voice and she went to the gate, looked at him and recognised him by his high cheek bone.

Later, as a result of a report, the appellant was arrested and taken to the station where the victim subsequently confirmed that he was one of her assailants.

At the trial in the High Court she said that she recognised the appellant by his rising cheek bones, straight nose, large ears and a cut on his nose-bridge between his eyes, but she admitted in cross-examination that she had not given such a detailed description either to the magistrate or to the police, but had told the magistrate that she had only seen the side of his face.

The Guyana Court of Appeal constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby, Justices Luckhoo and Cummings, at a trial in May, 1967, held that the verdict of the jury was unreasonable because (i) it was clear that identification of the appellant was really by voice since she did not see his face as it was covered and she only saw the side of the face when the men were leaving ; (ii) although there may be circumstances in which it may be proper to convict by the mere identification of a voice, this was not such a case, and (iii) it was the duty of the trial Judge to have stressed to the jury (which he had not done) that what was originally a “voice” identification became, at the trial, a “features” identification .

The Appeal was allowed.

Mr. C. A. Massiah represented the appellant, while Mr. C.A. G. Pompey, then Senior Crown Counsel appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment, Chancellor Stoby disclosed that on the 14th September, 1965, a woman was asleep in her room with her four children; her husband was at work.

About 5 o’ clock in the morning three men entered her room and committed a heinous crime: they robbed and raped her.

The appellant was convicted as being one of the three men concerned. He appealed.

At his trial the main issue was identification. There was no doubt of the house being broken and entered, of the robbery and of the rape. The appellant was identified in this way: The day after the robbery the victim was sitting on the steps of the next door house. A man came close to her and asked to be permitted to pass. She said she recognised his voice, went to the gate, had a look at him and recognised him by the high cheek bone. A report was made to the police, the appellant was arrested, locked up, and the woman was sent for. On arrival at the station she confirmed he was one of the men.

The judge told the jury that the question of identification

was most important; the jury, as I have said, convicted.

Continuing, Chancellor Stoby noted that several grounds of appeal have been argued, but in view of the decision to which the court has come it is only necessary to deal with the main ground, and that is, that the verdict of the jury was unreasonable.

The principle on which the court proceeds in a matter of this kind where a ground of appeal is that the verdict is unreasonable is well-known, and has been set out in a number of cases.

After analysing a number of cases Chancellor Stoby added, if one analyses very briefly the evidence of identification in this case, this is what took place; The man who entered the victim’s house had his face covered; the woman’s face was covered after the three men entered.

In the Magistrate’s Court she told the magistrate that she only saw the side of the face of the man who she alleged was the appellant.

In the High Court when giving evidence, she said that she recognised the appellant because of his rising cheek bones a, straight nose, large ears, and a cut on his nose bridge, between the eyes.

In cross-examination when it was pointed out to her that she had not said that in the Magistrate’s Court, and indeed had not given that description to the police, she repeated that she recognised him because of his high cheek bones, the cut on his face, his large ears, and so on. She admitted that she did not give that description to the police and she admitted that she did not give those details in the Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly to the Chancellor, obviously then, there are certain disturbing circumstances about the identification. It is quite evident that the identification was really by voice that she came to the conclusion that the appellant was one of the three men who had raped her because of his voice.

Since she did not see his face, since her face was covered and since the only time she had an opportunity of seeing the side of his face was when the men were leaving, it

is quite clear to us that what aroused her suspicion was the tone of his

By George Barclay voice, Chancellor Stoby declared, as he allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence.

Justices Luckhoo and Cummings concurred.

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Living with intention mission and book tour commences in the US LAST week I received the Women on a Mission International (WOMI) Trailblazer Award in New York and I am thankful for such an honour.

As I was receiving this award I thought about the many people who are blazing the trails but never will be recognised.

I dedicate this award to those men and women who are blazing the trails and I encourage you to continue because you are going somewhere.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Having the label as a trailblazer sometimes can put some pressure on you because of expectations.

I realise if you are true to yourself, your authenticity shines

through. While writing my books I had to be authentic to tell my story while being vulnerable.

My Living With Intention Motivation Mission and Book Tour commences in the US. All of the books will be available and I am looking forward to connecting with my coauthors from Women Across Borders. I must thank the Hon. Barbara Atherley for her support in hosting an event at the Consul General’s office. She is a phenomenal woman who I admire very much.

I do exercise my faith a lot but this mission will be pushing it to another level. Before heading to the airport I checked in with my Love and Faith family. I can feel in my core that this will be life changing for not only me but many people. God is

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

positioning people in my life and me in theirs for a powerful movement on the horizon. The picture is taking shape daily and although I can’t yet see the picture in the entirety I am confident it is to benefit people.

It always should be about the PEOPLE which is our most valuable resource.

A few days ago, I was having one of those mornings where my energy was not as high as it should be. Hilda, who is like my sister called from Mississippi to finalise the event there, and she had Gwen who is another sister on the other line. The first thing Gwen said was, “Sonia, I am proud of the difference you are making in the lives of many and we love you here in Mississippi and are praying for you.” We discussed the finishing touches for the event among other things. The reason I mentioned that is to tell you that the positive energy I received from those two Southern sisters caused mine to go up.

I am blessed to have a small circle of people I call friends and I had a delicious Italian dinner with one recently. He once held a very influential position with the UN and is now enjoying retirement. He travels intensively teaching Peace Studies.

People like him remind me with their actions why we should always be humble, no matter what office we hold or held.

He met Nelson Mandela a few times while Mr Mandela was president and he has some amazing stories of the great man which reminds me of why he was one of my mentors. He is working on his book and it will be an interesting read because he has worked all over the world in some of the most adverse circumstances, and interacted with lots of head of states. He has no interest in power and maybe that is why he can sleep standing! He shared a quote with me that I will never forget: “A man who is clothed with POWER is really NAKED.” People like him assist me on this journey more than he knows. I am asking for favour, grace, guidance and mercy as I continue my MISSION. Thank you to everyone who assisted in any way to make this trip possible. I can assure you not even the messages you sent, encouraging messages, went unnoticed. The next time you are praying please include the Living With Intention Mission and Book Tour.

Visit our FB page or send us a message to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

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Boosting Capoey Village Council eyeing tourism as main revenue earner An aerial view of the Indigenous mission, Capoey

frastructure then we have a lot to offer to visitors. Capoey is beautiful; one has to experience it,” Henry further stated.

The Capoey Eco- Lounge. Plans are in the process to upgrade this facility

The signboard leading to the Indigenous Community, Capoey

By Indrawattie Natram THE Capoey Village Council in Region Two is currently eyeing tourism as its main revenue earner for the upcoming years. This was according to Toshao of the Indigenous Community, Melrose Henry.

Henry said that the village is blessed with its own natural tourism setting and as such the council is aiming at enhancing the infrastructure in an effort to attract more visitors.

The Toshao said that the community is in need of a de-

Toshoa of the Indigenous Community, Melrose Henry

velopment boost and called on the government to intervene, especially in providing better access by way of rehabilitating the existing road and trail that leads to the community. Henry said while she understands that the government cannot do everything she pledged the council’s commitment in supporting any initiative that will boost the community’s economy.

“The villagers need the road to fix. The community through self-help and also donations from the business community has been able to rehabilitate the road but we need a proper one built to withstand years of endurance,” Henry said.

“BLACKWATER TOURISM” Henry said that the council has plans to extend the ecolounge to offer visitors a better stay whenever they have the intention of overnighting. She noted that Capoey is known for its singing birds and freshwater fish. She said in the morning one can enjoy the symphony the birds would create when flying around. Additionally, the canoeing experience along the lake top and mission top are also must-do activities for visitors.

“Once we have the necessary improvements in the in-

Henry said that although agriculture plays a pivotal role in the community’s economy she is confident that tourism will be a bigger revenue earner once the infrastructure is improved.

The Capoey Indigenous Community is one out of nine Indigenous communities in the region that have tourism potential. The lake over the years has managed to capture the attention of many and on weekends, a buzz of activities is usually held by promoters.

The community has a population of approximately 550 persons and is accessed by road and boat. Persons are involved in agriculture and lumbering as a way of providing a livelihood for their families.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

Ensuring hygienic food vending

IN THE capital city of Georgetown and in all the other towns, in varying degrees, cooked food and other services (e.g. road-side barbering) which may be unhygienic or even toxic are on offer. The institutions which are entrusted by law to protect citizens from being exposed to such perils are the Food and Drugs Department, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and the Georgetown City Council.

In the last generation, Guyanese people always preferred and used home-prepared food. Even if they had to be away from home for a day or two, as would have been the case of public

servants or travelling salesmen, they always travelled with their home-prepared food. School children either went home for lunch or carried packed lunches but never bought lunches as most of them now do.

Now the culture has changed and citizens tend to have their lunches at restaurants, fast-food outlets, food-vending snackettes or road-side food sellers. The restaurants and fast-food outlets sell what Americans call “junk food” which contains a great deal of sugar and salt. The food sold in these restaurants and fast food outlets are prepared fairly hygienically; it is the “junk food” they sell which is deleterious to health. We will return to

the subject of “junk food” in another article but in this article, we are focusing on the hygienic preparation of foods.

In the food-vending snackettes, we would include the small Chinese “restaurants” and together with the roadside food sellers and we will examine the conditions in which their food is prepared.

In the first place, these food sellers should all have food-handlers certificates which would ascertain that they do not suffer from any infectious diseases. Such certificates are absolutely necessary for those who vend outside of the schools.

The place of preparation of the food should be inspected periodically by officers from the responsible agencies. Many of these food-sellers prepare their food in slummy tenement yards and they do not have running water available or clean water with which to cook. Without these basic facilities, food is prepared in unhygienic conditions and would be a danger to users’ health.

Chinese “restaurants” operate mostly from rented premises which were not designed for restaurant or eating-house purposes. Water and toilet facilities are often absent from these rented lower flats of buildings and as such crockery could not be washed. This sometimes results, for example, in plates being “swished” with a piece of wet paper dipped in a water bucket kept for that purpose. But the fundamental problem regarding Chinese “restaurants” is that Eastern and Western concepts of hygiene differ in many ways and Guyana practises Western hygiene. The owners and workers at these restaurants should be taught Western concepts of hygiene by the responsible agencies, as well as, the layout of the basic kitchen with regular water supply. And we reiterate that in these Chinese “restaurants” as in the case of the local food sellers and handlers, they should all have food-handlers certificates and be licensed to prepare and sell food commercially.

The people who buy food from the roadside food sellers and food-vending snackettes, including the small Chinese “restaurants”, run the risk of being infected with infectious diseases or with stomach ailments like gastroenteritis or even food poisoning. The three institutions which are mentioned above are entrusted with enforcing the law and ensuring that these food sellers prepare and vend their food hygienically, but they only act sporadically. For example, within the last half-year, the major report of the Food and Drugs activity was removing Asian-produced sardines where the packaging was designed to mislead buyers that they were purchasing Canadian Brunswick sardines. And similarly, the Georgetown City Council acting under Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, in October last year temporarily closed five food businesses.

When these closures were discussed by the Council, councillors pertinently questioned why more businesses in breach had not been brought before the Council and why Chinese restaurants seem to be exempted from inspection.

This situation has grown so enormous that prosecutions and closures could not be effective and, in any case, the three enforcing institutions do not have the staff or resources to take such action on the scale required.

It would seem that the first step would be to list the sellers and then carry out a compulsory programme of educating them as to the requirements for persons who prepare food for commercial purposes. The next step would be to register those who may satisfy the minimum criteria including all food-handlers having food-handlers’ certificates. And then a more comprehensive educational programme should be mounted by the three enforcing bodies, enlisting the help of the Ministries of Public Health and the Ministry of Education. After giving sellers a grace period, prosecutions and closures could then be proceeded with.

Such a programme needs proactive and tactful action by those who are responsible for enforcing the law and would involve much time and commitment, but the problem could be brought under control in three or four months. Barbados has successfully brought this problem under control and licensing of food sellers and food handlers is a norm in that island.

When food preparation, handling and selling are brought within the ambit of hygienic conditions, citizens who buy from food vendors, and particularly children who buy food from vendors outside their schools, would be safer.

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An interdisciplinary approach to mental health care

Social support systems ‘paramount to the treatment process’

By Gibron Rahim “THERE is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone’s business.”

The above words of Indian psychiatrist and researcher Vikram Patel underscore the importance of Gonzales (second from left) during the awarding of certifimental health to the overall cates by the Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings, Junior Minister of well-being of an individual. Public Health, to GuySuco’s medical health employees who Given that Guyana has participated in the “Brief Intervention for Drug Users” workshop (All photos courtesy of Ren Gonzales) one of the highest suicide rates in the world, mental being “mad” although that is not necessarily health is truly everyone’s business in our true,” he said. country. Improving mental health in Guyana Gonzales pointed out that there are certain and saving lives will require a collaborative behaviours that can be classified as an effect effort with social support systems playing a of organic brain damage which may not necsignificant role. essarily mean that someone is mad. “It means According to Ren Gonzales, current that there are malfunctions neurologically president of the Guyana Psychological Asso- [and] that is why they behave a bit strange,” ciation, mental health is a part of the general he explained. He noted also that some psychohealth of an individual. Gonzales holds a logical aberrations that are drug-induced and bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s which are consequently different from those degrees in management and psychology. He that are developed because of a combination is presently the resident psychologist at the of a lot of factors, inclusive of genetic and Eureka Medical Laboratory Psychodiagnostic environmental factors. and Family Therapy Centre where he carries The psychologist noted that mental illout psychological testing and provides psy- ness can be categorised in so many ways. All chotherapy, family therapy, drug addiction mental and psychological disorders, he said, brief intervention and brief therapies. Con- are defined in The Diagnostic and Statistical currently, Gonzales is also the company’s Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) pubhuman resources manager and also works as lished by the American Psychiatric Associa management consultant. ation. The publication is the product of over Gonzales outlined the aims of the Guy- 10 years of effort by hundreds of international ana Psychological Association, as mandated experts in all aspects of mental health. “Their by its Constitution. The Association strives dedication and hard work have yielded an to disseminate the purposes and services of authoritative volume that defines and claspsychology in the interest of general human sifies mental disorders in order to improve welfare and development. Related to that aim diagnoses, treatment, and research.” is the promotion and protection of the general It would be a mistake to say that there and professional welfare of psychologists. aren’t steps being taken to counter misconcepThe body works toward promoting the enact- tions surrounding mental illness and provide ment of legislation related to the professional adequate mental health care in Guyana. Acpractice of psychology and speaking on behalf cording to Gonzales, there are advocacy and of psychologists with regard to legislative preventative groups who champion mental action. health. The Ministry of Public Health also has Other aims set out in the Association’s its Mental Health Unit that focuses on issues Constitution include maintaining and improv- concerning mental wellness. Gonzales noted ing standards of ethical conduct and proficien- too that he and other mental health personnel cy in the practice of psychology, supporting advocate for mental health in their private education and research in the field of psychol- practices. He added, “The members of our asogy through publications, seminars, work- sociation usually are invited as resource pershops and other related activities, representing sons in promoting mental health in schools, and speaking on behalf of psychologists and in the communities and in the workplace.” representing psychologists in and outside of Another step that is needed to counter Guyana. Maintaining a register of qualified misconceptions surrounding mental health psychologists and allied professionals and in Guyana, according to Gonzales, is the creating processes and related standards by entrenchment of the discipline of psychology which persons offering psychological services in Guyanese society. He remarked that the to the Guyanese public can be licensed and recent move by the University of Guyana to certified to do so are other goals. offer programmes in psychology is a good Misconceptions surrounding mental ill- start. He added, “I am aware that other interness in Guyana continue to be a barrier to di- national universities will be offering similar agnosis and treatment. Gonzales noted, “Just courses as well.” as one needs a general medical check-up, The importance of those suffering from one’s mental health maintenance is as import- mental illness having a strong social support ant.” He remarked that seeing a psychologist system cannot be overemphasised. “It is in Guyana seems to have been stigmatised in paramount to the treatment process,” said the sense that persons are already presumed to Gonzales. “We normally invite social supbe “mad” if they see a psychologist. “In GuyTurn to page XXXIII ►►► ana, a strange behaviour can be considered as

The President of the Guyana Psychological Association facilitating training on drug intervention in cooperation with the Guyana Mental Health Unit

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The new Independence era TODAY, Guyana is 52 years (and one day) old. Over the years, Guyana has been riddled with turmoil but its pervasive multi-ethnic culture has remained one of its characteristics that have stood the test of time, though many seem to believe that it is under threat now.

In years to come, it will be almost impossible to speak about the 52nd anniversary without also mentioning the initiation of Guyana Carnival. For the days leading up to Independence and a bit after, the streets of Guyana have been buzzing with activity due to the carnival. Yet, many people seem divided on the topic of the Guyana Carnival.

Perhaps, the carnival signals a change from the rigid adherence to traditional means of celebrating Independence in Guyana: the flag-raising ceremony and cultural extravaganzas. Perhaps, it was merely a convenient period for hosting a string of activities that would push the entertainment and tourism frontiers in Guyana.

Fetes are no stranger to any celebration or holiday in Guyana with entertainers scooping up every opportunity to organise these events, yet the introduction of Guyana Carnival is entirely different from what Guyanese are accustomed to, especially during the Independence period.

The closest Guyana would have come to an event like this carnival would have been during the 50th Independence anniversary/ Jubilee celebrations where, understandably, there were a host of celebratory events and shows held and the Mashramani float parade was drafted to the month of May, on Independence Day itself.

Criticisms have been levelled at the carnival and its organisers for seeking to diminish the culture of Guyana nevertheless.

One of the directors of the event, Kerwin Bollers, shared that the carnival was never meant to erode the authentic Guyanese celebrations and replace it with a more regional celebration of ‘carnival’. Instead, it was just adopting a globally recognised event and initiating it in a country that could definitely benefit from a boost in tourism.

For the first time, Guyana would have seen a litany of entertainment events- some even hosted simultaneouslydemanding local services like no other over the period.

The service sector must have faced an increase in activity necessitating an increase in business. But not only did this happen, carnival allowed the industry to make a lasting impact on visitors, strategically promoting ‘Destination: Guyana.’ This would’ve (hopefully) encouraged visitors to return again and again.

So while many may level criticisms at the masterminds of the carnival for seeking to implement and promote something that is not unique to Guyana, instead of our Mashramani, the benefits that have been reaped cannot be overlooked.

Tourism is a sustainable industry. It does not hinge on the depletion of natural resources and can be tapped easily to allow Guyana to garner foreign earnings. It allows for jobs to be created and for business to be stimulated. And carnival is just a globally recognised word that fosters tourism.

Cultural erasure has long been a characteristic of Ca-

Caring for others is my passion

Malissa Shaw

ADMINISTERING care to people from all walks of life is 19-year-old, medical student, Maliss a Shaw’s passion and dream.

Although it takes time and great commitment to provide medical care to other people, the young medical student is ready to do anything humanly possible to change someone’s life for the better.

“I aspire to be a renowned General Surgeon, to build and possess my very own general hospital,” said Shaw.

Her passion for medicine revolves around the love she has for humanity, not just science. While growing up, she found joy in helping people.

Today, Shaw is one step closer to her dream. She is a medical student at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Science & Technology.

Prior to that, she attended the St Stanislaus College from 2010 to 2015.

“I’m someone who has a positive attitude towards most things in life and I work every day to improve myself and my skills [and this] is part of maturing and becoming a better person,” said the aspiring caregiver.

People can suffer in so many ways.

It is even more difficult to sit and talk about it. Personally, she knows how terrifying that can be.

She believes that there will be times in your life when you just want to give up but that’s never the answer, bad times will be over.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and I know you might be sick of the tunnel but every day is a new chance and you will make it… never be afraid to speak out for yourself because at the end of the day only you can fight for you,” said the sentimental Shaw.

All she wishes for herself is to be alive and well so that she could become an expert in her field of study.

Aside from being a professional in the medical field, she also aspires to become President of Guyana sometime in the future.

Apart from high hopes for her career, she hopes to have a family of her own, be happy, content and to give her mother all she deserves.

Shaw still finds time to enjoy her youthful days by doing classical singing and dancing.

ribbean countries- exacerbated by the tenets of cultural imperialism and ethnocentrism (and eurocentrism to be more exact). Caribbean anthropologists have advanced that the historical experiences of Caribbean people have shaped this inferiority syndrome that plagues them. We were led to believe that our cultures and traditions were pagan and primitive and the noble way of life would be to subscribe to the European culture.

So then, how do we detach ourselves from this inherent sense of superiority? Well, regionalism has been promoted as the vehicle for doing so- making us stronger together, than apart. This has been majorly unrealised with countries still holding firm to parochial sentiments for various reasons.

Carnival is not a Guyanese event as it is for Trinidad and Tobago, for example. The genesis of the worldwide festival is an exuberant pre-Lent celebration but Guyana’s carnival celebration comes months after this period. Still, Guyana’s adoption of carnival may also signal some progress in the regional integration being touted for decades now. Guyana has now created a hybrid festival shared commonly with other Caribbean countries, further ingraining the culture of the Caribbean that connects Guyana to the region.

If Carnival in Guyana is truly leading to an erosion of the authentic Guyanese culture, it is not the first time nor will it be the last time that this has happened. And despite this, Guyana and Guyanese have benefitted tremendously from the event through the advancement of its tourism industry.

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Government’s Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Strategy (Part 2)

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger with the participants of one of her Information and Communication Technology (ICT) workshops earlier this year

EDUCATION plays a critical role in tackling youth unemployment and while job creation is fundamental, the development of a qualified workforce, ready to meet the developmental challenges of the country, is critical if young people are to be employable and mobilised to take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities.

Last week in Government in Action, we took a look at the Government’s efforts aimed at not only creating jobs, but the promotion of agro-processing and entrepreneurship and the opportunities and financial support available for young entrepreneurs, particularly at the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and through other programmes facilitated by the various Ministries.

In this week’s Government in action, we will take a look at the Government’s efforts in promoting vocational education as a means of empowerment and independence for the youth population.

President Granger has time and time again lamented the significant issue of school dropouts, pointing out that an average of 4000 children drop out of school each year and of those who do complete school, many do not matriculate or achieve enough passes to make them employable. “Education is one of the state’s most important functions. Education unlocks opportunities for young people who must be prepared to grasp opportunities for self-employment. They must be educated if they are to improve their performance and acquire the correct attitudes, values and skills to secure employment,” he said.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION While training and vocational education will no doubt empower a generation of talented young people, who just needed a second chance, the administration has demonstrated that it is interested in inculcating a culture of education

and entrepreneurship. In this regard, programmes have been developed to provide the necessary support for budding entrepreneurs, while others focus on skills training to aid in employment ability.

In his 2018 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan said that the Government acknowledges that youth represent a significant proportion of Guyana‘s population and that the future success and growth of Guyana depends on how equipped this section of the population is to handle emerging and future challenges.

The Government, he said, stands resolute towards ensuring that concerted efforts are made in satisfying the needs of young people. In this regard, Government‘s approach to the development of our young people is based on the twin pillars of youth empowerment; and youth employment and entrepreneurship.

“In relation to Youth Employment, several initiatives have been, and are currently being, rolled out to ensure that our young people are gainfully employed in environments where their skill sets can be readily applied, and where they can make meaningful contributions. The Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG), Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST), Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme, and the Hinterland Employment and Youth Scheme (HEYS), are programmes designed to ensure that youth attain the relevant skill-set that is required for the job market, either to become employable or be their own bosses. Taken together, in 2018, Government will be investing over $1.7 billion on youth programmes,” Minister Jordan said.

One such initiative which looks at vocational training is the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), which was launched in October 2016. This is an exchange pro-

Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training, Mr. Clinton Williams

gramme where persons teach, discuss, learn and exchange experiences and knowledge in order to improve their standard of living and contribute positively to the development of their communities.

The programme includes training and capacity-building in several key areas including plumbing, carpentry, sewing and

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018 wiring among many other vocational areas. It targets 2000 youth in 106 communities across the hinterland regions and is in keeping with President Granger’s promise of improving lifestyles and standards of living for youth and young adults who reside in the hinterland.

Then there’s the Youth Innovation Project, which seeks to engender creative thinking amongst youth, and provides grant resources up to $2 million to finance innovative solutions.

In and out of school youth, between the ages of 16-35, are benefitting from this programme.

“The project, which operates under the theme, ?Aspire, Inspire to reach?, was designed to decrease unemployment among youth; engage youth in the development of a green state; and foster creative thinking for problem solving through Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality. In this regard, Government has invited youth to submit proposals for financing,” the Minister of Finance noted.

SUPPORTING THE YOUTH It is imperative that the Government creates and maintain institutions, which can provide young people with vocational and technical skills that can make them marketable, thereby improving their quality of life. This is where the Board of Industrial Training plays a critical role.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Clinton Williams, in an interview with the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency said that in addition to running an apprenticeship programme, since 2005 it has been offering training programmes in a number of areas, which caters to primarily vulnerable youths in society and school dropouts.

“That has in fact been our main focus; to train people with those skills that are required by the various sectors in the country. That programme has generated thousands of skills in various skills profiles. We categorise them as technical, commercial and clerical skills and so on, welding, fabrication, carpentry, mechanical engineering, and a whole host of other skills. We have been tracing what happened to those skills that we produce and also where they are employed and who employs them and so far, 65 percent of those we have trained are gainfully employed,” he said.

For the past 18 years, the organization has generated

over 20000 artisans and semiskilled workers that have been added to the workforce. Additionally, the renewed focus of training implemented under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) programme has shaped the opportunity for the beneficiaries to gain entry into the regular programme of recognised Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions, such as the Mahaicony Technical Vocational Educational Training Centre in Region 5 and the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre in Region Three.

In 2016, 115 new apprentices were registered and assigned to four corporate entities, 103 apprentices were certified as artisans and 1430 youths were trained under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment and were certified as semiskilled workers while 212 persons were certified as Heavy Duty Equipment Operators.

In 2017, 13 new apprentices were registered and assigned, 75 apprentices were certified as artisans and 1613 youths were trained under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment and certified as semiskilled workers.

The Board has also worked alongside the Office of the First Lady to train students from villages in Regions 4 and 10 in information and Communication technology. The Chairman said that plans are in train to take the programme to other vulnerable communities across the country.

“We are very happy to work with her [the First Lady] to generate skills particularly in vulnerable areas, for out of school youths in communities that are considered to be vulnerable and we have done programmes in Region Four and this year we will be working in Agricola, Linden, Region Three and Region Nine and they are intended to satisfy some requirements to ensure employable skills and poverty alleviation and improve economic independence,” Mr. Williams said.

Mr. Williams explained that the certificates received by the students are regionally and internationally accepted and provides an opportunity for young people to not only be gainfully employed but to also become entrepreneurs.

“Our programmes are so intense in terms of the quality assurance that we believe that whenever we issue a certificate, then that certificate gains acceptance and recognition by a number of agencies and countries. We have now moved on based on an arrangement we have with the Caribbean National Training

XXVII Agency (CANTA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat to now award the CARICOM Vocational Qualification (CVQ). All those programmes ultimately will have substantial marketability in the sense that we can use them to gain employment not only in Guyana but elsewhere so the recognition is assured,” he said.

For 2018, BIT plans to implement its NTPYE programme in 18 areas across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana in the areas of block making/masonry, boat building, electrical installation, Fitting Machine, Food Preparation, Garment construction, General Building Construction, Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Information Technology, Motor Vehicle Repairs, Plumbing, Refrigeration/Air Condition, Small Engine Repairs, Supervisory Training and Welding and Fabrication.

Additionally, during the year BIT is scheduled to commence the implementation of training for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) in Boat Building, General Building Construction, Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator Maintenance and Repair, JAWS Computer Training for Persons with Visual Disabilities, Small Engine Repairs and Solar Photovoltaic training in installation, maintenance and repair of Solar Photovoltaic equipment. These training programmes will be implemented in all 10 administrative regions and are expected to realise the empowerment of approximately 1400 persons.

The Board is also looking to partner with the University of Guyana to accept the students exiting its training programmes since they are brought up to the entrance level requirements through the rigorous training programmes.

These initiatives are geared towards moulding the future of Guyana and reaffirm the government’s commitment towards ensuring ‘a good life for all’ through education, employment and enterprise. The President believes that such initiatives help in overcoming the problem of unemployment and will also help to create a generation of young people who will become the new entrepreneurial class, putting the country well on its way to reclaiming its former glory as “breadbasket of the Caribbean” and where every citizen can indeed enjoy the good life in keeping with the country’s motto: “One people, One nation, One destiny.”

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Clean up your mental health I WOULD like to continue along the path of lowering the serious expectations of change when it comes to improving mental health; reminding everyone that there are simple things that will make a difference.

I was really irritated yesterday, for no reason in particular- it was just one of those days, you know? So I took to my bedroom and looked around and saw what a mess it was. Now, I’m definitely messy- I’m not embarrassed to

say it simply because there is a huge difference between messy and dirty. Messy is being able to see clothes on the floor or an unmade bed and still continue on with your day.

In my opinion, dirty is classified as being able to see old plates of food around or not washing dishes for a few days.

So, I’m comfortable saying that I am messy. Anyway, back to the story- after I took to my room and saw how messy it was, I became even more agitated and took to my unmade bed. However, something told me to get up and clean the mess so I did. I honestly cannot explain how fast my mood lifted when I had cleared the clutter and my personal space was no longer messy. This got me thinking – a simple way to improve mental health- stay clean and uncluttered!

Many of us look at cleaning as a chore and always try to get our parents, siblings, partners, spouses or even friends to do it. But have we stopped to think how it may actually benefit us- both physically and mentally?

People who live in clutter or ‘unfinished projects’ are more likely to be stressed, irritated, aggravated and overall fatigued. A messy or dirty environment can cause distraction and low focus, productivity and efficiency and therefore may make routine tasks seem overwhelming on a whole.

When your environment is messy or cluttered, it doesn’t seem restful; it will always seem like there is something else to get done- because there is! It causes anxiety that we are not even aware of. It is even possible to develop additional mental illnesses such as depression or bipolar disorder.

On the other hand, seeing and being in a clean environment boosts our mood and optimism. Basically, there is peace and positivity behind organisation.

We know it helps our immune system as cleaning often removes any pollutants or bacteria that may cause anything from allergies to infections.

There have even been studies conducted in the United States to show the drastic benefits of a clean environment. One particular study followed over 900 Americans between the ages of 49-65. Those who made an effort to live in a cleaner environment ate healthier, were more physically active and were even less likely to develop heart disease than those who had untidy surroundings. Apparently, people even sleep better in a clean environment. A separate study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation determined that those who made their bed in the morning and kept a clean bedroom were 19 per cent more likely Turn to page XXX ►►►

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Root canal therapy APART from “cleaning” (prophylaxis), “root canal” (root canal therapy) is the most frequently sought dental procedure.

No patient really knew the implications. I would not be surprised to learn that I am the only dentist who would not perform root canal therapy on a patient’s tooth simply because that patient requests it to be done. Only if it is justified in my professional opinion would that request be granted. And the reason for this posture is simple. Root canal therapy literally involves killing a tooth and I believe it is a universally accepted fact that we only kill when it is necessary. If the tooth is dead then the body will slowly reject it as manifested by root absorption.

Root canal therapy (endodontics) has come a long way since it started in the 17th century. Imagine having the nerve of your tooth removed with a filed down watch spring without any anaesthesia. Back in 1838, this was thought to be innovative, along with the use of arsenic and heated instruments to cauterize the nerves. No wonder why root canals got such a bad reputation. Since then, there have been numerous advances and developments, such as safe and effective local anaesthetics after 1910, and dental x-rays in 1919, the same year my father was born.

Root canal therapy is when the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp (nerve), carefully cleans and shapes the nerve canals of the tooth’s root and then seals the prepared

space. The aim has always been to relieve pain and preserve teeth. The procedure can be done in one or two sessions lasting no more than 30 minutes each. The procedure is safe, reliable, and no more uncomfortable than placing an ordinary filling.

In addition to relieving oral and facial pain and discomfort, root canal therapy allows you to preserve your natural teeth. Indications for treatment include prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, spontaneous toothache, discolouration of the tooth, and swelling or tenderness of the gums adjacent to the tooth in question.

Transient sensitivity to cold may just be due to exposed root surfaces or heavy teeth grinding. If the cold sensation lingers and radiates up giving you a headache, chances are there has been irreversible damage to the nerve. Sensitivity to heat is usually a clear indication that there is some nerve damage present. Sometimes root canal treatment is recommended as a result of the bacteria from the decay extending into the nerve (pulp) of the tooth.

Root canal therapy is the alternative to an abscess, loss of bone support around a tooth and severe spreading of the inflammatory process (swollen face/jaw). The choice whether to do or not to do a root canal has to be made promptly since a late decision can change to present no other option but an extraction.

Like every dental procedure, there is always the factor of limitation and the diminishing likelihood of success if the procedure is not

done at the right time.

The downside to a root canal therapy is that the dentist created a glorified “stump”.

Since a tooth without a pulp is practically dead, our biological system is designed to discard it. That is why “stumps” have their roots and crowns absorbed by the body over a long period. That is why the legs of a person who is paralysed from the waist down, become thin and spindly. Their bones and muscles are slowly being absorbed over the years because the body’s physiological programme is interpreting the person’s condition to mean that their legs are no longer needed and therefore must be disposed of.

Some strong advocates of root canal treatment, (especially those who no doubt are thinking about the money involved), would say that a tooth without a pulp can get its nutriments from the tissue surrounding its root. However, this cannot be logical because the apex ( opening at the root’s tip), is the anatomical entrance for the major innervation ( dental nerve), artery, vein and lymphatic vessel. And remember, one of the objectives of root canal therapy is to completely seal the apex. Any nutriments can only be available to the paradontal ligaments which are outside the root.

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to have better sleep. Seventy-five per cent of those people also reported better sleep when they washed their bed sheets more.

Yes, the studies that people take the time to do huh? But, we do benefit from it if we listen.

Basically, when our surroundings look good, we begin to feel good. This means our energy levels, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth all increasesimply by a clean environment. You also want the people around you to positively grow and feel this way- a way that you can-

Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

not feel in a clustered or chaotic environment. It can also improve our relationships.

How many of us have had fights with our partners because of a mess that was created? My guess is almost every single one of us. Let’s avoid this one now.

It’s important to note that the loss of motivation to keep a clean environment may be a warning sign of a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. When we feel this way, we barely want to get out of bed- let alone make it There are ways to become a cleaner person if you aren’t already. Make a list of goals to do every day or week- to ensure that the environment is always healthy and clean. You can split them with others or do it yourself! When you start feeling the benefits of a clean environment, your motivation to keep cleaning will build. Then maybe you’ll be comfortable having more people over to the house. Maybe set certain days and times to do certain things so it becomes routine rather than an annoyance.

If you feel like your house just can’t get clean, it means you have too much clutter- which I know can be super hard to rid. Maybe we feel that we may one day need all of it but we won’t. Try donating things that you haven’t used in six or more months. Sometimes, having less is actually more.

If your whole house is a mess, don’t feel overwhelmed as you can’t tackle it in one day. Take it one room at a time or heck,

one corner at a time- you can do it. Start by simply making your bed every morning or washing each dish after you’ve used it so they don’t pile up.

That means, if nothing else for the day, you achieved success in being clean and orderly.

Remember that once you make something a habit, it will stick. Why not make it fun? For example- you and your partner can race- who can clean the kitchen faster than who can clean the bathroom. The winner gets a prize. Have two children? Let them play against each other. Even better!

Finally, please keep in mind, that for the lucky of us, our home is our haven- a safe space in a stressful world. It’s important to respect it. For those who sadly do not feel the same way, just try the cleanliness route- I really hope it makes a difference.

There is a famous quote- “Your body is your temple and your home is where it resides.”- so keep them both clean.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital, Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs-12:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 6007896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs!

Always!

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 27, 2018

The Octobers of Regent Street

By Francis Quamina Farrier REGENT Street in Georgetown is swiftly becoming more of a commercial street than it ever was. The evolution brings with it some four and five-storey concrete build-

ings, as well as the concomitant parking problems, also reckless and noisy traffic. For example, the junction of Regent and Camp Streets is totally different from what it was at Independence 1966. The first traffic lights in Guyana were installed there and the former wooden buildings

Manager Hugh October poses with the carved wooden lion at the entrance of the Regent Street Creole ‘N’ Bar-Be

Star dancer of the family, New York-based Rose October-Edun (Photos by Francis Q. Farrier)

demolished and replaced with much taller concrete ones.

The very first escalators installed in Guyana were at the City Mall at that Regent and Camp Streets junction.

Where I once resided on Regent Road, is no longer an attractive two-storey wooden cottage. That building has been demolished and replaced with an awesome modern design three-storey business enterprise. Commerce is on the move on that east to west city street from Vlissengen Road to Water Street. Attractive trees which once lined both sides of the street are no longer there for the better part. City Hall, which was once a pride and joy to behold, is now literally falling apart and painful for most citizens to behold.

In preparing for this 52nd Independence Anniversary feature, I realised that the longest surviving family business on that street is the Rosalind October Creole ‘N’ Bar-Be, located at 116 Regent Street, on the northern side, mid-way between Turn to page XXXIII ►►►

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Alexander and Camp Streets. So I decided to feature that little family business survivor in today’s edition of the Pepperpot Magazine. The October family establishment is now 67 years and counting. This unique family business enterprise started way back in the early 1950s and has out-lived many others of its kind from that era on Regent Street, including the wellknown Piggott’s Drug Store, located one block further east at the corner of Regent and Bourda Streets.

The founder of CREOLE ‘N’ Bar-Be’ was the simple but very hard-working Ivor Prince October, who along with his equally hard-working wife, Rosalind, were the parents of 16 children. Every one of the October children was conditioned to make a contribution to the business, based on their age and abilities at any given time. The business commenced with ice trading. The ice was purchased from Weiting and Richter on Water Street and sold to sea-going fishermen at the Kingston koker. The ice was stored in sawdust which was acquired from a sawmill that was located on the northern side of Robb Street between Camp and Wellington Streets. Ice was also sold to organisers of river excursions. Ivor also had a contract to supply ice to the Lot 12, Camp Street Prison. Business was booming, but it was hard work for man, wife and children, and everyone put their shoulders to the wheel.

Stories like those of Ivor Prince October, are those which should be told by our Guyanese social workers and pastors on Father’s Day, instead of the many horror stories of bad fathers which they seem hell bent on relating on such a special day, when there are over 360 other days in the year for (rightly) admonishing the bad fathers.

Here was a man, a father of 16 children, who worked not only at his ice trading business in Georgetown, but also did stints of hard work in the Guyana hinterland in order to acquire more income to keep his children well taken care of.

“We even had a nanny who we called May-May”, Godfrey, the fourth child of the family, told me during an interview a few days ago. He also reminisced about a large water vat which was in what was then a “Range Yard”; also about Regent Street being a dirt road back in those early pre-Independence years. Godfrey also spoke of the midwife, Nurse Lucas, who lived across the street and who worked on the delivery of himself and most of his siblings. Not a single one of the 16 deliveries ever ended in disaster with the competent Nurse Lucas in place. While Father Ivor has passed on, he is still remembered by his children as a great father and a man of purpose who never flinched from his fatherly duties. Mother Rosalind is well beloved and still alive and in her mid-90s.

As the years went by, the October business developed into a restaurant. “Long lines of customers used to be there to purchase our bread which was actually baked at the YHIP ◄◄◄ From page XXIII

port systems of an individual so that they are taught some techniques to help change certain behaviours.” The family, especially those living with the individual, are the most important according to Gonzales.

Friends and the educational support system, including teachers, also play a significant role. “There are instances where the support systems need to undergo training and counselling more than the individual because they will play a significant role in changing behaviour, especially in cases of children,” said Gonzales.

Compassion is necessary for those dealing with mental illness, even as we continue to learn more. Gonzales noted that the science of psychology has always strived to understand human behaviour in all its complexities. “Yet, even so, it is not an exact science,” he pointed out. Referring to the labels of “mad” and “madness”, he added that psychology avoids and does not condone labelling of people in such a manner.

“These labels have tremendous negative implications on the life of an individual being wrongly labelled as such,” he said.

As mental health care in Guyana moves forward, steps must continue to be taken to ensure that individuals receive the best possible level of care. “I think there is a need for more psychologists who are essentially qualified, meaning they have both the experience and education to practice ethically. And yes, we need a multi and interdisciplinary approach in promoting mental health,” stated Gonzales.

Bakery at the corner of Robb and Alexander Streets,” according to Godfrey, the fourth offspring. He also spoke of fish being one of the principal dishes the family enjoyed during those early years; fish which they procured from the very fishermen who purchased their ice. There was always good food on the table to nourish their bodies, while the parents ensured that all their children received the best education which was available to them.

Hugh is the 10th child of the family and he spoke of the importance his father placed on education for his children and that education was also in the form of all the children being given chores to do every day. There was structure and order in the October family. Their day began at 04:00hrs when everyone went to the Georgetown seawall for a swim. Arriving back home, they all had specified chores to complete before setting off to school.

“My parents officially became entrepreneurs on September 24, 1956,” states a younger sibling, Rose October-Edun,

XXXIII who is based in New York. “They built the establishment from an icebox where my father sold ice and distributed to other businesses. My parents ran the business like a well-oiled machine, with my mother’s primary focus on food preparation,” Rose related.

So successful was the October family business at 116 Regent Street, that recently, manager Hugh October opened a branch on Orange Walk. The satisfied customers are from a wide range of citizens including Guyana’s Boxing Champion Lennox Blackmore and Leader of the Yoruba Band, Eze Rockliffe.

What is of special note is the patriotism of the October Family; the pavement in front of both the Regent Street and Orange Walk establishments, are painted with the National colours. From all observations, it is safe to say, that in spite of a number of challenges being faced, the October family establishments will be here for a long time to come.

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Enriching our culture through historical education

By M Margaret Burke

COUNTRIES in many parts of the world celebrated International Museum Day on May 18. According to studies this has been happening since 1977, even though museums have been in existence for over 2000 years ago.

Museums are usually set in place to carry out very important functions such as garnering information through research; preserving such information for display and the edification of people. The museums also collect artefacts of cultural or historical significance, which are carefully stored

A batch of the students and other officials who formed part of the International Museum Day visit

nation to make life better.

The official from the National Trust during his presentation explained methods the ‘masters’ used to manage the then slaves within the building; showed and described height and thickness of the walls – the sturdiness; the solidness of even the floor with its huge tile-like concrete slabs laid out in a manner that made the place show cruelty. Though, under instruction, they were created by the very slaves who were subsequently made to endure the hardships of what came with the building.

The Court of Policy Hall was built for, among other things, to house slave

Other students taking pictures and notes of the artefacts before them

and used to raise the awareness of people for various reasons.

International Museum Day is one such occasion when people are encouraged to visit museums so that they may be made aware of historical facts and cultural events, most of which happened in the past.

In an effort to inform and educate the public, the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, through the National Trust of Guyana organised a tour, which included teachers in training, students of the University of Guyana and other officials to a visit of the Court of Policy Hall and Fort Zeelandia at Fort Island.

Two trips had to be made in order to accommodate the number of persons invited since the teachers and others were selected from different locations around Guyana.

Though the day turned out to be rainy, those in attendance showed tremendous interest in what was being shown to them; even with the rain, some of them wanted to stay on the island for a longer period in order to see and learn more than time and the weather would have allowed.

REFLECTIONS AT THE COURT OF POLICY Looking around and seeing artefacts, reading brief notes about slavery, thinking about what took place, connecting with facts and feelings were all terrible emotions which can be stirred up from the reflection of what took place so many years ago. But there should be no bitterness, probably sadness, with a stirred determi-

‘prisoners’ who ‘misbehaved’. They were tried and sentenced there – sometimes to face the ultimate condemnation, which was death.

HUBU CREEK, ESSEQUIBO The Court of Policy Hall and Fort Zeelandia are located at Fort Island – an island, which is a piece of land surrounded by water and it is strategically located at the mouth of the Essequibo River. The Dutch therefore saw the location as ‘tactically located’ for purposes of defence if needed.

After driving from Georgetown, the island can be reached by speedboat, using the Parika route, or by driving all the way to Hubu Creek – a place busting with economic activities. Hubu is five miles above Parika, after which it takes an approximately 10-minute trip by speedboat to travel across the Essequibo River to the small stelling at Fort Island to get to the museum.

However, rain or no rain, once on the island, especially during the time of the actual visits to the museum, the enthusiasm of the visitors did not wane for one moment. People wanted to see and learn as much as they could and so they did.

On the return trip back to the various locations many teachers and students spoke about the hope of being able to benefit from other organised trips to other museums, so that they may be further informed and educated, thus being able to share with the children under their charge, as well others. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, Just how rapidly do you read? Information is that some people only manage 150 words per minute, and others reach nearly 1,000; average rapid reading speed is probably 400-450 words per minute. These rates also assume reader-understanding of material. Your personal speed will vary material type to material type. How should Mathematics or science problems be read?

How should most fiction be read? Share this personal experience with study partners. Be wise.

Love you THE PASSAGE Thinking like a Mountain A deep chesty bawl echoes from rimrock to rimrock, rolls down the mountain, and fades into the far blackness of the night. It is an outburst of wild defiant sorrow, and of contempt for all the adversities of the world.

Every living thing (and perhaps many a dead thing as well) pays heed to that call. To the deer it is a reminder of the way of all flesh, to the pine of forecast of midnight scuffles and blood on the snow, to the coyote a promise of gleanings to come, to the cowman a threat of red ink at the bank, to the hunter a challenge of fang against bullet. Yet behind these obvious and immediate hopes and fears there lies a deeper meaning, known only to the mountain itself. Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf.

Those unable to decipher the hidden meaning know nevertheless that it is there, for it

There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

WALT WHITMAN (1819-1892)

is felt in all wolf country, and distinguishes that country from all other land…. Only the ineducable tyro can fail to sense the presence or absence of wolves, or the fact that mountains have a secret opinion about them.

My own conviction on this score dates from the day I saw a wolf die…. In those days we had never heard of passing up a chance to kill a wolf…. We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes…. Since then we have lived to see state after state extirpate its wolves…. I now suspect that just as a deer herd lives in mortal fear of its wolves, so does a mountain live in mortal fear of its deer….

We all strive for safety, prosperity, comfort, long life and dullness. The deer strives with his supple legs, the cowman with trap and poison, the statesman with pen, the most of us with machines, votes, and dollars, but it all comes to the same thing: peace in our time. A measure of success in this is all well enough, and perhaps is a requisite to objective thinking, but too much safety seems to yield only danger in the long run. Perhaps this is behind Thoreau’s dictum: In wildness is the salvation of the world. Perhaps this is the hidden meaning in the howl of the wolf, long known among mountains, but seldom perceived among men.

(From Aldo Leopard’s composition, “Thinking Like a Mountain”) About the Passage See how Aldo’s topic, Thinking Like a Mountain, is treated. He avoids all spurious ideas and keeps his object in view. He compares it to itself and with others of the same kind. This helps his writing to be clear, definite, reliable and systematic. In this way his singleness of purpose is kept, which is to discuss an idea.

What to Do Consider the following questions: 1) Before this reading experience, have you ever thought that a mountain could think? Why not? What has the writer done to help you experience the thing about which he is writing?

2) What general things can you deduce in the light of descriptive and narrative details which the author has presented?

3) Present a composition entitled: “Thinking Like a Classroom” to your group of study partners. Listen to their deductions in the light of descriptive and narrative details which you have presented.

COMPOSITION Using simple language In an examination room, it is better to use simple and direct language which is usually the clearest and most forceful for the occasion. Consider the examination markers also, who decide upon your efforts.

What to Do Look at each of the following pairs of sentences, and decide which sentence communicates better what the writer is trying to say.

Pick out extravagant or unfamiliar words as one of the means to help you decide.

1. a) Will the designated cotton pickers please indicate their identity by rising? b) Will the cotton pickers please rise and call out their names?

2. a) We can confidently say that our city owes its greatness to the wise and courageous leadership within our own interest-groups. b) I say to you, without fear of successful contradiction, that this great metropolis owes its pre-eminence to the foresight, the courage, and the integrity of illustrious leaders of our renowned interest-groups.

3. a) By what criterion can the younger generation determine what is the desirable course to follow? b) How shall the younger people direct their way?

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS GRAMMAR: Sharpening Your Language Skills a) Find the subject in each sentence. (The subject is underlined.) b) Choose the verb form that agrees with the subject. (The chosen verb part is in bold print.)

1. The serviceman’s handwriting and spelling have shown some improvement.

2. The mangoes on the windowsill are ready for making Mango Fool.

3. My father and mother are on their fifth adult education course.

4. Aunt Hyacinth, together with her numerous children, belongs to the International Longshorewomen’s Association. (Note the addition of commas for clarity.) [The same reasoning goes for ‘along with’ and ‘as well as’.]

5. Your tactics is obvious; you fool no one in this house of God. (singular number; way of operating) 6. Frederick and Joseph are buying a car together with all amenities.

7. A pile of books on handwriting was stacked high on a top shelf.

8. Their fun and excitement of that first airplane trip to Guyana’s interior has never faded.

(Singular as they both imply the same feeling.)

9. Checkers is a game of no common skill. (one game) 10. The new red-handle clippers are on the garden table.

11. The sports news tonight is worse than usual for this season.

12. The acoustics in the school’s auditorium are poor. (We refer not to the branch of physics that treats of sound – that use is singular; but of the sound transmitting qualities - this use is plural.)

13. Oil of citronella, as well as many other remedies, is poisonous when swallowed.

14. The two rabbits in that first cage haven’t been fed all morning by the salesman.

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Crab Curry Ingredients 1/2 cup water 2 limes, juice of 2 tablespoons ginger 2 tablespoons garlic 6 large crabs (cleaned) 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 3 tablespoons cooking oil 3 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon salt, chive, thyme pepper Instructions Cut the crabs in small pieces and use the lime juice for washing them. Use the ginger, minced chive, garlic, thyme to season the crabs. Pour the oil into a preheated pot.

Make a paste by mixing the curry, salt and the pepper and add it to the hot oil. Next add the crab meat along with the coconut milk when the mixture thickens.

Next allow the curry crabs to simmer for about 25 minute covered. When the curry crabs are done serve them with cassava dumplings,rice or roti..

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