Guyana Chronicle PepperPot E-Paper 01-27-2019

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Three participants gearing up for the ‘Women in Business Expo’. From left, Marissa Jaisingh, Carolyn Caesar-Murray and Leisa Gibson (Delano Williams photo)

‘Let’s support women in local businesses’

See Page III

II

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

The power of youth and the changing theatre of life

By Francis Quamina Farrier

persons with whom I had discussed this project over the years, was because on graduating, the females, like their male counterparts, were in their late teens or early 20s. However, while the females were ready for marriage, the males had no such plan at that age and so they all went their separate ways after graduating. A few of the females did get married sometime after graduating, but their choices were not fellow graduates.

Some of them even got married to officers of the Youth Corps with whom they had developed a romantic relationship.

At this time, many of those youth of the Guyana Youth Corps of the 1970s are in their 60s, some even in their 70s, and one wonders in what way that Youth Power, which they

A few days ago, scores of youths turned up at the Umana Yana in George“YOUTH is Power” was the title of a town to hear about the oil and gas future Film Documentary which I produced in of our beloved Guyana, and in what way the early 1970s when, as a youth myself, I those youths can contribute and benefit was attached to the Films Division of the from the announced “Oil Bonanza”. So, Ministry of Information, located on Brickback to the Theatre of Life with the quesdam in Georgetown. The documentary tions being: What would be written of Guyanese Singer and Songwriter Hilton was filmed on location at the Youth Corps the youths of 2019, 50 years from now, Hemerding, A.A. (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) which was located at Tumatumari on when they are in their60s and 70s? What the Potaro River, in what is now Region percentage of them will be still in Guyana the disciplined audiences back then. At the Seven. Desmond Roberts who hoisted the as they gracefully approach their golden British Guiana Drama Festival of 1965, for Golden Arrowhead at the National Park years? What would Guyana be like at that example, a group of youths from Buxton in Georgetown on Independence in 1966, time? Will the massive extraction of oil and won the “Best Play” Prize in the Youth Catewas the Officer in Charge. The governgas benefit those Guyanese youths of today, gory, with their production of “The Promised ment-sponsored organisation attracted or the youths in countries which are already Land” by Sydney King (Eusi Kwayana). adventurous teenagers who were trained developed?

Please take note of the positive title of the play. The youths who performed in that play at the festival would now be in their 60s, and can attest to the plays with high moral standards back in the period when youths in theatre reached for the skies with their family-friendly productions, which did not wallow in the gutter with raw violence and vulgarity. Plays which attracted full audiences.

In a recent interview with veteran Guyanese singer and songwriter, Hilton Hemerding A.A., who was a former Culture Officer in charge of the Young Brigade and National Cadet Corps (YB&NCC) which functioned in schools half a century ago, he stated that: “Back in those days of the 1960s and 1970s, Guyana was in the forefront of Social and Cultural Development in the Caribbean.”

Hemerding told me with pride, “Guyana set the way for CARIFESTA in 1972, and later there was GUYFESTA in Guyana, which was staged in communities all around the country and brought together the various cultures of Guyana into a happy melting pot.” He continued: “That helped to promote a very united Guyana, in which citizens were exposed to each other’s culture.” In his very popular patriotic song, “BEAUTIFUL GUYANA” which he composed in 1966, Hemerding included lyrics which relate about Guyanese who “Live in peace and harmony”. Hemerding also spoke of other Guyanese composers and singers such as Eddie Hooper, David Campbell, Rita Forrester, Terry Gajraj, Dave Martins, Czerina Ali, Johnny Braff, Lennox Greaves and Eze Rockliffe, among many others.

Last year, there was a production at the Theatre Guild, in which there were many young performers, which focused on “oil and gas” but most of the current plays written by the up-and-coming playwrights, focus on raw violence and vulA scene from the play “The Promised Land” by Sydney King (Eusi Kwayana) at the 1965 British Guiana Drama Festival, which won garity. The youths in theatre and culture the “Best Play” in the Junior Category. in general, produce what they experience in a number of life skills. Art and Culture had back in the 1970s when I produced that In the Theatre of Life, I can recall around them, so what are the youths were two extracurricular activities which Film Documentary, “YOUTH is POWER”, the youth section at the Theatre Guild of of yesteryear - of the 1960s and 1970s were part of the programme. To create was used for the benefit of Guyana. I know Guyana in Kingston, Georgetown, and the who are now mature adults- gathering rounded citizens was the primary objec- for a fact that quite a number of those gradu- frolicking upbeat plays which were staged and doing about the present oil and gas tive of the planners. A long-term objective ates migrated to all parts of the world, where there with the youths; the forever young generation who flocked the Umana Yana was to have the youths marry a colleague they have given, and continue to give their “Peter Pan” starring Robert Narain in the a week ago, to hear what is their future and live in newly established communities service and skills to other countries. It’s the title role, among others. Other plays with with an oil and gas economy. According along Guyana’s western border- neigh- “Theatre of Life”, with those youths of the uplifting themes and plots were also staged to a youth of yesteryear, “We have to give bouring Venezuela in particular. No need 1970s, now regarded as “old people” who at the Theatre Guild and drew large audi- guidance. It’s our responsibility. We reto say that the project, as planned, did not some individuals feel, should be shunted ences, sometimes necessitating “held-over” ceived guidance from the elders when we materialise. aside. I’ve met a few of those former youths, performances. I can recall the very patriotic were young, and now that we are elders, One of the principal reasons why the who are now approaching their senior years, plays staged at the Drama Festivals of the it’s our obligation and sacred duty to do objective was not achieved, according to in various foreign countries.

1960s and 1970s, and the pride and joy by the same for the youths of today.”

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

III

‘Let’s support women in local businesses’ -Founder of Women in Business Expo, Sonia Noel urges

Leisa Gibson started with one product in 2016, but with help from the expo, she now has 6, along with five types of soaps

By Telesha Ramnarine POPULAR designer/fashion icon, Sonia Noel, says there are no words to describe her feelings as she continues to witness the positive effects that the ‘Women in Business Expo’ have been having on women from all across Guyana.

Founder of the Expo, Sonia Noel

Included in the midst of the over 50 women, who have been participating each year, are those who are the sole breadwinners of their families; youths, single parents, and even housewives who carry on small businesses to support their families.

The expo, Noel’s brainchild, was launched in November 2018 and will be held this year on March 2 and 3 at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston. This year, makes the fourth,

since the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) has been hosting the event.

In the months leading up to the expo, the participants are able to benefit from forums on health, business, technology, and leadership, with some of the classes teaching them confidence; dress and grooming, branding and marketing, and the importance of a healthy body.

While some of the women are shy and unsure about their products in the beginning, the training allows them to become more confident and successful at their businesses, Noel said in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

Four years ago, she realised that there were many business owners who simply did not have the capital for advertising. “So I thought of creating the platform to give them a jumpstart, and from year one to four, the testimony is amazing. We’ve really been achieving our objectives,” Noel recalled.

“I feel so blessed to be part of these lives. I don’t have enough words to describe the feeling that comes from being a part of something so inspiring, and knowing that I am helping to add value to lives. This is not about me, but I believe I am being used as a vessel by God to help these individuals,” she said.

The expo came off to a good start due to the kindness shown by Chief Executive Officer of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, who allowed for the hotel to be used for free that year.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has also been throwing his support behind the expo, and this year the Ministry has committed to sponsoring an ‘expo booklet’, featuring all of the businesses on board.

The training so far is going great, according to Noel, as each participant is getting the time she needs to correct her mistakes and come up to speed with what is required for a successful expo.

And as the women continue to rub shoulders, they are able to bring out the best in each other and help each other to hone their business skills. The women have also been forging strong friendships as they continue to work together.

Turn to page IV►►►

Three participants gearing up for the ‘Women in Business Expo’. From left, Marissa Jaisingh, Carolyn Caesar-Murray and Leisa Gibson (Delano Williams photo)

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

◄◄◄ From page III

A design by the “balloon girl” Marissa Jaisingh.

Harmony Inn and Secret Villas promises luxury apartments and rooms at reasonable prices

“They tell me my energy is contagious, but the energy I have after I leave those women…Every year we go a level higher. It happens when you’re in a growth, positive environment. People, you don’t even want to miss it. Let’s support the young women in business locally,” Noel urged.

Three women, Carolyn Caesar Murray, Leisa Gibson, and Marisa Jaisingh, who are all busy preparing for the expo, spoke with the Pepperpot Magazine on their experiences so far over the years.

Gibson, the owner of ‘Leisa Salon and Beauty Supplies,’ manufactures natural hair and body products made with coconut oil. When she participated in 2016 for the first time, she went with a single product. “We now have hair and scalp conditioner, hair growth oil, coconut and crab oils and five types of natural soaps. The expo has been great for me,” Gibson expressed.

With six more products in hand, along with five types of soap, Gibson is working hard to get them into more supermarkets. Currently, her products can be found in Guyana Shop.

Many persons order from her online, through her Facebook account, and she also does delivery around Georgetown.

“I would like to encourage everyone to come out and support Guyanese businesses,” she said.

Caesar-Murray, another exhibitor and member of the committee overseeing the expo, is the owner of Harmony Inn and Secret Villa, that has three branches in Georgetown, one on the West Bank Demerara, and one at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

“This expo has allowed me a lot of exposure in our services.

That’s what this platform does for women; it gives you the opportunity to showcase your business. Holistically, it is unlike any expo that we have in Guyana. It features primarily women, and showcases how they contribute positively to the economy,” Caesar-Murray noted.

Her services include apartment rentals and laundry services.

“We have visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy luxury accommodations at an affordable price.”

Caesar-Murray, a former city councillor, is looking to expand her customer base at this year’s expo. “I am looking forward to interacting with persons and bringing awareness to the services I offer. We need to give some more credence to this expo because it is creating employment. I really feel that the public needs to come out in their numbers and support it more.”

She said the growth and exposure afforded to the participants of the expo is unmatched. “The women are empowered through training and enhanced branding, new entrepreneurial potentials are realised, and their confidences are built. Sonia has worked vigorously, pushing beyond limits and boundaries; not taking no for an answer to ensure that this platform is available to women. We are perpetually grateful that she championed our cause; that she inspires, motivates and helps us to innovate for change.”

Jaisingh, the owner of ‘Trails and Treasures,’ is an event decorator and is well-known as the “balloon girl.”

“We decorate for any event but we specialise in balloon artistry. Balloons are nice space fillers and we can make any designs with them. This year we did some pretty awesome designs,” she expressed. Jaisingh decorated for her own wedding and thought to herself afterwards that she can use her talent to do the same for others at a reasonable cost. “I have always been creative so it’s a natural talent that I kept developing. Eventually, you can gain financially from your talent once you keep working on it, and that’s what I did.”

Jaisingh said the impact of the expo is amazing; helps her meet many clients, and helps her to receive lots of referrals.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Demerara Paradise Spanking new 25bed luxury nursing home opened A NEW 25-bed luxury nursing home has been opened in the heart of Providence, on the East Bank Demerara.

Demerara Paradise Inc. Nursing Home has moved its operations from Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara to the new facility.

“It’s a facility with beautiful features. We don’t want it to be too big because we want to be able to give individualised care,” Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vivakeanand Bridgemohan told the Pepperpot Magazine.

While an official ceremony is billed for some time soon, the facility has already been up and running for the past two weeks.

“The dream of the directors of Demerara Paradise is to create a homey environment, not only for the elderly, but for everyone in need of general nursing care. Our aim is to be 100 per cent ahead of all the standards for care facilities in Guyana,” Dr. Bridgemohan said. The new facility has more disability features, including ramps for wheelchair users.

The new location was chosen due to a number of considerations. “For one, the Diamond to Ogle Road is supposed to pass close by. The Princess Hotel is also close for entertainment and in the event relatives from overseas come and want to stay nearby. There is also Massy Supermarket and the stadium for more entertainment.”

“The country’s development seems to be going towards the East Bank significantly,” Dr. Bridgemohan had said, as for one of the reasons this location was chosen.

He said he felt comfortable making such a huge investment because he believes that the problem with Guyana’s economy is just temporary. “In five years’ time, I am sure it will develop regardless of which political party is in power,” he said.

Bridgemohan had previously told this publication that although many facilities in Guyana offer resident care, they are not well equipped to reach certain needs of the elderly.

Hence, the idea of a hospital was created to meet such needs, and those of other persons with special needs.

Addressing a popular concern that some well-known hospitals are into exploiting the Guyanese public with their exorbitant costs and fees, Bridgemohan said: “We are not here for that purpose.” He said there is a transparent system in place at Demerara Paradise and that they are open for discussion regarding costs and so forth.

“If you look at our daily cost comparatively to what you are receiving, it’s not that expensive for the service you will be getting. We have a strong financial management team in place, including the Board of Directors. You will have an invoice of service that is provided and you can feel free on a daily basis to discuss with us if the cost is too much for you for something that you cannot afford. We are here to help you. We can talk and discuss and we may be able to tailor a package to reach your budgetary needs because at the end of the day, we are here to help you. So if you are here and there’s something too expensive for you, we are open to meet with the families at any point to discuss,” he stated.

Realistically, though, Bridgemohan said there are certain conditions that are expensive to manage.

Bridgemohan, who is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, earned his medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba in June, 2010. He also served as a Medical Superintendent at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and at 10 other hospitals, in more than five regions of Guyana.

“Demerara Paradise is truly a home away from home in a medically-supervised, luxurious, safe and caring paradise. Aging parents’ declining health can be difficult to cope with, [so] you want to ensure that your parents are comfortable and well-cared for with proper health care,” he had said.

The spanking new 25-bed facility at Providence

V

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Meet Sidney Henry

Brimming with theatrical talent GROWING up in a single-parent home had its challenges for Sidney Henry, whose mom was a police officer and worked as many as 12-hour shifts. By no means, though, does he regret having to pass through those circumstances.

He believes they made it easier for him to ‘stand on his own two feet’, at just the age of 17.

Sidney, now 22, was born and raised in Alberttown, by his now deceased mom, Sharon Adams.

“Usually, we don’t leave our children home alone at

the age of three, but I was entertaining myself while my mom was at work,” Sidney recalled during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

At the age of six, he was already preparing his own meals, and by eight, was getting himself ready for school and taking himself there. “I was brought up with conventional values and norms, but they were inculcated unconventionally,” Sidney recalls with a smile, adding, “My mom was a police officer and at that point in time, the eight-hour shift had been

Sidney Henry is hoping for more to be done for local artistes

12 hours.”

But Sidney said he doesn’t regret those circumstances.

“They made me who I am today. That’s one of the reasons I am happy I went through those things because they have allowed me to stand on my own two feet since the age of 17.”

Sidney started off at Kingston Nursery School before moving to North Georgetown Primary and Bishops High, where he completed Sixth Form.

Although having an interest in law, social sciences and politics, Sidney made his way into the teaching profession and plans on starting studies at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) this year.

Ultimately, though, Sidney said he wants to become an ambassador for his country. “It doesn’t matter in what field I am. I wish to be able to put my country on the map for something worthwhile,” he expressed.

YOUNGEST MEMBER Sidney recalled that he enjoyed dancing while in nursery school and started acting in plays while in primary school. It was here that he found a love for writing short stories. “I started to love acting; to love the spotlight. As I got into secondary school and started learning the proper skills, it developed into playwriting.”

Because of his love for acting, Sidney said he was enrolled into a Theatre Guild workshop as the youngest member.

“Originally, they didn’t want to allow me because I was 14 years old, and of course, at the theatre, we use a lot of adult content. But I pleaded and begged my way into the workshop, to which I was accepted. I became everyone’s baby until my skills developed into the productions that I put on today,” Sidney recalled.

He wrote such plays as ‘Black Rainbow,’ ‘I would, I could,’ ‘Next Door Neighbour’ and ‘Political Diversion.’

The material for the plays originates with Sidney’s personal experiences in life. “The one thing that is common in all of them though, is that I do a lot of dark humour. My plays almost always have a unique spin and you almost never see the ending coming.”

Growing up and seeing persons like Simone Dowding, Margaret Lawrence and Ron Robinson on stage, also helped Sidney to gravitate more towards the arts. “I always wanted to be like them; to be on that stage,” he said.

Turn to page X ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

VII

‘Blaze Anthonio’ pursues dreams despite circumstances thing that is good and different. I started dancing ‘passa passa’ when that was a big thing in Guyana, and at the age of 13, my big brother bought a CD player with a notorious B.I.G and a Tupac album. I listened to how these guys spoke about their life story through music. They expressed themselves through

Marlon Ashford Simon, popularly known as ‘Blaze Anthonio’

SOME may have the perception that your environment shapes your future, given that so many of our youths have succumbed to their circumstances.

But this 27-year-old Guyanese star is amongst the fortunate persons who have proven that there is hope and a bright future amidst every gloom.

Singer and songwriter of the popular relatable Guyanese songs, ‘Blow’, ‘In the Parliament’, and ‘Seh no’, Marlon Ashford Simon, shared his story with the Pepperpot Magazine on how ‘Blaze Anthonio’ was birthed.

‘Blaze’ was born at the Bartica Hospital but left Bartica at the age of four, and has since then been living on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

The young man said that growing up he had a very humble life, a life that most people would consider ‘poor’, and have little to no good expectations of the products such conditions will produce. However, he achieved the unexpected.

“I grew up in a squatting area. I spent most of my life in a squatting area, no light, no water. I wrote my Common Entrance exam right there in that squatting area, and I gained a spot at the St Joseph High School and graduated with seven subjects, proving that there is potential in everyone from every area, in any situation,” he said HOW THE DESIRE FOR MUSIC STARTED Though he was focused in school to emerge successful in all his subject areas, Blaze said he always had a hunger to be part of the entertainment industry and to be in the spotlight.

“I knew that I could be a part of it and I could do some-

music. And right away I developed that desire to do the same, so that’s where I started rapping, and I stopped dancing completely,” he shared.

Turn to page X ►►►

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

China and U.S. among 76 WTO members pushing for new e-commerce rules DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Impatient with a lack of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules on the explosive growth of e-commerce, 76 members - including the United States, China, the European Union and Japan - agreed on Friday to start negotiating a new framework.

China, which is locked in a trade war with the United States, signaled conditional support for the initiative but said it should also take into account the needs of developing countries, in comments likely to rile Washington.

E-commerce, or online trade in goods and services, has

An Afghan shopkeeper works on his laptop at his online shop in Kabul, Afghanistan. (REUTERS)

become a huge component of the global economy. A WTO report put the total value of e-commerce in 2016 at $27.7 trillion, of which nearly $24 trillion was business-to-business transactions.

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, negotiators from the 76 countries and regions agreed on Friday to hammer out an agenda for negotiations they hope to kick off this year on setting new e-commerce rules.

“I’ve said for quite some time it was unacceptable that by 2018 ... the WTO won’t have a deeper, more effective conversation about a phenomenon that is driving the global economy today,” said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo.

“China was not an original signatory but now they are.

They have reaffirmed their intention to start negotiations on electronic commerce. I think this is a welcome development,” he told a briefing in Davos.

“It would always be better if we had every WTO member in it,” Azevedo said. “But what is important also is that this group is open. It’s an open-ended group, so any member that wants to participate in this conversation can join any time.”

Trade experts say the global trade rulebook is rapidly becoming outdated and needs to keep up or become obsolete. A recent study found that 70 regional trade agreements already include provisions or chapters on e-commerce.

The WTO’s 164 members failed to consolidate some 25 separate e-commerce proposals at a conference at Buenos Aires in December, including a call to set up a central e-commerce negotiating forum.

E-commerce, which developed largely after the WTO’s creation in 1995, was not part of the Doha round of talks that began in 2001 and eventually collapsed more than a decade later.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration says the WTO is dysfunctional, as it has failed to hold China to account for not opening up its economy as envisaged when Beijing joined in 2001.

To force reform at the WTO, Trump’s team has refused to allow new appointments to the Appellate Body, the world’s top trade court, a process which requires consensus among member states. As a result, the court is running out of judges, and will be unable to issue binding rulings in disputes.

While the United States was among the signatory countries of the e-commerce agreement, it did not participate in a separate informal WTO gathering chaired by Switzerland.

Azevedo said Washington’s absence was “totally and solely driven by domestic considerations” and unrelated to the country’s suspicions over the multilateral trading system.

But he voiced concern over the tide of protectionism that overshadowed discussions at Davos among the rich and powerful.

“These trading tensions are not only a threat to the system. They are threats to the whole, entire international community,” he said. “The risks are very real. There will be economic impacts.”

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

IX

OneWeb readies first satellites for February launch THE first six of OneWeb’s planned 900 small satellites have arrived at the launch site ready for orbiting next month.

French launcher company Arianespace will launch the six on 19 February on a Russian-made Soyuz rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.

“The delivery of our first satellites brings us one step closer to our first launch and beginning to now build our system in space,” said OneWeb CEO Adrian Steckel. It will be “one of many launches in 2019”, he added. “We are excited to begin building our constellation and to see our services connecting people everywhere – by land, air, and sea.”

OneWeb will have to fight an increasing number of competitors. A report earlier this month by Frost & Sullivan said there will be 11,746 small satellites launched by 2030, creating a market worth $69 billion.

The first six OneWeb satellites will go into low orbit and will be joined over the next two years by the following 894 – to be launched 30 at a time. The first have been made by OneWeb and shareholder Airbus in Toulouse, but the group is completing a new factory in Florida that is expected to build most of them.

“OneWeb has a bold vision to enable connectivity for

Guatemala and El Salvador units sold to América Móvil for €570m TELEFÓNICA Centroamérica Inversiones, a subsidiary of Telefónica, has sold its business units in Guatemala and El Salvador to América Móvil for €570 million.

The agreement with Carlos Slim’s América Móvil is for the entire share capital Telefónica Móviles Guatemala (Telefónica Guatemala) and 99.3% of Telefónica Móviles El Salvador (Telefónica El Salvador).

Broken down, the €570 million ($648 million) enterprise value of the two business units translates to approximately €293 million for Telefónica Guatemala and €277 million for Telefónica El Salvador. According to the official statement

by Telefónica, these figures are based on 9.7 times the estimated 2018 EBITDA of the two companies. The deal is also expected to generate capital gains before taxes and minorities of approximately €120 million, largely from Telefónica El Salvador.

The sale of Telefónica Guatemala has already closed while the Telefónica El Salvador transaction is subject to regulatory conditions.

The decision to sell is based on Telefónica’s goal organically reducing its debt and strengthening its balance sheet “in a growing cash flow scenario” enabling it to deliver an attractive remuneration package to its shareholders.

The news comes as earlier this week Telefónica confirmed with a statement to CNMV that it was in the process of negotiating the sale of its assets in Central America, which may result in the a transaction for either all or some of those assets.

América Móvil and Telefónica have long been rivals in the Latin America region with América Móvil dominating in Mexico to Brazil where Telefónica is the market leader.

In related news, Liberty Latin America and Millicom, other regional competitors, called off discussions for a potential merger.

In a statement published on its website, LLA said that it has “terminated conversations with Millicom International Cellular SA (Millicom) regarding a potential transaction.”

It added that the company is “focused on its growth strategy to deliver value for shareholders and provide market leading products and services to its customers.”

(Capacity Media )

everyone, everywhere,” said Steckel. User terminals that will connect to the satellites will provide local 3G, 4G and WiFi services.

The company, whose backers include SoftBank, Intelsat, Hughes, Bharti and Virgin, also plans to provide in-flight services to commercial, private and military aircraft. Two years ago a plan for a merger with Intelsat collapsed after concern

over Intelsat’s debts.

Steckel took over as CEO of OneWeb in September 2018.

He is a previous CEO of Iusacell, the Mexican mobile operator that AT&T bought in 2015. He also led the buildout and operations of fibre backbones in Colombia and Peru.

Previous CEO Eric Béranger became president and COO on Steckel’s appointment. (Capacity Media)

X

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page VI

But Sidney feels that not a lot is being done at the moment for local artistes. “We have many actors out there and we see certain actors have the monopoly on the arts; certain persons will be called to do certain productions. But there are many actors out there who are not being recognised, and their skills and talents are not being fully utilised. So I think much more can be done.”

“Currently they’re doing theatre arts for CSEC and CAPE and they have specialised teachers for that subject.

The artists can be used to teach that subject. After all, we have first-hand experience. We might not have a teaching degree so to speak, but we have experience,” Sidney encouraged.

He feels, too, that more resources ought to be invested into culture. “We have that fallacy out there that a lot is being done for culture, but that is not necessarily true. More should be invested in the performing arts.”

Sidney said it is necessary for persons to make their own decisions and not allow others to dictate how their lives must be. “The society we live in today dictates how you must be, what you must become. But no, blaze your own trails. Do what you want as long as it’s with good values and morals. Make your own destiny and don’t let anyone craft that for you.” ◄◄◄ From page VII

Developing that burning desire to venture down the path of hip hop from the inspiration of Notorious B.I.G and Tupac, ‘Blaze’ continued along that path for years.

“I would do rap battles and freestyles, and that’s pretty much where it all started for me. That was me before ‘Blaze Anthonio’ was born,” the young man recalled.

THE BIRTH OF ‘BLAZE ANTHONIO’ “One day I was doing a rap battle on the bus park, I was winning, and this young child shouted to me ‘you blaze up the place’. And right there and then I took the name ‘Blaze’.

Anthonio, however, came from my older brother who introduced me to music, whose name is Anthony. And since then` Blaze Anthonio’ became my official stage name, and it will remain so,” he said.

‘Blaze’ attributes his swiftness in producing his songs, to his creative mind, saying, “Everything comes from my head.

I have a very imaginative mind that helps me to create stuff.

I talk a lot of nonsense too, but because I have a very creative mind, it doesn’t take me long to write a song on an event. If something happens at 10 and I have all the info by 10:15, I can give you a written song by 11 and have it recorded and released by 12. I have a mind that I can picture stuff happening and even create my own stories in my head.”

The ultimate goal, he said, is to reach the peak of musical existence and having that hunger and passion to reach there, is his biggest motivating factor to keep pushing.

PLANS FOR 2019 Though his origin was hip hop, ‘Blaze’ said he became more versatile with music, and this year, he plans to produce more soca and dancehall as well as fusions.

“The aim is just to produce more music. I want to make more radio-friendly music and to be more consistent with my music production. I plan to go to London, Canada and the US before 2019 concludes, and I also will be heading to merchandising very soon. Getting more involved in the business aspect of making music is my target for this year,” the young artiste said.

However, he believes that the government should come to the realisation that artistes invest a lot of money to get their music out there, and the copyright laws being instilled is the main way in which artistes can earn.

Though his materials are copyrighted through BMI, and he would earn from YouTube and other platforms,’ Blaze’ said having a local market will boost sales tremendously.

That, combined with cooperation from the local disc jockeys (DJs) to give Guyanese content their deserving airplay.

“Getting airplay, that in itself is one of my biggest challenges. It has always been a struggle to get my music played

by Guyanese DJs. In Guyana, you need the radio to help you connect with the people out on the streets. Not everyone has a smartphone to go on YouTube and so on, but the radio is the only means of connection between you and the man on the street. DJs focus on the music that is trending, forgetting that they have the power to give an artiste a shine. I’m really hoping that can change, through developing good relations with the DJs, even if I have to pay them,” ‘Blaze’ opined.

His advice to youths is to “develop self-confidence, learn to love yourselves, and find something you love doing and work on it.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XI

Eco Intricate Creations launches Genuine Lime Products encouragement, Melba decided to move forward with her plans.

Melba had hoped to be a part of the Green Guyana Expo and International Small Business Summit held this past October. However, she explained that the necessary procedures and paperwork clearing her products for consumption could not be completed in time. The way is now clear and Melba is ready to present her products to the wider community.

She noted that she was able to acquire her paperwork before the Christmas holidays. Her lime products have thus been on sale at Pay Less Supermarket in New Amsterdam since this past holiday season.

Turn to page XXX ►►►

Melba La Goudoue with some of her creations

By Gibron Rahim AN IDEA for a new business venture can appear in the most unexpected way. The discerning entrepreneur is always ready to nurture such ideas into a full enterprise.

This has been the case with Melba La Goudoue’s new line of lime products.

As the founder and owner of Eco Intricate Creations, Melba is no stranger to entrepreneurship. She has been creating floral arrangements and ornaments using materials from coconut palms and other plants for a number of years. She related to the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been a senior member of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) since 2016. “With her mentorship, I was able to branch off into another business venture whereby I’m into the production of products from lime juice,” she said.

Melba will be launching four products made from lime juice at the upcoming 2019 Women in Business Expo. These include a lime juice made up of 98 per cent concentrate, as well as lime syrup, lime bitters and lime curd. The lime curd is peppered and Melba noted that Guyanese refer to it as “lime achar”. It can be used as a condiment to be added to various dishes. She pointed out that the lime syrup is a concentrate that can be used in fruit salads, fruit-based cocktails, snow cones and beverages. Only a few teaspoons of the lime syrup have to be added to make a glass of refreshing “swank”.

The idea to create products made from lime juice came about from a visit to a family estate, according to Melba. She explained that her family had acquired an estate in the Canje River that had been passed down from her foreparents. She noted that her brother has a farm on the estate and would bring down citrus fruits from time to time. She was fortunate to visit the estate this past August vacation. “Being on site there, there were thousands of limes being wasted” she related. “So, with my idea and being entrepreneurial, I decided to take up such a task and process such.” On returning to Georgetown, Melba discussed the idea with her mentor Dr. Noel. With Noel’s

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

When it comes to environmental protection, your voice Counts - Part 2

IN our feature last week, we introduced you to methods utilised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to foster public participation. Last week’s article discussed the importance of reading public notices and attending public scoping meetings. The article highlighted that public scoping meetings are utilised for projects where an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required, because the impacts of the project may be either significant or unknown. This essentially gives the public the opportunity to have their say in the development of the project.

This week’s article will further explore frequently asked questions with regards to these meetings, so that you can be fully equipped to participate and make meaningful contributions as a citizen of Guyana.

WHERE ARE PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS HELD? In most instances, public scoping meetings are held in central locations of the communities or regions where the proposed project is expected to have the greatest impact.

This is done intentionally and allows for residents to attend to learn more about the project and identify some of the potential impacts in the preliminary stages of the project.

HOW MANY PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED FOR A PROJECT? The number of public scoping meetings vary depending on the type, scale and nature of the project. However, it is the discretion of the EPA to suggest the number of meetings and possible locations for these meetings based on the project.

HOW WILL I KNOW OF SUCH A MEETING? After it has been decided that a project requires an EIA, a notice is published via the newspapers, inviting comments from the public within 28 days. Scoping meetings are usually held during this period or may be extended depending on the circumstances. Notices for these meetings are also advertised via radio, TV local newspapers, other print and publication media, EPA’s website and social media sites. Notices and flyers are also posted at public offices in communities and distributed to households to inform the public of upcoming meetings.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND SUCH A MEETING AND HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE? Besides having an important role to play in the development of communities and the country at large, inputs from citizens are necessary to ensure the project is sustainable. Additionally, the public can help identify the potential impacts to their community since they provide a wealth of traditional knowledge and information, e.g., on historic sites, past and current land use and biodiversity in the area etc. Moreover, inputs from citizens can determine whether or not the project is granted an Environmental Authorisation.

Turn to page XXIII►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Adequate spacing needed for bountiful passion fruit crop

FARMING is the traditional business of the Prasad family. Several of the members share an 11-acre farmstead located at Laluni, Soesdyke Highway. They grow permanent and cash crops that are either wholesale or retail at the Stabroek Market on Fridays.

Surujdai Prasad, the matriarch of the family, has been farming since the tender age of 12. Now 55 years old, Surujdai is focusing on lessening her workload on the farm. She has reduced acreages dedicated to cash crops and is planting more permanent crops such as cherries, sorrel and passion fruit.

“I used to plant a lot of cash crops but when you go on the market a lot of persons selling them too, so you not getting a good price, but you have to do a lot of work. So I decided to plant more permanent crops and less work for me. Like with planting cherries is every six weeks you harvesting and a little maintenance is needed,” Surujdai said.

After several years, Surujdai recommenced planting passion fruit in November 2018. The high demand for the fruit and limited inputs require for a good harvest motivated the farmer. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) took the opportunity to work along with Surujdai on this venture.

Turn to page XXIII►►►

XIII

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

CARE AND RESPECT FOR ANIMALS THE treatment and welfare of animals whether domesticated, in captivity or in the wild has always been a concern of the consumer community since such treatment has important social reverberations. Accordingly, this column may return to this subject again.

Last week, there was a media report of an East Asian woman who ran a restaurant at Diamond, one of the villages on the East Bank Demerara, who mercilessly beat a dog

almost to death. The dog was beaten in her yard and its ribs and jaw were broken and its skin was lacerated. She then threw the dog while still alive onto the road, probably with the intention that oncoming traffic would crush its body. A concerned resident witnessed the brutality and spoke to the woman who denied that the dog was hers. Another resident tried to feed the dog but it could not eat since the injuries to its mouth were too severe. These residents reported the

incident to the Police who visited the scene and laid charges against the woman under those sections of the Laws of Guyana which afforded protection to animals. In the meantime, the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) was contacted but they had to put the animal to sleep, since it could not be revived and when the GSPCA personnel visited the premises of the restaurant, they found several cats in a large cage as well as a number of dogs which they rescued.

This incident illustrates two tendencies in Guyanese society. Firstly, the ill-treatment and cruelty to animals still persist but there are also large numbers of Guyanese who eschew violence and cruelty to animals and treat them in a humane and civilised way.

For most of the 19th century, most Guyanese were insensitive to violence and cruelty to both man and animals since the residue of the harshness of Plantation Slavery had not completely faded away. In the post-Emancipation society, transportation was done by animal-drawn vehicles and this persisted for the next century. The drivers of these vehicles, especially the horse and donkey carts, would savagely and sadistically beat their animals with ropes. Domestic animals such as cats and dogs were also never treated with care and no veterinary services were available.

The colonial administrators came from Britain where animals were protected and had rights. These administrators, as well as the more educated Guyanese, decided to integrate animal protection into the Laws of Guyana and a branch of the British Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was established in 1902, and an inspector was appointed who brought charges mostly against horse and donkey-cart drivers. This proved an effective deterrent.

By the 1940s, Guyanese society had become fairly sensitised to the kindly and humane treatment of animals and this was evidenced by vet. doctors beginning to practice in both New Amsterdam and Georgetown, the drugstores stocking animal medications and even a few groceries selling imported cat and dog food after World War II. In all of this, the SPCA, later the GSPCA, played a great role in rescuing animals, finding homes for them and providing veterinary services without charge. They also, within their limitations, did educational work concerning the care of animals.

Above, we had referred to social reverberations emanating from the way in which a country treats animals. The cruel and unnecessary beatings of children by parents and primary school teachers, as well as domestic violence, could be traced to the insensitivity to suffering in the perpetrators.

Had these perpetrators kept pets, their sense of humaneness would have been developed and they would have been less prone to hurt human beings. Treating animals humanely and respecting their rights would result in human beings treating each other with care and respect.

When one begins to treat animals well and with respect, one gradually begins to realise the interdependence of life.

Such would give greater meaning to Ecology and Biodiversity, where we begin to realise that if we are responsible for the destruction of any form of life on the Planet, we would ultimately be diminishing the quality of our own lives.

We will also consciously or unconsciously begin to realise the philosophic truth that all life is one. This makes us realise that we have an affinity to everyone else, and this could help us to extinguish social barriers which human beings falsely erect between themselves and others.

The implications of kindly and respectful treatment to all animals are therefore far-reaching and as knowledge expands more people would come to realise that kindly treatment of animals is in their ultimate interest.

The Education System, especially at the primary level, could usefully introduce a programme of how to keep pets which would help to make school life more interesting. This would help to cultivate an understanding of kindness and respect for animals among growing children.

The GSPCA is a voluntary organisation and there is always room for volunteers to help in its many activities. It would be a rewarding experience for young people, as well as older and even retired people, to join the GSPCA.

ocus F Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XV

on the Village

Three women in pursuit to overcome struggles THIS week on Focus on the Village, we bring you stories from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (Stories by M Margaret Burke and Shirley Thomas) Rearing chickens is not a ‘run of the mill’ business. There are challenges and sometimes real setbacks, especially in the early stages of such a means of livelihood.

Many such challenges have been presented to poultry-rearers Nalecia Adams, Nicola Lewis and Gwenette Gilbert. However, all of these women have stated that they have no plans to ‘throw in the towel’.

All of the women said that they got into the rearing of chickens as a means of being

having to be dumped.

Poultry rearers (from left) Nicola Lewis, Gwenette Gilbert and Nalecia Adams

Nalecia Adams attending to some of her young chickens

Nicola Lewis preparing feed for some of her chickens

self-sufficient and, to be able to adequately maintain their homes and take care of their children.

They stated that some of the first considerations were for them to ensure that they had properly-fenced yards, strong and secured coops and sufficient eating and drinking containers for the chickens to be fed regularly.

Some of the sheep owned by Nicola Lewis

NOT AN OPTION

Gwenette Gilbert with some of her chickens

“Then sometimes you gain, sometimes you lose. And, as a single parent – after my husband died some 22 years ago, having to maintain three children and bills to pay, sometimes it is very, very difficult,” said Gilbert. She added that while she has gotten an ease since the children are grown now, she still needs to assist the youngest one and upkeep herself, manage a home and other matters.

She, however, noted that she is not about to give up on the business of rearing chicken, even with the regular challenges that she faces – that is not an option.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited her business – Gwenette Poultry Farm - two of her chicks lay dead at the door, while one appeared to be on its way out. On the other hand, the rest of them seemed in good health as they moved about eating

DISEASES AND PARASITES Some of the chickens getting sick or dying are two major problems identified by all of the women involved in the rearing of chickens.

And Nicola Lewis, a widow for the past four years, is one such person. She said that she has just started the poultry-rearing for a year now, but finds it difficult to cope with the death of some of her chicks.

She stated that she has tried discussing the loss of some of the chickens with the persons who sell the chicks, but they take no

and drinking.

STARTED AS A BUTCHER Gilbert said that she started out some years ago as a butcher. Having the determination to make it in life and see her children grow well, after their father departed, she told of how she learnt the skill of being a butcher. “I would purchase the cows and butcher them myself; cut up the meat according to how they should be divided – based on the parts of the body and so on, and then present the meat for sale. It was no easy task, but I did it for some years and then I gradually stopped with that business and went fully into the rearing of chickens,” she said.

Gilbert said that the chicken business provides a steady turnover for her, notwithstanding the fact that she encounters some amount of losses in the form of chickens dying and

responsibility for what has been happening.

She pointed out that of 200 chickens reared in December, she lost about 40 of them, plus the feed is so costly, she added.

“I was trying to give up but then, like Gwenette, I said that giving up is not an option,” even as these words were echoed by the other women present.

Nalecia Adams identified the cost of feed and the loss of some of her chicks as two of her major problems. She said out of 150 chickens she lost about 30 of them. “While I have no plan to give up on the rearing of these chickens I would like to find solutions to this particular problem. Among ourselves, we do try to find solutions and sometimes with advice we succeed, but we will be happy to get even more assistance in this and other matters,” she posited. However, Adams admits that with all the challenges and also because she is relatively new to the business she is still finding it feasible and enjoying the work.

GENERAL CONCERNS All of the women stated that while they are happy to continue and have no plan to give up, yet they would we equally happy to see greater improvements in their business.

They identified facilities such as better built and larger coops for the rearing of their chickens; plucking machines, and better storage facilities.

Meanwhile, each of the women said that they subsidies their income by way of kitchen gardens, baking and cake decoration, as well as by making flour and sugar confectionaries. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

‘Fitting’ the needs of Ann’s Grove residents and beyond customers overseas.

Oswald Long, proprietor of Unisex Tailoring, an establishment in Ann’s Grove

DESIRE TO TEACH “I have been doing this job for as long as I can remember and I strive to be better every day, even though I am happy that my customers are very pleased with what I am able to deliver to them. This does not stop me from making the effort to improve daily,” he stated.

However, more than anything else today, Long said that he has a strong desire to teach his fellow Ann’s Grove residents the trade. He noted that it is

By M Margaret Burke FIFTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD Oswald Long has been a tailor for most of his life – spanning over four decades - where he continues to make clothing for men and women, boys and girls within the Ann’s Grove community, other parts of Guyana and also overseas.

Long, told the Pepperpot Magazine, that as a young boy he spent a lot of time in a tailor shop with his uncle, Clifton Barker.

He explained that he constantly observed his uncle in operation – doing different types of clothing for people - and began to gain interest in the profession. “[This love] only grew stronger with time.

So here I am today,” he declared.

Long said that he has orders for school uniforms; uniforms for nurses and other civil servants; all sorts of clothing for different occasions, including suits. Every type of clothing can be done for both male and female.

He said that in addition to getting orders from people in Ann’s Grove, he also gets orders for his custom made clothes from Guyanese all over the country, as well as from

A variety of clothing done by Oswald Long

Some of the male and female clothing on display in Oswald Long’s Unisex Tailoring establishment

a valuable trade – a kind of ‘lost art’ these days, since a lot of people are purchasing their clothing from the stores.

Nonetheless, he stated the profession is

still a valuable one and it pays. He added that his aim is to teach the young men and women who are willing to learn the trade.

However, he said that he would need help from the government in this regard.

“I have to get more machines so that they [the young men and women] would be able to do the practical work as I instruct them.

Then, I believe that these young people would also need some form of monetary help as they come to the classes daily.

Therefore, I think that if they are able to get a stipend through the government, it would help and encourage them to spend the time learning without having to worry about meeting their needs as regards finances,” he said.

IT IS PAYABLE Long expressed the view that custom made clothing is not old-fashioned. He said that the products from the trade are still very much in demand, since many people still desire to have themselves measured and fitted in clothes of their own design, fabric, colour

and the like.

“They used to do a similar programme in schools, but as far as I know that programme did not last for any length of time. I believe that such skills are in demand right now, and it would create good employment, especially for our young people,” he said.

Long said that during part of his time as a tailor, he had migrated to the United States of America with his family and there he learned a whole lot more. Therefore, he feels that such an exposure as an upgrade of his skill, has put him in a better position to share his knowledge with the young people.

He said that there are a few more tailors within the Ann’s Grove community, but because of his exposure and ability to multitask, doing unisex clothing and the like, many people find his skills more desirable to learn and he is willing to impart such knowledge.

However, he says that as a ‘one man’ with very limited facilities he is not able to meet the demands but, is willing to do so once he has more facilities. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

Pig rearing in Ann’s Grove

An honest living

Dawn Griffith

By Shirley Thomas

THE rearing of pigs is one of the many economic activities pursued by residents of Ann’s Grove.

Though not being done on a large scale, it is sufficient to keep the trade alive , while

eking out a living for many a household in the community.

The Pepperpot Magazine recently made a tour of Ann’s Grove and visited a few pig rearing establishments, that serve as the main means of income for several residents in the community What was observed is that there is need for a helping hand to be extended to the farmers in order to boost the trade. There is also need for better and more spacious accommodation for the animals and an assured flow of feed which would guarantee them an adequate supply of feed on a daily basis.

Not least, there is need for an arrangement to be worked out, which would facilitate the movement of the ‘bull’ to the sows wherever they are, in order to facilitate mating. The latter view was expressed by Dawne Griffith who is deeply committed to pig rearing, and has been in the business for more than three decades.

Ideally, the pig farmers of Ann’s Grove would benefit considerably, were they to

Pigs being reared by Dawn Griffith at Ann’s Grove (Delano William’s photos)

receive help from the joint initiative being rolled out by Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc; the Ministry of Agriculture (M.O.A), and Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

The project speaks to the successful implementation of pig rearing for low income families, as an alternative source of income to boost their economic status.

This project which got underway last July, with a capacity building workshop for participants, involves the rearing of pigs by the targeted individuals at their respective residences.

During a capacity building workshop, participants were trained with technical assistance being provided by the Guyana Livestock Authority.

Essentially, the beneficiaries are expected to get four piglets – three sows and a boar.

They will also be given materials to construct housing (a shed) to accommodate the pigs (10’ x 5’ x 5’) , in addition to a six month supply of feed for the animals.

The project continues and so far, some 60 families are expected to benefit from the capacity building workshop – 30 from Region 10 and another 30 from Region Five.

Since pig rearing constitutes an active source of employment for low-income families of Ann’s Grove, the villagers are signalling their interest and would be most grateful to be included in the Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc; the Ministry of Agriculture (M.O.A), and Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) project.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Growing leaps and bounds

XVII

Ann’s Grove is steadily evolving, striving for higher grounds THE Ann’s Grove community has always had a football club which dates back to the 1960s, and it became structured when the East Coast Sub Association was established in the 1970s.

It started out as the Ann’s Grove Football Club, then the Ann’s Grove Line Stars and later as the Ann’s Grove United Football Club.

President, of the club, Lieutenant Colonel Raul Jerrick told the Pepperpot Magazine, that Ann’s Grove has always had a reputation of producing adept footballers. As a result, they were able to field the National Team with players a few years ago. In addition, the club was the finalist at two STAG Year-end Tournaments, and is currently in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League.

“We have a facility, but it is nothing to boast about. It is far from the required standard. There is no lighting and no internal facility. Because of the poor state of the ground, we were able to acquire a grant of two million dollars from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which will complete the earth filling and construct an ablution facility,” he stated.

He said that the club is currently training for the recommencement of the GFF League in February, and added that they have also competed in youth tournaments hosted by the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA).

According to Col. Jerrick, the club continues to attract players from the adjoining villages such as Two Friends, Dutch Four, Clonbrook, Bee Hive and Hope.

In addition, players are also drawn from the Lower and Upper East Coast.

He further pointed out that there are at least two categories of players – the seniors and the juniors; explaining that most of the senior team players are pork knockers and tradesmen, while the youth teams are primarily school -aged.

A TURNING POINT Col. Jerrick says that as President of the club, he sees the game of football as a potential game-changer for any community, once the support system is there. He expressed the fact that the game has managed to provide football exposure to many young men, both overseas and locally.

He noted that the club would also facilitate motivational and interactive sessions, at the same time providing assistance in the form of school materials (books, pens, pencils etc.) to its young members.

“Ann`s Grove has a very high percentage of young persons and the club wants to do so much more than just football; but we lack the human and financial resources needed to incorporate other disciplines,” he posited.

RESPECTED VILLAGER However, 70-year-old Aubrey Nedd, who has been a seasoned educator and coach for over five decades in the village, told the Pepperpot Magazine that football is being played since he was a youngster – since in the 50s, 60s. He added that he is a proud,

Village leader Nedd: Aubrey Nedd, Village Leader and Coach (Photos by Delano Williams)

born and bred, Ann’s Grove resident, having arrived in the village straight from the hospital as a baby, he proudly stated. He has been a teacher, mostly in agriculture, for all of his working life.

Notwithstanding his full-time involvement teaching, Nedd said that football was always one of his main interests, even though he loves all sporting activities, as well as the steel band.

“There was a time when the older fellows used to invite teams from Berbice and other villages to play cricket and so on the present playfield, but eventually football being the more rough game became the choice since the ground has become not smooth enough for many other games. So football has been played there since I was a youngster – since in the 50s, 60s,” he said.

He said that he was a teacher all of his professional life, having started teaching as a young primary school teacher, right there, in the village – at the Ann’s Grove Methodist Primary School. He later went to the Teacher’

Lieutenant Colonel Raul Jerrick, President of the Ann’s Grove Football Club

Training College, after which he returned for a while before attending the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to study agriculture.

“I am an agriculture teacher and I even went to UWI and studied agriculture and then returned to Ann’s Grove to continue my teaching career. I then went to Mackenzie High School, then to Cove and John Secondary School, after which I retired. I went abroad for a short while and then returned to my hometown, Ann’s Grove to continue to serve,” he related.

Further, he said that that the village has grown leaps and bounds over time; I have seen a lot of development, yet the potential is there for much more to be done.

MULTI-PURPOSE PLAYGROUND Currently, Nedd is the coach for the junior teams, which are the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17. He informed that he has always been the coach, even though he went abroad for a short while. For the senior team, the coach is Bill Wilson.

“I have a keen interest in seeing sporting activities expanded within the community and one of the ways in which I believe this can happen is by the building of a multi-purpose playfield at the Ann’s Grove Community Playground. This is a ground that is large enough for this kind of activity,” he said.

“We had a volleyball team that was pretty good; there was also a basketball team, but those guys are all grown now. However, space is not there, where they used to play – it is now called the Car Park, and that space is now crowded out with vendors and other activities, including a place where hire cars for the village park to have their business done,” he noted.

However, Nedd insisted that the Ann’s Grove Community Playground has the right kind of space to accommodate the various kinds of sporting activities and therefore serious consideration should to given towards the development of a multi-purpose playfield for the use of villagers and others.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Once an educationist, always an educationist – and Nedd said that he has a keen interest in all things that can be uplifting and educational, especially for the young men of the village.

“You know, I am not so comfortable with the manner in which some of our young men operate – some of them seem to lack the motivation. I feel that some kind of structure can be put in place for some of them. For example, trade programmes within the community could be useful,” he reasoned.

Nedd postulated that in the village there were some ‘Crown lands’, which were all used up, but suggested that the trade school beneath the NDC building be resuscitated for use once more. He added that in that building there is some ready equipment and with some amount of servicing it can be used all over again.

“Originally that place started off as a community school – it was the Austin’s Community Trade School because one Mr. Austin did a lot in building it, but now nothing is done there. It can be developed; this is one of the spaces that can be made available. They used to do welding there, they can do technical drawing and much more,” he offered.

Nedd also said that Ann’s Grove, also being a farming community can do with more guidance in this regard – with their agricultural crops, livestock such as the rearing of cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens and others. The assistance of veterinary personnel, as well as agricultural specialists, would be highly regarded.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES He said that in terms of cultural activities one of the things that the village can do well with is a steelband. “Way back when I was a boy, we had one and that would be a really nice thing to have here in the village once again,” he recommended.

While the village is rich in terms of cultural activities a more advanced setting would serve to take it to a much higher level, he concluded.

XVIII

Village in action

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

‘A growing desire to be of service to my village’

Dellon Adams – a staunch village activist

Ann’s Grove Parenting Group in session after it was launched

A YOUNG woman with a throbbing heart for her village, Dellon Adams, was born and raised in the Ann’s Grove village, some 30 kilometres from Georgetown. She attended nursery and primary school in the village and, then advanced to the Bishops’ High School in Georgetown in the year 1986.

Having grown up with love and respect for the place of her birth, Adams told the Pepperpot Magazine that she always had the desire to see her village excel and become one of the best within the district, and by extension one of the better ones in the country as a whole.

She noted that the village of Ann’s Grove is rife with activities, many of which are geared towards the development of villagers, and even persons from the extended villages within the district. Ann’s Grove is part of the Grove/Haslington district.

Turn to page XXXI►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XIX

E S A FILES C T R U CO

Appellate Court allowed appeal of convicted wounding accused New trial ordered for Frank Sookram

BECAUSE a trial judge had misunderstood the defence in a case of wounding with intent, in 1971, he misdirected the jury, who as a consequence, found the accused Frank Sookram, guilty.

Sookram, who had led a defence of self-defence, appealed.

After hearing the appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal, by a majority judgment, set aside the conviction and sentence, but ordered a new trial in the interest of justice.

The appellant was charged with wounding with intent. The substance of his defence was, that he was attacked with a knife by the virtual complainant (VC) and that he barred the blows which were being aimed at him with a cutlass, as he was unable to run away. The trial judge in summing up to the jury, dealt with the defence on two bases, viz, firstly that the appellant was not admitting to inflicting the wounds, and, secondly, that he wounded, but in self-defence. In dealing with self-defence, the judge left it to the jury to find whether that defence arose.

The Guyana Court of Appeal, constituted by Chancellor E. V. Luckhoo and Justices of Appeal Guya Persaud and Victor Crane, (with Justice Persaud dissenting) held: (i) that the judge had misunderstood the defence, and that the only defence raised was self-defence; (ii) that whether there is sufficient evidence to support an issue of self-defence is within the province of the judge to decide, and not for the jury; but it is for the jury to decide whether the accused acted in self-defence.

Twenty-two (22) cases were referred to by the Court of Appeal during the hearing.

At the hearing, Mr. C. Lloyd Luckhoo, S. C., appeared for the appellant while Mr. W. G. Persaud, appeared for the State.

Chancellor Luckhoo delivered the main judgment.

He said that the appellant stood his trial for the felony of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Chatarpaul Panchu with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure, or disable him on November 10, 1970, for which he was liable to penal servitude for life, and to whipping or flogging ( section 57 (a) of Chapter 10 [G.] ) There was no count for the misdemeanour of unlawfully and maliciously wounding, for which on conviction the punishment was no greater than a sentence of five years (s. 50 of Cap. [G.D] . But according to accepted practice, where the facts so permit, a jury is allowed to consider the alternative of convicting for the lesser offence of unlawful wounding, on the basis that: Every count shall be deemed divisible; and if the commission of the offence charged as is described in the enactment creating the offence, or as charged in the count, includes the commission of any other offence, the accused person may be convicted of any offence so included and which is proved, although the whole offence charged is not proved, or he may be convicted of an attempt to any offence so included…” (s.1o2 Cap. 11 [G]) The Chancellor went on to explain, that the appellant and the injured man Panchu were not on speaking terms because of some family dispute about lands. They came into conflict with each other on the day in question when apparently no one was around, as a result of which Panchu suffered the following injuries: (i) A lacerated wound about two inches long on the front portion of the scalp. (ii) A lacerated wound two inches long over the right elbow region. (iii) A lacerated wound over the right palm about three inches long with nearly amputated third, fourth and fifth right fingers. (iv) A lacerated wound about two inches long over the right axillary region, left arm and left forearm.

Turn to page XLI►►►

By George Barclay

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Fluoride FLUORIDE is a naturally occurring element that prevents tooth decay when ingested systemically or applied topically. Researchers believe that there are several mechanisms by which fluoride achieves its anticarious effect. It reduces the solubility of enamel in acid by converting hydroxyapatite into less soluble fluorapatite; it may exert influence directly on dental plaque, reducing the ability of plaque organisms to produce acid; and it promotes the remineralisation of tooth enamel in areas that have been decalcified by acids. Most likely, fluoride works by a combination of these effects. But the remineralisation effect of fluoride is of prime importance because it results in a reversal of the early caries process and it gives rise to enamel more resistant to decay.

In 1914 fluoride was added to toothpaste but became more widespread when it was recommended by the American Dental Association in the 1950s. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Most States in the USA have fluoride in their drinking water. However, relatively recently there has been some reconsideration among the scientific community about this material.

Fluoride, in various forms, is still the most popular active ingredient in toothpaste although Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) typically label sodium fluoride as “toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact” and that PPE (personal protective equipment) for handling should include safety glasses and gloves. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has required that all fluoride toothpaste sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning on the label. The warning caution toothpaste users to: “Keep out of the reach of children under six years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Centre right away.”

A journal article in the Journal of Dental Research suggests that a potentially fatal dose of fluoride is 5mg per kilogrammes of body weight. This is the “minimum dose that could cause toxic signs and symptoms, including death, and that should trigger immediate therapeutic intervention and hospitalisation…This does not mean that doses lower than 5 mg F/kg should be regarded as innocuous.”

As common sense might indicate, death isn’t the only concern with fluoride toothpaste. Other potential problems include gastric problems and fluorosis (characterised by white streaks on teeth).

The question you may now ask yourself, “Does fluoridated toothpaste do more harm than good?” The answer to that question is “No, once the toothpaste you choose to use has the ADA seal of acceptance.” Dentists and consumers have long recognised the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance as an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness. This author is a member of the American Dental Association and relates closely with current research and development in every sphere of dentistry.

Therefore, as a consumer, you must understand that in order for fluoride toothpaste to get an ADA seal of acceptance, it must meet ADA’s requirements for safety and effectiveness in reducing tooth decay. The manufacturer must provide clinical studies in humans, laboratory studies to determine the amount of available fluoride, the amount of fluoride released in one minute, and the amount of fluoride absorption in normal and weakened tooth enamel.

Such tests are conducted in ADA’s laboratory. With that being said, the seal is your assurance that the fluoridated toothpaste has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Hypersexuality I BRIEFLY spoke about addiction last week and received an email about a type of incapacitating addiction that I’ve only seen a few times during my practice. I do not think this is due to a rarity of the disorder but rather the judgement and stigma that typically attaches to it. Also informally known as sex addiction, hypersexuality is not agreeably considered a mental health illness within the field, despite it resulting in many of the same harms and consequences.

I would like to start off by clearly stating that sex addiction doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the amount of sex one has. Many people have very healthy sex lives and safely enjoy multiple partners- no shame or judgement in that. Rather, sex addiction is present when the person is unable to stop their behaviours, regardless of the knowledge and acceptance that they are hurting themselves or others.

The brain biology involved in sex addiction is very similar to that of alcohol and other drugs. When there is sexual pleasure, particularly an orgasm, there is an influx of dopamine (the happy hormone) in the brain. This, of course, results in a feeling of euphoria and is repeated every time the behaviour occurs. This is a powerful incentive that creates the vicious cycle of behaviour.

Sex addiction sounds funny or even ideal to some. The few people that I have seen with this condition had one very crucial thing in common- they felt as though they couldn’t tell a soul. One client said they attempted to confide in a loved one and the response was “well that’s a nice addiction to have”. However, this addiction is as debilitating as any other as it also involves isolation, loss of interest in any other activities, disruption in relationships, immobility and loss of productivity in school or work.

An addiction to sexual activity does not necessarily mean that people constantly go looking for sexual partners.

The majority of the cases include consistent urges to watch pornography, masturbate, and engage in prostitution with the most extreme cases hold compulsions to engage in illegal sexual behaviours such as exhibitionism or rape.

People with sex addiction typically experience recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviours that interfere with their daily lives. It’s a preoccupation that leaves little room for relationships, hobbies and general productivity. When there is opportunity, there is safe or unsafe sexual activity with people they may or may not be close to; they aren’t usually concerned for their or the other person’s health and safety. Most importantly, the frequency of these behaviours results in feelings of guilt, powerlessness, shame or self-hatred with an inability to stop these behaviours.

There is especially an addiction if an attempt to stop these behaviours results in withdrawal symptoms such as severe cravings, irritability, restlessness or general anxiety.

While there is no one reason why people develop hypersexuality or sex addiction, there are multiple contributing factors. One of the most common is an existing mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people with these illnesses, especially if they are untreated, self -medicate with sexual behaviours like many do with alcohol and other drugs. Those who have experienced sexual abuse or any other traumatic experience such as rejection or neglect are more at risk for hyper-sexuality than the general population. Some studies have also shown biological and genetic components.

For example, those with an immediate family member who is already afflicted, as well as those with higher levels of testosterone or estrogen, are more likely than others to have intense and impulsive sexual behaviour and therefore develop this disorder.

The effects of Sex Addiction can be severe and even

life-threatening with the most common being unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and self-medicating with alcohol and other drugs to cope with the distress the addiction brings. If there isn’t already a contributing mental illness, the consequences of sex addiction can induce anxiety, depressive and suicidal symptoms.

Turn to page XXXIV►►►

XXI

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Getting the youth involved ‘G’ Division commander has a plan

Commander of the ‘G’ Division Khalid Pareshram

By Indrawattie Natram GETTING young people involved and changing the environment in which they operate is the vision of “G” Division (Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands) Commander Khalid Pareshram, as more and more youth groups are being revived within the division he overlooks.

The Division has hundreds of youths hailing from 12 groups and two scout organisations. The most recent youth group that was revived was the Sans Souci Police Station Youth Group on the Island of Wakenaam.

Currently, 16 youths from the island have joined the youth group with the intention of bringing positive energy to the communities within which they operate.

During the revival of the Sans Souci group, Inspector Evan Isaacs shared with youths the upcoming activities and urged them to be disciplinarians in society. The youths were encouraged to be positive and to overcome life challenges.

POSITIVE APPROACH The youths in the coming months will be involved in educational lectures, skills training, recreational activities and social upbringing initiatives.

“We want the youths to be the change for tomorrow. We need to work with them and that’s what “G” Division is focusing on,” Commander Pareshram said.

He used the opportunity to thank all the community leaders and participants from the various youth groups for their dedication during 2018, and said that he looks forward to working with them with the same zeal and zest.

The commander said that 2019 has already begun with changes and many youth groups are positively impacting the way their communities look. Already, the Good Hope Youth Group is presently painting all the lamp posts in their areas as part of the region’s beautification initiative.

Turn to page XXXIX►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XIII

According to Tyon Phillips, NAREI’s Extension Officer, the institute has been encouraging farmers to diversify their crops so as to enhance their earnings. Boulanger, bora and peppers are commonly grown in the area and do not attract high prices. As such, the institute was pleased that Surujdai decided to venture into passion fruit farming once again.

He noted that the farmer was advised to plant her crop using a 20-ft spacing. Even though this may seem wide, the passion fruit plant produced more fruits when afforded adequate spacing. This technique differs from the belief that more plants on a plot would result in more fruits.

Currently, Surujdai is harvesting passion fruits and the crop is far from over. Thus far, she has harvested 6,000 passion fruits. She is retailing one passion fruit for $20, while there is a different price for wholesale customers.

“Once you have the right spacing and your plot is clean you will get a good crop...right now my crop didn’t grow with any fertiliser. I just cleared 1.5 acres and start planting, and if all goes well this crop could last up to four to five years,” the farmer said. ◄◄◄ From page XII

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THESE MEETINGS? From this kind of meetings, citizens can expect the developer to present important information on: * a description of the proposed project inclusive of site, design and size; * possible effects on the environment; * the duration of the project; * a non-technical explanation of the project; and * any other information the EPA deems relevant.

WILL MY CONTRIBUTION BE CONSIDERED? Most definitely! The EPA chairs the scoping meetings and all comments/ concerns/suggestions/recommendation and questions raised at these meetings, will be used to guide both the EPA and the developer to develop terms and scope of the EIA study. This is used to guide the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. The goal of the EIA is to protect and enhance the quality of human life as well as protect the environment, all to ensure development is conducted in a sustainable manner and in keeping with Guyana’s green developmental path. It is important to note that even if members of the public are unable to attend these meetings, they can send in written comments to the agency.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

XXIII

XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XXV

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Venezuelans aren’t trying to take over Guyana!

NATIONALISM is the loyalty or devotion to one’s nation, potentially to the exclusion or trivialisation of the interests of other nations. It also entails a great sense of national consciousness. However, there must be some distinction between fervent nationalism and destructive nationalism.

It upsets me so much when people descend into destructive nationalism. And that’s what prompted my column this week.

I’ve had a few conversations with average Guyanese in the streets of Georgetown about foreigners in the country. And let me just say, the level of xenophobia is just ridiculously high but I’m trying to comfort myself by saying that perhaps- by fate- I spoke to xenophobic persons only.

I can ramble all day but let me focus myself now. Last week, a group of friends and I were wearing shirts that had the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)’s logo printed on them. A random man came up to us and began talking to us, eventually asking us about the IOM. The IOM is currently seeking to provide some form of redress to the Venezuelan migrants in Guyana and when we told ole Jim boy (I don’t know his real name) that, it was like a switch flipped in his mind and he began

expressing his sentiments on that matter.

What amazed me the most about this conversation was that this one man was utterly convinced that all the Venezuelans fleeing the crises in their country are coming into Guyana as part of a grand scheme to take over Essequibo and well, all of Guyana (yes, including the oil).

In another conversation, another person shared their opinion that Venezuelans were coming to take away the already limited jobs from Guyanese.

Now I understand that Guyanese have their reservations on the actions being taken by the Venezuelan government because of their claims to Essequibo and well… everything.

Essequibo ‘is we own’ without any doubt, and any claim to that is practically ludicrous, but what a friend has made me realise is that there is a ‘Power to Power’ conversation and a ‘People to People conversation’.

At the power level, our government is making a strong, international case against the claims from Venezuela for our Essequibo.

But on the people level, there is a lot more to consider- you know... like the lives of the people fleeing from a socioeconomic and political crisis? Or fleeing from crazy levels

of unrest and violence?

It baffles me how people can be so nationalist, that they think the presence of other people within their country (particularly a vulnerable group of people like these immigrants), would be to the extreme detriment of their own country. Do you know what that reminds me of? Hitler and the Jews, but I’ll digress from that point.

Some friends from Venezuela (who have managed to integrate themselves fairly well into Guyana), explained that there are some Venezuelans who are university graduates working for a meagre wage as salesgirls and janitors here.

Imagine fleeing from your home that’s practically unlivable to come to a country and start over with nothing (really, nothing).

Seems bleak? Yeah, now imagine coming to a country filled with hostile people who are convinced that you are going to overthrow their government. Ri-dic-u-lous!

I thought maybe, just maybe, if I put these sentiments in black and white some people might finally see how ridiculous it sounds.

And hopefully, they could digress from the xenophobia. Lofty hopes? Maybe.

But then, fate also led me to a re-migrant woman who shared her story with me. She

migrated to-surprise, surprise-Venezuela about 30 years ago in search of economic opportunities. And yes, she found those and was able to make a comfortable living with her family for nearly three decades in that country, until the crisis in Venezuela forced her to come back to her land of birth.

But now back in Guyana, she is without a home, a stable job and remnants of the happy family life that she built over the years.

When she spoke to me, she couldn’t keep in the tears.

If we can’t sympathise with the Venezuelans that are immigrating, I would hope that we could find some understanding from our own people who are returning home.

Let’s extrapolate the sentiments expressed by this woman to the hundreds of Venezuelans coming to Guyana, and the thousands more going to other countries. Does the theory of that grand scheme to take over the country finally seem ridiculous? Or at least, can we understand the plight of the migrants?

These people are fleeing from harsh conditions. They are looking for some comfort. And as my friend says, as much as reasonably possible- we ought to try to afford them some comfort. Better must come.

Making art a lifestyle Keisha Beharry

“I live to love and I love to create.”

That’s the motto of 19-year-old Keisha Beharry, or as she is known in the art world- ‘Klei’.

“As part of loving, I definitely find happiness and fulfillment in creating,” she said.

And, as far as creating goes, she’s into painting, sculpting, and photography- which, by the way, includes all type of media.

Acrylic and oil paintings, clay sculptures, wire sculptures, sawdust sculptures, graphic photographic art, installation art and fashionyou name it, she probably does it.

Her paintings explore Surrealism, Abstract, Semi Abstract and Fauvism.

However, she stressed: “I do not practice realism outside of studying (meaning, for works that do not sell) because I find no catharsis, expression, passion or joy from mimicking what God has already created- unless I change a lot about the subject!”

Added to that, she just doesn’t create art that is pretty, Klei shared that her art is aimed at promoting social awareness and social justice on a myriad of themes (though, it is also pretty!).

“I am an artist whose themes involve love, togetherness, chronic illness, veganism, children’s rights, advocacy for animal rights, women’s rights, family life, and maternal love,” she said.

But even though she creates art to pro-

mote social justice and those efforts are geared at providing some recourse to people, she says that the art saves her as well.

“I can honestly not live without it, my life or identity would be utterly and entirely different,” Beharry highlighted. “Art isn’t just a job for me, it is therapy.”

Before discovering her therapy though, she never really thought that she could be talented in the field. In fact, she grew up watching her sister drawing and painting and her brother involved in photography but never felt like she was artistic.

But then one random day, Keisha said that she just felt something burning in her chest. It was the urge to pick up the pastels and the paintbrushes and just start creating deep and meaningful art.

She was a term behind the art class but the teacher allowed her to join anyways and so began her journey in art. As she honed her skills in art she pursued professional development. Resultantly, she pursued an Associate’s Degree in Fine Art at the University of Guyana (UG) after graduating from the Marian Academy in 2016. In 2018, she completed that degree programme.

But her development also extended to her mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

For her, the aim is a strike a balance among the three. “[Overall health] is so important to me because it feeds my artistic identity predominately. Many may think it is a born talent

that feeds my passion, and it is true to an extent, but being healthy overall makes my mind and soul completely inspired and motivated,” Klei explained.

According to her, fostering holistic health isn’t that hard when you come to realise that boosting one aspect contributes to your overall health.

And in fostering this, she strives to eat healthily (she’s a transitioning vegan); practises yoga, meditation, and her religious beliefs; embodying kindness as much as possible- and of course, creating meaningful art.

“Art feeds my mind, body and soul, and without it, varying aspects of my life suffer. Therefore art is particularly important to me for maintaining that balance. I believe that I was created to create and spread art and love,” Keisha highlighted.

Imaginably, she doesn’t like when people are close-minded to art and it bugs her when they are negligent to the earth and animals. It’s just part of her groove.

“However, I moved pass that, and spread love and art everywhere I can,” she said. “I strive not to be unique, or different. I strive to be loving, to be patient, kind, and to help others. Part of helping others, I refer to animals as well, those who are without voice or defense in today’s world.”

Professionally, she related that she is super-driven and passionate about cultivating a rich, diverse and welcoming art community in Guyana. Of critical importance to her, is welcoming young artists and recognising their individual and unique talents and cultivating those.

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

National Sports Commission adopts community development and stakeholder engagement approach towards sports development THE growth of sports as a facet of development is an integral part of the Government’s mandate to provide a good life. Sports have a unique ability to bring people together and, for that reason, sport development in Guyana has been placed within the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

It is the National Sports Commission, an auxiliary unit to that department that is responsible for the development of sports. It is given the mandate to promote the organisation of sports by all available methods, including by making grants available and by providing for the “establishment, erection and maintenance of sporting and other recreational facilities” through the National Sports Commission Act. The Director of Sports, Mr. Christopher Jones, is tasked with executing the plans of the Commission and, since his assumption to office, he has been working to enhance the national sports portfolio by empowering the federations and organisations responsible for the development of the various disciplines of sport; developing community sporting grounds and bridging the gap between sports development on the Coast and in the Hinterland.

Director of Sports, Mr. Christopher Jones (right) formally hands over lights for the Aranaputa Community Ground in 2018, to Chairman of the Aranaputa Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Adon Jacabus (Photo by DPI)

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Wayne Forde

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE COAST AND THE HINTERLAND The Commission, through its Ground Enhancement Programme, has developed several community grounds by ensuring that they are up to playing and safety standards; are properly fenced and well lit.

Mr. Jones says that he recognises that, “throughout the country after sunset, there is no access to any playing space and that is the time when you will find your young people [becoming] idle”. That is one of the primary reasons for equipping the grounds with lights.

According to Mr. Jones, the Commission, through the programme, has acquired lights to the tune of $14 million, which it has started to install in 14 sporting grounds across all but two regions, which already had basic infrastructure in place and which are being further developed. “For the

first time, communities like Aranaputa Valley in Region Nine has lights and it is the only space within that portion of the Rupununi that young people can access a playing ground beyond sundown,” Mr. Jones said. He noted too that the Commission has also partnered with the Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) to outfit five grounds with lights.

While the Commission has been assiduously undertaking infrastructural upgrades, it has also been boosting capacity by providing technical support to groups through a cadre of trained coaches with responsibilities for different regions and others who share general tasks.

In Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), for example, boasts both an assigned football and a boxing coach who both train the youth assisted by coaches based in Georgetown, who are dedicated to building capacity in all the Regions.

Additionally, last year, the Department partnered with Archery Guyana and invited three persons from four hinterland re-

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XXVII

Director of Sports, Mr. Christopher Jones runs a friendly race with students from the Ministry of Education’s Unit for the Blind 2nd special Schools Athletic Sports, held in 2017

gions: Barima-Waini (Region One), CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven), Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) to obtain international certification. Those persons are now conducting training sessions in their respective villages.

SPORT AS AN ELEMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The Director of Sports says that like academics, sports are also an integral part of developing the nation’s youth. “When you are speaking of youth development and you’re

speaking about a rounded youth, you have to encompass and include sport… Many times, persons run away with youth development as only focusing on academics and not focusing on sports and, of course, the emphasis and the role that sport plays in health also,” he said.

Cricketer, Mr. Shaquille Williams agrees.

He recently obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of the West Indies while on a cricket scholarship at the university. Mr. Williams is now an advocate for student athletes who believes that the development of sports needs to be done at the level of the formal school system, tertiary

Director of Sports, Mr. Christopher Jones

institutions and sporting clubs.

“My vision for a sports development curriculum would start with three places, the schools, the clubs and the university, which is the tertiary level education… You can have a sports programme encouraging them to pursue their studies while playing sports. I’m an advocate for student athletes; I’ve lived that life completing my studies being an athlete and just how I benefitted from it I want other persons to be a beneficiary as well,” he said.

Guyanese Cricketer, Shaquille Williams during his time as a student athlete at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados.

SPORTS AND THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED The Director of Sports also noted that persons who are differently abled have not been forgotten, as his office is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to include sports in the curriculum for schools for children who are physically challenged.

Since 2015, the National Sports Commission has organised a national sporting event for children with special needs. Last year, the event was held over two days to include additional sporting activities, such as swimming and indoor sports. The David Rose Special School placed first in that competition in 2018. Ms. Raynell Smith, a teacher at that school says that the activity brings out the hidden abilities in the children.

“I think it’s a good thing for them simply because they do not have to compete with children who do not have disabilities. When they are among themselves you get to see their real abilities, they do not feel demotivat-

ed and they compete because they are among children who have the same disabilities,” she said.

COLLABORATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING Mr. Jones said that he has also been reaching out to the federations to see what assistance they may need to develop their disciplines regionally, nationally, and internationally.

“We have engaged them with the view of providing them with the necessary support that they would need, funding and otherwise, and we have been successful in 2018 in achieving this,” he said.

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Wayne Forde, expressed similar sentiments. He praised the Commission for the support that it has provided to help it execute its projects. “For specific international activities, we do reach out to the National Sports Commission and they have offered financial contributions… It has been a very engaging and supportive relationship and we’re doing everything from our side to grow that relationship,” he said.

With the inclusion of the differently abled, partnerships with the fraternities of the various disciplines, bridging the gap between the opportunities available to youth on the coast and in the far-flung regions is gradually being realised, in keeping with government policy to ensure the equitable distribution of resources countrywide.

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Promoting the culture

Guyanese-born Richard David teaching IndoCaribbean History Course in the USA

Richard David, a Guyanese-born leader in the USA

By Indrawattie Natram HAVING been born to Guyanese parents and recently being elected as a District Leader in Assembly District 31, Richard David will be teaching a Indo- Caribbean History course at York College in New York. The course will commence January 26 and will last until May 2019.

Richard was born in Guyana and moved to New York during his childhood. During his time in New York, he used his energies towards promoting Guyanese culture. He co-founded the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, which has grown into the largest advocacy, direct service and cultural organisation for his community in New York.

Turn to page XL ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XXIX

#SupportCreativity

‘Musings of a Poet’ Set for February 2 at the NCC

I THINK that the time has come when we can say that the National Drama Company of Guyana (NDC) has made enough of an impact in their areas of focus that, at this point in time, there are probably few people of the theatre-going variety who have not at least heard about the NDC’s contributions to Guyanese theatre through the staging of various plays. They have staged Derek Walcott’s “Ti Jean and His Brothers”, Wole Soyinka’s “The Lion and the Jewel” and most recently, just last year, produced for the benefit of our students who are writing CSEC Literature exams, William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”.

Their version of theatre is vivid, alive, and rooted in both its own Caribbean-ness that romps with abandon without losing the more formal roots of the Western aspect of its own history.

The company functions as a group that operates within formerly colonised lands, having been exposed to theatrical training that does retain some of its European qualities, which, somehow, ends up complementing and working in tandem with the West Indian vibrancy with which the company powers through every performance. The point being made here, through all my rambling, is that the NDC has proven that it can give us impeccable theatre, and while drama will always be a part of their oeuvre, the company has much more up its sleeve, and it is more than ready to showcase everything that it has to offer to the Guyanese public.

On Saturday, February 2nd, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), the NDC will be hosting a night of poems, entitled: ‘Musings of a Poet.’ The concept is simple – original poetry, written by members of the company, being performed with all the dramatics and virtuoso that one would receive from a fullfledged theatrical production.

This event is important for several reasons. Firstly, poetry performances in Guyana are still rare enough that patrons should take advantage of every single one that exists. Not only are poetry performances one way in which the literature-starved segments of Guyanese society may be appeased, but it is also one of the few ways in which the people of Guyana may show support for the artists in our country – the performers, the writers, the directors, and musicians – all of whom work tirelessly to deliver on performance night. Furthermore, this particular poetry event is significant because it features works of original poetry, some of which were written by NDC members during their time as students of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama’s Creative Writing programme or its Theatre programme. Original Guyanese poetry, of the kind that seeks to highlight the experiences of modern Guyanese youth, is the kind of work that will be held at ‘Musings of a Poet’, and if the youths are the future, then the future may very well be foretold and opened up to audience members who turn up to the event on February 2nd.

Turn to page XL ►►►

By Subraj Singh

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XI

Eddy Grant with one of Melba’s decorative pieces

The process of getting the new venture up and running has not been without its challenges. While Melba noted that getting access to the limes is not difficult, due to the family owning the estate, she is concerned about keeping up with the demand for the products. “I’m just trying to use other alternative situations to keep the market flowing with the lime juice,” she said. She noted that her current focus is launching the product. She will direct more of her focus on distribution afterwards. She has already contacted the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s Guyana Shop which has examined her products and remarked on them favourably.

Melba was sure to note that she is a teacher by profession.

She emphasised that she has a great deal of passion for that area of her life. She balances her career and entrepreneurial pursuits, fitting in her crafting after school and on weekends.

“But my job is my number one priority,” she noted. At the same time, having her own business gives her the ability to excel in her own right. Her entrepreneurial experience has been invaluable to Melba’s new venture. She has been part of numerous expos and has represented Guyana locally, as well as regionally. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that those opportunities gave her greater scope and valuable insight from fellow entrepreneurs. “I was also able to get that scope being able to promote my business,” Melba stated.

Mentorship has been an important part of Melba’s journey. She related that the knowledge she has learnt from Sonia Noel and others have helped her to expand on her managerial skills, as well as, her skills in marketing and reaching out to the wider community. She noted that Guyanese produce many local products that align with the current worldwide drive toward going organic. She opined that, if individual local entrepreneurs can innovate in terms of marketing, Guyana will be in a better position in terms of tourism, trade and other positive activities that would develop communities and Guyana as a whole.

Melba hopes that her business can be one of the top businesses in Guyana. That would encourage her to focus more on the estate and plant more citrus fruits she said.

She also would like to continue and expand on recycling and upcycling through Eco Intricate Creations. She expressed concern for persons who are differently abled. “I feel that they should have a much better place in certain sectors in our community,” she said. She expressed the firm belief that the differently abled should be employed regardless of their disability. Melba hopes to, especially through Eco Intricate Creations, employ differently abled persons in the future as her business continues to grow.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII

COMMUNITY SERVICE “Officially, I started doing community service in the village of Ann’s Grove as the secretary of the football club in 2014. At the same time, with assistance from the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), myself and Pastor Roxanne Hanover were able to launch the Ann`s Grove parenting group.

“This parenting group sought to assist young parents in the community, which may gear them to be economically-empowered, as well as with other programmes. We were able to roll off teaching sessions on parenting skills with facilitators from the CCPA. In addition, we were also able to offer help in the area of domestic violence, with the help of the Gender Violence Unit from the Ministry of Social Protection.”

She stated that business is also considered a very important component of development within the Ann’s Grove village, and so with the help of the Ministry of the Presidency training was organised for persons within the village.

Further, a health fair, under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Health was also conducted within the village.

SOCIAL COHESION Ann’s Grove also boasts of a Social Cohesion group. This group is known as the “Greenfield/Dochfour/Two Friends/ Ann`s Grove Harmony Group”, and is supported by the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

The coordinator of the group is Minister Daphne Higgins.

Their signature event for last year was an awards ceremony, for all the students who would have excelled academically (CSEC and the National Grade Six exams) and in Sports.

Prizes and trophies were given to the recipients.

SOCIOCULTURAL ACTIVITIES Adams explained that the village of Ann’s Grove had many social and cultural activities throughout the years, but during 2018, there were a number of programmes launched, which served to stimulate the interest of both the young and old people of the village; both males and females.

KITE MAKING “We hosted a Kite Camp last Easter with donations from Dr. Barton Scotland, the Speaker of the National Assembly and Ashley Hinds of Hinds’Establishment. Children and their parents were invited to make these kites from scratch. The objective was to provide a forum for bonding between the children and their parents and even elders in the community.

VILLAGE DAY RUN Through the Football Club, a Village Day Run was also organised to commemorate Emancipation Day – this is a regular occurrence within the village. For this occasion and for this event, the Department of Youth and Culture provides partial funding.

As part of the activities for the day, a brief history of the village is read, and prizes and trophies are given to the winners in the various categories of the race. These categories are from Under 9 to Over 50.

The Pepperpot Magazine was told that villagers assemble in their numbers to view the run-off events for the day. This event also attracts participants from neighbouring villages and as far as the village of Mahaica.

MASQUERADE GROUP The village also has a masquerade group which participates in cultural activities in and out of the village. The members of the group are both males and females and the group is led by Mr. Barry known as “MoMo”.

The oldest persons in the village are also regularly recognised in an outreach event. Just recently, one of the oldest persons in the village, Mr. Clonmell, who has attained the age of 96 years, was recognised.

Adams stated that the youth in the village are also seriously considered, especially as it relates to their academic and social development. In this regard, the youths were also exposed to ‘Work Ready Training’, which was conducted by SKYE, an organisation funded by USAID. This group is the Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR). Adams noted that she played an integral part in all of these activities, noting that the parenting group, skills training and the kite camp were wholly her initiatives.

“God has provided persons in and out of the community who are willing to work with us. At the same time, I continue to see the need to help my fellow villagers, despite not being a bit more privileged. Yet, my personal conviction is that changing one’s life can change an entire community. I need to be the change I want to see,” she confidently stated.

XXXI

XXXII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Zuckerberg plans to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: NYT

WhatsApp and Facebook messenger icons are seen on an iPhone in Manchester , Britain ( REUTERS )

(REUTERS) - Facebook Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of its WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption to these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

The three services will, however, continue as stand-alone apps, the report said, citing four people involved in the effort.

Facebook said it is working on making more of its messaging products end-to-end encrypted, and considering ways to make it easier for users to connect across networks. “There is a lot of discussion and debate as we begin the long process of figuring out all the details of how this will work,� a spokesperson said.

After the changes, a Facebook user, for instance, will be able send an encrypted message to someone who has only a WhatsApp account, according to the NYT report.

End-to-end encryption protects messages from being viewed by anyone except the participants in the conversation.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion

Memorable moments

HAVE developed such a strong bond with the seniors in my church ( Love & Faith) and I have been enjoying precious moments with them. Since I’ve spent my birthday with them in 2015, they have invited me to join them when the church hosted a brunch in their honour, and another time when a dinner was hosted. The expression of love and affection displayed after Sunday’s service is overwhelming. Recently I joined them for a wonderful trip to Berbice. You learn so much being with these wise people who have so many stories from their journeys.

We travelled all the way to Springlands and we even got a tour of the Canaima Ferry Stelling. The decision was made that the next time we are there is on our trip to Suriname.

We had a short worship session before our delicious lunch at Little Rock Hotel.

Travelling up and down on the bus was so much fun. I took a book to read and didn’t get a chance because it was so engaging with meaningful discussions of life lessons. Sister Donna was the live wire of the group. She was talking about marriage and relationships and shared some valuable nuggets.

She even shared the vision that she had of me that I would be getting married sometime in the near future (lol), so it seems like we will be having a wedding soon. Trips like these really make me appreciate the leadership of our church. The church took care of all the expenses and we were treated really well.

Turn to page XLI►►►

XXXIII

XXXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XXI

Although not considered (at the moment) a mental health illness, the treatment of hyper-sexuality does not stray far off.

In this case, these sexual behaviours must be treated like drugs and therefore initial abstinence is key. There are no medications specifically for sex addiction. However, if the addiction came about from an existing mental illness or it has caused one, a health professional can prescribe medication to reduce any symptoms those may bring. The best treatment for sex addiction involves counselling which can include individual, couples or general family sessions. These sessions will help to identify triggers and what brings about these urges; Anger?

Sadness? Stress? Conflict? It is extremely important to know this, as your treatment will involve ideal ways of handling these emotions or situations, in a way that will eventually not lead to unwanted sexual urges. Someone experiencing sex addiction can also use the 12-step addiction programme which means they can attend the Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings I mentioned last week. When you substitute certain words to base it on your circumstance, the programme can be just as effective. For those of you with internet access and may not be ready to seek personalised treatment, there is an online support group called SMART recovery. I should actually mention that this group works with any addiction and is not only for sex addiction. For those of you without internet access (or those who do, but still would like in person treatment), I strongly recommend going to your nearest health centre to find out where the nearest mental health professional is. In those sessions, you will learn to manage your urges, building and managing motivation to remain abstinent and managing your unhealthy thoughts and behaviours that may have previously lead to unwanted sexual activities In my opinion, the initial abstinence of sex is much more difficult than that of other addictions such as gambling or alcohol and other drugs. This is mainly because those behaviours or substances are not of human nature. It is not natural to crave gambling or substances but sex is a natural need for humans. Of course, there are the cases of chosen celibacy that are important and does not mean a normal life isn’t lived. However, the craving and need for sex have been documented as a basic human need. When someone is attempting to overcome their sex addiction, abstinence (any engaging in any sexual behaviour) is key for a while, longer if you are not in a relationship. If you are, it is required to build a different kind of intimacy before returning to any kind of sexual behaviour. It takes as long as the afflicted as well as their partner to determine how long this is necessary.

Of course, like with any addiction or mental illness, a balanced life is necessary in recovery. This means eating well, sleeping well, exercise and low use of alcohol.

If someone you love is suffering from sex addiction, it may also be affecting you in all the aforementioned ways.

Please do not feel like the above suggestions are only for the individual directly suffering from the disorder; any kind of addiction is a family disease. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 6234444 or 600-7896. Do not be afraid to reach out!

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XXXV

Obesity in Guyana A BIG misconception that surrounds the topic of obesity is the thought or opinion that it mainly or only affects well -developed and high-income countries. Myself, and countless numbers of statistics beg to differ.

In fact, there has been an ‘obesity epidemic’ since the beginning of the century. The Pan- American Health Organisation (PAHO) stated that the obesity rate among Guyanese-adults went from 35 per cent in the year 2006 to 55 per cent in 2016. Medical News Today describes obesity as a medical condition, yes you saw correctly, a medical condition that occurs when a person carries excess weight or body fat that might affect their health.

It is said that a person is also obese if they have a high BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 and over. A BMI is a measuring tool that helps doctors evaluate if a person is at an appropriate weight for their age, sex and height.

Obesity also increases the risk of various cancers, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, etc.

Obesity may occur if we have an excessive intake of calories, refuse to exercise and burn those calories out, when we do not have enough sleep (seven to eight hours a day). While these are things we can control, there are some that we hardly can such as obesity genes and weight gain through medications. While these are all factors I am sure you’re aware of, it’s time to discuss the ones we take for granted. “Lose some weight”, “Stop eating unhealthy food”, “If they wanted to lose weight, they would have”.

We point fingers at persons with obesity, saying it’s their

fault but is that always the case? Perhaps, they suffer from an eating disorder? Does the community that they reside in have access to safe and healthy foods? Can they afford those safe and healthy foods? Is it caused by genes or medications? Perhaps it’s the inherited dietary routines of their parents? These are all questions I rarely hear Guyanese asking themselves, each other and most importantly, the person who is a victim of obesity.

Children are also victims of this medical condition.

Guyanese love to sugar coat the issue by saying, “Dem gun grow it out” with regard to an obese child. To think it starts in adulthood is only one way in which we fail our children and their health. Parents are their sole guides. Your children may imitate you in many ways so telling them to eat healthily and seeing you do the opposite because you’re an adult will only confuse their impressionable minds. Apart from the physical downfall of obesity, persons living with it also suffer mentally and emotionally. From the social pressure of standard body types to the inability to obtain proper social or even romantic relationships, to the inability to complete expected daily tasks and the other detrimental diseases that obesity triggers. The increase of insecurities, anxieties and depression-like symptoms may all be caused by obesity.

We can start to eradicate this epidemic by being aware of our diets and making policy makers aware of the shortage or expensiveness of healthy food supplies. The prices of sugar-free food, healthy dieting foods, etc. exceed that of fast food. We should avoid judging and fat-shaming persons living with obesity and we should also educate ourselves and others on the factors, effects and causes of obesity.

School canteens should be cautious about their lunch/ snack menus and soft drink beverages. Students aren’t around their parents in schools, and as we know our teach-

ers are mostly/only interested in our academic forthcomings. Start a conversation, start by sharing articles like this one and countless others out there about obesity.

All in all, we should choose to be a healthy nation, it’s the right thing to do for the future generations of Guyanese. Our children should be approaching adulthood with a healthy dietary routine and our adults should be fit and capable (physically, emotionally and mentally) enough of completing the necessary jobs that will uplift our country.

Can you imagine a Guyana where its resources are plentiful (oil, gold, agriculture) but there is not enough manual labour because of conditions such as obesity? If we don’t start living healthier lives then, that will ultimately become our reality. What sense would it make if we have all of these resources and our people are not as healthy as they should be to enjoy its benefits?

As Winston Churchill once said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset a country can have.” Take heed Guyana.

XXXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XXXVII

XXXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XXII Youths from Good Hope Police Youth Group painting the lantern post

Playgrounds are currently being upgraded to host friendly games. This, he said, will foster social cohesion amongst the youth.

Youths from the Affiance Friendly Alliance Youth Group are already making plans to rehabilitate the Affiance bus shed.

“The projects that are coming out from the youths are remarkable and all reflect that they are thinking about the future. Most of it deals with enhancement and cleanliness and this is the way forward,” Pareshram said.

The young people are also making plans for Mashramani activities in February. In 2018, the division’s youth group participated in the region’s road show.

Youths that are part of the various youth groups commended the efforts of the commander and the police officers who are working with them. Many of them are eagerly awaiting the 2019 projects.

In 2018, the Division hosted many activities to keep the youths involved including tree planting exercises, pedestrians sign painting, educational lectures, a beauty pageant and Spelling Bee competitions amongst others.

Many youths in the Division are also knowledgeable in the field of Information Technology through the Zara Computer College located at the Richard Faikal Police Training College at Suddie.

A sports ground being upgraded to host activities in the future

XXXIX

XL

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

According to Richard, he previously taught Indo-Caribbean History to students and adults throughout the five boroughs. “I am proud to partner with York College for this course. Many of our students who enrol would be able to access their own history, as a leader. I am committed to creating new and innovative opportunities that are deeply meaningful to many of us. This is truly an honour for me” Richard said.

Richard has a Master’s in Public Administration from the New York University. He ran for the City Council in 2017.

When asked why he feels that the course was relevant he said that Guyanese are the second largest immigrant group in Queens and the fifth largest in New York, closely followed

by Trinidadians.

He said the discussion with York College started in February 2016 and took a lot of advocacy from the Indo- Caribbean Alliance Inc. “During these political times when immigrants are under attack, this is a landmark moment for our community and all immigrant communities. This course is a small step towards bringing about historical awareness of one of the largest immigrant groups in New York,” said Shivika Rajkidore, Chairperson of the Indo- Caribbean Alliance Inc. A press release sent out by York College of the City University of New York stated that the course will be offered during the Spring 2019 Semester. It stated that during the classes, students will explore the social, political and economic factors that led to the rise of a district Indo-Caribbean identity in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and in the United States of America. The course will be taught using films, guest speakers and visual aids along with Literature.

York College has one of the highest Asian Student enrollment rates among CUNY colleges, including many Indo-Caribbean students.

In 2015, Asian students were the second highest ethnic group among the freshman class after the African Americans.

“Indo-Caribbean History (HIST 401, as it’s known on campus), is one of the most important new course offerings in a generation. There is so much about this vibrant community and so much to learn about ourselves through the eyes and voices of these Americans. And you won’t find another course like this anywhere in the United States,” said Dr George White, Chairperson of the Department of History, Philosophy and Anthropology at York College in the release. ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

Also significant, is the way in which the NDC is going to exploit the wide array of talents it possesses within the theatre arts, in order to highlight the members’ poetic skills.

It is an intelligent manoeuvre that is meant to emphasise the power of one arm of the NDC (poetry) by masterfully bringing it to the fore using another arm of the NDC (drama). ‘Musings of a Poet’, therefore includes a number of theatrical elements – particularly those found within the Caribbean theatre. Therefore, prospective audience members can expect musical interludes, as well as music being used to enhance the performances, the use of dance and other choreographed movements complimenting the poetry, singing and other rhythmic forms as mechanisms for helping to build the atmosphere and mood of the poems, and artistic direction, such as the very-Caribbean element that places the performers right in the midst of the audience so the narrative being told feels both personal and sacred.

With all of these elements accompanying the poetry, I am certain that the company will be having significant success with ‘Musings of a Poet.’

The show is said to contain five categories of poems to be performed on the night of. These categories are: ‘National Pride’ (poems about Guyana), ‘Dawn of Darkness’ (poems exploring the more serious side of humanity), ‘Warmth and Affection’ (poems about love and joy), ‘Confessions of the Flesh’ (poems about sex and the body), and ‘Life Lesson’ (poems about social issues). The categories are varied and seem to ensure that every section of the country, regardless of one’s personal tastes or interests, will be catered to.

Also of interest, is the way the company plans on using this particular production – their first for the year – as the launching pad, with which to unveil some of the newest company members to the public. O’Neilka Bacchus and Deandra Daniels are two actresses, trained at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama who will be making their NDC debuts with ‘Musings of a Poet.’

The full cast for the show consists of around 20 members, including poets such as Mark Luke Edwards, Le Tisha Da Silva, Nicholas Singh, and Akbar Singh. Tickets for the show can be bought from any member of the NDC, or specifically from Tashandra Inniss on 609-5600 or Nirmala Narine on 626-2746.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XIX

These injuries could have caused disability and disfigurement and were thought by the medical officer to be dangerous to life because, of the severe bleeding at the time.

For the prosecution, the injured man Panchu gave this account: “I saw the accused walking coming towards me; he was about five rods from me. When we were about four feet apart he brought his hand forward. He had a cutlass and he said he would chop off my neck. He had the cutlass in his right hand. He made a chop at me and I raised my left hand which had a hand bag. The hand-bag chopped off and fell to the ground. He made a second chop and I received a blow on my left elbow region. He made a third chop and I received a wound on my left upper arm. I then rushed into him and the two of us fell into the trench. I fell inside the trench and I braced a little on the road. The accused then chopped me on my head and I became unconscious.

“When I regained consciousness, the accused brother spoke to me. I then walked out of the trench and I went and sat under a sapodilla tree. When I regained consciousness I found I had other wounds including one at the back of my right elbow, right hand, upper left shoulder and one under my left arm. I received two wounds before I fell inside the trench.”

Continuing his judgment, the Chancellor explained that Panchu denied such suggestions as that he was the aggressor and that he was armed with an Eddie Polo knife with which he had attacked the appellant. At the close of the case for the prosecution, therefore, a case of wounding with intent was made out and the trial judge’s direction on the effect of Panchu’s evidence could not be seriously questioned.

The Chancellor said that he was therefore constrained to the firm view that, the trial judge misdirected the jury when he left it for them to decide as a preliminary question whether self-defence arose as an issue.

According to him, there should have been a ruling: (i) that self-defence was an issue which was fit for consideration; (ii) that it was for the jury to decide from the evidence on the whole case (and not from the defence only)–(a) whether the accused inflicted the injuries, and, if so, (b) whether it was in self-defence.

Chancellor Luckhoo added, “In conclusion, I would say this: that the case for the defence was not properly put in matters which were essential to a fair assessment of the issues. In view of the serious omissions and express misdirection, it would be impossible to say whether a reasonable jury properly directed would have inevitably come to the same conclusion, as that would depend so much on how they weighed the evidence, etc. The summing-up was of such a character as to deprive the appellant of the substance of fair trial for reasons already. An opportunity should be given to have the case properly put to the jury.

“I would, therefore, propose that the conviction and sentence be set aside, and that a new trial be ordered in order to allow the defence to be put in its proper perspective, and to give the jury an opportunity of assessing what arises naturally therefrom. ◄◄◄ From page XXXIII

We had food and drinks from the time the trip started to the time it ended. I felt a bit sad because I always remember my grandmother. Sometimes we don’t realise the value of our seniors in our society.

My grandmother played such an important part in my daughters’ lives, especially, Shontay. Some of her values she definitely got from the late Winifred Gibson, who was my grandmother.

The next day my grandson, Jaidyn Jordan, celebrated his 17th birthday and he had a marvellous party.

His aunt Shonta, outdid herself with the décor with a Fortnite Game theme. I love to watch them at that age and listen to their conversations. I was looking at them in the bouncy castle and their games and thinking before you know it, the years pass and they are grown. JJ is so advanced for his age and I love the discussions we have. I am trying to create lots of memories with him. “Love you Gramma” those words melt my heart and remind me how blessed I am.

We have one life and let’s create memorable moments, especially with the people we love.

Remember to join me every Sunday on 96.1 Voice FM for Living with Intention. Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.comas we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

XLI

XLII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XLIII

XLIV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XLV

XLVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XLVII

XLVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

XLIX

English

L

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Your present performance should not debar your attention to careful word usage or effective word choice for expressing ideas. Word choice, in a large measure, is determined by the words at your disposal

each different time. Your target is sure only if you have standards for the best word in each given context. But beyond other factors which dictate careful word choice, keep in mind the characteristics of good thinking. These are correctness, clarity, and effectiveness. Be wise.

Love you

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

GOOD WRITING Combining of Sentences What have you mastered so far in combining sentences for I am his Highness’ dog at Kew; good writing?

Read recent productions aloud Pray, tell me sir, whose dog are you? to yourself, and then share with a ALEXANDER POPE (1688-1744), Epstudy partner, a few choice parts as evidence to the following igram Engraved on the Collar of a Dog tenets of good writing practices. which I gave to his Royal Highness a) Tell about the techniques you have found useful to combine toddlers’ nails. sentences in narrative writing.

3. Forty-four percent of the resident stub) How have the combinations helped your writing style? Have your grades im- dents (have, has) their own cars.

4. Adam, as well as his step-brothers, proved since? Are you bolder to display (has, have) constructed wicker baskets for your writing efforts? c) Be specific about your capability in the fishing exhibition.

5. (Wasn’t, Weren’t) Sean’s pictorial each technique that follows: i) combining short sentences into more tables laid alongside Daphne’s zone maps on the side counters in the Mathematics Room? complex and good sentences; 6. (Was, Were) you at the assembly? ii) expressing ideas with more precision The debating club (has, have) won two and clarity; iii) knowing when shorter sentences are prizes.

7. One of the steering committee membetter to be used; bers (has, have) been awarded a substantive iv) deleting repeated words; v) using connecting words, phrases, contract with Stephen and Sons’.

8. The twin sisters (was, were) an hour sentences; late for the concert. Time (don’t, doesn’t) vi) rearrange words; and mean much to them. vii) changing the form of words.

9. It (don’t, doesn’t) seem right. TwenSomething to Do Demonstrate to your chosen study part- ty-five thousand dollars (are, is) too much ner, possible ways to combine each cluster to build an outdoor gents’ toilet.

10. There (is, are) never too many conof numbered items, into one or more sentences; and then listen to what he/ she has scientious workers in the church body!

11. Each of the sons (was, were) presentto say about the differing slant in messages: 1. a) The sea of faces below her shone in ed with a piece of gold jewellery.

12. Nathan Kindler is one of those great recognition. b) The expectant faces were happy for people who (is, are) naturally gifted in Mathematics. her return.

13. Jason Plumber is the only one of c) Charlotte nodded a cue to the local the wire benders who (come, comes) early lead drummer. to work. d) The cue was decisive.

14. Clifford, not his cousins, (work, e) The lead drummer was compliant.

2. a) Gabriella listened for the shrill shift works) after school in the National Free Library. signal.

15. His first choice of books (is, are) b) The young wife knew it was time for language and communication. her husband’s shift.

16. Neither the pianists nor the trainer c) His duty was to police the western (expect, expects) a stipend. part of town.

17. Her defected father’s whereabouts d) The patrol took him through well-lit (are, is) a secret even to the family. Even streets. her mother and grandmother (haven’t, Paragraph Writing hasn’t) been told.

Revision of how sentences fit together 18. (Have, Has) anyone in your class at Sentences in a paragraph may generally prayer meeting lost an umbrella? fit together by the following ways: 19. Some of my family members usually (1) Telling about the same subject; (2) Relating a single sequence of events; (helps, help) me clean the garden of weed.

(3) Explaining part of the same process, NUMBERS AND NUMERALS step by step; Reminder: In ordinary prose some (4) Supplying the details necessary to numbers are written in words, and some are prove the truth of a general statement. expressed in figures. (Numbers that are exSomething to Do Your study partner and you should pressed in figures are known as numerals.)

Numbers Spelled Out: In general, spell endeavour to find at least ONE paragraph, taken from various genres, to demonstrate out cardinals and cardinal numbers that can each of the four given ways sentences in a be written in one or two words.

The Village Day steering committee paragraph can be fitted together. consists of thirty-three members, eleven members from each of the three zones.

GRAMMAR Spell out any number that occurs at the Making verbs agree with their subjects Revision: Choose the correct verb for beginning of a sentence.

Three thousand sixty-six people were at each sentence that follows. Explain to a the Charlotte Street Christmas bazaar. study partner why each verb was chosen.

Thirty-seven student doctors partic1. Steve and Molino (is, are) absent. ipated at the first ever Medical Science (Was, Were) either here last night?

2. Small scissors (is, are) used for cutting outdoor exposition.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019

Bunjal Duck

1 small lime 2 heads garlic 2 large onions 1 hot pepper 1 tbsp ground garam massala 1 tbsp ground geerah 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp mustard 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp sugar 1 tbsp cooking oil 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground dye (turmeric) Method 1 Cut meat into small pieces, cutting through bones.

2 Add juice of small lime to a bowl of water and wash meat. Drain.

3 Peel garlic and onions. Grind garlic, onions and hot pepper.

4 Make a massala paste with garlic mixture, garam massala, geerah, curry powder, mustard, tomato paste and sugar.

5 Heat cooking oil until very hot. Add massala paste and fry until cooked toroughly.

6 Bounjal (cook in massala paste in hot fat) meat in massala mixture.

Add salt and turmeric, cover and leave to cook.

7 Turn occasionally until all liquid has evaporated.

Taste for flavour.

8 Add 1/2 pint boiling water and allow to cook until meat is tender, about 30-45 minutes, and all water has evaporated.

9 Serve Bounjal Duck with dhall and rice or serve with Dhall puri.

Serves 12

LI

LII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 27, 2019