Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-paper 02-24-2019

Sunday, February 24, 2019 While the bigger float parade occurred yesterday, the Children’s Mashramani Float Parade held on February 16 did not disappoint!

This is just one of the many impressive floats that were on display for Mashramani 2019.

(Vishani Ragobeer Photo)

Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

A new way of life

Paralysed man still adjusting after accident

The Bichand family stands together with Randy

By Tracey Khan TWENTY-year-old Randy Bichand is paralysed from the chest down after an estate lorry crashed into his motorcycle in 2018, causing him severe spinal injuries.

Bichand, who lives with his family at Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice was on

Randy and his daughter in happier times

his way home from the Albion Estate, where he worked as a porter, when life as he knew it, changed for the worse. He was transferred to that location after the Estate in Rose Hall closed down.

He is now confined to a bed most of the time, unable to do anything for himself.

This new way of life, compounded with

the physical pain that comes with something so traumatic, has been hard to come to terms with. What is even worse is, that Randy was the main breadwinner for his family, and prior to his accident he worked tirelessly to support them. His father, who was also in an accident, has not been able to work for months, and the sales his mother garners from her small stand

in front of their home is what gets the famRandy was a vibrant young man who loved to play sports and hang out with his friends; this is something that has become foreign to him.

He said since his accident, most of his friends have abandoned him, something that brings tears to his eyes when he reminisces on how his life was before that dreadful day.

His four-year-old daughter is confident that her father will walk again and reminds him almost daily of this. He, too, is optimistic that it can be done with better medical care.

The family lamented about the treatment given to him by some doctors in the public health care system. Randy explained that the doctors performed a surgery on him following the accident but no proper explanation has been offered.

Despite the many challenges, his family is standing by him but that too has not been an easy task. His sister Lisa Sampson is hoping the family will wake up from this nightmare.

The driver of the lorry was accused of making a U-Turn without indication and crashing into Randy.

He was placed on $70,000 bail. Now the family is hopeful that Randy will be given the opportunity to be treated overseas, which may increase his chances of walking or becoming more mobile on his own.

Randy recently started therapy and he is now able to sit on his own, a basic function that he was unable to do a few months ago.

A ‘Go Fund Me’ account has been set up for Randy and the family is asking persons to donate so that he can continue with the therapy sessions and other medical care that is helping with his recovery.

Persons desirous of helping the family can call 616-1871.

Randy with his daughter who is his biggest motivator

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

‘Women Expo’ getting - Billed for next weekend its final touches

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Jo-Ann Forde

Vanda Allicock

Melba La Gadoue

Maryam Haniff

THE much-loved and well-supported ‘Women in Business Expo’ is to be held next weekend at the Pegasus Hotel, with organisers and participants putting the final touches on their preparation and planning so far.

The exposition, a brainchild of popular fashion designer Sonia Noel, was launched in November 2018 and will be held this year on March 2 and 3; this time making it the fourth year since the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) has been hosting the event.

Among the over 50 women, who have been participating each year, are those who are the sole breadwinners of their families– youths, single parents, and even housewives who carry on small businesses to support their families.

Melba La Gadoue, for instance, is the owner of a business called ‘Intricate Creations’ and she feels that registering for this

expo has been one of her best decisions that she’d ever made. “I had the opportunity to come out of the box that I was in and develop myself and my business. This was life changing for me and I am thankful,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine recently.

‘Vanda’s Designs,’ is another business that will be participating that is owned by Vanda Allicock. She dubs herself an “Amerindian designer,” who uses seeds of the forest, paintings of exotic birds and the like in her designs. Originally from Surama Village in the Rupununi, Vanda uses cloth to paint on.

“The paintings are mostly indigenous or have something to do with the indigenous people,” she said, adding that her talent comes naturally to her.

Vanda, who is also a relatively new massage therapist, has been participating in the expo since its beginning, and this year, she said she is looking forward to the exposure and collaboration with new customers.

Maryam Haniff is all set to launch her book called ‘Silver Linings’ at the expo, which is a collection of what she described as uplifting poems.

“I would like to expose my book to the business world and raise awareness for poetry as an important art. I hope to gain insight from experienced exhibitors and I want to create a trend of hope and happiness through my book by helping people to realize that there is always a silver lining in every situation.”

A fourth woman in preparation mode is Jo-Ann Forde who is the owner of a business called ‘Innovoir’ with its tagline, “Providing healing through touch!”

While Jo-Ann is only doing massages at the moment, she is hoping to ultimately open a wellness centre that will offer relaxation services in different forms. “I am hoping to educate persons about the benefits of mas-

sage therapy, network with different people and enlarge my clientele,” she said about this year’s expo.

Meanwhile, in the months leading up to the expo, the participants are able to benefit from forums on health, business, technology, and leadership, with some of the classes teaching them confidence, dress and grooming, branding and marketing, and the importance of a healthy body.

The expo was off to a good start due to the kindness shown by Chief Executive Officer of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, who allowed for the hotel to be used for free that year.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has also been throwing his support behind the expo, and this year, the ministry has committed to sponsoring an expo booklet, featuring all of the businesses on board.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

How a ‘small loan’ led to a full-time profession

By Elvin Carl Croker “THEY laughed at me when I showed them the camera,” is what James Hopkinson said when asked about his first day working in the Botanical Gardens as a photographer.

With close to 40 years under his belt, James Hopkinson has made the Botanical Gardens his second home and intends to continue his trade for the rest of his life. He arrives at the gardens for 09:0hrs every day and leaves at sunset.

James Hopkinson “It’s just like a normal (Photo by Elvin Carl Croker) job,” he says.

Hopkinson said it all began with an offer made to him by a young lady he calls “a church sister”.

“There was a sister who I knew; she had a small Concord Camera- a manual, film camera. She had wanted to sell it [so] she came and ask me if I wanted a camera to buy. I said yes, it’s not a bad idea but I have no money,” he said.

The 63-year-old said he was never encouraged by anyone to be a photographer, and it was only after the opportunity popped up to purchase the camera that he got the idea.

“I had no idea of how to shoot a picture and I had never shot a picture in all my life. I was a shoemaker in D’Andrade Street, Newtown at that time,” he said, with a slight smile.

But he was met by another hurdle because he had no money to purchase the camera which cost GY$800.

“I said, ‘Sis, I don’t have any money, but I can credit the camera from you and during the course of the week I will pay you,” Hopkinson said.

He related that following his promise, she accepted and a deal was struck.

“When she handed me the camera, I said to myself, ‘I never shoot a picture; I don’t know how to start taking a picture with this camera.’ But, with the inspiration from God, I took the camera and came into the gardens to start what has now become my profession,” the photographer related.

Hopkinson, who was a cobbler before his new-found profession, said he purchased a pack of film from the Acme Store on Regent Street, then got a pen, a book and a bag and went into the gardens.

“When I entered the gardens, I saw three professional photographers with bigger cameras and when I took out my camera from the bag, the guys began to laugh at me because they said I come to do camera work and couldn’t even fix the film into the camera. But they were using these big professional cameras,” he said.

He added that the photographers helped him by showing him how to fix and shoot the camera.

He stated that over time and with help from the other photographers, he learned to like the profession, and soon after decided to put aside his other work because photography was making more money. “ I kept my promise and paid off for the camera the same week because at that time, it was $140 for a photograph and a person would take five to six pictures at a time, and I had no expense, just my meals and a small rent,” he said.

Hopkinson said that in those days, he would shoot about half a roll of film which is about 20 photos per day and take it to Pressy or Acme to wash. The waiting time for washing the photos was three days to a week.

Today, Hopkinson can still be seen plying his trade in the gardens but his situation has changed drastically from his first day. He now has a family of five children and many grandchildren. Additionally, he now uses a professional digital camera, charges $500 per photo and his customers don’t have to wait a week but receives it right away, since he prints his own photos on spot.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

Sweet business Confectionery vendor reflects on 10 good years

By Michel Outridge IT all started when Vanessa Thomas, a mother of one, became bored of staying at home with nothing to do after her small hairdressing business had slowed down.

Anxious to occupy her time, and after being inspired by her sister, who at that time was attending the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College at D’Urban Backlands, Vanessa started to sell confectioneries at the roadside in front of the said school.

SCHOOL VENDING Vanessa sold a few days at the location and because of the poor attendance at the college, she then went across the road to the nearby Enterprise Primary School and set up her small stand.

There, she realised she had a chance of making a few dollars. That was more than 10 years ago, and today, Vanessa can still be found at that location vending confectioneries, beverages and snacks. Over the years, she has earned a spot inside the compound of the school where she has a makeshift shed and a stand for her items.

“When I used to sell on the roadside, I used to get sales from people passing but now I am in the compound, I am confined but satisfied because the children keep me busy, especially, during the break-periods,” she said.

The West Ruimveldt resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that she did not foresee herself being a school vendor, but she really likes it, simply because she got to appreciate being around children.

PROUD Vanessa said, “Some children who would have formally exited the school system and are grown now with good jobs- a few, who remember me, would still pass by the school to check on me and that in itself warms my heart.”

She noted that some children, who passed through the very school, she is very proud of because they made something of themselves and now hold good jobs like soldiers and policemen and women.

She particularly remembers a group of siblings who never missed a day of school, but she knew that the lived in

a single-parent household and it was not easy for them.

Thomas said she paid special attention to those children while they were at the Enterprise Primary School, and gave whatever she could to them to brighten their days, and today those children are grown and turned out well.

She said, “I feel good when the children, although bigger now, come around and still call me “Aunty” because it goes to shows they did not forget me even all these years.”

STORIES Vanessa explained, that for her, every day with the children is an experience, she would hear all kinds of stories and even if a child is short on cash, she would give them whatever they wanted because she has grown accustomed and attached to the children, who make daily purchases.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that children will be children, meaning that some are mischievous but she knows how to handle them.

Vanessa pointed out that by dealing with children fivedays per week from 07:00hrs to 15:30hrs, she has become familiar with them and she would know who is not well or if a particular child is depressed or has ‘trouble’ at home. The woman stated that being there selling is never a dull moment because the children are so smart, and the things they would say it just makes her day, with the things that come out of their mouths.

Every day, the little ones would spend whatever money is given to them by their parents. She stated that from the time they arrive at school they would start spending, even though most of them would have their lunches.

But for those who do not bring lunch, she has affordable lunch available at $300 which comes with a beverage. Thomas said she would get up early to start her day, since she would prepare some snacks to sell and that takes time because she believes in providing wholesome food for the children.

Vanessa said that vending is not an easy task but she is used to hard work. She even mentioned that she admired the woman who was selling at that location for more than 40 years, but who retired be-

cause of old age.

She said she met the lady there selling but her children stopped her from selling recently. Just like Vanessa, the woman had grown to love children and it became more of a hobby for her.

Vanessa Thomas tending to a schoolboy at her stand

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

Happy Mashramani and congratulations to the good minibus operators One of the “David G” School Buses which are in service and transport students to and from school safely and comfortably. (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

A minibus in Ghana in which I had a safe and comfortable four-hour journey from Tachiman to Tamale. I took this photo during a rest stop at Nyawrupe, for the driver and passengers.

By Francis Quamina Farrier LET me begin this feature article by extending to you and yours, Happy Mashramani and hoping that yesterday - which was the 49th Republic Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana - was a positive, happy and memorable one for you. The hope, as well, is that Mashramani will always be a grand celebration here in Guyana, and will never be de-emphasised or stymied by any other non-Guyanese event. Mash “is we own” and as patriotic Guyanese, we must do everything we can to “BIG UP” we Mash with pride and dignity, as we sing along with Rudy Grant, “Mash in Guyana”.

Today, I’ve chosen to write an article which I consider to be of grave importance to the day-to-day running of our beautiful Guyana, at this time of our history; the minibus operations. The ‘horse and buggy’ is no longer a means of transportation here in Guyana. The once popular tramcars which operated from Peter’s Hall to the Seawalls, and around some of the streets of Georgetown, have all gone.

Trains which operated from Georgetown to Rosignol and from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika, as well as passenger trains from Mack0enzie to Ituni, have all gone; so, too, the trains which operated between Port Kaituma and Matthew’s Ridge - all gone, even though British Guiana (Guyana) was the first country in South America to have had trains.

The big wooden buses which operated all across the coastland of Guyana from Charity to Corriverton, all of the past, are gone. It is now the minibus era for the majority of day-to-day commuters here in Guyana. Just close your eyes and consider that for the rest of this week ALL minibuses are off the roads. Frightening, isn’t it? Imagine the resulting situation at private and public offices without staff.

Consider schools without teachers or students. Consider the total shut down of the country - because all the minibuses have stayed at home.

Well, ironically, it is also frightening to close your eyes and imagine another week of the minibus madness on our streets and roads. Our minibus service is easily the worst in CARICOM. It is something we have been lamenting for a long time, but the service is only getting from bad to worse.

Many people are maimed in crashes. Many are also killed.

That is so because of the many minibus crashes which were avoidable. More recently, a fleet of “David G” minibuses have been put into service for students to get to and from school comfortably and safely.

However, one has to admit that there are some really great minibus operators who give their passengers comfortable and professional service, and that must be recognised.

As an example, I refer to the Belle Twin Brothers who operate in one of the Georgetown routes. About 12 years ago, I chartered their service for two weeks, for a group of professors and students from Indiana University in the USA, who were in Guyana on a work study tour. The bus took them to Bartica, the Corentyne Coast, including a visit to Babu John at Port Mourant, and also to Linden. The service by the Belle Twin Brothers minibus service was so warm and professional, that well over a decade later, two of the professors, who are still in touch with me, always ask that I give the Bell Brothers their regards.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

VII

Contributing to Nationhood

Harrinarine

By Vishani Ragobeer HE only has one name- Harrinarine, but this man has been striving to use his skills and talents to contribute to Guyana’s nationhood during the ‘Mash’ season.

Harrinarine, in 2018, entered into the national competition to write the theme that would guide the celebrations for Mashramani that year.

He wrote: “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48” and it just so happened that it was selected as the best out of the pool of themes submitted, and it was seen on ever banner, programme and at every event.

Then in 2019, he decided to try again. He came up with “Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind” and that too was chosen as the Mashramani theme.

“It was just my luck,” he said.

“The idea behind the [2019] theme is that Guyana will be celebrating its 50th Republican anniversary and the other victory is that we will begin with the commercialisation of oil,” the headmaster explained. “I believe the winning theme is a ◄◄◄ From page VI

There is another case which greatly impressed me. I was travelling in a minibus from Georgetown to Timehri. The driver took three cell phone calls during the 25-mile journey; and every time his phone rang, he pulled off to the curb, asking his passengers for their understanding.

His time on the phone was always less than 30 seconds, and off we went again. I was so impressed by the professionalism of that minibus operator and his respect for his passengers, that I wrote a letter to the Traffic Chief about my wonderful experience. Yes, there are those minibus operators who do give great service and I wonder why it is that their quality of service is not officially recognised; is it that in Guyana today, we are concerned and consumed mainly with those who create confusion and mayhem in the society, and not about those who keep the Golden Arrowhead flying high?

Is it that we care little or nothing about our day-to-day heroes and heroines- those who bring us samples of “The Good Life” by the little wonderful things they do for others?

The stories of the many horrific experiences by passengers of minibuses and other road users are well known. There was the case, a few years back, of an elderly passenger who was so roughed-up by the conductor, that the poor gentleman died shortly after. A more recent case was that of an elderly female, who had hardly gotten off the bus when the driver drove off resulting in severe damage to the lady’s arm. When asked why she did not report the incident to the police, the victim responded, “Well, because it would be a waste of time.”

Later, I asked myself how it is that victims of minibus violence accept their pain and suffering without recourse to “service and protection” by the Guyana Police Force?

This feature has the background of my long observances of minibus operations all over Guyana, as well as in many countries in CARICOM, including Suriname, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Belize. I have also gained experience with minibus operations in Ghana. As such, I can be classified as an “International Minibus Connoisseur”.

The majority of Guyanese minibus passengers would like to see a vast improvement in the operations. The average commuter needs to enjoy `The Good Life’ having paid for the service of the minibus. The hope is that

by Mashramani 2020, there will be a quantum leap into a much better minibus service in this The Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Paying passengers deserve a much better service. Once again, Happy Mashramani!

simple and memorable contribution to nationhood.”

He also highlighted that for years he has been looking at the Mashramani themes and understanding how they fit the society’s atmosphere.

Cognisant of this, he made the attempt and was successful- both times.

But aside from creating the themes, he shared that he has tried to contribute to nationhood in other ways- particularly as Headmaster of the West Demerara Secondary school.

Under his tutelage, and even before that, students of the school have been participating in Mashramani events in the school, at the regional level and at the national level- in everything from drama, to dance, singing and the steelpan.

Harrinarine boasted of the very many awards the school has won. This year, the school copped five awards at the Regional Schools’ Mashramani Competition, for Region Three and at the recent Panorama competition, second place in the large band category.

“Our involvement in Mash has been unmatched in the region,” he posited.

He also hastened to underscore that his school has a 90 per cent pass rate- backed by a 100 per cent pass rate in English Language and a 91 per cent pass rate in Mathematics- which according to him, shows that the school is a force to be reckoned with in academics and extra-curricular activities.

“Mashramani means a lot to me… and I would want to see my school and my region take their role in this celebration to spread it further,” the man said.

And for him, the celebration should be an important one for all Guyanese because it fosters “team effort” and “cohesion”. And according to him, these are critical parts of developing as a people. Harrinarine doesn’t believe that he will attempt to write the theme again.

“I would want to contribute in future years, maybe not by writing the next theme, but perhaps by writing a calypso,” he said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

The future of food is farming, and the future of farming is female

IN everything, from colouring books to truck ads, you typically see male farmers, with women more often appearing as “the farmer’s wife.” Fortunately, that’s not the whole truth.

Around the world, our food supply depends on the brilliance and determination of women.

Women are powering modern farming in both the developed and the developing world. While it’s true that these females haven’t reached parity yet in every region, the upward trends are outstanding.

In this week’s article, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will be featuring three women farmers from Linden, Mahaica and West Bank Berbice with each telling their farming experience.

JUNE ANN JOHNSON’S STORY In the mornings when 62-year-old June Ann Johnson wakes up, the first thing she does is run to her garden in the backyard of her Lot 27 Bennett Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice home, where she would usually spend time with her crops.

“I enjoy farming and I go into my garden even before I drink tea.”

According to June Ann, being a parent to seven children can be challenging so she started planting her little kitchen garden decades ago to assist her husband, who was working at the estate at that time. The crops were used to feed her family.

However, when her chil-

dren got married and moved from their childhood home, her husband left the estate and the couple got into largescale farming. They planted pepper, pak-choi, ochro and bora and would wholesale and retail to customers.

“We never had a hard time getting market because our neighbours usually buy, and when other persons selling two stems of pak choi for $200 we would sell three stems for $200 so we always had customers,” June Ann said. For her, farming is something she enjoys and while it can be hard work, the end result is rewarding. “You can never starve with farming, there is always food.”

And, just when the 62-year-old woman started enjoying planting with her husband by her side, the unthinkable happened. He died 18 months ago. “I was devastated but I had to do something to live so I continued with the garden.”

According to the mother of seven, she continued planting her garden and at the end of each crop cycle, she would go out to the market and sell her produce. She takes care of her crops on her own and is now looking to plant banana and plantains.

In late 2018, NAREI provided training to a group of farmers on the benefits of shaded agriculture. June Ann was one of five farmers who were identified and the institute, aided by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) assisted in the construction of five shade houses. She is currently experimenting with lettuce.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

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Business and Mental Health So what can businesses change?

Initiatives to maintain or improve good mental health can be implemented. The first and most important thing is to acknowledge that there is mental illness within your walls.

TODAY I would like to spread awareness on the importance of good mental health within any work environment.

I received an email from an employee of a large and successful business in Guyana. He claimed that not only does he feel unappreciated but is also berated for any little mistake he may make. Considering the size of the company, I can only assume that many others may also feel this way. I’m hoping this piece will act as a starting point for change.

We have the misconception that other people’s problems are not our own, meaning they don’t affect our lives in any way. Well, it does and I’m happy to spread it because I think a clear understanding of this can promote kindness, empathy and unity.

When some employees call in sick, turn up late or basically make any mistake, they are negatively penalised or publicly berated. Yet, many are not asked why or what’s going on with them. I know many of you are now thinking that negative consequences for those are necessary. You may even be thinking that I do not know what it takes to run a business and you’re absolutely right, I don’t.

However, what I do know is people and in what environment they best function. Read this without the attitude that may only seem to come with it - if you do not care for your employees’ even better than you do your customers, you have no idea how to run a successful business. Like the common saying “happy wife, happy life”, I like to say “happy employees, happy customers”.

Many customers can almost immediately tell when an employee has had a bad day as they tend to take it out on customers. Then, customers complain about the employees and they are berated all over again. It’s a cycle that clearly hasn’t been working so why not try something new.

It has already been globally documented that workers are more likely to call in sick for mental health reasons than physical ones. Workers are also, more likely to resign due to mental health issues.

Globally, one in four people has a mental health illness.

One in four! Which of course also applies to your staff. Addressing this isn’t just an employer’s moral responsibility but also a business one as well.

There is no way around this, mental health issues of any employee- no matter their status- directly affects a business.

Mental health issues affect mood, self-esteem, self-confidence and therefore, productivity and efficiency.

The issue with mental health illness is its ability to hide.

Many employers and co-workers are not even aware of what is happening in the lives around them. However, this may be because no safe space of sharing is felt. Stigma and bullying, and both, are still very prevalent in the workplace, sadly probably even more so than in schools.

Research shows that unmanaged mental health issues can lead to many additional workplace issues such as accidents, disability, violence, harassment and substance abuse.

Send out memos or hold sessions with a professional that let employees know that their mental health is a priority.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

FILES E S A C COURT

Revolutionary judge Lord Denning had prepared the pillars for injunctive law BRITISH Judge, Lord Denning, MR (Master of the Rolls) was the Revolutionary judge, who had introduced that special type of Injunction, known as “THE MAREVA INJUNCTION’.

THE MAREVA INJUNCTION has since become one of the pillars of injunctive Law.

Senior Counsel Mr. Oliver Valz, adverted to this in a recent case, when agreeing with a High Court judge that injunctions should not be granted in every case.

According to Mr. Valz, a veteran lawyer, MAREVA is a special type of injunction known to the judges of the High

By George Barclay

Court of England, when an injunction could not be granted to reach out to property outside of the United Kingdom and which was owned by the defendant.

Lord Denning held contrary to the established practiced when the Court had power to prevent a defendant from disposing of his foreign assets pending the hearing and determination of an action.

He felt that in a proper case the Court should forbid a defendant from disposing of either his local or foreign assets if the circumstance merited it.

To make this Order effective, it was competent for the Court to order such a defendant not to leave the jurisdiction, unless he provided adequate security against disposing of such property (whether in or out of the jurisdiction.

It was a landmark ruling.

Judges did not make provision for the defendant who might dispose of assets, cheating the successful plaintiff of the fruits of his judgements by deliberately stripping himself of all his tangible assets.

Lord Denning put a stop to that. And that type of injunction is now called “The Mareva Injunction’, Mr. Valz disclosed.

At this stage, Mr. Valz referred to a moment in legal history during the 1970’s when he had the opportunity to meet in Guyana the most ‘influential judge in the 20th century’ …

Lord Denning, Master of the Rolls and author of the famous ‘MAREVA INJUNCTION’.

According to Mr. Valz, his intellectuality and fearlessness were demonstrated so often, that there were times when his opinions differed from established dicta (judicial decisions) of previous Courts of Appeal.

But, Mr. Valz declared that matters did it stop there.

He added, “In several cases, new rules of Court were formulated by the British Parliament, to adopt his views which are more commensurate with request of modern day justice.

Mr. Valz said that he was fortunate to be photographed in conversation with Lord Denning, MR, during the visit of the great man himself.

Also in that picture was Chief Justice Mr. Harold Bollers and Guyanese lawyer, Mr. A. Shakoor Manraj.

Valz went on to point out, that as a matter of interest, Lord Denning, who recently died at the age of 100, had handed down many revolutionary judgements.

THE MAREVA INJUNCTION was one of the revolutionary judgements”, Mr. Valz explained.

According to Mr Valz, that decision was considered so revolutionary, that it was not published in the All England Law Report that year nor the following year, as it was being considered to be too divergent from previous opinions, on the matter of the granting of injunctions to restrain debtors within the jurisdiction of the court, from making adequate provisions by way of Security for the payment of a possible judgement in favour of the plaintiff, when the plaintiff had established that the defendant had sufficient property or means to furnish such security,” Valz said.

And, he pointed out that Lord Denning’s decision was subsequently published two years later and has since become one of the pillars of Injunctive Law. According to legal statistics, Chapter 2 of “The Mareva Injunction” disclosed that since the introduction of the Mareva Injunction in 1975, the Mareva Injunction has become a well-established feature of civil litigation.

“No civil practitioner should be unfamiliar with its use.

It has now been extended to include orders of ‘worldwide’ effect, and to cover assets of all varieties.

“But the fundamental principle of the jurisdiction remains essentially as Lord Denning MR stated it in the original Mareva case: “If it appears that (a) debt is due and owing – and there is a danger that the debtor may dispose of his assets so as to defeat it before judgement – the Court has jurisdiction in a proper case to grant an interlocutory judgment, so as to prevent him disposing of those assets.”

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

XI

FEBRUARY IS ‘BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ CONSUMER advocates are concerned not only with the goods and services consumers buy and use, but they are also concerned with socio-cultural matters if they affect the public in any negative way. Every year, in February, Black History Month is commemorated worldwide, particularly in countries where large African-descended populations reside. Guyana is one such country.

Black History Month originated in the United States during the high days of segregation and discrimination against persons of African descent. Black academics discovered that in the major American universities, Black or African History was given little notice since the general assumption of academia was that Sub-Saharan Africa and persons of African descent had no history and had made no contribution to human betterment or civilisation. Such an assumption resulted in the race being despised as, being of a lower grade of humanity and gave an intellectual justification for segregation and discrimination.

A number of historians, both black and white, realised that something was amiss when so large a segment of the human race was believed to have contributed nothing to civilisation, or even to themselves. This opened up a new and fruitful area of sociological, historical, anthropological and archaeological studies. In a short time, discoveries like the beginnings of early Man in the Rift Valley and sub-Saharan achievements and civilisations came to be placed in their proper provenance. Simultaneously, the black contribution to America began to be uncovered. Gradually, the understanding began to seep into academia that, human survival and the very beginnings of human civilisation could be traced to black Africa.

The achievements of ancient Egyptian civilisation were shown to have a close relationship to black Africa and indeed many of the Pharaohs were black. This increase of knowledge of black history has helped to reduce prejudice and discrimination against black people to the point where America could elect a black President, Barak Obama. In Guyana, Black History Month is marked by reviewing the achievements of Afro-Guyanese and more important, in efforts to cultivate nation-building and more progressive and constructive attitudes among Afro-Guyanese.

In Guyana, over the last two generations, since life has become so politicised, if anyone either inside or outside of an ethnic group speaks about the group, the cry of “racism” is raised against him. Such cries of racism run counter to the concept of the plural society which Guyana has clearly become and which needs to be continually explained, articulated and popularised. When it is fully grasped that Guyana is a plural society, it will be realised that black achievements or the achievements of all other ethnic groups are part of our national heritage and as such belong to all groups.

All groups could therefore share in the satisfaction of black achievements, as well as in the achievements of all other groups. This is different from America where so far, black achievements are regarded as strictly black achievements.

There are two Afro-Guyanese achievements we would like to highlight since they bring satisfaction and empathy to all ethnic groups. The first is the long struggle against plantation slavery and the final victory of Emancipation.

Emancipation was fundamental to the creation of the modern state and nation of Guyana.

The other Afro-Guyanese achievement was the Village Movement which followed Emancipation. The freedmen, who had carefully saved the very small wages they had received during the Apprenticeship System, and the tiny incomes they earned from their Sunday markets, were able to cooperatively pool their resources and purchase abandoned sugar plantations from which they created villages.

The Village Movement was one of the most memorable moments of Guyanese History, and of which every Guyanese could be proud. Simple, largely unlettered Afro-Guyanese freedmen were able to create new communities from scratch. They demarcated thousands of house lots, laid out streets, drainage systems, farms, created a village economy and a system of village government and above all, they organised a school system which - in a generation - was able

to produce a high calibre of intellectuals.

As pointed out above, Emancipation helped to create modern Guyana since it led to the importation of indentured servants from Africa, Madeira, China and India, who helped to people the colony and create the unique country Guyana is.

The Village Movement showed that Guyanese, and in

particular Afro-Guyanese, had a culture of thrift, saving, enterprise and entrepreneurship, a sense of democratic government, cooperation, maintaining law and order and a commitment to education and learning. They also were god-fearing and had reverence for religion. Black History Month could help us to reflect on past achievements and recapture those virtues and qualities which created those achievements.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

World Wildlife Day 2019 celebrated under the theme ‘Life underwater: for people and Planet’

WHEN it comes to our oceans, there is so much that still needs to be discovered. It is surprising that humans know more about space exploration compared to our oceans.

For the first time, World Wildlife Day is celebrated under the theme “Life underwater: for people and planet.”

World Wildlife Day, a day dedicated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to celebrate and educate the world about its diversity of wild plants and animals.

The day marks the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) signed on March 3, 1973. This year, the CITES Secretariat has aligned the global observance with the goal of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Life below water.”

LIFE BELOW WATER… Presently, there are 200,000 species of marine wildlife that have been identified. However, this number comes from the 20 per cent of our oceans that have been explored. In totality, the number of marine species can be estimated to be in the millions. The Earth’s oceans cannot be celebrated enough, the oceans are a carbon sink in our fight against climate change.

In addition, our waterways provide resources for more than three (3) billion people who depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Millions of people around the world depend on these wild floras and faunas for both food and income.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

When was your last cleaning?

IF YOUR answer to the caption above is, “I can’t really remember,” then it is time to have one.

Those who are lucky to still be in the possession of their natural teeth should be intelligent enough to maintain their good fortune by having prophylaxis (cleaning) done at least once every three months.

The word prophylaxis means prevention. Mind you, cleaning does not whiten teeth; all it does is to remove plaque, calculus and extraneous stains such as nicotine deposits. If cleaning is not done, persons may suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, despite regular and thorough brushing with flossing.These preventative measures cannot guarantee the absolute freedom from any dental affliction because direct vision and objective procedures are essential.

What patients refer to as “clean and polish” clinically means clean the teeth and polish the fillings. Scaling, root planing and curettage (scraping diseased gums) have been the basic procedures in the periodontal therapy long before periodontics was recognised as a specialty of dentists. Exactly, what are the indications, contradictions and expectations of these modalities of treatment?

The periodontal lesion consists of a pocket. The tooth aspect of this pocket is the dentin and cementum of the root.

The soft tissue aspect is comprised of an epithelial lining and connective tissue. When observed under a microscope, the soft tissue displays a chronic inflammatory lesion. In other words, certain types of cells invade the gum manifesting breakdown products as well as a sign of repair. The pocket deepens in response to this chronic inflammatory process. The atypical migration (penetration along the roots) of the attachment results in a deep sulcus (grove).

Prophylaxis includes the removal of dental plaque, calculus and stains, thereby eliminating all the factors causing the inflammation. The supra-gingival (which is visible above the gum line) deposits are easily removed. Subgingival calculus requires the placing of the instruments below the gingival margin. Scalers are used on the crown of a root to scrape off the hard calculus (tartar) while curettes of an ultrasonic machine fit below the crest.

Root planing is the removal of calculus and “root roughness” from the surface of the tooth. The goal is to leave a smooth glasslike surface. This accomplishes the removal of necrotic cementum and dentin, bacterial products and endotoxins ( poisons) in the decayed cementum. Curettage has a minimal effect on the fibrous or firm gingival pockets. However, in the case of spongy gums, the inner pocket lining is scraped away.

The more bleeding that occurs in the process, the better the results. Deep, narrow pockets will not shrink and are difficult to scale due to the adjacent soft tissue walls which are firmly attached. Such areas are often seen in the upper anterior region.

The most desirable outcome to curettage, therefore, is regeneration and reattachment. Unfortunately, epithelial adaption does not create a stable result.

Healing of the pocket may occur in three different ways: regeneration, reattachment and epithelial adaption. Regeneration is the growth of new tissues. Young cells develop into specialized tissues. Regeneration is the formation of new periodontal ligament and new cementum with the attachment of gingival epithelium to tooth surface denuded of disease. Epithelial adaption is close apposition of gingival epithelium to the tooth surface. This is not firmly attached to the root surface. A probe (dental instrument will not pass into the pocket, but breakdown can occur with the first insult from plaque and calculus.

Generally, there can never be a complete recovery from moderate to severe periodontal disease. Once the alveolar bone is destroyed in the process of the ailment, naturally, there is inadequate support for the tooth and it now becomes shaky.

Depending on the degree of looseness extraction may be the only solution.

In some severe cases, more than one cleaning sessions are required to achieve the desired result. It is obvious that on a clinical level, scaling, root planing and curettage are interrelated and necessary for the healing of specific types of periodontal lesions.

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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

CHARTING YOUR COURSE

Charting your Course was one of the scheduled pre-events for the Women in Business Expo and INSPIRE YOU 2019.

The objective of this event was to have exhibitors, our team, partners and some special invitees in a relaxing and empowering networking atmosphere.

The evening started with prayers by Pastor and CEO of Pearl’s Bakery, Pearl Arthur, who reminded us that without God, we are nothing.

The first presenter was Ava Maria Lindie, CEO of Metro Office Supplies who shared part of her inspiring journey.

She shared some challenging times in her life and the reasons why she never gave up. She had an encouraging message of never quitting even when it seems impossible because life is a process and we all can succeed in the end.

Seroj Mudlier, CEO of Denmore Garment Factory motivated us with her calm demeanour, she spoke of the challenges of balancing a family and running a business. She ended with a quote: “The road to success is always under construction”, which reminded me of her dad, Dennis Morgan, who over the years inspired many Guyanese, including me. She had to take over the CEO role, without warning, and I must say she has adjusted well.

Ruqayyah Boyer and Gavin Mendonca who are two super talented young creatives contributed a musical piece which added to the evening.

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on the Village

Karasabai

An economic hub waiting to unleash itself

By Svetlana Marshall NESTLED in the centre of the Pakaraima Mountains, Karasabai is an indigenous village located in the North Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana. Its population now stands at approximately 1,500, surpassing its earlier count of 1,158 people, the majority of whom hail from the Macushi Tribe.

Tucked far away from the coastland, with no access to radio or television signals, telephone services and extremely limited internet access, villagers there live simple lives. On a small scale, they engage in cattle rearing and subsistence farming, and the surplus, if any, is sold. Importantly, they engage in the sale of cassareep, cassava bread, and farine In January 2018, the villagers took a small but significant step into the Tourism Industry as a push to transform the economic landscape of Karasabai. The Kezeé Eco-Lodge was launched. Sitting at the ‘foot’ of a mountain near the Wee-Ye Creek, the eco-lodge provides a picture perfect view of the Pakaraima Mountains and the beauty of the rare golden parakeets. The Wee-Ye Creek, which got its name from a tree called Wee-Ye ( a Macushi word which means “Sun Tree”) provides an interesting story – it always runs and never dries, though not connected to any other larger stream, creek or river.

“Years ago there was a drought in Karasabai, all the creeks, ponds and rivers dried up and the only one that didn’t dry up was that creek. So, all the animals went to that creek to drink water until it rained again. It is believed that that particular tree supplied all the animals during the drought. So actually the tree is the main source of the water,” one of the villagers, Seon Kartright, explained.

THE LEGEND OF THE WEE-YE TREE According to Kartright, it is more of a legend. “During the flood in the Noah days, that tree is the only one that didn’t drown because it was very, very tall. So when the flood had passed, well for sure all the plants, trees, fruit trees would die. So in order to have fruits again, that same tree contained all the fruits you could think about. So what they did is to cut down the tree in order to have the fruits for seedlings to re-plant,” he explained. The ‘legendary’ tree grew back but not to such great height but remains ‘a source of water’ to the creek. Tourists, he said, are always intrigued by the rich tradition of the Macushi people and the legends associated with Karasabai.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Kartright and Marlon Edwards are among the upcoming leaders of Karasabai with a pas-

The Karasabai Primary School. It is attended by 190 pupils and also houses the secondary department

litres, but in Guyana, they sell it by the pound.

Every can of farine is $5,000 or 60 Real in Brazil,” he explained.

With a factory in place, and a good marketing and advertising team, Kartright believes that villagers could significantly introduce their sale of farine to Brazil and introduce them to cassareep. Cassareep is not largely bought by the Brazilians. The peanuts, cashew nuts, and even mangoes can also be processed to export to Brazil and other countries.

The rich culture of the Macushi tribe on display in the form of a dance

sion for youth empowerment. They have been collaborating with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, to provide the younger generation of Karasabai with opportunities in the areas of education, culture, entrepreneurship and tourism among other critical areas.

While Karasabai has a great eco-tourism package to offer, Edwards believes that the establishment of a factory to produce by-products of cassava and other products on a large scale, would not only add to the growth of the village economy but provide much-needed employment to hundreds of the villagers there.

“It could process our produce because

we produce a lot of cassava products, farine, cassava bread, cassareep, peanuts, cashew nuts and a lot of mangoes,” he said.

Using cassava as an example, Edwards said the villagers use the bitter cassava to make cassava bread for their personal use, while the cassareep is mostly sold to locals and the farine is sold to the Brazilians but on a small scale.

Kartright explained that using the Ireng River, which forms part of Guyana’s western border with Brazil and flowing through the valleys of the Pakaraima Mountains, the villagers cross over to Brazil with their farine for sale. “They sell it by the can and the can is 20

THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT But both Kartright and Edwards agreed that in order for this vision to materialise, Karasabai needs reliable sources of water and electricity. Currently, the village uses primarily solar power for the supply of electricity that is not at all times reliable. But Edwards said, there is a plan in place.

“As it relates to electrification of the village, we have a plan to repair a caterpillar generator that has not been functioning for a number of years,” Edwards noted.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hinterland Electrification Company, Horace Williams said, that while the village’s electrification programme is under the control of the village council, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, through the Hinterland Electrification Company, will offer some assistance. He said he was recently informed of the dysfunctional generator and would have the fuel pump tested and repaired if necessary.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

It’s not unusual to see houses made out of clay bricks in communities such as St. Ignatius near Lethem

Life in Haiwa THE beautiful community of Hiawa in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is bordered by the mighty Kanuku Mountains and home to a little over 400 persons.

In East-Hiawa, near its Primary and Nursery school is a small Catholic church where many of the villages visit every Sunday for This man and woman have 47 grandchildren (Lisa Hamilton photo)

A youngster peers up at the cross in the court yard of the East-Hiawa Catholic Church (Lisa Hamilton photo)

Mass.

The Pepperpot Magazine met a couple from the village of Shulinab, who, while awaiting the service, revealed that they had 47 grandchildren with the number still likely to increase.

Persons were seen traversing mainly by foot and bikes while some were even seen in

the back of a tractor, an alternative means for a shorter journey.

Many of the people of Hiawa are young and vibrant. Several young children including babes and teens were seen playing amongst each other or helping out with the daily chores such as cooking.

The older folks are quiet but obser-

vant. Several of them in the community still speak and understand the Macushi language which is the most popular of the Cariban languages, spoken by some 25,000 people in Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela.

They farm to eat, while the surplus is sold in Lethem which is 18 miles away from the village.

A group of young girls inquisitively look on at the proceedings at the Hiawa Primary School (Lisa Hamilton photo)

A lone hut braces the windy weather near the Kanuku Mountains (Lisa Hamilton photo)

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◄◄◄ From page XV

Edwards and Kartright had reached out to the company for assistance, last Wednesday. During that meeting, it was also brought to the attention of Williams that most of the solar panels used to supply the community buildings are also dysfunctional. He has committed to sending a team of technicians to Karasabai to conduct a survey and restore the systems.

With regards to water, the villagers use hand dug wells as their water source. In central Karasabai there are approximately 20 handdug wells being used by families.

“Those wells are not reliable because during the dry season it would run very low and the water becomes dirty which is not healthy,” Edwards explained. In the not- so-distant-past, a windmill pumped water into tanks and then into buildings but that is no longer working.

Currently, a small percentage of the residents access tap water, but it is hoped, that this service would be extended to all residents.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has committed to strengthening the village’s water supply system. Additionally, it is the hope of the villagers that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) and or Digicel Guyana would launch a tower in the area to provide cell service. Through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), internet is provided with the primary school as the hub. “We have an internet hub there, but it is not reliable because of the electricity situation. So, for now, we are using a generator and it is normally turned on every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 o’clock to about 5 o’clock, and everyone gathers around at the school just to use the internet,” Kartrigh said.

EDUCATION Those issues aside, Edwards and Kartright said that Karasabai has both nursery and primary schools, with a secondary department, as well as a health centre.

According to the headteacher of Karasabai Primary School and the Secondary Department, Michelle George, her teachers would soon be exposed to professional training.

By using the internet, George said her students are now able to conduct their research, as well as the teachers.

The government has committed to building a secondary school in Karasabai in 2020. Currently, the secondary department is housed in the primary school.

Though all may not be well at the moment, Kartright and Edwards said that they are satisfied with the commitments made by the government to address those issues.

Residents of Karasabai

A solar panel system powers this house in Karasabai. In the background are the majestic Pakaraima Mountains

Marlon Edwards

Seon Kartright

It still spins but this windmill in Karasabai no longer pumps water to the neighbouring buildings.

The villagers have committed to repairing it

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

From photographer to 2019 Chutney Monarch Winner

By Indrawattie Natram “I DID it for my country, I did it to encourage peace and stop racism.” Those were the words of this year’s Chutney Monarch winner Steven Ramphal. Ramphal emerged the

winner at the Banks Chutney Monarch held last Sunday night at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two. He gained 355 points after contesting against nine other singers.

As the winner of the Chutney Monarch he won himself

Ramphal during one of his performances at the Anna Regina Centre Ground.

one million Guyana dollars and also two tickets to any Caribbean Airlines destination. Ramphal’s performance amazed the judges when he sang, “Rang Ke Bhare Main Bhool JaoForget about your colour and let’s live in love”. During his performance creativity was displayed as his team showcased props that send the message of diversity.

In addition to his Chutney win, Ramphal who was a newcomer in the Soca arena, carried away $750,000 when the competition was held Saturday evening at the National Park Tarmac. He also received $100,000 as a newcomer to the Carib Soca Competition.

Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, Ramphal said that it was his vision to compose lyrics that foster social cohesion, unity and love in Guyana- a country that is dear to him. His journey commenced when he realised that he wanted to enter the Soca Monarch with the song entitled, “Soca in meh veins”.

He said that the experience he gained in both competitions were life-changing and explained that with team spirit anything is possible.

“I have a wonderful team to work with. Their encouragement was amazing. They were behind me from day one. My wife was my motivator, she is amazing, but most of all I sang with my country in mind- team unity,” Ramphal said.

Speaking on his singing journey, he said, he started singing from the tender age of seven. He entered many competitions before, but this year, he said, he was motivated more than previous years. During the entire interview he was emotional, and he strongly believes that Guyana as a country can achieve a lot more once racism stops.

Very confident about his song, “Soca in meh Veins” he said, he was astonished at the number of views his songs received when it hit the media. He was also happy that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), in Guyana, recognised his efforts and endorsed the song. He also explained that his Soca song was featured on the BBC news- a big achievement for him as a singer.

Asked what were some of the adjustments he made from Soca to Chutney, given that they are different areas?

Ramphal said, that both competitions tested his versatility.

Ramphal said that in his success he would also like to thank “the Almighty Jesus Christ” for guiding him throughout the competitions. He commented that throughout the competitions he and his team prayed before he went onstage. The props and messages displayed during the competition were also all compiled by his team.

“I want to put Guyana on top of the world with my music.

I want to touch and send a message to those who listen to my songs. My songs are composed to send a strong message of equality, love, unity and togetherness in Guyana,” Ramphal said.

When asked what he intends to do in the future, he said, he intends to visit countries outside of Guyana to spread the message. He would also like to thank the Ministry of the Presidency and other stakeholders, for organising such activities to coincide with Guyana’s 49 Republic celebrations, and also to give persons the opportunity to showcase their talents.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Dating Around

“Dating Around,” 2019, Netflix – Image via: IMDB

I HAVE never watched a single episode of “The Bachelor,” because I have always told myself that dating shows were a hack and, therefore, worthless of my time. However, when I heard about Netflix I was producing a dating show, called “Dating Around,” I immediately perked up only because the concept was not something that I had connected with the streaming giant, the distributor of such films as “Roma,” which is about to storm the Oscars. I figured that dating shows – as slight and trashy receptacles into which heartbroken people poured their Saturday nights – might indeed be different from everything else offered to me so far, and having watched it, I can definitely say that it is indeed something special.

The concept is a simple one: a singleton goes on a date with five potential partners, and then the five are whittled down to one when the singleton makes his/her choice at the end of the half-hour episode. That is really all there is to it.

There are no bad gimmicks or obvious ulterior motives. It really seems to be a TV show that accurately condenses five blind dates into half an hour and offers a concentrated lesson on the various ways in which modern dating might manifest itself. The people on the show come from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, are of varying ages and sexualities and gender identities, and they come from differing walks of society, and it is this diversity that is one of the factors that makes the show good. How wonderful it is to see oneself reflected onscreen, in a dating show, at last! How wonderful to see someone who looks or acts or thinks or feels like you, looking for and actually finding love! It is no secret that certain sections of society have long been banished from the mainstream, so much so that appearances in dating shows (especially this one which presents LGBTQ people or people of differing races going on dates) becomes such a refreshing and welcoming thing indeed.

Although the first season is short, with only six episodes, there are some standout moments. The first as anyone will tell you has to do with a young woman, who comes from an Indian background, named Gurki. On her date with a handsome, young, white man named Justin, something terrible happens. Gurki admits that she has been married once before and that she only did it because there was so much pressure, especially within her culture, for girls to get married. Justin goes on to berate her for being a liar for marrying someone she was uncertain about and accuses her of being untrustworthy, while ignoring her explanations of the cultural pressure that made her feel like marriage was an expectation and a path that had to be taken. It is a tense moment in the show that clashes with every ideal that one can expect from a first date. By the end, Justin has stormed out and Gurki is crying. Apart from being an example of culture clash and of the failure of a great section of white people, to generally expect everyone else to conform to their expectations of what the world should be, while ignoring the perspectives of others, it is also a moment that tells us a lot about dating in a world that is becoming more and more diverse.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XII

As a matter of fact, ‘life underwater’ contributes to 5 per cent of global GDP through activities like tourism, agriculture and fisheries, and arts and craft. Economics aside, the ecological services they provide are literally saving lives. Cancer, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, Alzheimer’s and numerous other diseases are treated using medicines that are produced from marine wildlife.

THREATS TO MARINE WILDLIFE Unfortunately, even though they sustain many of our livelihoods, marine wildlife species are under significant pressure due to developmental activities. The habitats of these wild plants and animals are continuously being destroyed. For instance, due to climate change, marine conditions such as ideal temperature and carbon levels necessary to sustain life under water, have been altered leading to habitat loss and the endangerment and even the extinction of a large number of marine wildlife species.

The organisms themselves are being overexploited and overfished to satisfy the demands of consumers. The consequences of these are already evident in different parts of the world and may become irreversible if actions are not taken to protect and manage the use of all marine organisms.

PLASTIC POLLUTION The realities of our ocean pollution are becoming more apparent. It is estimated that each year, 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enters the world’s ocean from coastal regions.

Marine animals continue to suffer, we are sure by now you have seen the graphic videos of coral reefs smothered in bags, to turtles gagging on straws, to whales and seabirds that starve because their bellies are so jammed with bits of plastic that there is no room for real food.

MARINE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT IN GUYANA Guyana has rich biodiversity of marine wildlife species including different species of whales, turtles, dolphins and an estimated 8000 plant species. However, we are no stranger to the activities that threaten these organisms. Organisations such as Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, Protected Areas Commission, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society and Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation, have been working towards the conservation and sustainable manage◄◄◄ From page XX

It is a warning also, forcing us to abandon the notion that good-looking guys are good guys. Furthermore, this episode is also a stark depiction of what egotistical masculinity can look like, as seen in the telling moment when Justin tells Gurki of an ex-girlfriend, whom he forced to give up her pet cat because he does not like cats.

Thankfully, it is important to point out that in the end, it did seem like Gurki had very good dates with the other guys that she went out with and that Justin was just the exception.

There are sweet moments in the show also. There is Leonard, an old man, withered with a slight stoop, but brimming with energy, charisma, and joy. Leonard is a widower, who lived a happy life with his wife until she passed. He goes on blind dates with several charming older women, hoping to find the magic of love once again. His episode is one of the best simply because it focuses on love among older people. Sometimes, being young makes one foolishly unaware of everything that happens past a certain age.

Therefore, it is important that Leonard’s episode is shown to the younger generation, as it reflects the fact that there is always hope and love in life, particularly in the future that can seem far away and dim and bleak to young people. Leonard crushes our expectations and surpasses all of them. He has beautiful chemistry with each of the amazing women he goes out with. On the dates, Leonard shares jokes, and one woman (an artist) draws an image for him on a napkin using her lipstick, and he dances in the moonlight with one of the other dates in the street, and he winsomely helps another into her shawl at the end of the night. Leonard’s episode counters the one with Justin beautifully because it basically shows what men should be like in the world. It emphasises how women should be treated on dates, with kindness and respect. At the end of this episode, when Leonard makes his choice, the viewer will not be able to do anything but smile and sigh at the sight of all the goodness and humour and happiness that came through in this episode.

Overall, “Dating Around” offers an interesting insight into the world of modern dating. It is sometimes sad, sometimes funny, sometimes “cringey”, sometimes full of joy, but always entertaining.

ment of this wildlife.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2019?

The Environmental Protection Agency will be partnering with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to host a Coastal Clean-up activity to celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, 2019. This clean-up will take place from 06:00 h to 09:00 h. Coastal Clean-up goes a

XXI long way to bring awareness of ocean pollution. We encourage you to become involved in organisations and clubs that participate in conservation work, speak out against activities that threaten wildlife and of course, live sustainable lifestyles that would reduce your environmental impacts.

You can make contact to the Agency on 225-5471-2; www.epaguyana.org or epaguyana on Facebook, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown should you have questions regarding Environmental Authorisation

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Preserving Mashramani

Photo sourced from https://pixabay.com/en/ guyana-flag-fingerprint-country-662106/

A FEW weeks before Republic Day, there are many events planned around the country such as inter-school Mashramani competitions and sport-related activities. On Republic Day itself, floats and costumes flood the streets across the country. The main parade takes place in the Capital City while other small parades occur in different parts of the country. In Berbice, the Mashramani celebration occurs a week after the said date. Nonetheless, all the celebrations have one main meaning. If you’re a Guyanese citizen, then I’m sure Social Studies in primary school taught you what it is.

On February 23, 1970, our beautiful country gained its very own Republican status. Mashramani is one that we can definitely call our own because it is celebrated annually to observe Republic Day. Its authenticity can be traced back to our history. I personally feel that in the years gone by, we have celebrated ‘Mash’ without grasping the true concept of it. ‘Republic’ was much more than just a word, it meant that Guyana is a free and independent state, without the ruling of a monarchy. After centuries of monarchical reign, dating all the way back to the colonial days, our people finally had the opportunity to govern the country.

There is no denying the talks of how the Guyana Carnival events will one day ‘overthrow’ our very own Mashramani.

Sukranie Dookhoo shares her thoughts on this: “The introduction of carnival as a basis of tourism improvement last May, was well received.

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An outstanding Guyanese economics, employment, education and equity with the goal of addressing the historic and present discrimination against African descendants.

The theme of the United Nation’s declaration of the Decade for People of African Descent Assembly is Recognition, Justice and Development.

Dr. Kimani Nehusi

By M Margaret Burke A TRUE son of the soil, Dr. Kimani Nehusi is not hesitant to say that he was born in the ancient town of Essequibo, in one of the largest and oldest communities called Queenstown.

Dr. Kimani, as he is fondly called, is the fourth of eight children of his parents, Mr. and Mrs Arnold and Princess Drakes. He has seven other siblings, who are also very active in community service.

During his school days, he attended the St Bartholomew’s Anglican School in Queenstown. Dr. Kimani then went on to further training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). In his quest to be a good teacher, he soon after completed graduate training in Education Research Methodology at the Ministry of Education where he worked in the Research Unit.

He continued his pursuit of knowledge at the University of Guyana with a BA in History with Portuguese and Sociology, then an MA in Guyanese History. He also studied at the Centre for Brazilian Studies, majoring in Brazilian Portuguese and the literature and society of Brazil.

Dr. Kimani went on the University College of London in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with a PhD in Caribbean history. He then pursued a Diploma in Egyptology at the University of London, further undertaking more studies in Advanced Translation of Middle and Late Egyptian Texts.

IN GUYANA He is currently in Guyana at the invitation of the International Decade for People of African Descent -Guyana (IDPADA-G), where he has also made an extensive visit to the print and broadcast media and held several discussions.

SPECIALLY INVITED In an interview with the executive members of the IDPADA-G, they informed the Pepperpot Magazine that Dr. Kimani helped to inform people about Guyanese history, especially since history is no longer taught in schools.

“He ignited a sense of pride in the contributions of Africans historically, to the development of Guyana and in so doing, helped to empower African Guyanese… He addressed two IDPADA-G conferences held in Georgetown, on the weekend of February 9 and 10: “Reclaiming, Revitalising, Restoring African Guyanese and Culture”, and a Youth Leadership and Empowerment conference entitled “The African Youth: Engaging, Educating and Liberating,”the IDPADA-G disclosed, stating that over 400 Guyanese were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, as well as to discourse with him on his most recent publication.”

According to the IDPADA-G, young people attending the empowerment conference were touched, and moved to learn facts about their history and culture that they never knew before. Knowing the history will help IDPADA-G in its efforts to achieve the goals of the UN Decade, and will strengthen and empower the African Guyanese community, the members stated.

IDPADA GUYANA ORIGINS On December 23, 2013, the member states of the United Nations passed a resolution dedicating a decade to addressing the challenges confronting people of African Descent around the world.

His Excellency President David Granger responded to the UN’s Declaration by calling on the African Guyanese community to create a mechanism to address the UN mandate. He set out broad areas of focus for the African Guyanese community:

DILIGENT PURSUITS An Africology and African American Studies associate professor-instructional, Dr. Kimani Nehusi is a multi-disciplinary scholar, with strong interests in language and linguistics, history, culture and research methodology. Nehusi’s research interests include Africa and its diaspora from ancient to modern times, the Caribbean and Guyana. He has received many honours from different parts of the world for his scholarship.

He has been Assistant Examiner in the Caribbean Examina-

tions Council (CXC) and lectured, conducted workshops, gave keynotes and contributed to radio and television programmes in many communities, colleges, universities and workplaces in various parts of the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Europe (UK, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark) and Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa).

He held positions in the Universities of Guyana, London, East London, founded and was Director of the Africa Studies Centre at the University of East London. He is currently a Research Associate at the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Associate Professor in the Department of Africology at Temple University in the USA; and Walter Rodney Professor of History at the University of Guyana.

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Reflecting on Mashramani 2019 THE 2019 Mash celebrations focused on the central theme of having victory in mind- which could mean the 2020 50th Republican celebrations and the highly anticipated ‘first oil’ production.

As usual, Mash is a time for celebrating- I mean, the word literally connotes a celebration after hard work. But this year, what stuck out for me was the effort put into ensuring that avenues are created to foster the development and promotion of the arts.

I had written previously that Minister of Social Cohesion,with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, had encouraged persons to use the month-long activities of Mash to develop their skills.

My issue with his statement was, that there would be avenues provided through the month of activities, and then what? What happens for the other months of the year?

And what happens to persons involved in the arts?

Well, at the junior level I found out that efforts were being made to promote the arts within the school system.

The Unit of Allied Arts is the centre for the promotion of Arts in schools; it deals

with ensuring that within the school curriculum, there is allocated space for the Arts-either through dance, drama, music, physical education or visual arts.

What I did not know was that, this unit is the only unit in the Caribbean that looks at the Arts in that specific way. And if you ask me, in a region that touts its culture through the Arts as an income earner (tourism) - that is exceptionally progressive.

I was happy to learn about that and to learn that the Administrator (ag) of this unit, Lorraine Barker-King also coordinated the children’s Mash activities. She would have had the institutional knowledge and could have easily linked these activities to the efforts within the schools’ curricula.

We do have the National School of Music and the National Dance Company which cater for some young people, but beyond that, however, there is still an evident deficit of sustained and year-round avenues to promote the arts.

As a huge fan of Soca, I compare Guyana to Trinidad. In the twin island Republic, Soca is a big, big thing; it is a huge income earner and an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric. The country also has a

plethora of well-developed artistes, some of whom have massive international recognition (I mean- Machel Montano, Kes, and Olatunji, hello!). Then I look at the Soca Monarch competitions here.

Our artistes are just as talented (Have you heard Stephen Ramphal’s ‘Soca in meh vein’?), but our industry isn’t anywhere close to that level of development. And I think, it’s because Soca isn’t appreciated year-round- only maybe at Mash time and that’s it. And even then, local support isn’t as strong as it could be.

It is my hope, that more effort would be placed on fostering the arts by providing avenues for development and outlets for expression. If Mash has shown anything, it is that there is an immense pool of local talent yearning for avenues to project their talents.

And while reflecting on Mash, let me take the opportunity to highlight, that there were quite a few companies that chipped in to make sure that the festival continued with all the grandeur that it usually does.

Major props must go to Banks, Ansa McAl, Republic Bank and everyone that participated-particularly in the children’s competitions where the returns might be less.

And more so, some companies will be sponsoring beyond Mashramani; Caribbean Airlines has taken the Parkside Steel orchestra under its wings, and GBTI has been a longstanding supporter of the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra.

Mash is done now, but there are still a few activities left before the season comes to a complete stop. And then, we start preparing for Independence and Guyana Carnival, and next year’s jubilations.

I know there are persons who see Mash as being eroded because of the advent of Guyana Carnival, but I don’t see it that way.

I think Mashramani is a uniquely, Guyanese celebration that focuses more on the promotion and development of our multitiered heritage than on the commercial side of things. And for me, Guyana Carnival is the reverse- it focuses on boosting the local commercial sector. I’m really okay with having two avenues to celebrate because they belong to their own niches and serve their own purposes- and both function to help with the promotion of the arts.

I think Mash this year was a great celebration and I cannot wait for next year’s Golden Jubilee!

Language teacher, animal enthusiast and environmentalist

Anurama Ramgobin

BEING multitalented is always a good trait in a fast-growing society and Guyana is in no way short of talented people like, Anurama Ramgobin, who successfully balances his days of being a language teacher, beekeeper, animal enthusiast and environmentalist.

Ramgobin was born in the Pomeroon, Region Two (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) to a humble family. In his early days, he attended the Charity Nursery and Primary Schools.

“Well, my childhood was quite normal. Growing next to the river, we learnt to swim before the age of five. We had lots of animals, ducks, chickens, cows and goats, along with a vibrant kitchen garden back then. After school, activities for us entailed feeding the ducks and fowls, sweeping the goat pen and cutting grass for the cows etc. And the occasional search for a goat or cow when they go missing. And between all of that, we still found time for the occasional game of cricket and ‘ketcha’ in the river,” he said.

It was all fun and games until one day when he had a minor accident which caused him to lose sight in his left eye. The accident affected some of his youthful days until he was able to get surgery done to correct the vision in his eye.

To think that all the misery was over was just a thought, because on February 23, 1997, he broke his left leg during a fishing trip with his brothers. It happened just a few weeks before he sat the Common Entrance Examinations- as it was referred to at that time.

“I recalled my foot being in a cast and my father fetching me up the school steps to write the exams and then fetching me back home. In spite of that, I topped my class that year at the Common Entrance Exam,” said Ramgobin.

After Common Entrance, he was awarded a place to study

at President’s College (PC) where he had some of the best years of his life, years which helped to shape who he is today.

After graduating from PC, he then moved on to pursue a Diploma in Agriculture at the Guyana School of Agriculture from 2002-2004, after which he joined the staff at President’s College as a Livestock Supervisor in 2008.

“In 2010 I was a part of the first batch of students at CPCE to pursue an Associate Degree in Education, Majoring in Modern Languages at CPCE,” said Ramgobin.

Being a teacher for 11 years has certainly influenced him personally and professionally. There is so much more than just delivery of a curriculum in being a teacher, he said, adding that they are mothers, fathers, doctors and nurses, counsellors, judge and most of all, the best economists.

“I would have seen a slow move in attempting to improve the methodology of teaching. Teachers are often constrained to the chalk and talk method of teaching because of the lack of upgraded resources being available to them. And, that alone motivates me to come up with innovative ways of ensuring that our students are equipped with the necessary skills to become positive contributors to society,” said the teacher.

His vision and forms of teaching are not just limited to him, as he is moving across the country to share some of the newer methods with modern language teachers.

As a language teacher at President’s College, he strives to ensure that the language learning process is holistic.

“As such every year, we take our students on their respective language immersion trip where they are exposed not only to the use of the language but also to the cultural aspect of the language. We go to Panama for the Spanish Immersion trip, Brazil for the Portuguese Immersion trip and Martinique for the French Immersion Trip,” said Ramgobin.

Although teaching is a passion for him, he said, there is no one thing he is passionate about. Ramgobin holds a deep love for animals, especially some dogs which are abused on a daily basis.

He has, in some way, become a caretaker for those animals, feeding and taking care of a growing number of dogs on a daily basis.

Ramgobin also has a passion for saving bees which he believes humans destroy. He basically does his part by being an Apiculturist and at the same time educating people about the role of bees.

“Well, I dream of the day we can all become a society free from discrimination in all of its forms. And I firmly believe I am in a position to make an impact because we can only rid society of discrimination with the right education.

I would also love to see people start planting more, be it for food or for leisure, be it a large flower garden or a simple pepper plant in a bucket. That translates to more food for the bees and hence more food for us as humans…And finally, I wish to see a change, a mental change of how we treat animals,” said the passionate teacher.

He said his advice to others is simple, noting that it is never too late to discover and pursue your passion and recognising that failure is a good thing.

“We learn to view failure as a catastrophe. Failure is going to be your best teacher. It will teach you to be strong, it will give you experience and most of all failures are the stones on which the steps of success is built. It’s ok to fail and fail many times too,” he said. His philosophy in life is simple, just be kind to all. He believes that the only true religion consists of having a good heart.

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Preserving Guyana’s Culture:

Mashramani

IT was Mahatma Gandhi who once said that “A nation’s culture resides in the heart and soul of its people”. As such, the Government of Guyana, through the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport aims to capture the nation’s diverse traditions, cultural heritage and customs to foster a unique Guyanese identity.

This year, Guyana’s diverse racial, ethnic, religious and cultural heritages were put on spectacular display at its 49th Republic Anniversary celebration and Mashramani programme.

In this edition of Government in Action, we explore the richness of our culture, even as the Department of Social Cohesion outlines its vision for the Mash programme and its overall goal of fostering ‘Guyaneseness’ through an appreciation of our culture.

GUYANA’S UNIQUE CULTURE Director of Culture, Ms. Tamika Boatswain said Mashramani solidifies our cultural identity and the Department has extended and diversified its programme to include multi-cultural education, starting with the youth.

“Culture and traditions define who we are and to be able to say [that] you are Guyanese, you must be able to identify with Guyanese culture and heritage. And if our children are to be proud Guyanese and to make Guyana proud, then it’s important that we teach them the culture and heritage and what it is to be Guyanese… If we fail to do that… we find that the Guyanese identity would be lost. Culture is what keeps us together as a people and it gives us that badge, that identity,” she said.

Ms. Boatswain noted that young people’s connection to art and their enthusiastic response to the programme has

been a boon to its overall goal of fostering unity and national pride.

“The music, dance, fine arts, drama programmes are predominantly accessed by young people and their interest is very high in those fields. If you [had] witnessed the steel pan competition [last] Sunday you would have seen the… participation and enthusiasm of young people and it is getting bigger and bigger every year,” she said.

Ms. Boatswain added that the Ministry noted that education, particularly cultural education has also helped to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity.

“A lot of what is feared of other cultures is because people don’t understand what… the principles are, [or] what the tenets are, [or] what the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton takes a closer look at books displayed at the Literary and Visual Arts Street Fair. beliefs are. So, in doing our exhibitions, our cultural activacceptance,” she said. ities, our programmes, we help One feature of this year’s Mash programme in Georgeto educate the public on the richness of the different cultures that exist in this space we call Guyana… The more people town that has illustrated this theory is the Literary and Visual understand I believe, there [will be] more tolerance and more Arts Street Fair, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in the Main Street Avenue. This fair highlighted and celebrated the characteristics that make Guyanese so unique.

These young women take a closer look at the scented Attendee, Mr. Wilfred Holder said the famed Guycandles displayed at the Literary and Visual Arts Street Fair, anese hospitality is a virtue that he not only appreciates which was held in the Main Street Avenue last week. but tries to express. “We are very friendly people and I demonstrate that to my friends, or whoever I meet in the world, that we are a loving, caring people. We don’t have a problem in the sense of loving each other or caring for other people. I really believe in people and there’s no difference between me and you, whether you’re white, pink, or blue. The important thing is, can we live with each other? Can we share what we have with each other…?

Are we able to help each other fulfil their potential? Once we can help everybody to fulfill their potential you see a better person,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Curator at the National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ohene Koama said that Guyana’s unique blend of cultures adds flavour to Guyanese art. “Well the best part of being Guyanese is the… variety of cultures that can come together and share and experience each other in all forms, literature, art especially, song, dance, music, all of it blended together, especially in one space,” he said.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton said that Guyana has a unique strength due to our cultural make up. “I think it is important for us to recognise that we’re all different, but we must strive to make these differences our strength and that is what makes us Guyanese. We are working in that direction,” he said.

Cultural education has been a cornerstone of all of the

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Ministry’s initiatives and is an especially integral part of the Ministry’s regional outreaches. The department launched the ‘Culture Up’ programme for secondary schools in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), where students were encouraged to explore the meaning of culture, through art, to boost social cohesion.

This structured exposure to cultural differences, Ms. Boatswain said, helps decrease the intimidation that accompanies a lack of understanding. National celebrations like Mashramani, therefore, create opportunities for education that strengthens the department’s push for national unity.

This year, the Ministry’s Department of Culture implemented a Mashramani Celebrations calendar containing over 40 activities spread across all administrative regions of Guyana. Principal among these events was the department’s inaugural ‘Folk Night’ on the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre. The Folk Night, featuring a programme packed with performances of song and dance, was a brilliant display of the diverse cultural representation in Guyana. Inspired by an overwhelming

response from the public and a mandate to foster social cohesion throughout Guyana, the Ministry to will continue to spotlight this event in Mashramani celebrations to come.

Acting Programme Coordinator in the Department, Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis noted that cultural celebrations help to build our identity.

“The mission of Social Cohesion speaks to strengthening actions that contribute to cultural, spiritual wellbeing and enriched livelihoods for all Guyanese. The third objective of the Social Cohesion plan speaks to promoting social inclusion and acceptance for our diversity. And so, the cultural celebrations help us define, in a sense, who we are and how that allows us to be a unified people in Guyana,” she said.

THE HISTORY AND VISION In keeping with this, the DiRepresentatives from the Ministry of Public Health ‘mash’ down Carmichael Street rector of Culture shared a little bit about the origins of Mashramani and the Department’s vision for future celebrations.

“Mashramani actually came into being in 1970… The JAYCEES [United States Junior Chamber (Republic Celebrations Committee)] of Linden… had what was called an ‘Independence Carnival’… When Guyana gained its republican status in 1970, the idea was conceived to have a ‘carnival-esque’ celebration, but to give it an indigenous name. So, the term Mashramani was derived, coming from the Arawak word ‘Mashirimehi’ and it is said to mean ‘celebration after hard work’. It has since become a tradition in Guyana where families go out on the 23rd of February in celebration of Guyana’s achievement of Republican status,” she said. As for the future of Mashramani, Ms. Boatswain said that the possibilities are limitless.

“Mashramani has grown beyond one day. A lot of Guyanese still seem to think that Mashramani is one day. This year we have had close to 40 days of activities geared toward Mashramani. We rolled out a calendar; we have had a number of concerts, steel band competitions… Beyond that, we have the traditional Mash night and then on to Mash day…

We expect people to participate in all these activities. Mash is bigger and better. As we say this year, [it is] larger and louder because we went to all of the administrative Regions and [in] every Region we’ve [gone] to, we’ve had a good experience, good turnout. The people feel really wonderful about it and are already asking that we take more activities to those regions next year,” she said.

Students of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, accompanied by their relatives and A happy Republic Day and Mashramani to all! care-givers, celebrate Republic Day with a parade on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XIV

Our final presenter was Stanley Ming, CEO and founder of Ming’s Products and Services, Mr. Ming is a true visionary and never fails to impress his audience with his humour and humility. He shared his journey about growing up in Kitty, and how he managed to chart his course to where he is today.

He encouraged us that, doing good in life is important, and that whatever business we have, let it make a difference in people’s lives.

I have said this before, and will say it again, Mr Stanley Ming knows the meaning of corporate social responsibility.

His contribution to the Tiger Bay community is admirable.

He has been supporting the expo from the inception. I sincerely would like to thank my small team, our partners and contributors for supporting a dream that became a reality that has made a difference in so many lives over the last four years and continues to make that difference. “Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”

I LOVE THIS QUOTE I experience a euphoric feeling when people advance and reach their potential and this is not just talking about women.

This is the last Sunday before the Women in Business Expo and INSPIRE YOU 2019. We have local speakers, from the Caribbean and from the US and they are all ready to meet you on March 3 in the Savannah Suite at the Pegasus.

Over 60 women will be exhibiting their products and services at the Pegasus on March 2 and 3. We have a contingent from Suriname and some businesses from the diaspora that will be a part of the expo this year. We are anticipating overwhelming support from the public as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway.

Check our Women Association for Sustainable Development and the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts for info for the events or call 6848129. ◄◄◄ From page XXIII

PROLIFIC WRITER AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST In addition to always being willing to share his knowledge by way of lecturers, workshop discussions, keynote addresses and the like, Dr. Kimani has been an incessant and prolific writer of many books and monographs for at least two decades now.

Some of his books and monographs include: A People’s Political History of Guyana, 1838-1964; Libation: An African Ritual of Heritage in the Circle of Life; With Ian Isidore Smart (eds.) Ah Come Back Home: Perspectives on the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

Additionally, some selected articles and book chapters include, “The Causes of the Protest of 1905” in W. F. Mc Gowan, J. G. Rose and D. A. Granger (eds.) Themes in African-Guyanese History; “The Development of Political Organisation up to 1953” in W. F. Mc Gowan, J. G. Rose and D. A. Granger (eds.) Themes in African-Guyanese History; ‘Contradictions between Dr. Jagan and the “Ultra- Left: The Split in the original People’s Progressive Party of Guiana, 1956/57’; “The Origins of Carnival: Notes from a Preliminary Investigation” in Ian Isidore Smart and Kimani Nehusi (eds.) Ah come back home: Perspectives on the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival; ‘Introduction’ in Richard Hart (Edited by Kimani Nehusi) Caribbean Workers’ Struggle Socialist History Society and many, many more. This is, as he continues to impart to both graduate and undergraduate students, based on his research and studies.

Dr. Kimani has represented Guyana in track and field, and has even been a national track and field coach of Guyana. He held offices in the Amateur Athletic Association of Guyana; was placed on the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)’s panel of international lecturers; and was honoured by the IAAF for his services to track and field in Guyana. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page IX

Many companies have hired me to do this and there are others who can do the same. This aids in opening lines of communication, reducing stigma and creating a positive and comfortable environment.

If it is not possible to hire a psychologist or social worker, have a current line manager of some sort go through some training. There are many online courses that provide leaders with the ability to effectively handle many workplace issues, where high levels of stress may arise. Choose one or two of the right people for this job- people who you know can be trusted and non-judgemental, would practise confidentiality and show nothing but understanding and empathy.

There should be at least one person in a work environment who is educated in the signs and symptoms of stress, common mental health illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Form an alliance with any mental health professional body.

This way, if you identify an employee who is struggling, there is already someone who they can be referred to and not at their expense. Arrange employee discount benefits with some other health locations. This is not limited to hospitals but can expand to gyms and healthy restaurants, as we already know that eating well and exercising positively affects our mental health. If your company has a canteen, stock it with healthy food. Is there a small library at your workspace? If not, there should be. Every company should have a workspace with some self-help books to tackle stress or any mental illness.

There should also be educational materials such as information sheets/ pamphlets on mental health illnesses as well as directories of local mental health and medical providers in our community.

I understand that unacceptable behaviour and poor performance must be addressed and disciplined where necessary, but it is also important to remember that fear prevents the open communication required to tackle these issues.

Ongoing issues with mental health in the workplace isn’t ◄◄◄ From page XXII

A few days of events including, bird watching, sports fishing, trekking, tours and, well, of course, the carnival. These additional events are to capitalise and boost tourism. Carnival is two months away from Mashramani or ‘Mash’, a similar fete, with the difference being the cultural significance Mash holds. Why is it that the investments being made for Carnival can’t be made for Mashramani?

This is a national holiday which embodies the richness of Guyanese culture, which year after year, is slowly dissolving. Why can’t we capitalise on what we already have, to preserve our culture? There are strongly opinionated people who will tell you that Carnival was a success, it is not taking over Mash, and that there is no need for ‘hate’. No, if that is what you are thinking you have missed the point. Carnival shouldn’t be a thing when we already have Mashramani.

Marketing, rebranding and investing can make what we as Guyanese culturally identify with success.’’

While I do agree, I must also say that we can only lose our culture and heritage if we choose to. The government and the Mashramani committees should take heed to the changing times and incorporate them into the events. Guyana Carnival, Mashramani and any other related event can all coincide in harmony. While we should learn to adapt to change (Guyana Carnival), we should also stay true to ourselves and the significance of our past (Mashramani).

From the rebellion of slaves to the constitutional fight for freedom, our country has come a long way, hence why this holiday is worth celebrating. Before I leave, I will share a poem I came across called ‘Mashramani’ done by Cheryl Winter, “Every year in the month of February, Guyana celebrates Mashramani; Mash showcases our Guyanese culture, Including our art, our craft and our literature.

Some of us play the steel pans, Some flounce in the masquerade bands; Some display beautiful costumes in the floats, Some enjoy excursions on the ferry boats.

Some participate in poetry and dramatic presentations, Some dance or sing in calypso competitions; Some grace the catwalk with their modelling; Some display their skills in gymnastics and tumbling.

As Guyanese, we have to show love for our country; We all should celebrate Mashramani!

Mash is not about race and religion!

It’s a Guyanese festive occasion!

So..come join with me And let’s have a Happy Mashramani.”

always the companies fault, as employees don’t often reach out for help because of the worry of judgement, stigma or job security. It is important to remember that someone who is seeking treatment for mental health issues is not necessarily unfit for their job. Implementing the above will result in more focused, productive, resilient and progressive employees and who wouldn’t want that?

Yes, these may come at a price but please, believe me,

XXIX doing nothing costs more.

Not sure where to start? Hand out anonymous staff surveys to see where your employees think you’re lacking in the care department. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896. Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs!

Always!

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear student, Be clear on this one point: Your examinations will demand more specialist knowledge, understanding and expertise, as you move through the different levels. They may become more technical, involve more

abstract ideas and concepts, and involve you in greater specialisation and more jargon.

This does not mean that examinations become more difficult. Think on these things.

Love you.

The Passage Although Josh Mohan lived in an iso-

Every reform movement

lated place, he did not have far to has a lunatic fringe. go to get home. He passed through the square, then along the river and PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOunder trees of star-apple, avocado SEVELT (1858-1919) Speaking of pear, mango and breadfruit, up to the Progressive Party, in 1913 a mound.

As he neared home and could Missouri Code 3:245–260). smell corned beef soup in the air, he NOTE: If a list immediately follows a began to worry. What would she do? Would there be another beating? He tried to read the verb or a preposition, do not use a colon to note, but he could make neither head nor tail introduce it.

One of the major Cuban authors, Alejo of the hasty scrawl.

Slowly, he went up to the thatch-roofed Carpentier, wrote many novels and more than house. It had been whitewashed, and the seventy million volumes of varied texts. [The corners and windows were trimmed in green. list follows the verb wrote.]

Do not leave for your hinterland visit The yard was clean and well kept. There was a freshness about the whole place. Even the without your sunscreen lotion, broad-rimmed odd cartwheel leaning against the trunk of the hat, toothpaste, tokens, and money. [The list tamarind tree added a rustic something. The follows the preposition without.]

2. Illustration or restatement smoke from the tiny outdoor kitchen smelled Use a colon to introduce material that sweet to Josh.

He came upon his mother hoeing in the illustrates, explains, or restates the preceding flower garden and cleared his throat to get her material.

You can see how bitterly opposed the attention. She looked up, surprised to see him.

And Boy was well. From the position of the members are on his side of the extended family: on a small problem they attack like wasps sun she knew it was not yet noon.

“What are you doing home already?” she in front of the young children.

3. Dialogue asked.

An example would be: Old Man Sackey: “Nothing, ma’am.”

Who is knocking at this hour? Jackson: It’s “How nothing?”

He handed her the note. “Mr. Redmond me your barber.

4. Quotation sends this ma’am.”

Use a colon to introduce a long or formal Brushing her hands upon her apron, she quotation. A formal quotation is often pretook the note and unfolded it.

(C. Everard Palmer’s “A Cow Called ceded by words like these, the following, or as follows.

Boy”) H.M.S. Wharton began the Lodge meeting What to Do 1. Use two sentences to describe the house; address with these famous words: “Fifty and and another two sentences to describe the yard. five years ago our forefathers instituted free 2. From the question Josh asked himself, education in this land….”

When poetry quotations take up more than what can you say about him? Tell it in two one line and prose quotations more than several sentences. lines, they generally appear below the introduc3. Can you say who or what was “Boy”?

4. The presence of the cartwheel testifies tory statement and are indented.

Amy Ling makes this statement in her many things about the family. What could be one of them? Why does the writer call it poem “Grandma Ling”: If you dig that hole deep enough “odd”?

You’ll reach China, they used to tell me….

5. What can be said about the narrator’s 5. Question-and-answer interview: The mother?

AP gives this example: Q: Do camels live at heights of up to 16,600 feet in the Central GRAMMAR Andes? A: Indeed, they can.

Colon to Introduce NOTE: The colon (:) is a mark of punctuVOCABULARY ation used after a statement (such as an indeChoose the word that is most nearly oppopendent clause) or that introduces a quotation, site in meaning to the underlined word. an explanation, an example, or a series.

1. City Council gave various notifications In addition, the colon usually appears after the salutation of a business letter (Dear that it was going to improve the recently startProfessor Tang:), between the chapter and ed squatting area. (demolish, erect, extend, verse numbers in a biblical citation (Leviti- rename) 2. The form teachers thought that the stucus 17:11), between the title and subtitle of a book or article (“Developing Reading Skills: dents’ responses were pertinent to the compreA practical guide to reading comprehension hension questions asked. (relevant, suitable, exercises”), and between numbers or groups irrelevant, decisive) 3. My policeman father was determined to of numbers in expressions of time (6:00 a.m.) buy the ridiculous head gear for a certain arand ratios (2:7). rogant colleague. (efficient, boastful, humble, 1. Series Use a colon to introduce a series or listing, condescending) 4. The community builders of the hinterespecially after a statement that uses such land location held diverse opinions about the words as these, the following, or as follows.

My own backyard contains these useful proposed method of raising funds for hiring a trees: five-finger, mango, guava, cashew, avo- legal representative. (different, great, smaller, various) cado pear, coconut and breadfruit.

5. The postage stamps on the small A colon is also used as time elapsed (1:31:07.2), time of day (8:31 p.m.), as well cannister were intact when I received it. as biblical and legal citations (2 Kings 2:14; (undamaged, broken, affixed, unexplained)

Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019

Bakes INGREDIENTS 8 oz flour 1/2 tsp baking powder pinch of salt 1 oz margarine pinch of sugar INSTRUCTIONS Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.

Rub in fat. Add sugar.

Mix with water to a stiff consistency.

Shape into small flat circles, about 2 inches in diameter.

Fry in hot fat. Serve with meat or fish, cheese or jam.

Makes 12

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 24, 2019