Guyana Chronicle E-Paper PepperPot 12-08-2019

Sunday, December 8, 2019

An intricate process The business of coconut oil

A resident from a village along the bank of the Lower Pomeroon River preparing dried coconuts to make coconut oil (Carl Croker photo)

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

Essequibo businesses, residents – several buildings in Christmas spirit already decorated

By Indrawattie Natram

WITH a few days left for Christmas in Guyana, businesses, households, as well as government agencies in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), are already demonstrating the Christmas spirit. Almost all the businesses and government agencies have already been decorated in preparation for the Christmas season.

The Town of Anna Regina came alive when Courts Guyana Inc brought Christmas cheer to the region; its Richmond branch lit up the first Christmas tree, setting the pace for other businesses to follow. The jolly spirit continues to follow as popular supermarkets such as G and P Jaigobin, Imam Bacchus and Sons, Jones and Safeway Supermarkets decorated their buildings to welcome their customers. Huge Christmas wreaths have been placed at strategic entrances at businesses.

Supermarkets are already stocked with tonnes of Christmas decor, toys and holiday goodies. Supermarket owners related that they have planned for the season and ordered Christmas goods months ahead.

“We in the business sector capitalise on the holiday season. It’s a time we do extra business, so we have to stock the things that are needed for the season,” said Anita Persaud, a businesswoman.

Many boutique owners are also stocked up with the latest fashion for Christmas parties.

At Suddie, the Christmas tree at the Supreme Court was recently lit up, showing the public another side of the judicial system. The Christmas tree was lit up by

Madame Chancellor (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and staff members were involved in singing Christmas carols. This is a first for the Supreme Court in the region.

The popular Jagdesh Duck Curry

Restaurant and Bar was also fully decorated. Christmas trees were already dressed for the season.

According to the owner of the Turn to page IV►►►

Popular Jagdesh bar decor

The Suddie Supreme Court Christmas tree light-up

Black cakes filled Bacchus’ supermarket

Christmas decor at one of the popular bars

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

III

A Guyanese Christmas song about Jesus

By Francis Quamina Farrier

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and there are many Christmas Carols and Christmas songs on the airwaves.

The majority are from the United States.

Some are from the Caribbean. Very few are from Guyana. You would have to be of a certain mature age to recall when the Guyanese Christmas Song, “Christmas morning is here again” by Capt. Elmo McKenzie was extremely popular on local radio and elsewhere, for decades. Some Guyanese consider it as the greatest Guyanese Christmas song of all time and pity that it was composed at a time when music videos were yet to come. Of more recent vintage and produced as a music video, is the newer Guyanese Christmas Song “My Baby King”, which was produced by Bonny Alves with a talented ensemble including Charmaine Blackman, Eze Rockliffe and Tiny Duggan, among others. There is a special aspect of this Guyanese Christmas song which is about “The Reason for the Season” - the birth of “My Baby King”, Jesus.

The story behind this newer Guyanese Christmas song is most interesting. Alves relates the following; “In 2008, a friend and associate of mine from the mining town of Linden, Ms Tiny Duggan, told me about a friend of hers who wrote a great composition for a Christmas song and that she would like me to arrange, record and produce it.”

The initial idea about the recording of that Christmas song was for it to be recorded with just Ms Tiny Duggan doing the vocals.

But knowing Alves, it had to be something much grander. Alves then commenced the production in earnest as he related, “So we made arrangements to meet with the composer of the song, Mike James, and after hearing the piece I was very impressed and decided to take on the challenge.”

Veteran musician and leader of the Yoruba Singers, Eze Rockliffe (Photo

by Francis Q. Farrier) That challenge for Alves was to produce a music video worthy, not only of Christmas as a secular holiday but a production with a religious element worthy of “My Baby King”, Jesus. The creative juices in Alves began to flow to a great degree like the mighty Kaieteur Falls. He related it as follows: “I built the track and assembled a team of singers whom I considered among the best voices in the country, they are: Czerina Ali, Pamela Gittens, Eze Rockliffe, Tiny Duggan, Candace Field, Charmaine Blackman, Ashley John, Winston Caesar, Devon Denny and Yours truly.” That is quite an ensemble, but not too difficult for Alves to get together.

When I asked Tiny Duggan about how she felt playing Mary in the music video,

Guyana’s premier musical married couple Bonny Alves and Charmaine Blackman (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

she responded by saying, “At first I didn’t think it was right to do it.” Maybe because she is not a teenager as Mary was at the time of the birth of the Baby King, Jesus.

However, there was some gentle pressure from the producer. “But Bonny and the rest of the team convinced me to do it.” Her performance has been widely applauded by the public, and she herself is pleased with how she played the part. “Now whenever I watch the video I feel damn good,” she stated.

Tiny Duggan is also hopeful that My Baby King, like popular Guyanese Christmas song, “Christmas morning is here again” before it, will become very popular and played at Christmas time in years to come.

As Tiny Duggan says, “If DJs on radio and television would push it, it could become a staple Christmas song and one of the best in the Caribbean and further [sic] afield,” she hopes since a lot of work was put into it at a very professional level.

“The most difficult part of the project,” according to Alves, “was distributing parts of the song to each individual that would interpret the melody exactly as I had in my head.” That was a big hurdle for Alves. Having succeeded in sorting that out, he moved on to the next phase of the production.

“After this was done, it was smooth sailing and so I recorded, mixed and mastered to an excellent finished product of My Baby King.

For Alves, it was another success story in his professional career as a Music Producer.

He was satisfied. “I was so impressed with the finished product that I decided that a video needed to be done. The song was very strong, so it did not require much set designing for the video, but just a simple, plain execution of what was done in studio, resulting in an amazing product, a production well-loved by all who have come into contact with it.”

The song was subsequently included on the ‘SSignal’ Productions Christmas Al-

Charmaine Blackman in the Christmas spirit (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) bum Christmas with ‘Ssignal’ which was the first original Guyanese Christmas Album; Arranged and produced by Alves with songs composed by Alves, Tiny Duggan, Winston Caesar, Pastor Lawrence London, Ancel Boston and Basil Bradshaw, and featuring the voices of Alves, Charmaine Blackman, Saskia Charter, Ancel Boston, Tiny Duggan, Devon Denny, Winston Caesar, the Circle of Love and Basil Bradshaw. The hope is that more DJs would give air time to these professionally produced Guyanese Christmas songs. It is really a matter of how patriotic these DJs are and how much the politicians encourage them to be true to themselves and to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

So during this Christmas season and in the years to come, let us hear on our radios and see on our TVs, lots of the Guyanese Christmas song, “My Baby King.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

StartuplabGY launched as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week

StartuplabGY launched as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week STARTupLabGY is an innovation accelerator programme that was designed

by Trifinity Solutions to develop, test and grow new business ideas through social entrepreneurship.

This is achieved by identifying social problems; designing innovative solutions; generating prototypes to validate their effectiveness and developing business models that support their solution. Trifinity Solutions is a digital media agency ‘Transforming Ideas into Solutions.’ They are a digital software solution (web, mobile & internet marketing) company that services startup or established businesses, helping them to grow their community digitally, extend their reach and increase their sales and education. Their mission is to bring together a community of creators through collaboration, to spark innovation while expanding sustained digital

Participants of StartuplabGY alongside lecturers and mentors of the programme wealth.

The objectives of StartuplabGY 2019 are to develop, test and grow new business ideas through social entrepreneurship; drive Innovation and Creativity in our local industry; train at least 10 youths in the design of social enterprises and innovation; design at least

five social entrepreneurship projects and generate new, disruptive ideas for products and services within innovative and creative industries in Guyana, by applying creative techniques, learning hands-on tools to scale up your business idea through mentorship, and investment towards the venture

They conducted an intensive programme at the Strategic Recruitment Inc. training room that delivered our objectives where

we edified participants on how to innovate and move creativity faster to achieve sustainable innovations and developments. The pillar under which they selected these projects are as follows: Education, Agriculture, Youth Employment, Mental Health, Climate Change, and Governance.

Samantha Sheoprashad is the founder of Eco-naire and StartupLabGY. “At Trifinity Solutions, we are empowering entrepreneurs through this ecosystem. To enable this, we believe our investments in education, innovation, and community collaboration with both the public and private sectors will help develop a healthy ecosystem for a sustainable future right here in Guyana,”

she said. “We have a strong belief that StartupLabGY training and education will enable these multifaceted groups of innovators to produce phenomenal outcomes in the years to come.”

The sponsors and partners for this impactful initiative include: Global Entrepreneurship Week, GEN Caribbean, Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc., Queens Young Leaders, Institute of Caribbean Studies, The Food and Agriculture Organization United Nations Guyana (FAO), Social Enterprise and Administration Initiatives (SEA), Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods(CoESL).

Essequibo businesses, residents ... restaurant, Jagdesh Bissessar, his business is already booked for several Christmas parties.

He said that many companies had already booked months in advance to have their Christmas socials hosted there.

The Region Two administration has also built a huge steel Christmas tree that will be lit up on Christmas Eve; the main Christmas tree will also be lit in Anna Regina. Several schools have also planned their own Christmas programmes and Christmas tree light-up events.

Vendors at the market have also told Pepperpot Magazine that shopping has increased as persons are preparing for the Christmas holidays in the PomeroonSupenaam region.

Black cakes made by local suppliers have also filled supermarkets for the season.

◄◄◄ From page II

A decorated Christmas tree

The gathering at the Suddie High Court Christmas tree light-up

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

V

Down syndrome MY column on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) last week resulted in many questions about other developmental disorders that unborn babies can be at risk for.

One woman, in particular, asked me to speak about a prevalent disorder that I think may still be overlooked or misunderstood within our society.

Down syndrome is a common one that I believe should be addressed as it affects an entire family.

Seeing that those with Down syndrome also experience a lot of stigma, I hope this information ensures better understanding and empathy from their community as a whole.

WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME? Down syndrome (D.S) is a genetic disorder caused by chromosome abnormalities.

It is characterised by physical deformities and illnesses, intellectual disabilities and overall developmental delays. An individual with Down syndrome has a lower IQ than the general population.

They also have a shorter life span due to many physical issues that come with the illness.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DOWN SYNDROME? People with Down syndrome (D.S) have distinctive facial deformities such as flat faces, thinned nose, slanting or far apart eyes, small ears and mouth and a protruding tongue. They have short necks, arms and legs and suffer from low muscle tone. All of the above results in issues sleeping and eating but yet increased risk of obesity.

Down syndrome can be detected from even before birth through prenatal screening. If the screening is not done, it is usually apparent right after birth. A large

number of babies born with D.S are also born with heart, stomach or lung problems.

They are more at risk for seizures, thyroid problems and various types of cancers such as leukaemia. Vision and hearing are usually impaired, especially due to chronic ear infections. Gingivitis, tooth loss and decay are also common. It is difficult for someone with Down syndrome to have children. Males will have issues with sperm development while females have poor fertility and early menopause.

The mental abilities of a D.S adult is typically that of an 8-9-year-old. Over time, some individuals with D.S lose their already limited ability to speak. However, they do display better social skills than those with other disorders, such as Autism.

All the previously mentioned symptoms also increase their chances of mental health issues. People with D.S are usually happy but depression and anxiety may develop if they have a higher IQ. Who is at risk for developing Down syndrome?

Issues with personal or family genetics are the number one cause of D.S Basically, our genetic material is stored in a nucleus within our genes. The genes, grouped along with structures called chromosomes, are responsible for inherited traits from our birth parents. There are usually 23 pairs of chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs if the baby develops an extra copy of a chromosome, particularly chromosome 21.

The extra material causes deformities in development.

The chances of developing D.S are also increased if the birthing mother is over the age of 35.

Additionally, those who have already birthed a child with D.S are more likely to birth another with D.S than the general population.

HOW IS DOWN SYNDROME

TREATED? There is no cure for D.S but like anything else, it can be correctly managed and treated.

Medication is not always required in patients with Down syndrome. You must visit your nearest health centre to have a physician guild you along your treatment plan.

Some may require speech, oc-

cupational or physical therapy.

Individuals with D.S may learn better with visuals. Therefore, use pictures of different faces to teach emotions, of weather to teach seasons and so on. Having the D.S individual draw or paint also improves their overall communication ability.

With proper treatment, those with D.S can live

very normal lives- go to school, have friends and even become employed.

Of course, if you are raising someone who down syndrome, you can never have too much patience or empathy.

Please write in if there are any disorders like you would like to bring attention and awareness to.

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

If you would like to make an appointment to see me: message 623-0433 Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001.

223-0009, 623-4444, 6007896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

VI

‘Whey yuh speedin goin?’

WHAT’S the saddest thing that you had to deal with these past weeks?

Was it a final examination that you’re unsure of? Or how about your pay cheque not coming in time for Cyber-Monday sales? There’s no denying in the expression of emotions and how we feel, but while you may worry about events such as those, some people had a bit more difficult week. Some people are survivors of some of the most horrendous accidents this country has seen, while others are mourning the loss of their

loved ones who died in

those very accidents. I’d

rather not use the word ‘trend,’ rather, I’ll say road accidents have been a recurring theme all week long as well as, for the entire month of November.

Usually, I am that one columnist whom you may always go to for statistical proof or evidence. Sadly, however, I have lost track of the number of road accidents that I have read about.

Whether or not they were big or small, injured people or not, inclusivity of deaths or not—there are all significant in my view. Significant because we need to take heed to what’s happening on our roadways, the type of taxis/buses with which we travel, the general safety rules on using the roadways and most importantly, the type of persons we allow to sit behind a

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

steering wheel. Are they responsible enough? Are they aware that their vehicle is not shatter-proof—or the human body for that matter? We, as pedestrians (yes, ‘we,’ because I am yet to start driving) should also be aware of our responsibilities for our own safety. A simple, ‘look right, look left and look right again and if the road is clear then walk quickly across’ goes a long way.

And yes! I remembered reciting that as a child back in primary school.

At the end of the day, we should all be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and look out for each other. If you notice the taxi or bus is being driven way beyond the speed limit, then speak up! If you notice a pedestrian using the road recklessly by running over and so on, do not be afraid to tell them to be careful next time they think about doing that again. “They can’t touch me” is a phrase I hear many pedestrians use.

Sure, they can’t because that’s a pending lawsuit.

But what about instances when the driver might be drunk? Or he probably lost control of the car because of a mechanical failure? What happens then? Both the person behind the wheel as well as, those walking or cycling on the road needs to be on

the alert.

The inspiration for the title of the column came from an awareness post that I came across. The video asked the question, “whey yuh speedin’ goin’?” It then showed pictorial options of, ‘home? hospital? jail? cemetery?’ Speeding to go home? Sure. But how can you reach home if you’re in the hospital nursing injuries? Or if you’re in jail for a traffic offence? Or how about the cemetery if you end up with a fatality?

It was a message from the Ministry of Public Security. They are using the hashtag #slowdownbudday and I urge you all to use it on your social media platforms to raise awareness of this issue. At the end of it all, we should remember that these accidents are more than just statistics, there are lives involved. The number of deaths, number of injured victims, all had a whole life behind and ahead of them. Ironically, at the peak of new infrastructure, new and expansive roadways, we also have a peak in road accidents.

All I am asking for everyone, who is reading this right now, is for you all to be safe! And most importantly, to the drivers out there, always ask yourself, “whey yuh speedin’ goin’?”

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

VII

‘Tis the Season to be Creative CREATING that special gift for your loved ones with your own hands is a rewarding experience.

Last year I made most of my Christmas gifts, and I hope to do the same this year. However, with only 17 days until Christmas, we must maximise the time.

The first thing you’ll need to start any project is the inspiration. Inspiration comes from our experiences. Most “new” ideas involve a simple adjustment to an old one. Pinterest is a great search engine for “Do it yourself” (DIY) gift ideas. Take a browse and whatever speaks to you, add it to your idea chart. This process can take as long or as short as you wish. My advice is to give yourself a time limit and be specific with your search.

Secondly, you may need some guidance and instructions. YouTube provides a variety of tutorials for any creative project.

Be mindful of the amount of time you wish to spend online and limit yourself.

Do not underestimate your ability. If you don’t understand a particular task, move on. Some tutorials are easier to understand than others. When you challenge yourself, you’ll be surprised at your ability.

Some DIY ideas also pop up on your Facebook news feed. Watch out for those.

Glass Art, image taken from Pinch Facebook page

Thirdly, you’ll need the right materials. Pinch Creative Expressions is the go-to supply store for most artists. Located 15-16 Water & Holmes Streets South Cummingsburg Georgetown, inside

Oriental Furniture Building, obliquely opposite the old Giftland mall, they have all your arts and craft needs. Everything makes Craft is also a great craft supply store. It is located West 1/2 Hadfield Street,

Georgetown, inside KeiShar’s Building.

With inspiration, proper guidance and the right materials, you can start creating. It’s that simple.

However, some persons are overwhelmed by their

unrealistic expectations. It is ok for you to get excited after discovering great ideas but be mindful of these three things: time, talent and treasure.

Time – with only 17 days left before Christmas

time is already limited so keep things simple. A DIY project can involve adding a simple embellishment to an item. For example, you can buy a glass, some glass paint and a finetip brush from Pinch and paint a picture or write the initials of your loved one on it. You can also buy a leather piece and add a personal touch using a leather pen.

Talent - Do not take on a task that you cannot handle. It would only lead to frustration and dampen your spirit. Know your strengths and capitalise on them. If writing is your strength, write. If you struggle with drawing, stickers are a great alternative. You can also use stencils or tracing paper.

Treasure - Use wisdom in your purchases.

Do not buy something you’re probably not going to use. Make a list. Having extra money leads to overspending.

If you have the patience, get children involved. Chose a project that wouldn’t get too messy. Creating is meant to be fun, so have fun with it. Simple gift ideas may include cards, wall decor, ornaments, accessories and more.

Just in case you’d rather purchase your gift, there will be quite a few pop-up exhibitions by artists and craftsman, so be on the look-out.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

That extraction could get complicated EXTRACTIONS are often categorised as “simple” or “complex”. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth.

Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and subsequently using forceps rocked back and forth until it is loosened from the alveolar bone.

Complex extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily ac-

cessed, either because it has broken under the gum line or because it has not come in yet. In a complex or surgical extraction, the dentist makes an incision in the gum to reach the tooth and may also require the removal of overlying bone with a drill.

After the tooth is removed, a clot will usually form in the socket. Occasionally this clot can become dislodged, resulting in a condition called dry socket also known as alveolar osteitis.

This is not uncommon and occurs almost exclusively after extraction of lower

molars, due to their lesser blood supply than their maxillary counterparts. Certain factors contribute to its development, such as age, smoking, birth-control, the extent of surgery performed to extract the tooth, duration of time the extraction site was surgically exposed, and various others.

Dry-socket lengthens the healing process and usually causes severe pain and discomfort that is often not manageable with pain medications. It is appropriately treated with a medicated gauze or resorbable gel-foam

or surgical packing that is changed (or replaced) every two to three days until granulation tissue can cover the bone at the extraction site.

Often, these dressings contain a material called “eugenol”, an obtundant which alleviates dry-socket pain.

Although infections are somewhat uncommon, it can (and does) occur. The dentist may opt to prescribe antibiotics - and/or postoperatively if he/she determines the patient to be at risk. With prolonged bleeding, the dentist has a variety of means at his/her disposal to address

bleeding, however, it is important to note that small amounts of blood mixed in the saliva after extractions are normal--even up to 48 hours after extraction.

Swelling is often dictated by the amount of surgery performed to extract a tooth (e.g. surgical insult to the tissues both hard and soft surrounding a tooth). Generally, when a surgical flap must be elevated and the tissue covering the bone is thus injured, minor to moderate swelling will occur. A poorly-cut soft tissue flap, for instance, where the periosteum is torn off rather than cleanly elevated off the underlying bone will often increase such swelling. Similarly, when bone must be removed using a drill, more swelling is likely to occur.

Sinus exposure and oral-antral communication can occur when extracting upper molars (and in some patients, upper premolars).

The maxillary sinus sits right above the roots of maxillary molars and premolars. There is a bony floor of the sinus dividing the tooth socket from the sinus itself. This bone can range from thick to thin from tooth to tooth from patient to patient. In some cases it is absent and the root is in fact in the sinus. At other times, this bone may be removed with the tooth or may be perforated during surgical extractions.

The dentist typically mentions this risk to patients, based on the evaluation of x-rays showing the relationship of the tooth to the sinus.

It is important to note that the sinus cavity is lined with a membrane called the Schneiderian membrane, which may or may not be perforated. If this membrane is exposed after an extraction, but intact, a “sinus exposed” has occurred. If the membrane is perforated, however, it is a “sinus communication”.

These two conditions are treated differently.

In the event of a sinus communication, the dentist may decide to let it heal on its own or may need to surgically obtain primary closure--depending on the size of the exposure as well as the likelihood of the patient to heal. In both cases, a resorbable material called “gelfoam” is typically placed in the extraction

site to promote clotting and serve as a framework for granulation tissue to accumulate. Patients are typically provided with prescriptions for antibiotics that cover sinus bacterial flora, decongestants, as well as careful instructions to follow during the healing period.

Nerve injury is primarily an issue with extraction of third molars, however, can technically occur with the extraction of any tooth should the nerve be in close proximity to the surgical site.

Two nerves are typically of concern. They are found in duplicate (one left and one right side). The inferior alveolar nerve, which enters the mandible at the mandibular foramen and exits the mandible at the sides of the chin from the mental foramen.

This nerve supplies sensation to the lower teeth on the right or left half of the dental arch, as well as the sense of touch to the right or left half of the chin and lower lip.

The lingual nerve (one right and one left side), which branches off the mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve and courses just inside the jaw bone, entering the tongue and supplying sense of touch and taste to the right and left half of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue as well as the lingual gingiva (i.e. the gums on the inside surface of the dental arch).

Such injuries can occur while lifting teeth (typically the inferior alveolar) but are most commonly caused by inadvertent damage with a surgical drill. Such injuries are rare and are usually temporary, but depending on the type of injury (i.e. Seddon classification: neuropraxia, axonotmesis, & neurotmesis), can be prolonged or even permanent.

In cases of displacement of a tooth or part of it into the maxillary sinus (upper teeth only), almost always the tooth or tooth fragment must be retrieved. In some cases, the sinus cavity can be irrigated with saline (antral lavage) and the tooth fragment may be brought back to the site of the opening through which it entered the sinus and may be retrievable.

At other times, a window must be made into the sinus in the canine fossa--a procedure referred to as “Caldwell luc”.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

Slow down, bannuh!

Be safe on the roadways!

ONE pervasive issue that has garnered national attention over the past two weeks has been the occurrences of numerous road fatalities, which have led to the gruesome loss of too many lives. With all that has happened, I can only stress that drivers exercise more caution on the roadways and that other road users be very wary of their presence on the roadways as well.

As of December 1, 12 persons, including two children, had lost their lives due to road accidents occurring every single day from November 24 to then. These accidents were not concentrated in Georgetown, or any one part of Guyana, but were spread across the counties and all pointed to speeding as one of the causative factors.

It seemed plain unfortunate, and ironic, that these accidents occurred in the final days of Road Safety Awareness Month (observed annually in November).

Moreover, it is important to note that at the beginning of this month, the National Road Safety Council highlighted that there was a decrease in road accidents and deaths for this year, so far, when compared to last year. In 2018, it was reported that 85 road accidents were recorded, resulting in 98 road deaths, including three children included. At the beginning of November, a total of 80 road accidents were recorded with 91 road deaths, including six children. By the end of November, these figures clearly rose dramatically.

What could cause this?

In such a short span of time, how could so many lives be lost? The answer to these questions, to a large extent, has been speeding. Earlier this year, Traffic Chief Superintendent Linden Isles indicated that speeding and drunk driving accounts for 75 percent of all road accidents. And over these past few weeks, it has been re-

ported that speeding was the cause of almost all of these accidents.

Road accidents are not uncommon in Guyana; growing up, I have seen numerous campaigns launched and undertaken in an attempt to curb the occurrences of these. But, it would appear as though the occurrence of road accidents is quite a pervasive issue.

More personally, I’ve become a bit more sensitive to road accidents due to my experience earlier this year when seven-year-old Ciara Benjamin was pinned down by the truck on the median at Agricola, on the East Bank of Demerara. That incident raised concerns as to whether speeding was the cause of the accident or pedestrian negligence in using the roadways (and not using the nearby pedestrian crossing). Later, in September, the driver of the truck that caused the death of the little one was charged for causing the death of the child after it was found that he was driving at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle. He was arraigned, but pleaded not guilty to the charge and was subsequently released on bail for the time being. Notice here, it was made known that the driver was proceeding at a fast rate.

It is my opinion that “speeding” is just the overarching problem that is underpinned by several other causative factors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) lends credence to my belief since it has outlined that speeding may be affected by driver-related factors, such as age, gender, alcohol level (drinking and driving is another issue in Guyana!) and the number of people in the vehicle. Speeding may be affected by the road layout, surface quality, vehicular power and even adverse weather conditions. Effectively, what this shows is that speeding can be caused by several factors, and that also means that accidents can be caused by several factors.

IX

Cognisant of all of this, it becomes imperative to exercise a bit more caution on the roadways- whether you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian. It seems overly simple to encourage people to just slow down, or encourage those around them to drive a bit more

cautious, but it is really that simple.

I reached out to my loved ones and I encourage you all to do the same; encourage people to slow down on the roadways, if they’re driving, and ask that others be wary when otherwise travelling.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

THE RETROGRESSION RATHER THAN EVOLUTION OF MALE VALUES THE recent conflict between two students of different genders raises the question of values, in this respect, since the prevailing person was male, and the obvious overcome was female.

To me and many others with whom I had discussions, the scene, regardless of what provoked it, from the consequences, it did summon the comparison of then and now with respect to hostile male-female confrontations during my boyhood. Bearing in mind each area resonates its own norms however within a specific cultural group, those norms do not differ greatly. I have both rural and urban experiences and wish to draw from an experience I had at school. I had an altercation with a female fighter in my class when I was

didn’t lead to a fight. I grew up in a matriarchal society that acknowledged the guidance of good mothers, to the point where there’s a saying, “Mother gone, family done.” Off course, there were anomalies: I saw bad men beat women with helmets, kick them, all because some younger thug with suave held the lady’s attention despite their payroll money.

I also know of aggressive, cantankerous sisters: one spat on a young man, he slapped her, she went for her brother and the young man and his brother murdered her brother in a most horrible way outside of Lenno’s shop on Cooper Street. So nothing human is perfect, but certain base values triumphed and retained a balance. That recent school event is indicative of a social interception. The young

homes the cries of female relatives shot with pellets and teargassed by policemen under the past administration.

A young pregnant woman living on Wellington Street was kicked by the late Leon Fraser in an after-hours protest where the Strand Cinema was attacked. She was not part of the protest. Janet Jagan’s remarks were reprehensible through its indifference.

Herod in her home village was shot by members of the joint services. Rohee, forever an offensive specimen, responded that “If deh don’t wan hear, deh gon feel,” In 2009 [my Creolese]. In the overall crime and collapse of law and order in Guyana over the preceding years, ‘Fine man Rawling’s’ sister was not a criminal. There was no evidence that the rela-

religious or philosophical barriers; they were open to fist fighting brothers sharing street methods and techniques to sisters identified as having a certain potential. I’ve always advocated with other writers that Holmes Street in ‘Tiger Bay’ should be a living museum of the old waterfront days, preserving stories like the power of women like Doris Struthers, a fist-fighting, six-foot-plus woman, who ran a Tiger Bay bar-plus, and would fist fight any sailor. I have always known of women who were every ounce female but were fighters: Annabelle, Norma Sergeant, Yvonne, Grace, Corn-hero and many others, but from the male perspective they were women, and there was no urge to put them down. There were interesting grassroot folk characters that enriched a

younger. She threw a punch and I blocked it.

I held her hand and when she threw the next one, the teacher intervened. Two male friends came up to me and asked me “Why yuh didn’t manners she?” I reminded them of the guidelines we all knew: “If yuh knock a girl yuh was a A...man.” They said that applied to girls like Dolly and Olivia, “not them who think dem is man.” They called a bigger boy after I enquired in the jargon of the day if I should “ cuff she and Judo she.” Richard, the bigger boy emphasised “No, yuh can’t cuff in no sensitive areas , or kick. No! yuh don’t cuff or kick girls, put two slap pon she,” I was thus instructed.

I was raised in a cultural philosophy to defend the females of my family and stand up for female relatives of good friends if they appealed for help, or were in danger. Jokes weren’t made about people’s mothers that

lady appeared defeated and two other young men were standing observing and not neutralising the conflict. They did nothing, why?

They were participants too. If a murder had happened, they would have been the number two and three accused. Thus, this cannot be concluded without participation of a senior enlightened welfare officer or officers that understand the cultural dynamics that have declined among both adolescent genders through social and invasive values.

The police are trained to uphold and effect our laws, but this is not only a legal thing.

It’s a developed, negative interaction and the context of its manifestation already has a timeline; from pornographic videos being made of young women in school on substances, to outright physical assault. This requires serious interception. Many young people were subject as either witnesses or heard in their

tionship with her brother was anything other than biological; yet her random execution was sanctioned.

Female slapped by minister; senior policeman rumoured as wife-beater; attempting to kick wife out of entity organisation; pivotal fake wedding of senior figure. Women have been on the downside of recent social-political strife as well as too many domestic murders. Lack of demonstration of the true sanctity of male-female relationships did not profoundly exist during the past administrative era. Transferring subliminal messages of gender disdain, which became public gossip here, there and everywhere, with influences to the most vulnerable, four years of proper visual conduct cannot redeem the tremendous damage done, so it has to intensify now through various tools.

In matriarchal culture, women have no

difficult world where survival was enveloped by wit, conflict and confrontation and the means to establish that respect is due.

My eldest attended Richard Ishmael and did well. There were always human challenges, but not like what has developed over the past years, with serious drugs (ecstasy) peddled to schoolchildren and an apparent ineffective redress by organisations tasked with intercepting behaviour patterns and sub-cultural value intrusions not in their interest. If you are reading this article, it means that collective thoughts can be transferred to actions. Let’s start within our own tribe. One of the first lessons I was taught as a teenager, was, “know how to treat girls cause yuh got sisters.”

This recent display of unmanliness is not our custom; it must be treated as the retrogression it is.

Focus Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

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on the Village

Adel’s Rainforest Resort A preserved nature facility that is therapeutic for the soul

By Michel Outridge

THIS week the Pepperpot went on a familiarisation tour of Adel’s Rainforest Resort, Akawini Creek, Pomeroon River, courtesy of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Adel’s Rainforest

of the city.

Adel’s Rainforest Resort has been in the family for about 145 years but the land sat dormant for 45 years, before Bone inherited it from her grandmother, Adel.

“I thought of coming here when I had a hotel in Barbados, The Golden Sands Hotel

and a half years looking at the venture I called an end to it and came back into the business.

So there was a time when you heard Adel’s was going down and it bothered me terribly; and it either was to sell, which I couldn’t because I couldn’t answer to my superiors when I get on the ‘other side,’ since the land has been in the family for 145 years.

How could I take it out of the family?

Hence, I am here,” she said.

TRUSTED TEAM Bone told the Pepperpot Magazine that it takes a lot of hard work and good people to run a successful business such as Adel’s Rainforest Resort; and she is very happy to have good, honest people to overlook her business when she is overseas.

She stated that from March to date she couldn’t have done it without her staff.

Turn to page XII ►►►

Zena Bone, owner of the resort

Adel’s Rainforest Resort (Carl Croker photos) Resort.

On this journey we met a lot of people, some of whom shared their stories with us.

One of those persons is Zena Bone. Bone, an overseas-based Guyanese, is the owner of Adel’s and has invested a lot to promote agricultural tourism and tourism through her resort and her ‘farm-to- table’ concept.

Adel’s Rainforest Resort sits on six acres of land which is covered in citrus and other plants and is home to many species of birds and animals.

The plantation is protected by Bone’s three dogs and is considered a safe and ideal location for a getaway, family outing, or for a few nights away from the hustle and bustle

with 27 apartments. When I saw the decline of tourism in Barbados I had the idea of eco-tourism and agriculture tourism in Guyana; so I happened to go to a meeting and sat with “Butch” Stuart, who owns the Sandals chain of hotels in the Caribbean and we talked about it for me to sell my hotel and come into this business,” she said.

Bone added that she returned to her homeland Guyana, began clearing the forested land and constructed Adel’s Rainforest Resort; but unfortunately, she had to return to the U.S. for a few years.

“I thought of leasing then I went into the arrangement of splitting profits with an English lady which was a disaster. So after two

This bowl is always filled with fruits at Adel’s

Adel’s Rainforest Resort

A relaxation area

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

The friendly faces at Adel’s An encouragement for visitors to return

By Michel Outridge

PRESIDENT of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, led a media team on a familiarisation tour to Adel’s Rainforest Resort, lower Pomeroon River, where they had the opportunity to visit Wakapoa village, at the mouth of the Pomeroon River to bird watch the scarlet ibis and tour the coconut estate at Grant Enterprise Village, Pomeroon River.

Ramkumar, upon arrival at Adel’s, said the facility is a member of THAG and they seek to foster the promotion of agriculture-based tourism, referring to Adel’s concept of ‘from farm to table.’

Based on his experience at the resort,

President of THAG, Mitra Rajkumar

Media operatives enjoying coconut water at Adel’s

Roxanne Williams as she welcomes visitors to Adel’s with a cold or hot towel and coconut water (Carl Croker photos) Ramkumar related that he was in awe of the sunset at the mouth of the Pomeroon River; he enjoyed watching the scarlet ibis which

populate the mangroves along the river bank, as well as the tour of the Pomeroon Coconut farm, the natural beauty of Adel‘s and Wakapoa Village.

“What really struck me was the pure nature, the ambience, the pristine state of the place and the many offerings of this facility is truly amazing; and to indulge in the delicious foods and fresh organic fruit juices and fruits were such a delight,” he said.

Ramkumar added that at Adel’s he felt as if he was in a different country and was amazed by the simple lives the people lead with chemical-free foods; as such, he highly recommends the resort because of the excellent service and the generosity of the owner, Zena Bone.

Wendy Gonsalves is Zena’s cousin; Wendy used to reside in Venezuela and has been at the resort for about a month now.

She is assisting in the general upkeep of the place and is also a fantastic cook who prepares mouth-watering dishes and equally tasty organic fruit juices.

Gonsalves, too, was taken aback with the

Adel’s natural beauty of the place and is willing to stay around for some time.

“Since I came here I have learnt so many new things and it’s like I can’t get enough of this place; and the people here are so friendly and welcoming, to me I feel at home,” she said.

An employee, Roxanne Williams, told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been there for the past five months and so far, she finds it very rewarding because she didn’t even know she could be so good in the tourism and hospitality business.

Williams is originally from Grant Enterprise Village, Pomeroon River, where she has a young daughter and a husband.

She is an all-rounder and a cook too and does everything at the resort.

David Emmanuel is the Manager at

Adel’s when Zena Bone is overseas and he also drives the speedboat to ferry people to and from the resort; he ensures that everything is in order. Emmanuel is from Wakapoa Village and is a father of three, who also serves as a tour guide for visitors at the resort.

Giving his review, following his overnight stay at Adel’s, a visitor, Anil Ramkumar, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was very pleased with the personalised service -- among other things.

“This is an amazing place and he encourages all to visit to experience a truly stress-free time at the resort,” he said.

Ramkumar added that he sees himself returning and it is a good place to unwind and relax away from the city life of electronics and traffic.

Wendy Gonsalves serving sorrel tea

Adel’s Rainforest ... ◄◄◄ From page XI

They worked endlessly and she is very grateful to them because she sees them as partners and not just regular employees.

“Anybody can come here, be it with family, or for a quiet weekend getaway or even a function; and we have everything freshly prepared and our foods are 100 per cent organic and wholesome, so you know you are getting quality foods and matching service

for an affordable price of $20,000 with meals, transportation from Charity to the Resort and back and accommodation for overnight,” Bone said.

Bone explained that she treats the locals just as the tourists and welcomes all at her resort for a therapeutic experience that can soothe the soul and “recharge your batteries.”

Although the resort sits on only six acres

of land, the plantation runs up to 250 acres up the Akawini Creek and she is considering leasing the land for farming in promotion of agricultural tourism.

Apart from the resort, Bone has farmlands at Grant Enterprise, Pomeroon River, and has leased that plantation to locals, who has a thriving business.

On that estate, they have the family house,

where she would stay from time to time.

Adel’s’ Rainforest Resort can accommodate up to 20 persons overnight and they have activities such as fishing, night-spotting, bird-watching, swimming and nature walks on the grounds of the resort, where they have produce of citrus, ground provisions and fruits, among others.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

Promoting Community involvement …

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Essequibo businesses focused on employing locals, building community

By Michel Outridge

AT Charity on the Pomeroon River, businessman Edward Barakat has a large-scale timber enterprise where he employs 40 locals.

He is the man behind Barakat Timbers Ltd, the sawmiller, exporter of greenheart, purpleheart, mora, cabacalli, piles, shingles, decking and flooring, exotic hardwoods, raised panel

Turmeric and other produce logs to his sawmill, which is at the edge of the Pomeroon River.

He has on many occasions granted permission to tourists to walk the trail and enjoy the scenery and also to

A Resident of Grant Enterprise doors and kitchen cabinet doors.

Barakat has concessions at Buck Hall, Essequibo River, some 30 miles away and he has a trail where trucks can be driven and transport

Edward Barakat

The coconut plantation

bird-watch.

From his sawmill he has Turn to page XIV ►►►

Grant Enterprise, Lower Pomeroon River (Carl Croker photos)

XIV

Essequibo businesses ... ◄◄◄ From page XIII

another trail which was newly paved and which reaches up to the Akawini Creek.

Barakat is also doing his bit to promote tourism and more so, agricultural tourism. He is also into furniture making and is readily available to provide his tour services, free of

charge.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that mostly older folks still retain their businesses and farms, since the second and third generations are not into farming; that’s why many estates and plantations went down.

Barakat added too, that most young people leave the area for higher education and most often don’t return; and there are just

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

a few folk who still have their farms and estates up and running, which provides employment for many.

He, however, voiced his disappointment over health care, safety and transportation, that he said are some of the major issues in Essequibo and Charity.

Barakat added too that some people cannot return to Guyana to visit Dried coconuts

Stoll's Enterpries

because it is so expensive to get here; as such, people go to other countries for their vacations.

LARGE-SCALE COCONUT PLANTATION Meanwhile, on the tour of the Pomeroon Trading coconut plantation at Grant Enterprise, Lower Pomeroon River, Gary Grant the manager was on hand to facilitate

the guided tour and he with to the Pepperpot Magazine.

He stated that the Stoll Enterprise was leased to Pomeroon Trading for 50 years and it is run by shareholders, with the principal residing overseas.

Grant added that the plantation is very large and provides employment for 50 persons, who are from Wakapoa and Moruca.

He pointed out that most of them have left for their homes, while some are still on the farm and they are working.

Grant told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have three-year coconuts which they bottle for the overseas market; the dry nuts are used for making coconut oil and other products.

On the plantation, they also have crops of turmeric, ginger, merengue (sijan), bananas and passion fruit.

Grant reported that they source only coconut plants from selected farmers,

since they are looking for quality products that are housed in the nursery until they are transferred to the plantation (field).

“We have 8,000 plants ready to be placed in the fields right now and it is 110 coconuts plants per acre of land and we have 3,000 sijan plants, 500 passion fruit plants and a lot of bananas,” he said.

One of the main challenges is controlling the spread of the red mite disease which, Grant said, cannot be cured and it usually takes over the coconuts plants; they have to get it treated with chemicals by digging a hole in the tree and pump the chemical in.

Grant added that another problem is the overtopping of the sea defence during the spring tides.

Recently, the water level rose above normal and they have to constantly drain excess water off the land or they would lose crops.

Barakat’s Lumberyard

Gary Grant

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

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The sweet, simple life in Wakapoa Village

By Michel Outridge

THE Pepperpot Magazine briefly visited Wakapoa Village which is located in the Pomeroon on the Wakapoa River, a tributary on the west bank of the Pomeroon River and is about three kilometres from its mouth and is home to about 2,500 residents.

Wakapoa is a picturesque indigenous community that is very sandy and has a few hills; it is surrounded by swamplands, savannahs that run for miles upon miles and cold creek water which is black and is used for household purposes and bathing.

The Toshao Howard Cornelius said that the village is made up of mostly Arawaks and Warraus who have managed to maintain and preserve their traditional language and culture.

He added that Wakapoa is a very small community but is still large in the geographical sense, due to its location. The residents are involved in subsistence farming, while some young men leave the village to work in mining camps in other far-flung areas.

Cornelius stated that some folks are also engaged in the lumber business but on a small scale; and the village is almost self-sufficient, outfitted with the basic amenities and meets the needs of the people.

The village leader is very strict when it comes to the rules in the reservation; as

Howard Cornelius, Toshao of Wakapoa Village such, alcohol is prohibited and only indigenous wines

are permitted in the heritage month activities.

“We have the main health centre here, a secondary school with a dormitory for out-of-village pupils, a primary school, a nursery school and a large playfield area,” he said.

Cornelius added that they have two other primary schools, one of which is seven miles away and they have overnight accommodation that is very affordable; meals are all locally prepared fresh and they have community boats that ferry people in and out of the village.

Earlier this year, Wakapoa Village benefitted from a brand new bridge which leads from the riverfront into the village. It has solar lights and guard rails and the project was undertaken by

The Wakapoa Secondary School many utilising it.

According to Toshao Howard Cornelius, it was

Children at play in a game of friendly football (Carl Croker photos)

Fishing in the Wakapoa River

the Ministry of Public Infrastructure at a cost of $19M. The bridge serves as a walkway which makes it accessible for farmers and others to carry their produce and other goods easily from their boats to their homes.

The Wakapoa residents, especially women who fetch farm produce and children attending school, are very relieved, since the bridge serves as the main access on their daily route.

For many years, villagers traversed between the two islands of Mairi to Boroda, walking on logs. Later, a small wooden bridge only two feet wide was built, but it became dilapidated and caused several injuries to

announced at the 2018 Toshaos’ Conference that the construction of the new bridge would be undertaken by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. Cornelius also noted that several residents from the community gained employment through this project. “We thank the Government for being proactive and funding this bridge.”

The Pepperpot Magazine also met Marcy Fredericks, who has a small shop with every little item, including cold non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

The mother of two is a native, who has lived all her life in the community and cannot see herself moving away from her village and family.

She has been a small business owner for about

The Wakapoa Health Centre

five years and it is her only source of income, but her shop is located within the school area and it is ideal for business.

By being self-employed, Frederick’s feels empowered because she can work at her own pace and is earning even though her business is not very fast.

She added that they have Digicel cellphone service and basically everything that is needed to make their lives meaningful and it is a very safe place to live.

“It is virtually crimefree and you don’t have to worry about anything; and we live in peace and quiet here without any major issues affecting us because we eat from the river and the ground; that is, we farm and we catch fish,” she said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

From humble beginnings to a thriving empire…

The hard work of an enterprising businessman

By Michel Outridge

A VERY enterprising businessman, who has been residing at Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast for many years, took the US$100 gift when he got married and turned it into a million-dollar company, because he had a vision and worked hard to be successful.

He is Roopan Ramotar, better known as “Rooster” or “Fowl Cock,” who has named his bottled coconut water after his childhood nickname.

Ramotar explained that as a child he was nicknamed by a friend “Rooster,” but never liked the name. As time progressed however, he got used to the name and accepted it; he later lived up to the name and has named his coconut water after it.

He added that when he got married many years ago he was gifted US$100 and invested in cattle- rearing and used to buy and sell sheep, goats and cows; he then went into logging, mining and other

coconut farm in Lower Pomeroon for tourists, schoolchildren and others; he even gave a talk on the operation of the business and has pledged his support to the tourism sector.

“We have the tourism product, but we face great challenges in terms of transportation in getting people from Georgetown to Essequibo. The airfreight is too costly and a lot of people don’t like to use the speedboat because of the rough waters and the ferry system is a lousy one,” Ramotar said.

He explained that a lot of people visiting Essequibo would like to come in their vehicles and would like to know they can get back in time to get to work on Monday and spend the weekend in that county.

He is of the view that a special ferry service should be in place to facilitate folk to make their journey stress-free; where they can book online; where families can come to spend the weekend and go back on Sunday or Monday morning in time for work.

“This move would boost the develop-

Roopan Ramotar called “Rooster” or “Fowl Cock” (Carl Croker photos) businesses.

He was recently elected President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and wears many hats in terms of businesses he has established that employ about 200 locals.

“I have a brand of coconut water called ‘Rooster’s’ and I do 500 acres of coconut-farming in the Lower Pomeroon and I do another 500 acres of rice. I do cows, sheep, goats, and 1,000 acres in agriculture. I am among one of the biggest contractors in this country; we mostly do drainage and irrigation (D&I) work on sluices across the country from Westbury to De Willem, Golden Fleece, Berbice and a few pump stations,” he said.

Ramotar told reporters on a recent visit to Essequibo that he is also involved in logging, sawmilling and tourism, but the latter sector is at a standstill because of the small population in Essequibo. It didn’t work out as he had anticipated and had to put a hold on the resort he has at Onderneeming Sand Pit. He reported though that Essequibo is still one of the best places for tourism in Guyana, because of its low crime rate and its hospitality.

“We are very friendly and nice people, the environment is very clean, one straight road; we have all the lakes in Guyana, beautiful farm sites, among other tourist attractions,” he said.

Ramotar told the Pepperpot Magazine that he had in the past hosted tours to his

ment of Essequibo since it is predominantly agriculture – based [but] rice hasn’t been doing well for the first five crops because since we lost the Venezuelan market, which was a disaster in the rice industry, so I think with tourism we can boost economic development here and the young people can have jobs and Essequibo can be the place to come and reside,” he said.

Ramotar owns all of Land of Plenty village located on the Essequibo Coast where he has a housing development project being undertaken presently, several other businesses and his residence.

At Land of Plenty, he owns an estate of 400 acres and he is engaged in coconut processing, rice farming, lumber sales and cattle-rearing.

“I came from a farming family, but I was into gold mining and after gold prices began to fluctuate, I told my friends I was going into liquid gold business, that is, coconut water bottling, since I had the equipment. I developed the land and started it on a large scale,” he said.

Ramotar told the Pepperpot Magazine that he had one of the nicest resorts in Guyana, but will continue to contribute his bit towards tourism and will install a water park with a pool and a hotel at Coffee Grove Village soon.

At Land of Plenty, he will install a pool with a bar, the perfect landscape and perhaps a few benabs to enhance the housing area he is developing.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

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A true example of what it means to be a volunteer Patrick Benjamin-Huntley

Patrick Benjamin-Huntley PATRICK Benjamin-Huntley is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for his peers. He uses most of his spare time to help those in need and to make a difference with organisations and NGOs. His childhood was very interesting due to the duality of playing outdoor with friends mixed with the boom of the technological age. Patrick idolised his grandfather as his father figure. His grandfather along with his mother and grandmother—the special women in his life-- helped to mould him into the individual he is today. They guided him and gave him council whenever needed. Patrick is also very thankful for the sacrifices they made to ensure that he made it this far in life as well.

He attended Queen’s College and says it was an amazing experience. Life lessons taught there, such as discipline and persistence would be integral in helping to shape his future as a person who wants to ignite positive changes wherever he goes. With all of that exposure, it helped him with the things that he has done so far. He realises that in the end, other people may need positive persons to look up to and maybe ignite the feeling inside of themselves to start being a better person.

As such, after being exposed to volunteerism, Patrick has seen the positive impacts that are made by being an influencer for good and positivity. His grandfather and family are some of his biggest influences who continue to be my support system in times of need. The journey thus far hasn’t been an easy one, but he thanks God for giving him the strength, courage and charisma to keep striving forward despite the challenges.

Huntley is currently aiming to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Guyana after which, he aims to make a positive impact in the professional field once he finishes.

Life’s challenges were ever-present as he kept progressing. He is grateful for all challenges, as they mean you are constantly moving forward. One in particular that he had to overcome is negative thinking.

Many times while growing up, he would be negative about certain situations or things, and he had to learn and accept that everything that happens is working out for the greater good, whether it be, you’re thinking that a bad grade is the end of the world or missing an opportunity to attend a function, it is all for your own good, better is Turn to page XXII►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

The ABCs of oil and gas

2020 is quickly approaching and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is looking forward to the New Year and the beginning of the Decade of Development.

As the oil and gas sector is highly technical and often utilises terminology for specialists in the field, it’s easy for Guyanese to get lost in, misinterpret and misunderstand some of the specialised terms used. The Department of Energy (DE) values transparency and believes that all Guyanese should be as informed as possible about this new national endeavour that has the potential to transform the nation.

This edition of Government in Action will define key technical terms used often in reference to this sector.

OIL BLOCKS AND EXPLORATION An oil block is an area of land, or in Guyana’s case, ocean floor, that can have significant petroleum potential.

All of Guyana’s oil blocks are held within the Guyana-Suriname Basin, the petroleum potential of which baffles industry professionals today. Petroleum potential is exhibited through the pres-

ence of a source rock within which the petroleum is made; a reservoir rock to hold the petroleum; and sufficient features to trap the oil.

Guyana currently has nine oil blocks namely Roraima, Kaieteur, Canje, Demerara, Berbice, Stabroek, Orinduik, Kanuku, and Corentyne. Each block has the potential to hold a number of petroleum fields. During exploration, fields of interest are given names which are typically within a common theme. For instance, fields in the Stabroek Block are named after fishes.

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, at the Department’s November 6, 2019 press conference gave an update on offshore activity.

“Within the Stabroek Block, the Stena Carron continues drilling and, in fact, it is drilling at Ranger-2. The Noble Tom Madden is currently drilling Tripletail-1.

The executed contract for the Don Taylor has gone through, as I mentioned earlier, and there is expanded southeast area, high resolution 4D [seismic] baseline acquisition that is ongoing… In the Orinduik Block, Tullow [Oil] is working toward a drilling programme starting in the first half of 2020… In

The Liza Destiny the Kanuku Block, spudding occurred at the Carapa-1 well on October 25 and they are using a jack-up rig for this particular effort,” he said.

The DE is working closely alongside the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and with external assistance will soon be reviewing the Field Development Plan (FDP) for the Payara field, located within the Stabroek Block.

This document lays out all the steps required to develop a field and includes geological and fluid be-

haviour models, subsea equipment designs, production facility designs, environmental considerations, risk assessments, well design, structure, and placement information, and economic models.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT The Liza Destiny is the first Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that will lift crude from the Liza field.

It is contracted on a lease basis. The FPSO arrived in

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe aboard the Stena Forth Drillship

Guyana’s waters on August 29, indicating a major milestone in the country’s journey to first oil.

A mixture of crude oil, gas and water will be produced into the vessel where the fluids will then be separated into its three components’ parts. The oil is processed and stored in storage tanks on the FPSO until it is ready for shipment.

To put the magnitude of this vessel into context, Dr. Bynoe has said that the FPSO is powered by 140 megawatts (MW) of power, which is more than the 132 MW base load consumed in Guyana as of 2017 (Guyana Energy Score Card 2018). It is important to note that this is just the first FPSO that will be operational in Guyana. A second vessel, the Liza Unity, is under construction and this FPSO is almost twice the size of the Liza Destiny.

“The hull for the Liza Unity is about 85 per cent completed, and is being built in Shanghai. Topside fabrication [is] continuing at Dynamac and Keppel in Singapore. Several trees/tubing heads have been completed and are awaiting shipment to Trinidad from Brazil, and then into Guyana. Production manifolds are being completed in the US, and the line pipe fabrication are about 99 per cent completed, which are being carried out in Japan. Pipe insulation [is] ongoing in Mexico; buoyancy modules about 57 per

cent completed in the UK and risers, flowlines and jumper detail design are completed in the US. The Operator is working with the DE to include Guyanese expertise in various stages of the Unity’s completion as per the FDP approval which was issued earlier this year,” he said.

The early arrival of the Liza Destiny brought forward the original timeline for first oil. This was, of course, hinged on the installation of production flowlines and umbilicals and prevailing weather conditions. Production umbilicals are encased cables that connect the FPSO with subsea equipment and machinery and provide hydraulic or electrical control.

“The Liza Destiny arrived on August 29th, 2019, three weeks ahead of its planned arrival, with the formal Commissioning Ceremony held on September 9th, 2019 at the Marriott Hotel. With the arrival of the Liza Destiny there has been an acceleration of first oil target into 2019, but significant work remains to be completed to make this a reality.

These would include water injection lines to be installed, production umbilicals and commissioning.

Should first oil be realised in 2019, the first lift is not expected until about one month after, all other things being equal,” Dr. Bynoe said.

KEY TERMS

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

Guyana’s crude will be sold ‘free on board’ (FOB).

This means the buyer takes responsibility for the shipping, insurance, and other liabilities of the crude once it leaves the FPSO. This is one aspect of the measures taken at policy level to safeguard Guyana and safeguard the industry.

These and other measures are outlined in a document called the Crude Lifting Agreement (CLA), which is currently in its final stages of development.

“A crude lifting agreement sets up... a mechanism for allocating the schedule of crude cargo liftings based upon volume entitlements which are calculated taking into account the cost recovery rules for the petroleum agreement. It lays out the strict procedures for efficient crude lifting. Delays for example, will cause value loss and could risk shutting in production in the FPSO. The Department has been working along with its sister agencies and the operator to ensure the process runs efficiently from day one, and

have completed a number of workshops training, dry runs and inspections of the FPSO,” Dr. Bynoe said.

The CLA goes hand-inhand with the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The PSA is a contractual agreement between the Government of Guyana and an oil exploration company and governs the amount of extracted oil Guyana will receive from each exploration company.

Procedures like these are put in place to ensure Guyana and Guyanese benefit from an industry that is dominated by foreign companies. A robust Local Content Policy, however, ensures that the industry does not stay that way.

Rather, the Local Content Policy ensures that capacity is built among Guyanese to see the emergence of a local workforce that has the skill, education, and training to function confidently within the oil and gas sector. The Department of Energy has been working closely with the Council for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) to meet

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The Stena Forth Drillship in the Orinduik Block this goal.

“The Local Content Policy final draft was completed and circulated. We received feedback from a number of stakeholders and we’re moving towards finalisation of said policy. The Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is working with the Council for Technical Vocational Educa-

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe interacts with Business Development Manager at Eve Anderson Recruitment Limited of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Arlene McKenna-Mason at the GIPEX 2019 Exposition

tion and Training on implementing two pilots to build capacity within the technical institutions. These are expected to be in New Amsterdam and Linden. These pilots are projected to commence in Q1 [first quarter] of 2020, and emphasis will be placed on slinging and rigging, scaffolding, welding and fabrication, flange and bore hole expertise, static training, facility maintenance, etcetera,” Dr. Bynoe said.

The Director explained that Guyanese are already becoming active members

within the sector.

“The last local content report indicated that over 1,300 Guyanese are currently employed in this sector. Additionally, since 2015 over US$300 million has been spent by the EEPGL and its co-contractors on Guyanese contractors and service providers. The Department of Energy is working with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education under an Islamic Bank loan on a possible reverse linkage project to enhance capacity within TVET institutions to

service the oil and gas sector and the existing and emerging sectors in Guyana,” he said.

First oil is just around the corner.

The Department of Energy continues to build out the framework for effective and efficient management of the sector. A good foundational knowledge of these terms will not only safeguard Guyanese against misinformation, but is the key to unlocking the oil and gas sector as a fully informed Guyanese.

A section of the graduands at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute’s 34th Convocation and Prize Giving Ceremony.

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A true example ... ◄◄◄ From page XIX

Volunteer and UGSS Vice-President Patrick Benjamin-Huntley

coming. Patrick believes he has mastered the art of optimism and he will use it to help to motivate other individuals, so that they can see the best of situations and in turn effect more with their actions.

Currently, Huntley is a student of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Guyana; he is also a youth leader who serves in various capacities from

marketing specialist for the U.S. Embassy Youth Action Network to senior vice-president of the University of Guyana Students’ Society.

He is also an avid volunteer with Come Alive Network Inc (CANI) and through these various volunteer organisations. “I have built a very good network of persons who are also interested in giving back to less fortunate youth and self-development and they

Award for his years of service as an avid volunteer from the Department of Youth. Volunteering has played an integral part in shaping this young lad into the helper and solution maker that he is today. It has helped him to develop his teamwork, capacity and leadership skills. In pressing forward every day there are new things that he learned and that he always wants to pass onto his peers and colleagues. Being a volunteer and a youth leader helps

Patrick Benjamin-Huntley volunteering at the Youth Action Network have been great influences to my journey over time. I enjoy marketing and coordinating events that build the capacity of others and also helping to suggest and execute solutions that would enhance individuals and their well-being,” he said.

“I was selected to represent the University of Guyana at the Global Entrepreneurship Programme this year in Boston, USA, at the University of Massachusetts, which sees the participation of various universities from countries around the world such as India, China, Myanmar, England, Scotland and many more. At this international forum, I am glad to say that I was directly involved in winning various competitions and challenges put forward to various teams such as the Difference Maker competition and the overall Business Pitch.”

Patrick also has been awarded a National Youth

him to send these positive lessons out constructively.

His plans include being an environmental consultant and also an entrepreneur.

This young volunteer also enjoys providing solutions to various problems in his direct environment and surroundings; and in the future he definitely wants to be a part of the solution to propel our nation into better and higher levels.

Some advice that Patrick Huntley wants to give fellow persons with a similar story to his to, “Keep pushing forward positively. Communication is key and it is very good to vent and talk about things. Communication and understanding is a key tool to help you connect with others and to build your network.

Keep being persistent and consistent with your goals and dream, so that one day you can achieve what you set out to!”

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

The Government needs to support I) t r a the Literary and Dramatic Arts (P IN A recent article, titled “Benefits of National Drama Festival Resound Beyond the Stage,” published in the Stabroek News, Mr. Al Creighton pointed out the fact that the National Drama Festival of Guyana (NDF), despite its success and importance to Guyana

has become defunct and that “the nation’s dramatists seem to have accepted its absence as normal and appear comfortable with it.”

These words registered and resonated with me,

particularly because of an incident where, when I once approached a government official with questions about scholarships in the arts, particularly with regards to Creative Writing, I was informed that no such

Turn to page XXV ►►►

“Laugh of the Marble Queen, which made its debut at the National Cultural Centre in the 2015 National Drama Festival, being performed at Queen’s Hall in Trinidad as part of CARIFESTA XIV earlier this year.” – Image via: Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth, and Sport (Vishani Ragobeer photo)-

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The Government needs to support ... ◄◄◄ From page XXIV

scholarships were available because, in part, no one had lobbied for scholarships in this field, nor had the relevant persons within of this area in the arts had indicated that such scholarships were a necessity.

Once my anger and distress had worn off, I realised that the official was right – in that if no one speaks up – hell, if no shouts it out loud from rooftops – the relevant authority will not become aware of the essentials that artists seek.

Coming out of that moment, I told myself that I would always speak up about the things that are important and vital within the arts and culture.

Whether I have stuck steadfastly to that promise since then is a bit up in the air, but Creighton’s article has presented me – us – with the opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard, a chance for us to clamour and let our voices ring through the entire Department of Culture until the individuals in charge understand that theatre is an element of Guyanese culture; until they know that theatre is bursting with vibrancy and power. Until they can recognise that theatre is fueled by the talent and creativity of many writers, directors, playwrights, dancers, actors, and designers – all of whom are being scorned and disrespected by the government that has discontinued the NDF and denied it the chance of remaining as a mainstay of cultural exhibition in Guyana.

This has been done by the same government that calls upon the talents of we, the theatre people, whenever they need the country to be represented at cultural events and initiatives, such as CARIFESTA, the same government that relies on theatre folks to create and lead activities like the National Poetry Slam or the World Storytelling Day activities, the same government that takes months and months to pay theatre practitioners for their hard work. That government has cut one of the last threads that connected them to local artists by refusing to hold the NDF after a whole two years.

Well, I truly do believe I speak on behalf of all of the theatre practitioners in Guyana when I say that although the government may have failed to recognise it, the National Drama Festival is a profoundly important cultural entity and milestone, and it must be brought back to the forefront of Guyanese consciousness.

This festival was one of the few meaningful ways that the Department of Culture expressed any particular interest in local theatre and by allowing it to not be maintained, this department has shown that it does not care about local creatives and local culture. It is damning move, at this point in the Guyanese timeline for the government to not be promoting and maintaining superior displays of local talent that one could have relied on the NDF for in the past. The failure to uphold the NDF is a decision that the administration will indeed come to regret, especially when one takes into consideration that the bar was not very high in the first place with regards to the previous administration’s treatment of culture and the arts – but to let a whole festival, a whole stream of artistic talent, upon which artists depended on for money, for exposure, for the opportunity to create – to let this die out is something that cannot be overlooked.

To make matters worse, I do not believe that anyone from the Department of Culture or the governing administration has, thus far, had the moral fortitude or the courage to allow the people of Guyana know what has become of the festival. Is it a case of silence will ensure that the whole thing will be a forgotten? Is it cowardice revealing itself to Guyana? Worse yet, do they not believe that the people and the artists of this country are deserving of some sort of explanation? The administration and the Department of Culture is making a mess of things, for those of us in the arts, but also for themselves. The artist’s are being denied many resources that we rely on for theatre, and this raises the question of: why would they not see drama as important? The assumptions and speculation must begin, since the evaporation of the festival comes with no official word from the relevant department or ministry.

It is indeed interesting that while theatre seems to have been severed, literature in the form of the (discontinuation of the) Guyana Prize has been severed, pulverised and tossed into the ocean, and with it, any trust that local writers had in the current administration.

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ALBOUYSTOWN IS NOW BEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN THE CITY

THIS year marks the 120th anniversary of the Ward of Albouystown’s integration into the City of Georgetown. From the time of its integration into the City, it was always regarded as one of the most important wards and stood out after Kingston and Stabroek.

The importance of Stabroek and Kingston revolved around the fact they were the centres of business and administration in the country and also because the upper classes lived in those areas. Albouystown’s importance was different.

Albouystown was one of the estates owned by Mr Albouys. It is interesting to know that Mr Albuoys’ will is still preserved in the Deeds Registry. The estate was managed by a company and the names of the directors are preserved in the street names. Some of the directors owned land in other parts of what later came to be integrated with the City and their names were also preserved in the street names and this accounts for Campbell Avenue and Barr Street in Kitty as well as being street names in Albouystown.

Albouystown was the food basket of Georgetown.

It, together with La Penitence, supplied the City with fresh milk, chicken, eggs, mutton, ground provisions and vegetables.

It was also the home of many of the tradesmen who provided the City with its tailors, goldsmiths, guttersmiths, carpenters, vatmakers, joiners and so on.

It also provided the City with entertainment facilities for its Punt Trench was the venue for Sunday boat and punt picnics where there were always string bands in attendance and dancing. Since the City had no public swimming pools, part of the Punt Trench known as “Deep Clay” for good swimmers and “Shallow Clay” for children and learners and was used as the City’s swimming

pool. At Easter, other than at the Seawalls, thousands of kite-flyers would line the Punt Trench Dam for a day of picnicking and kite flying. Unlike today, kite flying was once the major Easter entertainment for Guyanese.

It should not be forgotten that Albouystown was home to the largest Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and African settlements in the City and they participated in each other’s cultural activities and festivities.

There are Cumfa drummers still in Albouystown. There are other phases which the Ward experienced, but time and space preclude us from writing about these.

In Albouystown until the 1960s, the owners lived on their property with probably one or two tenants and thus the yards, houses, streets and drains were well-kept and it was still a place that people from elsewhere would happily rent or buy properties. Then in the 1960s the country was overtaken by racio-political violence and people from elsewhere came into the Ward. A good proportion of the inhabitants of the Ward felt it was unsafe to remain and left their houses, renting them at low rental. Almost immediately, Albouystown came to be known as a “slum area” and property prices rapidly fell.

Now, after half a century, the reputation of the Ward has quickly changed and it has now become a place that several investors have quietly been buying up any property which goes on the market. Why has this been happening?

With the new Oil wealth which would be pouring into Guyana within months, land prices in the capital city of Georgetown are beginning to skyrocket. In Albouystown, a property which not so long ago was sold for $10 million- in any case, a give-away pricenow fetches $20 million which is still cheap.

The reason for the

rising prices is that Albouystown is it is centrally located and it is quite close to the City centre which is the hub of business and administration of the country. Further, it is on the way to both international airports - Ogle and Cheddi Jagan- and is also close to them. There are also plans to convert

Independence Boulevard into a highway from Ogle to Saffon Street. The Ward is also quietly experiencing a renewal since the new owners are demolishing the old structures and leaving the land without as yet building while prices rise or they may build modern buildings. Another plus Albouystown has is that

its infrastructure compares very favourably with other Wards.

Its streets are all asphalted and many residents own motor cars and the drainage has improved since the drainage trench alongside the Ruimveldt Police Station has been dug and the Sussex Street and Princes Street canals have been

opened again to the river.

Despite property prices are rising in Albouystown, there are still many available bargains and young people should try to exploit these opportunities since both the Central Government and City Hall are committed to the renewal and modernisation of the Ward.

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Another successful year for NAREI Local farmers embracing new crops

MORE and more, the local farming community is proving that Guyana is capable of being self-sufficient in food production. Through partnerships with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) many farmers have taken the opportunity to plant exotic or high-valued crops.

The desirable result is reduced importation and increased local production of certain commodities.

IMPORT SUBSTITUTION Within recent years, the Institute, using demonstration plots, has been working with farmers to introduce high-valued crops such as potatoes, onions, sweet peppers, red cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Today, two or more of these crops are being cultivated on farms in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. That is a positive step towards import substitution.

“Consumers are beginning to have a taste for these crops. The available market is encouraging local farmers such as those in Region 10 to produce cauliflower, broccoli and red cabbage. This is good for the local economy,” Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI said.

The commercial production of onions is a big win for the institute. NAREI started this journey a few years ago in a partnership with the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprise and Linkages (PROPEL). Thus far, approximately 10 hectares of lands in different Regions are being used to grow onions.

Dr. Homenauth indicated, “Farmers in the different areas are scheduled to harvest this December. We should have locally produced onions on the market before Christmas. In terms of onions, we are on target for what was set out at the beginning of 2019. This is good for the other crops sector.”

Another success for the Institute this year was the operationalisation of the Potato Seed Storage Turn to page XXX ►►►

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International Mountain Day 2019

A day to celebrate mountains? This question may have crossed your minds, but, have you ever wondered what the world would have been like without mountains? They add a special touch to the landscape and has enormous benefits.

Recognising the value of mountains, not only as home to 15 percent of the world’s populations but also a vital source of fresh water for half of the humanity; the United Nations declared 2002, UN International Year of Mountains. One year later (2003) International Mountains Day was celebrated for the first time. Celebrated under the theme, “Mountains Matter for Youth”, this year’s observance aims

tain environments for a wide range of goods and services, including;

to educate children about, the role mountains play in supporting billions up and downstream by providing fresh water, clean energy, food and recreation.

It also seeks to connect with youths living in rural areas where mountains are prevalent and life can be very challenging.

ecosystems and occur on all continents, in all latitude zones.

Mountain ecosystems are important for biological diversity, particularly in the tropics and warmer temperate latitudes. Isolated mountain blocks are known for their rich endemic species.

With the sustainability of mountains being threatened by several human-induced and environmental factors; International Mountain Day plays a key role in the support of global environmental, economic, social and cultural sectors through connections to; invasive species, air pollution, climate change, mining, hydropower, tourism, forests,

WHY ARE MOUNTAINS IMPORTANT? Mountain environments cover approximately 25 percent of the world’s land surface and directly support one-tenth of the world’s people who live within mountainous regions. Lowland people also depend on moun-

* water, * energy, * timber, * biodiversity maintenance, * Opportunities for recreation, and * Spiritual renewal.

Mountains provide for the freshwater (6080%) needs of more than half of humanity, and are, in effect, the water towers of the world.

The world’s mountains encompass some of the most spectacular landscapes, a great diversity of species and habitat types, and distinctive human communities. Mountains support a wide variety of

agriculture.

MOUNTAINS IN GUYANA Guyana is home to many breathtaking mountains and mountain ranges.

Like other mountains Turn to page XXX ►►►

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International Mountain ... ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

around the world, these boast enormous biological wealth and are home to many, especially our indigenous communities.

Did you know Guyana has over 100 mountains and 4 mountain ranges?

ACTIVITY 1. How many mountains in Guyana can you name?

Test your knowledge of Guyana’s mountains by trying to identify the two highlighted in the photos below.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA

Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram Reference: https://www.greeningtheblue.org/event/international-mountain-day http://www.fao.org/international-mountain-day/ key-messages/en/ http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/mountain_partnership/doc/POLICY_BRIEFS/Mountains_ and_the_Sustainable_Development_Goals_-_NY__8Jan.2014.pdf

Another successful year for NAREI ... ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

facility. Construction of this facility started in 2018 after several trials proved that potatoes could be produced competitively in Guyana.

Dr. Homenauth said that “such equipment is necessary since it will help to adequately address the need for a large-scale storage facility. One of the spin-off effects of this country being able to produce potato on a large-scale will be a significant reduction in its food import bill which continues to be a challenge for Guyana and in the wider CARICOM region. From 2011 to 2016, the food import bill

has risen from US$176 Million to US$261 Million, representing a 48 percent increase over the six years.

This is an alarming figure and is the premise on which NAREI’s diversification efforts are targeted.”

NAREI’s Head explained that the Institute will be utilising the storage facility next year.

“Unfortunately we wouldn’t be able to produce any potatoes this year owing to the absence of planting materials.

We hope that will be available early next year.”

SPICES NAREI has been investing in agro-processing in the hinterland to assist farmers.

The turmeric factory in Hosororo, Region One was upgraded this year to accommodate a solar drying facility. “We were able to purchase all the turmeric from the farmers and process them with the use of our solar drying facility. We were also able to reduce our cost of production given that we reduced the usage of diesel fuel and used green energy,” Dr. Homenauth said.

Before yearend, the Institute will be constructing three solar drying facilities also in Region One. Those are being made specifically for ginger.

There is a market for this product.

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English

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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

If you are trying to understand the principle behind a theory, overlearning or active recall will not help much.

You need other activities to grasp the principle you are trying to master, which does not come by simply learning bald statements of the principle. Most students readily benefit from this advice particularly in things mathematical where principles behind a theory are made clearer as they are applied in solving problems.

Work steadily together in groups of partners. Perseverance is the key.

Love you.

IMPRIVING YOUR WRITING My Dear Cousin Tovah, We made it! If it had not been for your father, though, I think my family would all be dead now: Mama, Papa, Nathan, Saul, and me. At the very best we would

be in that filthy prison in Berdichev, not rolling west through Ukraine on a freight train bound for Poland.

I am sure you and your Cousin Hannah were glad to see Uncle Avrum come home today. How worried his daughters must have been troubled after the locked doors and the whisperings of last night.

Soon Bubbe Ruth, my dear little grandmother, will hear of our escape. I hope she gives a big pot of Frusileh’s cream to Uncle Avrum. How better could she thank him?

When the sun rose from the trees at the train station in Berdichev this morning, I stood lone outside a boxcar, my heart knocking against my ribs.

I stood there, trying to look older than my twelve years. Wrapped in the new shawl Cousin Hannah gave me, still I trembled.

“Wear this in health,” Hannah had whispered in my ear as she draped the shawl over my shoulders early this morn-

ing, before we slipped from your house into the dark.

“Come,” Papa said, leading To suppose, as we all suppose, that we could be rich us through the woods to the train and not behave as the rich behave, is like supposing station. that we could drink all day and keep absolutely sober.

I looked back to the flickering LOGAN PEARSALL SMITH (1865-1946) lights of your house, Tovah. ch. 4 In the World “Quickly, Rifka,” Papa whispered. “The boys, and Mama, possessive case of a pronoun used before and I must hide before light.” …..My two giant brothers, Nathan and a gerund if we wish to show ownership.

Examples: His (not him) coming is Saul, crouched in separate cars to my left.

Papa said we should hide in different cars. greatly respected.

Don’t mind her loud talking.

If the guards discovered only one of us, What to Do perhaps the others might still escape.

List the correct possessive pronouns Behind me, in the dusty corner of a boxcar, sat my own rucksack. It waited for the following sentences, or write each for me, holding what little I own in this entire sentence correctly.

1. George has invited us boys to his world. I had packed Mama’s candlesticks, wrapped in my two, heavy dressed, party. Do you mind (our, us) going, mother? at the bottom of the sack.

2. They did not know about (us, our) Your gift to me, the book of Pushkin, I did not pack. I kept it out, holding it in leaving.

3. The doctor has given us a ticket of my hands.

I would have liked to fly away, to race good health. Do you mind (our, us) reback up the road, stopping at every door joicing over that victory, Sampson?

4. We do mind (your, you) rejoicing. to say goodbye, to say that we were going It is preventing us from concentrating on to America. our Mathematics home-work.

(Karen Hesse, “Letters from Rifka”) 5. She swore to stop (him, his) awful About the Passage Today’s reading should help you see threatening. He does it when he is inehow thoughts are captured in dialogue. briated.

6. When the sun shines, my canary Observe how the paragraphs of this letter are short and greatly informative to make sings. My father loves (it, its) whistling.

7. My neighbours like every attire I the message clear and easy to picturise.

See how short and striking is the dialogue. wear. I am tired of (them, their) borrowYou too, can do good writing if only ing.

[Look out next week for more examyou take time to practise reading good literature and writing your thoughts un- ples of coining sentences with possessive pronouns.] cluttered.

Something to Do YOUR PERSONAL JOURNAL Answer the questions to show your unA personal Journal is another kind derstanding of how the passage is written.

1. Based on the first paragraph, what of storage space to write about real life happenings. do you think this story is about?

With it there is no risk of ideas being 2. What does Rifka’s remarks about her grandmother and Uncle Avrum reveal criticised; it is encouraging as it is private. You can have your heart’s content about her character?

3. Where is Rifka as she writes this following your thoughts wherever they lead, and from wherever they originate; letter?

4. Why has the writer chosen to com- explore new corridors of ideas; and sort municate in the form of a letter? Do you out feelings. Guard against pulling out think the technique is effective? Why or pages, though.

To have great benefits from journal why not?

5. Use the writer’s letter writing tech- writing you need to choose a big, strong nique to tell a story about yourself with book. You’ll soon find that the way you construe thoughts and memories may part of your family. change their significance as you revisit them, and as you get older; write down GRAMMAR A). The Use of Possessive Case of every changing view.

You also have scope for other kinds Personal Pronouns Reminder: The possessive case of the of writing, too. Take for instance, experpersonal pronoun consists of the follow- imenting with poetry. Your short stories can have their birth here, too. Whatever ing: First person, singular: my, mine; first you cannot write down just yet can be cut and pasted in your journal to be revisited person, plural our, ours.

Second person, singular: your, yours; later. Paste things like cartoons, comic strips, recipes, news items, and whatever second person, plural: your, yours.

Third person, singular: his, her, hers, can be bases for writing.

Do try keeping up or starting up a its; third person plural: their, theirs.

Let’s just concentrate on using the personal journal now.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 8, 2019

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

Ingredients 1 ¼ cup warm water 1/3 cup honey 1 tbsp yeast 3 ½ cup whole wheat flour Pinch of salt ¼ cup melted butter Powered by Chicory

Instructions Place warm water in a large bowl with honey and yeast then mix with a spoon.

Let mixture sit for 10 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom.

Add flour, salt and melted butter and mix to combine.

Place on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it forms a smooth ball.

Place in a lightly greased bowl and allow to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes.

Once the bread has risen, punch down the dough then remove from the bowl and place on a clean countertop. Knead a few times to form a ball.

Roll into a rectangle then roll from one end forming a jelly roll.

Place in a greased loaf pan and gently press so that the bread spreads and fills the pan and touches the sides of the pan.

Cover loosely and let rise for about 20 minutes. While bread rises, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

When bread is ready, remover cover and place in preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and brush with butter.

Allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing and placing on a rack.

Best when served warm. jehancancook.com

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