A Mother’s Miracle
A
journey of faith, loss, and love
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Jacqueline Johnson and her daughter, Miracle
(Credits: Jacqueline Johnson)
From One Mother to Another
Every-day women share how their mothers helped shape their own journeys through motherhood
By Shaniya Harding
ON the surface, motherhood is about feeding, caring, washing, and working. But for many women, it’s also about carrying forward the quiet, powerful lessons passed down from the generation before. This week, in celebration of Mother’s Day, Pepperpot Magazine ventured into the streets of the capital city as three women reflected on their own journeys as mothers and how their own mothers helped shape the way they raised their children.
"She Made It Easier": A Mother's Presence
Stanleytown mother of six, Paula Davidson, says the support she received from her own mother made her journey through motherhood easier and, in many ways, helped her become a better parent. A vendor at Stabroek Market, Paula is the mother
of three boys and three girls, ranging from teenagers to adults. Although not all of them have yet gone out on their own, Paula says she is proud of those who have.
“Two of my sons are in the army, and one of my daughters is working at the airport. I am proud of all of my children, just looking at the younger ones now,” she said. Raising six children might sound overwhelming to some, but Paula says having her mother in her life made all the difference. “For me, nothing was hard about raising children,” she said. “Whatever they needed, if I couldn’t give them money, I would cook, and they understood. They were always content with whatever I did for them,” Paula added.
That quiet confidence, she says, came from her mother. “My mother helped me a lot when I had the boys. When I worked in the market, I would sell while she kept them.” Paula recalls how her mother never fussed
with them reminds her of the connection she once had with her own mother. Though her mother passed away a few years ago, Paula continues to use the lessons and approaches she learned from her to teach her children, instilling in them the importance of family and education. Her
plans for this Mother’s Day are simple. “I plan to cook out in the yard,” she said. It’s a tradition that connects her to the heart of motherhood, just as her own mother once did for her. “My mother was very good to me,” she added.
"Feeding, Caring, Disciplining": The Simple Joys of
over small things and had a simple, optimistic view of life—something Paula is glad to have learned from her and now passes on to her children.
Even today, Paula and her children remain close. “It was nice for me. I feel comfortable with my children. Till now, we’re very good,” she shared. Her bond
Motherhood
For West Bank mother of three, Fazil Rasheed, becoming a mother was a moment of joy. Today, the mother of three older children, Fazil says that stepping into motherhood was exciting, and with the support of her family, especially her mother, she felt ready for the journey. “When I first became a mum, it was exciting. I wasn’t afraid of being a mum. I was happy and excited,” she said. Her children, now aged 21, 17, and 16, grew up in Pouderoyen, where life was calm and community-oriented. “Raising them in Pouderoyen was nice. It was quiet and easy-going,” she shared. For Fazil, the best part of motherhood has been the every-day moments, cooking and caring for her children.
“Feeding them and bringing them up; I enjoyed that,” she added, “The best part of being a mum is feeding them, caring for them, knowing it’s time to look after someone.” She also remembers the
Paula Davidson, mother of six, takes a break at her stall in Stabroek Market, the same place where her mother once helped raise her children (Samuel Maughn Photo)
Fazil Rasheed, mother of three, tends to her goods at the market where she balances work and motherhood with grace
(Samuel Maughn Photo)
Simone Phillips, a vendor and mother of five, reflects on the strength it took to raise her children while working in the bustling market (Samuel Maughn Photo)
Taking crocheting to the next level via Mother’s Day floral bouquets
By Michel Outridge
FOR Shanta Noharp-
ersaud, the owner of Ashley’s Crochet Creation, it all started as a hobby—something to do, to fill a void.
It was after she aced the beginner’s stage of being self-taught via YouTube that she liked it, and her small business was conceptualised.
Noharpersaud has been exploring her talent in crocheting, and this year she was inspired to make hand-crafted bouquets especially for Mother’s Day, which will be celebrated today (Sunday).
The floral bouquets are flowers that never wilt. They are handmade with love, just as Mum deserves, so this Mother’s Day, say it with stitches. It is a timeless crochet bouquet of roses.
The young lady told Pepperpot Magazine that she has a full-time job with a private company and, in addition, she is studying at the
University of Guyana (UG), pursuing a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and also at the Green State Oil and Gas company.
Noharpersaud added that for the last two to three years, she has been practising from YouTube videos to crochet using the online tutorial platform.
It was in August last year that she made her first sale of a vase with different flowers, and it was sold for $8,000. That encouraged her to keep practising to become a better version of herself with that acquired skill.
Noharpersaud related that between work and studying, she used her time wisely, and it took a week for the first vase of flowers to be completed. It was a test to see how she could efficiently manage her time.
She added that when she began looking at crocheting videos, it was random, and when she started to practise, she liked it and enjoyed
it thoroughly. Last year, she turned it into a side business—a real hustle to earn.
However, this Mother’s Day, Noharpersaud, realising time wa s against her, premade seven different floral bouquets, with six priced at $6,500 each and a large one with only red roses for $7,000 ahead of time.
In addition, she specialises in crocheting flowers, sunflower pots,
rose pots and octopus keychains. She hasn’t ventured into any other designs or products yet, but plans to, since she is still in an advanced beginner’s stage of learning the skill.
The crocheting is made from yarn, which is store-bought in the city and also ordered online from a company.
Noharpersaud told Pepperpot Magazine that she does make a profit from this small
business, but it is time-consuming to crochet, so she charges for the time spent making the floral bouquets, keychains, and flower pots.
She stated that she does this small business from her Lusignan residence, East Coast Demerara, and maybe someday she can have her own business store to display her handmade products.
Noharpersaud is one of three children and resides with her siblings and mother
“I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon with crocheting because I love it—it is a hobby for me and I like doing it,” she said.
Noharpersaud pointed out that it brings her joy when the customers are satisfied, and their reactions are really motivating for her.
She reported that some people like the vibrant colours of the floral bouquets and flower pots and are in awe of their beauty
“If and when you
put your mind to do something or to become someone you have always wanted to, don’t let anyone de-motivate you bec ause it is all possible with self-application,” she said.
Noharpersaud offers delivery service for her handmade products, which are available only on the East Coast and in Georgetown. Her social media handles are @ashleys_crochetcreation (Instagram) and Ashley's Crochet Creation on Facebook.
She related that the only way she will become better is via constant practice, and she will be able to enhance her skills and talent to produce a better product, even though it is handmade.
As a country girl, she has set high standards for herself and is working towards achieving them through studies and hard work, despite the challenges of being a full-time employee with little or no time to spare.
Shanta Noharpersaud, called Ashley
Red roses bouquet
A Night to Reminisce and Remember
A Treat for My Mother 8 returns, aiming to celebrate Guyana’s mothers on one unforgettable night.
WITH all that’s happening in our lives—bills, work, family, responsibilities—it can be easy to forget the people who helped us get here in the first place. That’s the space Simone Dowding aims to carve out each year with A Treat for My Mother, a heartfelt event designed to pause the noise, reflect, and honour the women who’ve raised, guided, and inspired us. This year marks the eighth edition, slated for May 11th at the National Cultural Centre, and aims to be a return to “the good old days.”
The evening is more than a tribute. It’s a blend of fashion, music, giveaways, and what Dowding calls “interactive theatre,” where audience members are just as much a part of the show as those on stage. Dowding, a respected actress with over three decades of experience, has used her talent and platform to shape the creative arts landscape in Guyana. “I am an awarded actress. I have two international awards—one from the Cultural Association of New York, 2019, for what was then over 35 years of contributions to the performing arts in Guyana, and a humanitarian award for my work with chi ldren,” she stated in her recent talk with Pepperpot Magazine.
That work with children takes form through her holiday workshops, where she teaches six different disciplines of
drama, culminating in a grand performance that gives children a chance to shine on stage. It’s this commitment to nurturing new talent that characterises much of Dowding’s career. As she stated, “Every year I try to bring somebody new into the arts—not only on my show but also at the theatre. If I’m doing anything, I always bring in somebody new,” she said.
A Treat for My Mother began as a continuation of a previous tribute show by Winfield James. “I used to sing with the previous producer, and then he decided that he wasn’t going to do the
show anymore, and then I said, ‘Okay, let me take it over,’” she explained. But rather than copy and paste, Dowding decided to make it her own.
“Those days, it was a tribute to mothers by Winfield James, and I changed it to A Treat for My Mother. I did not want to mirror his concept, so I do a fashion display where I support young designers of Guyana, giving them a springboard to showcase their work and market their product,” she explained.
Fashion is only part of it. The event is known for its mix of music and style, creating an immersive
experience. “It’s all this music blended with fashion,” she further added. “We have singers, some of Guyana’s best, singing all their music.” This year ’s line-up includes a nostalgic nod to local music history. “Charmaine Blackmon will be doing her first song ever that she sang in Guyana, which is Raise Your Hand for Jah Jah,” Dowding said. There’s also fresh talent gracing the stage, as she added, “We have a youngster from the University of Guyana—he’s very, very talented with the saxophone—Damian Lane. He will be giving us a
little jazz session.”
However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Dowding has curate d a number of fun, audience-driven moments, inc luding the crowd favourite: The Best Dressed Mother in Purple. “As an actress, I fi rmly believe in interactive theatre—that is why I involve my audience. So the audience [members] are the judges for this segment,” she shared. Over the years, the segment has become so competitive, with numerous attendees dressing to impress. It has become a big part of the event because these women they step out,” she stated.
There will be plenty of surprises throughout the night. “I do have a gift for somebody who has been attending— they only missed one,” she revealed. “And we have a couple who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. This is something that we will bring them out and have them dance to a beautiful song in the theatre. That’s a surprise to my audience.” Dowding added. Givea ways will also be a highlight. This year’s partners include Melody Treats, providing the Mother’s Night Cake; Abbey’s Touch of Magic, offering gift cards for beauty services; NDS Furniture Store, with a furniture piece; and beauty baskets from Desinco Trading.
And like clockwork, the event begins on time, always. “The tickets are at the Cultural Centre and we go up 8 p.m. sharp. We don’t go a
minute later because we want to respect the people who come and sit here,” Dowding shared. That consistency is part of what keeps audiences coming back. “People know the signature of my work,” Dowding said.
“More than likely, you find people come in very early so that they can be here for eight, so they can enjoy the entire production,” she added. At the core of this year's production is a longing for something many have forgotten: joy. “I want to take them back to the days when they used to really have fun,” Dowding shared.
“The mature people in our country—we’re not taught to still enjoy our lives. People think that when we get to a certain age, we should stay home, take care of our children, cook so our children can come home and eat—and not dress up and go out,” Dowding stated.
With A Treat for My Mother 8, Dowding is gently urging the community to rewrite that narrative—to remember joy, to celebrate legacy, and to dress up and step out again. “I’m hoping that when they come, they can go back with a taste on their tongues, remembering the days, enjoying the show and looking forward to coming again next year,” she shared. Tickets are currently available at the National Cultural Centre, so feel free to get tickets for tonight’s A Treat for My Mother 8 and reminisce about the good old days.
Actress and Director Simone Dowding
Women Who Build
Stories of Boldness, Business, and Belief from
Dr. Carla Cassiano sees change through clear eyes. An optometrist and entrepreneur, she travels to vulnerable and remote communities to provide essential eye care
Education is the blueprint for Tessa Fernandes. After overcoming limited access to learning herself, she returned to Mabaruma and created Backstreet Kiddies’ Classes
IN every corner of Guyana, women are quietly building. They’re building businesses, bridges to opportunity, educational paths, and support systems. The second group of honourees from the 2025 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) may not have all appeared in the spotlight at first glance, but their contributions form powerful frameworks for pr ogress. These are women who saw voids and filled them, not for accolades, but for
Sophia Dolphin wields the digital space like a toolkit. As CEO of Glo-See Marketing and PR, Sophia uses her platform to raise awareness and spark conversations on key social issues
Naudya Hoosein fights for the environment with quiet conviction. As Second Vice President of Recover Guyana, she works to inspire youth to adopt sustainable practices and protect natural resources
impact. And in doing so, they’ve laid foundations for others to stand on.
Dr. Carla Cassiano sees change through clear eyes. An optometrist and entrepreneur, she travels to vulnerable a nd remote communities to provide essential eye care. But her vision goes beyond medicine. She trains and uplifts young professionals in the field, proving that better health and better futures often start with one act of kindness and one pair of glasses.
Sophia Dolphin
Melissa Dow-Richardson turned athletic passion into policy, as the first woman to serve as Assistant Director of Sports in Guyana
Avia Lindie also leads through mentorship, as the CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc
2025’s IWLA
Hebron Edwards brings structure to service. With a background in finance, Hebron has led projects that directly impact families
Abbigale Loncke-Watson believes in the power of preparation
wields the digital space like a toolkit. As CEO of Glo-See Marketing and PR, Sophia uses her platform to raise awareness and spark conversations on key social issues. She believes that influence isn’t about being viral—it’s about being valuable. Her online presence builds bridges between information and action.
Melissa Dow-Richardson turned athletic passion into policy. Melissa, the first woman to serve as Assistant Director of Sports in Guyana, is rewriting the rules—
l iterally. She’s worked to draft national sports policies that promote gender equity and access. As a former athlete herself, she knows how sport builds confidence. Now, she builds the systems that ensure more gi rls get the chance to play and win.
Hebron Edwards brings structure to service. With a background in finance, Hebron has led projects that directly impact families, like her award-winning Back-toSchool Drive in five underserved communities. Her work merges com-
munity care with economic strategy, showing that building better futures often means budgeting for hope.
Tessa Fernandes is the blueprint for education. After overcoming limited access to learning herself, she returned to Mabaruma and created Backstreet Kiddies’ Classes, a grassroots education movement that has helped hundreds of students rebuild confidence and academic potent ial. Tessa’s story is a reminder that classrooms can happen anywhere, as long as
someone is willing to teach.
Naudya Hoosein fights for the environment with quiet conviction. As Second Vice President of Recover Guyana, she works to inspire youth to adopt sustainable practices and protect natural resources. Her mission is clear: preserve what we have so others can build on it. In a world increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, Naudya’s advocacy is a form of defence and of design.
Karanambu Lodge
A nature lover’s paradise, home of myths, legends and giants
By Michel Outridge
MELANIE McTurk is the Managing Director of Karanambu Lodge, located in N orth Rupununi—a family-owned oasis on the banks of the Rupununi River, set deep within the vast natural lands.
Established in 1997 by Diane McTurk, the Karanambu Trust saw the creation of Karanambu as Guyana's first Private Protected Area. Today, Karanambu serves as a crucial sanctuary for numerous species and a key hub for conservation efforts.
conservation.
The Karanambu Lodge is at the heart of approximately 110 square miles of savannah, marshy ponds, riparian forest, and a 30-mile stretch of the Rupununi.
of savannah, ponds, forests, and a 20-mile stretch of the Rupununi River situated in the heart of the Rupununi Wetlands.
Karanambu Lodge is famous as the pioneer of eco-tourism and conservation in Guyana. It is a collection of thatched-roof cabins at the heart of 115 square miles of private protected area.
Karanambu Lodge is a small family business that, in partnership with The Karanambu Trust, is committed to the conservation of the Karanambu area, providing maximum benefits to local communities through inclusive conservation, and creating opportunities for community participation in the tourism value chain.
Karanambu provides high-quality eco-tourism experiences to both domestic and international travellers and is committed to ensuring that we do so through an environment that demonstrates respect for ourselves and staff, guests, local communities, the natural environment, and local history and culture.
According to McTurk, Karanambu Lodge is one of the oldest nature-based tourism destinations—a true conservation area in Rupununi, a remote place which became the Karanambu Trust.
She told Pepperpot Magazine that the lodge was established by the McTurks in the 1920s by one Edward McTurk, better known as Tiny, who was recognised for his balata collection—a hobby he developed and enjoyed over time, in which he created a balata station to display his original pieces.
McTurk added that he founded the ranch to earn money for himself, his family, and his employees. As an amateur naturalist, he was very fond of the environment, and he often studied the plants, animals and other things in nature.
McTurk’s husband is a descendant of Edward McTurk, and it is one of the places in Guyana often visited by renowned scientists, filmmakers, and tourists alike to get their fill of nature at its fullest.
McTurk stated that in the 1980s, when the tourism industry began offering nature tours, Karanambu Lodge tapped into it and became recognised and registered with the relevant authorities.
For almost 100 years, Karanambu Lodge has welcomed explore rs and researchers. Guests are invited to share meals around the family dining table and chat over a cold glass of rum punch, in the original home of eco-tourism and local
“Back then, when visitors came, they went to the lodge because Edward McTurk was the man to talk to—he was a wealth of knowledge as a naturalist and conservationist who was self-taught,” she said.
The Karanambu area is approximately 115 square miles
It is part of a watershed where the Amazon and Guiana Shield river systems meet. Karanambu is a biodiversity hotspot with more than 700 aquatic species, over 400 species of birds, four species of caiman, five species of monkeys, foxes, jaguar, tapir, capybara, excellent viewing opportunities for giant otters, giant anteaters, and one of the world’s best wild collections of Victoria Amazonica water lilies.
McTurk pointed out that Karanambu Lodge has five habitats and is the ideal area to see giant otters, giant anteaters, birds, and plants.
She stated that they also do animal rescue, but they do not keep animals for entertainment purposes. They are free-range, and it is the oldest privately protected area in Guyana.
McTurk related that Diane McTurk, who has since passed away, was one of the pioneers who saved the species of otters from becoming extinct in the river system and was recognised for her efforts.
Sh e explained that there is a peak season for visitors at the lodge and, as the Managing Director, during off-peak season, it gives them time to focus on conservation projects and help communities such as Rewa, Caiman House, Toka and others.
“We empower others to become a part of the tourism chain—protecting the ecosystem/wildlife as a sustainable way of earning for the community, which includes Yupukari, Massara and Kamwatta,” she said.
McTurk noted that the peak
season for Karanambu Lodge is in September, and from December to April, they take a break. She enjoys the opportunity to share with others about the truly unique protected area, which has so much to offer.
She added that they incorporate local menus for meals, they have adequate accommodation with both a rustic and modern touch, and they have a
She related that the best part about living there is falling asleep under the thatched roof cabin, listening to the rainfall, and waking up to the chirping of the birds.
McTurk revealed that the McTurks have been in Guyana for five generations, and they are looking forward to their 100th year celebration in 2027.
of the many accommodations at the lodge for visitors
series of activities for visitors, such as nature spotting, fishing, and bird watching, among others.
McTurk told Pepperpot Magazine that Karanambu Lodge is remote. To get there, one can take a bus or a plane to Lethem, then it takes two and a half hours to reach the location by vehicle—but it is unlike any other place.
Karanambu Lodge and Protected Area has six species of monkeys, more than 700 species of fish, nine giant species, five habitats, 115 square miles of land, 35 ponds, 20 miles of river, 400 bird species, and is home to the national flower of Guyana—the Victoria Amazonica.
Melanie McTurk and her pets
Melanie McTurk
This giant anteater can be found within the grounds of Karanambu Lodge
Our national flower, the Victoria Amazonica, a feature of the lodge
This giant also lives in the natural habitat of Karanambu Lodge
One
Women Who...
FROM PAGE VI
Avia Lindie also leads through mentorship; as the CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc., she pours her energy into building sustainable businesses and sustainable leaders. Avia mentors women through the Centre for Local Business Development, showing that integrity and vision are not just personal values—they are essential tools for community transformation.
Abbigale Loncke-Watson believes in the power of preparation. As the founder of the Loncke Group and We Lead Caribbean, Ab-
bigale has m entored over 500 women across the country. Her work centres on preparing others to walk boldly into boardrooms and brainstorms, funding pitches and farming plots . She understands that success isn’t just about being the first—it’s about opening the gate and holding it for those behind you.
Safina Lutchman charted a course through uncharted waters. Serving as Third Officer at Ma tpal Marine Institute, she was the only woman in her maritime scholarship programme. Her journey through a male-dominated industry didn’t just make
waves—it created space. Safina now stands as a lighthouse for other young women considering careers at sea.
N azima Raghubir brings the press closer to progress. As the first woman to lead the Guyana Press Association, she has dedicated her life to protecting journalists and women in media. Her leadership opens doors for more inclusive coverage and better representation. With every st ory she champions, she changes the narrative—not just in newsrooms, but in national consciousness.
A yodele Roache breaks more than just ground. As the head of
a fully female-led construction and logistics company, she defies industry norms daily. But it doesn’t stop at the job site. Ayodele has taken her expertise and turned it into education and advocacy for sustainability and food security in her community. Her work speaks to something greater than business— it speaks to survival and self-sufficiency.
Romela Sahadeo knows that financial freedom is a form of empowerment. As the founder of Veena’s Linen and Hotel Supplies, Romela balances entrepreneurship with community-building. Her volunteer training programmes
Savina Sukhnandan blends business and activism seamlessly. As the founder of Lily’s Organic Skin Care, she doesn’t just promote natural beauty; she promotes healing
help women launch businesses of their own. For he r, business is more than profit—it’s purpose.
Savina Sukhnandan blends business and activism seamlessly. The founder of Lily’s Organic Skin Care, she doesn’ t just promote natural beauty; she promotes healing. Through initiatives focused on gender-based violence and women’s entrepreneurship, Savina demonstrates that compassion a nd commerce are not mutually exclusive— they’re mutually reinforcing.
What these women have in common is a belief in possibility. In small starts that lead to seismic shifts. Students, staff and strangers can see it, they may never meet, but whose lives they work to improve nonetheless. When the 25IWLA ceremony takes place on May 17, there may be applause, speeches, and cameras. But the real celebration is in the stories these women have already written through sweat, sacrifice, spreadsheets, and sometimes even silence.
From One Mother to...
FROM PAGE II
physical pain of childbirth. “The hardest part was making them,” she added.
“There was a lot of pain, and it was hard.” Still, her values remain grounded. Discipline, she says, was one of the most important lessons she learned from her mother, and one she is determined to pass on.
“One thing my mother taught me that I teach my children is discipline. I think that’s very important,” she said. For this year’s Mother’s Day, Fazil
plans to spend quality time at home with her children and later, visit her own mother.
“We Lived By Faith”: Strength in the Struggle
Simone Phillips’ story isn’t one of ease. Simone is a mother of five, with children ranging from 12 to 35, and she raised them mostly on her own. “It wasn’t easy raising five children, but it was worth it,” she said. Coming from the village of Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara, Simone has lived many lives: as a
wife, single mother, and now grandmother.
She describes the middle years as the hardest. “The second, third, and fourth were the hardest. Their father and I separated, and I had to go through a lot on my own,” she said. “As a single parent, you have to think about everything on your own. Everything is money, and there was no one to turn to but God.” Her mother, though not financially secure herself, helped in whatever ways she could. “My mother helped
as much as she could, even though she wasn’t working either,” Simone added.
Today, her older children are working, while her youngest is still in high school. Simone believes she achieved what she and her mother both hoped for—raising good people. “I never had police problems or had to run around after them like some parents. Thank God for that,” she said. Even now, faith continues to guide her and her children. “They still live by faith and still walk that
way,” she shared. For Simone, motherhood was about doing her best with what she had—a strength she inherited from her mother, and one her children are now growing into as well.
Paula, Fazil, and Simone are each mothers in their own way. Their lives are different. Their homes are different. But one thread runs through all their stories: the quiet strength and lasting lessons of the women who came before them. Their mothers didn’t hand them
rulebooks. But they gave what they could—time, help, discipline, faith, and love. And now, their daughters do the same.
This and every Mother’s Day, the celebration often goes beyond flowers and cards. It honours the long line of women who raised children while passing down something unspoken yet deeply felt: a way of loving, enduring, and staying connected.
Nazima Raghubir brings the press closer to progress. As the first woman to lead the Guyana Press Association, she has dedicated her life to protecting journalists and women in media
Ayodele Roache breaks more than just ground as the head of a fully female-led construction and logistics company
Romela Sahadeo knows that financial freedom is a form of empowerment. As the founder of Veena’s Linen and Hotel Supplies
MEMORIES, FOR MANY ARE ECHOED BY THE MUSIC OF EXPERIENCE, THAT REFLECTED ON SO MANY EVENTS AND LEARNING MOMENTS…
THOUGH we dwell in the present, circumstances at times compel us to seek comparatives to interpret current situations. It is easy to think that we live in the most dishonest age of human existence. Recently, a pause for a beer with some boyhood friends—when one referred to a current incident, that a friend of his that we all knew approached him for another small loan, when two previous loans were not paid. Before he gave us the outcome, he paused and reflected: “Remember them
fifty cent Juke Box Dances that they used to got in the scheme? (Ruimveldt). Deh used to play duh Platters tune, ‘Wuh kinda fool do you think I am?’” And for each of us, a certain female came to our thoughts that our overseas buddy would surely remember, and we all laughed. We shook our heads, and I introduced another relevant reference to change the mood. A lot ah we doing things, but the world change. Doing it is one, but getting paid is another. “Suh is wuh de
man singing?” my colleague enquired with a gesture my way. “I singing the Beatles, ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’ and I ent talking about booming.”
“How could a conversation on the effects of music turn so grim?” enquired ‘Brother ’, a religious brother from early school days. Because music had to be an ingredi ent that was active in the creation of humankind. We sing hymns in worship, we sing love songs, war songs, when duh time come, and to duh special lady. Re-
member—“Pancho Carew at the radio station, fuh a dollar—duh brother in heaven now—but he would put out some of duh DJ sware fuh yuh, ‘To Donna, from someone special’. Yuh remember them times, boy? And when yuh meet she at the bus stop in the afternoon, is a lovely smile. Yuh might even get fuh hold she hand for a couple minutes—and that was a big thing back then.” Morals have also felt the impact of change. Nuff pash-way (reference to a fist or broken bottle skirmish) in the dance that
could occur with two males demanding the attention of the same female. When a special line of music was introduced and two opposing males would court the same sitting female to stand by, resting her hand in the reached-out male hand of her choice, outstretched to claim her, claiming the same lady for that special tune and its musical chart. “I went deh, at Talk of the Town, when you and One-Eye nearly pashway—duh tune ‘I’m Not a Run Around’ de now come out, and the sweetie choose you.”
Brother intercepted: “We must remember that it was said that Shakespeare declared, ‘If music be the food of love, then play on, give me excess of it,’ because as we chatting here, everything in we life, both sad and happy—there was music and will be music.”
Every calypso, reggae tune, hymn, ballad, concert piece and love serenade archives an experience of knowing, of hope and of wisdom—based on lyrics and melody that never will leave us. On this journey of life and living.
THE GENTLE WHISPER OF THE WIND
Her name is Sajanie.
An old woman living her last days in a retirement home.
For her, it was unexpected.
She had never thought that this place would be her final home since, in life’s journeys, she had faced many challenges but still stood strong for home and family.
She missed her home, the warm tones and fragrant scents, watching the timeless splendour of the sunrise and sunset from her porch. But most of all, she missed her loved family—their voices, the laughter and conversations, their celebrations and hugs.
It had grieved her heart and made her sad being away from them, just waiting and count-
ing the days for special visits, and in that lonely period of her life, she had asked herself the question, “What did I do wrong for this to happen to me?”
As time went by and seasons changed, she could not find the answer until a mysterious male nurse came to work at the home. She liked his warm personality and gentle voice as he pushed her around the garden in her wheelchair. The lovely blooms had given her a moment of peace and a little elation, something she hadn’t felt since she became a resident of the home.
In the nights when she couldn’t sleep, he had spent long moments talking with her. He had helped her to go back to her past to
find the answer to that one question that still hounded her mind, and, in doing so, she had managed to unlock a door in her mind that had been closed for decades.
What she had found b ehind that door had shocked her and left her with deep regrets.
A baby boy she had had when a young woman, and whom she didn’t want, had died minutes after birth. She had moved on in life, forgetting about him and giving her all to her other children.
“Oh God,” she cried, “Is that the sin I am paying for now?”
The male nurse had looked at her with pity for the tears she cried now for that baby she didn’t want. Then he had smiled and said to her,
“I am happy that you remembered, so I can be released now from the bond that tied me to you for all those years.”
She had looked at him, puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
“I am your baby boy who died just after birth.”
A soft light glowed over him as his true self was revealed in his spiritual form.
She had gasped in shock, and her trembling hands had reached
out to him. “I’m sorry, son.”
He had smiled with that same warmth and said with gentleness, “Don’t be, mother, it’s the long-gone past. I am happy I could have helped you. Now your mind will be at peace. I will wait for you on the other side.”
He had turned and walked away into the glow of light, and she had lain back slowly in bed, her mind not vibrant anymore. But days later, she managed
to process that shocking revelation.
“That’s why the nurses never knew who I was talking to,” she voiced weakly, wiping away her tears.
She closed her eyes to sleep, free now from the burden of that nagging question, a feeling of warmth surging through her body, and she sighed, “I am ready whenever you are, Lord.”
That day came on a warm September morn-
TURN TO PAGE XIII
THE GENTLE WHISPER...
FROM PAGE XI
ing, a soft wind blowing, and she whispered “Goodbye” to the mother bird and her chicks in the tree outside of her bedroom window.
“I am going now. Life continues with you.”
She took her last breath that beautiful morning, the old woman who had grown weaker over the year, but with a happy feeling in her heart. It was, f or her, a new beginning, for her soul was free to sail over the seas, fly with the wind and dance among the clouds.
She met her family of departed souls who had been waiting for her with open arms, but she did not see her son.
“Did he not wait for me?” she wondered.
She looked around but did not see him, and her mother asked curiously, “Who are you looking for?”
“My son.”
“None of your sons have died,” she stated.
“Yes, the one who
died just after he was born—the one I didn’t want.”
The family members all looked surprised, and her eldest sister asked, “So how did you meet him?”
“He came to me when I was in the nursing home.”
That, of course, left everyone perplexed, and Sajanie laughed a little.
“Strange, the way things happen.”
Not a moment too soon, she felt a sudden pull and found herself in a cemetery.
“What am I doing here?”
Her question was answered when a figure stepped out from behind an oak tree, and she recognised her son from his visits to the nursing home. He reached out his hand for hers and said, “So you’re here now with me.”
She smiled and nodded, but then she saw the little tomb he was standing near, and she realised that was where
he had lain as a baby. The guilt she thought had gone away came back with a rush, and she said quietly, with a tremor in her voice, “I’m so sorry, my son.”
He shook his head and said, “The past matters no more, mother, for you’re here with me now—a new beginning for us.”
It took a little while for her to compose herself, then she smiled, and taking his hand, said, “If there’s time, I want to visit places that were a special part of my life on earth, before ascending to our new home. Will you come with me?”
“Sure.”
And like a gentle whisper of the wind, her ageless soul went back to her birth home. The old house wasn’t there anymore, but the memories of a little girl growing up were still there—the joys, laughter and family. She went to her old school, which had been rebuilt, but on a silk cotton tree in the school yard, her name
was still carved.
At the cinema, she stopped for longer reflections and expressed soft ly, “Those were wonderful days.”
He watched how happy she was visiting these old places that held such beautiful
memori es—memories that will now be archived with loved ones, for sh e had left that world.
He took her hand and asked, “Are you ready?”
She nodded her head and walked towards the
light, holding her son’s hand—a happy ending for the old lady who had given everything to home and family in life’s journey, but was left alone with nothing. Now, in this new beginning, she had everything.
Reimagining Guyana’s Workforce: Strategic Human Capital and Leadership for a Modern Economy
By Rebecca Vieira Cox and Rodney Lawson (Guest Contributors)
AS Guyana continues attracting foreign investment and undergoing rapid economic expansion, the spotlight shifts from oil and infrastructure to a more enduring resource: its people. To sustain growth, businesses must modernise how they attract, develop, and lead talent. In this special feature, two international experts offer a dual-end perspective: how strategic HR systems and authentic, values-based leadership can jointly power Guyana’s future.
Part 1: HR as a Strategic Engine for Growth
By Rebecca Vieira Cox
AS Guyana's economic evolution continues, foreign investment will undoubtedly surge, expanding the corporate landscape. However, economic acceleration alone is not a panacea for sustainable development. Organisations are now challenged to reimagine their workforce and processes to ensure efficiency and agility to meet the demands of this new era. The raison d’être of Human Resources (HR) must evolve from a transactional function into a strategic engine that propels business expansion and talent readiness.
Closing the Skills Gap
One of Guyanese businesses' most pressing challenges is the widening skills gap. The demand for high-calibre talent has proliferated. Companies must abandon outdated recruitment models and embrace a more reciprocal approach to workforce planning that aligns with the country's long-term economic ambitions. If local enterprises fail to invest in talent development, they risk being overshadowed by multinational firms aggressively shaping the employment market.
To mitigate this risk, businesses must foster a pipeline of skilled professionals by collaborating with corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions to align training programmes with evolving industry needs. However, knowing where to invest and how to execute these strategies effectively requires deep expertise, as organisations that take a trial-and-error approach risk being outpaced by competitors with more refined talent strategies.
Beyond developing talent, retaining skilled professionals will be essential for business sustainability. Organisations must offer more than just competitive compensation by cultivating environments that provide career mobility,
professional growth, and a strong workplace culture. The challenge lies in designing systems that balance employee expectations with business profitability, requiring a strategic human capital approach.
The Digital Imperative
The digital transformation of HR is no longer an option. It is a business imperative. Organisations that fail to modernise risk inefficiencies that hinder scalability and workforce engagement. Attracting, developing, and retaining top talent hinges on systems that remove administrative burdens and optimise workforce management. Without strategic adoption of modern HR frameworks, businesses will struggle to sustain growth and remain competitive in an evolving market.
Workplace Culture and Retention
As Guyana’s workforce evolves into a blend of local and expatriate professionals, cultural integration is becoming imperative for businesses. The convergence of different work styles, values, and communication norms requires intentional strategies to foster alignment and cohesion. Organisations risk fragmentation, reduced collaboration, a nd declining productivity without a unified culture. To avoid this, leaders must move beyond rigid hierarchies and adopt inclusive leadership approaches that recognise and leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce. Creating an environment where all employees feel valued and heard is essential to unlocking innovation and collective performance. Achieving this outcome demands thoughtful planning, strategic implementation, and cultural fluency across local and international talent segments.
A New Compliance Reality
Simultaneously, Guyana's legal and regulatory landscape is shifting alongside the country’s economic repo-
sitioning. While enforcement approaches may differ across sectors, maintaining a strong compliance posture remains essential to business integrity. Evolving employment laws, immigration frameworks, and labour protections require HR leaders to stay informed and proactive. Reputational risks, partner expectations, and operational disruptions tied to non-compliance can carry significant implications. Expert guidance remains critical
in helping businesses navigate regulatory complexity with both pragmatism and foresight.
The Three Pillars of Strategic HR Readiness
To support this evolution, organisations can adopt the Three Pillars of Strategic HR Readiness:
1. Talent Alignment:
Matching business growth with workforce capability through intentional hiring, development, and succession strategies.
2. Operational Agility:
Building resilient HR systems that scale efficiently and integrate technology to streamline decision-making and compliance.
3 Cultural Integration:
Promoting inclusive practices that unify diverse teams and drive shared accountability, innovation, and performance.
HR is no longer a back-office function. It is the linchpin of organisational resilience and economic progress. Businesses that recognise and act on this reality will help shape Guyana’s future. At the same time, those who fail to adapt will be relegated to the periphery of economic progress.
The time for transformation is post-haste. Business leaders must embrace HR innovation with the same urgency as they do financial expansion—for one cannot thrive without the other. The workforce is the economy's strength, and its development will play an integral role in shaping Guyana’s long-term progress and global competitiveness. Expert guidance is essential for organisations
seeking to navigate this complex transformation effectively because the cost of getting it wrong is far greater than the investment in getting it right.
Yet even the most advanced HR systems cannot thrive without leadership that inspires action and connection. In Part 2, Rodney Lawson explores the critical role of influence-based leadership in shaping Guyana’s next generation of business leaders.
Part 2: The Management Influence Effect of Leadership
By Rodney Lawson
Guyana is experiencing unprecedented economic expansion, fuelled by its emerging oil industry, infrastructural advancements, and increasing global investment. With this rapid growth comes a pressing need for strong leadership—leaders who manage, inspire, influence, and cultivate a thriving workforce.
Beyond Traditional Management
Guyana is a nation rich in cultural heritage, where hard work, dedication, and a deep camaraderie define its people.
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Reimagining Guyana’s Workforce...
FROM PAGE XV
Leadership expert Rodney Lawson experienced this firsthand during the early 2000s while commuting between the U.S. and Guyana as the GM/Director of Operations for ATC, a leading Guyanese call centre. Tasked with building and implementing a management infrastructure for long-term client success, he saw how leadership directly impacts economic growth and business sustainability.
The Influence Waterfall Effect
His time in Guyana reinforced a fundamental truth: exceptional leadership is not just about strategy—it is about integrity, values, and influence. This understanding led him to develop The Influence Waterfall Effect of Leadership, a framework centred on Leadership, Integrity, and Values. This approach has reshaped corporate leaders, equipping them with the mindset and tools to drive lasting success through authentic influence.
As Guyana moves forward in this new age, developing a leadership culture that fosters collaboration, engagement, and trust is crucial. Simply holding a managerial title is no longer sufficient. Leaders must build meaningful relationships with employees, peers, clients, and upper management. This necessity forms the foundation of the Management Influence Effect of Leadership.
The Management Influence Effect of Leadership
The Management Influence Effect is a leadership philosophy that emphasises the cascading impact of influence within an organisation. It recognises that leadership is not about command and control, but about setting the tone from the top, allowing influence to flow downward, impacting every level of an organisation. This approach is essential to obtaining a thriving work culture. Here is how it works:
• Leader Influence → Management Impact
• Management Influence → Employee Engagement
• Employee Influence → Customer and Client Experience
• Customer Experience → Business Growth
This effect creates a self-sustaining cycle of influence that fosters long-term success. When leadership prioritises relationships, trust, and employee well-being, the impact flows through every level of an organisation, strengthening productivity and economic resilience.
Why This Matters for Guyana’s Economic Development
As Guyana positions itself on the global economic stage, leadership will be the differentiator. The Influence Effect of Leadership is a strategic framework that can help businesses and industries thrive by:
• Enhancing workforce productivity
• Improving employee retention
• Strengthening international business relations
• Encouraging innovation and adaptability
A Vision for Guyana’s Future
Guyana’s economic growth will only be as strong as the leaders guiding its workforce. Outdated leadership models must give way to influence-driven leadership that nurtures people, builds trust, and delivers sustainable impact.
By embracing the Influence Effect of Leadership, Guyana can ensure its economic progress translates into longterm national prosperity.
About the Authors
Rebecca Vieira Cox is a Human Resources Executive and consultant wi th experience spanning U.S.-based publicly traded companies, financial services, and retail organisations. Her work centres on guiding businesses through workforce transformation, operational growth, and regulatory complexity with people-first strategies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public management from the University of Guyana and is expected to graduate with a Juris Master’s in Legal Risk and HR Compliance from Florida State University, College of Law, in May 2025. A SHRM-CP certified professional, she is also the founder of New Beginnings Integration Services (NBIS).
Rodney Lawson is an international leadership expert, executive coach, and founder of Rodney Lawson, LLC. His leadership framework, The Influence Effect of Leadership, has transformed teams across sectors. With executive experience in Guyana and the U.S., his work equips leaders to influence and build high-performing cultures authentically. He is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Sigma Beta Delta International Honour Society member
Together, they bring a strategic, values-based perspective to building the future of work in Guyana through talent strategy and leadership transformation.
To be worthy of your destiny
HAVE you ever wondered what it must feel like to be a butterfly bursting out of its cocoon? After being trapped in a self-constructed prison for days, after feeling your physical form slowly being remodelled and transformed, the rush of fresh air must be exhilarating. Yet, even as the butterfly steps out into the bright world that is waiting to receive it, it stumbles and falters. Its newborn wings droop in a moment of either hesitancy or orientation. Perhaps the creature is not yet familiar with its new wings and is attempting to learn how to use them. It may also simply be acclimatising itself to the outside world after being closed off from it for
such a long period. Nevertheless, when it does eventually take flight, it goes forth with the confidence of a seasoned navigator, as if it knows that the sky has always been its destiny, and that no amount of hesitation could ever change this fact.
Growth can often feel imprisoning. Growth is uncomfortable because it is a transformation that pushes us past our limits and changes who we are. As we travel through life, we often watch ourselves grow and change into better people. We become more skilled as we study and practise different talents, we become wiser as we gain more experiences, and we become more patient as we navigate more
difficult situations. Just like a butterfly which accepts imprisonment within a cocoon, we tolerate these temporary discomforts with the hope that when we are finished growing, we too can take flight with a fresh pair of wings. At some point during this process, we realise that the growth we are experiencing has taken a specific direction that is leading us towards attaining our goal of reaching our destiny.
When we do finally gain our own pair of wings and see our destiny waiting for us like the outstretched sky, we hesitate. Once more, like the butterfly, we stumble and wait, wondering whether this is truly what we are meant to be. We wonder if we truly are worthy of the destiny that
awaits us.
Strangely enough, the most difficult battle that young people face is rarely against the forces of the world, but rather against their own beliefs. Although they are quite capable of excelling past limitations that are imposed by the world outside them, they are often brought to a standstill when they face the limitations that are placed upon them by their very own minds.
For instance, we know that many passionate artists are capable of creating beautiful pieces of art even when they are trapped in the midst of a roaring conflict or violent disaster. In fact, much of the information we have about historical periods of conflict and disasters comes
from artists who continued to write, paint or sculpt even when the world around them was falling apart. Yet, these talents, which are powerful enough to survive the breakdown of a world, can be brought to a complete standstill when the artist begins to doubt himself. A moment of doubt is all that it takes for such talents to simply run out!
Self-doubt is a shadow that makes us forget how much work we have put into reaching the position that we are currently in. It tricks us into believing that the products of our skill and hard work have come from nothing more than sheer luck. So, when we meet the destiny that we have been working for throughout the
entire course of our lives, we are afraid to accept that we deserve it. Suddenly, our strength runs out, and we are left standing in the same position.
The only antidote to this paralysing sense of selfdoubt is perseverance. The only way to break the barrier that self-doubt creates is to keep moving forward, even when you lack the motivation to do so, and even when the anxiety of failure captures you.
So, as the world spreads out in front of you, as your very destiny beckons you, will you still stop to consider whether you are worthy enough of your own future, or will you move forward with courage as your fuel?
STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Student, Welcome, dear reading friend. It happens that many students do not p erform as well as they could under examination
conditions, not because they cannot do the work set, but because they failed to revise properly. Organise your revision. Spend enough time with subjects you love and those that
challenge you. Balance between examination work, household chores, and self-relaxation. It is almost impossible to properly revise all your work within a short time before
May 4, 2025
your examinations. You will panic. Be wise.
Love you.
IMPROVING READING
Choosing the sentence nearest in meaning to the original one
A. Instructions: Each sentence in this section is followed by four sentences (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv). Choose the one nearest in meaning to the original sentence.
1. François did not attend the global awards ceremony because his wife, who had promised to accompany him, changed her mind at the last minute.
(i) At the last minute, François’ wife who had promised to accompany him to the global awards ceremony changed her mind, so he did not attend.
(ii) François would have attended the global awards ceremony if his wife had not changed her mind at the last minute as she had promised.
(iii) Since François did not attend the global awards ceremony, his wife changed her mind at the last minute, although she had promised to accompany him.
(iv) At the last minute, François did not attend the global awards ceremony, because his wife, who had promised to accompany him had changed her mind.
2. In 2002 Brazil became only the second country in the world to print anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packs.
(
i) Although in 2002 Brazil printed anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packs, there were others who had done this previously.
(ii) Brazil printed anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packs in 2002, thereby becoming the second country to do so.
(iii) If Brazil had printed anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packs in 2002, it would have been the second country to do so.
(iv) Some countries printed anti-smoking pictures on cigarette packs and Brazil is one of them.
3. You have become tardy in your preparations for y our examinations during these last two months, so you must now burn the candle at both ends if you want to succeed.
(i) If the candle is not burnt at both ends, as you prepare for your examinations this week, you will fail because you have been tardy
during these last two months.
(ii) During this week if you want to succeed you must burn two candles in preparing for your examinations, since you were tardy during these last two months.
(iii) If you want to pass y our examinations during this week; you must work doubly hard, since you were tardy during these last two months.
(iv) Since you have not done much preparation for your examinations during these last two months, this week you must work doubly hard if you want to succeed.
IMPROVING READING
Critically reading the advertisement
Note: Studying advertisements involves a form of reading called ‘critical reading’ that helps unravel its specifically crafted language.
You need to have most of the following enabling skills to reach beyond the surface of advertising. Can you:
1) analyse not just the words, but also the images, layout, colours, music, and overall design?
2) get beyond the surface of the message to understand what the advertisement is trying to convey, including the implied meanings and underlying assumptions?
3) recognise the various types of persuasive techniques used and critically analyse them? These include emotional appeals, logical arguments, and celebrity endorsements.
4) recognise its intended target audience and note how the advertisement is designed to appeal to them?
5) consider the context; the social, cultural, and economic aspects in which the ad was created, as well as the history of advertising and media?
6) eventually develop critical literacy skills essential for navigating the media landscape and making informed decisions about products, services, and in-
formation?
Read the following advertisement carefully and t hen answer the questions below.
‘Tough Weed Killer’ Gets Right to The Point. Unlike ordinary weedkillers ‘Tough Weed Killer’ kills more than just visible leaves and stems. It travels systematically down the tips of the roots killing the whole plant. So even the toughest weeds, like couch-grass and ground elder, are well and truly dead. What’s more, its advanced wetting system speeds up absorption, reducing the risk of rain washing it off. It’s also biodegradable and won’t travel through the soil, damaging other plants. And as soon as it’s dry, your children and pets can play safely.
It couldn’t be easier to apply, with the ready-to-use ‘Tough Weed Gun’! Or, for larger areas use ‘Tough Weed Killer’ in your watering can.
(a) Explain the play on words suggested by the expression “gets right to the point” in the advertisement naming statement.
(b) The advertisement claims that ‘Tough Weed Killer’ is biodegradable and won’t travel through the soil damaging other plants. To what type of person would these claims be most likely to appeal?
(c) What impression do you get from the statement “So, even the toughest weeds ... are well and truly dead”?
(d) Quote TWO phrases in the advertisement which try to show that the writer is speaking directly to the reader.
(e) Identify ONE statement that is clearly of fact and ONE statement that is clearly of opinion in the advertisement.
(f) How can a picture of a taproot (a main or primary root, with smaller lateral roots arising from it) add to the effectiveness of an advertisement like this one?
