Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-paper 03-24-2019

Sunday, March 24, 2019 A scene from this year’s Phagwah celebration at the Indian Cultural Centre (Photo courtesy of MOTP)

All in good fun!

Phagwah, the Festival of Colours

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

‘I love what I do’

One professor’s lifelong dedication to teaching

By Gabriella Chapman “I GREW up in a home where both parents were teachers and ardent musicians and all we wanted to be, were imitations of our parents.”

Emulating her parents and dedicating all her life to learning and teaching, Professor Joycelynne Eleanor Loncke served the University of Guyana for 50 years and obtained a myriad of awards during her study years.

This phenomenal woman shared a bit of her story and impeccable journey with the Pepperpot Magazine.

Born to parents Ivy Nelbertha Loncke and Francis Percival Loncke, Professor said that she is the fourth of her parents’ six children and they (her parents) did an incredible job in setting the example for their children to follow.

“My mother was a teacher and held awards from the Trinity College of Music (London), the ATCL award, and the LRSM award from the Royal Schools of Music, London. My Father was the first Guyanese to obtain the LRSM in Violin. He was the Choir Master and organist at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for many years, and he was the Headmaster of the Queenstown Roman Catholic School for many years as well. Members of my family have all been devoted to music and teaching,

Professor Loncke playing a rendition on the Piano at the University of Guyana of Music in London, in 1960. This, she said, was funded through a scholarship

Now her special expertise is translator/ interpreter for French/English, trained by

Professor Joycelynne Loncke receiving an award from University of Guyana Vice Chancellor, for 50 years of service at the University

so my commitment to the profession was inherited,” Professor Loncke said.

“My parents were not rich,” she added.

“So we all knew that we had to study hard to get scholarships so that we can further our studies. And my mother was my inspiration.

She was a wonderful person.”

Just like her mother, Professor Loncke received an LRSM from the Royal Schools

received from the Government of Guyana.

Then in 1962, she graduated from Sorbonne in Paris, with a Diplome de Langue et de Civilisation Francaise through a scholarship received from the Government of France. In 1964 she graduated an honour student, with a Bachelor’s Degree in French, through a postgraduate scholarship from the University College of the West Indies.

the World Council of Churches.

These are but a few of the academic achievements of Professor Loncke, who said that she was too busy studying and learning, to find a husband and make children.

“I have no husband and children. I spent all my time studying and qualifying myself and the time slipped by so quickly, I didn’t even realise. I had to adopt my nieces and

nephews as my own,” she said.

She said that the love she has for what she does fills every aspect of her life. She served in several organisations such as the Pan African Movement, Alliance Francaise of Guyana, Guyana Music Teachers Association, just to name a few.

She also shared that she has two ongoing pieces of research being conducted: The use of steelband techniques in the teaching of music and French writers and the evolution of Pan Africanism.

In addition to that, she wrote a peer-reviewed article; “The Trade in Captive Africans and its Aftermath: a Woman’s View”, which is to be published in Black Lives Matter: The CARICOM Reparatory Justice Project.

She also made contributions in chapters of “The Mirror and the Axe”, in Echoes of the Trade in Captive Africans, Fascina Edition that was published in 2016.

The accomplished woman refused to disclose her age but said that she is as young as she feels. In October of 1968, Professor Loncke started her career journey at the University of Guyana, teaching Music and French. After 50 years, the dedicated woman still serves in the capacity, as Professor Emeritus.

“I love my students. They make my life worthwhile. I am on a year-to-year contract with the University, still teaching Music and French. I love what I do,” she said with a smile.

Her greatest experience, she said, was when she lectured in Africa to French-speaking Africans.

In light of the season of celebrating women, Professor said that women should be proud of their role in life. “They are the mainstay in society, and so important in everyone’s life. So day by day, I urge them all to try their best in everything, and in the end, they will become masters of those things… I would just like to quote the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and say, ‘Excellence is a habit’.”

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

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Heading for the Mountains on World Theatre Day

By Francis Quamina Farrier

SINCE this is the Lenten Season on the Christian calendar, I feel compelled to emulate the great Apostle, St. Paul, and tell of the things which I do not like to boast about. For example, St. Paul said that he would not boast about being shipwrecked or being thrown into prison innocently.

So I will not boast about writing over 30 plays; of having won the First and Third prizes at the official playwriting competition at Guyana’s Independence in 1966, and of writing Guyana’s first ever Radio Soap Opera, “The Tides of Susanburg”.

Neither would I care to boast about winning the Best Actor Award at the British Guiana National Drama Festival of 1965, with the great Derek Walcott being the Adjudicator. It is important for mention to be made that the First National Drama Festival in British Guiana (Guyana), was held in June 1959, and NOT in 2012, as someone is trying unsuccessfully, to rewrite that aspect of Guyana’s Theatre history. It is also apt to mention that there used to be the Sugar Estates Drama Festivals during the 1960s and 1970s.

What I would like to focus on in this article, is a few of the lesser-known Theatre activities in British Guiana/Guyana, over the decades, which really goes back to the 19th century when Strolling Players from abroad toured the Colony of British Guiana. There were also plays written by locals and expatriates, which used to be staged at the Assembly Rooms, which was located in Georgetown where the Bank of Guyana now stands. Those

located at what is now The Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue. Their productions were mainly plays written by Caribbean playwrights. That group no longer exists, but one of its long-standing members who are still alive, is Vibert Parvatan, a former Minister of Government. On the Essequibo Coast, there was the dynamic Rainbow Drama Group, which also produced many well-written local plays, and was always involved in GUYFESTA of the 1970s and 1980s. Much earlier in Linden, there was the very active Gray’s Dramatic Group which had a membership of locals, which also staged many Caribbean plays - most of them published by the University of the West Indies. There was also another Theatre group in Mackenzie which had members of the Canadian managerial staff of the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA).

What must be stated in this feature article, is that back in the day, plays staged in British Guiana were always with substance; whether Shakespeare or Sadeek; the latter, Guyanese Sheik Sadeek, wrote about the ordinary folks who were reaching for a better life, and never about characters who were wallowing in the gutter and who had no way out of life’s challenges, except by suicide, as is now so popular in some recently written plays. In one such play, a young girl who was gang-raped, places a gun to her head and pulls the trigger. She drops dead, and the play ends on that note.

There is never any reference to the Guyana Suicide Hot Line in any of the recent plays, in which so many characters commit suicide.

Two of Sheik Sadeek’s popular plays were his Prize-winning “Porkknockers” which was based on the exploits of two real,

Ulric (Peter Bradford) is given a warm welcome by his Aunt Clarabella (Averil Farrier Watson) on his return from the National Service at Kimbia in the FQF play, Journey to Freedom at the TG Playhouse 1976

plays were all about life in the colony; but not necessarily about the underbelly of the society and with absolutely no up-lifting themes as is so prevalent with many of the more recent plays being staged at the National Cultural Centre.

One of the premier Theatre Groups in Georgetown during the 1950s and 1960s was the Georgetown Dramatic Club which was

larger-than-life pork-knockers, Sultan and Tengar, whose images are painted in the dome of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry on Water Street, Georgetown. Sadeek’s other play was “Black Bush”, which highlighted the farming community located on the Corentyne Coast. Poet and Playwright Rajkumarie Singh wrote a play entitled, “The sound of her Bells”, which dramatised an aspect of

A scene from the play “The Healing” from Pakuri (formally, St. Cuthbert’s Mission) (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

Guyanese Indian Culture. Another such play

by Rajkumari Singh was “Namaste”. Victor Forsythe wrote his most popular play, “Hassa Curry”, which depicted the social cohesion of the pre-independence era of British Guiana. Writing plays with a classical African backdrop during the 1940s and 1950s, was Professor Norman Cameron, who was born in New Amsterdam on January 26, 1903.

One of his most celebrated plays during the colonial era was “Adoniza”, which was set in an African metropolis somewhat like the recent Hollywood Movie blockbuster, “Black Panther”. So one can say that Guyanese Professor Norman Cameron was way ahead of Hollywood and was a playwright which the current Guyanese playwrights can emulate, by taking the settings of their plays out of the gutter and onto a shining city on a hill.

With the introduction of GUYFESTA in 1975, many playwrights based in the rural and hinterland areas got the opportunity to have their plays staged before large audiences. A memorable one from the South Rupununi was “Kanaima at Sun Mountain” by Basil Rodrigues. That play about a segment of the Indigenous culture was staged at the Lethem GUYFESTA Centre in 1975. GUYFESTA, in fact, gave many playwrights the opportunity to showcase their ethnic cultures.

In concluding this feature article, let’s return to St. Paul and not boasting; I will not boast about the mega play “Soldier Boy”, which I wrote and produced at the National Park in Georgetown as part of the ninth anniversary celebrations of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Hector Stoute who was a member of the GDF at the time, was in a leading role, supported by over two dozen GDF soldiers. The play focused on the Guyana Defence Force as protectors of Guyana’s western border and the agricultural pursuits of the GDF at many of their locations in the

country. Neither would I boast about writing and directing a play entitled, “The Trumpeter” at the National Cultural Centre, in 1985. It was a play based on the real-life story of the historic Angel Gabriel riots in Georgetown in 1853. The play featured Paloma Mohamed and Sean Bhola, who were students in High School at the time, and almost 200 other students from over 20 schools in and around Georgetown.

The Trumpeter was John Orr aka Angel Gabriel, who was the son of a Scottish father and an African mother who lived in Queenstown, Georgetown, and who was so anti-Catholic, that he caused a deadly riot in Georgetown and the lower East Coast Demerara, during the early months of 1853.

The play also touched on the early migration of Chinese to Demerara, with then-teenager, Nicholas Chuck-a-Sang, playing one of the Chinese migrants who was seeking an African bride. Have you ever wondered why there are some Guyanese of African heritage who have Chinese last names? The historical information I found, is that for the first 10 years, only male Chinese migrated to British Guiana, and that was shown in my play, “The Trumpeter”.

With the proliferation of plays with themes almost exclusive to domestic violence and in some cases, raw vulgarity and with no solution offered, the wish of most serious Guyanese theatre lovers, is that there will be a new set of plays which are set not in the gutter, but on the summit of hills and mountains, so to speak, in this land of hills and mountains. As that popular patriotic Guyanese song states; “Born in the Land of the Mighty Roraima”; which is a high, unapologetic, patriotic mountain boast. So let’s stop wallowing in the gutter and head for the Hills and Mountains on World Theatre Day 2019 and beyond.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

A story of redemption

Escaping the claws of addiction

By Deneita Fredericks FOR Francine Mitchell, addiction to drugs didn’t come all at once. Though divorced, she had a family who adored her, two wonderful children and a humble abode in Maichony. Life was good for the serving police constable and she was highly respected by her community.

But slowly, addiction crept into her life,

much like it does in the lives of many people who might otherwise appear to “have it all together.” In 2010, at the age of 55, she first tried out ‘crack’. Along with curiosity, she expected it to fill the voids in her life but, “It didn’t solve anything.”

In her mind, she wasn’t resilient enough to battle with the addiction thus she became susceptible to the temptation. She quickly spiralled into a life of depression and hurt.

WHEN HER LIFE BECAME UNMANAGEABLE Mitchell’s urge to smoke quickly escalated over time. It just took one tobacco cigarette to open her gateway to trying all sorts of different drugs. In quick succession, she lost everything that she worked hard for; her job, her home, her dignity.

By this time, her daughter was overseas studying and her son- who was only 12, was in her care. According to Mitchell, her boy suffered the most. Being young without a mother to comfort him from the misfortunes of the world, he became cold and merciless. His trust became limited and he raged with anger.

After several family interventions, she swore off smoking crack for a while and even sought help from her church’s pastor.

She began treatment and was rehabilitated. Unfortunately, this only lasted for three months. Her relapse was a result of over-confidence and this time was even more catastrophic. Feelings of rejection, suicide and loneliness flooded her mind.

She recalled, “You become powerless when addicted. It’s like you have no control over what you think, say or do.”

Mitchell recalled one night when she saw an old time friend who decided to give her a chance to regain herself.

A SECOND TRY AT BREAKING FREE Despite her struggles to combat addiction, she decided to try to change once more. She prayed and faithfully tried to motivate herself, but somehow still felt lost inside. This determined woman took up a job as a security guard. Sadly, this too didn’t last and she relapsed nine months after being clean. “I realised that I wasn’t ready to come back into society. People criticised me, condemned me and disrespected me,” she said.

Her anger towards people became stronger and stronger as days went by.

Mitchell related the days that she would walk the roads homeless, with nothing to eat and worst of all, having people look at her in a scornful way and she would lash out at them.

“I wouldn’t want this life for anyone.

The part that hurts me the most is that I let down the people who needed me the most.

I hurt them even more than I was hurting.

One day I was walking and I saw my son on the road going to school so I called out to him. When his friend pointed me out to him he looked back and responded, ‘That’s not my mother,’” she said with tears forming in her eyes.

THE DIAGNOSIS She began to spend money solely on drugs. Things took a turn for the worst when the following year, she was diagnosed with a severe heart condition after deciding to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for a checkup. Her valves were closing and her arteries were blocked.

“One night I was lying down and I said to myself, ‘Is this how I’m going to let my life play out?’ I realised that I was letting drugs score the points every time. I stopped feeling sorry for myself; I was not going to let myself be the victim any longer. It was

time for me to get my life back,” she said.

HER SUCCESS STORY Later that month she committed herself to putting her life back together. She thanked her family for never leaving her side even though she disappointed them.

She received sponsorship from her family and other people in the United States. She learnt to spend her money on food instead of drugs. Mitchell was placed in the night shelter, where she slowly got her life back on track. “It wasn’t easy, many days I was tempted but I promised myself that I was going to take control of the path my life leads,” she said.

The warrior in this woman persevered and she is now one year clean. The journey wasn’t an easy one for her but she pulled through and intends to keep pushing herself for greatness. Mitchell told this newspaper that she is on a mission to get back her own home even though she cannot work due to her condition.

She urges people to stay away from drugs and to those already on it to fight the habit. She believes that if you live a life free of drugs, you can make anything possible.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

‘Listen to your bodies!’

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Says well-known personality Dawn Cush

By Telesha Ramnarine SHE knew deep down inside that she should not have boarded the plane that day, but all she wanted was to get home.

Little did she know that ignoring her feelings and health that day would cost her a near death experience.

She is former magistrate Dawn Adriane Holder-Cush, 54, a lawyer of 22 years and now Director of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. Roughly three years ago, she was on a flight from New York to Guyana when she suddenly suffered a seizure. She didn’t see it coming; all she knew was that she wasn’t feeling herself that day.

The plane was forced to declare a medical state of emergency and divert to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where Cush had to be hospitalised for four days, two of which she was in an unconscious state. Shortly after returning home, she was again hospitalised at the Woodlands Hospital.

Eventually, though, she began realizing what it was that she was doing wrong in her life that led to her dilemma. “I didn’t eat well. Health was not a major concern of mine until that incident happened. Before I got ill, I wasn’t feeling well. I knew something was wrong, but I just battled through it. I didn’t listen to my body at all,” Cush related during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

Like many other women, she failed to go for regular health checkups. “Too many women would say they’ve never done a mammogram or a pap smear. I was like that before I got sick. They ran all the tests in the world that they could have ran at the hospital. Other than that, I probably would still not have done those things.” Once a woman passes the age of 40, though, Cush is advocating that they take their health seriously, particularly if they have dependents. “Everything was wrong with me so I had to take a lot of treatment and use a lot of medication. One time I had to take as many as 13 pills a day. I wasn’t allowed to drive; I was on extended leave. That brought a new perspective to my life in terms of taking care of myself.”

MORE WATER, MORE VEGETABLES Cush experience made her more conscious of her health, and today she uses every opportunity to encourage women, in particular, to “hear what their bodies are telling them.”

“Some days you feel lethargic like u don’t want to go to work, just lying down and staying home, and the next day you feel a little better and you get up and are gone again.

You feel weak, dizzy and all sorts of things,” she recalled.

“But the doctor has to be your friend. Do all your regular checks, because early detection is the only way for us. Some people will just fall down and die. You have to listen to your body; it will always tell you when something is wrong.” Cush never paid much attention to things like drinking water or eating a balanced diet. “I now drink and I try to eat greens. Basically, I try to eat sensibly.”

AIM FOR THE SKIES Cush was born to Terrence and Doreen Holder in Georgetown. She got married to John Cush last year, an engineer attached to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL).

She always wanted to become a lawyer, gleaning whatever she could from her role

Cush attended St. Margaret’s Primary and then went off to Queen’s College and the University of Guyana.

She completed part one of the LLB program that was being offered at the time and then subsequently, part two.

She graduated in 1995 and then pressed on to the Hugh Wooding Law School where she did the Legal Education

Cush is very attached to her two-year-old grandson, Mekhai

models who included lawyers like Desiree Bernard and Shirley Field-Ridley. “I always wanted to be a lawyer, nothing else. I used to talk a lot and argue, and my father said I better become a lawyer; always talking, talking,” she fondly recalled. Thanks to the relationship between her parents shared with her role models, she was able to meet them both as a child.

“I have a passion for the law. I’m now involved in competition law, which doesn’t have many practitioners. It’s a relatively new area to Guyana,” she explained.

Cush served as a magistrate for two years and now describes that job as one of the nicest that she’s ever had. “There was never a dull day. I have met people whom I had jailed on the road who hailed me up and said I was always fair when dealing with them. It’s a job I enjoyed immensely.” The simple, fun-loving, dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, as she’d describe herself, said while it is not easy balancing all of these areas of life, there’s nothing she would change about her life.

She definitely has goals that she’s working on and may surprise some in the future with her choice of work. “I have a little interest in politics. We don’t know what the future holds with that, but I have always been interested in politics. Maybe in the future, you’ll hear my name in a different circle,” she said while being careful not to let out too many details.

Cush feels that such politicians who are willing to go out and serve people are needed in Guyana. “In my case, it would be to really do something for the women. There is too much domestic violence. I think we need to start looking at ways to help the offender and not simply jail them. We need to have some sort of courses to help them deal with anger management and the like.”

She is advising women to get a good education so that they may be able to lead independent lives. “Aim for the skies, nothing is impossible. If you need help with anything, ask for it. I always encourage women to get a good education so they don’t have to depend on a man for anything,” she said, adding, “It was horrible to see cases where women came for child support at court and the man said it’s not his child. But if you’re going to make a child for somebody you don’t know well, ensure you’re in a position to look after him on your own.”

During her rough times, Cush said she was not afraid to seek out help. She continues to gain lots of help and comfort from her two best friends, Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan and Director of Insurance, Central Bank Tracy Gibson.

Dawn Adriane Holder-Cush

Certificate. She was called to the Bar in 1997. Cush is very attached to her son Kevin and two-year-old grandson Mekhai.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

BV/Triumph NDC soars to new heights

By Shirley Thomas

The Beterverwagting/Triumph Neighbourhood is now boasting three years of solid success in the management and development of that constituency, following the historic March 18, 2016, Local Government elections in Guyana. Navigating the course for that period was Chairman of the freshly installed NDC, Mr. Leyland Harcourt. And more recently, in the 2018 Elections, taking over the mantle to propel the Council in its upward climb to fame is new NDC Chairman, 22-year-old Jimmaul Baggot, the youngest ever NDC Chairman in the history of Guyana.

With the failure of the PPP Administration to hold local government elections for more than 20 years while in office, the APNU Coalition, on assuming power in 2015, soon after, sought to address this concern, and ran the elections off on March 18, 2016. Assuming the Chairmanship of the NDC was Mr. Leyland Harcourt who effectively served in that capacity for the next three years – (from 2016 to 2018), until the most recent elections

NDC Awards Ceremony. Trophies presented to officials of the Region and Local Govt Department: From left: Mr. Ramnarine Singh, AREO; Mr. Lambert, Regional Vice Chairman; Renisa Singh, NDC Clerk; Michelle Otto, NDC Overseer; Rashmie Chetam, RDO Overseer.

which saw Harcourt handing over the mantle of leadership to the youthful Baggot.

At the 2016 elections, the ‘8th of May Movement’, headed by Harcourt, they took12 of the 18 seats; the People’s Progressive Party – 5 and Independent Candidate, Jimmaul Bagot – one. But in the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections, Bagot made a bounce-back, which saw him clinch the Chairmanship of the NDC from Harcourt, thereby becoming the youngest ever NDC Chairman in the history of Guyana.

Commenting on the achievements of the NDC over the three-year period, out-going Chairman, Mr. Harcourt, in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine he informed this newspaper that the BV/Triumph NDC (2016-2018), during his tenure successfully completed more than 40 projects. While highlighting the challenges, he cited some major achievements to justify the ‘selfless and dedicated’ service of the outgoing Council – a job he described as being of distinction and merit.

IMPROVED RATE COLLECTION; IMPRESSIVE - PAYMENTS TO STAFF AND COUNCILLORS Harcourt who said he inherited a cashstrapped council, was elated to disclose that his council was able to clear off the massive debts to the tune of $20M before demitting office. Essentially, the collection of rates which had been a bug-bear to the Council was more than doubled, moving from 35 percent to 85 per cent. This was boosted by the creation of a citizen-friendly and amicable atmosphere, which ultimately motivated property owners to come in and pay up their rates. One of the spin-offs of this move, was the attendant increase in the salaries and bonuses to BV/Triumph NDC staff and Councillors, ultimately making a positive impact on the emotional climate within the work environment.

DREDGING, CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION Meanwhile, setting the construction and rehabilitation of bridges as a priority, Harcourt said the Council presided over and endured the thorough and successful reconstruction of Market Street, inclusive of the construction of three new bridges in Market Street – East, Middle and West. This contract was funded by the Caribbean Development

Bank (CDB) to the tune of $25M, for which the Council has expressed profound gratitude.

There was also the rehabilitation of Oronoque and Plantain Walk drainage canals and the Rehabilitation of Henrique Street.

Not least, massive construction of bridges –with a focus on Khadoo Street and Agriculture Road; Ram John Street and Surat Drive, as well as Jardine Street and Republic Drive was undertaken. Additionally, there was the rehabilitation of Ogle Street, from Jardine Street in the North to Ramjohn Street in the south.

Strict attention was paid to capital works – making the roads and bridges safer and more accessible, as well as ensuring the acquisition of much-needed facilities and services. Works included the annual maintenance of Triumph East Sideline, Triumph Middle Walk, Triumph West Sideline, BV Sideline, Rattan Lane, Canterbury Walk and other canals.

There was also the dredging and desilting of trenches and canals, maintenance of roads, as well as the clearing of sidewalks – all of which constituted a major bug-bear when the council took office.

THE NDC OFFICE In order to ensure a comfortable environment in which to work, there was the maintenance of the NDC Office building with the construction of extensions, facilitating the Overseer’s Office and a computer apartment.

There was also the provision of state-of-theart facilities, befitting an NDC Office.

There was also a beautification drive which saw the streets and parapets, being maintained. This drive entailed the removal of derelict vehicles from parapets, council reserve and maintaining drains. The aesthetics and the overall ambience in the nine constituencies was undertaken by the Community enhancement workers, and in co-operation with the Ministry of Communities, NARIE, GLDA and other public-spirited citizens.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE There was also a keen focus on capacity building and maintaining good relations with civil society in general, and very often the council performed humanitarian acts including applying the principles of conflict resolution to solve some contentious matters inherited from previous councils and festering among certain residents of the BV/ Triumph Local Area Authority. Harcourt also acknowledges with appreciation, generous donations made possible to deserving persons by private businesses, like garbage disposal bags and drums and financial donations made to citizens in the BV/Triumph Local Authority Area. There were also gifts and donations made possible by the NDC to deserving beneficiaries citizens having suffered loss by fire, sickness or death.

More importantly, with an emphasis on supporting the growth and intellectual development of the young people of BV/ Triumph Local Authority Area, the Council has been supporting educational initiatives, such as: financial donations on merit to sportsmen, top students at the National Grade Six Examinations and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC;) Examinations distribution of school books, book-bags and toys to children.

The NDC also established an ICT Hub at the Resource Centre, renamed the “Sir Donald Jackson Centre of Excellence”, accessible to citizens of the Local Authority Area, while presenting one large freezer and bursaries to the BV Primary School.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Phagwah on the East Coast

Residents of NonPareil celebrating Phagwah on Thursday.

By Michel Outridge RESIDENTS from Non Pareil and other surrounding villages on the East Coast of Demerara were among the thousands of Guyanese who celebrated the Hindu festival of colours in unity.

Residents, both old and young were out in their numbers in the streets and roads of the villages of Non Pareil, Bare Root, Enterprise, Stratsphey, and Melanie Damishana celebrating Phagwah, the Guyanese way, as one people, united in numbers.

The Non Pariel Mandir on March 20 held its religious service after which the Holika was planted at another location, not far from the Mandir.

The Holika was ignited on Thursday and the members of the Mandir used the ashes to rub on each other’s face to mark the occasion of Phagwah.

Other colours of powder which are locally available were also used to celebrate Phagwah all day but in the morning period, most Hindu brothers and sisters would use water to soak each other as well.

The day also saw sweet meats being prepared in the likes of parsad, fudge, vermicelli, sweet rice, mettai, goja, barfi, pholurie, baigani among others as well as seven-curry.

Hindus would also share the goodies to relatives, friends and neighbours as part of the celebration of Phagwah.

Scores of youths in the village gathered early that morning and went door to door to soak and rub coloured powders on each other.

Some went to neighbouring villages while others stayed in their community and observed the national holiday.

To sum it up, Phagwah on the East Coast Demerara was a quiet, sunny day which painted a colourful picture of unity and peace.

Phagwah or Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in honour of Krishna.

Holi, the Festival of Colours, is a public holiday in Guyana. It is a Hindu celebration that symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It also allows citizens to foster national unity in a country that is working to achieve unity among its people.

The root of Holi is derived from the Sanskrit word Holika, meaning, “parched grains.” This festival has deep religious significance as a rite of purification to promote good health.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Guyana Shop, a hub for local agro-processed products

By M Margaret Burke WELL over 700 locally produced agricultural produce are now available on the shelves of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), which is the marketing arm of the Ministry of Agriculture. This agency provides the necessary space for local agro-processors to develop, to stock and also to market their products to the Guyanese public, as well as to the diaspora in a way that no other business or agency provides.

The GMC, now branded as the Guyana

Shop, recently celebrated six years of being reopened. GMC, as a supermarket, has been in existence for over 30 years. During that period, it sold fresh fruits, vegetables and a variety of meats in addition to small-scale agro-processed items.

After the supermarket reopened its doors as the Guyana Shop, the decision was taken to place emphasis on mainly marketing local agro-processed items. As a matter of fact, the number of products in the supermarket, after it reopened its doors, has grown tremendously.

“We have come a very long way where

agro-processing is concerned, since the opening of the Guyana Shop in 2012,” said Kevin Macklingam, Guyana Shop Manager. He added that there were only 600 products on the shelves when the shop reopened its doors to the public. But, to the credit of the diligent staff, who has been working assiduously to attract new agro-processors to the supermarket, the list of products, (when broken down by size and types) on the shelves has now grown to 1476 and continues to grow each year.

For this year, the GMC has so far been able to get on board three new agro-processors, along with 18 new products.

Macklingam added that not only has the items increased, but the number of agro-processors has also increased. “The number of Agro-processors has already increased by 100 percent and the presentation of their products has changed rapidly,” contending that there have also been significant improvements in the quality and overall presentation of the locally produced items.

GUYANA SHOP FAMILY Rodiekah DeFreitas, who joined the Guyana Shop family with her line of Diekah ‘spices’ recently, is beginning to reap the benefits.

“My products, since being placed in the Guyana Shop, are beginning to move… With the different activities that I have been a part of, I must say that they have opened doors for

B&S pasteurised cane juice that was made by Samuel Blackman

something local I would go to the Guyana Shop to get it. Because of this, I know it would be the same thing for other persons who live overseas and would want to purchase local products,” John said, as he awaits

Another section of the Guyana Shop displaying an assortment of items

me to better market my products, especially the recently held Farmers’ Market Day, where I was able to make meaningful linkages,” she happily explained. DeFreitas, through the Guyana Shop, was also introduced to other leading supermarkets in Guyana. She noted that because of GMC’s assistance she will soon be supplying the Bounty supermarket with her Diekah’s Spices.

Meanwhile, Aubrey John, owner of GT fruit wine, who recently returned to Guyana and introduced his products to the Guyana Shop, said he is enthusiastic about being part of the “family”.

“I know from experience when I want

the “unlimited exposure” his product would receive.

OVERABUNDANCE OF OPPORTUNITIES In addition to marketing local-agro processed products in the Guyana Shop for the year 2018, there have been a plethora of marketing opportunities for agro-processors, many of which have led to meaningful linkages with farmers, exporters, local supermarket owners and persons who are interested in purchasing agro-processed items.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

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Iwokrama, 30 years on ana, it is not managed by the Protected Areas Commission.

This 23-year-old Centre has an established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Commonwealth and its own legislation that was specially passed in 1996, thus making the body autonomous because of its relationship with the Commonwealth.

Alluding to Iwokrama’s 2019 work agenda, Thomas said it will involve the 20 Makushi communities, as she reminded that the United Nations has declared 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages. The aim is to “draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger at the Iwokrama Centre.

By Wendella Davidson THIRTY years ago, then President of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, during his attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Malaysia, gifted to the world one million hectares of Guyana’s pristine rainforest, regarded as one of the four last untouched tropical forests in the world.

sition zone in rainfall, landforms, human histories and biological communities. Also, the Iwokrama Mountains are some 400 kilometres inland and stands at 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) high, form the geographic focal point of the forest.

The Iwokrama forest is in the homeland of the Makushi people who have lived and used the forest for thousands of years. As such, the Centre got its name Iwokrama from the range

An aerial view of the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, taken by a drone (Photos courtesy of Iwokrama)

At that 1989 meeting, the need for drastic measures to be taken to save the environment was high on the agenda, as such the generous offer made by President Hoyte on behalf of Guyana, was lauded as `extraordinarily generous.’

In 1996, former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat, signed the Iwokrama Act. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation is as an autonomous, non-profit institution which was set up to manage the Iwokrama forest, as a “living laboratory”.

The aim of the centre is to show how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used for ecological, social and economic benefits to local national and international communities.

Snuggled in the heart of the Guiana Shield, it is approximately 3,710 square kilometres and represents an important tran-

of mountains and according to the indigenous peoples, Iwokrama means ‘place of refuge’.

Since its creation, Iwokrama has sought to advance best practices in the sustainable management of the world’s remaining rain forests. It currently boasts a wide range of diverse flora and fauna making it an ideal location for bird-watching lovers, students, scientists, volunteers and interns interested in seeing and experiencing the untouched, lush rain forest. And, over the years, the Centre has attracted the likes of His Royal Highness Prince Charles; Prince Harry; President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, Ministers of government, among others.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, the Centre’s Director of Resource Management and Training of Iwokrama, Raquel Thomas, explained that when Iwokrama was offered to the world no protected areas legislation was in place until 2011. However, even though the Centre continues to function as part of the protected areas system of Guy-

preserve, revitalise and promote indigenous languages and to take further urgent steps at the national and international levels.”

With assistance from the communities through the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Thomas said the centre will this year embark on a project which will entail recording the national anthem in Makushi language. She noted that last year the Centre undertook the first 3D mapping of the Fairview community, and hopes to extend this to a few more communities.

The 3D mapping allows for the contours, elevations the river and creeks, roads and houses in the respective to be seen.

X

Supporting local entrepreneurs Meet Latchman the ‘Nut man’

By Indrawattie Natram “COME get your fresh crunchy fried nuts!” were the words uttered by Aaron Latchman aka Morris of Lot 65 Pomona Housing Scheme. Latchman resides in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. He has been selling fried nuts for approximately four years and, according to him, he enjoys working for himself. He conducts his business with much love, pride and dignity.

The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with

Latchman during a ferry trip one weekend. He was selling freshly fried nuts, honey roasted nuts and fried channa. On the side, he had fresh ‘awaras’- an orange coloured oily fruit.

During an interview with Latchman, he said his day starts as early as 01:00hrs preparing the snacks.

“I does have to wake up very early to get my business in order. I have to fry the nuts, then season them, wait for it to cool off then package it,” Latchman said. For Latchman the nut business is a family one and he is

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019 Some of the snacks he sells

happy that his son is following in his footsteps.

The elder said that he usually sells nuts in Essequibo and also at Parika, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara.

His sales come mostly from passengers utilising the ferry services. He

Latchman doing his business with love and joy

would board the first ferry at 05:00hrs then journey to the Parika Stelling where he will continue selling. When he is finished, he said whatever is left he would just sell to passengers on the evening ferry.

Like him, there were two other vendors who were also selling nuts. Latchman said that his business is supported by his wife who helps him fry and season the nuts and channa.

The father of four said that he likes selling nuts but one day he hopes to own his own pet shop. “I like animals, I am also known as the ‘parrot man’. I usually spend a lot of time in the bush where I catch the parrots. I love nature and whenever I am picking up fruits, I also look for parrots,” Latchman said.

When asked what are some of his challenges as a local entrepreneur, he said that sometimes sales are slow but he never gives up. He said that first when he started it was slow but as he increases his trips from Essequibo to Parika, more and more persons get to know him and would wait for him to purchase his nuts.

“I enjoy serving persons. It’s something I like to do. I usually go to Canada on vacation but I love Guyana and I love doing what I do,” Latchman said. He explained that Guyana is beautiful and Guyanese have a lot of options to choose from for business.

Latchman said that he was working with the Government before and the money was meagre for him to support his family.

Latchman’s fresh ‘awaras’

He is happy that he made the switch and he is now his own boss. He is encouraging entrepreneurs to start from little and eventually they will get there. The man said that life is full of challenges but one needs to overcome success with a positive mind and a positive outlook.

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on the Village With a long and interesting history

Mocha-Arcadia is poised for eminent greatness THIS week on Focus on the Village, our reporters took to the historical community of Mocha Arcadia, located on the East Bank Demerara to bring you stories about its people and their way of life. Stories written

by M Margaret Burke and Michel Outridge.

ACCORDING to Reginald Daniels, one of the historians within the village of Mocha, it was in the year 1894 that the village status was and had its boundary established as it currently stands. Once a coffee production village, it is located some six miles from Georgetown and presents quite a comforting spectacle when viewed from the East Bank Public Road.

He outlined to the Pepperpot magazine, however that the British and Foreign Anti-slavery Society wrote a petition on November 4, 1887 seven years prior, stating, “After the terms had been decided upon, the Transport was advertised at the instance of the Government, and so desirous were the Government of throwing obstacles in the way of a settlement of your petitioners claim, that a wrong description of the land was given, whereby it was made to appear that the Government had acquired a larger position of the land than had been agreed for; “That the remainder belonged to The Crown, and the surrounding Lands were

also owned by the Crown, which was not the case, and which caused an opposition to be entered against the passing of the Transport by the representative of the owner of those lands, of which the Executive Government have purposely taken advantage, and instead of accepting a transport free from error, have expressed a determination to contest the opposition.”

This, he said was the how the village of Mocha was birthed, therefore though a yet still thriving place, there is still a sort of yearning for much more to evolve out of what was given to them as a village. The people of the village have expressed a desire to emancipate themselves from the ‘slavery of longing’ and into an ‘emancipation of accomplishments.’

COMPENSATE TO DEVELOP Daniels has stated that the East Bank Demerara villages of Mocha and Arcadia, commonly referred to as Mocha/Arcadia, have over time been able to achieve much, in terms of their rich historical culture, changing sceneries, coupled with developmental activities such as better drainage and irrigation; roads; street lights and other amenities.

He was quick to point out that there is still a need for further development, but that the

village has moved to a better place over the recent years.

He noted that visitors to the village would need to travel some distance to meet the first section that is called Arcadia, then into Mocha, which has not lost its atmosphere of welcome, although still evolving from its old traditions.

However, continuing to express much concern over what he and others continue to see as ‘injustice’ meted out to them for what their ancestors fought for, he said, “We are aware that the return of ancestral lands would seem a daunting proposition.

However, if generations before had stood at the boundary of what is daunting and is easy, slavery would protrude its ugly head into our time. Doing the right thing, in this case, may seem overwhelming, but it should not be sidestepped for an easy solution that acknowledges the injustice but preserves the status quo.”

He added that the unjust taking of ancestral lands has significantly affected the village and its inhabitants; and that the exceedingly long period the village have deprived of these lands has caused stagnation and decline in its fortune while accruing significant benefit to the entity that has possessed them and strongly expressed that

Mr. Reginald Daniels

there should be some compensation made to members of the community, which may aid in the development of a newly expanded community.

135 YEARS LATER “Every generation has an opportunity to write the history of its time. Bestowed upon us, is the hindsight to right the wrongs of the legacy bequeathed by our predecessors.

What we do to write the history of our time is as important as the steps we take to cure the indiscretions of the past. We become complicit with the atrocities of the past when an opportunity presents itself to bind up and heal old wounds and we do nothing,” Mr Daniels noted.

He added that the villagers of Mocha/ Arcadia continue to view with interest all that the government of the day has done for them with expressions of much appreciation. He added that there are many more positive plans in place for the village, which the villagers are now longing to see achieved.

Facing the hardships of farming Farmers continue to press on

AT age 50, Denise Harris has defied the odds of being a housewife and has taken up her rightful position beside her husband, Dexter Thompson, making a living by working the lands to farm aback of the Mocha Arcadia Village, East Bank Demerara.

She is one of many female farmers in that community, who ‘held out’ even during the annual flooding. Harris has been farming for many years and as a female farmer it is an uphill task working side by side with her male counterparts which includes her spouse.

But she has learned so much from her other half, who has been nothing but patient and now she is a full-grown farmer, who works without supervision.

HARD WORK AND FLOODING “We depend on farming for our livelihood but it’s very hard, back-breaking work

Denise Harris

as a woman. Toiling in the sun and rain every day is no fun whether you feel like it or not,” Harris said.

She opined that farming is rewarding until the floods come then the land would become water-logged. As such, the crops would be completely destroyed and they have to re-plant all over again.

Despite this annual flooding in the village, Harris said all hope is not lost because farming has taught her to be patient. She related that every year when the rainy season starts they have to wait it out to re-start their crops and it is even a longer wait for the crops to be fully grown before they can harvest the ground provisions.

“Farming is hard work but at the end of the day it is my business and it brings in cash in the home apart from my meat bird rearing at home, it is my job which I enjoy so much, it has become my hobby,” Harris said.

This farmer added that the rearing of meat birds in their back yard supplement their income but it is an added responsibility but that is where discipline comes in. She disclosed that they also plant cash crops which are sold in the city but the ground provisions are retailed right in the community.

MULTI-TASKING “My day starts early at 0:400hrs or earlier where we go to our farmlands and do work all day, sometimes until night, then I have to return home to complete regular household chores such as cooking and cleaning,” she said.

This is where time-rationing is handy because she has to multi-task and allocate time to sit and assist her school-age son with homework.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019 even though it is a lot of hard work,” Sam said.

Pesticides and seeds are bought from Caribbean Chemicals and his produce are not fully organic because he uses some chemicals to get rid of pests.“I don’t like to work with people, I ‘hold out’ because of that, I prefer to be on my own and cannot deal with bosses,” Sam said. To escape disappointment, he planted mangoes and monkey apple trees which can withstand flood waters.

◄◄◄ From page XI

Harris said, “It is very hard, I have a Grade Six child and I have to spend time with him because I cannot leave him on his own with exams on the horizon.” Harris and her husband cultivate about five to six acres of land which requires their attendance every day. “Even though the wait is long for reaping the crops especially the ground provisions it is something we benefit from and prefer to be patient rather than working for people, who exploit and under-pay you,” Harris said.

ROLAND SAM, THE VETERAN FARMER The Pepperpot Magazine also visited the home and farm of 56-year-old Roland Sam, a veteran farmer, who spends almost all his time planting.

He has transformed his two-acre plot of leased land into his farm and uses the vegetables from his farm for his personal cooking and would sell off the excess right in Arcadia village.

Sam told the Pepperpot Magazine that he doesn’t know any other work apart from farming and started this undertaking since he was eight years old.

He stated that Mocha/Arcadia is his home village because he grew up there and spent almost 20 years in farming where he is no stranger to hard work. Sam’s farm has a wide array of fruits and vegetables and he is constantly experimenting with newer seeds/ seedlings. He has since been successful in developing a new graph of basil/ ‘married

Roland Sam posing at one of his shade houses on his farm

man-poke’.

Living alone has made him self-sufficient and he is comfortable in his little cottage which sits in front of his farmland.

Giving a little history, Sam said in 1992 he was leased the land by the then People’s National Congress (PNC) administration and it is since then he has been farming.

The farmer added that the only time he is disenchanted is when his farm is flooded.

This issue remains a major bugbear in the village and it’s the sole reason why some

people do not engage in farming.

He pointed out that through the Rural Agriculture Infrastructure Development (RAID) project they have been able to benefit from a drainage pump which is located on the main access road which assists in draining the land of excess water. “I work alone because this is my way and I am experienced and operate at my own pace with no one to bother me and I do the clearing, planting, ploughing and reaping. I am not being selfish but I am comfortable like this

RURAL AGRICULTURE The RAID project is one which targets farmers within Co-ops in various villages. The Agriculture Ministry is expected to not only assist in the clearing but also training in the areas of crop production. There had been complaints that poor drainage and irrigation greatly hinder agricultural development in the backlands.

However, Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) villages are benefiting from a US$3.8M grant. The grant was awarded late last year by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to facilitate infrastructural improvement in targeted smallscale farming communities.

The first phase of the agricultural land development project is underway in the villages of Mocha Arcadia, EBD; Beterverwagting (BV)/Triumph and Buxton, ECD, and Ithaca, West Coast Berbice (WCB). These were seen as having been “neglected” over time.

Paying homage to their oldest villager Mocha-Arcadia centenarian honoured

RESIDENTS of Mocha Arcadia are very proud of their centenarian ‘Village Mother’ Ms. Ina Agatha Barnwell-Bacchus, who some months ago finished her 100th birth anniversary having been born on November 5, 1918.

‘Mods’; Cousin Ina; Aunty Ina and Grannie are some of the other affectionate names which she is known by in the village by the young and not so young people of Mocha.

Aunty Ina, who is currently not quite lucid all the time was joined by one of her sons, Walter Bacchus, aka Leonard King for an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. She is currently being taken care of by a helper, with the assistance and supervision of her son and grandson.

“She was married to Mr. Lionel Bacchus, who died some time back. However, she mothered five children – two girls and three boys, but some of them have died out.

But those of us alive are doing our best to take care of her; we love and cherish her and all the people in the village of Mocha Arcadia also love her very much. We are all happy to have her [for all these years] and hope that we will have her around for many more years,” said Walter.

Ina Agatha Barnwell-Bacchus on her 100th birthday

a blessing to her on that occasion.

He mentioned that his brother who lives in the United States also visited for her birthday and was happy to find that our mother is still in good health, not suffering from any incurable illness such as diabetes or hypertension. However, we are all concerned that she is not Seated: L-R: Mr. Rudolph Adams, Chairman of the Mocha-Arcadia NDC, Ms. Genevieve Allen, Regional able to move around as much as Chairman, Region Four; Aunty Ina; Minister Amna Ally, and Lance Bacchus, the centenarian’s eldest living before; in fact, she spends most of child. Her other two surviving children stand at the back her time lying down or sitting in where she started as a party activist UNFALTERING POLITICIAN her recliner chair, which he said According to Mr. Bacchus, was presented to her by the Mocha BEST MOTHER since in the 1970s. In addition to Mr. Bacchus said that for her this, she was a farmer in the village. Aunty Ina is well-known within Arcadia chairman, Rudolph Adams.

According to Mr. Bacchus, 100th birthday celebration Ms. Ina Then in 1986, she went abroad for the community of Mocha Arcadia and also within Region Four for her Aunty Ina was able to offer words had a grand time, with many of her a while until the late 90s.” relatives and friends visiting from Mr. Bacchus said that she was close attachment to the PNCR party of counsel to the young and old persons who attended, telling far and near to celebrate with her. an outstanding mother; that he since it was formed.

He said that it is for that reason them that they must strive to be These included many of the resi- found her to be the best mother – dents of Mocha Arcadia “She was very loving, saying that she was that many of the members of the always thankful to God for what working with the People’s National always very concerned about her party turned up to make sure that they are able to accomplish, even Aunty Ina had a good time cele- wishing herself a happy birthday, Congress/Reform (PNC/R) as the children and people in general. brating her birthday and also being he chuckled.

Coordinator for Mocha/Arcadia,

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Elegant Creations A thriving business on the verge of expanding

SHE was fresh out of high school and with no work experience. She had difficulty finding a job and after some time of doing absolutely nothing at home, she decided to become self-employed.

Stacy Thomas over the years has gained experience in the field of cake-making and now manages a family-oriented business from the lower flat of her Lot 8 Dawson Street, Mocha Arcadia Village, East Bank Demerara.

This entrepreneur has in her employ four persons and has established a pick-up location at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank Demerara corridor which caters for customers to easily collect their cakes in a hassle-free way. This 45-year-old woman is enthusiastic about life and cake making in which she specialises in novelty, birthday, wedding, character among other customised cakes made to order.

HOW IT STARTED “I was out of school and I wanted to work but after applying I was stuck because the employers wanted people with experience and I had none so it was hard getting a job,” she said.

At that point, Thomas decided that she will not sit at home and wait around for something to happen and started attending cake-making classes in her village. She stated that back then they had life-skill training in Mocha/Arcadia and she utilised the opportunity to make herself marketable.

After a few classes she graduated with a

her and she was encouraged to continue in that stride and after practising some more, Thomas began taking orders when she thought she was good enough to please others.

Entrepreneur Stacy Thomas

certificate and began practising cake-making at home then she started to make cakes as a gift for some relatives and friends for their birthdays. These persons fully supported

THE JOURNEY It has been eight years now since Thomas embarked on her journey in cake-making and today her small business is evolving and she admitted that she might need a bigger place to accommodate orders.

Now that she has her own business the prospect of working for people is not on her agenda and will work assiduously to perfect cake-making. “I am working for myself and in the confines of my own home but work is work and I know I have to get up early and put in hours.

Making cakes is not an easy task but over time I became accustomed to long hours of making cakes to please my customers because I want my business to prosper,” Thomas said.

Even though she did not attend a recognised institution such as the Carnegie School of Home Economics she was willing to learn and is still learning today and credits her success to being humble and disciple. She said, “Anything can be achieved with the right mindset and determination. I was hopeful when I was unemployed, and I made a start by attending cake-making classes and that paved the way for me in establishing my own business.”

Cakes made by Stacy Thomas

FROM A FEW CAKES TO MANY CAKES After making a few cakes then, today she can make almost any cake from scratch with the assistance from her employees, who would mix the batter and so on but she would personally ice the cakes. Thomas’ cake business is called Elegant Creations and takes orders two days in advance with a down payment.

She explained that she was forced to implement this mechanism because some persons would call and order cakes and when it is time for them to collect same they would not answer her calls or would cancel the order.

Thomas would then be left with cakes on her hands causing her to operate at a loss because some cakes are customised and cannot be resold. She said that even if a customer doesn’t collect their cake she has the down payment in hand to offset expenses incurred and at least that covers the cost of the ingredients purchased.

Thomas disclosed that cake-making is an art in which practice makes perfect and it entails long hours and hard work but it is all in a day’s work. A typical day for Thomas starts at 04:00hrs and ends way into the night with the aim of customer satisfaction.

Writing History One of Mocha-Arcadia’s finest

JOSEPH Pollydore is a resident of Mocha/ Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, who wrote the history of the village and presented it to the large gathering when the community celebrated its 100th anniversary some years ago.

The 89-year-old passes his time still writing mostly poems and does a bit of reading as well.

Recalling how the idea was birthed, Pollydore told the Pepperpot Magazine that back then they had a village movement and when some developers visited a meeting was called.

At that meeting, a young man asked what is the meaning of the word Mocha, the name of the village but no one present could answer and that prompted Pollydore to do some research.

Pollydore, who has a vested interest in the development of the village explained that he had the time and energy then and he visited the Local Authority office after which he was directed to the office of the Lands and

Surveys Commission.

There, he was given some information which he used to bring together the history of the village which was reproduced into a booklet.

Pollydore is writing a poem which will be read for Mocha/Arcadia’s 125th-anniversary celebrations which will take place in May this year.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited his home he was relaxing on the verandah reading and writing as usual. The elderly man said he is taking it easy these days given his age.

“I had a motorcar accident in 1973 and my face was badly disfigured as a result. I lost sight in my right eye even though I have one eye I still have the blessing of reading which I enjoy,” he said.

In his early days, Pollydore worked with the then Guyana Water Authority (now Guyana Water Inc.) as a pump operator at Limlair, Corentyne, Berbice for eight years.

He recalled he was transferred to Mocha/

Arcadia village 50 years ago and it was then he became familiar with the people of the community and decided to settle down and established a family.

The father of two said his family is quite large and that he has grandchildren and great, great grandchildren as well. Pollydore said, “I had three children but one died but the family is big, is a good set of them but to tell you how many right now I can’t recall because my memory isn’t as good as before.”

This senior citizen is being cared for by one of his daughters and is hopeful that his poems of recent times would be put together into a book and be placed in the village library.

Unable to go out as he wanted, Pollydore said he used to like going to church but these days he doesn’t move around much but the members of the Mocha/Arcadia Brethren Church would visit him at home to give him communion.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that when he came to Mocha/Arcadia in 1968

Joseph Pollydore, 89 of Mocha/Arcadia.

and the place was completely surrounded by cane fields and drainage canals and he is, however, pleased with the transformation of the village where there are many houses and the establishment of new housing schemes.

Back in the earlier days, Mocha/Arcadia was occupied primarily by people of African ancestry during the days of slavery. The community derived its name from the principal activity that used to be engaged in there: coffee production.

Located about six miles from Georgetown it is a rich farming village.

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as an

ROGER Moore, 46 years old, of Prosperity Street, Mocha Arcadia has been engaged in farming for more than 25 years through ‘thick and thick’, as he sees it. A family man and father of five boys, he told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has gone through a lot or hard times, but has never seen himself being involved in anything other form of employment.

“I love working with myself; I enjoy being my own boss and I see a great survival from what I am doing. The thing is that it is hard work, really hard work when you have to clear land, get your drainage and irrigation in order and so forth, but in the end it pays off; you get your rewards,” he said.

RAID PROJECT He said that now with the RAID project, which has cost a lot of money, the desire is that the young people get back to the land. However, there are some challenges that people will eventually get over as they begin to see more results unfolding. “For example, you cannot see the coconut trees and others bearing as yet; it has to take some time before you can see real progress from it…There is, for example, the irrigation and

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

r e m r a f g n i r e v a w n u

infrastructural works that was done and some people are still a bit skeptical because of the terrible flooding that we used to have some years ago,” even as he urged some of his fellow farmers not to back down from any apparent challenge.

He also spoke of times when he suffered a great amount of losses – from ground provisions and vegetables to even some of his life stocks. This, he said was as a result of what he considered deliberate flooding of the farm land, “But I was always determined to never give up on my farm and until now I am working hard and always seeing something to encourage me,” he offered.

ADVICE TO FARMER Moore said that many people see farming as a place where they can make a lot of money; that it is a lucrative business, but they do not consider the challenges that can happen not only in farming but any other type of business.

“My advice to any young farmer that farming is a lucrative business; it is just that it has its challenges, just like buying a car or a motorbike, you ride it fast today and then tomorrow it may give you some problems;

there are challenges and they have to be able to ‘weather the storm’…I went through it all – 2005 floods and many others, with water till to waist, paddling even on the road itself in boats.

“The losses were plenty – pigs, cows, all of that. But I know that I am not the type of person who would get up to go to a eight to five work; I pace myself and whatever I get I say that I will make it work; $1, $2 or what, I will make it work,” he posited.

Moore said that as farmers there must be that dedication and stated that especially for the young farmers, that they must be willing to be humble; dedicate themselves; apply themselves towards the trade and them much progress will be seen, though not right away.

MODERISE APPROACH He said that some young people see farming as a cutlass and fork “bruk back” work, with a “dutty shut and pants,” but reminded them that life has changed for farmers, just as it is with many other professions. Farming is now different and must be taken to a next level, he said, pointing to the fact that farmers can now operate like many

in the Europe and other places, where farmers now go to the job with better clothing, farmers’ hat and even clean vehicles, even though they are farmers.

“However, we know that times are changing and we know that oil will soon come and Guyana has a lot of iron vehicles; therefore we will go to the different agro-processing, higher level of produce like the fruits and vegetables and so on,” adding that as a cattle farmer, with a many heads of cows, goats, some fowls and other things he know that farming has exciting times ahead.

Moore said that the younger farmers would need help from government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and others. He stated that with a lot more involvement from these agencies, he believes that a lot more of the young people would get involved. “They would now know a lot of things about farming, but with the help and guidance of these places they would be willing to come on board,” adding that with regular visits from officers of the Ministry of Agriculture to teach the young people he was very sure that they would do exploits in the farm, especially as it relates to Mocha Arcadia.

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Bribery is condemned biblically and its contempt must be transferred to our secular laws

THE environment conjured by the Charrandas Persaud spectacle that points to a bribery to bring down a government for the sole purpose of the acquisition of power and to enforce the machinations of a criminalised state, raises questions about the principles and functionality of our laws and its relationship to maintaining a defiance to the manipulation of its tenets by a confederacy best described Biblically as ‘Principles and Principalities of wickedness in high places’. This reference is relevant because the majority of Guyanese were tutored in the understanding of the Hebrew texts that constitute the Bible and the basis of Christianity, which have influenced and enveloped the secular Laws of our hemisphere, and are rooted in the tribal Laws of old (from the Nile onwards)- Africa and iron age Europe that adopted in principle and philosophies, religious and secular

tenets.

How bribery is viewed in the subconsciousness of most Guyanese is directly related to ancient teachings.

I can remember my father in conversation while I was invisible, sanding a piece of wood cut for a wardrobe.

Uncle Moshe related “duh’s wuh he do Braff he bribe the man.” My father replied, “Wuh? I ent know that he would’ve sink that low.” I absorbed that principle and confronted it continuously being tested in the same vein, and became aware that all the people I knew that subscribed to bribery were people who were accused before the court trying to bribe witnesses, settle their own transgressions, or others using a clerk to file an illegal document to steal some else’s property etc; and a category of politicians who buy votes, popular for a consistent absence of ideas and lack of holistic patriotism.

I can recall the early stages of the relationship with the mother of my eldest,

I had bought her a perfume set for her birthday. The next morning I was home, having done a round-the–clock-shift when a knock on the door revealed the presence of her father with the gift in his hand, her mother and the young lady. I invited them in and he proceeded to tell me that I was wrong to bribe his daughter with a gift and not approach the home; how it was unethical and after two hours of scolding, the relationship proceeded on a different note.

The Hebrew text/ Bible explains and repeats and pronounces on numerous occasions on the term Bribe in context with God’s condemnation. In Exodus; Chap.

23, 8, “And thou shall take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous” 1 Kings; Chap. 15, 18-19, “There is a league between me and thee, between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; come and break my league with Ba’

ash-a King of Israel that he may depart from me.” And so with Nehemiah; Chap. 6, 12-13, “And lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin and that they may have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.” Entrapment through bribery related in the scriptures is condemned as sinful. Matthew; 28- 1112-13- “Now that they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.” With the

book of Isaiah; 33, 15-16 “ He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of Bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high”.

We are all aware of Delilah and Judas. Today we witness America placing before the courts persons who have broken their laws by bribing ivy league and top centres of education to facilitate their children with bogus certificates, while we in Guyana have the presidential candidate of the PPP who has forged his qualifications and could not even copy the grades of tertiary education right- a complete fraud yet there seem to be no laws that prohibit such a loathsome act. The quality of a man or woman is not determined by certificates, but to possess a fraudulent mindset is disgusting. Where are the laws?

What laws watchdog the integrity of the Nation from

the Principles and principalities of wickedness that wish to ascend to high places?

The duel in Guyana is not about legitimate national contentions or race at the grass root level, it is about determinations of greed and self-interest; about power as a shield of protection for those who are guilty of past crimes; about the folly of the guard detail, to let the bribe pass, but it must be wrestled with, despite the Pharisees and their hecklers in the media. To quote the attorney Preetam Radhakrishna on Charrandass Persaud “ The motivation clearly was not conscience, as he could have resigned in protest from his party...” History teaches us that when lawlessness is allowed, it expands. Hitler used the Turkish genocide of five million Armenians in 1915, and no response from the world as a justification for his mass genocide of millions of various peoples. If this passes then what next?

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

FILES E S A C COURT

Armed robber jailed for robbery under arms, loses appeal

By George Barclay

But freed for receiving stolen motor car IN 1999, armed robber Keith Thomas had his appeal against his conviction and sentence for robbery under arms, committed on businessman Reymond Mohamed, dismissed by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

His conviction and sentence was affirmed.

But the robber was freed by the said Court on a second count for receiving a stolen

motorcar. This happened because the prosecution had failed to prove ownership of the stolen vehicle, which five robbers had used to stage the daylight robbery.

The Appellate Court was constituted

by Chancellor of the judiciary Mr. Cecil Kennard and Justices of Appeal Mr. Lennox Perry and Mr. Prem Persaud.

Senior Counsel Mr. Bernard De Santos

had appeared for the Appellant Thomas while Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions. Ms. Yonette Cummings-Edwards, appeared for the State.

The Appellant was one of five armed robbers who staged a daring daylight robbery on July 21, 1994, during which the robbers held up West Bank Demerara businessman Reymond Mohamed at gun point, on the Houston public road, East Bank Demerara.

They abandoned the car which they had used to effect the robbery, when one of the robbers who was attired in a policeman’s uniform, stopped Mohamed, a Cambio dealer, telling him that he was wanted at police headquarters on a report for dealing in counterfeit foreign currency.

The robbers blindfolded the victim, gagged and tied him up. Then using his own car, they took him to the Botanical gardens where they relieved him of millions of dollars before dumping him in a trench, following which they made good their escape.

Mohamed’s car which was used by the robbers was found abandoned at Stone Avenue, Campbellville, while the stolen car which was used to effect the robbery was found abandoned on the Houston public road.

However, Mohamed, who was dumped in the trench, managed to escape death. After getting himself freed of his shackles, he was rescued by a minibus driver who took him to the East la Penitence Police Station where Mohamed reported the matter to the police. == By George Barclay == There, he related his ordeal and told the police that the Appellant Keith Thomas who was well-known to him was one of the robbers. Thomas was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery under arms and receiving stolen property.

At his High Court trial before a judge and jury, he was convicted on both counts and was jailed for both armed robbery and receiving stolen property.

Thomas appealed against his convictions and sentences.

The facts of the case disclosed that businessman, Reymond Mohamed, who lives at Canal No. 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara is licensed to deal in foreign currency.

On the 21st July, 1994 he left his home about 6:30 am with his motorcar – a Toyota Camry registration number PDD 2164 – for his business place somewhere in Georgetown.

He had with him a large quantity of currency notes, including USA currency, Canadian currency and Guyana currency, some of which were in the pockets of his trousers and the rest were in a black bag which he had in the car.

Ad he was proceeding north along the East Bank Demerara Highway, in the Hous-

ton area, in the vicinity of Guyana Timbers Limited, a white motorcar pulled up alongside of his car and a person who was dressed in police uniform and who was sitting on the left side of the said car told him (the businessman) that he was wanted at Eve Leary Police Station for investigation into an allegation that he was dealing in counterfeit US currency.

He, Mohamed, stopped his car at the corner of the road and the other car pulled up in front of him. The person, who was dressed in a police uniform, came out of the car and went up to Mohamed, who was still sitting in his car. That person repeated that Mohamed was required at the Eve Leary Police Station; Mohamed replied by stating that that person should enter his car and that he would drive in his car to Eve Leary.

That person then pointed a gun at Mohamed’s head braced him against his car and then placed a pair of handcuff on his hands.

Four men then came out of the other car, one of whom Mohamed had known before that day.

The five men then forced Mohamed to get into the car after his face was tied with a piece of cloth.

Before then, however, the five men had removed from his trousers pockets the USA currency and the other currency he had there.

The car then drove off and he was thrown out of the car into a trench, at the back of the Botanical Gardens.

After this the car drove away with the five men inside. Mohamed came out of the trench and the cloth which was used to tie his face fell to his neck.

The driver of a passing minibus to whom he had called out took him to the East La Penitence Police Station where he made a report. From there he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station and later to the Ruimveldt Police Station. He was later taken to the Houston Public road where the incident had taken place. He noticed a white Toyota Corolla car there.

Mohamed later went in search of his car but did not find same. Two days later, on the 23rd July, 1994, in company with the police he went to Stone Avenue in the Campbellville area where he saw his car. He searched same but the black bag in which he had some of the money was not there.

The motor car was later handed over to him. He attended an identification parade which was held at Ruimveldt Police Station on 2nd of August, 1994 and there he had identified the appellant as one of the persons who had robbed him on the 21st July, 1994.

The appellant had been arrested in the Lodge area on the 1st August, 1994.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Siblings and Mental Health

I RECEIVED a column request from a young girl who claims to be having constant problems with her siblings. She is experiencing what seems to be situational depressive symptoms as the onset only occurs during and after an altercation with her siblings. I had a personal connection with this request as when I was younger, I didn’t get along with my sister at all; we fought all the time and although we loved each other, I feel as though we disliked each other for a long time. Well, sweetheart, I’m here to tell you that thankfully, those days do not last. When you grow individually, you’re able to better grow together and understand each other. You will come to realise that no matter what happens, that’s the person/ people you will have at your side.

I’m going to write about the mental health benefits of siblings and I’m going to dedicate this one to my sister Megan.

Siblings are a source of countless life lessons and skills. From a very young age, they teach us respect for others, communication, thoughtfulness and generosity while allowing us to practice our social skills.

Sibling relationships can teach the importance of thicker skin, sympathy, empathy and enhanced coping skills. I think the relationship with your sibling can determine whether you have healthy or unhealthy coping skills; whether you turn to healthy activities or alcohol and other drugs when in distress. During hard times, they are a source of understanding, support and resilience. Even those relationships that consist of many fights can aid in our development.

These fights teach us boundaries, forgiveness and effective conflict resolution skills There have been many studies on sibling relationships that have resulted in a few conclusions.

Sibling relationships tend to outlive all other types of relationships. A study showed that siblings are the most common relatives to see near someone’s death bed.

SIBLINGS IMPROVE OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH. Research shows that those with siblings are more active and energetic and therefore less likely to develop obesity and the subsequent range of diseases that tend to follow.

Whether you’re running with them or away from them, you’re still running.

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that individuals with siblings are also less likely to develop auto-immune disorders such as Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. This is due to an excess of germ exposure between siblings that usually build up bodily defences.

Having a sister specifically allows for a healthier expression of emotion and a higher resistance to mental health illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Those with sisters showed to be kinder, more resilient and were able to build closer friendships outside of their family than those who did not have sisters. Would you like to improve your sibling relationship but not sure where to start?

Below are some suggestions that may help.

Think of your sibling as a supporter, not a competitor; this will turn your biggest challenge and rival into an Invaluable resource. Whatever abilities they have that you may be jealous of or want to surpass them in, view them as a source of education instead.

Encourage your siblings in whatever is important to them- whether you have any interest in it or not. Relationships, in general, are improved when there is a shared interest in an activity. Spend quality time finding one thing that you both love and do it together- at least once a week.

Learning something new together, developing a specific skill especially has been shown to enhance the relationship; take up a sport together, language classes, cooking sessions – anything really that you would both enjoy.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Keys to successful vegetable seedlings production IN order to obtain good yields, it is necessary to have healthy plants. The only way to ensure that farmers have

healthy plants is to produce quality seedlings. The following are the basic guidelines to be followed for producing

vegetable seedlings.

CONSTRUCTION OF A SEEDBOX A seedbox 45*30*7.5 cm in dimension is very convenient.

In commercial farms, seedbeds 1m*5m are usually prepared in an area fully exposed to sunlight.

SOIL A friable and fertile soil is the best medium for starting seedlings. One part sand, one part compost or fully rotted pen manure and one part ordinary garden soil are mixed.

This potting mixture can be used for seedlings prepared in a seedbed, seedbox or for containerised transplants.

The sand will provide drainage and irrigation; the compost will improve the soil texture and increase its fertility.

SOIL TREATMENT As a precaution against pre and post-emergence damping off, the seed box/bed should be drenched with Rizolex at a rate of one to two tablespoon (15-30 grams) per gallon or Banrot at one to two teaspoon (5-10 grams) per gallon before planting the seeds.

Irrigate immediately after applying the drench with an equal amount of water. Allow one week between treating and sowing seeds. The seeds should not be broadcasted but sown thinly in furrows.

SEED TREATMENT Mix two to four grams Rizolex to one-kilogram seed before planting to prevent soil-borne diseases.

SEEDING RATE Hot peppers are seeded 1-2 kilogram per harvest with one gram weighing approximately 250 seeds/grams. The seeds should not be broadcasted but should be sown thinly on shallow furrows. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost to prevent seed exposure when watering.

SHADING AND HARDENING Shading should be provided to prevent the exposure of seedlings to the extremes of the environment, heat stress and flooding. Shading is important during the first 20-25 days after seeding. Harden seedlings by restricting water and removing shade protection starting 4-7 days before transplanting—this is to prevent transplanting shock.

MANAGEMENT The seed box should be watered moderately daily so as to provide sufficient moisture for the seeds to germinate within 10 days after sowing. Restrict watering to once every two days during the hardening phase.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

XIX

PHAGWAH AND ITS MEANING IT IS customary to write about festivals before they arrive. Today we shall depart from the custom of this column and write about Phagwah which was celebrated as a national holiday three days ago. We do so because Phagwah and its message has a perennial attraction and did not simply disappear on 21st March. In fact, many people have still kept in the celebratory mood until today, much as Christmas celebrations seep over to Twelfth Night.

Phagwah, like Diwali, is a Guyanese festival which was brought here nearly two centuries ago by Indian indentured immigrants. Since these immigrants were the main labour force in the Sugar Industry which was the largest employer in the colony, the sugar estates gave Phagwah as a holiday to their employees. Many shops also closed their doors and much business activity ceased on that day. The Banks and most Government offices remained open but there was little activity and they usually closed early. After National Independence, Phagwah was formally declared a public holiday.

Hindu festivals are always both moral and religious as well as celebratory. These festivals are very ancient, and over the millennia of their existence, many traditions become attached to them. In Guyana, the two main traditions which are attached to Phagwah are that of its being a Spring Festival and that of the elimination of the tyrant ruler Hiranya Kasipu.

Spring Festivals in the Northern Hemisphere occur between March and April. In all Civilisations and cultures, these Spring Festivals tend to fall in close proximity to each other because they use the lunar calendar. For example, Nov Roz which usually falls close to Phagwah is celebrated in the Middle East and in countries touched by Persian contact.

Or Easter itself, though it is the most important day in the Christian calendar also has ancient associations of being a Spring Festival as witnessed by its name after Easter, the ancient Teutonic goddess who was associated with Spring.

These Spring Festivals are usually times of feasting, singing, dancing, good fellowship, enemies reconciling, and filling the minds with a hope that the coming year would be one of prosperity and happiness. They epitomise rebirth and renewal. And Phagwah fits completely into this mould. Everyone entertains and shows good fellowship to everyone else. And of course, there is the sprinkling of red abeer and red abrack powder so everyone’s clothing is red, the celebratory colour.

The other strong Phagwah tradition in Guyana is the downfall and death of the tyrant Hiranya Kasipu. Hiranya Kasipu was a king in ancient India who performed extreme penances and austerities (Tapasya) until he was transformed into a good man in the eyes of the gods. The Divine as a reward offered him three wishes. His first wish was that he could not be killed or die anywhere on the earth; his second wish was that neither by night or day could he die; his third wish was that he could not be killed by either Man or Animal.

All three wishes were granted.

The King now grasped he was immortal and he was suddenly transformed into a corrupt egotist. In this fall, arrogance, greed and love for power completely consumed him. He declared he was God and compelled his subjects to attend their temples and worship him on pain of death if they did not. He trampled over every right the citizens had and fear and terror took over the country.

Without warning, Hiranya Kasipu’s very young son, Prahalad refused to worship his father as God and declared that he would continue to worship God. The king immediately decided that Prahalad must die a painful death by being burnt alive. He, therefore, built a huge pyre and arranged with his sister Holika who could not be harmed by fire, to sit in the burning pyre and hold Prahalad in her lap until he was completely burnt to ashes. As soon as Holika and her nephew got on the pyre, it was set alight. Next morning when the citizens went to the pyre, they found that Holika was burnt to ashes and Prahalad, the playful child, quite unharmed since her power of being safe from the fire was transferred to Prahalad while he was sitting in her lap.

Hiranya Kasipu was furious with anger and went to the largest temple shouting that all must bow to him as God and as he strutted about the temple, in his rage, he slashed one

of the columns with his sword and as he did so, a man-lion, Narasingha, jumped out of the column and attacked him.

They began to fight and struggle until they reached the door and fell upon the steps. At that point, Narasingha seized the king by the neck, lifted him up and strangled him. Hiranya Kasipu was killed by a being who was neither Man nor Animal; he was killed at dusk which is neither day nor night, and he was strangled in midair and not on land. God had incarnated Himself as Narasingha to save humanity.

On the news of the death of the tyrant, the people burst out into wild rejoicing and festivities and everyone literally embraced everyone else in good fellowship and Phagwah, each year enacts the celebration of the demise of the tyrant.

In Guyana, Phagwah is celebrated with great verve and joy and people of every race, culture, class and religion happily join in its celebrations. It thus stands out as one of the great forces of integration and unity in Guyanese Society.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

XXI

GT Phagwah celebration

I THOUGHT that this week, this Sunday, we would need a small reminder of how we celebrate our differences as a people and Phagwah- which happens to be one of my favourite celebrations- was just perfect for this task.

Although this festival is a Hindu one, like most of Guyana’s celebrations, it has become a mainstream observance in our plural society. In Hinduism, Phagwah (also called Holi) carries the overarching significance that goodness will always find a way to overcome the bad. But more specifically, it is a celebration of the beginning of spring.

Now I’m not quite sure if Guyana actually experiences spring, but it is a concept that we can play around with. Spring is generally that season where you can picture the flowers blooming in their full glory (yes, I know this happens year round in Guyana), the weather becoming a bit warmer and the atmosphere is just generally brighter. Phagwah is a reflection of that atmosphere. A lesser known part of Phagwah is that the colour of the powders used also have their own little meanings. Yellow signifies forgiveness and friendship, whitepeace and purity and red- love; that kind of stuff.

But personally, Phagwah has always been a time where I could enjoy myself (and be unapologetically playful) with my family and friends. And no matter where in this world I go, I am certain that there is no other celebration of Phagwah that can compare to Guyana’s.

For the past seven years, without fail, I have been kicking off my Phagwah celebrations at my school (or what used to be my school?)- with the annual Queen’s College Phagwah show. Now, this show is perhaps one of the larger, wholly student-organised events of the college and what’s so beautiful is that everyone chips in. Whether it is an extra dancer, actor, model or just stagehands, helping to put together and participate in this show is unavoidable. And if by some slim chance you missed your opportunity there, you can be sure that following the show- when the lawns become filled with water and powder- you wouldn’t be spared.

I’d like to believe that because I was exposed to this tolerance and appreciation for Phagwah during my formative years that I’ve grown up with a deeper sense of appreciation for the holiday. It is just something that I could enjoy without having to care about much (except the number of times I would have

to wash my hair when it was done).

And growing beyond that, I know my experiences in school weren’t exclusive. This was something you would find everywhereeven though the festival might, at times, digress into something less cultural. What remains constant is the concept of celebrating in this manner, and really, just celebrating.

On Phagwah, this year, the incumbent Indian High Commissioner V. Mahalingham called Guyana a “globe within a globe”-- because of the coexistence of so many cultures in one, comparatively, small space. You’ve probably seen videos of Phagwah on James Street, Albouystown; at the Stadium or somewhere-- and what is evident

Budding Model sets eye on Vogue magazine I think we can all agree that Guyana has been making significant strides in the fashion a n d m o d e l l i n g industry.

Over the past few years, we have had great representation around the Caribbean and further afield.

This week the Pepperpot Magazine features an aspiring face of Vogue magazine, 25-year-old Candia Glasgow, who hails from the Essequibo Coast.

This diva has been dominating the runway of recent times, at local fashion shows, but aims to take her modelling career further than the local runway.

In fact, she hopes to take on the responsibility of advocating for selflove and being comfortable in your own skin, since she said, that is what modelling did for her.

In an interview, Glasgow said that modelling for her is more than just showcasing a designer’s work.

“Being able to tell a story or making a statement, or even to send messages through fashion, are the reasons I love modelling. Walking on the runway showcases confidence and self-acceptance for the model, and showcases the creative work of the designer. That combination gives me a remarkable feeling,” she said.

Glasgow shared that she realised her passion for modelling after she did her second fashion show.

“Most recently I did a fashion production, Cinefxx Film and Photo Expo, and I got emotional behind the scenes.

That made me realise how passionate I am in this art… I love creativity, and in the fashion industry, you need to be creative every day. For me I’m always looking for new inspiration to be as creative as I can be, to continuously make a statement and send a message

of confidence,” she said, adding that her greatest inspirations come from her mother.

Glasgow said she has a regular ‘84’ job, but because she fell in love with the runway, she aims to one day make it her career and be a fashion icon.

“I aspire to be a face of Vogue, a fashion icon, someone that can use the runway to get the influence to send positive messages of self-love,” the model said.

In the meanwhile, she hopes to make more local appearances, to be recognised in her own country first, before she targets the international stage.

“For persons that would be looking at me for inspiration or would like to venture into the fashion industry, my only advice to them would be to be the best they can be. Always remember beauty is not physical.

Beauty comes from within and it breathes courage and confidence,” Glasgow admonished

and constant is that there are thousands of people ‘doing the most’.

This brings me to another significance of Phagwah; the festival of colours is also a tribute to the everlasting love of Lord Krishna and Radha. While on earth, Krishna was taunted for being dark in complexion and he took the colours and painted Radha’s face so she could become like him-- momentarily, of course.

Some people say Phagwah allows us to be ‘colourblind’ to our physical differences, while others (like me) prefer to think of it was a way of embracing differences- as Radha did to Krishna. Whichever it is, I see the merit that lies there.

And also, I mean, there’s always that leeway to forget about beauty standards for a few hours.

Around this time (the silly season), where there might be much mistrust and uncertainty, it’s nice that there are national holidays like this one that help to remind us that we are different, but that isn’t a bad thing when we can understand, acknowledge and appreciate those differences.

I mean, the joy of soaking someone, I believe, is something that everyone can relate to-- unless of course, you’re the one being soaked.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Preserving Guyana’s Culture

Phagwah

PHAGWAH or Holi is a jubilant Hindu festival, which marks the ushering in of the spring season and the commencement of the Hindu New Year. Holi also celebrates new beginnings, fertility, colour, love, and the triumph of good over evil.

Holi: Festival of Colours In Guyana, people of every religion, ethnicity, race, and creed come together to celebrate Holi, a two-day festival which starts on the night of the full moon in March with burning Holika (Holika Dahan) and concludes the next day after a ‘carnival of colours’, where people gather in public places and at their homes to participate in the festivities.

Technical Officer at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ms. Pamela Nauth, whose Ministry is mandated to promote education and the acceptance of festivals like Holi, said Phagwah is an important day on the Hindu calendar. “[Holi] started from… the 20th of March and goes… into the 21st. Tonight you’re going to have the burning of the Holika.

That’s the burning of the bad, all the bad deeds… Phagwah is really [about] good triumphing over evil… So, you burn all the

bad things… It’s about Prahalad. He was a great son of… King [Hiranyakashipu], but this king was quite a tyrant and did a lot of atrocities to his people. Prahalad, his son,

wanted to change that. So, the burning of the Holika symbolises that badness taking it into goodness. That [represents] the triumph of… good over evil,” she said.

President David Granger celebrates Holi (Phagwah) at State House last year.

In Guyana, the festivities associated with Holi are a beautiful expression of culture that contributes to national unity in that it helps citizens to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of Guyana’s diverse cultural mosaic.

“As Guyanese, we embrace a lot of the religious holidays, Easter, Christmas, and so on. It’s celebrated with a lot of pomp and splendour… The Festival of Colours, which Phagwah signifies, [happens] in the afternoon. People play with all the colours… the colours of the rainbow… Each colour has a meaning to it like white would signify purity… There [is a] specific relevance to each one of these colours that symbolise the real festival of colours. Phagwah also means spring, the reaping of the crops in celebration,” Ms. Nauth said.

The Technical Officer explained that the country-wide celebration of religious holidays increases the population’s religious tolerance and helps them to see one another as one people.

“I think Guyanese… have a lot of religious tolerance and acceptance and we embrace this and we look forward to it because we’re a plural society… We… have neigh-

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

bours of different ethnicity, different cultural [and] religious backgrounds, but yet still we embrace it. This is what it’s all about… I think this is what makes us unique. We embrace the different religions and the different cultures and it’s an opportunity for us to unite, to be a harmonious society and I’ve seen this in a number of festivals and religious activities,” she said.

Ms. Nauth added, “This is not something new to us. Social cohesion has always been practised by Guyanese. We have been a socially cohesive society for as long as anybody can remember. I think these festivals just give us an opportunity to strengthen that cohesiveness.”

A UNIFYING FESTIVAL Since taking office in 2015, President David Granger has opened the doors of State House in support of religious and cultural celebrations and representation in Guyana.

Mr. Dev Das, President of the Hare Krishna Study Centre while offering a few words to usher in the week of Holi, encouraged attendees to see the spread of colourful

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Scenes of this year’s Phagwah celebration, held at the Indian Cultural Centre.

powders during Phagwah as artistic expression a multi-cultural, but socially cohesive Guyana.

“As you [apply] those colours and as those colours will be mixed together, [I hope] that we all will be united in a similar way… These colours, as they mix together, will paint a wonderful picture. We all, when we colour our hearts… we paint a wonderful picture that we will offer to this land that is dear to all of us, the land that we love,” he said.

This year, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge, who is performing the functions of the President, hosted the State House celebration of Holi emphasising its theme of unity and harmony.

“Phagwah is intended to be a unifying festival. It is a time in which barriers of age, class, race, and sex are disregarded and when everyone can come together and be happy. At this time, we should, therefore, set aside differences and misunderstandings… Phagwah’s underlying message of harmony urges us to dispense with division, disunity, distrust, and disaffection. It is my hope, therefore that this message will permeate through and percolate within our society. May the values of this great festival of Phagwah nestle in our hearts and help to strengthen the bonds of unity within our country,” he said.

Spring has come on the Hindu calendar and with it comes a great hope for new beginnings and fresh opportunities to support and encourage our fellow Guyanese. Let us all celebrate the kaleidoscope of colours within our nation that binds us together in true unity. Happy Holi!

A Message from President David Granger: The festival of friendship and fellowship I extend best wishes to the people of Guyana on the occasion of the joyous festival of Holi (or Phagwah).

Holi is a spiritual event that recounts the adversities of Prahalad, his unshakeable faith and his eventual triumph over the forces of destruction. Holi, also, is a secular event that signifies rebirth and regeneration. These are universal themes which are common to all the major religions in Guyana.

Holi ? a colourful and vibrant festival ? was introduced into Guyana by the Hindu migrants who came to work and live here one hundred and eighty-one years ago. The festival, with its origins in Hindu and Indian culture, has become national in character and is celebrated across the country, engendering hope and an outpouring of happiness.

Holi fosters the spirit of togetherness. It celebrates our shared humanity, without regard to social differences and divisions. It conveys a powerful message of friendship and fellowship.

I encourage Guyanese everywhere to enjoy the festival of Holi and to celebrate the values of social cohesion and national unity by rejecting the forces of division.

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Oral Herpes FEVER blisters are different from canker sores or cold sores. They are caused by a virus, Herpes Simplex, Type 1, and is very contagious. This virus remains in the body once an individual is infected and there is no cure for Herpes. You should avoid all physical contact with these lesions and avoid kissing during an outbreak of Herpes Simplex. The lesions spread very easily. Most children become infected from their parent that has active lesions. Children can spread the virus by rubbing an active lesion and touching other children. After the initial infection by the Her-

pes Virus, recurring lesions usually are less painful in most people.

Anyone that has ever experienced a severe aphthous ulcer (canker sore/ cold sore), or ulcerative gingivitis knows how painful and uncomfortable this oral condition can be. Most people have their first bout with canker sores between the ages of 10 and 20. Women are more likely than men to have recurrent canker sores.

Genetic studies show that susceptibility to recurrent outbreaks of the sores is inherent in some patients. This partially explains why the disorder is often shared by family members.

The scientific literature states that the etiological agent for canker sores is basically unknown. Canker sores are not contagious.

More than one cause is likely, even for individual patients. Canker sores do not appear to be caused by any viruses or bacteria, although an allergy to a type of bacterium commonly found in the mouth may trigger them in some people. The sores may be caused by a faulty immune system that uses the body’s defence against disease to attack and destroy the normal cells of the mouth or tongue. There is strong scientific data that suggest these painful and troublesome lesions are the result of a bacterial imbalance and tissue invasion by certain

bacteria. Some believe they are the result of digestive acids, stress-related, activated and initiated by chemi-

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

cal or spices in food or activated by too much sun. There is some evidence that

says hormonal imbalances with secondary factors initiate the lesions. Female sex hormones apparently play a role in causing canker sores.

Many women have bouts of the sores only certain phases of their menstrual cycles.

Most women experience improvement or remission of their canker sores during pregnancy. Both emotional stress and injury to the mouth can trigger outbreaks of canker sores, but these factors probably do not cause the disorder. Many believe the theory that certain foods such as milk, hot coffee, chocolate, cheese, vinegar, citrus fruits, whole wheat and nuts high in amino acid arginine initiate these lesions.

Fever blisters, being different than canker sores, are caused by herpes virus, Type 1, and most people are infected by the age of 10 years.

Once a person is infected there are several factors that initiate recurring lesions. The scientific community believes that emotional stress, illness, injury, systemic disorders that cause fever, mate, sexual habits and a lot of exposure to sunlight weakens the body’s natural defences and will activate the herpes virus. It is well documented that many women experience active fever blisters only during the menstrual cycle.

There is scientific data that indicate the herpes virus is inherited. You can experience symptoms with an outbreak of herpes virus such as fever, sore throat (swollen neck glands), headache or flu type symptom with gen-

eral aches. There is ongoing research h on the initiating factors and control of Herpes Simplex.

Science continues to research these aggravating lesions and what causes them. British studies show that, in about 20 percent of patients, canker sores are due partially to nutritional deficiencies especially the lack of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Similar studies perform in the USA, however, have not confirmed this finding. In a small percentage of patients, canker sores occur with gastrointestinal problems, such as an inability to digest certain cereals.

In these patients, canker sores appear to be part of a generalised disorder of the digestive tract. Many individuals have lesions on a regular basis or experience the lesion on a seasonal basis. Some experience the lesions on a yearly basis with no explainable reason for what initiated the outbreak of the lesions.

Chronic oral lesions that could be the result of multiple systemic infectious diseases such as chronic venereal diseases, tuberculosis and parasitic diseases have a very negative effect on the immune system and could be a source for transmission of the pathologic viruses or bacteria to your mate or sexual partners.

Controlling the oral lesions is one of the first steps toward good health and reducing the chance for transmission of pathologic disease and ulcers.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page VIII

Diana Dodson, Crop Extension Officer at the Guyana Marketing Corporation, displaying some coconut end-products

Some of these invaluable opportunities for the year were the Porridge Sampling sessions that were held at three Post Offices in Region Four; the Agro-processors’ Exhibitions, which took place in Regions Four and Six. There was also the Emancipation Exhilaration that took place at Stabroek Square. Apart from these marketing opportunities, staff from the GMC, when invited to other exhibitions regionally or extra-regionally, would use the opportunity to promote local products available in the Guyana Shop.

The products in the Guyana Shop are not only available in Region Four, where the greatest concentration of products comes from, but has also been instrumental in securing spaces for agro-processed products in local supermarkets in seven of the ten administrative regions in Guyana.

Some of the items available in the Guyana Shop are jams, jellies, sauces, seasonings, several types of flours, porridge mixes, coconut oils, soaps, honey, crabwood oils, coconut cream, teas, and a variety of wines, among other items.

A variety of locally produced items that can be found in the Guyana Shop

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS Ida Sealey-Adams, General Manager of GMC, said that she was very grateful for the collaboration that has been forged with the agro-processors over the years. She added that she was looking forward to the continued support, even as the corporation intensifies its effort to promote local products.

She stated that it was through the corporation’s public/ private partnerships with supermarkets and other retail shop owners, they have benefitted from the allocation of spaces to market their locally processed products.

FUTURE PLANS “It is envisaged that this ongoing relationship will result in Guyana Shop corners in all 10 administrative regions. Further, plans are in place to establish at least one Guyana Shop corner regionally and extra-regionally in the not too distant future. In this regard, during this year (2019) the Corporation will undertake missions overseas to pursue this venture,” Sealey-Adams said as she elaborated on the future plans for the Guyana Shop. She added that she was very thankful for

XXV the supermarket owners who continue to support the Guyana Shop and agro-processors.

She stated that she was also encouraging persons, locally and internationally to get on board and partner with the GMC to support local agro-processors. Adding, “Individuals and businesses locally, within the Diaspora, regionally and internationally who are interested in partnering with us, can contact us at the GMC for any information they may need.”

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Beauty and the Beast Jr. to be Performed at NCC on March 30

THE Georgetown International Academy (GIA) has firmly established a theatrical tradition that is needed and appreciated in the theatre fraternity of Guyana. It is one that bridges the educational goals the school has for its students, while also providing wholesome musical and theatrical entertainment of a sort that would not appear on the Guyanese stage were it not for the commitment that GIA has towards the arts and its students. Past productions include the original musicals, “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Lion King Jr.,” “Aladdin,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Shrek Jr.” This year, a production of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” will be staged on March 30th at the National Cultural Centre. The musical gives us a story that is familiar to all, and even if someone has never seen any of the several film adaptations, it is still very likely that such an individual would have heard about the story, whether it’s through a cultural source (as many variations of a beast being transformed into a human upon finding true love exists in almost all societies), or through some media other than film, as “Beauty and the Beast” is too iconic, being a “tale as old as time,” and occupying such an important place in modern pop culture that it is simply impossible to not have experienced at least some facet of this story before even happening upon the musical. Almost everyone knows the beautiful opening music, the castle in the woods, the angry enchantress who curses the handsome prince to become a monster, all of the castle servants who are transformed with him, and Belle, the brave, bookish girl who takes her father’s place in the Beast’s dungeon and goes on to win his heart.

As always, GIA has recruited a team of faculty members to guide the student-cast as they work towards the crafting and honing of a musical experience that aims to offer something that is familiar, while also representing something fresh and rare for the theatre-going populace of the country. The stu-

dents of the school work in various roles in the production, doing everything from acting, singing, and dancing, to stage managing, designing, and construction. It is a wild and varied, yet thoroughly enjoyable experience that allows students to engage in the arts while also building on several education tenets related to some of the courses they take in school, such as Drama, Music, Literature, and Art. The play is led by 11th grader, Sofia Pinol who will be taking on her first leading role by playing Belle, the titular beauty who, with her kindness and intelligence, manages to show the Beast what it means to experience love. Darren Hinds, also an 11th grader and one of the school’s newest students will be appearing alongside her as the Beast who is the persona given to a prince after being cursed by an enchantress. Four 9th graders, Alexander Strand, Faraud Mohamed, Julia Regina, and Sakinah Khan play the important roles of the various castle servants, Lumiere (candlestick), Cogsworth (clock), Mrs. Potts (teapot), and Babette (feather duster), respectively. 10th-grade student, Naomi Hill appears as the operatic wardrobe, Madame De La Grande Bouche, and the tiny teacup named Chip will be relayed to us by two extremely charming and talented first graders, Hanaan and Simrah McDoom. Rounding out the main cast is 12th-grade student, Rachel Mekdeci (last year’s Fiona in “Shrek Jr.”) who plays the villainous Gaston in a gender-swapped performance, and Eros Jackson (last year’s Shrek in “Shrek Jr.”) as Gaston’s sidekick, Lefou. Additionally, the ensemble consisting of villagers, castle servants, narrators, and other minor roles are played by students from 1st grade all the way to 12th grade, and two final year students, Samara Oswald and Ayushi Baidya, are currently working as the play’s stage managers.

Aside from daily rehearsals, the team has been preparing other aspects of the performance besides the acting, singing and dancing elements. Students have designed and are helping to paint and construct some of the set and prop pieces. These

GIA presents “Beauty and the Best Jr.”

include everything from the walls of the castle to the central, symbolic rose that has come to stand as one of the story’s signature elements. The ways in which the entire student body is actively involved in making this play happened, as they have been doing since the first musical was staged several years ago, is undoubtedly part of what GIA hopes to achieve by staging these plays in the first place. Student-led initiatives are important in schools and an event of such pomp and grandeur definitely requires several leaders to make it happen, and quite a number of them must come from the student population.

“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” promises to have something for everyone who attends the show at the National Cultural Centre on March 30th, whether it is magnificent costumes (by Bravo Arts), a live band, emotional performances, beautiful singing, little children doing cute choreography, or simply one of the rare pieces of theatre that might come closest to being like a Broadway musical here in Guyana, or even if it is to just see another form of the eternal story, there will be definitely be something to take your breath away.

Iwokrama’s eco-tourism

ECO-TOURISM is known to be one of the areas through which the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is best known for.

The Centre has two lodges,- the “River Lodge” which consists of eight cabins that are used for accommodation whenever students visit the centre to undergo research, and a smaller accommodation section known as the “Atta Lodge”, located some distance off from the lodge with six rooms.

The word “atta”, in the Makushi language, means “hammock.” Geographically, Atta is situated approximately 500 metres from

the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway and it is completely surrounded by tropical rainforest, which offers a complete immersion in the rainforest experience. Both accommodations come under the management of the Iwokrama International Centre.

And since it takes eco-tourism matters seriously, the Centre has also inked partnerships with Wilderness Explorers, an inbound tour operator which specialises in nature and adventure travel; and Surama Village which

is within the protected area and the Rock View Lodge, located at Annai.

For bird-watching, hiking and lovers of nature, the Iwokrama forest with its flora and fauna is ideal for such adventures with its wide range of habitats that support diverse flora and fauna. According to the records, within the area are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 higher plant species, 420 species of fish, 150 species of snakes, lizards and frogs, 500 species of birds and 180 species

of mammals.

An added tourist attraction at the centre is also a state-ofthe-art canopy walkway, that is 60km east of the river crossing and the Iwokrama River Lodge and 30 metres above the forest floor. The walkway connects several platforms that offer a bird’s eye view of native greenheart, high-dwelling howler monkeys and lots of birds. The best times to see the birds and other wildlife are at dawn or late in the afternoons. The canopy walkway constructed with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The small cabins

President David Granger walks along the canopy walkway

First Lady Sandra Granger enjoying a stroll along the canopy walkway

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Promoting sustainable Forest Management through Environmental Authorisation ON March 21, 2019, Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating “International Day of Forest�. As you are well aware, forests are not only the lungs of the earth but they are home to millions of species and provide us with jobs, livelihoods and other services necessary to sustain our lives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to work assiduously to ensure development does not compromise our environment and jeopardise our health and ultimate well-being. One of the ways the Agency does this is through its Environmental Authorisation Process.

In this regard, the Agency continues to build the capacity of Community Forest Operators to ensure they become authorised through the EU-FLEGT project.

86 persons from Regions 6 and 10 are the latest beneficiaries A total of eighty- six (86) persons, inclusive of Community Forest Operators (CFOs), women and youths from Regions 10 and 6 were the latest beneficiaries of capacity building workshops under the EU-FLEGT project. The project being implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to sensitise Community Forest Operators on the Environmental Authorisation process. The workshops were held on March 7, 12 and 13, 2019, in Linden, New Amsterdam and Orealla, respectively. Participants represented CFOs and other interest groups from the communities of Rockstone, Coomacka, Bara Cara, Plegtanker as well as, Orealla and Siparuta. These workshops follow those previously held in Regions 1, 2, 7, 9 and 10 with a total number of 246 persons engaged thus far.

The overall aim of this component of EU-FLEGT project is to ensure all Community Forest Operators become authorised in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, laws of Guyana. Participants were exposed to both practical and theoretical components of the Environmental Authorisations process. A key component of the workshop entailed detailed guidance on filling out of the application form for environmental authorisation and providing the supporting documents to complete the process. Participants expressed gratitude for this type of intervention and made a commitment to become authorised at the earliest time.

The last series of workshops will be conducted in Regions 3 and 4 in April. The Agency will continue to work with the Guyana Forestry Commission and other partners to ensure Forestry Operations have the best environmental and social safeguards in place while remaining economically viable.

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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Why is Social Work important to Guyana and the Caribbean?

SEETA Dalloo, a student representative at the University of Guyana said, “Some persons see the Social Work course as a stepping stone for other careers. At one point in my life it was just that; a means of getting into the Law programme. However, that changed with just one year of me being a social work student. I learned so much more than I bargained for in this programme; the reality of the world that we live in, the injustice and challenges individuals face, and the complexity of society and how it affects us as social beings.” She continued by saying, “Becoming aware of these challenges made me realise the need for advocates for the voiceless; enablers for those in need, but more importantly, the need for social workers to possess the competencies necessary to effectively work with their clients. It is one thing to want to be the change but it’s another thing to have the tools necessary to actually make that change happen and I believe social work is the foundation of that change.”

I am a second-year social work student at the University of Guyana (Berbice Campus). While Tuesday, March 19 was probably a normal day for most of you, it wasn’t for me, other social students and social workers in practice. It was World Social Work Day. Let’s take a step back and imagine a world where the profession of social work did not exist. A world without counsellors, welfare officers, probation officers, child protection officers, psychiatric social workers, hospice social workers, policymakers who are social workers; where would we have been as a people?

Social work and its history can be traced back to the Colonial days when England first released the Elizabethan Poor Relief Act in 1601. During those days, the works and policies of this law excluded African slaves, vagrants and abled-body persons. It catered mostly for the ‘disabled’ and elderly folks. As time progressed into the era of war, ‘social work’ was then transformed into voluntary work.

Services were provided through the Church of England and the Salvation Army.

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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

Creative spaces always reignite my passion

ANOTHER week with memorable moments. Mrs Patricia Jordan Langford invited some ladies to join her for her presentation at the United Nations 63rd Session of Commission on the Status of Women. Among those ladies were Hon. Barbara Atherly, Guyana’s Consul General to New York, her daughter Gillian Jordon-DeVerteuil, Lorna Welshman Neblette, Claire Patterson Monah, myself and a few others.

The presenters highlighted women’s empowerment, gender equality and the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM). One of the presenters was very explicit as they described what happened to a five-year-old in one of the African countries. The elders in the village held her down to cut off her clitoris as she screamed for her parents who were helpless.

They proceeded to add salt to the raw area. It is unbelievable to think that is still happening in various parts of the world in these modern times and we must commend those organisations who are fighting against this inhuman act. The vivid details are hard to erase from my memory.

On a more positive note, a few days later my friend, Professor Steven Cutting invited me to join a line of industry professionals to critique a project in one of his classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) New York. Professor Cutting is someone who is highly respected in the fashion industry and I admire how humble he is. He visited Guyana along with actress Anna Maria Horsford some years ago to judge Designers Portfolio. Creative spaces always reignite my passion for the industry and always allow me to dream about what can happen one day in Guyana.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XVI

Chancellor Kennard, who delivered the judgement said that so far as the count of receiving stolen property was concerned, the prosecution relied on the doctrine of recent possession to found a conviction.

The Chancellor pointed out that a witness Romeo Devonish had testified that on the 19th July, 1994, he was sitting in his sister’s motor car PEE 5518 in front of Demico House, Brickdam, when two men came up to him and requested him to take them to Alexander Street, Georgetown.

During the course of the journey the men requested him to stop the car as they wished to answer a call of nature. He came out of the car and after he had done so one of the men pointed a gun at him and entered the car with the other and they drove away. He next saw the car on 21st July, 1994 in the Mc Doom Village area near to Guyana Timbers Ltd. The Chancellor said that at the trial the appellant was not identified by Devonish as one of the men who had driven away in his car on the 19 July, 1994.

The State had contended that despite Devonish’s failure to identify the appellant, other evidence could be used to providet the link, but Mr De Santos, for the Appellant, disagreed and objected. Mr. De Santos had also submitted that the learned trial judge had erred in sending the count of receiving stolen property to the ury as there was no evidence to support it.

Among other things, Mr. De Santos had submitted that inadmissible evidence of a material and extremely prejudicial nature was wrongly admitted in evidence by the trial judge therefore rendering the trial an unfair one. De Santos also said that the summing up of the trial judge was confusing, unbalanced and therefore biased against the appellant and could not yield to a fair trial. In particular, it was submitted that the trial judge did not adequately put the case of the appellant fairly and/or adequately to the jury.

Allowing the appeal on the count of Receiving stolen property, the Appellate Court ruled, “In the present case this strict proof of identity of the motor car is lacking. Mohamed had stated that the men had driven up in a white car and that later the same day when he had returned to Houston Public Road he had seen a white Corolla car there. He gave no description of the car in which the men had driven up save and except that it was a white car.

Romeo Devonish had testified that he had seen his sister’s car at Houston’s Public Road near to Guyana Timbers Ltd at about 1:30 pm on the 21st of July, 1994. It is probable that the car in which the men drove up was that of Audrey Devonish, but mere probability is not sufficient bases from which it would be inferred that the car was indeed that of Audrey Devonish. The evidence of Mohamed lacked sufficient details to justify the inference that the car in which the men had driven up in, was indeed that of Audrey Devonish.

In the circumstances, the appeal in respect of the conviction for receiving stolen property is allowed and the conviction and sentence must be quashed, the Chancellor said.

But in relation to the offence of robbery under arms, Chancellor Kennard said, “I would confirm the conviction and sentence.

The blemishes in the summing up were peripheral and did not affected the validity of the summing up or the safety of the conviction. ◄◄◄ From page XVII

This may sound counter-intuitive but give them space.

Everyone needs space at times, especially those who share bedrooms.

Acknowledge, understand and accept where their boundaries are. We often tend to push these in sibling relationships – probably more than any other relationship in our lives. We tend to believe that our sibling isn’t going anywhere so we can treat them however we want- tease them, criticise them and even anger them on purpose. Make use of the opportunity of always having someone there and make it the best and healthiest relationship you have.

One of the most important – just listen to your sibling. Be there for them if they show any indication of needing guidance and support. It doesn’t matter if your sibling is younger, older etc, they have something to offer you.

Whether appreciation is consistently felt or not, I know I’m not the only one who is indebted to my sibling. I value everything I’ve learned from her and every opportunity I have to be with her. I’m more aware than ever how lucky I am to have a close friend in her, one who provides me with emotional support for life.

You all can take the steps to begin to feel the same. Why not start today? Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Suicide Prevention Helpline (open 24 hours)- 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896.

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

After World War II, these voluntary practices were paired with theories and guidelines to form the profession we know as social work today.

While that was the history of Social Work, it still does not prove why it’s important to us here in Guyana. Lauriston Choy, a former Valedictorian of the University of Guyana and also a current Child Protection Officer; Mr. Lauriston Choy explains the importance of Social Work in his own words: “Social Work is an integral profession that ensures the social development of any country. Social Work is important in Guyana and the Caribbean because the profession addresses severe areas that affect the human resources of our country and region at large. Individuals make up a community and communities, a country. If the individuals are affected with social issues then the effects of such will affect every sector of society. Social Work addresses various forms of social injustice. It provides a platform for the voiceless and the downtrodden; it empowers those who feel less of a human, and importantly it is the vehicle that enforces rights for all humans. Social Work is key to having a socially and mentally healthy country and region. As a practising Social Worker, I would advise anyone wishing to be part of this noble profession to first understand that there are no financial gains; one must possess the basic qualities of empathy, compassion, patience and a desire to help persons to become all that they can be. Social Work is not a glorified profession, however, it brings the most humble and caring network of professional helpers. Secondly, ensure that you have a degree in social work from a recognised university, and have an open mind about social issues.”

The University of Guyana offers a Degree in Social Work and recently introduced the Masters’ Programme to the Guyanese population. Our world is constantly hurting with social issues and injustices. Social workers are the people who help to put a plaster and patiently help to heal societies. Together they all work to heal the world. Social Work is important because the people of the world and their well-being and welfare are important. Social workers bridge the gaps between our people and policies, between social relationships and even between people and their personal issues. From the Micro, Meso and Macro levels of society, there will always be a social worker to help you through your darkest times with the use of professionalism, confidentiality, empathy, and compassion.

Lastly, while social work is important to the world, it is important that my fellow social workers take care of yourself first before you do so to others. All in all, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” said Mahatma Gandhi. ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

It is okay the dream, right? This project also reminded me of the Designers Portfolio we started back in 2008 and it jumpstarted lots of careers.

They were the Visual Design Concept from Second Semester Art- Fashion Design students. Project Theme: Sustainable Sportswear Design Capsule for H&M Spring 2020 featuring Africa.Students had to determine the following: 1- Who the H&M global customer is? 2- What are the brand’s understanding and vision concerning sustainable fashion and the students ’comprehension of sustainable fashion? 3- What defines their design aesthetic for the capsule collection with an African influence, keeping in mind the brand’s trends in sportswear for Spring 2020? 4- What is the meaning of being innovative with an unconventional mind to define a theme/concept?

Students had to come up with a cohesive concept and collection which included the use of sustainable fabrics or treatments to highlight their design aesthetic for their H&M African themed collection. Most of the presentations were brilliantly done and I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with these young creatives from different parts of the world.

We possess similar talent here and maybe soon the world will get a chance to experience it.

After FIT it was back to Women’s History Month celebrations. The ladies of Third Thursday hosted an award and dinner where they acknowledged the contribution that 30 women made. I had a wonderful evening with Lorna and Cloyette as we discussed the strides Guyanese women are making as we reminisced about INSPIRE YOU and EXPO 2019 and the positive effect it had our women and girls in Guyana.

Last week Sunday I was in Jersey and this week I am celebrating with my sister in Arizona.

Continue to join in the celebrations where ever you are as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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English

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, You will find that the paragraph may have a lead sentence that gives general knowledge, with the remaining sentences providing the details. But the lead sentence does not necessarily have to

come first, but quite often it does. This important sentence helps the other sentences fit together. And so, the writer finds that by arranging sentences carefully, adding words and phrases that help combine them, the structure results in a smooth-flowing paragraph. Good going for your examinations!

Love you

The little girl had the making of a poet in her who, being told to be sure of her meaning before she spoke, said: “How can I know what I think till I see what I say?”

GRAHAM WALLAS (1858-1932) The Art of Thought

THE PASSAGE I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that….

All I have to do in life is mind my brother Raymond, which is enough…. If anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me…. And if things get too rough, I run. And as anybody can tell you, I’m the fastest thing on two feet.

There is no track meet that I don’t win the first-place medal. I used to win the twenty-yard dash when I was a little kid in kindergarten. Nowadays, it’s the fifty-yard dash. And tomorrow I’m subject to run the quarter-mile relay all by myself and come in first, second and third. The big kids call me Mercury because I’m the swiftest thing in the neighbourhood. Everybody knows that – except two people who know better, my father and me.

He can beat me to Amsterdam Avenue with me having a two-fire-hydrant-head start and him running with his hands in his pockets and whistling. But that’s private information. Because can you imagine some thirty-five-year-old man stuffing himself into PAL shorts to race little kids? So as far as everyone’s concerned, I’m the fastest and that goes for Gretchen, too, who has put out the tale that she is going to win the first-place medal this year. Ridiculous. In the second place, she’s got short legs. In the third place, she’s got freckles. In the first place, no one can beat me and that’s all there is to it.

(Toni Cade Bambara’s “Raymond’s Run”) ABOUT THE PASSAGE Toni Bambara’s style of writing captures the energy and rhythm of city life, the lively talk of the streets. Look how she uses the language and dreams of people in her stories.

Her “I” character, (Squeaky is her name), is among the young people struggling to be themselves, that she writes about.

Today’s passage is tailored to help you see how the capturing of energy and rhythm of city life in a character enhances writing.

Last week’s passage taught how good dialogue along with simplicity and authenticity of language enhances writing.

WHAT TO DO 1. The writer expresses vibrant thoughts of Squeaky, her “I” character. Go through the passage, identify and discuss some of these vibrant thoughts. Use two or three study partners to make a healthy discussion.

2. What can you say is the “I” character’s special talent? Say three ways on how Squeaky nurtures it?

3. What is the “I” narrator called by those who admire her talent of running? Tell how suitable the name is. Does taking care of Raymond contribute somewhat to her prowess? How much?

THE PASSAGE Use of Details in Order of Importance When I think of the hometown of my

youth, all that I seem to remember is dust the brown, crumbly dust of late summer – arid, sterile dust that gets into the eyes and makes them water, gets into the throat and between the toes of bare brown feet. I don’t know why I should only remember the dust. Surely there must have been lush green lawns and paved streets under leafy shade trees somewhere in town; but memory is an abstract painting – it does not present things as they are, but rather as they feel. And so, when I think of that time and that place, I remember only the dry September of the dirt roads and grassless yards of the shanty-town where I lived. And one other thing I remember, another incongruency of memory – a brilliant splash of sunny yellow against the dust – Miss Lottie’s marigolds.

(Eugenia Collier’s “Marigolds”) WHAT TO DO You have just read an example of details arranged according to order of importance.

Arrangement of details really enhances writing and makes a lasting impression upon the reader. Here is what you should do now.

1. Examine each idea to really see how the writer is grading what was passing through her mind at the time of writing the story. Do this with some study partners.

2. Take a good look at compositions you have written and deduce what order of details there is in each paragraph. Remember that only you can strictly say what order you intended to use, and if you have really used.

At the same time assess your strengths and weaknesses using order of importance in paragraphs. How is your ability to produce good descriptive writing on a rating from 1 – 10?

GRAMMAR Some faults with Nouns and Pronouns 1. Avoid the double subject.

Right: The weather was hot yesterday.

Wrong: The weather it was hot yesterday.

2. Avoid using a singular noun measurement or amount where a plural form is needed.

The visitors swam is six feet of water, (not six foot) of water.

This five-finger field produced only twenty thousand gallons of fruit (not twenty thousand gallon) per acre.

3. Avoid using redundant (unnecessary) pronouns.

Right: These two are alike.

Wrong: His two parents are both alike.

4. In compounds, put second person before first and third, and third before first. To do so is a matter of courtesy. (An exception is a case in which the speaker wishes to take the primary blame for something: “I and he are the guilty ones.”)

You, she, and I must go.He and I are partners.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019

Katahar Curry

INGREDIENTS 1 large Katahar (green bread nut fruit) 2 large onions 1/2 head garlic 1 large hot pepper 1 tbsp ground garam massala 1 tsp ground geerah 2 tbsp curry powder 2 tbsp salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1/2-1 pt coconut milk METHOD Wash Katahar, and cut into pieces.

Peel and cut out core. Leave Katahar and peel seed. Cut seeds into small pieces.

Wash Katahar meat and drain.

Peel onions and garlic, wash with the hot pepper, then chop and grind.

Make a massala paste with the onion mixture, garam massala, geerah, curry powder and salt.

Heat oil in a large carahee.

Add massala paste and Katahar seeds and fry for 3-5 minutes.

Add Katahar and fry for 3 minutes.

Cover and cook for 2 minutes.

Add 1/2 pint coconut milk and stir.

Cook for 20 minutes.

Add more coconut milk if it is too dry.

Testfor flavor.

Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Serve with rice anddhal.

Serves 12

XLIII

XLIV

Chronicle Pepperpot March 24, 2019