In a bold celebration of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, five young Guyanese women recently stepped into the shoes of foreign diplomats for a day—an initiative that sought to highlight the importance of women’s representation in global leadership and foreign policy.
July 6, 2025
By Frederick Halley
IN January, Guyana-born Winston Kassim, a retired Executive Officer at the Royal Bank of Canada, was conferred with the Order of Ontario. On June 15, Kassim was formally invested for his more than four decades of worldwide humanitarian and volunteer work in over 25 countries.
He was the first born-Guyanese to be awarded a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.), the nation’s highest civilian honour for Canadian citizens, in 2009, and was recently accorded the
Guyana High Commissioner Award for Excellence on June 1 in Ottawa. He is also a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and many other awards for volunteerism.
Winston began his business career with Barclays Bank in Guyana and the Caribbean before immigrating to Canada in 1975. He then joined the Royal Bank of Canada, where he enjoyed a distinguished 40year career, eventually retiring as the Executive Head of Financial Performance Management and Business Strategy.
Winston is a certified board director and has served on various boards, including Royal Bank Barbados Limited. He also supported a number of not-for-profit boards, including the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Canadian Museum of Indian Civilisation, the Sunatul Jamaat of Ontario, Canada, and private companies.
In Guyana, he, along with his late mother, Noorun Nisa Kassim; his late brother, Dr. Sultan Farook Kassim; his retired uncle, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sultan Turn to page XIII
- Invested with Order of Ontario and the Guyana High Commissioner to Canada Award for Excellence
DIPLOMACY goes far beyond long speeches on hard topics and rigid international talks between opposing states. True diplomacy uses compassion, understanding, and in-depth knowledge to shift worldviews on global issues. That’s why diplomacy is everyone’s business. But over the years, not many women have had their voices heard on the international stage. Now, organisations like The Imperial House are helping to change that.
In celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, The Imperial House partnered with the High Commission of Belize, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy of Suriname, the Embassy of Mexico, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to host “Diplomat for a Day.”
The initiative gave five Guyanese girls a chance to step into the world of diplomacy by shadowing ambassadors and high commissioners, visiting local foreign missions, and exploring the role of regional institutions like the CARICOM Secretariat. These five young women—Kyra Adams, Natassia Ashby, Amelie Burnham, Adana Dorrick, and Chanecia La Rose—shared their experiences with Pepperpot Magazine, reflecting on lessons learned, personal growth, and the power of representation.
er-Garnett at the Girls Assemble ceremony.
Recounting her experience, Kyra shared that the day kicked off after she presented her letter of credence to the High Commissioner of Belize before engaging in thought-provoking discussions with the diplomatic team, including the Foreign Secretary.
“I also learned from the Foreign Commu-
all these different places by a specific time.”
Seventeen-year-old Natassia Ashby of Linden recently graduated from St. Stanislaus College and is now pursuing studies in entrepreneurship. Her childhood passion for
Eighteen-year-old Kyra Adams, who hails from West Ruimveldt and is currently pursuing an associate degree in Sociology at The Bishops’ High School, has big dreams. Sharing her ambitious long-term aspirations, she said, “In the future, I plan to study Education, Law, and Political Science. I want to be part of the decision-making spaces that directly shape people’s lives, especially in education and youth development. My ultimate dream is to one day become Guyana’s Minister of Education.”
Having previously served as Minister of Education in the Girls Assemble Programme, Kyra said the Diplomat for a Day opportunity was an easy yes for her. “This was a dream opportunity to work under a diplomat and learn from them,” she said, recalling how inspired she was by Her Excellency Gale Mill-
nication Directorate about what they actually do behind the scenes, which was really interesting.”
She highlighted how impactful the visit to the CARICOM Secretariat was, where she learned about youth opportunities like the Aspiring Youth Employment Programme and heard stories of Caribbean women in diplomacy.
Listening to them was not just educational but empowering, said Kyra, as they emphasised the importance of balance. “One thing that all the diplomats, high commissioners, and mentors kept stressing throughout the day was that you don’t have to choose between motherhood and this kind of career. You can be a mother, have hobbies, and still be a successful diplomat—it’s all about balance,” she shared.
Most of all, Kyra appreciated learning that diplomacy can take many paths and does not have to be one-dimensional. As she shared, “You don’t have to study just international relations; you can come from economics, medicine, education, or any other area and still bring something valuable to the field.”
science has shaped her career goals. “At the age of 11 my cousin inspired me to study forensics; my mind has been set on becoming a pathologist. I’ve also applied to the University of Guyana to further my criminology studies,” she shared.
Like her colleagues, Natassia was introduced to the initiative through the Girls Assemble Parliamentary Programme and jumped at the opportunity. “I wanted to use myself to be a voice for my region and be a stepping stone for young females, especially coming from Linden,” she said.
Natassia shadowed Ms. Candice N. Shade, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago—an experience she described as empowering and eye-opening. “Ms. Shade walked me through the office and all of her work duties.
She highlighted everything that goes in and out of the commission,” she said. Natassia quickly learned that diplomacy is a high-paced, demanding field. “What stood out the most to me was the diplomats’ schedule. We had a lot of events to attend, so it was really fun and exciting being able to be in
A key lesson Natassia took away was the power of listening. “Diplomacy isn’t just about speaking well; it’s about understanding diverse perspectives and responding with empathy and clarity.” She added, “Representing a foreign country as a young Guyanese woman reminded me that leadership knows no borders. It made me feel proud of my roots while giving me the confidence to imagine myself in global spaces.”
Amelie Burnham: You Must Be StrongWilled and Resilient
Eighteen-year-old Amelie Burnham, who lives along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, recently completed her CAPE studies in Natural Sciences at St. Stanislaus College. Her diverse family background, from Orealla in Region Six and Rupununi in Region Nine, has given her a strong sense of cultural identity—a pride she hopes to take to the international stage.
Shadowing Suriname’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador Liselle Blankendal, Amelie shared that the experience highlighted the similarities that Guyana and Suriname share. What stood out most to her was the personal challenge diplomats face. “What stood out to me the most was realising how challenging being a diplomat living in a foreign country can be. Being away from your family and the environment you’re familiar with—language differences, different cultural norms, and even food. Realising how adaptable a diplomat must be in a fast-paced environment,” she said.
At the end of the day, Amelie left with more than just information on diplomacy and international relations—she left with valuable life advice. “The biggest piece of advice that stuck with me is if you look at your career as an obligation or burden, it will be difficult for you to stay motivated and perform proficiently. You can become overwhelmed. If you develop the ability to view your challenges as opportunities to grow personally and professionally, it will be easier to keep going,” she said.
The experience reinforced for her the importance of confidence and voice. “I learned that people may try to tell you it isn’t the ‘time or place’ for you to speak up, but that can be because they simply don’t want to hear what you have to say. This puts you in a position where you have to stand your ground Turn to page VIII
By Michel Outridge
UNLIKE unsavoury pastries without flavour, dry and stale, the pastries made by Sue Sertimar— especially the cassava pone—are among the best I have probably had, and it is home-made from a family business that originated in Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.
The cassava pone is a jiggly goodness, rich in flavour with all the right ingredients and no skimping. It reminds me of my grandma’s.
When this writer was a child and went back to my home village of Palmyra, East Canje, Berbice, for the August holidays, it was one of the specially made treats we had as children—that is, my siblings and me.
It is the melt-in-your-mouth kind of cassava pone that is made just right, and it is very tasty and addictive.
It was by chance I learned of the product. One day, I was visiting the Stabroek Market, Georgetown, to locate a vendor and at the second entrance of the market, there is a stall with a healthy-looking woman who sells all kinds of local pastries and goodies (sweets). I saw that the cassava pone was selling out fast, so I bought one. When I returned to the office, I had it—and it was delicious. After that, I kept going back for it. I often return to the location to get my fill of cassava pone, along with other tasty and fresh pastries.
The owner of that stall is Kim Sertimar, who grew up with a large
family. Her mother was an excellent baker and made and sold pastries for a living. The 54-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she resides at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, but the family-owned bakery is located at Ann’s Grove, also on the
and during that time, she stepped up to the challenge of being the family baker, producing locally made pastries.
Sertimar added that their name and business are well-known due to the high-quality products they
ket, where they would vend as well. She stated that they all grew up at the stall in the market and learned a lot from being with their mother—a role model—who had earned a living from that small business over the years. The baker disclosed
East Coast Demerara, where they bake fresh pastries daily.
Sertimar said it is a generational small business that has been passed down through earlier generations. Her mother used to make pastries from scratch, the old-fashioned way, to sell at the local market. They were children then, and they helped in the process, which was tedious and long.
She reported that her mother, Gertrude—better known as “Big Lady”—passed away 13 years ago,
produce.
She added that her mother used to sell pastries in Stabroek Market, the same location as today, at the second gate entrance via the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling Road, downtown, which is now managed by her sister, Sue Sertimar-Franklin, who stood up to hold the fort as the market vendor there.
Sertimar related that when they were younger, they would walk and sell pastries in the village, and also accompany their mother to the mar-
that the family makes bread, black cake, sponge cake, fruit cake, pram (a kind of cake that is made from the by-product of dry coconuts), coconut roll, salara, pine slice, pine tart, cheese roll, patties, coconut biscuit, quenches, among other local pastries.
“Whatever cake you need, we bake it. We even do wedding cakes, cakes for any and every occasion— even cakes for Christmas—the traditional black cake that is a hot seller,” she said.
Sertimar told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is from a family of 11 siblings, and the Sertimar girls, as they are referred to in the community, are well-known for their baking and cooking skills. They also cater for events with many tasty local dishes.
She explained that their name is it—that’s it—since their skills in baking and cooking are unmatched, and they provide customers with what they want. So their services are sought by people who are familiar with their culinary expertise.
Sertimar is a mother of four children, and her spouse assists in the making and baking of pastries daily at their bake shop in Ann’s Grove. She revealed that they have 10 employees, and they produce pastries and cakes on a large scale, made to order, to supply customers' daily orders.
Sertimar added that they bake from Monday to Saturday, and it is an age-old family business that has grown over time from a family-run operation to one with staff.
In addition, they also make coconut oil from scratch, and they have developed skills in making different dishes and pastries—skills they acquired at a young age from their mother, who spent more than 60 years as a baker and vendor in the Stabroek Market.
“It’s my mum who built this small business from the ground up, and today we are upkeeping the family tradition because she laid the foundation for us to earn as a family,” she said.
By Shaniya Harding
WHEN eleven-year-old Gustavo Abraham returned home to his community of Annai this week, he was greeted with cheers and celebratory hugs after becoming the top performer at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
Born and raised on the outskirts of Annai, Gustavo made history as the first student from Annai Primary School to achieve such an accomplishment. This week, Gustavo and his father, John, spoke to the Guyana Chronicle about their journey and what it means to make their community and region proud.
The eldest of three, Gustavo has always been a top performer passionate about his education. Born and raised in the community of Aranaputa, on the outskirts
of Annai in Region Nine, Gustavo grew up like any other child from the hinterland—running, playing, and enjoying the laid-back, easy-going atmosphere of his community. His father, John Abraham, says that life and raising a family in Region Nine is comfortable, and although there are a few hurdles, accessing goods and services is relatively easy. Similarly, education in the community is accessible, with Annai Secondary being one of the oldest and most respected hinterland schools. As a parent, John believes that while school is important and impactful, parents must go the extra mile in their child’s education. Both John and the teachers at Annai
Primary saw Gustavo’s potential, so John committed himself to working alongside his son. Reflecting on
Gustavo’s academic track record, John stated, “Gustavo always did well in school. He was basically in the top three of his class from Grade One, Grade Two, probably to Grade Three. From around Grade Four, he started actually topping his class,” he said.
Recognising his son’s passion and potential, John created a schedule and carved out time to study with Gustavo. “We would do some studying in the morning before he went to school. He would have some extra lessons after school with his teachers, and then during the evening, we would do some more work. That’s about it,” he shared. Although they studied daily, John made sure Gustavo wasn’t overburdened, ensuring he had time to rest, play, and enjoy his childhood.
That’s why when the family learned that Gustavo had secured the top spot for the region, they were overjoyed. Recalling the moment, John said it brought profound relief and pride, knowing all the long nights had paid off. “It was a surprise when I heard that he—Gustavo—had actually topped the region. Because of all the hard work we put in. And of course, I was overjoyed. The amount of effort we put in— it paid off,” he shared.
According to John, the hardest part of the journey was adjusting to the routine—one he now hopes Gustavo will carry into his secondary school years at The Bishops’ High School. “The hardest part to me was basically we had to get ourselves into a routine. We had to balance his studies with whatever else he had to do—his chores and so on.” He further added, “It called for commitment not only on the part of the parents and the child but the school as well.”
John says there is no single key to academic success, but parental support can be a deciding factor. He believes parents should take a more active role in their children’s education, serving as supplementary educators. “A lot of the parents prefer to put that
responsibility on the school. But as a parent, I realised that I would have to play my part as well. I sort of supplemented the school. Whatever the school did not touch on, I was able to supplement—I was able to plug the gaps that he probably would have missed at school,” he explained.
Gustavo, whose favourite subject is Mathematics, initially struggled with English. Seeing where his son’s challenges lay, John used a variety of resources to help him improve. Materials like the Ministry of Education’s concise notes made a significant difference. “We made use of the concise notes. I guess we used that extensively—I would have widely used the concise notes. I realised that most or all of the materials needed for the exam would have been in the concise notes,” he said.
Although NGSA is just one milestone in what Gustavo and his family hope is a long, productive academic journey, the impact of his success has been far-reaching. His family, school, and community rallied around
him last week, celebrating his achievement with a small parade. According to John, it was an emotional moment for all. “It was the first time that a student from this particular school would have topped the region. So it was one of joy for the community; the community is now on the educational map. They did like a little motorcade kind of thing for him—the community, the school, and so on.”
But Gustavo’s story also highlights a larger issue— the standard of education, not just in Region Nine but across Guyana. As someone born and raised in the hinterland and now a father, John says the improvements in education are both vast and impactful. With continued government support in the form of resources, he believes this is just the beginning. “I'm seeing the standard of education, it’s going up in the hinterland, in Region Nine particularly. So good things are happening,” he said.
Currently, Gustavo has a deep interest in computers, gaming, and technology—
fields he may pursue in the future. Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine from his home in Aranaputa, the outspoken and confident young man said he couldn’t have achieved this without his parents. “If it was not for my mother and father, I would not be where I am right now. They would always support me.” He added, “I was always confident in myself that I would get a good school in Georgetown, and that is what actually happened. I would wake up early in the morning to study, and in the evenings too.”
Though he enjoys gaming, Gustavo says he hopes to one day follow in his father’s footsteps. “I would like to become a GECOM officer just like my dad when I grow up,” he said.
Now preparing to join the newest batch of students at The Bishops’ High School, Gustavo’s family is ready to support him through the next chapter. And while Gustavo is excited to start at a new school and learn a new curriculum, he’s also eager to make his mark.
THE maritime industry is one of many growing sectors in Guyana, and the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC), Guyana Chapter Inc., is working to ensure that women’s voices are heard among all the buzz surrounding the sector. Most recently, WiMAC hosted its inaugural Gala and Awards Ceremony under the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women: Anchoring Excellence” at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, on Friday, June 20.
The prestigious event brought together leading voices in maritime to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across the sector.
Held in honour of the trailblazing women working both locally and internationally within the maritime industry, the event recognised their unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous development. President of WiMAC’s Guyana Chapter, Katina Benn, spoke to Pepperpot Magazine this week about the importance of celebrating exceptional maritime women and the work that WiMAC is doing for women in the maritime sector.
April of this year saw WiMAC open fourteen award categories for nominations, recognising diverse areas of excellence across the maritime sector. Fourteen visionary women were honoured as the 2025 awardees in each category:
• Maritime Leadership Award – Romona Arthur
• Executive of the Year –Briony Tiwarie-Gabriel
• Port Management Excellence Award – Nalini Jamuna
• Outstanding Female Ship Captain – Sabita Sookdeo
• Sustainable Maritime Champion – Dawn Maison
• Blue Economy Advocate
– Donnette Streete
Katina Benn, President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) – Guyana Chapter Inc., (Samuel Maughn photo)
• STEM in Maritime Award
– Shania Stewart
• Mentor of the Year – Annette Arjoon-Martins
• Di versity & Inclusion Champion – Miranda Thakur-Deen
• Maritime Educator of the Year – Coleen Denyse Abrams
• Exemplary Seafarer Award
– Rebecca Samuels
• Maritime Safety Advocate
– Sherry-Ann Wilson
• Shipping & Logistics Innovator – Keisha Hack
• Women-Owned Maritime
Business Award – Kerensa Bart
The Executive Council of WiMAC also recognised and honoured Thandi McAllister as the Maritime Ambassador for her continued advocacy and excellence in maritime stewardship.
Recounting what inspired the award ceremony, Benn shared: “We really wanted to create something that is different for women in the sector and that will really shed light on some of the women we have in the sector and some of the things that they do. That’s how the current
executive came up with the award ceremony.” She added, “We thought that by coming up with this, persons would become more engaged with WiMAC and then of course they’re going to be more interested maybe in some of the careers. Because when you see the different women who were nominated, you might be like, ‘Oh, this is a career in maritime, and this is something I can pursue.’”
The event highlighted the impact of women in maritime, with Benn and her team receiving dozens of nominations. The various categories sought to honour women in every facet of maritime work, something that Benn says was vital to the event and WiMAC. “We were the body deciding who would have been the awardee. We went through that process, which was a very tedious process because we also sought to develop the different metrics for the various categories. For instance, let’s say you have a category with maritime in STEM and then there’s another one with leadership in maritime, you can’t use the same metrics, because they’re different positions in the maritime sector,” she said.
fore, and the organisation’s reach expanding to the private sector. “Initially, when WiMAC Guyana started, we started with members from just the public sector because those were the women who helped form it. But I’m glad to say that now we’ve extended that and we include the private sector, because we know that public-private sector participation and collaboration is very, very important to what we do in maritime,” Benn said.
The gala and award ceremony is just one of the many things that WiMAC is doing to not just celebrate, but educate women about the opportunities and avenues in maritime. Highlighting the work they have done and its impact, Benn shared: “We’ve had a tremendous change, particularly earlier this year, when we became more outright in reaching out to persons, more active in our social media campaigns and more focused on gaining membership that is not only public-sector oriented but also private-sector,” she said.
This has had a positive effect, with more women now seeking to be part of WiMAC than ever be-
And WiMAC does not plan on stopping the momentum they currently have. With a number of events planned for the rest of 2025, Benn and her team are focused on introducing careers in maritime to schools. Shedding light on some of the organisation’s upcoming events, Benn shared: “Next month we are going to be having the inaugural Nautical Children’s Club. This is where we’ll do a week of training with children aged 7 to 11, and we’re going to be introducing the maritime sector to them.” She further added, “Like I said, we’re big on reaching women, and generally everyone, at the younger level. We have to be strategic in what we’re doing, and we find if you reach them from this level, we’ll be seeing more maritime careers on career days. Because you don’t really see that.”
For Benn and her team at WiMAC Guyana, long-term goals are simple, but once achieved, can be ground-breaking. “A long-term goal would be to generally have a larger percent of women involved in the industry. To date, the technical women only account for 1.2% of a workforce of maybe a hundred and something thousand seafarers.” She further added: “More women participation in the sector is the long-term goal. Like I said, having the career as an option from an Turn to page XII
THERE’S a certain quiet tension that comes with big questions—the kind that makes you sit still and wonder if there’s even an answer at all. In playwright and director Rae Wiltshire’s latest production, Don’t Ask Me Why, that very tension is what drives the story forward.
The play, which won the 2022 Guyana Prize for Literature in the Drama category, is finally being brought to life on stage with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. And while it promises bold performances and unexpected humour when it premieres on July 6th at the National Cultural Centre, it also promises something much deeper—an experience that forces the audience to confront life’s hardest, most personal questions.
Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine just days before the debut, writer and co-di-
rector, Rae Wiltshire, shared that the play, also directed by Ayanna Waddell and starring the immensely talented Sonia Yard as its lead, tackles some very serious and thought-provoking themes.
“Winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature, Don’t Ask Me Why begins with a lonely creator and a question no God can answer,” Wiltshire explained. He added, “What unfolds is a real, heartbreaking, and darkly humorous journey through creation, loss, and the limits of divine power.”
The synopsis alone offers a glimpse into a universe that’s fantastical yet surprisingly grounded, with very bold elements of reality. The talented creatives behind the production have put their best foot forward in creating something as immersive as possible, blending the surreal with the spiritual. “It’s an absurdist, existential, trag -
ic comedy featuring four characters, two of which are supernatural beings,” Wiltshire said. “They’re asked questions by other creatures, but they have no answers for them. And so the play is basically them going back and forth, trying to answer these simple questions when everyone is lost in this world— this garden, essentially.”
This year’s production features an ensemble of familiar names in the local theatre scene: Sonia Yard in the central role, supported by Latiefa Agard, Kevin Kellman, and Rae Wiltshire himself, who also takes on a role in the play.
While the play’s philosophical core may seem abstract at first glance, the production itself is rooted in something very real—a growing appetite for diversity and innovation in Guyana’s theatre space. “I hope people walk away with
just a deep appreciation for different types of theatre,” Wiltshire said. “And I hope people’s minds are explored and grown, and they want to just question everything, and more, about their life’s purpose and their role in life.
And I would say that they can live a life for them.”
He doesn’t expect the audience to leave with answers.
In fact, that’s not what Don’t Ask Me Why is about. What he hopes, instead, is that people leave with questions.
That, perhaps, is the play’s greatest strength. It doesn’t aim to offer closure or tie life’s mysteries into neat little bows. It dares to disrupt, to challenge long-held beliefs, and to explore themes not Turn to page VIII
From page III or be silenced.”
Adana Dorrick: Young Women Aren’t Often Given the Opportunity to Sit at the Table
Originally from Kamarang, Region Seven, and currently completing her GED through Penn Foster in Pennsylvania, Adana Dorrick has always been passionate about law and recently developed an interest in international relations. She applied to the Diplomat for a Day programme after a friend encouraged her. “Two days before, I wanted to just drop out because I felt overwhelmed by work. My best friend said to me, ‘You are capable and you deserve to serve as a diplomat for a day,’ so I sent in my portfolio the day they were doing their selection, and guess what? I got picked,” she said.
Adana had long admired diplomats from afar, but seeing the work they do firsthand was an entirely new experience. By the end of the day, she said she walked away with more than just a
better understanding of diplomacy. “I said hey, that could be me. I want to do that. I want to represent my country. We deserve to be heard.”
Chanecia La Rose: Empathy Is a Strategy. Care Is a Form of Courage.
Eighteen-year-old Chanecia La Rose, who lives in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, is currently pursuing International Relations at the University of Guyana, with a focus on law. She’s a passionate advocate who works across climate change, mental health, and community development. “It started from The Imperial House, the Girls’ Assembly Parliament, it was different girls, different regions, different cultures, all came together in one room to discuss things that affect women,” she explained.
Because of her interests in climate change and agriculture, she was placed with IICA. Chanecia came into the role prepared but knew diplomacy would test more than just knowledge. “You
have to prepare yourself for a field that will challenge not your knowledge, but your confidence. Sometimes, in the rooms where you feel the most invisible, your compassion might be mistaken for weakness,” she said.
She believes young women bring something special to diplomacy. “Diplomacy with women doesn’t just look different, it works better.” She urged young girls and women to see their compassion as a tool and not a liability. “Empathy is a strategy. Care is a form of courage. It’s not just about representing countries; you have to represent the possibilities that were unimaginable for our mothers and grandmothers,” she said.
These five young women, each with different backgrounds and goals, stepped into a role that has long excluded voices like theirs. Diplomat for a Day gave them more than a title—it gave them a platform, a perspective, and a sense of power. And with initiatives like this, the face of diplomacy is slowly changing to one that’s more inclusive, compassionate, and representative.
From page VII often brought to life on stage in Guyana.
Despite the weighty subject matter, Wiltshire said that the process of bringing the play to the stage has been largely smooth. “We haven’t had any hurdles or challenges,” he noted. “Maybe some minor hiccups, but nothing that I’m aware of in the production anyway.”
Like many of its successful counterparts, Don’t Ask Me Why is being produced with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Rae credited the Ministry for its instrumental role in making the production possible.
“The Ministry always sponsors the prize-winning play, whether it placed first, second, or third. This play, Don’t Ask Me Why, won first place in 2022. It was also awarded again by the Ministry of Tourism in 2022, and they had a ceremony in 2023, and that’s why we are now putting it on stage,” Wiltshire shared.
The Guyana Prize for Literature has long been more than just a moment of recognition. For many creatives, it serves as a catalyst—one that opens doors, secures funding, and brings life to stories that might otherwise remain on paper. In Rae’s case, the prize has allowed him to push the boundaries of local theatre yet again.
Known for his sharp, provocative writing and bold directorial choices, Wiltshire’s work continues to challenge audiences to think—and feel—differently.
In “Don’t Ask Me Why,” he continues that tradition with daring dialogue, layered performances, and a narrative that demands his audience reconsider everything they think they know about creation, divinity, and identity.
The result is not just a night at the theatre—it’s a conversation starter, a mirror, and a moment of reflection. With a strong cast, a thoughtful script, and the weight of the Guyana Prize behind it, Don’t Ask Me Why promises to be one of this year’s most compelling theatrical experiences. And for Wiltshire, the takeaway is simple: even if the questions are difficult, or the answers unclear, walk away asking them.
Interested in attending?
Tickets for Don’t Ask Me Why are available at the National Cultural Centre for just $3,000. So whether you’re a lifelong theatre lover or new to the experience, come out on July 6th and be a part of the intrigue. You may not leave with answers—but you’ll definitely leave intrigued.
From page VI
early age is important. What we embed into our children at an early age—that the maritime sector is here and this is how you make the connection between oil and gas and the maritime sector—that is very, very essential for how far WiMAC will go with female participation.”
WiMAC Guyana, although devoted to on-the-ground, hands-on work, is much larger than Guyana. Joining WiMAC is more than just training and insight—it’s a platform for networking, empowerment and growth.
As Benn shared: “WiMAC is a much lar ger initiative than just Guyana. When it comes to shipping and the maritime sector, having a professional network of women that you can relate to, that you can correspond with, that you share similar stories with, is essential for growth for any woman in the sector.”
From page II Feroze Kassim; and his sisters, Bibi, Dolly, Anne, and Ingrid, have been supporting the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana for over 40 years. Kassim also played a key role in establishing the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and the Doobay Gafoor Medical Centre.
“Winston, along with his wife Kameni and children Nadina, Shaun and Sara, have been significant supporters of the One Guyana Forum (Canada) initiatives,” according to Jerry Karamat, one of OGF’s primary convenors.
Kassim has advised global organisations on business opportunities in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, India, South America, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Winston holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management (AGDM), and is a Certified Corporate Director, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D., University of Toronto).
Guyana’s President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was among the hundreds of Guyanese at home and abroad congratulating Kassim on his latest accolade.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, Honourable Edith Dumont, “The appointees to the Order of Ontario have enriched the lives of countless people in our province and well beyond. Together, they have attained the highest level of excellence in many fields, and may we all be inspired by their remarkable contributions.”
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour. It is awarded to an Ontarian who has demonstrated the highest level of excellence and achievement in their field, and whose impact has left a lasting legacy in the province, Canada, and around the world.
Members of the Order are a collective of Ontario’s finest citizens, whose contributions have shaped— and continue to shape— the province’s history and place in Canada.
MY last column was for the parents and a few reached out to me. Sadly, as expected, some were at their breaking point and unsure of the next step, wondering whether they were even doing a good job. A recurring theme was a lack of transparency from children. Many seem to be having a difficult time due to their children lying, which provides fewer opportunities for parental help.
I thought I’d discuss why children lie and what can be done to possibly avoid it.
Firstly, lying is a universal behaviour. We all do it—sometimes to protect others, sometimes to protect ourselves. But when children lie, it sparks a unique mixture of concern, curiosity, and confusion in adults. Why would someone so young, so seemingly innocent, engage in deception? Because isn’t honesty something we’re born with and lying a learned behaviour?
The truth is far more complex, and lying is not a sign of moral failure in children. It’s a developmental milestone, a psychological rite of passage that reveals how a child’s mind is evolving. Most children begin lying around the age of two to four. Not coincidentally, this is when the brain undergoes a cognitive growth spurt, especially in the area known as "theory of mind."
Theory of mind is the ability to understand that other people have thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives different from one's own. It's foundational for deception: if a child knows that you don’t know what they know, they can begin to manipulate what you believe.
In this light, a lie is not just a lie—it’s a mental triumph. For a three-year-old to hide the cookie they weren’t supposed to eat and then deny it with sticky fingers is actually a complex mental act. They have to remember the rule, recall their own violation, predict your reaction, and construct a believable
alternative narrative—all within seconds. The first lies are usually crude and easy to detect. But as children grow, their lies become more sophisticated. They learn to layer lies with partial truths, adjust their tone of voice and match facial expressions to their stories.
While cognitive ability enables lying, emotional experience often motivates it. One of the most common reasons children lie is to avoid punishment. When a child lies about breaking a vase, they are not necessarily being defiant or malicious, but instead protecting themselves from fear—fear of reprimand, disappointment, or emotional withdrawal.
This form of lying is closely tied to how safe a child feels when they make a mistake. In environments where mistakes are met with understanding and discussion, lying tends to decrease. In environments where errors are met with anger or shame, lying becomes a defence mechanism.
Therefore, adult responses to children’s lies play a critical role in shaping whether dishonesty remains a phase or becomes a pattern. When parents react with harshness, they may inadvertently reinforce lying as a survival tool. When they ignore lying, they risk sending the message that the truth is optional.
The challenge is to strike a balance: to respond with curiosity rather than judgment, and to teach the value of truth without making perfection the price of acceptance. Interestingly, research has shown that children are more likely to tell the truth when they believe it will make their parents proud, even if they’ve done something wrong. This suggests that fostering honesty isn’t just about rules and consequences, but rather about connection.
One of the most counterproductive things a parent can do is make truth-telling a test of obedience. When telling the truth leads to punishment or rejection, children learn not to stop doing wrong—they learn to stop telling the truth.
Instead of asking, “How do I make them stop lying?”, ask, “How do I make honesty feel safe?”
Validate the Emotion
Before Correcting the Behaviour
Beneath almost every lie is an emotion: fear of punishment, fear of disappointment, desire to impress, etc. If you jump straight to correcting the lie, you miss the human behind it.
For example, imagine your child lies about completing their homework. Before reacting, pause and say: “I get it. Sometimes we
want to avoid things that feel hard or boring. It happens.”
This doesn’t excuse the lie—it contextualises it, and that moment of validation opens the door to growth.
Make Honesty Worthwhile, Not Just Expected
Even as adults, telling the truth is hard. Children need to see that truth-telling pays off, emotionally and relationally. This doesn’t mean offering bribes for honesty.
It means reinforcing truth as a sign of strength and emotional maturity. For instance:
“Thank you for telling me the truth. That took courage.”
You’re not rewarding the misbehaviour—you’re reinforcing the value of honesty. This cultivates internal motivation, and children start to associate truth with pride, connection, and safety. Instead of lying to gain
Turn to page XXI
SURROUNDING each human being is a small circle of the world that is demar-
OVER the course of our lives, all human beings unfurl and bloom like the creased pages of a diary that is slowly being filled with fresh stories. We allow life to embrace us, and, in return, we are granted the space to be who we are. As we grow up, the gentle discomfort and pressures of creating your identity fade. Our skin becomes our armour, and our heart fills with the satisfaction of being able to live our lives just as we had imagined in our
cated by boundaries that they have built during the course of their lives. These
childhood dreams. Even those who may not yet have attained their goals are comforted by the freedom of choice—the grace of knowing that, even though they have not reached their destination, they still have the power to steer themselves towards it. The reward for those who are true to themselves is the ability to look into a mirror and respect the person they see. They shall experience no loss or failure that can take away this ability from
boundaries may have been shaped by the values that comprise their identity and the morals they have adopted.
them.
Recently, I discovered the story of Narcissus from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young man who was prophesied by a prophet to live a long and fruitful life as long as he did “not know himself.” He was known to be extremely handsome but prone to rejecting the affections of others, no matter how sincere they were. Then, one day, as he was travelling through a forest, he came across a body of water and caught his reflection glimmering
Although most people
on its surface. He leaned forward and watched as his own perfect face peered back into his eyes. Then, he remained there, falling in love with his own reflection until he passed away from thirst and starvation, unable to tear his eyes away from it. The spot where he died was marked by a bright yellow flower known as the Narcissus. We now commonly refer to the Narcissus flower as the daffodil.
The myth of Narcissus is a fascinating tale
will remain within these circles as they live, there are situations that can lead us to believe it is worth stepping outside of these boundaries, to give up our values or morals for just a single moment.
truth is that our world is an extraordinarily strange place.
Fo r instance, will we still choose to remain within these boundaries when the world outside promises us an escape from the struggles we are facing? Similarly, if we come face to face with the most important thing we have ever wanted in our lives, would we still be inclined to stay within those boundaries?
Forces like desire and suffering can easily push a human being beyond the lines they have created for themselves. Although encountering moments like these is inevitable, it is not impossible to survive them without losing our identity.
that offers us a valuable lesson. It teaches us the dangers of self-absorption and the losses we may face by refusing to open ourselves up to the love and affection of others. We may speculate that perhaps if Narcissus had already been in love with another person, he might never have been inclined to fall so madly in love with himself. It also shows us that our destiny is rarely within ourselves. We may spend a lifetime preparing ourselves to be better people, but this preparation will not mean anything if we do not use it to change the world for the better. Beauty and good character have no power if their positive influence does not extend beyond our own boundaries.
As members of a younger generation, we have the responsibility to hold on to our values and refuse to barter the principles of morality just for a quick escape or an easy way to fulfil our desires.
As we grow up, we will come to realise that our choices not only shape our own lives, but also those of everyone around us. Something as simple as where we choose to dispose of our rubbish or what we choose to say on social media can gradually shape the future that we create for ourselves.
The process of building an identity—of “knowing ourselves”—is necessary as we progress through our lives. Attempting to live without being comfortable with who we are is much like living in a space where we cannot fully walk, stretch, or look upwards at the sky. However, it is also quite easy to fall into the lonely path of knowing no one but ourselves. As we lean forward to watch our shimmering reflection grow and transform into something that we are
So, while it is true that many things in our world are more easily attainable with the use of certain shortcuts, we need to remember that the choices we make may not always lead to a contained and predictable outcome. Life leads us to many crossroads, and although it may seem like we are choosing between our own goals or desires, what we are really choosing between is the different kinds of people we aspire to be and the impact we wish to make.
Nevertheless, leading a positive and fulfilling life is not always about avoiding shortcuts and making the more difficult choice. The
Although we have attempted to categorise different facets of it as being “right” or “wrong”, we can never really be sure of the validity of these labels. Some actions are objectively incorrect, but under a specific context, they become acceptable.
proud of, it is quite easy to forget to look around us at the people who are fuelling the successes and the joys we are experiencing.
The affections of others are a gentle influence. These affections can fade away and disappear long before we glance around and begin to notice that we stand completely alone. Yet, the emptiness they leave behind when they are gone is a mighty force. Those who have developed a strong sense of identity and learned to love themselves deeply will not be limited by the failures they experience or the losses they face. However, they are still quite open to the possibility of grief.
Although some ways of thinking may be objectively righteous, they can quickly create fanatics who are willing to harm or discriminate a gainst fellow human beings. The world is not painted in either black or white, but in several shades of grey that can range anywhere between black or white.
T hus, it is clear that objectivity is non-existent in the context of morality. While we can use some of these rules as guidance to direct us, we cannot allow them to be instructions that fully shape our choices.
The key lies in finding a balance as we make our choices—it’s about making decisions in a way that brings us closer to our dreams while at the same time ensuring that we are not pushing others down or sacrificing our identities in the process.
In a similar manner, it is possible for our own influences and connections to the world to fade away, just like the affections of others. When we fail to acknowledge and reciprocate the love that others proffer us, we will eventually lose it. If we stop reaching out to the world with kindness, we will ultimately lose our ability to impact it.
Each of us holds a massive power within us. Let us allow this power to extend beyond us so it can reach parts of the world that truly need it.
Every time we see a shortcut being revealed to us, it is crucial to remember that we are risking something when choosing to take it. At the same time, there is a possibility that we may gain something valuable by taking a risk. This way of thinking helps us see our choices in a wider perspective and notice the way that they affect not only us, but the world around us.
As human beings, we can never really predict the outcome of a choice we make, but we can live with the comfort of the truth that lies behind our intention. We must remember that while we will always have time to look for things we have not found yet, we can never truly recover the things we have lost due to a poor choice.
NIGHT, its veil of darkness, descended silently, and from the deep shadows, as though wooed by night, came forth all that had stayed hidden in the day.
Naren, a security guard, walked along the cemetery road to the backdams where two machines tilling the land were parked. He was assigned to guard the machines that night till morn, a job that led him to different locations in the backdam.
Tonight, the machines were parked on the dam of a canal, overlooking a cemetery.
Not many people would have wanted to work in such a location, but Naren was a brave soul and had become accustomed over the years to seeing strange things on his night shifts: sleek white horses galloping along the dams then disappearing; ghostly apparitions of wandering souls; and strange voices speaking in languages he did not quite understand. But those haunting illusions did not bother him, because the real dangers were encountering thieves, fugitives and tomb raiders.
Tonight, though, was different.
He noticed, not far from his post, a new grave site— the fresh flowers on the tomb not yet withered. Someone had been buried there just that afternoon.
He wondered if it was the young woman, two settlements away from where he lived, who had died at the hands of her abusive husband. The story had been all over the news, the tragedy sending shock waves throughout the district. The young woman had been a schoolteacher, admired for her simple, pleasant personality and recognised for her selfless work with charities for children and the elderly. Naren shook his head and sighed with deep regret. “This violence seems to have no end from uncaring and cruel partners who refuse to let go.”
He checked the machines to ensure everything was fine and just couldn’t close his mind to the disturbing thoughts of men who allowed power and control to hurt the ones they love.
He sighed again and settled down to another night of security duty. The hours ticked by and his eyes, not heavy with sleep, shifted regularly to the surroundings, his mind alert to every little sound.
It was just past the midnight hour, as he poured from his flask a hot cup of tea, when he saw dim lights coming down the cemetery road—quite unusual for that hour. Naren positioned himself behind one of the machines so he could not be seen and watched as a car stopped and a tall, young man strode into the cemetery grounds, straight to the new gravesite. He stood there for a long time with his head bent, then he picked up a handful of loose dirt and threw it with some aggression on the grave.
“I told you, you can never leave me,” he said with cold anger. “I told you, you can only belong to me—but you didn’t listen, you tried to leave.”
In the quiet of the night, although Naren was a fair
After a while, the young man turned and walked back to the car, glancing towards the parked machines. Naren couldn’t recognise him in the dark, but knew now he was the husband of the murdered woman, and wanted by the police.
He turned his gaze to the grave site and drew in his breath sharply.
Standing there, in the silent posture of a departed soul, was a young woman in a long white gown, her hair tied loosely at the nape of her neck, decorated with tiny white flowers. From where he stood, Naren could not clearly see her face, but he knew there must be grief and invisible tears. She sat down, her head bent for a long time, and he watched her, unable to move.
“So young and beautiful,” he said silently. “Life interrupted by cruel hands—and he couldn’t even allow her to rest in peace.”
Naren closed his eyes for a few minutes, and when he reopened them, she was gone. The night wore on, soon to give way to dawn, and Naren packed his bag to leave for the day. But before he did, he picked a bunch of wildflowers and, putting it on her grave, said, “I don’t know you, but I can feel your pain—and I just want to say sorry for what happened to you.”
The day seemed long to Naren, her ghostly illusion and sadness imprinted on his mind. The story of her death was still relevant in the news, the police appealing to Turn to page XVIII
From page XVII citizens to help them find her killer. Naren called in and told the police what he had seen and that he was sure the man was her husband.
That night seemed darker, and as he sat by the machines, he watched her wander around, looking lost.
“Maybe she doesn’t realise she’s dead,” he deduced.
It was at that moment that she turned and looked at him, and Naren held his breath. Though not afraid, he did not want a close encounter with a departed soul. He closed his eyes so she wouldn’t know he was seeing her, but moments later, he felt a chill. He reopened his eyes and saw her standing just a few feet away from him. A pleading look in her eyes seemed to freeze his consciousness, and in that portal, he heard her speak softly:
“I miss my little daughter. She must be crying for me. I need to see her—help me, please.”
“How do I do that?” he asked.
“I don’t know how to find my way home. Guide me, please—my daughter needs me.”
“You know you have died, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she answered.
“Then how can you help her?”
“It was not my time to die, so Heaven is not ready for me. And until that time, I will watch over my daughter.”
Her plea touched his heart, and he nodded his willingness to help her. He risked losing his job that night, leaving his post
to guide her home. As he watched her in her invisible form embrace her daughter—a very pretty child— he felt tears welling in his eyes. She would now be the child’s guardian angel until Heaven was ready for her.
Two beautiful lives were shattered because of one man’s obsession and deadly anger.
Naren returned to work feeling happy in his heart that he had done something good for her.
And as he settled down, he thought to himself, “Don’t these things happen only in movies?”
Two nights later, the police who had been staking out the cemetery waiting for the fugitive, captured him as he tried to escape in the backdam. Naren was on the scene. Looking at him and seeing the savage look on his face, he said to him quietly, so only he heard, “Your wife is very sad. She misses her daughter.”
The man looked at Naren, livid with anger.
“Who are you, and how do you know her?”
“I’m a stranger,” Naren told him calmly, “but I can see her—and hear her.”
The man looked at him in shock and disbelief as he was shoved in the police van. Naren knew those words woul d live within him and give him no peace for the rest of his life.
In a way, it would be justice for her.
Night shifts took Naren to different places in the backdam, but always, whenever he passed by the cemetery road, he would put a bunch of wildflowers on her grave.
“So your beautiful soul can rest in peace.”
ACTIVISM is more visible in recent times, with many people taking their activism to social media platforms. In fact, activism is now a part of a growing “trend” in Guyana. During the month of Pride in June, people shared rainbow-coloured content on social media with no purposeful message or explanation.
and social justice is now a vital one across social media. However, the viral approaches behind these concepts need accountability. The phrase “performative activism” is described as an act of support for a cause, expressed mainly to gain attention, avoid criticism, or appear socially conscious, without any real effort or risk. In essence, ac-
In August, we celebrate Emancipation Day. Many people will wear their African prints without understanding their significance. In these instances, people simply “perform” their activism by doing these tasks, with no true impact.
The concept of awareness
tivism becomes a trend or an aesthetic. Advocacy becomes a concept to gain followers or to attract people through social media’s algorithm. It is a far shadow from the hard work of social justice advocates and change activists across the world. I am not saying we should
not welcome the conversations and discussions coming from social media influencers. Every person deserves to have their voices heard and their messages shared. However, the work simply does not stop there. There is more to raising awareness than having an influencer post a poster, even when major corporations use a trendy hashtag but still continue to abide by inhumane practices and regulations. Unfortunately, it is very simple and easy to create content and post on social media. As such, people feel that with just a click, they can show solidarity or “advocate.” This, however, is a hollow approach. It creates an illusion of progress in
awareness, but in reality, the issues and challenges persist. This illusion also extends to Guyana. With the Venezuelan border dispute, many persons reposted the Guyana flag and map on their social media pages. Many persons also wore the Guyana national symbols as accessories, but beyond that—what else was done? Did they take the time to educate themselves further on the dispute? Did they try to combat misinformation surrounding the dispute on social media? Did they share reliable and accurate information or data on why Essequibo belongs to Guyana? Have they conducted any community outreach to educate their community members about the dispute
and its potential impact on all Guyanese?
The real work requires us to leave the comfort of our homes. It also requires us to continue having conversations, even if they aren’t trending or viral.
People will argue that activism is sometimes subjective, and who am I to judge whether someone’s efforts are performative or not? I am here to say that we should not create smokescreens for creating change. We must actually strive to create meaningful change. We must confront oppressive systems and engage in offline community work—becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
We must not allow per-
formative activism to deter us from recognising the real sacrifices of many grassroots activists and organisations. I urge you all to start doing this by being honest with the impact and form of activism we portray.
Yes, we can continue to utilise social media to advocate for change, but challenge yourself to do more than that. Research and add policy reform recommendations to your next family violence post, or help organise a community clean-up campaign while simultaneously posting about keeping our beaches clean. Raising awareness is the first step, but it should not be the last—the work never stops there.
SINCE the 1980s, Guyana has been described as a transit point for cocaine specifically (see National Geographic 1985, which highlights our involvement). This quest for economic backup in a world that was already demonstrating income-earning difficulties was noted in
National Geographic, January 1989. There’s a map there that holds Guyana accountable.
During that period, and before, what many of us knew of cocaine was through popular music, like Swamp Dogg’s hit Sam Stone. Sam Stone was a Vietnam vet who was consumed by this drug
and, as Swamp Dogg described, “was climbing walls while sitting in a chair”— weird stuff, more like a scene from
The Exorcist. But it was joking about Swamp Dogg’s song that attracted the serious attention of a friend of my Godfather, who mentioned to me that there’s something
people called narcotics—that it was worse than rum. Again, more like the evil spirits of The Exorcist.
Hard drugs started having their public self in Guyana in the early eighties. The taste of misery came when a close relative, much later, became a young adult victim. The comedy of it, if I can assume it to
be comedy, was the engagement with the rehabilitation centres. The most popular of the two that I was directed to informed me that X was the fee per month. Additionally, I had to provide toiletries, writing materials, and other essentials. The shocker was that if the addict (the client) was brought in with all fees
paid and the addict didn’t want to stay and walked out, it wasn’t the rehab’s responsibility.
I argued that in that case, I should get back my money. They disagreed, and we debated—with some compromises.
The fact about this scourge is that if a youth does not have parents or family ties who will extend funds to help, that youth will end up on the road in a much faster stage of deterioration. Because a mind infiltrated with narcotics is not easy on a family, most families throw them to the wolves.
We don’t cultivate cocaine farms and drug production distilleries to my knowledge—however, I could be wrong. There are locations under the authority of certain public institutions that can be purged.
In 2014, with a few colleagues, I co-founded a group named RESCU, where we visited schools to speak about the dangers, but we ran out of resources to reach all the locations we were invited to.
Drug addiction is a serious problem. Addressing it requires more than mere interactions with the most vulnerable. There are some other options under consideration. If things materialise, some concerned friends and I may just give it a shot. The impetus is the long list of adults who have passed, trying to manage not-so-easily infected minds. Some have lost their lives as a result.
We live in a country where there is hope that things will just disappear without our help. Not so in the real world. It takes a whole lot of effort, using diverse expressions to influence minds and commitment.
However, the state-administered Drug Court is an efficient and inspiring institution, capable of reaching, through collaboration, those who need it most. Throughout my journey, I have worked with this institution and other collaborating entities in the progressive movements required. All is never lost.
From page XV approval, your child begins telling the truth to maintain it.
Reflect on Your Own Relationship with Truth Children don’t just learn honesty by being told—it’s modelled; they absorb whether we choose honesty when it’s inconvenient.
If you want your child to stop lying, examine your own. Ask yourself whether you model honesty even when it’s hard. When children see their parents admit to wrongs, apologise, and make amends, they don’t just learn the truth, but also courage.
Build a Family Culture Where Mistakes Are Normal
The most fertile ground for lying is a perfectionist culture, where errors are viewed as catastrophes. In these environments, the child’s primary goal becomes avoidance of blame rather than ownership of behaviour. Create a family culture that treats mistakes as normal, repairable, and growth-producing. Normalise phrases such as:
“Mistakes are how we learn—not how we’re judged.”
This reframes errors not as personal flaws, but as op-
portunities.
The goal isn’t to raise children who never lie. That’s unrealistic and, ironically, dishonest. The goal is to understand why they lie, how they can feel safe enough to be truthful, and have the emotional tools to choose honesty even when it’s hard.
When a child learns that the truth doesn’t lead to rejection, that honesty brings connection, and that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, it changes them. If we truly want our children to stop lying, we need to stop focusing on the lie itself and start focusing on the need beneath it.
WHILE it is acceptable to have the Creator and people influence your life, you have some work to do. Success will not walk and ask to be your friend; you must go and reach it. You must expend some amount of energy. Of course, the Creator sets the pace and puts things in place for you to reach that desired outcome, but you must be in alignment with the process toward success.
Ma ny ideas may fill your brain, but you will be unable to execute all of them. Being focused and sticking to one thing at a time can probably be your key to success.
When you are doing many things at the same time, you may not be able to concentrate your energy and thus miss the opportunity to achieve victory.
Working hard is never a crime. If you are considering being successful, then prepare to work. Whoever thought success came easy was never talking about me or you.
You may have to work hard and with honesty, while others may be resting. Avoid measuring your hard work against others. Do that which is correct, and you will have victory on your side. Working hard requires a great deal of energy, but the result can be victorious if you stay focused on the task.
Avoid trying to be unethical in your activities just to be successful. Shortcuts may be good, but they may not be the best option. Unethical activities may give you a momentary sense of satisfaction, but they will ultimately leave you feeling ashamed in the future. Many people’s good reputations were damaged because of one unethical activity. Please avoid unethical means in your pursuit of success.
A positive attitude can,
and more importantly, will be a key to your success. Many people may want to support you if you have it. Even when you have some failures, try to keep a positive attitude. As you become successful, try to maintain your winning formula. Too many changes may only create harm, and you may soon become defeated. Do the things that work for you, and you will have many successful days.
People who surround you
You will need people to help you become successful. Avoid creating enemies and establish more friends. Not everyone will want to be your friend, but those who choose to do so—keep them close to you, as they may be concerned about your success and may do many good things to help you become successful.
Some people have great ideas, but they are unsure what to do. In some cases, when they connect with a mentor, they may realise that they have potential and can also become successful.
Mentors oftentimes help you see what may be in front of you that you may not be able to see. Stay with your mentor and work to be successful.
You have a responsibility to surround yourself with quality people. When people have pet birds for whistling competitions, they often take them to challenge other birds, so they can improve their whistling skills. If you want to be successful, then you ought to surround yourself with people who will cause you to rise higher.
People of quality can sometimes help you see life from a better perspective, and you may live days thereafter being thankful for their friendship. Some of those high-quality individuals may be right in your workplace.
Only by spending time
talking and observing them will you become aware. At your educational institution, there are quality people who are there to help you become better. Your neighbourhood may have people who will cause you to lift your head high and see that opportunities are all around you. You have the choice to choose people. Use that
choice wisely and be willing to learn from others, as they may be a great guide to your future.
When you are successful, try to help others. You can help change the world into a better place by helping those around you become better. Your presence a nd guidance must challenge people to improve. Be willing to share with others
that life is filled with opportunities and that everyone can become successful. Sh are with them some of the important things that they can do so that success will be their friend, and defeat will be their permanent enemy
The Environment
A fish can swim, but needs the environment to do it. Many times, people
have the ability but lack the environment.
Athletes will not become great if they only spend time at home and dream about success; athletes need a supportive environment to execute what is important to them. Your environment can be your springboard for success. Your surroundings may Turn to page XXVIII
From page XXVII lend support for your success. Do not become angry with your surroundings. Just keep looking for things that can work in your favour.
You will need good soil for your seeds to germinate and bear a lot of fruit. While a seed may germinate, the soil provides it with stability and many of the nutrients it needs.
When a plant is removed from the soil and is not provided with any other supporting environment, it may soon die. You should try to stay connected with your soil so that your success will be sustained.
Many people would like to be your friend, but you must choose your associates wisely. These associates may carefully help you see the opportunities that exist before your eyes. Your associates may constantly challenge you to rise above defeat and remind you that you are a winner.
When your associates share their success stories, you may remind yourself that you too can be successful. It is challenging to find good associates, but when you do, hold on to them.
What you hear can help
you decide whether to move forward or backwards. Your ability to hear can propel you to become successful.
Be willing to listen, but most importantly, hear good things. Keep away from bad information and become friends with good information. What enters your ear will affect your thinking and actions. What you hear may help fashion your mind. Therefore, only lend your ears to good information.
If you see that other people are successful, then you may be challenged to believe the same thing can happen to you.
Look for opportunities to see what life has to offer to you. Often, birds will be in the tree or air and look for food that may be within their sight. You must have a similar mindset to look for good things to happen to you.
For more information about Geary Reid and his books, please use the following contact information: Amazon: http:// www.amazon.com/author/ gearyreid, Website: www. reidnlearn.com, Facebook: ReidnLearn, Email: info@ reidnlearn.com, Mobile #: 592-645-2240.
Welcome dear reading friend. Now, an active approach to study includes seeking opportunities to relate course material to real life, and dissecting study material. Connect your study material to personal experience or interests and note how the information becomes more relevant and easily remembered.
Likewise, your support resources can help clarify confusing concepts and break down challenging material into manageable pieces. Work steadily and
reap numerous benefits in your academic performance. Boost your confidence and overall wellbeing. Be wise. Love you.
Punctuation of sentences
Note the following points:
You promote a better relationship between your material and your reader if you write using well punctuated scripts which bring with them clarity of expression and effective communication. Your intended meaning will flow at will.
This exercise is yet another reminder specially selected to improve the sentences in your stories and quotations. Just be mindful to guide your readers by correctly indicating pauses, stops, or breaks between words, phrases, and sentences; also writing quotes, and contractions to convey meaning.
Also, put paragraphs to indicate each new speaker. Also, pay attention to different sentence types like simple, complex and compound sentences to improve punctuation skills. Be aware that it is good to be reading
JULY 06, 2025
and analysing how various authors use punctuation in published works as it is beneficial practice for you.
Your aim is to make your written work look more professional generally.
Here is an unpunctuated passage containing characters exchanging ideas in a story. Punctuate it. Add the capital letters needed. Fix a paragraph for each new speaker.
In a few stomps the door swung open and cecile was looking down at me I took a step back and hugged the bag I have to cook supper she stared down at me and didnt speak I didnt know what to do or say so I took the change out of my pocket all of it and held it out to her she took it dropped it into her pants pocket maintained her long hard stare if that was supposed to make me feel afraid stupid and small it worked then she spoke whynt you go to mings or shabazz I found my voice and said we cant eat takeout every day vonetta and fern cant stomach it you cant come in my kitchen making a mess this is my workplace I dont need you in here turning things upside down.
Below, please find some solutions to last week’s punctuation practice.
1. Mr. Jimmy said, “Bud, where did your mother get these?” 2. Mr. Jimmy was still crouched down right in front of me. He said, “Bud, he’s not your father.” 3. She hoovered over the machinery, grunting and cursing. Then she got up, pulled open a drawer, and threw a potato peeler and a knife in the sink.
The knife just missed my hand. She didn’t look once but said, “Don’t go cutting off your fingers. There’s no money to take you to the hospital.” 4. Sister Mukumbu said we would be safer with Mrs. Woods than by ourselves. Sister Pat added, “The man is still watching
Tell me where is fancy bred, Or in the heart or in the head?
(1564-1616) The Merchant of Venice
the house.”
THE PASSAGE
Note the important points. Prepare a summary using your own words. And that, more than anything, was what me and Freda had in common. Only difference is, Frida’s dad didn’t die when she was young. So she didn’t know what that was like. She didn’t know what that was like. She didn’t know what it felt like.
She didn’t know what it felt like to be broken until she was older. And not only did I know the feeling of something breaking inside me, I had to watch my mom go through it and basically get paralysed in a whole different way. In her brain and in her heart. Matter of fact, after Dad passed, that’s when Ma got churchy-churchy. The beginning of catching the spirit and dancing in the aisle and “praying for peace in the eye of the storm.”
Analysing a poem’s language
1. Personification gives things human characteristics to create a stronger emotional connection with them and the reader.
2. Hyperbole helps the writer to use extreme exaggeration to emphasise specific characteristics to support his idea.
3. A metaphor identifies how something might appear
without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
4. Imagery is language used that appeals to the five senses.
The Dawn’s Awake!
A flash of smoldering flame and fire Ignites the East. Then, higher, higher, Over all the sky so gray, forlorn,
The torch of gold is borne.
The Dawn’s Awake!
The dawn of a thousand dreams and thrills And music singing in the hills
A paean of eternal spring Voices the new awakening.
The Dawn’s Awake! Whispers of pent-up harmonies,
With the mingled fragrance of the trees; Faint snatches of half-forgotten song –Fathers! Torn and numb,
The boon of light we craved, awaited long, Has come, has come!
(By Otto Leland Bohanan)
1. Identify two examples of personification. What is being personified and how.
2. Identify an example of hyperbole. Explain how it is exaggerated.
3. Identify an example of metaphor. Explain what two things are being explained.
4. Identify two aspects of imagery the poet uses. Name the senses.
A MAJOR part of the Dental Health Service’s strategy is to launch an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention of dental diseases, including periodontal diseases in children. This is the most important factor because oral problems can impact a child's self-esteem and lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and learning.
The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health, of which I was fortunate to be a part, called oral diseases in children a “silent epidemic”. Thousands of school hours are lost each year to dental-related illnesses. In fact, it was pointed out that dental care is the most prevalent unmet health need among Guyanese children, although significant progress has been made in the preventive aspect in recent years.
Common dental problems seen in children include cavities and gingivitis, which are often found in most children. When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering. However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable.
It is estimated that 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting
school. When children don’t see dental professionals, they miss the opportunity to have problems detected early, before they escalate into larger, more expensive issues to treat. Additionally, parents miss the chance to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.
In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination, the Ministry of Health offers these tips to parents to help ensure good oral health in children:
1. Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, use only a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
2. Serve as a good role model by practising good oral health care habits yourself.
3. Check your child’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth, and bad breath.
4. Ensure your child
has a well-balanced diet. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of calcium
and vitamin C increase a person's susceptibility to periodontal disease.
5. Educate your child regarding the health risks of using tobacco products.
Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.
Welcome dear reading friend. Now, an active approach to study includes seeking opportunities to relate course material to real life, and dissecting study material. Connect your study material to personal experience or interests and note how the information becomes more relevant and easily remembered.
Likewise, your support resources can help clarify confusing concepts and break down challenging material into manageable pieces. Work steadily and
reap numerous benefits in your academic performance. Boost your confidence and overall wellbeing. Be wise. Love you.
Punctuation of sentences
Note the following points:
You promote a better relationship between your material and your reader if you write using well punctuated scripts which bring with them clarity of expression and effective communication. Your intended meaning will flow at will.
This exercise is yet another reminder specially selected to improve the sentences in your stories and quotations. Just be mindful to guide your readers by correctly indicating pauses, stops, or breaks between words, phrases, and sentences; also writing quotes, and contractions to convey meaning.
Also, put paragraphs to indicate each new speaker. Also, pay attention to different sentence types like simple, complex and compound sentences to improve punctuation skills. Be aware that it is good to be reading
JULY 06, 2025
and analysing how various authors use punctuation in published works as it is beneficial practice for you.
Your aim is to make your written work look more professional generally.
Here is an unpunctuated passage containing characters exchanging ideas in a story. Punctuate it. Add the capital letters needed. Fix a paragraph for each new speaker.
In a few stomps the door swung open and cecile was looking down at me I took a step back and hugged the bag I have to cook supper she stared down at me and didnt speak I didnt know what to do or say so I took the change out of my pocket all of it and held it out to her she took it dropped it into her pants pocket maintained her long hard stare if that was supposed to make me feel afraid stupid and small it worked then she spoke whynt you go to mings or shabazz I found my voice and said we cant eat takeout every day vonetta and fern cant stomach it you cant come in my kitchen making a mess this is my workplace I dont need you in here turning things upside down.
Below, please find some solutions to last week’s punctuation practice.
1. Mr. Jimmy said, “Bud, where did your mother get these?” 2. Mr. Jimmy was still crouched down right in front of me. He said, “Bud, he’s not your father.” 3. She hoovered over the machinery, grunting and cursing. Then she got up, pulled open a drawer, and threw a potato peeler and a knife in the sink.
The knife just missed my hand. She didn’t look once but said, “Don’t go cutting off your fingers. There’s no money to take you to the hospital.” 4. Sister Mukumbu said we would be safer with Mrs. Woods than by ourselves. Sister Pat added, “The man is still watching
Tell me where is fancy bred, Or in the heart or in the head?
(1564-1616) The Merchant of Venice
the house.”
THE PASSAGE
Note the important points. Prepare a summary using your own words. And that, more than anything, was what me and Freda had in common. Only difference is, Frida’s dad didn’t die when she was young. So she didn’t know what that was like. She didn’t know what that was like. She didn’t know what it felt like.
She didn’t know what it felt like to be broken until she was older. And not only did I know the feeling of something breaking inside me, I had to watch my mom go through it and basically get paralysed in a whole different way. In her brain and in her heart. Matter of fact, after Dad passed, that’s when Ma got churchy-churchy. The beginning of catching the spirit and dancing in the aisle and “praying for peace in the eye of the storm.”
Analysing a poem’s language
1. Personification gives things human characteristics to create a stronger emotional connection with them and the reader.
2. Hyperbole helps the writer to use extreme exaggeration to emphasise specific characteristics to support his idea.
3. A metaphor identifies how something might appear
without using ‘like’ or ‘as’.
4. Imagery is language used that appeals to the five senses.
The Dawn’s Awake!
A flash of smoldering flame and fire Ignites the East. Then, higher, higher, Over all the sky so gray, forlorn,
The torch of gold is borne.
The Dawn’s Awake!
The dawn of a thousand dreams and thrills And music singing in the hills
A paean of eternal spring Voices the new awakening.
The Dawn’s Awake! Whispers of pent-up harmonies,
With the mingled fragrance of the trees; Faint snatches of half-forgotten song –Fathers! Torn and numb,
The boon of light we craved, awaited long, Has come, has come!
(By Otto Leland Bohanan)
1. Identify two examples of personification. What is being personified and how.
2. Identify an example of hyperbole. Explain how it is exaggerated.
3. Identify an example of metaphor. Explain what two things are being explained.
4. Identify two aspects of imagery the poet uses. Name the senses.
A MAJOR part of the Dental Health Service’s strategy is to launch an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention of dental diseases, including periodontal diseases in children. This is the most important factor because oral problems can impact a child's self-esteem and lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and learning.
The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health, of which I was fortunate to be a part, called oral diseases in children a “silent epidemic”. Thousands of school hours are lost each year to dental-related illnesses. In fact, it was pointed out that dental care is the most prevalent unmet health need among Guyanese children, although significant progress has been made in the preventive aspect in recent years.
Common dental problems seen in children include cavities and gingivitis, which are often found in most children. When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering. However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable.
It is estimated that 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting
school. When children don’t see dental professionals, they miss the opportunity to have problems detected early, before they escalate into larger, more expensive issues to treat. Additionally, parents miss the chance to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.
In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination, the Ministry of Health offers these tips to parents to help ensure good oral health in children:
1. Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, use only a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
2. Serve as a good role model by practising good oral health care habits yourself.
3. Check your child’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth, and bad breath.
4. Ensure your child
has a well-balanced diet. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of calcium
and vitamin C increase a person's susceptibility to periodontal disease.
5. Educate your child regarding the health risks of using tobacco products.
Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.