Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot Epaper 08 04 2019

Sunday, August 4, 2019

This mother and her children are a sight for sore eyes in their perfectly matching outfits on Emancipation day at the National Park (Samuel Maughn photo)

A Perfect

Match!

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

‘The History of Indigenous Slavery in Ghana’ Farrier (centre), wearing a Ghana-made shirt, flanked by two visiting Ghanaians on Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, Guyana, on June 11, 2019.

By Francis Quamina Farrier LET me commence by immediately informing you that the headline of this article is actually the title of a book by the Ghanaian Professor Akosua Adoma Perbi.

Her book chronicles the system of slavery in Ghana from the 15th to the 19th century and relates the role of Ghanaians in the system of slavery in that West African country.

Guyana recently celebrated Emancipation Day, 2019, and this article is intended to expand the conversation of the role of Africans in Slavery, both as victims and participants.

“The History of Indigenous Slavery in Ghana”, according to Akosua Adoma Perbi --Ghanaian woman, mother, wife, author and university professor --- was quite different from the way the enslaved were treated in the western world, Guyana included. It is also timely, bearing in mind that the Head-of-State of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency

President Nana Akufo-Addo, paid a state visit to Guyana just a few weeks ago on June 11 and 12, 2019. From “The Door of No Return”, where Ghanaians were shipped off to lands across the Atlantic, including Guyana, Ghana has re-opened that ‘door’ and made 2019 “The Year of Return”, as thousands from the African Diaspora, are welcome (AKWAABA) visitors. For Guyanese, a visa is no longer a requirement; a decision made by the Ghanaian president during his visit to Guyana.

Before going further, it is appropriate to mention that slavery was recorded in Genesis, the first book of the Holy Bible. Chapter 37, Verse 8 states in part: “... and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver.” So there was slavery from almost the very beginning of humans occupy-

As is known here in Guyana, some individuals who enslave those young Indigenous women have been apprehended by the authorities, charged, tried in a court of law, found guilty and imprisoned. Last Tuesday, July 30, was “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” (Modern-day slavery), and estimates are that there are about 40 million victims of Trafficking in Persons worldwide. However, civil society, including taxi drivers, are being encouraged to be vigilant in helping to identify victims and report to the law-enforcement agencies.

Returning to the book, Farrier (centre), with new-found Ghanaian friends “A History of Indigenous Slavon a New York City Subway June 17, 2017. ery in Ghana,” Professor Akosua ing planet earth. What is also appropriate and Adoma Perbi points out that worthy of mention in this feature, is the fact during the period of indigenous slavery in that throughout history, there has been slavery Ghana, “The slave was regarded as a human in all forms; and as Professor Akosua Adoma being and was entitled to certain rights and Perbi further states in her book, “Some slaves privileges.” Slavery in ancient Ghana was (in ancient Ghana) were given the opportunity not as brutal as it was in North and South of becoming heads of the family into which America and the Caribbean. In fact, the slaves they were integrated .” were generally kept together as a family unit, There was a sort of upward mobility enslaved to another family unit who owned within the slave system in ancient Ghana. them. In some instances, a member of a As Professor Akosua Adoma Perbi explains, slave-owning family would marry a slave.

“The pre-colonial Ghanaian social structure So the kind of slavery as practised in Ghana was transported into the social structure polit- was far more humane than was the case in the ical realm.” So it is safe to say that the system western hemisphere. of slavery in pre-colonial Ghana, was a much In more recent years, important Ghanaians more humane one than existed in the western have been expressing regret and extended countries where brutality was the order of apologies for the role some of the ancestors the day. One must take particular note that played in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, in in the system of slavery in ancient Ghana, which millions of Africans were sold into the African Family structure remained intact. the most brutal kind of slavery ever known There was no breaking up of families with to mankind --- especially the breaking up of members being sold on the block to different families. The vulgar curse term “MF” which slave owners as was the case, especially in the is still used by some (especially young black United States, where families were broken up males in the United States), was derived from and taken to different plantations never to see the fact that after the Atlantic Slave Trade each other again. was put to an end, and slave owners had their Too often, some Guyanese think and slaves engage in breeding programmes for an speak as though the Africans were the only increase in their numbers. Some men were people who were enslaved. Reality is far from even put with their own mothers to procreate, that perception, since it is a fact that Africans hence the term “MF”, which sadly, is still also practised slavery, not only with their own used in some inner cities of the United States. people as victims, but Africans also owned During my 2012 visit to Ghana, I stumwhite and other ethnic groups as slaves over bled onto a bit of research. It pertained to the the centuries. For many centuries, slavery feeling with Ghanaians about the role of the was a business.

Chiefs and Kings of the past and their roles As Guyanese celebrate Emancipation in in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. While in a this year 2019, what is of greater importance, conversation with Fr. Banzo, a Catholic priest is the phenomenon of modern-day slavery, at the Kristo Busae Monastery in Techiman, I and the urgent need to ensure that slavery in asked in a rather melodramatic tone of voice, any form must not be tolerated. Indigenous “Why did you sell me into slavery?” His imslavery in Ghana ended a long time ago. In mediate response was, “Oh, that was terrible.

Guyana, there are some Indigenous indi- That must never happen again.” viduals and others, including refugees from It was as though he had personally sold Venezuela --- young girls in particular --- who me into slavery. I continued that questionare enslaved by employers who subject them ing with a few other Ghanaians and always as sex workers. Trafficking in Persons (TiPs) got a similar response. During the past few is also a form of slavery. That has to stop, ac- years, Ghanaian Chiefs have been officially cording to Sandra Ferrini of Uruguay, South expressing remorse and apologies on behalf America, whose own mother had sold her into of those Ghanaian ancestors who sold their slavery as a sex worker. She has organised a brothers and sisters into slavery --- much massive protest march in the country’s cap- like the brothers of Joseph in the Genesis ital, Montevideo, on the occasion of World book of the bible, who sold their brother Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TiP). into slavery.

Kosmic Vibes

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

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All things African and more

At her showroom with some colourful pieces

By Michel Outridge WHEN Karen Brathwaite took a liking to sewing at age 15, she didn’t think she would make it into a career as a fashion designer, who would later became a teacher at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. It was as a teenager that she took it seriously and realised she had a deep liking for garment making and after she left Guyana for Barbados, where she lived for 13 years, she went to school and attained a Degree as a Fashion Designer.

She is also a full-time teacher at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art teaching fashion designing, a course that was recently introduced in the curriculum.

Brathwaite returned to Guyana two years ago and though she has not yet officially launched her brand “Kosmic Vibes,” she developed a showroom and studio from which she runs her business.

“Kosmic Vibes,” Brathwaite said, started with a thought that became a reality and that’s how she chose the name.

Being a fashion designer is Brathwaite’s main source of income. She has one staff in her employ and is presently preparing a fashion line and a quantity of casual clothing to pack in a container to be shipped for Carifesta in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I love clothes, nice clothes that are well-fitted and I like to dress up as well; I like to look good and I also like to see people in nice clothes and so I started drawing as a child and when I grew older, instead of asking for toys, I would ask for money to buy a piece of cloth to do my own sewing,” she said.

Brathwaite told the Pepperpot Magazine that even though she went ‘blindly’ into the world of dressmaking, at an early age she did well due to the raw talent she has and credits her success to her inspiration, Jennifer Gibson, who tutored her in the art of batik, tie-dye and fabric painting.

CHANCE ENCOUNTER She explained that after she lost her job after four years as a civilian accounts clerk attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) due to downsizing, she didn’t know what to do to make a living.

Brathwaite started a few evening classes

in dressmaking and was propelled into fashion designing, because she wanted to learn to pattern clothes to suit all body types.

Back then, she didn’t even know to cut out a simple skirt but with persistence and the love for it, she got started and is very happy she did because she likes what she does today.

Brathwaite recalled that, while living in Barbados with her husband and children, she was involved in fashion shows and at one time she was attending two sewing classes, but nevertheless was successful in qualifying herself.

OPERATIONS She related that at her showroom she has complete outfits and persons can just visit and see what they like, but she also takes orders and is seeking a spot on the export market.

Brathwaite already has a market for her pieces in Barbados, so much so, that she can hardly keep up with the demand and would like to build a team of capable people to assist her from right out of their homes.

“In this job, you got to love what you do to keep customers and I have been sewing for many people including doctors, artistes, ambassadors and their spouses among others.

This kind of work entails a lot of work and many sleepless nights, because I also make accessories to complement all outfits, bags, hats and slippers,” she said.

Brathwaite disclosed that the most technical part of fashion designing is the pattern which is the foundation of the garment after which it takes shape.

She added that she didn’t find fashion designing, in fact, it found her and she embraced it with open arms and grew by leaps and bounds.

The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that being a seamstress is one thing and being a fashion designer is something else, because you have to sew clothes to suit all body shapes and incorporate it to make that person look good.

Brathwaite told the Pepperpot Magazine that her outfits are well-fitted and whenever she makes a piece it is something to talk about and is intrigued with all things African, especially, jewellery and fabrics.

Fashion Designer Karen Brathwaite poses with some of the outfits she made (Samuel Maughn photos)

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019 Members of the GRC showcase their items in their booth.

Members of ACDA COLACCO pose for a picture in their booth.

Emancipation opens new horizons African heritage at its finest

By Hugh McLean EVERY year, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) hosts its grand Emancipation Festival at the National Park, with the aim of exhibiting, reflecting and restoring African culture. However, it also allows local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, while creating and expanding markets for their businesses.

This year the Pepper pot Magazine ventured out to get a glimpse of this extraordinary festival and to interact with some of the entrepreneurs there.

Lincoln Robinson is a teacher at the Centre of Learning and Afro-Centric Orientation (COLACCO). He shared that participating in this event is a way of promoting their school COLACCO. They are showcasing their school and the school’s achievements in the National Grade Two, Four and Six Assessments. They are also promoting some of the things that they do as a school. “For years we have seen all other major ethnic groups promote their culture and all about them, so we think that it is best that we promote our African culture, since we have a very rich culture,” posited Robinson.

“There are over 50 countries in the continent of Africa, and all are diverse. Their cultures are different, so we are trying to introduce these cultures to our children so that they will know more of what are their African cultures and know who they are as people of African descent,” explained Robinson.

The school was founded as a post-primary institution and later transitioned into a primary school; currently, Robinson said they are introducing into the school what they call “the key learning.” The students can now take part in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Programme and they are also introducing the Scratch programme and robotics very soon.

Attached to that, they are also introducing various apps on phones and tablets that can be accessed easily and enhance their knowledge.

Gerrod Lamazon is a part of Guyana’s Restoration Committee (GRC) and a youth arm of IKEMBA (a Nigerian word used to symbolise the strength of the people). Lamazon said that since the Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo came to Guyana, he has “opened a door” for people of African descent in this part of the world.

Lamazon’s booth had books and artefacts on showcase and stated that the group ensures that they participate every year in an aim to encourage patrons at the event to come and learn not only African history, but Guyanese history also.

He said that they promoted this African history through dance, stories, songs, food and even clothing. The organisation was founded in 2013 and is part of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and the CARICOM Reparation Committee (CRC). There is a Caribbean effort and a CARICOM plan that is guiding them through this journey.

“Knowing our culture, where we came from and our ancestors is an inspiration, because when you look at the progression we have made mentally, physically and socially, it is really great,” posited Lamazon.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

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Atlanta-based Guyanese ecstatic over Emancipation celebrations

By Wendella Davidson

EVEN though Veronica Lacon and Maureen John were tired, having arrived in the country from the United States of America in the wee hours of Thursday, August 01, 2019, they just could not resist the temptation of trekking to the National Park for the Emancipation celebrations.

The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with Lacon and John, who are Guyanese residing in Atlanta, Georgia, as they were soaking up information about the African peoples and their different cultures, on display in a section of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) booth. Accompanying the ladies was Lacon’s niece, Gillian Edwards.

The women are part of a representative group from the Sanctuary of His Presence in Decatur, Georgia, and are here on a humanitarian mission in Linden, and to also celebrate with the

Atlanta-based Guyanese Maureen Lacon (left) and Veronica John ( right), with escort Gillian Edwards at the National Park on Emancipation Day.

Full Gospel Church of Linden their 50th anniversary.

Lacon, who last visited her home country in December 2018, said she was overwhelmed with the vast amount of information that was made available about how talented were the early African peoples.

Even though it was relatively early, a fair-sized crowd was already milling around with much more people streaming through the gates. Lacon, upon observing singles, couples, groups bedecked in fashionable African apparel, and some families who wore matching outfits, was overwhelmed as she remarked “Oh my goodness, this is awesome, this is culture and colours at its best. It is so nice to see all of our peoples enjoying themselves, as one people, one nation, [one destiny].”

One of the well-dressed young men Lacon admired as they walked by was the new Dynamic Force group, who were billed to perform an African Gospel song `Everything I desire’ and `By the River of Babylon’, later in the day.

She added that having read about the different tribes, it has now aroused her interest in finding out to which tribe she belongs.

Meanwhile, John expressed her happiness in seeing African Guyanese embracing their culture, adding that it has even transcended to others as well. “This is very enriching, to see this returning especially with our youths, and the togetherness.”

She recalled that as a teenage girl, there would be dressing up and dancing in the streets in Georgetown on `Freedom Day’, as it was popularly called then. Both women vowed to enjoy every aspect of the activities.

The new Dynamic Force group at the National Park

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

‘Emancipation marked the transformation of Guyana from a plantation to a nation’ Harmon tells Lindeners at Freedom Fest

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE village movement which was established by our African ancestors after slavery was abolished in 1838, was the trajectory set to transform Guyana from a plantation state to a developed nation; a trajectory that the APNU+AFC Government has aggressively pursued to ensure that the sacrifices of our foreparents were not in vain. This underscored the message to Lindeners at the

Freedom Fest celebration by Director- General, Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), Joseph Harmon, on Thursday.

“Our African ancestors, he said, pursued an economic undertaking which was built on three pillars to ensure that their villages were developed. The three pillars: education, religion and agriculture were the cradle of the village movement and, by extension, the cradle of Guyana’s development and therefore it is on this village movement foundation, that the government has patterned after to ensure not only African

Director-General, MoTP, Joseph Harmon, addressing the audience at Freedom Fest

Guyanese, but all Guyanese benefit. “When we look at it as a nation, what we see is the future when oil comes. What we have to do is to recognise that as the basis upon which we would develop Guyana...so the ex-slaves, they have set a platform, a foundation on which we can use to move the country forward,” Harmon said.

While the African forebears built schools in the villages, the education system continues to be of priority to this government and since going into office in 2015, the education budget was tripled and the largest chunk continues to go towards education, with the 2019 allocation being over $6 billion, the director-general said. “This is why the David Granger Administration…said that we want to make the nation an education nation; a nation that drives education, this is what will take us into centuries going forward with oil,” he said.

As first oil draws closer, Harmon related that the government will continue to plug money into education -- particularly vocational education -- as there are many opportunities in this field available in the oil and gas industry.

For maximum benefits to come from this very lucrative industry, Guyanese must ensure that it is governed by the more trustworthy and competent government, so that these benefits can trickle down to every citizen, irrespective of race and political affiliation. This was not the case in the past, and African Guyanese in particular suffered from marginalisation, he said. In realising that Guyana is on the right track, a track founded by our African foreparents, he urged all citizens to get registered and to make the right choice for our future.

African people entitled to oil wealth A similar message was brought to the people by executive member of the Working People’s Alliance, David Hinds, who also underscored the importance of voting and getting registered. He urged the African counterparts to remember the sacrifices their foreparents made, to prepare Guyana for the benefits that are being reaped now by digging canals and developing the infrastructure for free. It is in this regard, that African people are entitled to this wealth as it will be like walking through a second door of emancipation, he said.

These messages were favourably accepted by the upbeat crowd who flocked the Wisroc Playfield to participate in the Freedom Festival, the third of its kind. The festival, which is the brainchild of Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, aimed at bringing an emancipation celebration to Linden, as residents were forced to journey to Georgetown and other parts of the country to enjoy similar festivities. The very colourful event saw men, women and children decked out in their very impressive African garb to enjoy an African cultural extravaganza of drumming, dance, song and drama. A taste of Africa was also experienced through food, drinks, cultural art exhibitions amongst other things. Prizes were given for those in the best African attire and the best tasting cook-up.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

The oil and gas industry at work

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The prospect for many oil-related jobs exist

Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director of Energy

THERE is a mostly a quiet movement of farmers all over Guyana who are seeing the wisdom of returning to or staying on the land. Essentially, there are three categories of farmers in operation today, for example, those who can be considered continuous farmers, having been there all along. Then there are the visionary farmers, who are expanding and or diversifying to meet the potential markets being opened up in Guyana.

The third type is those who, for the first time are taking up serious farming, either as a permanent or part-time way of life.

One way or the other, the Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been making every effort to encourage farmers and farming. They are in the process of using various agencies, systems and strategies to embolden farmers in agricultural pursuits, growth and development.

THE RAID PROJECT The RAID project speaks to the direct input by the ministry into communities which were once at risk to severe flooding and a hindrance to farming activities. In this case four, communities were immediately identified, but by extension, the communities all around them have also been benefitting from the implemented activities.

These communities identified by the government are within the Itacha, Buxton, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Mocha Arcadia/ Diamond areas. It was disclosed that these necessitated ‘urgent intervention’ since they experienced constant and severe flooding of their farmlands whenever there was severe rainfall. This has been going on for the last three decades.

Residents within the communities were directly consulted on the way forward for them. And from all indications most, it not all of them expressed the desire to get back into serious farming. However, they had real concerns about their crops and livestock being damaged whenever there was severe rain.

This project is billed to last for 42 months – December 2016 to June 2020. It involves the extensive preparation of more than 500 acres of land. These are being done by cooperatives in Ithaca, Mocha and Buxton Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and primarily through community participation.

Though not much is left to be done there are still some ongoing activities.

Funding for this project was sourced through the government and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to the value of US$12,432,236. The activities involved, among other undertakings, the design works on drainage catchment acres within the four communities and these have all been completed. Ithaca and Buxton – 2,000 acres each; Beterverwagting/Triumph – 1,000 acres; Mocha/Arcadia Diamond – 6,500 areas, bringing it to a total of 11,500 acres.

Vital hydraulic and hydrological studies were also done and strategies implemented.

These were centred on crops; effects of climate change; suitable drainage facilities; new roadway crossings, especially as it related to road crossings over-irrigation and waterway channels; also the re-routing of some existing drainage patterns.

AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT The government views agricultural development as being connected to poverty reduction. Therefore, as part of the RAID implementation, there were several urgent concerns of the government to guarantee, “Improvements in management, infrastructure, agricultural technology, access to credit by small farmers, diversification and rehabilitating and maintaining drainage and irrigation systems, as well as farm-to-market roads.”

The fact is that agriculture impacts every person, every home, and every sector – both private and public. And this is so because agriculture talks to the ability to produce foods of almost every sort – so it makes it possible to feed people; it enhances the quality of life of people by what they are able to eat and drink; and it has the ability to provide for the creation of raw materials for some of the clothing people wear. It reaches every aspect of life of the people.

Consequently, it is only prudent that decision-makers within Guyana are taking full advantage of all the opportunities that are presenting themselves, in terms of land availability; the willingness of farmers to either return to the land or to take up the challenge of making farming an economically viable way of life.

CRUCIAL TO OIL AND GAS Oil and gas is in the skyline – somewhat visible, but even with this prospect well on the way, agriculture becomes even more important if the country is to be able to supply the best foods and services to its people, as well as those who come to serve; improved market supply both locally and overseas, thus enriching the demand and supply base of the country.

Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director of Energy has been diligently working to let all of the people of Guyana understand the prospects of oil and gas for Guyana. Additionally, he has been encouraging the people to position themselves, not only to receive the direct benefits of that industry, but also to create oil-related job opportunities for themselves.

Dr. Bynoe posited that the coming on stream of the oil and gas sector has created tremendous spill-offs in terms of jobs. He noted that in addition to jobs coming directly out of the sector, there are growing employment opportunities in almost every other sector within the economy.

Agriculture and agro-processing have been identified to play key roles. In this case, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) continues to do its part in ensuring that farmers are equipped to meet the demand and supply challenges of the future. This ministry is constantly at work. In collaboration with the Guyana

Marketing Corporation (GMC); the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), IICA and many other agencies, they continue to train farmers in value-added activities and strategies in diversification, while equipping them with safe spaces to farm.

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Danielstown’s ‘Green Economy’ initiative

By Wendella Davidson AN approximately $35 million play facility sited on a portion of land that separates the villages of Danielstown and Sparta on the Essequibo Coast, is generating much-needed revenue for the community, even as it beautifies the environment.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019 The play facility that benefits residents of Danielstown and its environs (Samuel Maughn photo)

Undertaken as a `Green Economy’ initiative by the Ministry of Communities in partnership with the Anna Regina Town Council, construction of the project began in 2017 and was completed in 2018.

Along with the trees and beautiful flowers that enhance the impressive play area, there are 50 sets of solar lights, seating facilitie sand playing components including slides and two snackettes.

Town Clerk at the Anna Regina Mayor and Town Council, Diane Critchlow said that in addition to the facility being used as a recreational facility for children of the area and its environs, it is also a revenue earner as it is being rented for the hosting of birthday parties and weddings.

She noted that the development of the play facility is a work in progress, as there are plans to construct a shed, additional seats and another washroom facility.

Danielstown, which is approximately 12 miles from Charity, Essequibo, has a rich history, as it was bought by freed slaves in 1840.

Danielstown derived its name from an Englishman named, Daniel, who in the earlier years was the owner of the sugar factory in Sparta, and was instrumental in the development of the village.

Additionally, the town clerk said that the Anna Regina Town Council is examining various avenues by which it can garner revenue to boost its finances since for some eight years the council has been seeking without success to increase the rates and taxes being paid for properties and businesses.

She said that the council is allocated a yearly subvention of $18 million that is used to execute capital works, while monies collected as revenue from rates and taxes will offset other expenses. However, that collection she said is below 30 per cent of what should be the target.

To this end, Critchlow said that in addition to urging taxpayers to honour their obligation by paying their taxes, the council embarks on an outdoor collection exercise between January and March. Also, as an incentive, persons who clear their taxes during those months, are not charged any interest.

However, she said there is an urgent need for an evaluation to be conducted on existing and new buildings, as she disclosed that there are properties for which the taxes paid was a mere $80, but they now have huge buildings and continue to pay the same amount.

She said too, that the council, in another example of garnering revenue, has moved all of its staff to the upper floor of the spacious two-storey building, and has since been renting space on the lower flat to the Post Office Corporation and the Bureau of Statistics.

The council also rents a section of the ground floor and lawns for weddings, as well as some of its machinery. ◄◄◄ From page VII

BOOMING OF OTHER INDUSTRIES Clearly the oil and gas sector has far-reaching effects for the booming of jobs in other industries within Guyana. Many of these can all flourish as a result of and within this sector.

The timber industry for one, with the demands generating from carpenters, joiners and others within that industry; sewing, art and craft by individuals or agencies; the return of good drama and theatrical entertainment, in addition to many more are now evolving. While some sectors may still be in their embryonic stages, others are already in a mature state and may have even begun to prosper.

The oil and gas sector in Guyana would eventually begin to go into remission some years from now. However, even as it grows old it would have given birth to some other industries within the economy. Thus, Guyana can never be the same again. It is, therefore, time for many, especially young people to see themselves coming out of vulnerability and poverty, seizing the opportunities even if they do not directly find employment in the oil and gas sector.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

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Sophia community happy with construction of new roads and bridges

By Elvin Carl Croker SOPHIA residents have showered high praise on the Government of Guyana for fulfilling its promise with the much needed infrastructural works being undertaken in their area.

Residents say it is evident almost everywhere in their area, that there are massive infrastructural works being done on roads, bridges and public open space playfields.

The works, which are being done by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) under the consolidation of existing housing schemes component of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, are funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to the tune of

US$16M. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA Lelon Saul, in an invited comment on the sidelines of the National Conference of Local Democratic Organs at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday, said six contractors are contracted to carry out the works being undertaken in Sophia.

“What we are doing is, we are upgrading the infrastructure, that is the roads, bridges and public open space playfields,” he said.

We noted that several roads that run east to west will be constructed and upgraded, which will allow for the linking of the plantation from ‘A’ Field to ‘B’ Field and ‘C’ Field to ‘D’ Field.

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X ◄◄◄ From page IX

The works are aimed at developing low-income communities and will see the construction of eight bridges that will allow for the connection of the roads currently under construction.

Saul said that the scope of works includes upgrades to 34km of asphaltic roads and 20km of drainage improvements, including the construction of concrete drains where necessary,

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

and 8km of sidewalks.

“We would also be distributing about 300 home improvement subsidies and we would be constructing 50 core houses in that area,” he said.

He noted that the Sophia works represent only phase one of the five-year programme and that work will be done in La Parfaite Harmony Housing Scheme and on the East Bank of Demerara in 2020.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited one of the construction sites, Site Foreman Elroy Haynes related that two of eight bridges were about 90 per cent complete.

He said the works which started in June suffered some setbacks due to the weather, but is scheduled to be completed on time.

The two bridges that are near completion connect ‘A’ Field to ‘B’ Field.

He said the next pair of bridges to be built will be in the vicinity of the Sophia Primary and Nursery Schools and will also be connecting ‘A’ Field to ‘B’ Field and will commence this month.

Residents say that these infrastructural improvements will greatly improve their accessibility to the area, since access is presently restricted to a small access bridge and they are relieved and thankful for the new road and bridge.

Other development works in the pipeline for the area are the installation of 10km solar integrated street lights and the construction of eight recreational facilities.

Ramcharitar Construction Company has been contracted to build the eight bridges, while S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies Construction Services are constructing some of the roads and pavements.

US$5 million has been earmarked for a Home Improvement Subsidy Programme, which will see 2,000 persons accessing as much as $500,000 to rehabilitate their homes. Under that component as well, another US$5 million has been budgeted for the construction of 250 core homes within the outlined areas.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

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‘The secret unveiled’ Skeldon Heritage Resort promoting family time, cohesiveness in the community Skeldon Heritage Resort’s Grand House

By Nafeeza Yahya SITTING on the far eastern end of East Berbice-Corentyne, a stone’s throw from the Corentyne River and overlooking the 100 plus years of sugarcane plantation history sits the picturesque Skeldon Heritage Resort (SHR), formerly the managers’ compound of the Skeldon Estate. The compound now under the control of NICIL has become the hottest spot on the Corentyne for relaxation, entertainment and family fun. The resort sits on 48 acres of pristine greenery and with its cool, fresh Atlantic breeze, persons are destined to have a oncein-a-lifetime experience.

The Skeldon Sugar Estate is located approximately 74 kilometres east of New Amsterdam. With

Main entrance to the Skeldon Heritage Resort

24, three-bedroom bungalows, the Great House, a guest house with eight self-contained rooms, dining hall, a training facility that is perfect for seminars, benabs, a swimming pool, recreational facilities for, cricket, basketball, volleyball, lawn tennis and other sports, the resort is perfect for any family fun, corporate retreat or educational tour and offers a “unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.” On a typical Sunday, the facilities have an average of 500 adults and children who visit to make use of the pool and other amenities.

Among the exquisite beauty to explore at the SHR, is the ‘Great House or what is now called the ‘Grand house’; the two-storey, suspended timber and shingle structure was built in 1910. While rehabilitation work was done over the years, the historical building

Living room area in one of the Bungalows

was able to retain its original features. The

Three of the resort’s spacious Bungalows

name speaks for itself with the first floor so ‘huge’ and spacious it would take some time to explore; the level offers dining and the living area while the second level contains the bedrooms. Over the years the structures have retained most of their original features such as the regal vintage look, covered verandahs and wide overhangs. The building was used as the official residence of the estate manager; it also offers the most pleasing scenery as well as a swing on the ground floor. In front of the building contains a cannon, while around the house are numerous fruit trees, flowers and a kitchen garden.

The management of the facility is looking to add a few more amenities such as a restaurant and sports bar to encourage even more visitors and guests, while maintaining the rich cultural and historical heritage of the sugar industry in Guyana.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

EMANCIPATION DAY A TIME OF CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION

ON August 1, we celebrated Emancipation Day which is among the three oldest public holidays Guyana. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was celebrated for an entire week with much emotion and verve and there were many customs which were part of the celebrations. For instance, early in the morning on Emancipation Day, in the villages, young people would go from house to house waking up all sleepers and calling them out to celebrate.

African drums reverberated from the earliest dawn to next day since in all the villages there were groups which maintained the rich traditions of African drumming. And all families prepared cook-ups, cassava and pumpkin pones and conkie as well as various delightful drinks such as mauby, pine drink, sorrel, jamoon wine and rice wine.

Everyone kept open house and visited each other’s homes and enjoyed the hospitality and good fellowship which was everywhere offered. During Emancipation week, all grudges and quarrels were forgotten and everyone became a celebrant. Towards the end of the 19th century, the custom of having fairs grew up. where string bands from various villages performed accompanied by drum-

mers and there was much public dancing. There were attendances at the various churches, particularly at the Congregational Churches since Congregationalism, even before Emancipation, was engaged in African education and nurturing freedom.

Many of these old customs of Emancipation Week are worthy of revival since they were enjoyable in themselves and reminded Guyanese of their historical past and their cultural roots. African drumming, dress, musical traditions, and cuisine, some of which was brought from Africa, some of which evolved during the time of slavery could all go towards enrichening Guyanese Culture. Church attendance and belief in God were long associated with familial strengthening, social discipline and above all, Education. This commitment to Education which the freedmen and their immediate descendants stoutly maintained produced scholars of the highest order and the teachers for the National Educational System which was established by Law in the 1870s.

One or two organisations, the main one being ACDA led

by Dr Eric Philipps, have been working very hard to maintain African traditions but the main responsibility for this should be

assumed by the village leaders, as used to be the case with the strengthening of Education being a priority. Today, parents are focusing on the large urban schools like Queen’s College but greater stress needs to be given to the village or large country schools which have been rivalling the urban schools in their CXC results. The Internet and ICT, in general, have levelled the playing field between urban and country schools and the village schools should take advantage of it.

Emancipation Week has rightly been a time of celebration and rejoicing but as importantly, it should be a time of stock-taking and reflection for all Guyanese and particularly the descendants of the freedmen This stock-taking should engender a number of positive commitments which should lead the community forward into greater prosperity to the benefit of the entire country.

IIn the first place, since Independence in the 1960’s all Guyanese had been overtaken by an unhealthy obsession with politics. Politics and the personalities of political leaders had distracted all Guyanese, in varying degrees, from a full focus on the realities of their social and economic development and this affected also the descendants of the freedmen. Though citizens should have some concern with politics, their priority should be on achieving their own social and economic development which they could do only by their own efforts.

Then there is Education. The villages which were founded by the freedmen and their immediate descendants were once dynamos of learning and despite limited facilities, they produced scholars of the first order as well as professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants and of course teachers. The best Guyanese tradesmen - carpenters, joiners, electricians, mechanics, tailors, coopers and so on came from these villages. The leaders of these villages must once again stress the importance of Education and parents must insist that their children attend school with full regularity and they should always encourage them to strive for excellence. In particular, they must master ICT as the modern world now revolves around Information Technology. Education will bring about a better life, open the doors to numerous opportunities and upward social mobility.

In the early villages, most villagers were agriculturists and had farms which produced most of the ground provisions, plantains, vegetables, fruits and livestock such chickens which were sold in the markets. Even professionals had farms. Their produce helped to provide the country’s food security, provided their own food and earned them an income. Agriculture must be revived in these villages and they should venture more in rice farming. Agriculture is today more attractive than in the 19th and early 20th centuries since there is the availability of agricultural machines and scientific methods.

The economic and social benefits of such return to the land would be immeasurable.

The entrepreneurial spirit and culture had always been present - witness the emergence of vendors and importers of scarce goods during the 1970s and 1980s - but they need to be carefully re-nurtured. Saving, that is capital accumulation for investment, is the key to successful business ventures.

The freedmen carefully saved the meagre wages they earned during the Apprenticeship System and sales from the Sunday markets as they knew that saving was the postponement of today’s gratification for tomorrow’s betterment. They were able to accumulate capital and when the opportunity came, they bought the abandoned sugar estates and became landed proprietors and founded villages. The descendants of the freedmen must once again recapture the culture of saving and investment. The entrepreneurial culture is the key to the generation of wealth and will eclipse the culture of wholesale consumption which results in always being on the margins of poverty.

Though we have almost exceeded the space allotted to this article, there is one final commitment we must mention. Our freedmen forefathers were godfearing and went to church regularly which cultivated a strong moral discipline, improved their knowledge of writing and speaking English by their continuous reading of the Bible and was the basis of their entrepreneurial culture since “God did not wish the failures of the Earth in Heaven”. The descendants of the freedmen need to again involve themselves in religion and regularly going to church.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

LYL members and President David Granger during a visit to State House in 2018

The Linden Youth Leaders Empowering the young people of Linden

By Hugh McLean THE Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) is a non-governmental organisation and was founded in April 2016 by Linden’s past Mayor Carwyn Holland and Roshelle Sparman. It all unfolded as Mayor Holland was approached by a concerned Sparman, who was accompanied by her mother, expressing concern about the well-being of the youth in Linden.

It was there that the two undertook to work together to get the group up and running, with Sparman enlisting Linden youth attached to the University of Guyana and Mayor Holland and his wife Nikosa Holland spearheading the advancement of the group.

To date, the group has grown considerably and is made up primarily of students between Grades Nine to 12 and recent school graduates. The main purpose of the LYL includes: empowering young people for their future endeavours; fostering a sense of discipline and leadership; promoting mental and spiritual growth; promoting opportunities for young people to serve their communities and the wider world and harnessing a sense of national pride.

Since its formation, LYL has tremendously impacted the Linden community and is seen as one of the most active youth groups in the region.

LYL ACHIEVEMENTS Its success stories include :the staging of a Ride-a-thon and Family Cohesion Day in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Social Protection; a human rights day march in collaboration with the United Nations Development Fund; Valentine’s Day treats for loved ones; gift exchanges for hard-working members; annual Christmas Season Toy distribution in collaboration with Mayor Holland and the Cecil Holland Foundation, among other initiatives.

According to the group’s Facebook page, one of the primary aims of their organisation is to exhibit positive development in their community. They intend to see the empowerment of youths and create opportunities for them to serve their communities and the wider world, while also harnessing within them a great Turn to page XXIX ►►► pride for their nation.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

Emotional acceptance

I’VE gotten so many emails recently on how to overcome certain emotions.

While I will tackle a few of these in time, I think many are underestimating a very important mental health tool: emotional acceptance.

Emotional acceptance is the willingness and ability to experience what we are told (and believe to be) negative emotions. These can be stress, sadness, guilt, fear, anger etc.

Dreams, goals, plans and life, in general, comes with these hardships and let downs so attempting to avoid these emotions are futile.

These feelings are inevitable so we are better off relinquishing to them and instead be prepared to healthily deal with them.

Many of us tend to shy away from how we really feel. We may be embarrassed or become even more guilty or angry at ourselves for feeling the way we do. Although these emotions are considered negative, I believe just the opposite. They shouldn’t even be called negative emotions as they serve a great purpose in our lives.

For you to accept this advice, it would be beneficial that you know and understand the purpose of emotions in the first place. They provide a platform for information about what is happening around us, how we feel towards it and sometimes even how to behave in the particular situation.

Think about it – If we do not feel fear, we participate in recklessness. If we don’t feel guilt, we could never repent or practice redemption. If we don’t feel any stress, then are we really challenging ourselves as individuals? If we don’t feel bad or low sometimes, how would we know what areas in our life need special attention?

You see, sometimes in life, we could be doing everything that we feel is right and still feel wrong; still feel like we aren’t doing anything right. However, it’s important to know that the more we fight these emotions, the worse we feel and the longer we experience them. My advice is to surrender to them.

Emotions such as sadness, guilt or anger allow us to determine what our individual wants, needs, desires and even personal boundaries are. Without these feelings, I don’t think it is possible for us to truly know our-

selves. I don’t think it is possible for others to properly know us either, which means our relationships suffer.

It would help us to view ‘negative emotions’ as motivators that are trying to send us a message. They are informing us that we feel a certain way because we aren’t satisfied with our current situation; that we still have somewhere to go. These ‘negative emotions’ are reminders that there are still things that we want or desire and more importantly that they are within our reach. It means that our journey is not quite finished yet. Therefore, these emotions should be providing hope as they can generate positive change.

We are often told to hide our feelings, to put on brave faces and smile even when we don’t feel like. I believe that is terrifically bad advice as it both forces and encourages people to feel guilty or ashamed of normal and essential emotions. Instead of using our energy to fight off these emotions, we should use the energy to healthily and effectively deal with how we feel. This allows us to constantly build our coping skills and our ability to be resilient. This means that every time we feel sad, angry or any other ‘negative emotion’ and we effectively deal with it, we are building a more capable and resourceful self. That is never something to be ashamed of.

Please remember a few things.

1. Accepting a ‘negative emotion’ actually forces it to lose its destructive power.

Instead, we learn what is meaningful in our lives and practice personal growth.

2. If we don’t permit ourselves the lows, then we automatically reduce the satisfaction of the highs. The point of life isn’t to be happy all the time (as sadly, that’s impossible) but rather how to healthily deal with the times when we are not.

I’ve created a new life motto for my ‘bad days’ which I hope will help you all as well.

It goes “I’ve had a bad day but that’s okay- let tomorrow come anyway!”

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896.

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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FILES E S A C T R U O C

Convicted rapist freed by judge’s misdirection

By George Barclay

Unsworn child allowed to corroborate sworn evidence CONVICTED burglar and rapist Boodram Lall, who in 1967 was found guilty on the unsworn evidence of a child that corroborated sworn testimony of the mother, appealed and was freed by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

That court, constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal P. A. Cummings and Victor Crane, found that the trial judge had erroneously told the jury at the trial that the child’s unsworn testimony was capable of corroborating the mother’s evidence.

As a result, the appeal was allowed and the convictions and sentences were quashed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant was indicted on two counts: firstly, for ‘burglary with intent to commit rape’ on K., the mother of K.R., a nine-year-old girl.

The trial judge questioned the child and recorded the opinion that she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence, but he did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of an oath and, as a result, she gave unsworn evidence. Her testimony, if admissible and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The jury was directed that the rule of practice was to look for corroboration of the mother’s evidence. Quite properly, he told them that they could convict on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother, but he also told them over and over again that K. R.’s unsworn evidence corroborated the mother’s testimony.

That court held (i) the unsworn evidence of a child could not be used to corroborate the sworn testimony of another person; (ii) the directions were of such a nature that it was impossible to say whether the jury relied for their verdict of “Guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother alone, coupled with the warning that they were entitled to do, or, on the evidence of the child as corroboraThat court, which allowed the appeal – quashing the convictions and sentences – had referred nine cases.

Queen’s Counsel Mr. J. O. F. Haynes had represented the appellant, while Mr. N.A. Graham, Senior Crown Counsel, appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the court, Chancellor Stoby said that the jury trial took place in April 1967 at the Demerara Assizes.

After a trial which lasted two days, the accused was convicted on both counts and sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment of seven years.

According to him, at the trial a nine-yearold-girl, K.R., was called by the Crown, as a witness.

The judge questioned the child and after

the questioning recorded that in his opinion she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence. The judge did not permit her to be sworn, as he did not think that she understood the nature of the oath, and in the result, she gave unsworn evidence.

Her evidence if admissible, and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The main ground of appeal, said the chancellor, is whether the trial judge was correct in directing the jury that the unsworn evidence of a child could corroborate sworn evidence.

The chancellor explained, “The manner in which the law developed to permit the unsworn testimony of witnesses is not without interest. In early times, all evidence had to be given on oath and on the gospel; no one but a Christian could testify.

Competency to testify depended upon acceptance of the witness’ belief in the gospel. Non-Christians and children of tender years were deemed to be ignorant of the nature and obligations of an oath; they were not allowed to be sworn and so could not testify. Such was the state of the law until the celebrated case of Omychand v. Barker, (1744) 1 Atk 22,in which the depositions of Indian witnesses of the Gentoo religion taken by Order of Court according to the local ceremonies on commissions in the East Indies were admitted and read in evidence after being objected to.

In the report of this case at page 29, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE LEE remarked that it was determined at the Old Bailey upon mature consideration, that a child should not be admitted to give evidence without oath; and LORD CHIEF BARON PARKER in the same case said that it was so ruled at the Kingston Assizes before LORD RAYMOND, where, upon an indictment for rape, he refused the evidence of a child without oath .

The old cases of R. v. Powell (1775) 1 Leach 110 and R. v. Braster, (1779) 1 Leach 199, both emphasise the fact that though there was no precise or fixed rule as to the time within which infants are excluded from giving evidence, the testimony of an infant was not receivable under any circumstance except under oath.

After reviewing a number of cases, and perusing the directions of the trial judge, the chancellor declared, “It is impossible for us to say which of these two alternative situations the jury accepted --- whether they relied for their verdict of “Guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence alone, coupled with the warning as they were entitled to do, or on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s.

Indeed, the jury having been told that it would be dangerous for them to act on the uncorroborated evidence of K. alone, may very well, it is contemplated, have heeded the judge’s warning and convicted with the help of the evidence of the child, which was repeatedly suggested to them as being capable of corroborating the mother’s.

“It seems to us that the likelihood of

a verdict of “Guilty” returned in such circumstances without the proviso (14) being explained to them is unsafe, and founded as it is on a non-direction which amounted to a misdirection in law ought to be set aside in the interest of justice.

“The appeal is allowed and convictions and sentences quashed.” Justices of Appeal Cummings and Crane concurred.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

Mind-Altering Drugs

The ultimate imitation of God WE do not know all about what we are as human beings, nor have we deciphered the very realms of living matter. We know there’s an ‘ego’; a compulsion that propels us on a stream of bravado that sometimes defies the logic of caution and the overwhelming evidence of folly. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of Guyanese have died from drug usage. Many families --- rich and poor--- have endured the insecurity, sleepless nights and breakaway from all normalcy due to a relative in the embrace of this or that narcotic control. This indulgence is a force, an entity of sorts, that stimulates the mind to seek it out and engage in a ritual dance of the elusive mind at large, and a retreat of the spirit from the overpowering prison of addiction, from where, looking back to retrace footsteps seem harder after every high.

What makes addiction even more venomous, is the fact that there are citizens posturing in offices and social edifices that the naive would easily trust to act in their interest, but who would reduce if necessary a third of the nation’s population to addiction and the violence of inevitable drug conflicts bringing the destruction of all core values and an invasion of every perverted vice into acceptance by force for profit. Some of these people are mentioned for what they are in international publications. Do not for one moment think that drugs, with its destructive powers, are collectively recognised as evil by all. There are divisions on this where logic would dictate that human decency should prevail.

The majority indeed do reject, but evil is a force that imposes with the seduction of bribes, the lure of immediate release from the depression of unclear paths. It lifts low self-esteem with the promise of shortcuts to the success of ‘conspicuous consumption’ and future financial security. To many, it provides them with an illegitimate sense of power, over the life and death of other citizens who dare resist or defy. The activities of the phantom-related state killers under the past regime are perfect examples.

The micro or macro drug state does not, and cannot exist without the savagery of its enforcers, these are gathered from the more

unclear, unexposed, what in grassroots terms are addressed as the ‘Mock-Shine’ translate to possessing the image but lack the principles and intelligence to do the right thing. They are society’s social dropouts and its legion of imbalanced professional predators, where the will to succeed transcends the risks of the obvious cycle, the more enticed they become. How this works is simple. I know a friend who was promised enough money to pay the Ministry of Housing for his land and enter into the vehicle-pawning business; all he had to do was chaperone some drugs through the airport. Before explaining this, he had asked me to borrow any book I had on the drug business. I lent him ‘Cocaine Wars’ which he returned in a week. Apparently, he went to the airport and something mentally happened. He left the line towards immigration and his prized luggage and took a minibus back to Georgetown then retreated to a rural area where he remained. Until I saw him a

few years later, by then his whereabouts had slipped from my interest, until on an ACDA outing to that area of Guyana he approached me, bearded. I didn’t recognise him at first, then we chatted. It seems he had retreated here with his small family, altogether.

Apparently, he had taken his advance and driven by the reality of what could be from the other side of the coin and leaving nothing to chance, he ran. He described the book he had borrowed from me as a ‘Horror Book.’ He read, others don’t, and are consumed only by the promised options of the glitter of their side of the coin, denying the possibility of the shadows of the other side.

Of course, it is complex. Poverty at different levels plays a part. Cultures differ with respect to the empathy and logical enlightenment of each person. Confronting immediate situations impose difficult decisions; thus, the balance is an endeavour of inner torment when needs and circumstances are encroaching, but the consequences

are always pivotal with respect to ‘shortcut choices.’ This is the human internal predicament that differs from person to person, all with compromising, and most times with life-altering results.

The ultimate spin of mind-altering drugs (MAD) is the proposal of the elevation of consciousness above the challenges of worldly obstacles. Obstacles that plunge us into fits of hopelessness and the fever of the blame game and the urge of the quick fix.

MAD attempts to replace faith, prayer and actions through sincere works in the pursuit of solid ambitions. It denounces the reality check, which alerts us that in most situations our obstacles have been summoned by our own actions or have been thrust upon us by misplaced imaginary expectations of entitlement. They are gauntlets thrown at our feet by actions we should have addressed rather than have ignored. Politics is one, and career and trend choices are others.

With politics, it is in our interest to explore the past actions of those who seek political office. If they have held office before, explore how did they treat the nation physically, mentally and spiritually. Not what they tell you now. Like the drug addict, career, but known corrupt politicians have perfected the methods of lying. They can even offer you an immediate release, but if you fail to see the big picture, the natural propensity for insincerity will emerge and creep into your social habitat when you are most vulnerable. One thing they understand is those who are earnest in what they believe, they are despised for that, but, they hold beggars, the vulnerable and opportunists in contempt, only as pawns in their scheme of things.

We have had nightmare years of escalated narcotics, from 1996-2014 tearing at our peace of mind. Courtney Crum-Ewing’s murder in 2015 was the last martyr of an era of evil, that wishes to clothe itself anew, we can never reflect on MAD in Guyana without reflecting on the PPP’s Jagdeo / Roger Khan years, and if we fail to learn from the past, then the future will be worse. That period occurred because that was an administration that possessed no moral character that had the power or credibility to halt any excess.

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Alternative oral care DENTAL caries, commonly known as tooth decay and gum disease, determine the level of oral health of a person. Unfortunately, such diseases are so common that eventually, every adult in the world has one or both. The countries with the best oral health are the United States, Denmark and Canada. Those countries whose populations have the worst mouths are Poland, Columbia and Australia. Because these conditions are so common, they are considered a real public health problem especially because the lawmakers and politicians globally do not consider it to be vital.

Why is it that despite the fact that in most of the countries in the Middle East, there is no significant water fluoridation or comprehensive preventive programme yet the populations enjoy relatively good oral health? The answer to that question involves a practice which most of the world probably considers primitive.

Surprisingly, instead of focusing on and knowing the real causes of these two diseases (which are simply dirt and diet) and instead of directing all the efforts to invent and encourage the use of effective tools to prevent and control these two diseases effectively, the profession has fallen in treatment which consumes too much time, effort and money.

Chewing sticks are commonly used in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for oral hygiene, religious and social purposes. The Ancient Egyptians were concerned about dental hygiene. We know this today because they also had a habit of being entombed with their treasures. So we were able to discover that tombs from 3000 years before Christ contain small tree twigs whose ends had been frayed into soft fibres.

Here at home, some years ago, especially in rural areas the chew stick was popular. Black sage and neem stalks were commonly used to clean one’s teeth.

It has been determined that chewsticks from thirteen different plants not only contain substances that possess antibacterial properties but have astringent, detergent and abrasive properties as well. These properties have encouraged some toothpaste laboratories to incorporate powdered stems and/or root material in their products.

The chemical constituents of Salvadora Persica, for example, include trimethylamine, alkaloids, chlorides, high amounts of fluoride and silica, sulphur, vitamin C and small amounts of tannin, saponins, flavonoids and sterols.

The most studied chew sticks are the Miswak, Fagara Zanthoxyloides, Serindea wernikei, Neem, Paku and Acaccia Arabica. Research was conducted mainly in Nigeria where 90 percent of the population uses chew sticks. Here in Guyana, we could use neem, cinnamon, lime or black sage.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended and encouraged the use of these sticks as an effective tool for oral hygiene. It was confirmed by the experts that the toothbrush is not superior to the chew stick as regards its capacity to remove dental plaque.

The use of the chew sticks is entirely consistent with the Primary Health Care Approach (PHCA) principles and in particular that of a focus on prevention, community participation technology. By using it, the notion of self-reliance can be encouraged and implemented in poor countries where it is available locally and does not need technology or expertise or extra resources to manufacture it. It can be used by both children and adults, thus it is appropriate for all societies. The use of chew sticks is catching on in industrialised countries. For example, it is quite common in pharmacies in the United States. You can easily buy a pound packet of peppermint flavoured African/Jamaican chewsticks.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Alternative History in Christopher Castellani’s ‘Leading Men’ THE concept of ‘alternative history fiction’ is an interesting one for writers due to the fact that it presents both an opportunity for the imagination to run free and also a challenge in the ways we must rein in the imagination before we are faced with a lawsuit or some other kind negative response that can be a hindrance to the writer and his/her writing career.

Alternative history refers to a retelling or a version of a segment of history where known historical events occur in different ways. So, a theoretical example of a work of alternative history could be a stage-play that envisions a Guyana where Burnham and Jagan stay friends and come together to rid the country of racism. A real example of a work that uses alternative history is Philip K. Dick’s “The Man in the High Castle” (adapted into a TV show of the same name by Amazon Studios) where, in the world of the novel, World War II ends differently and Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany are in control of the United States of America.

Another example of this type of fiction – though one where the change in history is much smaller than the outcome of World War II – is the novel, “Leading Men” by Christopher Castellani. This particular novel tells the story of the great American playwright, Tennessee Williams and his lover, Frank Mer-

lo, as they holiday in Italy, detailing the ups and downs of their relationship, the impact they had on each other, and the tragic end to their love story. Castellani’s book is rooted in many facts, as the writer conducted a lot of research in order to ensure the authenticity of his central relationship. His major addition to the life of Williams in his novel, and the element that makes the work alternative history, is the creation of the character of Anja Bloom – a fictional actress who subsequent to her meeting with Williams and Merlo in the novel becomes a movie star and a central figure that is used to demonstrate the depth and true nature of the relationship between the two men.

Castellani came up with the idea for this particular character during his research when he stumbled across a letter that Truman Capote (another figure from real life, author of “In Cold Blood) wrote to a friend while staying at the same place that Williams and Merlo were at during the beginning of the novel. A part of the letter (dated 23 June 1953) tells of the presence of a certain unknown girl: “There is…a Swedish mother and daughter who share a fisherman between them…” and thus, the character of Anja Bloom was born. The intersection of the fictional Anja Bloom and the very real Tennessee Williams, Frank Merlo, and even Truman Capote is a blending of reality and fiction that makes “Leading Men”

an ideal case study for the literary style that has come to be regarded as alternative history fiction.

The book begins in the summer of 1953 with Tennessee Williams at the very prime of his career.

The playwright and tall, strapping Frank Merlo are enjoying their holiday in Italy. One night, they attend a party with Truman Capote and it is here that they all come across the shy but beautiful, Anja, and her mother. Eventually, Anja, Williams, and Merlo become very close friends as they travel around Italy, enjoying the food and the architecture and the atmosphere, and Williams takes it upon himself to assist both Anja and Merlo in becoming actors. Anja becomes a massive star, while Merlo finds that his health and his relationship with Williams are beginning to fade away.

The brilliance of Castellani’s writing comes to the fore when, at various points throughout the text, one remembers that Anja Bloom, despite the writer’s careful crafting of her character from sweet, teenage protégé trying to escape her mother into old, fading meteor of an actress who is running from different demons, does not exist and has never existed. The skill with which Castellani is able to track her development throughout the novel is truly impressive. He imbues this character with the potency of a rising starlet, giving her a confidence and carefree nature that reminds the reader of several young movie stars, and yet, Anja is not a version of the stereotypical ‘cool girl.’ She is level-headed and intelligent, sharp and focused, and brimming untapped emotions, especially concerning the principal male figures in her life: Merlo, Williams, and her father. By the end of the novel, you will end up googling her name, just to see if you had misread this article and that there really existed a beautiful blonde Swede by the name of Anja Bloom who was a companion of Tennessee Williams and Frank Merlo, who became a star in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and now lives out her days in retirement and isolation.

On the flip side, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Williams and Merlo were actually real people, especially with the otherworldly sense of beauty and nuance that Castellani imbues their relationship with, making them star-crossed and as iconic, as unreachable, as firmly fixed in the element of fiction – except that they actually are not fictional – in much the same way that Romeo and Juliet or Tristan and Isolde exist in our minds and our literature. There is depth and beauty and heartache with the two men. Williams and Merlo cruise the streets of Rome for young men that they share together, that they

“Leading Men” by Christopher Castellani, published February 12, 2019, by Viking – Image source: Goodreads”

use against each other. They love each other hard and, sometimes, abandon each other in times of need. They do not say ‘I love you’ to one another and yet, it is there, in every touch, every whispered word, every time they come together in public, the electricity between them crackling continuously, until the end, until the ultimate tragedy consumes them and their tempestuous relationship, until nothing but regrets are left – and then, at the end of the book, in the last line, you remember and you ask yourself how you could have forgotten that all this time, you were reading a love story, and like all good love stories, this one too ends tragically.

I suppose Castellani could have written a fictional novel about Anja Bloom, and then a separate novel about Williams and Merlo. If he had done that, then neither of those hypothetical novels would have been anywhere as strong as “Leading Men.” The two tales are intertwined, yes, but they also complement and impact each other, so that there would have been no Tennessee Williams without Frank Merlo and no Anja Bloom without either of the two and that is the final and most important line on how “Leading Men” lets us know that alternative history fiction matters – and that it is an important element in modern literature.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

Entrepreneurship

Painting by Chelsea Ramotar entitled, ‘A simple trade’

AFTER graduating from the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, a family member said to me: “Great! Now you can go to University and do something with your life.” Although my initial reaction to her statement was infuriation, I was suddenly hit with reality and faced with the question of what now? I quickly decided that I was going to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an entrepreneur. Let’s just say, God had bigger plans.

What now? It’s a burning question facing many graduates today. I visited the graduating class of the University of Guyana’s Fine Arts programme exhibition at the Giftland Mall a few weeks back. There, I happened to ask one of the exhibiting artists, Chelsea Ramotar: what’s next? Her response didn’t surprise me, she simply said: “I would like to be a full-time artist.” I had to smile because nine years ago, that was me: the aspiring entrepreneur.

Not every entrepreneur is an artist but every artist is an entrepreneur.

Whether we use our creative skills as a main source of income or in addition to some other, making art is a business. More than just a product, artists provide a service. One that requires a great deal of talent. However, no successful business is run on talent alone. Not to be misconstrued, hence the term: “starving artist.”

Becoming an artist involves a combination of academia and talent. Artists are mathematicians, we have to know profit and loss calculations. A major aspect of creating aesthetically pleasing products is researching

works by other artists, cultural practices, history and more importantly our target market. When an artist creates a piece he/she is not just doing it for themselves rather we do it for the people. Artists are scientists, the number of formulas used daily may surprise you. How many other professionals have to study anatomy? Think about it. Business management is an integral part of being an artist. The bottom line is, without academics, we’ll have a large number of starving artists.

The fact remains that insufficient earnings have a way of hindering creativity. While some might argue that artists shouldn’t create for the money; rather, they should create for the love. The reality is that nobody works only for the love. Money is an important factor regardless of occupation. It would be naive to think that artists can survive for the love of art. Art is a business and artists are entrepreneurs.

Painting by Chelsea Ramotar entitled, ‘No me without you’

So, as we eagerly await CSEC results and parents and students are faced with the question of: what now? I hope that this column would have given you some insight as to what it takes to become an artist. So, whether your child was in the art, business, science, or technology stream, becoming an artist is still a possibility. They will need all the skills they acquired to have a successful art career. One that is not solely based on income but is inclusive of the individual’s passion.

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Facing the probability of creating a job for yourself

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Taking control of our history NOW, when it comes to African History in the Caribbean, I will always have a lot to say, so much so, that I happily jump into DMs when I see people post things like “Reparations aren’t necessary”. It is because of these experiences, where I see my peers so incredibly misinformed, that I believe we must continue to forge ahead with rewriting our history.

A few years ago, I would’ve happily restated that after about three centuries of living under an incredibly monstrous system of chattel slavery, enslaved Africans were granted their freedom on August 1, 1838.

That became widely known as Emancipation, and it is something we celebrate each year, rightfully so.

The African brothers and sisters were, oh so benevolently, granted their human right to freedom and agency, and to live their lives away from the rigorous plantation system-but lest we forget, the efforts that were made subsequently to stymie the development of their livelihoods and make living almost akin to the plantation life. We must acknowledge the fortitude it took to forge ahead, in spite of these barriers. And importantly, in my opinion, it is these efforts of forging ahead that should be celebrated even more.

I attended a lecture by African historian, Dr. Kimani Nehusi, who tried convincing youths that they should take a greater interest in knowing their history- the actual history of their people- instead of the rehashed stories presented to them.

“If we don’t know our history and if we are unaware of our culture, then we are confused. And you enter onto the journey

of life in a confused state,” he said. He later highlighted that African people have been subjected to years of discrimination and prejudice that would have caused them to believe their culture is inferior.

“The destruction of Africa wasn’t only physical violence, it was intellectual violence also and many of us are very ignorant of who we are and these lies have been perpetuated through institutions we follow,” he emphasised.

And Dr. Nehusi further contended that Africans belonged to a highly civilised society, long before they were transported to other parts of the world. And even as they were uprooted and forced to grow elsewhere, he highlighted that the Africans still managed to show their resilience by forming a “civilised alternative to plantation barbarism”- through which villages were established and the people began rebuilding their lives in the new spaces. You know, that fortitude I alluded to earlier.

I will continue to express my apprecia-

tion that CAPE history offered me an opportunity to learn about my shared history, not from the people who wanted to dictate what parts of history I knew, but from the people who have an interest in presenting the facts outside of the narrative of the colonisers.

Full credits to Sir Hilary Beckles, Verene A. Shepherd, and the rest of the team that crafted the CAPE History syllabus.

It is easy to believe that Africans were inferior people who were colonised so that they could be saved. I mean, just think about how much easier it would be to justify something so wrong if you showed that you had some noble reason. And as history would show, it is this same level of thinking that precipitated America’s massive civil war.

But now, we know better, or we should know better and we should continue to demand better.

A few days ago, on Twitter, I saw that the trailer for the film on Harriet Tubman was released. Now, if you know anything about enslavement in North America, you

know Tubman was, as people my age say in our vernacular, “De BADDEST”. The comments under this trailer, however, might have curbed my excitement and caused me to think a bit deeper.

Many persons, Africans in particular, expressed that they were tired of seeing the same portrayals over and over. According to them, it seemed as filmmakers were only concerned with highlighting (and profiting from) those stories that showed Africans struggling under the whites and reminding Africans over and over of the torture their ancestors faced. And that these filmmakers thrive off of the emotional ‘feel-good’ or sympathetic sentiments garnered.

Instead, these Twitter users said they’d much rather see stories like Black Panther which celebrates and amplifies their culture and heritage, and which highlights how the African societies might have developed massively without foreign influences coming to take away the ‘resources’. Black Panther might have been fictional, but there is growing evidence to show just how sophisticated the African society was. (For some reading on this, from Guyanese authors, you can check out Walter Rodney’s ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ and Ivan Van Sertima’s ‘They Came Before Columbus’).

So, my point in all of this, is to emphasise the importance of knowing our history- not just for the sake of knowing our history but for understanding the importance of how we got to where we are today and how this should guide our efforts moving forward (you know, like getting reparations so that development of African people can be truly fostered.)

Bringing ‘Kenthings’ life KENI TA Roberts is the kind of young woman that would take the seemingly mundane things and titivate with those to create something beautiful. In fact, she does this so well, that she has been able to make her own business out of this innate talent.

“I started making things for myself, and then I would post it [online] and people asked if I could make it for them, and from there I started to expand,” Kenita said. That was how her business, Kenthings, was birthed.

With Kenthinngs, she focuses primarily on creating copper jewellery- earrings, chains, arm cuffs, and ‘loc’ jewellery.

The 19-year-old girl is quite interested in decorative craft, tie-dying and jewellery making. She also dabbles in painting. Importantly, her mother is an

artist, and you could say that her interest, and perhaps talent in the creative sector, was developed as she grew up at the woman’s knee.

Kenita is also a budding environmental scientist and is currently studying environmental science at the University of Guyana (UG). She does this while balancing her business, and while being an active volunteer at STEMGuyana. This seems like it could be a handful to manage, but Kenita said that she dislikes procrastination, so she gets the job done on all fronts. Added to that, she loves everything she does; on the business side, it’s a plus that the twisting and shaping of copper is a relaxing hobby for her.

“Being a young entrepreneur, it’s actually kind of difficult, if you depend on it,” the young girl explained.

“This difficulty lies in sourcing materials, doing something that would interest people and getting sales.”

She highlighted that entrepreneur-

ship is not always as glamorous as it sounds, and sometimes there are those “low points”. But, she contended that there are “high points” as well, and as such, she affirmed that in everything, you must give thanks.

And entrepreneurship, particularly in the creative sector, is one which she believes needs that extra ‘push’.

In fact, she related that from visiting this year’s exhibition of the biannual Guyana Visual Arts competition, she observed that there is a growing number of locals persons who are willing to push their talents and participate in the competition. This points to the need for more avenues that persons can tap into to express themselves, she noted.

“In all aspects of creativity, one way to improve this is by incorporating and initiating the interest in the creative industry from the education level in schools,” Kenita posited.

Kenita Roberts

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In case

On August 1, our cameramen took a walk to the N the festivities of Emancipation 2019. Here’s ano at that event, just in case you missed it! Phot

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

you missed it!

National Park to indulge in other look at the goings on tos by Samuel Maughn.

n o i t a p i c n a m E 2019

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NAREI’s Plant Pathology Entomology and Weed Science Department FROM time to time our farms are affected by pests, diseases and weeds, which negatively impact productivity and by extension the livelihoods of farmers. Thankfully, there is a department at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) responsible for research in

management of pests, diseases and weeds in Guyana.

The Plant Pathology Entomology and Weed Science Department also caters for providing academic instructions and services on good agricultural practices for farmers. One of its major achievements was the development of the Acoushi Ant

Bait that is produced and sold locally for the management of acoushi ant.

According to Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, “We need to promote sustainable management of pests and diseases taking into consideration the environment. As such, we are emphasizing IPM strategies, use of organic pesticides, lures and bagging of fruits. Our current programmes are geared towards attaining these objectives.”

WHAT ARE OUR OBJECTIVES? 1. To develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to managing pests and diseases for the increase of crop yield.

2. To reduce the amount of pesticide used in the agricultural sector for non-traditional crops.

3. To promote the use of biopesticides for the management of pests and diseases.

WHAT ARE SOME OF OUR PROJECTS? 1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices 2. Weed Management 3. Pest Survey 4. Use of botanicals to manage pests and diseases 5. Use of entomopathogens to manage pests and diseases 6. Conservational Biological Control HOW CAN THIS DEPARTMENT HELP YOU? 1. The department offers free consultation to farmers and the general public on pest and disease management.

2. Additionally, the department conducts laboratory testing and diagnosis of affected plant and soil samples.

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Learning from Indigenous Peoples

TODAY the entire planet faces global environmental issues ranging from climate change, land degradation, changes to ecosystems due to pollution and loss of its unique biodiversity; and the list goes on. The impacts on human health and well-being are inevitable, whether living in developed or developing countries and whether in an urban or rural environment.

The effects are indeed far-reaching!

Indigenous Peoples are at the heart of

Local efforts in Guyana to recognise and better engage our Indigenous Peoples Here in Guyana, several initiatives have been executed over the years to foster improved recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples and the preservation of their traditional knowledge (TK).

In line with the obligations under the said Aichi Targets, the Darwin Initiative project is being executed with major local partners including the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), South-Central Peoples’ Development Association (SCPDA), Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG), Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MoIPA) and the Department of Environment’s sector agencies; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

International partners also provide technical support to this project are the Royal Hollaway

Community Researchers help the project team to gather video material and produce short videos that showcase the importance of traditional knowledge

some of these threats and the international community has recognised their unique culture in relation to the environment and the need to protect their rights and preserve their cultures, languages, and way of life.

On August 9, the world will celebrate the International Day for the Right of Indigenous Peoples.

Such recognition also comes through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) which recognises that Indigenous Peoples have been safeguarding as much as 80 percent of the earth’s biodiversity, even though they are estimated to occupy less than a quarter of the earth’s land area and are a mere five percent of the global population.

The Convention and its associated Aichi Targets not only calls for nations to recognise what Indigenous Peoples have done but more importantly, the engagement and participation of local Indigenous Peoples as countries work towards meeting their obligations to the convention.

University of London and the United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

The project, which began in September 2017 and is expected to end in 2021, speaks directly to the recognition of the role Indigenous Peoples and their traditional knowledge plays in the management of Protected Areas. Working with communities associated with Protected Areas aims to create an evidence-based approach that can be replicated for improved recognition and respect for traditional knowledge and increased engagement of Indigenous peoples in decision-making.

This involves the use of the participatory video approach and involves training community members in the use of simple techniques of capturing and editing video footage to create community-videos.

These community-videos serve to empower indigenous communities by capturing the opinions, concerns and recommendations of community members on a specific

topic - which for this project, is Traditional Knowledge and Protected Areas Management. Their voices can then be heard when such community videos are shared with the relevant governmental stakeholders.

At the national level, the project has been engaging a wide cross-section of government ministries and sector agencies to assess the existing level of traditional knowledge recognition, and how Indigenous peoples are already being incorporated into decision-making processes.

Further, by recognising the opportunities for improving these areas, the project will be supporting the development of a National Action Plan in that regard. This plan will be geared towards raising awareness of the critical role of Indigenous peoples and the value of their traditional knowledge; strengthening local laws, governance and mechanisms that support respect for and incorporation of traditional knowledge; and empowering Indigenous communities to appropriately document and address matters related to the preservation and incorporation of TK for improved deci-

sion-making.

One step at a time: A call to preserve the world’s Indigenous Languages The year 2019 has been identified as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, and this year’s theme draws attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalise and promote them at both national and international levels. An example of a current local language project being led by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, is the Bilingual Education Programme which aims to support the introduction of the Wapishan indigenous language at the nursery school education curriculum. Let us continue to value our Indigenous Peoples through respect, improved engagement and cooperation.

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.

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The celebration of births

AS a little girl, my birthday was celebrated with a new cartoon theme every year, my parents invited friends/ neighbours and I ate cake until my head started to hurt.

While the latter did not change, I can say as the years went by my perspective on birthdays changed. Today, August 4, is actually the day of my birth. Every year, I wake up to my mother hugging and kissing me and as she sits by my

bedside; she tells the same story over and over again of the night and day of my birth. My father would then join us and remind her of how she nearly broke his hands with the squeezing. Throughout the day, my family and close friends find ways to make me feel special and appreciated.

Some people celebrate birthdays to give thanks to their God/religion, others give gratitude towards theirs parents for their efforts, time and even the mother’s physical pain through birth while most people make the celebrations self-oriented where they see it as a day for their own self-appreciation and care. We celebrate birthdays, but why? We can choose any other day, any other milestone but why birthdays? Personally, I celebrate my birthday in hopes of remembering the sacrifices my parents made for me and I use the day to reflect on my past challenges, giving gratitude to those who have helped me get where I currently am.

A birthday cake.

Before there were any calendars and before humans started to record time, it was impossible to track birthdays much less any milestone. People back then were aware of aging but just not a specific number. The crowning of a Pharaoh in ancient Egypt was believed to transform them into a God. The Egyptians classed this as a ‘birthday’ as it was their birth of becoming a God and this was the first set of records of birthday celebrations. Ancient Rome eventually adopted the tradition and was the first set of people to celebrate the birth of normal citizens, not only royals and noblemen. The first set of Christians never celebrated birthdays because it was classed as a pagan holiday. But how can we forget about Christmas? It is now a big celebration and observance of the nativity of Christ.

Even the Germans and Greek played a part in the history of birthdays. The Germans popularised the ‘birthday cake’ as German children were given cakes with the number of candles

The Greek Goddess; Artemis.

to commemorate their ages while the Greeks were the ones who first introduced candles to birthdays. They lit them as a tribute to the Lunar Goddess; Artemis and as a means of prayer.

Many of the worlds culture’s, over thousands of years, contributed to what we know as a birthday today. Today, we sing the famous ‘Happy Birthday Song’ composed by Mildred J. Hill and Patty Hill, blow out our candles, eat cake and spend the day with our loved ones. In fact, some of my fondest memories are from birthday gatherings with the closest family and friends I have. Nowadays, you do not have to be a royal to celebrate your birth and birthdays are even linked to zodiac signs. It goes as far as big sweet 16 parties, Quinceañeras and 10s parties (20, 30, 40), etc. I discovered a quote that said, “there are two great days in a person’s life- the day we are born and the day we discover why.” I do believe we were all born with a purpose but the only person who can discover what is your purpose, is you.

As we age, people are embarrassed to say what their age is. As my father would say, “birthdays are a reminder that we’re one year closer to the grave” and I guess that many older adults share this perspective as well. Dark humour aside, we should focus on life as it is while we’re alive and celebrate that we are alive and surrounded by people who love us. Whatever your reason for celebration is, I do hope you enjoy it with the ones you love inclusive of yourself.

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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion IN July, I decided I needed to give myself a special birthday gift with a difference so I decided to do a challenge.

A challenge to apply the “Law of the Rubber Band“ intentionally. The law states “Growth stops when you lose where you are and where you could be.” I am halfway through that challenge and it is going well even though some days are a bit difficult. One of the things on the list was to meet the submission deadline for this column and I am doing that. I also planned to increase the time I spent in prayer and that happened. I am exercising and eating healthier but it is an effort; more family time which I am enjoying; contributing to others every day is top on my agenda. The Men Across Borders project/mission is back on track. I am looking forward to the blood drive in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service and trust you all will donate blood on August 17 at the Nexus Hub, Wern Ave from 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

I relinquished the chairmanship from the Women Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) which is an association I founded a few years ago and which is dear to my heart.

The WASD social club is providing a forum for business and professional women to relax, renew and rejuvenate while providing support & mentorship to youths and each other.

• To provide an environment conducive towards the formation of a sisterhood dedicated to the development of self, family, society and country.

To harness the skills and talents of women from all walks through networking and the exchange of ideas to create an advanced society.

To organise and build strong, confident, intelligent and empowered women who are committed to the task of building a progressive society.

I am passing the baton to my Vice Chairman Lucria Rambalak. She has been a part of WASD from the inception and has always been supportive. I have no doubt she will lead with great integrity and serve at the highest level. The new Vice Chairman is Meleesa Payne who previously served as a committee member. The Treasurer is Latoya Barton, the Secretary is Leisa Gibson and the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer is Tiffany Myers. The Legal adviser is Onasis Granville while other committee members are Vanda Allicock, Melba La Goude, Danielle John, Rhonda Graham and Abiola Gittens.

I will now be an adviser along with Raquel Thomas Ceasar and Glenis Archer.

Registration for members is now open to people who think they want to grow and contribute to others’ growth.

I have a feeling the second half will be more impactful because of what I have garnered.

I encourage you to challenge yourself in some way that will take you to the next level. I will like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow Leos the best birthday ever.

Maybe you can share some of your challenges with us by emailing beyondtherunway1@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate the beautiful journey BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

My one-month challenge

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◄◄◄ From page XI Swimming Pool, Ground bar and Play area (Delano Williams photos)

Play area for children

“This was an estate setting and we want people to have an appreciation of how the managers used to live, so they can come and rent the houses. We want to encourage people to come down, spend a weekend. We want to create an all-inclusive package where persons can come to the resort, be at peace and at the same time experience nature at its best, with expeditions to the back dams and fishing trips,” said Manager of the facility, Linden Murray.

The compound has been under control of NICIL since April 2018 and has also served as the go-to spot for entertainment-starved residents for the past year and with the plans in store, the manager told the Pepperpot Magazine that they may soon run out of space.

The former senior staff club building has been converted into an executive bar; there will be more benabs and Gazebos added to the resort and a spanking new sports bar will be constructed. Because of the layout of the place with its wellkept lush green lawns and trees that provide shade, it is the ideal area for picnics or camping and with security service 24/7, patrons are safe around the clock.

But the management of the resort is simply not content to sit and wait for customers to walk through the door and make use of the pool and other facilities. They are planning to organise exhibitions, safari trips, beauty pageants, weekend bar-b-ques, karaoke, sports events and other events.

According to Murray, the team while trying to provide entertainment, is also looking to educate and promote social cohesion. For this August holiday, plans are afoot to have a mixture of education and fun for everyone, with literacy classes coupled with aquatic and track and field classes. The holiday will culminate with the Miss Skeldon Heritage Resort Pageant on August 31. The pageant will see a bevy of beauties vying for the inaugural crown which the organisers plan to make an annual event. It is open to females on the Corentyne between the ages of 17-25. It will feature a swimsuit segment, evening gown segment and intelligence segment.

Leading up to the event will also be a day of sports with live entertainment by local artistes and a popular stereo system.

Further, the team at the resort is also looking to have an exclusive kids area with all safety measures in place, so that the children can have clean fun away from the adults while being safe.

According to Murray, the transformation of the compound into a resort was the best thing to happen on the Corentyne, as patrons are giving rave reviews and keep asking for more activities beyond the 10:00hrs to 18:00hrs operating period.

“We are encouraging sober family entertainment, quality time with their families. The only place you can have this is at Skeldon Heritage Resort. You should come down if you want to have clean fun; this is the best thing to happen in Corentyne.”

With a rich history in sugar, the estate spans 34 square miles. The factory and machinery that remain serve as a reminder of this history. The SHR intends to preserve some of that history as they hope to share it with the world.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XIII

LYL youths during a hike

Eighteen-year-old Jamal Europe said that he joined this group because of his interest in making a difference.

“I want to help my community in different areas that it is struggling in,” said Europe in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. “This group helped to discipline me and give me the leadership capacity so that I can empower others like myself and attend different conferences.”

Europe recently completed Grade 12 (Sixth Form) at the Mackenzie High School. He is currently attending the University of Guyana (UG), studying Biology and hopes to “make a difference there also”.

“This organisation helps me grow mentally and spiritually, it gives me a sense of national pride knowing that I am helping to develop my community. It’s good knowing that we can change the views of [adults] on the youths to a good perspective,” posited Europe.

Another member, 21-year-old Anthony Jordan said he joined this group because he loves his community and country and he thinks that it has a great influence on him to further his career as an aspiring minister of business.

“I gained a lot of wisdom and I matured a lot. I learned a lot about politics and to expect the unexpected and to also apply what I’ve learnt from this group in life,” explained Jordan. He served as the third vice-president and said that this organisation is effective in leadership quality and is helping him to become the person he wants to become.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old, Naomi Marshall of Linden, Mackenzie, who is currently the LYL president, said she has been the president for about a few months and will be the president for the rest of 2019. She joined the group because she was encouraged by Holland, and she thought that the group seemed very interesting and she liked what the group represented, which is “giving the youths a voice.’’ She also liked that the group focused on doing community projects, volunteering and allowing the youths to play a part in community development.

“I’ve learnt that not everything you do, you have to get a reward in return for it,” said Marshall, adding, “It gives me an urge to volunteer and help develop my community in any small way because it’s the small things that count.”

Cleaning of the riverfront is one of the activities that they carry out at least once a month and it is part of the Linden Restoration Project (LRP). “Cleaning of the riverfront is just a small but significant role in the environment. It is promoting cohesiveness in the community, because I got to meet persons of different cultures, ages, beliefs, religions and ethnicities,” she said According to Marshall, the group plans on carrying out workshops, where they will be addressing social issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence. They plan to keep going with their restoration project and visit orphanages. They also have their “Bridge Light up” fast approaching in December and this is a big thing for them, because it brings people from Linden and some nearby communities together to one area and for them to have “clean fun.”

The LYL has in store several activities for the rest of the year, including activities for the entire family, seminars and conferences. In fact, a conference is scheduled to be held later this month.

“A few youths getting to hear or getting to be involved, it will make a difference, because they share this with their friends and family and that is the effect we want,” posited Marshall.

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Wakenaam residents eye entrepreneurship after completing catering classes

By Indrawattie Natram FOURTEEN residents of Wakenaam island (Region Three) are looking at earning an incomes through private enterprises now that they have successfully graduated from a catering/ cookery class, compliments of the Guyana FoundationSunrise Centre.

The women particularly said that they are contemplating opening their own cooking business. Anmalitia Oshanna Bancroft, an Hinds, who was one of the 18-year-old who is best graduating students for desirous of opening the skills training programme, a pastry shop said that the catering classes have encouraged women on the island to be Independent and to focus on entrepreneurship.

“The knowledge we gained is valuable. We learned things in cooking we didn’t know about. We are more empowered in the field of cookery and we can confidently cook now, thanks to the Guyana Foundation-Sunrise Centre,” Hinds said.

Another participant from the cookery class, Oshanna Ban-

Anmalitia Hinds during her graduation at the Sunrise Centre

croft, said that her cooking skills have improved significantly.

The 18-year-old said that she is thinking of opening a pastry snackette on the island. Bancroft said that she would particularly like to thank the Sunrise Centre cookery class teacher Ms Glynis Streete for sharing her knowledge. Bancroft said that every Saturday classes were held with the participants on the island at Arthurville Primary School.

Another participant, Caren Hinds, said that she believed that every girl should enrol at a cooking class since the experience gained will last them a lifetime. Hinds said she did not regret joining the classes and she is confident that she can bake using the right ingredients. These women are hoping to open a catering service, where businesses can contract them to cook or to provide them with a variety of pastries. The catering classes were provided by the Guyana Foundation Sunrise Centre to empower persons on the Island with a skill that they can use in the future to earn themselves incomes.

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Dear Student, If you are deliberately cutting down on sleep to cram in more revision and study time, keep checking whether this loss of sleep is adversely affecting your study efficiency. Do some self-monitoring: Check if you are being easily agitated, upset or angered by small incidents.

Check if your concentration is noticeably

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

English deteriorating, both by not being able to ‘take in’ anything or by not being able to recall something you have just read or done. Be careful!

Love you GRAMMAR Today we will look at the uses of the colon (:) and after that, the uses of the semi-colon (;).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The Colon 1. The colon is used after a complete sentence followed by a list: i) Doctors carry many instruCromwell, fling away ambition: ments and material in their bags: By that sin fell the angels. manuals, notebooks, pens, and laptops.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ii) In the driver’s pockets were (1564-1616) Henry VIII, 3.2 found these things: a pair of tweezers, two different sized nail clips, and a small bottle of rubbing alcosecond in command; and Mrs Bluebottle, the hol. foreign dignitary.

2. The colon is used after a statement 5. Before words like hence, however, followed by a clause that further explains nevertheless, therefore, and thus when they the statement. connect two independent clauses; i) Today’s mothers often find themselves i) Two days ago was a holiday; therewith double jeopardy: They have low-pay- fore, no one in this department was required ing jobs and disciplinary problems with their to come to intercessory training. youngsters. ii) Today is the closing date; therefore, ii) The young heirs of today find them- no entries must be entertained tomorrow selves with many unsolved problems: They morning. have property and no financial support 6. Before expressions that explain, such mechanisms. as for example for instance, that is, and 3. The colon is used after the greeting of namely, when a stronger break than a coma formal letter: ma is needed. i) Dear Sir or madam: i) Youths like to have their own rooms ii) Dear Mrs Canterbury: for two reasons; namely, privacy and per4. The colon is used to separate parts of a sonal convenience. named source, or parts of a book title: ii) Adults like to have their own cell i) Psalms 27: 3 phones for three reasons; namely, personal ii) Pupil Welfare and Counselling: An privacy, checking on offspring, and peace Approach to personal and social education of mind. across the curriculum.

Practice and Application The Semi-colon Supply colons and semi-colons where The semi-colon is used in the following they are needed. Check your efforts in study number of ways: groups.

1. Between parts of a compound sen1. I have not heard the radio programme tence when they are not joined by the con- you mentioned therefore I cannot give my junctions and, but, for, nor, or or; opinion of it. i) They want to do their homework now; 2. Although Gertrude prefers to learn they will sing to you tomorrow. ballroom and tap dancing she also realises ii) The 4H group will see the Kaieteur that she should also try some que-que steps.

Falls next Sunday; they’ll see the farmers’ 3. Sandra loves blue Nadia loves peach. new housing projects the week after that.

4. Timothy Joequin expects to open 2. To separate independent clauses when his bakery next Tuesday on the other hand they are too long or already have commas he may do it when his father returns this elsewhere; Saturday.

The medicine man had jamoon bush, 5. Although she possesses other informanoni juice, and rose of the mountain bark; tion about the leaked files she is not dependbut she did not have soft grease cough syrup, able the students are afraid the principal may and sunflower seeds. reject what she has to offer.

3. After each clause in a series of three or four clauses; IMPROVING COMPREHENSION i) Lightning flashed in the nearby mounThe Locust Menace tains; thunder roared above their flimsy In spite of what has some time back been tents; and they called off the campaign in done to combat the threat of the locusts they that hinterland region on account of the remain a menace to the entire food supply of thunderstorm. a quarter of the world. One trouble is that ii) The babies cried in the night; the the more they eat; and the more they eat, the elderly kept asking for bedpans; and the more they breed. management invited more caregivers that Sometimes in a breeding area as many night on account of the widespread unease. as five thousand eggs to the quarter yard.

If the clauses are short, you may use And if you remember that a breeding area commas. may cover nearly two thousand acres, you They came, they saw, and they con- will begin to see the size of the problem. A quered. large swarm, migrating from one of these 4. To separate items in a series when breeding grounds, may number five hundred commas are needed elsewhere; million and be capable of destroying an area i) Attending the pageant were Mr Samp- of two hundred square miles.... son, the custodian of secrets; Mrs Gingertee, Questions: 1. If locusts eat slowly, the chief designer of landscapes; and Mr how is it that a field is quickly stripped?

Basely, the project promotor.

2. Tell briefly in your own words what ii) Overseeing the filling of the site were the passage so far is saying about locust Mr Settle, the chief overseer; Mr Hinds, the activities.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019

Conkie

INGREDIENTS 1 lb cornmeal 1 lb pumpkin 1 oz lard 1 tsp black pepper ½ pt water 1 grated coconut 1 oz margarine 2 tsp salt Sugar to taste 4 oz dried fruit Twine Banana leaves INSTRUCTIONS • Grate the coconut and pumpkin, and add all the other ingredients.

• Stir in enough water to make a mixture of dropping consistency.

• Wipe the banana leaves clean and heat them to make them pliable. Cut them into 8 x 8 inch squares, and wrap around lumps of filling, tying the bundles with the twine.

• Place in boiling water and boil for about 20 – 30 minutes.

Note: If banana leaves are not available, mixture may be steamed in a greased bowl instead. guyanadining.com

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 4, 2019