A Journey to ‘ The Lost City’ through fashion, art and ambience
BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and NarhootamSukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, ArunaSukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn’t given a “silver spoon in her mouth” at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.
Even though there wasn’t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.
Aruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people’s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.
In 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana’s most prestigious secondary schools, President’s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.
Even though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.
According to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese
and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a “big way,” but she wasn’t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the “back of her mind,” but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fatewould have it, one day,Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.
While winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.
Aruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation’s aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn’t based on what’s on the outside but, more importantly, what’s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other
THE music, the wine, the poetry, dance, and fashion pieces at Moonlight Stories all came together on June 3 at the Marriott Hotel to transport guests to a time long ago, before oil wells and drilling. This event symbolically showcased Guyana’s true wealth, talent and creativity while taking us on a journey to the famed ‘Lost City’, otherwise known as El Dorado.
The second Moonlight Stories gala and runway show kicked off with Guyana’s finest creatives of all forms. Seeking to be more than just a fashion show, the event was a gathering of our country’s most brilliant designers, artists and musicians.
Moonlight Stories was started by Keisha Edwards and her brand Shasha Designs and is among the biggest events of its kind in Guyana and the Caribbean. With a combination of notable experienced designers like Derek Moore and excited newcomers like Carl Peterkin, it was a showcase of talent from the widest reaches of Guyana.
Guests entering the second floor of the Marriott Hotel were met with the creative installations of a line-up of local designers, all of which were branded with hues of gold and yellow and held true to the theme of ‘The Lost City’. As visitors arrived, they had the opportunity to
have interviews and their pictures taken by professional photographers. The
to highlight the garments made by each designer. The runway aspect was hosted
featured live music, in the form of Abel Stokes, with his amazing rendition of ‘We will never break’.
The atmosphere of the event was created by attention to detail. Shasha Designs opened with the launch of a new collection The Lost City: Old El Dorado, comprising a variety of male and female streetwear with a casual and stylish look to them. The collection effortlessly portrayed the image of what people walking through El Dorado would have worn some years ago.
In the show’s second segment, the designers opened with their pieces, beginning with Bloom, done by duo Isaiah Luther of Bucked Beaded and Phelicia Adams of FlawlessCrochet. Their piece was a crocheted and sustainable malepieceand modelled byJeron Scotland. The intricately made gold garment is said to represent the wealth stolen from the first people. When talking to Isaiah about how he felt, he said, “ I feel happy and grateful to be a part of Moonlight Stories for the second time.” On his and
be “Very chic, Caribbean, and simple.”
atmosphere of the sights and interactions between guests and designers added to the divine ambience of being among Guyanese creativity.
The show
At around 21:00hrs guests were ready to truly undertake the immersive journey to ‘The Lost City’ through fashion, music and models
by Nuriyyih Gerrard and opened with an interpretive dance coupled with the spoken word poem, ‘Lost’ by local writer Jasmaine Payne. True to its brand, the opening of Moonlight Stories also
Phelicia’s creation, he said, “ It was very organic this time around. I didn’t get to do exactly what I wanted, but I’m still happy.” Speaking on behalf of his brand, Isaiah said he wanted his brand to
Hitting the runway next was a newcomer with a new perspective, Carl Peterkin, with his piece titled, ‘In the streets of El Dorado’. This piece sought to show what
“I know the ability of the other designers and artists. So I know they will bring something to the table while I bring something different to the table.” In showing his gratitude, Carl described Moonlight Stories as, “More
a man walking on the goldpaved streets of El Dorado would look like. The golden runway accentuated Carl’s gold and black streetwear design, immersing guests just a bit further into El Dorado. When asked about how he felt standing with his design among others, he said,
than extraordinary.”
Also making a mark was Esther Samuels’piece, ‘Immersed In Wealth’. With a hint of African inspiration, this design paired the gold of The Lost City with African heritage. A design by Roberto Teekah of Rio De
TEN-YEAR-OLD Khalid Mohamed suffered a debilitating injury on his way home from school one afternoon while on his bicycle. As a result, he broke his right leg. Imagine his horror and that of his family as they thought about the fact
and Khalid’s class teacher, Eion Beaton.
The family was assured that work would be sent for Khalid using online means, but this wouldn’t suffice in the minds of his caring family members. Fortunately for them, Khalid’s teacher
Primary School, said his experience helping Khalid stands out to him the most.
“I got to know him better because it was on a one-onone basis I was teaching him. I went in the afternoons after school and did an hour or a little more with him,” he shared.
Impressed by Khalid’s resilience and determination during these trying times, Beaton was also touched by his family’s unwavering dedication to his education. “I offered to tutor Khalid during his time of recovery, and despite his physical limitations, he demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment and courage,” Beaton said.
time for his studies, Khalid was determined not to let his story end there.
Last May 3 and 4, he couldn’t write NGSA at the school like everyone else because it would have been challenging for him to get up the stairs. Hence, arrangements were made for him to do so at a health centre.
Prior to writing the exam, Khalid became emotional and started to cry. His teacher, though, was on hand to chat with him there and then and offer words of support and encouragement. In the end, he said he got through just fine with the exams.
that the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) was just a few months away.
How would he make it to attend school?He couldn’t afford to miss a thing at this point of his journey towards the exam. The entire family was distraught. But his grandmother felt it the most. She showed up at the school and started to cry during her talk with the headmistress
stepped up and offered to help.
“At the end of the meeting with the headmistress, I pulled his grandmother in a corner and told her I would come home and tutor the child,” Beaton recalled in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago.
In all of his roughly six years as a teacher, Beaton, a Grade Six teacher at Tuschen
“Throughout our tutoring sessions, I witnessed Khalid’s tenacity as he tackled his studies with vigour and enthusiasm, never allowing his circumstances to define him or dampen his spirits. His drive to succeed in the face of adversity is an extraordinary testament to the power of resilience,” he continued.
While this unforeseen event may have prevented Khalid from attending school and made him miss out on crucial preparatory class
“If you can make a difference, an impact, every child matters,” says Sir Beaton, adding, “It was a satisfying experience. It felt good to help him in this manner for a little over three months. The younger ones are going to lead our country one day, so I feel good being able to make an impact on the younger minds.”
Beaton is a third-year University of Guyana teacher studying for his degree in education. Even with his busy schedule, he made the time to assist Khalid. With the
women and girls.
FROM PAGE II
The classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life’s lessons in her, “My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.”
As much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life’s challenges. The 2023 India queen said, “My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn’t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.
Aruna said, “I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can
be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don’t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.”
The reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other’s lives. According to her, society has a way of “looking down” on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn’t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, “we” can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.
Finally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.
Aruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.
Aruna is currently in India, and will represent Guy-
help of his motorcycle, he went to Khalid’s home in the afternoons and afterwards attended his classes online.
Even as Khalid was in a wheelchair at home, he benefitted from such loving assistance and successfully managed to write his ex -
ams. “He had lost about a month’s work, so he had to do some catching up. It was challenging to assist him in this way, but it was worth it. He had a special place in my heart,” Beaton expressed.
IN this time of increasing development and a growing economy, one local non-governmental organisationis committed to ensuring a robust mechanism is being put in place toprovide for the needs of Small & Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs). It highlights these businesses, thus encouraging diversification and promotion of Guyana’s trade and investment opportunities. The active par-
and Founder, Marlon Joseph, who shared with us about his organisation’s upcoming conference and then discussed it in great detail thus highlighting the importance of innovation, growth, and access to resources for business success.
during a recent interview.
ticipation of SMEs in the dynamic Guyanese economy is crucial for equitable and sustainable growth
It is against this background that “Together We Win Network”focuses on establishing and forging a strong professional network through collaborations and support systems through economic development.
The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with its President
“Our conference seeks to promote an atmosphere that encourages SMEs to explore partnership opportunities to be able to benefit from developmental activities and resources locally, regionally, and internationally (while being aware of local content). It also seeks to promote Guyana’s trade and investment opportunities particularly, SMEs. Provide a low-barrier platform whereby SMEs can access investments/ funding without FEAR. and. Highlight weaknesses and challenges faced by SMEs when accessing finance and investment,” Joseph outlined
He noted that businesses from seven different countries are expected to participate. At the same time, he revealed that after the opening ceremonya partnership agreement will be signed with One Shot International (based in California, USA) to focus on accelerating digital entrepreneurship in Guyana while supporting the export of digital products and services towards developed countries like the USA..
“You can expect B2B meetings,networking opportunities one-on-one with micro-financing, lending institutions & investors keynote presentations from industry experts,navigation tools for success including local content requirements,” Joseph noted.
According to Joseph, throughout this three-day conference, the importance of equipping participants with the indispensable knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to engage in fruitful interactions with discerning investors and lending institutions will be emphasised.
“Attendees will also be afforded the opportunity to explore and capitalise on “smart” partnerships, maximising revenue while gaining
a comprehensive understanding of Guyana’s Local Content Act. The event will also champion the importance of compliance, promote sustainable practices, and facilitate invaluable business-to-business interactions,” Joseph reiterated in an interview with another newscast.
Marlon Joseph is a young Guyanese advocate, who promotes change and development.He is also a recreational writer and a talent coordina-
tor.Joseph functions as a Lead Facilitator of Professional Training, Employment & Consultancy Services
Joseph has over the years, delighted in the provision of capacity-building training to youths, helping them to understand their purpose while becoming better versions of themselves. His selfless love for people has helped him to
receive several recognition awards in areas of public speaking, environment, community services, and entrepreneurship, according to a document sent.
LAST week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The team visited the Wismar Municipal Market where they went on a walkabout and interacted with the local vendors to highlight their way of life.
The Wismar Municipal Market is strategically located on Burnham Drive, Wismar, along the shoreline overlooking McKenzie in the background and it is quite a picturesque view.
The establishment is very clean with well-kept and
tidy facilities. On its grounds,there are some other buildings housing a barbershop and salons.
This market isn’t a high-traffic place, but the location is
good and the vendors eagerly await customers. It is the place to buy locally-produced products, meats, vegetables, fruits and just about anything.
According to the Town Clerk, Bernadette Smith, as a child, the market was once housed in an older building which was destroyed by fire.
However, a new building was constructed and, in 2005,
SEE PAGE XII
PERHAPS it is because Donna Fraser’s so full of life personality or its’ just because she is a God-fearing person who doesn’t give up easily. Whichever it is, this elder is still working and enjoying every bit of it.
She is 71 years old and she doesn’t look like it at all, but even with a slight limp due to arthritis, Fraser is very much young at heart and is residing in Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden.
Fraser has been keeping herself occupied via a stall in the Wismar Municipal Market where she has a stall selling clothing and other items and she has been vending for the past 13 years.
The mother of five told the Pepperpot Magazine that she did all kinds of work as a single mother, but she is glad she did because all her children turned out well, having good jobs and educated.
Fraser explained that she was married but walked out of the home due to domestic abuse and left everything, and had to start anew with her five children.
She added that her husband passed away about 15 years ago, but while they had resolved their differences, she never went back to the home.
Fraser reported that things got really bad before she left their matrimonial home and the neighbours helped her many days because of the children.
Today, she is the grandmother of 11 and seems quite happy with how things turned out and she has a healthy relationship with God and frequents Sunday service at her local church.
Recalling how she got married, Fraser told the Pepperpot Magazine that her mother, a disciplinarian, never had the chance to get married, so she was born out of a common law relationship.
“She told me that I must get married and arranged the groom for me and that’s how I was married back in those days. You dare not defy your parents,” she said.
Fraser disclosed that she even cleaned houses for people and also worked at Blair’s Delight where she was a cook for many years until she met a friend, a woman, who changed her life for the better.
She was encouraged to secure a plot at Amelia’s Ward and she and her children began fetching two zinc sheets every week to build their house.
“Every Friday when I got paid, I went and bought two zinc sheets and me and the kids would fetch it, and we started to build a small house until we did better,” she said.
Fraser explained that they had a makeshift shack made out of plastic and zinc, but today they have a concrete house and she is comfortable.
“As I began to age, my friend
children never went hungry.
Fraser told the Pepperpot Magazine that her friend would even send clothes for her to sell at her stall and she is quite pleased about being self-employed. It keeps her occupied with lots to do.
“Life was difficult, I endured a lot, but you cannot give up because you will meet people who will help you along the way and that’s what we need to do to assist each other, build people instead of breaking them,” she said.
Fraser noted that she has friends in the market and would engage in light banter when she is there; it is something to look forward to.
She is at her stall Mondays to Fridays from 07:00 hours to 16:00 hours and has a daily routine where she would pick up her grandson from school then go home.
advised me to get a stall in the market to sell and after securing a loan from IPED I got started and I never regretted it,” she said.
Fraser attested that even though she wasn’t rich, she did her best to bring up her children the right way, which paid off because they have grown into well-rounded adults.
The elder stated that times were hard, but she struggled and made it despite the challenges. She played a vital role in ensuring her
ALTERNATIVE Mini
Mart is a store that has all locally manufactured products on sale and most items made right here in Guyana can be sourced even down to powered nutmeg.
Esther Baird was the lone employee at the time and she seemed to have things under control since it is not a high-traffic area.
The 21-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the store is open from 08:30
mote all local products and the owner, Kevin DeJonge, who is a businessman and has a private school in McKenzie, Linden also produces his own coconut oil, which is also on the shelves on the mini-mart.
Baird stated that she once worked at the private school before she was relocated to the mini-mart and so far, she is enjoying the interaction with customers and likes to meet new people.
She is from Coomaka Mines and would commute
become gainfully employed to have a real purpose in life,” she said.
Alternative Mini Mart has on sale a wide range of products from meats to sausages to powered goods as well, all sauces, seasonings and all locally made products which are pocket-friendly.
Ryan’s Meat Centre
When craving a wellcured and seasoned pickled pork or beef to add to the pot of vegetables the place to get it from is Ryan’s Meat Centre
Shenelly Inniss.
As a female butcher, Inniss is not fazed by the prospect of handling a sharp cutlass or cutting up a large chicken like she was when
was familiar with it from since she was a child.
The mother of four related that the locals would support the business and they are grateful and some days
As a mother of two, Evola Kennedy is self-employed and has her own small business.
The 46-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that her husband is a mechanic and she learned a lot from him and the idea was conceptualised after he began sending car parts and accessories for her to sell, when he migrated.
The business opened its doors in 2017 and, like the other small businesses above, it is located at Wismar Municipal Market. The establishment sells engines, transmissions, AC compressors, alternators and other parts for vehicles.
hours to 16:30 hours from Mondays to Saturdays and they provide a reliable service with quality products.
She related that they pro-
daily for work but doesn’t mind.
“I feel empowered having a job and I want to encourage our young people to
in Wismar, Linden.
It is a family-owned business which was handed down to Ryan Inniss, who manages the operation with his wife,
the team visited that day. She said with practice she gained confidence in dealing with blades, sharp knives, and cutlasses when cutting meats for customers.
They sell a wide range of meats and meat products such as beef, chicken, pork, and chicken parts, such as salted fish and other food items.
Inniss told the Pepperpot Magazine that at times her husband would assist in the meat centre and when he is not, she would handle things. His grandfather started the business and later handed down to her husband, who grew in the business so he
are busier than others.
They also have on sale all locally made products from spices to seasonings and they promote local products.
They sell their home-special pickled pork and beef, a favourite among Guyanese for cook-up and adding to vegetables for that hearty flavour.
The 33-year-old pointed out that she likes her job and is accustomed to dealing with meats and its storage and always gives customers what they want.
Kennedy would place the order via her spouse and he would ship in parts for vehicles for customers.
She explained that they have in stock used and foreign used spares and also new accessories on the shelves in the store and since it is a seasonal business, things get a bit slow, but she is patient.
Being self-employed is a blessing because she used to be the owner of the Palm Tree Snackette at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden but wanted a change of job.
So far, things have been favorable for Kennedy, a people person and very friendly person with excellent communicative skills.
AT 76 years old, many people her age would rather bask in retirement and stay at home to enjoy their old age but not Yvonne Bryan, who is still young at heart and still has that zest for life.
The mother of five told the Pepperpot Magazine that being a vendor is her way of keeping busy and doing something she loves instead of being bored at home.
Bryan was born and raised in Linden, a place she likes a lot and feels quite at home.
She grew up in both Retrieve where her father is from, and Christiansburg, on the other side of the river, where her mother was living.
Bryan is passionate about her work and would even commute to the city to pur-
chase fresh fruits and vegetables three times weekly for her customers and is the only vendor in the Wismar Municipal Market that sells the cheapest.
As a young girl growing up, after school, she would go to the very market to help her mother sell. She was a
She is the grandmother of 10 and is residing in Amelia’s Ward, Linden with her daughter and a grandson.
“I used to visit this market a lot. From school in the afternoon, I would come here and be with my mother, who had a stall and I always decided in mind I wanted to be
to Trinidad and Tobago and then to the United States of America (USA) and returned to Guyana in 2012.
It was then she used to sell clothes and other brand name items she brought back from the US, but people were not interested in that and she switched to selling fruits, ground provision and vegetables.
Bryan reported that she would usually buy produce from her fellow Lindeners and when she has to, she would journey to Georgetown to make the necessary purchases from farmers.
wants to and sees it as a hobby more than an actual job.
Sherry Fullington
at the Linmine Technical Training Complex in Linden.
stallholder and spent most of her days there, making a living.
Bryan disclosed that unfortunately, her mother passed away when she was 65 years old and she is originally from Sandhills, Demerara River.
just like her, independent,” she said.
Bryan told the Pepperpot Magazine that she enrolled in the Guyana National Service in 1990 and served in the army for years before she left in 1992.
However, she migrated
“I believe in providing a reliable service and whether it is sun or rain I am here to serve the people and I sell the most reasonable here in the market because people have to eat and even if they do not have all the money, I would give it to them,” she said.
However, on Fridays and Saturdays, Bryan would sell by the riverside that is just opposite the market to attract customers and the rest of the days she is in the Wismar Municipal Market.
“I like this job. I make it easy, I come and I set up my stand with my fruits and vegetables and I meet people and I get to talk to them and I make friends easily and I am satisfied,’ she said.
Bryan disclosed that she doesn’t have to work, but she
Meet Sherry Fullington, a local of Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden who says the village is mostly quiet and the men would go in the interior for work and return later since there aren’t many jobs in that region.
She is a certified electrician who is not doing that kind of work anymore and decided to invest in a stall in Wismar Municipal Market where she is vending household items, clothing among other things.
She acquired the stall in 2006 and has been vending ever since. Despite things being slow, she is still hopeful it will get better.
In her younger days, Fullington worked with the bauxite company and was successful, having enrolled
Fullington would source products from the city for her stall and she has a humble and quiet life and is a member of the St. Matthews Presbyterian Church in Christianburg, Linden.
“Selling here as you can see isn’t a fast earner but it is still something for me as a job and I am waiting on age to quality for my old age pension,” she said.
Fullington reported that she has been working since she was 14 years old and these days, she is not about to do any strenuous work. Her day starts at 05:30 hours and she would prepare to head out to the market to sell where she would relax having prepared meals for the entire day in the morning before leaving.
PAMELA Bradford is a very benevolent and patriotic person who is multi-talented and does her best to offer a reliable service combined with good products to her customers via her home-made coconut oil products and floral designs.
She is a resident of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and a stall owner at the Wismar Municipal Market, showcasing her products on sale.
Bradford is originally from Vigilance, East Coast Demerara and when we experienced the 2005 flood, she journeyed to Linden to stay at the home of her eldest sister, who had married and was living in the mining town.
The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that she stayed in Linden, got married, and settled there to raise a family.
She resides in Caesar’s Avenue, Wisroc and describes it as a developing village in which the road is currently being upgraded and it is a large but quiet area where mostly the construction of new houses is taking place.
Bradford stated that she began learning about the production of coconut oil which includes cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, from a friend who was making it from scratch.
The self-taught agro-processor related that she began reading up on the benefits of coconut oil and what products can be made from it via You Tube and on social media.
It piqued her interest and she began experimenting and in 2007, she acquired a stall at Wismar Municipal Market and thought of no better way than to make and showcase her products.
Bradford registered her small business, which started from her home and she began sending samples of her products to the Food and Drug Analyst Department in the city for it to be tested and deemed safe for commercial sale and use.
She is proud of the quality of her products which are made out of love, hard work and research.
Today, her small business has made strides and she is even participating in agro-processing exhibitions and trade shows.
Bradford makes a variety of skincare and hair products from coconut oil and coconut oil-based fragrances such as jasmine, lavender, cherry and vanilla.
On her vacation to the United States of America (USA) she would bring back the scents to use in her coconut oils which are used as a skincare product.
She also specialises in hair products such as neem, ginger, peppermint, rosemary oil, clove and aloe, a mixture made with coconut oil.
Recently, she launched a new hair product, a leave-in conditioner rosemary cream for all hair types and it is on sale at her stall in the market.
Bradford is a member of the Guyana Manufacturing
THE month of June is a significant historical marker. June 6,1944 the event of the invasion of Nazi-occupied France, by the mainly Anglo/American forces and those of their allies occurred. Allied nations
colonisation, disguised in current textbook narratives as ‘Exploring’ post-Moorish civilisation.
Itmust be understoodthat it was not an original outrage of conceptualised savagery and Barbarism, exclusive
munism painted in the imagination of oppressed masses, but like all human proposals of utopia, therein lay unseen problems with communism itself and the concept of individual choice, for there are no individuals in communism. The post-WWIIcolonisedworld itself was also rift with old contentions and hatreds within, towards systems and cliques that were pointed to as support beneficiaries and collaborators of the colonisers, apart from Religious and Tribal concerns. Thus, conflict reigned. And in most cases pre-colonisation issues resurged, from as early as 1945 and by the end of WWII the Third World was torn with conflict that heated up through to the late 1960s.
Africa, India, Vietnam, Cuba, Korea, South Africa, Indochina, with international ideological action groups(called Terrorist groups) impacting, in many cases, familiar causes. The Third World had inherited a system from colonisation that was designed to serve colonisation.
our thinking with clarity, enabling and broadening our ability to understand the problem within and without, how far we have come, and what we can, must do, and cannot
change, from a wide array of references.
We cannot live in the past, but it is always true that those who forget the errors of the past, shaped
by both local and external machinations, are bound to make the same mistakes, to one’s own detriment, again and again.
mainly created from former ‘English colonisation’, with an urgency to intercept Russia, in realisingthat the Russians’ unanticipated turn of events against the Germans and their allies on the Eastern fronthad resulted in the swift advance of the Russian forces into Germany itself.
The allies wanted to reach Berlin before the Russians ended up liberating all Europe, including France, and convert them to the communist brotherhood of Europe. We must be aware of this period, for the simple reason, that the collapse of Hitler’s ‘Third Reich’ was followed by the awakening of the Third World, our Third World, with a further swift metamorphosis into the cold war.
The fact about the incredible inhumane cult that Nazism and Fascism were, emerged from philosophical inception through popular veins in Europe of mythological/occult racial entitlement theories between its own tribes, then with brutal
to Hitler and Mussolini’. It was there all the time to create a relevant ‘Time frame’ grounded in Europe( functional in the 1845 onward colonising and dividing up-onslaught of Africa).But further back,from the onset of the ‘Spanish Inquisition’ of which, a historical character portrayed as psychotic emerged as a foremost influence. This was Tomas De Torquemada, the first authority to advocate pure Christian Spanish blood against the dark contaminating blood of the ‘Jew’ see-‘Dogs of God’ by James Reston.
The Third World did not emerge into peaceful bliss. Some former colonisers were adamant about retaining their colonies. Becausethen, Russia and China had become-post WWII,from the Western perspective, seriouslyfeared influences, offering a system that proposed salvation from oppressive social Class Hierarchies and their imposing dictates of entitlement. This fact was what com-
Incompatible with the egalitarian values that may have existed long before, that required in every area new thinking to be recaptured, because a severe inheritance of colonialism is “The Colonial” the secret custodian of the prescribed value systems of varied colonisation, with its pretensions and deceptions.
Many countries fail to understand that to remove all that was, is not the ideal programme, but rather to reshape and re-script the existing narrative by exploring what in its content had made it work in the first place, what innate elements did the sermons of colonisation appeal to, what original values did it imposeon?
June should be the month we explore the eras of our evolution, not by a festival, but by more explicit and easier-understood methods. Post-Neo Colonisation took the lives of men like Patrice Lumumba, Malcolm X, Bob Marley, Martin Luther King and many more. It is necessary to understand our recent evolved genesis and be able to contextualise the content of the worlds that envelope
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some investments were made to make the market a bit more acceptable for vendors.
Then it became populated and more people took up stalls but the roof has always had a leaking issue due to the design.
Even today, there are leaks and the Mayor and Town Council have been doing what they can to address the issue.
Smith reported that they have two full-time employees on the ground to clean at the Wismar Municipal Market.
She added that from revenues garnered, they do their utmost to keep the market
functional, but a lot of stall holders are not paying up their monthly rental.
Smith disclosed that the rental varies depending on if it is a double stall but the standard price is $17 per square foot, which is either $900 or $1700 per month.
She stated that the Linden Mayor and Town Council also manage the McKenzie Municipal Market and they have two staffers, as well.
The Wismar Municipal Market accommodates vendors from all over Linden and it is a place where you can shop in comfort and safety.
No one could tell the exact date of construction of the Wismar Municipal
Market nor give a historical background of the place.
The tailor of Wismar Municipal Market
One of the vendors includes Oral Vanganderen, 65, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden and he is one of two tailors there.
Vanganderen reported that he started his operations in the market in 2012 and has been in the tailoring profession for the past 21 years, and he is well-known and liked in the community.
He stated that he does alterations and made to order clothing, suits, pants and work uniforms for both men and women, but he doesn’t do too much work these days.
Vanganderen has an elder brother who is a tailor, and he grew up in the home where they had a sewing machine, and after he learned enough, he decided to take on sewing jobs.
“I finished school and did not know what to do for a job and after I had an interest in tailoring, I took up the challenge to learn as much as I could to earn,’ he said.
The elder is at the market on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 09:30hrs to 17:30hrs.
Vanganderen has taken up another trade and in his spare time, if any, he would repair sewing machines.
From the looks of his shop, it seems he is a neat and tidy person who does excellent work on outfits made to order, keeping his customers satisfied.
Black Boys Barbershop
Black Boys Barbershop is managed by brothers Javel Cort and Jamal Johnson, who have a steady flow of customers, mostly men waiting for their turn to get groomed.
Their shop is a cozy little air-conditioned place outfitted with a high ceiling and a suitable décor to match their personalities.
Cort is from Blueberry Hill, Linden and is the elder of the siblings, who grew up around males in the family who groomed them and they took a liking to barbering at a young age.
“Even though my uncle, who used to cut our hair with line-up never had any formal training, he was good at it, a natural and I always admired his talent and patterned myself after him to become a barber,” he said.
The 36-year told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is married with two children and being a barber entails long hours of work, but it comes with the job.
He started barbering right after exiting the formal school system and has been in the profession for over 20 years.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who hails from Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden,
grew and they managed to establish a permanent place.
The 29-year-old stated that he takes pride in his job in giving the customers what they came for, the exact cut, line-up or general grooming.
Johnson told the Pepper-
reported that he is at the barber shop from early morning until late at night, depending on the customer flow.
The father of three added that their barbershop started from a bottom house 22 years ago and as time progressed, their small business
pot Magazine that barbering is more than just cutting hair; they also play a role in the community. The barbershop is a meeting place for people to exchange light chat about anything or even topical issues.
It was 15 years ago, they built their own barbershop and it is a place where they provide a reliable, good service to customers offering a wide variety of services which include hot towel facials, eyebrow shaping, hair and beard grooming and spray dye of hair.
These brothers are simply the best in terms of their professionalism and they are a jovial duo who’re unmatched when it comes to being talented and challenging themselves to stay on top of their profession with the latest trends in hair and grooming services.
Roberto was up next, with ‘Insect Inspiration’ which, as its name suggests, showcased his creative interpretation of the theme from the invertebrate perspective.
Up next was Dexter Gardener’s ‘Napa Empress of Jewels.’ Dexter described Napa as being born of the blood and tears shed in the pursuit of the lost City; and is the protector of resources. All these designs succeeded
golden and regal and stood out with its unique blend of Indian wear with a flair of Western design. It’s traditional Indian jewellery and Nachle’s unique golden umbrella, made the outfit memorable. On the topic of what the piece means and to them, they said, “It represents the trials of the people and how they brought El Dorado to life. You’ll see the illumination. And the fun colours with the Indian textiles we added to give you that masterpiece.”
gold fabric. A head piece beautifully accompanied the complex outfit and was just one of the many examples of Guyanese creativity.
One notable and more highly anticipated design was that of Derek Moore, one of Guyana’s more known designers. Moore’s piece titled, ‘It DehDeh’, was of a golden woman adorned with dream catchers and a fabric reminiscent of waves. To Derek, his piece sought to show that Guyana has talent, which can
feel proud about what she and the team behind the Moonlight Stories brand were able to accomplish for the second year running. “We were able to put on another successful event that highlighted the creative industry and our culture in a large way. The direction that a lot of creatives took to create their pieces came from a deep place,” she shared.
Though the show’s highlights were many, having Derek Moore as part of the esteemed line-up, was high on the list. Referring to Moore as Guyana’s “Father of Fashion”, Edwards said it was remarkable to see his passion and excite -
ment for fashion still alive, adding that his growth over the years was also amazing to see.
She thanked her sponsors Glo Aesthetic, Bromeliad.rnc, Reminisce Soaps, Shaw’s Media and DeSinco Trading for their support of the show, adding that seeing greater support from both private and public sectors is always welcome.
“I look forward to the growth of Moonlight Stories and I look forward to the growth of persons in the creative industry. Just seeing the calibre of work putout inspired me, so I know it inspired other people who
are thinking [they] want to be in the creative industry... The designers put on a great show,” Edwards added. And while plans for Moonlight Stories are already in gear for 2024, Edwards is still hopeful that more platforms will be made for Guyanese creatives to showcase their talent. “Our culture is retold through creativity and in order for our cultural identity and our traditions and cultures to be preserved, we must support these industries, so I am very proud of myself and my team who came out and did their thing.”
in achieving elegance, beauty, engenuity and a true representation of The Lost City.
As the evening went on, designing couple, Hashim Alli and Melicia Partab-Alli showcased their brand ‘Nachle Designs’. Their piece was
As this aspect of the event winded down, guests were stunned by the creation of Randy Madray, titled, ‘The deity of El Dorado’. A stunning creation, Randy’s piece embodied royalty, with the entire piece being made of
be seen right at events such as Moonlight Stories. Talking about what he wanted his designs to represent, Derek said, “I wanted to capture our culture - the minerals in our soil and water compared to everywhere else. And our culture is rich and diverse. And I just want everyone to know that Guyana is El Dorado.”
Closing the second half of the gala were more designs from the brilliant Keisha Edwards, with Shasha Designs’ second new collection: The Lost City: New El Dorado. The collection did not only have the widest range of outfits, but also one of the most diverse, with ready-to-wear evening and corporate wear with a modern, golden twist. With their kaleidoscope of colours and style, the designs showcased that evening exhibited true diversity and creativity . Moonlight Stories was more than just a gala, or runway show; it was an artist’s journey and phenomenal experience through the City of Gold.
Review from the founder
Sharing her comments about the show with the Pepperpot Magazine, Keisha Edwards couldn’t help but
Association (GMA) and she participated in the exhibition held at the Guyana National Stadium in January this year.
She explained that her products are safe and well-researched, with formulas created specifically to benefit her customers.
In addition, she is noted for making lovely, well-designed pieces of bridal accessories, bouquets, rosettes, party stuff and other things.
Bradford is always up for a challenge and as she continues to create newer products, she is quite pleased to announce her version of mango achar, pepper sauce and stewed pepper sauce.
She started this venture two years ago and is the first person to come up with a stewed pepper sauce recipe that is among her most selling products.
Bradford disclosed that she also makes her own coconut oil and virgin coconut oil from scratch from her home and she has her own mill and had utilised more than 300 dry coconuts the day before for this purpose.
She added that her products are safe and customers have re-visited to make purchases and to give testimonies of their benefits after using the hair and skin care products.
The products are also well-labelled with the details
of the ingredients as well as the maker’s contact information.
“I believe in my products because I have seen the results myself and customers keep coming back to re-purchase and I do have some [best]-selling products which are the cherry fragrant oil for the skin, the neem, ginger, peppermint, rosemary and clove hair oils for the hair,” she said.
Bradford uses the stationery next door in the market to do her labels which is quite convenient and she is a friend of many and a very nice person all-round who is bent on empowering herself and those around her.
“I do not do cheap prod-
ucts at all, I invest by sourcing products from overseas or from the city and I go all-out to ensure the right amount of ingredients are added to the
products I made from scratch to sell because my integrity is involved,” she said.
Bradford is humbled by the fact that she will be
I WAS fortunate to experience the launch of ‘This is We Style’ hosted by the Tourism Trinidad Limited and participate in Ewa Afrika 2 - Sankofa Style. I have been to Trinidad many times, but this time it was different because I connected with so many people after years, and met some amazing new people and new clients. Carlton DeFour, Robert Young, Dominique LaDonna Dove, Vanessa Forde, Janice Lawrence Clarke, Nigel Eastman, Dr Sefeeya Mohamed and others brought back fond memories.
Sohan Badal volunteered his time to be my assistant for the day and it was great sharing stories about Guyana Fashion week over the years.
I was proud of Raul Benji, who is from Guyana on the make-up team and he also assisted me backstage. Looking back over the years, I recognise the Afrocentric influence at GFW, which is something our creative director Richard Young is passionate about. I sensed the same passion when I met Zakiyah Uzoma Wadada, Executive Director, Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and
Tobago.
The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) has outdone itself this year with their African fashion showcase as part of the largest pan-African festival outside of the continent of Africa. Ewa Afrika 2-Sankofa Style was representative of African and Afro-Caribbean creative excellence in fashion design. With a lineup of 26 designers, a cast of over sixty models, and six performing arts luminaries. The presentation was stellar under the masterful creative direction of Richard Young, fashion impresario extraordinaire.
On the heels of the launch of the Trinidad Fashion Festival, ‘Dis is we style’, earmarked by Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) to climax next year in May, Ewa Afrika, the brand, would be integrated into the festival seamlessly, alongside the best brands, not only of Trinidad but of the region. With the tagline, “the place to be for the best in Caribbean fashion” TTL promises through its dynamic destination marketing strategy to make Trinidad the region’s fashion hub, welcoming all Caribbean design talent to benefit from the foray of proactive positioning for Caribbean fashion wares.
This year
Ewa Afrika, the consummate fashion merchandising brand of
magnificent. My regal trendy Nubian style unabashedly reflects my recent splendid connections with the moth-
erland. That trip has added so much value to my design concepts and I believe the best is yet to come. My style
storyboard spoke to the traditions of our ancestors, the
ESCTT, welcomed along with 22 Trinbagonian labels, 2 Caribbean brands, yours truly from Guyana and Miranda Askie from Antigua, and two Ghanaian brands, Faustina Ansong of Charisma Fashion and Josephine Hayford of Haylooks Fashion, to celebrate the eclectic melting pot of African influence and Afrocentric inspiration in fashion design that has hit the world by storm.
The Afro-presence is gaining ground and is felt in all the creative arts through Afrobeats, ethnic styling and art direction and the popping Afro-chic that rules the red carpets with its edgy, modern, appealing popularity.
Big names in Trinidad fashion, like the Cloth, Heather Jones, Shaun Griffith Perez and DAWW Creations, were on show on suave models, the likes of Athaliah Samuel, Soowan Bramble, Ache Abrahams and Tya Jane Ramey, even featuring Miss World 1986, Giselle La Ronde-West.
I represented the continental Afro-Caribbean style that she brought from Guyana, which from reports, was
SACHIN looked at his father’s photograph on the wall as he made to leave for work and he said quietly, “I need your guidance, Pa, so I can do well in this new job.”
He often spoke to his father, whom he still held in
his heart as his hero, though he had died ten years ago in a fatal accident in the backdam. His father had been a hard-working man, strong, selfless and kind, and it was from those qualities Sachin, as a young boy had modelled
his life.
His mother’s trauma at dealing with the father’s sudden loss and faced with the struggles to maintain home and family had caused Sachin to leave school at age fifteen. He had worked many odd
jobs to support his family, and his sacrifices helped them survive as a low income family.
Today he was a young man, tall and strong with rugged good looks, confident that one day he would have enough to invest in his own business and be his own boss.
a Range Rover, Mercedes and Jaguar.
“Awesome,” he expressed to himself, “This is like a dream.”
He had been employed to drive the businessman’s daughter and as he waited, excited but a little nervous, an older driver imparted some advice to him, “You’re
as a driver.
She had to go to several places on the West Coast, then back over the Demerara River up the East Bank to Amazonia Mall.
As he waited in the VIP parking lot, he ate a quick lunch of tuna sandwich his mother had fixed for him, staying focused and alert
“It’s okay to dream,” he had kept telling himself for it motivated him to stay strong and face life’s challenges one day at a time.
He called out to his mother as he opened the door to their modest home to leave, “See you later, Ma!”
“Wait, son!” she called, hurrying from the kitchen and she kissed him on the forehead.
“May you stay safe and your day be good.”
He smiled at her fondly for her blessings were always a good beginning to his day.
Sachin reached to work at the residence of a wealthy businessman in an upper-class residential area in the city. He stared in awe at the impressive luxurious mansion and expressed silently, “Astounding!”
It was his first official job as a driver for a wealthy family for over the years he had gained valuable experience in driving and a good knowledge of vehicles. He was handed the keys to a gleaming black Lexus and stared awe-struck at the other luxury vehicles in the garage;
new and nervous so I’ll help you a little here. Do not let your eyes linger on her, do not smile, and only answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. She’s not easy to work with.”
“Thanks,” Sachin responded and turned to look as the driver Paul said, “Here she comes and good luck.”
One of the most beautiful young women he had ever seen walked down the paved pathway with smooth, confident strides, the light wind reflecting her lustrous brown hair. Sachin felt an incredible rush in his heart as he briefly looked at her.
She glanced at him for just a second as he opened the door for her and as they moved off she gave him instructions in a firm tone.
“Yes, Miss,” he responded politely and inhaled slowly as a whiff of the refreshing fragrance she was wearing touched his senses.
It was the first time as a young man, he had felt such an instant attraction to a beautiful woman, something he couldn’t quite understand. So he set his mind on staying cool and focused on his job
to everything and everyone around because it was a part of his job.
“I have many enemies,” the businessman had told him during the interview for the job, “My little girl is in your care on the road, always be on the alert and take great care of her even if...” he had paused and looked at Sachin in the eyes with a steely look, “Even if your life depends on it.”
“Yes sir,” Sachin had answered, a slight chill of fear pulsating through his body.
She came out of the mall a couple of hours later, said ‘Goodbye’ to her friends and with nowhere else to go, Sachin drove her home safely.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he parked the car.
The day went well.
His days on the job continued with no incidents on the road except errant drivers and sometimes ambitious guys who wanted her attention, and that was something she took care of herself.
He liked her boldness and though he still heeded
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Paul’s advice, he couldn’t help admiring her chic, elegant and stunning outlook in the brief moments he could look. Her personality though, was not as beautiful. She was impatient, demanding and mean, sometimes for no real reasons.
“Entitled, spoilt, rich girl,” Paul stated, “You wanna keep your job, ignore the attitude.”
Sachin tried his best to do so because he needed that good-paying job for some important financial needs at home. He stayed cool in the face of her arrogant boyfriend, stayed cool when her friends in party mode mocked him for being a country boy.
She never spoke a word for him and he didn’t expect her to because he was just an employee. Yet, it didn’t change his feelings for her and that he kept locked away in his heart.
On a trip to Berbice to see an old friend at Blairmont Estate, she received a phone call from someone that seemed to disturb her deeply and Sachin knew she was crying. After a long moment, she told him to pull over and she got out of the car, pacing a little and taking deep breaths to compose herself. Vehicles passing slowed down to look at her curiously and given it was a lonely area in Abary, Sachin motioned to her that they should leave.
For once, she didn’t question anything but in the car he made the mistake of asking her, “Are you okay?”
She sighed deeply, not answering for a long moment then said, “It’s none of your business.”
He smiled a little wryly, “Sorry miss.”
The journey continued and he had to stop a few times so she could take pictures of the lush vegetation, … expanses of farm lands and animals. He said not a word more but noticed her looking at him, a little longer than before, though there was no hint of a smile.
“One day, maybe, I’ll see a smile,” he said to himself.
He had no idea how things were about to change.
On the way back late that afternoon as they crossed the Mahaicony river bridge, a speeding car overtaking them clipped the front bumper of their Lexus. The contact sent the Lexus into a spin, and the speeding car flipped over twice before crashing into a utility pole.
She screamed in fear as Sachin kept his cool and tried to bring the car to a safe halt as the back end hit against the bridge’s concrete barrier. The mishap had shaken her badly and opening the car door to where she was sitting, he asked, “Are you okay?”
She shook her head, unable to speak and grabbed his arms, burying her face in his shoulder.
To be continued…
SOME cultures had no prisons for persons guilty of anti-social behaviour. Such persons were executed or mutilated. In our Western civilisation, for at least the last two millennia, there were always prisons into which those persons had to be kept out of Society were thrown. In ancient Greece, for example, their prison was a dungeon, and a convicted person could either be thrown into it or drink the hemlock
poison as Socrates did. There was never any care or concern for the convicted person who was barely kept alive in their very squalid environment. The distinction between “jail” where short-term convicts were kept and “prison” where the long term was held is a very modern American distinction.
The prisons, from Greek and Roman times, through the
Middle Ages to almost the present, were places of overcrowding, poor food and clothing, rampant disease, torture and beatings by sadistic warders, dementia, and solitary confinement. Towards the end of the 18th century, with the rise of humanitarianism, there began to be calls for prison reform, and in the 19th century, mild reforms began to be made.
Guyana became a British colony in the early years of the 19th century and this resulted in British Administration and institutions being established in the colony. Among these institutions were prisons and the first prison was established in Georgetown with others later in New Amsterdam and Mazaruni.
When the Georgetown Prison was constructed on Lower Camp Street at Lot 12, that area was regarded as the remotest part of the town, and few people lived in the neighbourhood. The prison was initially not crowded and the other conditions were satisfactory by mid-19th century standards.
By the 1960s, there was overcrowding and other conditions had deteriorated and families were permitted to supply their relatives with food, toiletries, towels, and clothing. The prisoners were persons convicted of criminal or civil offences and the first political prisoners were Dr. and Mrs Jagan. Later, a few other political prisoners, like Martin Carter were sent to Mazaruni Prison.
In 2017 there was a riot wherein some prisoners set the prison on fire, which, as one of the few wooden prisons in the world, very quickly burnt out. Seventeen prisoners died in the fire, one warden died from his wounds, and five others were hospitalised. Several criminals escaped, set themselves up in Buxton as a criminal enterprise, and terrorised the country for several months before being eliminated. The prisoners, numbering less than 1000, were evacuated to the Lusignan Prison, which immediately became overcrowded with conditions deteriorating.
In the last two years, Guyana has been experiencing a swirl of social and economic development, and prison reform has come into focus. In the 2023 budget, Parliament voted to give the Guyana Prison Service $5.5 billion. These funds would be used to upgrade and mount Training Programs at the New Amsterdam, Mazaruni, and Lusignan Prisons. Lusignan, now the GPS headquarters, would receive the greater part of those funds. The training programs would teach the prisoners income-earning trades so that when released, they would be gainfully occupied and reintegrated into Society. It is also expected that their recidivism would be reduced.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn adumbrated his Prison Policy in Parliament: “Recently we launched a ‘Fresh Start’ project where prisoners are being trained, educated, given the tools of the trade for when they exit prison… There would be trade shops at a vocational centre for trade training and various skills such as mechanics, electrical, furniture making, animal husbandry, and other craft and trade activities… we want them to use the opportunity for getting into planting and other things…This is new for us and we are working hard to get our strategic management department to create an introduction format… There would be an upgrade to accommodate a female prison for relocation of the female prisoners from the New Amsterdam facility.”
The Lusignan Prison would have a cluster of six buildings providing modern dormitory rooms, a directorate, a command centre, lunch rooms, and a trade shop. These new buildings will have a fire suppression system and smoke detectors among security features. The Guyana prisons would now compare with the best in the Developed World and would be in readiness for full usage by year-end.
The policy of rehabilitation and reduction of recidivism is to be achieved by training in income-earning skills and trades
FROM PAGE XV
pride in our African Diaspora identity and the hope of our future generations to celebrate the silhouettes, the prints, the notions and the majesty of our cultural confidence.
Ewa Afrika was indeed a prestigious Caribbean event, bringing together regional and Diasporic creatives to acknowledge our similarities but moreover commemorate our differences. The fusion of performing talents, the likes of Vaughnette Bigford, Charmaine Forde, Kyle Hernandez, Wasafoli Performing Company and Caribbean Steelpan Connextions wowed the packed house, 500 plus, at the
scenic Garden Theatre, Queen’s Hall, in a most innovative set design, as only Richard Young can craft. Although I have witnessed the brilliant creative direction of Richard over the years, I am still in awe of this genius. I don’t think we celebrate him enough as the Caribbean Icon he is. I salute you Richard Young as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
“Some people don’t leave jobs. They leave toxic work cultures” is a memorable quote that I came across one day on my Facebook timeline. When I was younger, I always thought it was the other way around—that people simply leave jobs because they’re unproductive, lazy or bored. In truth, that’s not always the case. Some work environments require you to use every last brain cell to stay sane while you’re working. Not only is it unhealthy to you, but it’s also inhumane. Unfortunately, many workers are forced to believe or accept that this is how things should be. Many employees were introduced to the idea of having things done this way and they cannot question it. The truth is,most of the so-called company policies aren’t even written policies sometimes. They’re just reinforced tactics to ensure workers “stay in line”.
If you Google what a toxic or mentally unstable work environment is and it basically describes your place of employment—stay far from it as soon as possible. You may try to change such a place, lobby for change even, but most of the time—you’ll be on your own because other workers are afraid to speak up due to victimisation. Oftentimes, these places change you, not the other way around. As such, it’s better to leave such an environment altogether—at least, that’s how I personally feel. If you find yourself always venting about work, feeling very irritable and burned out constantly, questioning your abilities and skillsets, feeling tension between yourself/other workers and management, feeling as if you’re walking on eggshells or you even get very emotional just by thinking of the environment you work in—chances are you work in a very tense, stressful, “toxic” environment.
You shouldn’t have to do extra work to prove your worth or skill set. You should feel as if you’re an asset, not as an incompetent liability to anybody you work for. You shouldn’t only be acknowledged or credited for work when things are done wrongly—rewards should also be given in any way imaginable.
The number one reason why most people stay is because they have families to feed and they also believe they “can’t do better”. Trust me when I say, there is better. There are lots of places in Guyana that are now practising better work ethics including mental health on their agenda for their employees. You simply have to look and learn what’s right for you. If you’re still “stuck” in a toxic work environment for a specific reason or reasons—you can try to still be positive and try not to let your environment change you into the negativity that it projects.
The best advice I was given during my time at University was to leave work at work, and never allow it to cross over your gate. As difficult as it might be, don’t let your work-related issues affect what goes on in your personal life, whether it be the difficult customers you’ve had or the messy supervision you’ve experienced. If you have a space to call your own— call it your safe space and decorate it with positive messages if possible as reminders to yourself on bad days. If you have work besties who share similar views or opinions, stick with them. The group of you can be each other’s support system or friend to lean on during difficult times. You can implement these strategies as you scheme your exit plan as soon as possible.
At the end of the day, I urge you all to do what’s best for you. Sometimes, there’s no escaping 100% of the negativity—no matter where you go. Nonetheless, your mental health should be your priority at all times. Don’t lose your sense of self over a job that requires you to change the positive outlook you have on life, no amount of money in the work is worth that much of a sacrifice.
THIS year’s Local Government Elections will be held on Monday, June 12. These elections allow people to elect members of their communities to represent their interests and solve existing problems. It brings decision-making, advocacy, and problem-solving to a community level instead of national and regional level actions.
Despite the perceived importance of these elections (though I’m not saying the general and regional elections are less important), voter turnout is usually low. In 2016, it was about 39 per cent based on local reports; in 2018, it dipped further to 36.3 per cent.
Several reasons have been proffered for these low figures. Not knowing the candidates in their respective constituencies and a lower sense of importance are among the reasons local commentators and analysts provided over the years.
The June 12 Local Government Elections are being held after delays and up to two weeks ago efforts were made to delay the elections further. Still, in the last two weeks or so, we have seen a ramp-up in political campaigning across the country, especially from the two larger parties: the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), the party currently in government, and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) a major constituent of the parliamentary opposition.
Smaller parties and independent candidates have found ways of promoting themselves. Some have turned to media with national coverage, others have found advantages in going door-to-door and connecting with people. Some have leveraged social media more.
Whether the heightened engagement recently leads to a higher voter turnout will be something we see after the elections. Maybe this year, we could see greater voter turnout for the elections. Maybe we could also see changes in voting patterns. However, that can only happen if more people are encouraged to go out and vote. And people, I think, are encouraged to do so if they know more about the elections.
I’ve seen groups and bodes attempt to engage in the public education required to motivate people to exercise their franchise at these elections. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has also engaged in public engagements, but it can be argued that this constitutional body can do much more for public awareness and sensitisation.
There are nuances in the messages, but fundamentally, the driving point has been that you can elect people who are expected to work directly in your communities. And you can hold those people accountable because they are from your communities and, ideally, well-known to you. These elections result in or should result in, electing people who tackle those burning issues in communities, like poor garbage collection, the development of community spaces, and a more efficient delivery of services and interventions.
Still, we can’t look at these elections and the responsibility of the people elected with rose-tinted glasses only. Local government bodies have long complained about limited resources, more so since it is difficult for them to raise their funds. In some cases, political interference has been said to stymie the work of these councils. We may have great expectations from these councils, but there are challenges to consider.
With greater turnout and interest, these local bodies would be better positioned to lobby for greater support and resources. At the very least, it should mean that more people are willing or interested in supporting these local bodies.
Nevertheless, we are hours away from these elections and those of us eligible should go out and vote.
If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous work, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com.
Dear Student, Welcome dear friend.
There comes a time in your study when you become bogged down with self-produced stress. You think about how you are feeling, how worried you are; your
June 11, 2023
health status, home circumstances, or your career prospects. Your need at this last legof revising and taking examinations is to focus effectively on tasks, particularly those that are manageable and can be tackled immediately. Be smart. Become adjusted to your situation.Robust study encompasses adjustments to situations.
Love you.
THE SENTENCE Revising sentence structure
Revise each of the following sentences according to the directions that follow it. Do not change the meaning of the original sentence. Look at the options, A to D, for the word or phrase that best suits your revised sentence and mark your choice.
1. People from crowded nations cannot get over the accessibility of Ghana’s natural environment, in all its magnificence.
Begin the sentence with: It is impossible for
(A) To get over (B) to be over (C) to getting over (D) to have got over
2. If Carlton invites me, I will go to his party.
Begin the sentence with: Were Carlton to invite me
(A) I would have gone (B) I will have gone (C) I would go (D) I would have been
3. More is experienced in one day of the life of a learned man than an ignorant man experiences in his whole lifetime.
Begin the sentence with: A learned man
(A) experiences more in one day (C) has more experiences in one day
(C) experienced more in one day (D) more experienced in one day
4. She found, even after she had made several attempts to deregulate the automatic numbering system, that the computer was still regulating the numbering.
Begin the sentence with: Having made
(A) and finding that (C) she was finding that
(B) she had found that (D) she found that
5. The football tournament ended abruptly when many of the spectators
stormed the field.
Begin the sentence with: Many of the spectators stormed (A) preventing (B) but (C) so (D) getting
Finding errors in sentences
Some of the following sentences are unacceptable because they contain errors; no sentence contains more than one error. Some of the sentences are acceptable as they stand. Mark the ONE option that best describes each sentence.
(A) The sentence is wordy, is repetitive or contains redundancies.
(B) The sentence contains a cliché or misused metaphors.
(C) The sentence is incorrect grammatically or faulty in diction.
(D) The sentence is acceptable as it stands.
1. There are many who have not considered the need to abstain from foul language, but self-control is truly the only option for one who wishes to engage in healthy lifestyle practices.
2. He intended to beg for his old job back, but the ship had sailed, and he had to simply play the hand that was dealt him.
3. Rising from the throne, the crowd cheered their noble emperor as he walked solemnly forward to greet the foreign dignitaries.
4. The moon shone brightly in the clear night sky, its cool light a blessing after the searing heat of the day.
5. When the clerk raised her voice in protest, her boss asked her to hold her tongue since empty vessels made most noise and are often thrown in the den to be eaten by the lions.
6. The village representative rushed up the dirt road like a house on fire and, shouting with all the strength he could muster, sounded the alarm.
7. His 13-year-oldniece was a nimble-footed dancer; her graceful body executed delicate movements with incredible poise.
Working with sentence meaning
Each sentence in this section is followed by four sentence A, B, C, and D. Choose the one nearest in meaning to the original sentence.
1. No right-thinking person who has lived in the country will fail to understand my disgust at lewdness.
(A) lewdness in the country is as disgusting to me as it is to all right-thinking people.
(B) Every right-thinking person will understand my disgust at lewdness in the country.
(C) It is inconceivable that a right-thinking person in the country could fail to understand my disgust at lewdness.
(D) My disgust at lewdness will be understood by any right-thinking person who has lived in the country.
2. Families of the country need to organise themselves into co-operatives in order to support the prime minister’s drive for self-sufficiency.
(A) In order to support the plan for self-sufficiency the families need to organise themselves and co-operate with the prime minister.
(B) The families should show their support for the prime minister’s plans for self-sufficiency by organising themselves into co-operatives.
(C) Co-operatives are the only means by which the prime minister’s plans for self-sufficiency could be achieved by the families.
(D) The prime minister advised the families to get into co-operative groups so that they could support his plan for self-sufficiency.
3. Reuban’s books are interesting and provocative.
(A) Reuban’s books are concerned with trivial topics.
(B) Reuban’s books are most exciting.
(C) Reuban’s books are appealing and stimulating.
(D) Reuban’s books tend to make the reader angry.
Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.
M.S. Notebooks, 1800-03, p. 43
TODAY, whenever we hear the word “pandemic,” we immediately think of COVID-19, commonly called the coronavirus. But less than two decades ago the World Health Organisation (WHO) described dental caries as a pandemic and the bane of civilisation. The prevalence, up until the early 1970s, was high in developed countries and low in developing countries. The child and adolescent populations -- literally tens of millions-- suffered painful consequences.
Since nearly all susceptible tooth surfaces had been attacked by early adulthood, caries ( tooth decay)was considered to be essentially a disease of children. However, during the past 50 years, such traditional concepts of the disease have been revised in response to changes that have occurred n the prevalence, severity, distribution and pattern of tooth decay in many developed countries of the world.
During this period the dramatic reduction in caries levels in the developed countries has occurred even though the consumption of sugar has remained relatively static. Undoubtedly the most important reason for this improvement in dental health has been the introduction of fluoride into the oral environment.
In developing countries like Guyana, the situation is unequivocal. Data from the (WHO) indicate that in Central and South America the prevalence and severity of the disease is high whereas, throughout Asia, Africa and China caries levels remain generally low. However, if history were to repeat itself and these populations were to adopt the cariogenic diets and lifestyles of the developed world without the protection of fluoride, caries levels would increase.
Numerous dentists and research scientists the world over are unanimous in their conclusion that the challenge to everyone involved in the promotion of oral health is to sustain the benefits of fluoride to those already receiving them and encourage the use of appropriate and effective strategies and products by those who are not.
Because dental caries is a ubiquitous disease affecting all age groups, prevention is important throughout life. The prevalence and severity of this condition vary considerably between and within different countries and the choice of appropriate and effective preventive strategies should be based on data obtained from surveys that use standardised measurements of disease with carefully defined criteria. The last such survey done in all 10 Regions, and which I was privileged to participate in, was conducted by Dr. David W. Johnson under the auspices of The University of Western Ontario and CESO International Services in December 1995.
Population strategies such as water and salt fluoridation are the most cost-effective measures available and should be implemented where deemed befitting and feasible. Fluoride toothpaste are a highly effective means of caries control and their use should underpin any preventive programme.
Finally, the dramatic and welcome improvements in the dental health of populations in many countries across the globe represent one of the most significant public health achievements of this century. Governments of the poorer countries need to adopt national programmes to combat and control dental diseases to maintain the momentum.
