Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot Epaper 05 26 2019

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Celebrating 53 years as an Independent Nation

This photo was taken from the publication ‘Guyana’s Independence 1966’, one of the many books written by President David Granger. In this photo, Forbes Burnham, then Prime Minister of Guyana, delivers an address at the Independence Arch on Brickdam in honour of Guyana’s independence. The monument commemorates Guyana’s independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.

II

Time for another National ‘HUG’

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

By Francis Quamina Farrier

Do you recall when Guyana did a ‘HUG’ so big that it almost stretched all around our 83,000 square miles? That was back in May 1996, as Guyana was celebrating our 30th Anniversary of Independence. By-the-Way, for those who do not know what this ‘HUG’ I’m referring to is all about, let me explain. Some patriotic Guyanese got this great idea, that for Guyana’s 30th Independence anniversary, we should all hold hands while standing along our Public roads, stretching from town to town, village to village, community to community - a sort of human chain called ‘HUG’ - an acronym for ‘Hands Uniting Guyana’. So let me pose this question: ‘Is it time for Guyana to have another National ‘HUG’? Let’s say either during Republic 2020 or Independence 2020?

There is another follow-up question. Has that 1996 ‘HUG’ been fruitful? Or have there been

A patriotic display on Brickdam in Georgetown by Dr. Don Gomes showing Presidents Burnham and Jagan and Queen Elizabeth ll (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

more ‘TUGS’ than ‘HUGS’ during the past 20 plus years since that first innovative and patriotic ‘HUG’? It was the occasion when most Guyanese saw the wisdom in extracting that line of advice from our national pledge, ‘To Love my Fellow Citizens’, and put it into practical action for everyone’s mutual benefit.

As we Guyanese would say, ‘One han’ cyan clap’.

Guyana has already reached and passed its Golden Jubilee - 50 years as an Independent nation, which is really just like a baby in the scheme of the existence of nations. We know that there are some nations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Turkey, Greece and a few others which have been in existence for thousands of years. So for ‘baby’ Guyana, there is a lot to accomplish, especially in the area of political maturity. Guyanese also need to know that, as first class citizens of a sovereign nation, they have certain basic rights which are enshrined in the national Constitution. However, let’s agree immediately that, at this juncture of our history, the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana needs an overhaul. That is not something to get all uptight about.

Many countries have had their national constitutions revamped or amended. The United States of America, for example, have quite a number of amendments, starting with the First Amendment, which gives citizens the right to ‘Freedom of Speech’.

At this time of Guyana’s 53rd year of Independence, we have had many ‘HUGS’, such as when the nation comes together to celebrate our national holidays. Then there are those occasions when we have had many ‘tugs’; such as the run-up to general elections, which tends to bring out some of the worst behaviour in some of us. But we could recall the many ‘HUGS’, both physical and mental.

The many great moments, such as when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time at the National Park in Georgetown on the night of May 25, 1966, and two of the country’s Founding Fathers, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, gave each other that historic, mighty HUG to thunderous applause by those who were fortunate to witness it. Despite all the ‘Tugs’ during the past 53 years, that HUG by Burnham and Jagan could be described as an indication of what this country will become sooner rather than later, as individuals and organisations and political parties come somewhat closer, for the National good, and genuine prosperity. That will be the time when every race group concludes that they alone do not have a monopoly to the country’s natural resources, at the exclusion of others; that a ‘HUG’ will be the smarter act to do for ‘The Good Life’ for everyone.

Burnham and Jagan had many deep disagreements of a political and ideological nature, but through it all, they were friends, according to many who knew them well, including Joey Jagan, who has been telling the stories of his father, Cheddi, and god-father, Forbes, and their dreams for a united and prosperous Guyana.

It must be recalled when Jagan decided to give his political arch-rival, Burnham, what he termed, ‘Critical Support’ - a sort of political ‘HUG’ if you will. Then there are other types of national ‘HUGS’, such as the ‘HUG’ given by BANKS DIH Ltd to the nation for the Jubilee Year Celebrations, with the gift of a $20 million new Independence Arch which was erected at Agricola on the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

It has been a tradition by the Guyanese parliamentarians to give each other a ‘hug’ of sorts during the tea break at Parliament Sessions. They can be seen exchanging pleasantries on the balcony of the Parliament Building, before returning to the Parliament Chambers. However, as Guyana celebrates 53 years of Independence, there is the aftermath of the No Confidence vote and the boycott of Parliament by the Opposition. Now, should that be classified as a ‘HUG’ or a ‘TUG’? Happy Independence everyone!

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

III

‘Your abuser always has the perfect words for you’ Domestic violence survivor tells her story

Sheffield ‘Sheffy’ Douglas

BY Telesha Ramnarine SHEFFIELD ‘Sheffy’ Douglas, who was recently honoured as part of Guyana’s 25 most influential women, endured an abusive relationship for 13 years before deciding to quit. She wants everyone to know that instead of being judgmental about the persons who remain in such relationships, persons should seek to understand how difficult it is to just pick up and leave.

At the mining site with some of her workers

Sheffy being hugged by her daughter the night she was recognised as one of Guyana’s most influential women

But by no means is she advocating that the victims of domestic violence should remain in their disastrous relationships. How she wishes she had herself been strong enough to stop going back to the relationship every time she left.

Sheffy was born and raised at Bartica, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), and attended the secondary school there. But her mom fell ill and so she had to drop out of school to help care for her four siblings, of which she was the eldest.

When she was 18 years old, though, Shef-

fy realised that she still wanted to write CXC and thus enrolled in a one-year programme at the Critchlow Labour College, which allowed her to sit the exams. She met her abuser shortly after and they married.

Little did Sheffy know, the long, bumpy ride that she was in for when it came to the thing called marriage. He was wealthy and powerful, as he was well-connected in ‘higher’ places. He was the one who would also care exclusively for Sheffy’s needs.

THE BUMPY ROAD It was a marriage of 13 years, with sev-

eral breaks in between. In fact, they even got divorced, but eventually got back together.

The longest Sheffy remained separated from him was three years, and still, she went back.

“Your abuser always has the perfect words; skilled at telling you all that you want to hear,” Sheffy expressed during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago. “But don’t ever go back because it only gets worse. Believe me, it’s only good for a few months and then it comes right back,” she advised.

The union bore a son and a daughter, and it was when Sheffy’s abuse spilled over to her daughter that she decided that she would have no more of it. “I took all that he was doing to me, but I couldn’t accept what he was doing to our daughter.”

“I’ve never felt so empty, so shallow. I never felt so stripped of my dignity. I was helpless,” Sheffy recalls about her feelings during those turbulent years.

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IV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Essay competition tackling Guyana’s three main religions -

To bring out common, good themes

together [rather than the differences],” Director Yog Mahadeo told the Pepperpot Magazine in an interview recently.

The topic for the first essay, “The ninth principle of the Arya Samaj” is instructive to the creation of a noble and cohesive society. The competition calls for an essay on the principle that says that no one should be content with their welfare but should realise that their welfare lies in the welfare of the rest of the society.

“We propagate the view that we are our brother’s keeper and if we make our neighbours, friends, and community happy, then we will, naturally, be happy,” Mahadeo expressed, adding, “The concept for this essay was derived from the works of the great Saint from India, Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati who spent his life promoting the advancement of a world that is noble and in which we all care for each other.”

It is being done in collaboration with the Berbice Central Arya Samaj, the Rambrich Family of Bengal Village, Berbice, Inspire Inc. and Gifts by Reena LLC. “The purpose of the essay competition is to promote education and essay writing while also embracing such noble

At a gift giving exercise last year

Founder of the Mahadeo Foundation, Mr. Yog Mahadeo

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mahadeo Foundation, a local non-profit organisation providing charitable services to the people of Guyana, has embarked upon a mission to promote education and essay writing by launching a competition that embraces the country’s three main religions.

An essay competition was started this year with the first one embracing Hinduism, and the other two, to cover Islam and Christianity, will be held at different times in the year.

“It is hoped to bring out the common good themes of all religions, and the bonds that bind us

At the year-end events, the foundation aims to sing Christmas carols, share stories, play games and ensure that each child receives a gift

concepts that can build everyone - whether they write an essay or read them. The underlying promotion of education cannot be overstated,” Mahadeo said, adding, “We hope to encourage our youths to read and write more on the topics of morality and natural laws. While this year the topic is as chosen, our next essay competition will be During the period 2016 to 2018, the foundation on other religious/social topics.” hosted year-end giveaways for children in all three counties of Guyana The Mahadeo Foundation provides charitable services to Guyana and focuses on education and culture while assisting in providing care for the needy and children. The initiative arose from the social workaround that has been carried out in the country.

“Our Foundation has been conducting motivational workshops, community service, medical outreaches and other social works in many villages for the past five years. We work with our youths to raise awareness and to fight depression. Our activities include youth camps, tutelage, empowerment sessions, and of course, gift sharing,” Mahadeo explained.

During the period 2016 to 2018, the foundation hosted year-end giveaways for children in all three counties of Guyana, including at Sophia, Columbia (Essequibo Coast), Skeldon, and Canje. At these year-end events, over 500 children were catered for. The events included singing Christmas carols, sharing stories, playing games and ensuring that each child received a gift.

The medical outreaches have been focused on the elderly.

“We provide free blood pressure testing, medical consultancy, some over-the-counter treatment and, even pamper them with manicures, pedicures and some therapeutic massages.”

The work of the foundation with youths has been aimed at starting a conversation that leads to open communication with parents, religious leaders and a team from the foundation who are available throughout the day to take calls and talk with anyone who needs to share their concerns, vent their frustration or seek advice.

The organisation has also on a yearly basis helped a few needy families with educational supplies for their children to attend school, either financially or with school bags and books.

Meanwhile, the winner of this essay competition can win $100,000. It is opened to anyone 25 years or younger.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

V

The Secondary School Health Clubs programme

Making an impact in the lives of students and the community

A hygiene health talk at Wisburg Secondary School

By Gibron Rahim THE health and wellbeing of our children should be of paramount concern. The idea that children are the future, while often stated, does not lose its meaning regardless of the frequency with which it is repeated.

It is for this reason that the Secondary School Health Clubs programme has been reintroduced in schools across Guyana.

These health clubs are already making a difference in the lives of the students of Region 10.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones, School Health Officer within the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health to gain insights into the impact the Secondary School Health Clubs programme is having in the region.

Watson-Jones noted that the school health clubs were recently relaunched with the training of teachers from 16 secondary schools in Regions Three, Four and 10 being conducted this past March and April.

In Region 10, Watson-Jones related that Mr. Vernon Todd of “For the Children Sake Foundation” and the Adolescent Health Unit in Region 10 had created “health corners”

where peer educators held talks with secondary students. However, there had been no official training until March and April. “Since they’ve been trained, they currently have the health clubs,” she said.

Before the health clubs carry out activities, they are encouraged to conduct needs assessments for the students and the community. Watson-Jones pointed out that it would be futile to conduct activities without first being aware of the needs of the community.

After the needs assessment is conducted, the health clubs analyse and graph the results so they can understand what the issues affecting the members of the community and their fellow students are. “And from the issues, they can now have activities,” said Watson-Jones.

Watson-Jones emphasised that even though the health clubs are benefitting the students, they are also aimed at benefitting the entire community. For this reason, the health clubs must involve two or three positive persons from the community and two or three parents from the parent teacher association (PTA). This allows for community members to provide support and act as liaisons while parents can feel involved in their children’s lives.

An awareness session for Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week at Linden Foundation Secondary (Photo courtesy of Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones)

The Secondary School Health Clubs programme is also inter-ministerial, according to Watson-Jones. She related that, though it is run by the Ministry of Public Health, she has also involved persons from other government ministries including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. “The health club is not just looking at health but also social issues that are affecting the youth,” she explained.

For her part, Watson-Jones is committed to continuing to work on capacity building for the teachers and students of schools. The first capacity building workshop will be held in July for teachers and some of the students involved in the health clubs. The workshop will include lessons on proposal writing for teachers and empowerment sessions. This will include empowerment sessions aimed at boys which Watson-Jones noted is important given the number of domestic violence-related murders of women in Guyana.

are very interested in the topics that they are dealing with,” she said. “It’s definitely having a positive impact because they are learning a lot about themselves.” The students are opening up and asking questions. In fact, the health club at Wisburg Secondary has a question box where students can anonymously ask questions about any issues that are bothering them.

“At every club, we will choose two questions from that box and we will answer them as best as we can.” She noted that the health club intends to start a feeding programme as well as a healthy eating programme for students.

At Linden Foundation Secondary, Ms. Clair Fraser noted that the programme is going quite well, though there are some challenges in terms of attendance and punctuality.

She reported that there are quite a few committed students who are dedicated to making a change in the community and in the school. It is the influence of these few that Fraser related has to be passed on to their fellow students.

“That we have not seen yet because we are a

World Hypertension Day observed at Linden Foundation Secondary

Mental health issues will also be addressed at the workshop. Watson-Jones noted that numerous cases of mental health issues in schools were reported to her by teachers when she was assessing their prevalence in schools. The health clubs are not just geared at sensitising teachers and students but also parents, she said. “You have to target everyone because everyone plays a role in the child’s life and that’s why we need everyone to come on board.”

THE WORK OF THE CLUBS The schools in Region 10 with health clubs are Wisburg Secondary School, Linden Foundation Secondary, New Silver City Secondary, Mackenzie High School and Harmony Secondary. The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak to teachers from four of these schools who shared the difference the health clubs are having within their respective schools and communities.

Ms. Alissa Nedd of Wisburg Secondary School related that, so far, the health club has been successful at her school. “The children

little way into the club, we are not too long formed,” she said. She related that numerous activities such as World AIDS Day, Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week and World Hypertension Day have been observed at the school where students educate their peers and members of the community on issues. She shared that the school has submitted a proposal to the Office of the President and will soon be embarking on a project to recycle plastic.

Ms. Anaasa Andries of New Silver City Secondary said that the establishment of the health club at the school has been very effective in the sense of sharing health advice to individuals. “It’s something that they really look forward to, especially the teenage girls” she related. Discrimination has been among the topics addressed so far. Andries noted that the students have been very enthusiastic and willing to participate in activities. She has observed that certain individuals from the health club are advising others on topics they have learnt in health club sessions, especially discrimination.

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Expression VI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

through art

By Calvin Roberts THROUGHOUT history, art has been a unique medium for expressing one’s self.

Another of his art pieces

An individual may choose to translate his or her inner thoughts by means of a magnificent painting, sculpture, or some other

amazing work of art.

In this modern age, it would seem that less emphasis is being placed on self-expressing art, primarily amongst young people. There are a few, however, who despite the many challenges, have defied the odds and charged on with their brush or rasp in hand.

Alex Anthony Blair is no exception. This youngster who is just 18 years old, hails from the quiet community of Vergenoegen, on the East Bank of Essequibo. Alex, who is better known to many as “Flexx,” has grown quite popular over the years for his marvellous paintings, and just recently started working in tie-dye.

To most who may know this intriguing young man, he may appear to be somewhat shy. Nevertheless, his paintings are quite reflective of the person he is on the inside; giving us a glimpse of his beliefs. In one of his paintings titled, “the dream world”, a single tree that appears to stand under two conditions is illustrated. In the first condition, the tree painted appears to be withered under darkness and negative energy. In contrast, the tree appears to be flourishing under light and positive energy.

During an interview with this publica-

Eighteen-year-old Alex Blair

draw. Their encouraging words he said, motivated him to develop a compelling love for art.

For the majority of us, as we grow older, our love for painting and drawing may dwindle. Alex, on the other hand, explained that as he grew older, so did his love for art deepen. “I then went on to further my secondary education at Leonora Secondary School. There, I realised artistry was more than just drawings. I then decided to challenge myself and did my first painting. I was only 15 when I painted an Oasis. The responses I’ve got from both my teachers and classmates were overwhelming. I was even surprised at my work. The feeling was surreal,” explained Alex.

Alex said that during his journey through high school, he was privileged to have met two amazing friends, Shanice Wilson and Seon Babb; two intelligent minds like himself, who both shared the love for art.

In 2018, Alex graduated as the best Visual

One of his pieces

tion, Alex explained the piece by saying, “It’s an abstract painting done from my imagination of the two main aspects of life/ art ‘darkness and light.’ It was my idea of I guess you could say heaven and hell, showing that there is a thin line between righteousness and unrighteousness and the two can easily mix. If you look closely at the painting you will see that the root from in the dark is crossing over to the light.”

As Alex reflected on his early days in art; he explained that he had developed a liking for drawings and paintings from a tender age. “I was a child who always had pencils and crayons in my hands; I can remember trying to draw everything I saw around me.

I always drew for the fun of it.”

Like any caring parent, Alex said that his mother and father always complimented his drawings, even though at times they never looked like the ideal object he intended to

Arts student and was even named the best performer for Visual Arts in his region. “I was overjoyed, but yet I remained humble for my hard work had finally paid off.”

The 18-year-old continues to excel in his art, now that he has recently defied the challenge of tie-dying. “Well, I wasn’t actually into tie-dye that long. I always saw it as a challenge that I needed to surpass.”

Today, Alex looks forward to doing much more with his art, now that he is a part of a support team; the Queens of Queens [QOQ] and Kings of Kings [KOK] family. “My successful journey thus far could not have been possible without my support team,” he said. While some may turn to other means of self-expression, Alex noted that he will continue to express himself through even more creative art pieces in the future.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

VII

◄◄◄ From page V

A physical exercise session at Mackenzie High School (Photo courtesy of Ms. Vanessa Kissoon)

Mackenzie High School’s health club is currently working on its logo. Ms. Vanessa Kissoon, a teacher at the school, told the Pepperpot Magazine that a competition had already been held to determine the health club’s name. She noted that there are activities planned such as an early morning health walk and a poster competition. Kissoon said that

students have been very receptive to the idea of the health club. She pointed out that the health club can be a forum to discuss issues such as domestic violence with both male and female students. She added, “I like to teach young people to give back.” She expressed the hope that health club members who graduate school would take the opportunity to give

A session on understanding the menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene at Wisburg Secondary (Photo courtesy of Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones)

back to the health club and encourage their colleagues.

The current health clubs will be monitored for one year. Assessments of successes and failures will be done. In the following year, the programme will be expanded to primary schools and other secondary schools in other regions. Watson-Jones

noted that there are unique issues that children transitioning from the primary level carry with them to the secondary level. She pointed out that there is a need for activities in schools. “We need to work more with schools and that’s why we have the health clubs – so that we can be able to work more with schools in targeting different aspects.”

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Once it’s Karen’s cook-up, bring on more!

By Shirley Thomas IF you are in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam and are looking for a really good hot and spicy creole dish, word on the street is that Karen Caesar’s mini restaurant and Snackette is one of the best options.

Located snug on Matthew Allen’s Drive, a short distance away from the former Transport and Harbours New Amsterdam/ Rosignol ferry, ‘Karen’s’ is open Karen Caesar, proprietor of ‘Karen’s Snackette’ from 08:30hrs to 20:00hrs Monday and Mini Restaurant (Adrian Narine photo) through Saturday and provides a deremoval of the ferry service, and later the lectable menu of various tastes and flavours. removal of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Karen’s Snackette, which has now bethere was a dramatic drop in business. come a much-sought-after household name But the last thing she was prepared to do in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, came on was give up and so she persevered and in stream about 30 years ago, Karen said and time it became a family business, with her has survived the odds until today. eldest son and daughter lending a helping “I started the business as a little snackette hand. In addition, customers who spoke selling things such as buns, channa, plantain with the Pepperpot Magazine team during chips, pholourie, egg ball and aerated drinks. a recent visit were high in praise for the At that time the New/Amsterdam/Rosignol service, adding that she had made a name ferry was up and running and as people got for herself, particularly with her delicious onto or off the boat, they would stop in at the cook-up-rice. “Once you try it you will snackette and stock up with snacks which never stop coming back; it is so good that they munched along their way. In fact, they I buy it and take home some Saturdays. had to pass the snackette either way and so The service is really good and once it’s business was brisk,” she said. ‘cook up’, I’d say, ‘cook more’ the service She, however, admitted that with the is fantastic!” one man boasted.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page III

Sheffy (in back row with white top) after a meeting at the US State Department on Human Trafficking Sheffy with GWMO’s President Urica Primus

She fought to gain access to tertiary education because she could clearly see its value. As such, despite the stresses of the relationship, she was able to secure a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She also wanted her children to benefit from a sound education, and this in itself constituted one of the reasons Sheffy said she kept returning to the relationship.

“I think it’s imperative that people understand that abuse in relationships goes way beyond physical, sexual and verbal.

In my opinion, being economically abused, as I was, traps women more to stay in abusive relationships,” Sheffy says.

She regrets today that she never reached out to her family for support. In her mind, she would have been like a failure going back to their house for lodging.

“Domestic violence can be very tricky; it’s like a little web. But it’s better for your business to be out on the street than for you to be six feet under.”

TAKING CONTROL “There’s a sense of waking up every morning and knowing you’re in charge of you. I cannot even describe the feeling,” Sheffy said about her feelings each day since leaving that relationship. Although suicidal thoughts crossed her mind many days, she is grateful that she didn’t take her life. “I feel free. The court awarded me sole custody of my kids and I have a wonderful partner who has been instrumental in my recovery and that of the children.”

Sheffy could not hold back her tears as she reflected on how life has changed for her, and the emotionally supportive role that her new partner is playing in her life.

“There’s life after such a relationship and you can find it all again,” she says. “Many tend to give up and think they must stay because they have no work experience, or they have nothing to fall back on, but once there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Sheffy was nominated by President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) Urica Primus at the recent awards ceremony for her voluntary work with the organisation over the past four years.

Apart from being a woman rights activist and volunteer at GWMO, she is also the Deputy Coordinator of the Trafficking in Persons Committee, and a first responder and counsellor.

Sheffy was selected from among about 500 women to be a part of Vital Voices, co-founded by Hilary Clinton and based in Washington, United States. Through this organisation, Sheffy has become of the women leaders fighting to combat human trafficking in her country.

Furthermore, Sheffy is the founder and CEO of Thunder Mining Company, which seeks to promote the environment and sustainable mining.

“People would say you’re educated; you’re supposed to know better, but they don’t understand the level of control that someone has over you. Being independent and taking control of your own life is so important.”

Sheffy said those who wish to learn more about the work she is doing and about the GWMO can connect with the organisation through its various social media platforms.

Sheffy is currently happy and shares her time between mining and caring for her children, which includes two foster ones.

IX

X

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

AN INDEPENDENT HERITAGE COMMISSION IS CRUCIAL

-To the mental and spiritual healing of souls in conflict THE Heritage Commission was presented in parliament in 2014, but it found no favour with the then Ramator government.

Many of us - including myself - could not understand why any group of Guyanese would object to a Heritage Commission enveloping the significant timelines of the all that we call human Guyana. Ours is the only country in the Americas that has not capitalised on its cultural heritage and has allowed the recent brief history of political parties to exclude and isolate over 400 years of recorded activity to be summarised into a narrow 71 years.

That has been saturated with falsifications, divisive tirades infused with distortions and delusions. A nation owes its people progress rather than propaganda, and the depressing notion that all we ever were, where people as we are today, locked into contentious political rivalry, in the distorted context of a competition to diminish the efforts of ‘the other’ through loud recitations of dramatic lies, and prop one’s self into the most self-serving position, while the global changes of what is en vogue. What constitutes market forces and preferences will occur whether we acknowledge and adjust or become absorbed in a retrogressive time warp of ‘what was’ rather than what constitutes the new challenges and our role towards survival. The frontier of the creative and innovative must be embraced; the precedents abound around us, but not to our conscious awareness. The fact, however, rests with the

knowledge of having a functional historical memory, to stand on the bridge of time aware of past, present and to present tomorrow in the glow of the integrity of knowledge. This of course is easier said than done. Across Guyana, we are souls in conflict because we have not been given the chance by circumstances or by a decision to even clearly comprehend the past 52 years in an objective and honest way.

What will a Heritage Commission do?

From my personal evaluation, the entity will serve as a reservoir that which, if it existed before, would have had both an extensive detailed deposit of visual and textual references on Transport and Harbour activities from its inception, the same for Air services in Guyana. On the National level, an in-depth guide on how the global oil crisis devastated Guyana and other Caribbean and global nonoil producing nations in the Cold War years between 1973-79, leaving little room for political fabrications that the restrictions on certain domestic items were a result of racial political spite.

I can remember some 10 years or so past, I photographed a building that was identified as one of the oldest buildings in Georgetown, with a certified Dutch architectural construct.

I made my way to the city hall where I spoke to a colleague on whether City Hall had the policy to have a photographic archive on disappearing ‘Old Georgetown’ buildings?

His response was that if I knew who had acquired the land and if they wanted to preserve

the previous architectural image and what they were willing to pay? It was obvious we were talking on two different streams and in disgust I abandoned any further conversation, swearing to myself to never venture ever into such dialogue again.

Dr Denis Williams had indicated to me that after 1966, an irrational Independence attitude prevailed that indicated that there was no need for items that reminded us of the colonial period, a qualified gentleman had proposed a detailed historical artwork with photographic(where that was possible) support of all the British regiments that were stationed in British Guiana, but the female Minister in charge had refused the proposal.

This was explained to me when I was seeking clarifications on the uniform of the garrison in the colony during the 1834 period. I was illustrating Tommy Pane’s Damon 1834 incident, around 1984. It would cost me a pretty budget later on in books to arrive at probable accurate equipment and social costumes to demonstrate any aspect of our history that was out of reach of the memory of persons still alive.

The trains- another historical period went in 1969. The building was well suited for hosting records, a train artefact and still can be retained and restored for records rather than permit further deterioration where it stands now. In the Kaieteur News Fri. 31 August 2018, Freddie Kissoon had painted a dismal picture of local media persons who don’t research, read or investigate prop-

erly before composing questions etc. true, but what is also true is the dependence on Wikipedia and other net sources that are not always reliable in the absence of reliable and easily catalogued sources locally. When the singer Akon came to Guyana, a would-be reporter asked him (interpreted) what advice he would leave with local would-be talents, he replied “I’m from Africa, you’re from right here” meaning in the Anglophone Americas.

Some whispered that the answer was tinged with contempt, I disagreed.

It should have been obvious to the media person that even stock questions should be readjusted relevant to the context of each situation. This should require a simple application of assessing the necessary variables to be observed. This, however, leaves no consideration for a casual approach.

The MV Torani was first brought to my attention in discussions between my late father and his friends in the early 70s as the largest vessel built in British Guiana and the Caribbean at the time of its launching in 1959-60. Then in 2017, it was leaning on its side in the Mazaruni River.

I am not sure where it is now, probably in the same position. One of the passions of Denis Williams was the creation of relevant museums. MV Torani is a museum piece that could explore the drama that our varied ships and boats captivated over centuries of river travel, under the supervision of a sensible, expertly staffed Heritage Commission.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

XI

A place to ‘hang’ The Bare Root ‘chill spot’ Williams is a mason by profession and also does some landscaping work and he said that when there isn’t much to do, they would meet at the corner shop.

Williams admitted that while nothing sinister goes on at the corner shop, it is the place where villagers share information and ‘get in the know’ and that in itself is relaxing.

NEED FOR A SCHOOL According to Ivan Grandison, one of the other men at the ‘Chill Spot’, there is the basic need for villagers to benefit from a school directly in the community, because education is important and children are best schooled

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that his shop is his main source of income and he also does farming on a small scale and plants ochro, calaloo, bora and corolla,that he sells in his shop.

“We need a library, a playfield, the children must be equipped with the necessary tools to foster education, so they can grow up [and] become career-oriented people,” he said.

Charles added that since the current administration took office, they have seen their interest in the people and although it is slow, they have seen progress.

He explained that two years ago he

Brian Charles at his shop at Middle Root, Bare Root village.

opened the shop and is there tending to customers all day; however mundane, he is not bothered, since it’s his job.

Ivan Grandison (Samuel Maughn photos)

By Michel Outridge BARE Root, East Coast Demerara, is a normal village like many others not excluding its ‘chill spot,’ which is located on Grant Road, somewhat into the backlands of the community.

It is a place where villagers meet and have candid conversations and to unwind after a long, hard day of work.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited the community recently, the team met several residents -- mostly men -- who were out and about and some were at the very shop.

One of those persons was Justin Williams, who said the village is not as bad as some people talk about it and it is a regular place with problems and needs.

“We need a few things that can be beneficial for us in terms of infrastructure; a school and a playground are priorities with a few others,” Williams said.

The 41-year-old stated that firstly, they are just normal people there and it would be nice for them to get some attention. For instance, the utility posts in this village are precariously hanging on for ‘dear life’ and they pose a real danger to all residents.

He pointed out that within the past 15 years he has been living in Bare Root, he hasn’t seen development which can improve the lives of villagers and that is cause for much concern.

“We are trying to sustain ourselves, but imagine $500 for a taxi to come in Grant Road, which is like a mud dam. In some parts and it is a one-vehicle stretch which has numerous large-size potholes. It is void of street lights, so imagine coming in here late every night. Is like you and God alone walking,” Williams said.

From the stories he was told about Bare Root, it is that when people started occupying the lands nearest to the vast backlands, the name was developed as a result of a village domino game over 40 years ago in which roadside people were up against those that resided in the backlands.

“We had to get a name and so it was roadside versus back lands people, and at that time they had a movie called ‘Bare Roots’ and that is how the name left on the village. This Grant Road was formerly called Golden Apple Road and it was a mud dam and all now it is still like a dam,” he said.

The ‘Chill Spot’ Shop at Grant Road, Bare Root, East Coast Demerara.

when they are comfortable.

“We don’t have a school in the village and a playfield and we have land at the backlands area, the roads need attention too. By the cemetery they got a plot can accommodate a daycare or school,” Grandison said.

The mason said during the wet season, he usually rears game birds to supplement his income and would even get into trenches in the village and clean it for a fee.

“Life is normal around here. It is, however, strained, since we need facilities, educate the children and youths, no school and we can be so much more if we get these facilities, nothing that some youths growing without the lack of education and ‘dem gon do stupidness,” Grandison said.

“The area in a suffering stage that can’t hide. We need to take up the lands and not let other people come in and occupy it. We need our lands for agricultural purposes, we are a farming people, we know about back-breaking work using our hands to make a living from the soil. We also need a market to sell our produce, so that we can be comfortable right here, “he said.

Meanwhile, Brian Charles, also a resident of Bare Root, is a shop owner at Middle Street, whose kitchen garden is thriving and he sells his produce in his small shop.

“Life in Bare Root is trying, we in de puzzle, trying to fix it and we looking for better for our children,” Charles said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

FILES E S A C T R U O C

Defendant loses land action before magistrate

Full Court sets aside magistrate’s decision IN 1976 an Essequibo Magistrate ignored a point of law relating to a bona fide dispute as to title of land. He found defendant Sase Budhoo guilty of trespassing on disputed land and damaging a fence and wrongly granted Judgment to Plaintiff Budhai Singh.

Appellant/defendant Sase Budhoo appealed to the Full Court which ruled that the magistrate ought to have ruled that the defendant had successfully raised a bona fide dispute as to title to immovable property.

Appeal was allowed. Decision of the magistrate was set aside with costs to the appellant (defendant) Sase Budhoo.

The Full Court was constituted by Chief Justice Harold Bollers and Justice of Appeal Aubrey Bishop, (who later became Chancellor of the Judiciary.)

Attorney-at-law, Mr. K. D. Doobay appeared for the appellant while Respondent conducted his own defence.

The facts of the case disclosed that the Plaintiff Budhai Singh and Defendant Sase Budhoo are adjoining land owners in possession. In the Magistrate’s Court, plaintiff sued defendant for trespass to land which plaintiff allegedly bought from one Verwayne, but title to which had not yet been perfected in him.

The allegation was that the defendant trespassed by digging a drain on the land causing plaintiff’s fence to fall and became damaged. In the course of the hearing, the dispute between the parties centred on the existence or non-existence of an inter-lot drain between their respective properties at lots 35 section B and 36 Danielstown, Es-

sequibo.

Plaintiff said there was no drain between the properties when he bought from Verwayne and went into possession.

Defendant and Verwayne, on the other hand, spoke positively about the drain, on the defendant’s side of the fence in question, and the existence of two panels in line with which the fence in dispute was positioned.

These panels were later found to be missing.

At the conclusion of the hearing, it was submitted by counsel for the defendant that the court’s jurisdiction was ousted by reason of the existence of a bona fide dispute as to title to land. Nevertheless, the learned magistrate gave judgment for the plaintiff on his claim. Section 3 (3) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Petty Debt ) Act, Chapter 7: 01 provides, inter alia, as follows: “The Court shall not have cognizance of any action in which any incorporeal right, or the title to any immovable property, is or may be in question. …”

On appeal to the Full Court of the High Court, that Court held: (i)That there was a genuine dispute about (a) the existence or non-existence of the drain on the defendant’s side of the fence, (b) the true position of the panels delineating the boundary between lots 35 B and 36, and (C) the actual position of the fence; (ii) That it should have been apparent to the magistrate that though there was no reliable evidence before him as to the boundary line and the existence of the drain, there were nevertheless competing claims as to ownership of the strip of land undefined though it was, in the vicinity of the existing fence. (iii) That some evidence ought to be taken by a magistrate to ascertain whether he is possessed of jurisdiction to entertain the claim within section 3 (3) of Chapter 7:01.

He must ascertain whether an incorporeal right or title to any immovable property is in question or may be in question, and if he has a doubt whether such right may be in question, he should decline jurisdiction; (iv) That the appeal will be allowed because, on the evidence, the magistrate ought to have ruled that the defendant/appellant had successfully raised a bona fide dispute as to title to immovable property.

Appeal allowed. Decision of magistrate set aside with costs.

In its judgment, the Full Court had referred to 19 cases.

Justice of Appeal Bishop who delivered the judgment of the Court noted that the main ground argued by counsel for the appellant (defendant) was that: “the Magistrate’s Court had no jurisdiction in this matter, objection to which was formally taken before decision, is that the jurisdiction of the Court was ousted by operation of section 3 (3) of the Summary Ju-

By George Barclay

risdiction (Petty Debt) Act Chapter 7:01, as there was a bona fide dispute as to the land and the fixtures thereon, the subject matter of this action.

Continuing, Justice Bishop said that it should be noted that the appellant (defendant) did not in his defence ”plead’ this objection to the magistrate’s jurisdiction being ousted but, through his counsel, did so at the close of the case. The learned magistrate unaware therefore that such an objection would be raised, proceeded to hear evidence and in due course gave judgment for respondent (plaintiff) on his claim.

In para 5 of his plaint , the respondent (plaintiff) averred that between January 26 and February 2, 1975, inclusive of both dates, the appellant (defendant) unlawfully and maliciously trespassed upon his land, dug a drain thereon and as a result caused 233 feet of the respondent (plaintiff) said fence to fall down and become damaged.

He specifically claimed as damages, $350 for the fence and $150 for the land but the learned magistrate did not indicate any apportionment, under the two sub-heads.

During the trial, it emerged, however, that the respondent (plaintiff) has bought lot 35, Section B, Danielstown, Essequibo from one Francis Verwayne, on February 2, 1973, with the building thereon and the surrounding fence. In support of the said sale, the respondent (plaintiff) tendered the agreement, Ex. “A”. He also testified that he had been living on the land prior to the sale, and had paid Verwayne no rent since purchase. The respondent (plaintiff) complained that though these were the facts, Verwayne had refused to formally convey the property to him.

When Verwayne gave evidence, on May 20, 1975, he said that lot 35 B and the surrounding fence were his property and denied, inter alia, signing the agreement or receiving the purchase price of $3,000 acknowledged therein.

In short, he denied selling lot 35 B Danielstown to the (plaintiff) but conceded that the respondent (plaintiff) had discontinued paying him to rent in 1973, and held up his son for picking coconuts on the land.

Above all, Verwayne admitted that he had taken no action against the respondent (plaintiff) to recover any rent. The learned magistrate assessed Verwayne to be an inveterate liar and found that he had sold the property to the respondent (plaintiff), Nonetheless, it appeared to be common ground that Verwayne had erected a fence separating the respondent (plaintiff’s) land from the appellant (defendant’s) Verwayne said.

After recounting this and other instances including the bona fide dispute, the appeal was allowed and the order of magistrate set aside with costs to the appellant.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

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Police officers and mental health officer’s job to protect the vulnerable? These suggestions over the past few weeks are not my intention of eliminating professions or disregarding the important work of many specific professions but rather to expand mental health services within our society. To ensure public safety, both physically and mentally.

TODAY I am continuing the discussion of professions which are not being fully utilised to their potential in our fight to decrease mental health issues in Guyana.

This one was a difficult one to write as I know we all have very strong opinions of our police force, both good and bad.

While I have had some appalling experiences with our police officers, I have also met some incredible ones who genuinely want to serve and protect their own. There are many of our police officers who try to make a difference and want to help people with mental health issues and we should acknowledge and welcome this.

Police officers have more interaction with our community than most people do. Many are stationed in particular areas and therefore become familiar with a community and its members.

Police officers are typically the first point of contact in a wide variety of crises. Just as importantly, police are one of the very few 24-hour crisis services available.

How much of a difference do you think it would make for them to be able to spot warning signs and symptoms of mental health issues? My guess is that it would go a very long way, especially considering the high correlation of crime, substance abuse and mental health issues. This correlation means that police officers may be in a position to have more contact with those at risk for or experiencing mental health issues than any other profession. Their understanding of mental health issues needs to be broadened to identify and remedy these potentially dangerous situations.

Police officers have direct contact with our community, they are often called into homes and individuals are taken to police stations for a place of safety during difficult situations.

Officers do general community patrol or have to spend much time questioning both victims and suspects. With proper mental health training, these officers would be able to determine a deeper issue or even foresee risks of mental illnesses which could result in civilians hurting themselves or others.

I believe the best place to begin is to form alliances between the police force and available mental health services; collaboration is key. Police officers should be fully aware of the available resources for a wide range of mental health issues throughout Guyana. They should be able to make referrals, ensuring an appropriate placement for the individual – based on the observed mental health issues. They should be trained in accurately deciding whether an individual belongs in the mental health system or the criminal justice system as many of who end up in jail would have better benefited from a psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Those who are not put in the proper care system, more than likely just end up reoffending as the route of the issue was not tackled.

Police officers should also be aware of facts such as an individual with mental health problems is more likely to be a victim of crime. This could ensure further intervention in some cases. All these changes without a doubt would drastically reduce not only mental health illnesses and suicide but also general crime in Guyana.

Who says that our police officers can’t do it all? Ensure that our community members are not a danger to themselves or others, intervene on the development of a mental health problem as well as promote the recovery of good mental health.

They are in a position to and therefore should provide comfort to those experiencing mental health problems with a new supportive and compassionate approach. After all, isn’t it a police

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, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896. Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs!

Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Oral appearance of syphilis SINCE the advent of HIV, there has been a global tendency to de-emphasise the previous role of syphilis in the gamut of chronic diseases. Guyana is no exception.

However, in recent times, the relevance of this condition has reasserted itself so much that the Government has been giving its prevalence a priority.

Syphilis is a venereal disease (sexually transmitted) caused by a spiral-shaped germ that can move about like a tadpole. Someone can either acquire the disease or be born with it. The untreated acquired form has three easily recognisable stages: 1.

The primary lesion called the chancre ‘sore’ is usually solitary.

2. The secondary lesions are numerous reddish patches or modules.

3. The tertiary lesion called gumma (similar to chancre) is found in the mouth On some occasions, patients attend the dental clinic with signs and symptoms depicting the oral phenomenon of an STD (sexually transmitted disease). While gonorrhoea of the throat is sometimes encountered, syphilis is seen more often. It is well established that HIV infection is linked to syphilis as well as tuberculosis. Our experience shows that at no time did any of these patients have prior knowledge of the actual cause of their condition.

Ten percent of the syphilitic patients manifest ulcers on the lining of the mouth. These correspond to the site of inoculation where there is a defect in the surface continuity of the skin or mucosa lining. The germs are transferred by direct contact with primary or secondary lesions of an infected individual. The chancres develop about three weeks after inoculation and persist for three weeks or two months.

Syphilis increases the risk of both transmitting and getting infected with HIV by up to five times. Having HIV at the same time can change the symptoms and course of syphilis. In addition, syphilis is an important predictor for becoming HIV infected because it is a marker for behaviours associated with HIV transmission.

While chancres on the genitals are characteristically painless, oral lesions become painful soon after they ulcerate because of the contamination by the oral fluids and naturally occurring bacteria. Also, certain areas of the person’s neck usually become tender and painful to touch.

The primary lesions occur most often on the lips, the tip of the tongue, in the tonsillar region and on the gum. They start as small red boils which get bigger and eventually ulcerate. The fluid coming from these nodules is extremely infectious and at this point, the disease can easily be transmitted to another person through the so-called French kiss.

Mature chancres measure from 0.5 to 2 centimetres in diameter and have narrow, copper coloured, slightly raised borders with a reddish-brown base (centre). The lesions are ulcerated over nearly their entire surface with a base that is shiny and usually clear of rotted material and debris. Chancres occurring on the border of the lips are usually crusted.

When it is initiated during the primary stage of the disease, penicillin injections over a period of seven days will successfully eliminate syphilis in the vast majority of cases.

The multiple secondary lesions of syphilis appear five to six weeks after the disappearance of the chancres and undergo spontaneous remission within a few weeks, but recurrences may be manifested periodically for months or even years. Sometimes the disease involves the brain causing madness and death. Children who were born with syphilis develop teeth with jagged edges and have some pointed shape.

Although a variety of lesions may occur in different parts of the body during the tertiary stage of untreated syphilis, gumma develops in half such cases. They are the most common syphilitic lesions seen in the oral cavity.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

TOWARDS THE PROTECTION OF USED VEHICLE PURCHASERS IN the past and almost up to the 1980s, most of the motor vehicles imported into Guyana were new. Most vehicles were imported from western countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany. During the times of extreme foreign currency shortages in the 1970s and 1980s, under special arrangements, Lada vehicles were imported from Russia and large Tata buses were imported from India. Before Guyana tried the Socialist experiment where the state took over the ownership and control of the national economy, three or four of the largest companies

including Bookers were the main motor vehicle importers.

Since the vehicles imported were almost all new, they gave warranties for a year and since they had mechanical workshop facilities, they were easily able to repair faults and damages to vehicles. They also carried an adequate supply of spare parts; the situation today is very different from the picture we have described. The nearest to these colonial companies at the present time is Beharry Auto Sales.

When the Socialist experiment was abandoned and the free market was reasserted, the milieu of the importation of motor

vehicles changed. The big companies were nationalised during the Socialist experiment and had ceased to exist and their place was taken by a plethora of one-man companies which imported vehicles from Japan. The Japanese vehicles imported were second hand, refurbished or reconditioned but never new.

In Japan itself, there grew up a large number of exporters of these second-hand vehicles, and some of these companies were weaker than others. The Guyanese importers’ concern and watchword was price and not quality and this accounted for a large number of basically defective motor vehicles dumped on the unsuspecting Guyanese customer. The customer had been socialised by the country’s past experience of importing only new Western-made vehicles into thinking that buying an imported vehicle entailed no risk. It came as a revelation, therefore, when the purchasers of these second-hand Japanese vehicles found their new purchases often defective in many ways.

These importers of used Japanese vehicles kept no mechanical workshops nor did they stock spare parts as the older companies did. Further, their business practices were not as transparent as the older companies had been. Since price rather than quality was their guiding principle, they inevitably imported vehicles which had either major or minor defects and themselves were none the wiser. The ultimate sufferer was the customer.

Car ownership over the last twenty-five to thirty years had expanded to a remarkable degree and a large proportion of the new owners were young people who were owning a car for the first time. Many of these young people are unaware of the interstices of the business of buying and selling cars or even of the quality of a car engine or car body and as such, they are open to being exploited by the unfair practices of sellers.

Many of these new car owners are devastated when they discover that they cannot find needed spare parts to have their cars running and that they have to find derelict vehicles from which to quarry parts or go to the one or two shops where the owners strip derelict vehicles and sell the parts at high prices.

Another worry to car owners is the fact that all cars are now controlled by a number of electronic devices and most Guyanese mechanics have not been trained in this field.

This milieu has resulted in a large number of consumer complaints of the iniquities of the companies from which they purchased their cars. The consumer bodies which receive complaints are the Guyana Consumers Association, the Consumer Division of the Ministry of Business headed by Ms Cheryl Tinnis and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission(CCAC) headed by Ms Dawn Holder. The CCAC has published its statistics of the complaints for 2018.

We will mention three of the most common complaints against car dealers: Dealers quite often mislead purchasers as to conditions and also what they are purchasing. This inevitably results in misunderstandings and a concatenation of disputes.

Another complaint is that dealers try to unfairly re-possess the vehicles. Such complaints fall within the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act. The other complaint is concerning warranties. Most dealers give three-month warranties which are too short. They would have wished to give no warranties, but if no warranties are given, a six-month warranty becomes obligatory by the Consumer Protection Act. Even the threemonth warranty is not honoured since a dealer would often defer taking action until the warranty almost runs out.

The imperative of bringing about a more normal and equilibrial situation in the used car trade is being addressed. In the first place, the State has already passed legislation limiting the age of vehicles which could be imported. In the second place, the requirements of the Consumer Protection Act are being more widely disseminated among consumers as well as among used vehicle dealers. This would result in both consumers and dealers knowing their rights and duties and there would be less infringement of the Law and a great deal of the misunderstanding and disputes would not occur. And lastly, a used vehicle standard is being evolved. The major responsibility for this lies with the Bureau of Standards.

A wider knowledge of the Consumer Protection Act and its stronger and more active enforcement as well as a “Used Vehicle Standard” would protect consumers and establish normality in the trade.

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World Turtle Day 2019 Preparing for the impending ban on single-use plastics (Part 4)

SHELL Beach is different from conventional beaches: it is not known for its white sandy beaches or blue waters. Shell Beach is home to four of the seven remaining

types of sea turtles; Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas).

The area serves as an important nesting ground for marine turtles and is home to the largest contiguous area of productive mangrove forests. For many Guyanese residing on the coast, they have only heard tales of the Leatherback Turtle, the world’s largest sea turtle, but have never seen one.

Located in the Barima-Waini, region 1, the beach stretches over 120 kilometres or 75 miles of mudflats. As we celebrate World Turtle Day 2019, it is an important time to pause and celebrate our turtle and tortoise species and raise awareness on the importance of habitats such as Shell Beach.

SHELL BEACH AS A PROTECTED AREA Shell Beach was designated as a Protected Area in 2011, because of its rich ecological and cultural diversity. The area is home to 11 Amerindian villages and is designed to support conservation of biodiversity, sustainable resource use and livelihood development.

As a protected area, residents in the area are still able to use the land for their livelihood;

however, the area is closed off to tourists. The conservation programme at Shell Beach began in the 1980s with Mr. Audley James, a turtle hunter turned conservationist, who noticed the decline in the sea turtle population and Mr. Peter Prichard, British Turtle Zoologist. Mr. James, a resident of Shell Beach with the support of Dr. Pritchard was able to convinced turtle hunters of the importance of

conserving turtles and start protecting them.

Currently, the area is under the Protected Area Commission, from which Mr. James serves as an advisor. Shell Beach is an area of great significance and continues to interest researchers around the world. Dr. Kelly Stewart and Dr. Catherine McClellan have satellite tagged turtles on Shell Beach for the last two years with an aim to see their migration and habitat patterns. Dr. Kelly Stewart who studies the genetics of turtle populations, population dynamics and bycatch in fisheries, noted that “Shell Beach has had one of the longest monitoring programs in the world beginning in the 1980s and provides good protection and contributes to continual of the species.”

CURRENT TRENDS Although their distribution is wide, the numbers of leatherback turtles have seriously declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and fisheries bycatch.

Globally, Leatherback status according to IUCN is listed as Vulnerable, but many subpopulations (such as in the Pacific and Southwest Atlantic) are Critically Endangered. Dr. Catherine McClellan, a Marine Biologist who has been doing field research for the last 26 years in freshwater and marine ecosystems, noted that “turtles are long-lived and it is

important to protect them at their different life stages.”

She suggested not using turtle products or engaging in the use of poaching for turtles.

Dr. Stewart also shared that although citizens might be far away from these ecosystems, “turtles are vulnerable to our actions. We should be mindful of the seafood we buy and our reliance on plastics. It is easy for a turtle to consume a plastic bag because it looks like a jellyfish.” Ms. Devya Hemraj, a Scientific Officer at the University of Guyana, made the important connection noting that “we need more conservation and not consumption. Protected areas such as Shell Beach are important but citizens in Georgetown have a role to play in taking care of our water bodies, especially due to garbage drift along the coast; fewer

plastics provide a better chance for turtles to survive.” She noted that people can engage in beach cleanups, community efforts and stricter regulation should be implemented to prevent fishermen from fishing in the no-fishing zones.

As Guyana prepares for the ban on single-use plastics in 2021, we urge you to start thinking consciously about how we use and dispose of single-use plastics. Let’s work together to protect our marine Turtles.

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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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Industrial Technology

A field hardly talked about I WROTE on the Arts/Humanities stream a while back in one of my column pieces, discussing the importance of students joining this field and battling stereotypes against it.

Comparable to the arts, is the Industrial Technology field, better known as the ‘Tech Stream’ in most schools across Guyana. “Industrial technology aims to speed up the production process through the combined use of engineering and manufacturing technologies.” – Study.com. For us to understand the importance of Industrial Technology in our everyday lifestyles and the career opportunities it produces, we must first understand the importance of engineering and manufacturing technologies. Technology in manufacturing industries is essentially used to maximise the quality of the products and also reduce the price to produce it. In the era of mass production, where our population is growing rapidly, companies need to produce at the increasing demands we have and at the same time provide quality products. In this field, one is expected to be trained in understanding Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and so on. Since it is based on manufacturing, they are also expected to understand various materials and how these materials are used to make given products. Some of these materials include metals, plastics, electricity, sound light, etc. If by chance they are working in a factory that makes metal tools, they are expected to learn the different types of metals, methods of handling metals, same for any other material and product.

Maybe this is getting a bit boring to read all at once but think about it, everybody wants quality products, companies have to produce large quantities to meet everybody’s needs but who makes it all possible? Well, those who are employed in the field of Industrial Technology of course! In my days at the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS) my ‘Arts Stream’ class was right next to the ‘Tech Stream’ class. Ironic?

Maybe. As if this area is not talked about enough, we keep putting labels unto our girls when they choose to enter this realm of careers. All my years at NAMS there was always that one girl who everybody looked at as ‘different’ because she

chose to enter the Technology Stream. I beg to differ, for she is one brave girl; walking into a classroom that could be synonymously labelled as a ‘man’s world’ not by the school, teachers or even male students but society’s general perception of this field. It is important that we recognise and encourage our women not only in this field but the entire playing ground of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Industrial Engineers, Quality Assurance Engineers, Industrial Production Managers, Robotics Technicians are all careers that birthed from Industrial Technology. If you are reading this unsure of which field you’d like to pursue, if you are a parent seeking advice for your child or if you are already in the field, my words are filled with motivation and encouragement. In schools, the ‘Tech Stream’ is seen as the lesser option for children. Some may call it a ‘dunce’ class and even look down upon students who wish to pursue it. Let us be reminded that due to the recent oil findings in Guyana, at least 75 percent of job opportunities will be technology-based, some of which will require this very field of work. Also, not forgetting that this field and many other technological fields offer some of the highest earnings for jobs. According to the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council’s syllabus for Industrial Arts, “The economic development and competitive edge of the region are inextricably linked to the application of technology in the manufacture and utilisation of goods and services. These considerations make it an imperative for the region to understand, develop and effectively apply these competencies as they directly impact the quality of our lives.” It is of utmost importance for our developing country and the Caribbean at large; career-wise, economic expansion and growth.

Mr. Tamesh Mohabir, who is currently the Head of Department for (ag) Industrial Technology at the New Amsterdam Multilateral advises our youngsters by saying: “Joining the Industrial Technology Stream will be one of the greatest decisions a child can make in his/her life.

Engineering is the foundation for all great inventions and being in this stream will give you a platform from which to launch into this amazing field of study and work. Don’t be

Outdoor Post Lamps - designed and built by the Grade 11 Mechanical Engineering Technology Students as part of their SBA Practcial.

discouraged by the stereotypes and clichés going around saying that this area of study is for the students who are not academically inclined, be brave, be bold, follow your passion for creation, manufacturing, designing and building and hop on board the Industrial Technology Trainyou won’t regret it – bright future awaits.”

Grade 11 students’ at NAMS Welding and Fabrication Project - Outdoor combination bench for CXC Mechanical Engineering SBA Practical 2019. (picture by Tamesh Mohabir)

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

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Clay Soil

NAREI in Focus continues to inform readers about soils this week with focus on clay soil. As a reminder to our readers, soil particles come in different sizes, which contribute to soil texture. Sand particles are the largest while clay particles are the smallest.

Clay is the remains of certain types of rocks that have been eroded and weathered to form fine particles. Most soils

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

contain clay particles. A good mixture of sand, silt, clay and organic matter provides the ideal loamy soil. Problems don’t usually occur until the clay content exceeds 30-35 percent.

Being so small, clay particles pack together not allowing the necessary spaces between them for air and water to flow, especially air that most roots need to function. Clay particles are plate-like with little space between them. This traps water for long periods. It is also hard for most roots to penetrate.

However, there are some positives to clay soils. One such is that its particles hold onto nutrients, making them more fertile. The nutrients are released to plants, producing healthy crops. Nutrients are more likely to be washed through sandy or chalky soils by rain.

Clay soils are less prone to becoming too acidic as they hold appreciable quantities of calcium. But these potential advantages are often outweighed by the physical properties brought about by the small particle size.

All soils hold water because it is attracted to particles by surface tension and chemical forces. Clay particles are very small and therefore can hold more water and are less prone to drought. But, as a result, they are likely to become waterlogged in during rainy conditions, making cultivation difficult.

Clay soils are also slower to warm up as the weather changes, (chalk soils certainly don’t suffer from this) and so germination of seeds may be delayed. Conversely, they retain heat better than many soils once they have warmed up.

The strong attraction of the water to the surfaces of the clay particles also leads to cracking during dry weather. When plants remove water from clay soils the volume of the soil decreases and eventually the soil cracks. During rainy conditions the soil absorbs water and it swells back to its original volume.

In extreme conditions, waterlogged garden clay soil can have a solid “Iron Pan” within the sub-soil caused by leaching down of iron salts into an impenetrable barrier. This, of course, increases water-logging and therefore gardening problems!

IMPROVING CLAY SOIL Clay soils are fertile and potentially very good. The most important operation in improving clay soil is to try and break it up to reduce the terrible wetness in winter and dryness in summer.

Simple digging will help make clay soil more workable, but the effect is ten times greater if a bulky organic material is incorporated at the same time. Use peat, garden compost, manure, spent hops, straw or even coarse grit or seaweed.

Even very heavy clay soils can be improved as a result.

Even with improved topsoil, it may still become waterlogged unless the rainwater can drain through the subsoil.

If the subsoil is solid clay, or the garden is low lying, some form of drainage may be necessary. In large gardens, open ditches could be used to collect water and if possible, carry it to a nearby stream. In smaller gardens tile drains, perforated plastic or French drains (trenches of pebbles or shingle) leading to soak ways will help greatly.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

XXIII

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

On Playwrights (Part I)

“William Shakespeare”

EVERY play begins with a playwright – someone who stays up night after night to put the words on the page, crafting believable characters, stirring up tension and conflict, addressing topical issues, invoking humour, building the action, and then pulling the whole thing together through a variety of techniques, new and old, that seamlessly works what could have been a mass of words into a cohesive unit, a work of art, that becomes something else entirely, a new thing, something alive that transforms into another work of art when placed on the stage. It continues to transform, each time it is performed, so that the playwright not only births art but creates art that gives life to yet other forms of art. The script leads to the production of the play, and each production brings with it some slight change so that each time the work is performed can be considered a moment in time whereby that specific production, that one performance, becomes a fleeting thing of beauty, never to be captured again, never to be seen in exactly the same way.

Because the playwright is the creator of the play, he/she functions in one of the most powerful roles in the artistic world, because the playwright is the one, through his/her work, who presents the opportunities for many other strands of art to converge and unite in theatre. For example, the playwright creates the characters that are played by actors, the playwright might be the one who specifies what kind of music is to be used, the playwright might have specific instructions for costuming, for staging, for what the background scenery should look like. Therefore, it would be foolish to deny the importance of the playwright in providing opportunities for having some part in giving the chance for expression, for life to dance, fashion, and other fields in the domain of art. Of course, these relationships are definitely mutualistic – in that the playwright benefits too. Perhaps the music gives life to his words, or perhaps the actors do so, or perhaps the painters or the designers and builders. However, it is looked at, it should be clear that the playwright functions as an important wheel in the machinery of theatre, and the functioning of this machine relies on his/her relationships with the various different parts of the machine, and the ways in which the wheel can function with other wheels, cogs, bolts, and nuts.

The question that intrudes upon the established importance of the playwright is the one that states: Well, then, if playwrights are so

important, then why do they often rank below both writers of fiction and poets? Of course, there will be those who seek to counter this by suggesting that playwrights occupy important positions in the literary world and that they are held in high esteem and are well-regarded by others. While this is true for some playwrights – such as Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Derek Walcott, Pulitzer Prize winner, Lynn Nottage, or Broadway veteran and Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winner, Stephen Sondheim, there is no doubt that a great many playwrights no do receive the attention, acclaim, and, most importantly, the respect that they deserve. It is no secret that playwriting almost always emerges as some sort of afterthought to fiction and poetry, regardless of whether we are talking about the presence of plays in best-seller lists, playwrights in highly-regarded literary competitions, or the opportunity for the study and academic interrogation of the plays and/or the subject of playwriting itself, as evidenced through the limited fellowship and study opportunities that are available for playwrights, at least when compared to the other two dominant genres. Even our very own Guyana Prize for Literature did not seem to have awarded a prize for Drama until 1994, about eight years after the Prize came into being.

The reasons for playwrights not being appreciated as much as that of fiction writers and poets are numerous. The first being that while theatre was fashionable for a very long time in the history of the world, it was soon replaced by technological innovations, such as printing (which led to publishing) and television. This shift in interest from theatre to other mediums is ironic, considering that theatre emerged first in human history and it is to theatre that we will return if/when technology fails or shuttles us into a dystopia (whichever comes first). A second reason has to do with the fact that playwrights write for the stage and not necessarily for consumption by reading. Therefore, a playwright’s vision is more costly to produce since it relies on production elements, such as staging, costumes, props, and the payment of actors. Playwrights, therefore, can be regarded as investments that are reliant upon the ever-changing mood of the general public, and this lack of certainty in the playwright’s ability to return everything that has been invested in him/her that renders this particular brand of writer to viewed with poisonous suspicion. Lastly, I believe that the accessibility of theatre – once a strength – has proven to be one of the elements to undo this particular art form. We live in a world where everyone wants to stand out, to be unique, to have access to that which only a limited few can reach, and theatre with its open arms, sharing the gifts of the playwright, does not fall into this category. All of this is unfortunate, of course, considering that there many playwrights who continue to put out work that is on par and sometimes surpasses the work of the trending or popular writers – and then there is the fact that the lavish and spectacle that comes from the theatre, through the playwright, are elements that can never be replicated in any other kind of literature.

Nevertheless, playwrights continue to be downtrodden in our society and while there

are general examples that the world can know and understand and seek to remedy, there are specific examples that we in Guyana need to confront and challenge as well.

The one fact that best interrogates the place of playwrights within our society, the one that I constantly turn to when I

need assurance in my work in theatre, is the one that states the truth of the greatest writer to ever have written in the English language, William Shakespeare, was, after all, also a playwright. More on the plight of contemporary playwrights in next week’s article.

XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Preparing for the impending ban on single-use plastics: Part 1

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

XXV

Patriotism on Independence TODAY, Guyana observes 53 years as a sovereign nationfree of rule from our British colonial matters and this is a good time, as any, to reflect on our patriotism.

Patriotism is that feeling of pride in your country, because of what the country has and represents. It’s that feeling that causes your pores to raise when you see the Golden Arrowhead being hoisted at the D’Urban Park, or when you hear the National Anthem being played by the Guyana Police Force Band. And no matter where in the world you go, this feeling is constant.

I think that 53 years as a free nation is a remarkable feat.

We may not be in the place that we want to be as a country; there are still very many wrongs that we must right. But in all of this, what remains is that we are commonly focused on the good elements of our country and on ensuring that better is to come.

I reflect on the Mayor of the city of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman proclaiming that May 26 this year will be observed as Guyana Day in that city. I reached out to the Mayor’s office just to find out what was the reason that prompted this proclamation.

The reply I received read: “The Mayor received a request from a member of the public asking to recognise the independence of Guyana and people of Guyanese descent who now make Las Vegas their home and contribute to the richness of our community. The Mayor was happy to accommodate the request.”

I’d like to imagine that the person who sent in the request (bless their soul) did so on the basis of feelings of patriotism.

And that makes me very happy.

I think there’s a qualitative difference between patriotism and a fervent sense of nationalism, however.

I love my country. I love that my country is free from colonial rule. I love that we can make decisions for ourselves. But w h a t I don’t like and what I don’t want to

succumb to, is that trap of fervent nationalism.

Nationalism, as opposed to patriotism, is based on the premise that an individual’s loyalty and devotion to the country surpasses other individual or group interests.

Many experts have attributed the rise of all the ugly anti-immigration policies and agendas popping up all over

the world to nationalism. Need an example? President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (#MAGA), ‘America First’ agenda.

I would hate to see these anti-immigrant policies spread to Guyana, a country which has traditionally been one of emigration… you know, moving into other people’s countries and ‘making life’. And I’m sure that most Guyanese have been on the receiving end of barrels, boxes, parcels or envelopes, so we could relate positively to immigration.

Now that we find ourselves at the receiving end, more and more I hear the talks of Venezuelans, Chinese and Cubans ‘coming to take away our jobs’. I attend fora and presentations and without fail, someone will voice that Guyanese should safeguard against these foreigners, as though they are some sort of evil. But they’re here allowing for the creation of niche markets and services and it’s up to us to capitalise on that.

With the emerging oil and gas industry, too, we know that there is a dearth of skills locally for the more technical aspects of this sector, yet we find ourselves crying over ‘foreigners’ taking up these jobs. What this situation offers, in my opinion, is an avenue for us to learn from these persons and develop our own crop of skills and talents to one day take over form them.

Loving our country and putting our country first is natural. But I don’t think we should let it go to a state where it becomes toxic for other people to exist in our spaces. There are benefits to be had from people being in our spaces, and we shouldn’t be so myopic to forget that we were once (and in fact continue to be) in similar shoes.

I would hope that as we celebrate another year of Independence, we take the time to recognise where we have come as a people and as a country and not our feelings of patriotism morph into this nationalism that hurts immigrants.

Happy 53rd Guyana!

Alabama using his musical abilities to assist underprivileged youths L O CAL artiste C l i f ford “Alabama” Charles has been behind the scenes at his recording studio assisting youths to realise their true potential as it relates to music.

He identifies himself as a role model for young people from depressed communities and is using his recording skills to enhance the lives of those youths.

After working on his musical career for some years, Charles eventually ventured into building musical careers for others as well.

“I haven’t been out of the music scene, I am doing things, trying with what I have but I have been getting a lot of “fight down” so I am not giving up,” he said.

After a long time, Charles has returned to the scene with his individual work, and performed last night at the Guyana National Stadium, for the “Long Walk to Freedom” reggae show featuring international artiste Buju Banton.

Three weeks ago, he released a new music video for his song “Open Eyes” and performed at the Sophia Training Centre on May 23, for the students

as part of their edutainment show.

Through his music, he is aiming to send positive messages to young people to desist from crimes and gun-related incidents and to turn their lives around and do something meaningful.

Charles told the Buzz Magazine that he did a song collaboration with Ras Isan “Natural One” titled “Biggest Guns” which is on the airwaves and the music video is expected to be released in two weeks’ time.

He added that all his songs are downloadable on all social media platforms and he spends most of his time at his recording studio at Lodge Housing Scheme, which has become an oasis for youths.

Charles has used his studio to record songs of some talented youths in an effort to influence them to walk the ‘straight and narrow’ path but for him to continue to assist young people he welcomes any form of support from both the public and private sector since he is financially unstable.

This Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara resident has been recording professionally for five years but his true passion is reggae and dancehall songs for which he remains committed.

Clifford “Alabama” Charles in his recording studio in Lodge Housing Scheme.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Independence 53 years on – a historical account and commentary PRESIDENT David Granger documents the events of May 26, 1966, in his publications ‘Guyana’s Independence 1966’, published in 2008, and explores Guyana’s growth and development in Independence and Resilience published in 2016 in time for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee.

In this edition of Government in Action, we explore the President’s writings on the political build-up to Guyana’s Independence; the establishment of Guyana’s sovereignty, and the way forward towards her sustainable development.

Registrar at the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, who was present at that historical celebration, offers his commentary as he recalls the events and speaks to their significance, both then and now, of this turning point in the nation’s history.

INDEPENDENCE IN 1966 “The colonial system included the political domination, economic exploitation, and cultural subordination of the subject peoples.

Guyanese sought to reverse these conditions.

Independence meant that the people who live in a colony, thereafter would exercise sovereignty over their territory, select their own representatives to govern them and determine their own policy for economic, educational, and social development. In short, Independence meant that Guyana would no longer be controlled by Britain.” – President David Granger, Guyana’s Independence 1966 “I was just in primary school, not even ten years old when I was with my parents at what was then the Queen Elizabeth Park, looking at the symbolic lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.

For me, the most compelling moment was the embracing of the then Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the Opposition

of being given instructions and fashioning a developmental path that was indigenous, that was informed by the intellectual, academic, and nature of our people. Guyanese fashioned it. And that’s what political independence means,” he said.

Prime Minister Forbes Burnham

Leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan in an embrace of genuine and compelling solidarity and unity,” Dr. Gravesande said.

“Independence was about transformation – the changing of subject into citizens’; the improvement of institutions such as the National Assembly, Judiciary, and the Public Service; the organisation of industries, commerce, currency, taxation; the ownership and use of natural resources; arrangements for the common defense and the safety of our people.” – President David Granger, Guyana’s Independence 1966 The event, Dr. Gravesande said, is significant because of Guyana’s tangible shift in the global arena, which gave Guyanese the opportunity to define themselves, their culture, and their country.

“It was a clear expression of maturity into nationhood, to be acknowledged by the rest of the international community as a sovereign

A scene from the Children’s Rally in Mackenzie, Linden (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Dr. Cheddi Jagan

country that will chart its own course of socio, cultural, and economic development and without the dictates of a foreign or sovereign nation. It was going to be an opportunity to be non-aligned and to, in fact, charter a foreign and economic policy that comes from the belly of your people without following the dictates, which we had to follow for centuries by colonial domination. Here we had an opportunity to unleash ourselves from the shackles

CULTURAL INDEPENDENCE “Independence implied ‘decolonisation’the reform, reversal, or removal of attitudes that prevailed in the old economy and society.

It also implied ‘Guyanisation’ – the education and employment of Guyanese to help them to attain their full potential.” – President David Granger, Guyana’s Independence 1966 Political independence also gave Guyanese the opportunity to define themselves as Guyanese without certain qualifiers. For the first time in the history of this country, all of Guyana’s people could unite under one title. This, of course, was exemplified in the unexpected embrace between then Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who had become estranged due to ideological differences but found common ground in Guyana’s first moments of freedom.

“Here were two Guyanese embracing whose historical paths to these shores were different, one forced to come to this part [of the world] as a result of slavery and the other whose entry to this part of the world was

Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham receives the Independence Instruments, the Guyana Independence Act, the Constitution of Guyana, and the Guyana Order-in-Council, from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

XXVII The Golden Arrowhead is hoisted at the 2017 Independence Flag raising Ceremony at Durban Park

From left to right: President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger along with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo at the 2017 Independence flag Raising Ceremony held at Durban Park.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and Mrs, Ramjattan are also pictured first and second from right.

through a process of indentureship… On that night, Thursday, the 26th of May 1966, there were [first] and foremost Guyanese. They were not perceived as Indo-Guyanese or Afro-Guyanese. They were Guyanese and that should be the preoccupation of our mentality as we move forward as a nation, to see ourselves [first] and foremost as Guyanese,” he said.

This, Dr. Gravesande added, is a lesson that ages well for Guyana, a lesson that ought to be passed down from Guyana’s leaders to her people.

“It has got to be a constant message that resonates, not only with our political leadership but with our civic leaders, our church leaders, our religious leaders. We are all in this together and it should emanate from the bowels of our leaders across the political divide, across the social divide, across the cultural divide. Ours is a plural society that must embrace it, not only in word but also in deed,” he said.

INDEPENDENCE TODAY “The old economy was dominated by six commodities – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamonds, and timber. Excessive economic dependence on the export earnings of these six primary commodities exposed us to the volatilities of global commodity prices. The old economy was susceptible to external shocks. The ‘Independence Covenant,’ therefore, remains unconsummated. Our task today is to complete our mission by securing within the next decade, a ‘good life’ for all Guyanese.

The necessity of economic transformation cannot be denied or delayed. We must act resolutely to implement the reforms that are essential to building a resilient economy – one that is adaptive to the changes and responsive to the challenges of the global economy.” – President David Granger, ‘Independence and Resilience’

Independence Day affords Guyanese the opportunity to reflect on and learn from the nation’s history in order to fashion a better future for all Guyanese. The Government of Guyana has chartered a way forward for sustainable and resilient development in the Green State Development Strategy. Mr. Gravesande encouraged all Guyanese to commit themselves wholly to the ‘green’ agenda.

“All leaders of our country [must] recommit themselves and [I am] urging Guyanese, all Guyanese to a balanced development of our country, one that will preserve our environment, while ensuring opportunities, economic opportunities, are created, especially for our young people… I believe Independence should also permit us an opportunity to reflect on the need for building a more tolerant society in an environment where intolerance is very invasive, a society that can harness the collective strengths of all Guyanese, while acknowledging that we have our differences… As we celebrate 53 years of nationhood it is absolutely critical that there be a call on every Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora, to seek the motivation, to seek the resolve, to seek the courage to shoulder personal responsibility to move Guyana forward… Forward ever, backward never,” he said.

INDEPENDENCE WISHES “I’d just finally like to wish all Guyanese both at home and abroad, a wonderful Independence Anniversary and to reflect on what we now need to be to ensure that our independence and our symbols of

independence are real in a genuine spirit of collaboration and cooperation and to try out best to minimiz=se those areas that divide u and embrace those that unite us,” Dr. Gravesande urged.

Arguably, the best and most reverent way to observe Guyana’s independence is to honour the ancestors of our people, who endured enslavement, indentureship, and exploitation at the hand of colonialism, but who still emerged from such tragedies unified, resilient and independent. Out of respect for their efforts, every Guyanese is duty-bound to, not only carry on, but exceed the legacy of sovereignty, unity, and harmony envisioned and achieved by our forefathers. We keep their sacrifice in mind as we walk boldly into a socially cohesive and resilient future. Happy Independence Day!

XXVIII

FACEBOOK has published its latest “enforcement report”, which details how many posts and accounts it took action on between October 2018 and March 2019.

During that six-month period, Facebook removed more than three billion fake accounts - more than ever before.

More than seven million “hate speech” posts were removed, also a record high.

For the first time, Facebook also reported how many deleted posts were appealed, and how many were put back online after review.

In a call with reporters on Thursday, chief executive Mark

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Facebook: Another three billion fake profiles culled

Zuckerberg hit back against numerous calls to break up Facebook, arguing its size made it possible to defend against the network’s problems.

“I don’t think that the remedy of breaking up the company is going to address [the problem],” he said.

“The success of the company has allowed us to fund these efforts at a massive level. I think the amount of our budget that goes toward our safety systems... I believe is greater than Twitter’s whole revenue this year.”

FAKE ACCOUNTS Facebook said the rise in the number of deleted fake accounts was because “bad actors” were using automated methods to create large numbers of them.

But it said it spotted and deleted a majority of them within minutes, before they had any opportunity to “cause harm”.

The social network will now also report how many posts were removed for selling “regulated goods” such as drugs and guns.

It said it took action on more than one million posts selling guns in the six-month period covered by the report.

PREVALENCE For some types of content, such as child sex abuse imagery, violence and terrorist propaganda, the report estimates how often such content was actually seen by people on Facebook.

The report said that out of every 10,000 pieces of content viewed on Facebook: about 14 views were of nudity, 25 views were of violence or graphic content, fewer than three views were of child abuse imagery or terrorist propaganda.

Overall, about 5% of the monthly active users on Facebook were fake accounts.

APPEALS For the first time, the report reveals that between January and March 2019 more than one million appeals were made after posts were deleted for “hate speech”.

About 150,000 posts that were found not to have broken the hate speech policy were restored during that period.

Facebook said the report highlighted “areas where we could be more open in order to build more accountability and responsiveness to the people who use our platform”.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

XXIX

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

ocus F on the Village

Canal Number One Polder The ideal place for large-scale farming and a quiet life

THIS week, we ventured into the Esse“I wholesale my pines to people who quibo Islands-West Demerara region come and make the purchase right here; (Region Three) to Canal Number One but what is needed is an open market for Polder. Stories by Michel Outridge our produce because, for instance, the and Shirley Thomas. Photos by Samuel mangoes are plentiful when in season and Maughn. it would spoil because there is no market HAVING lived all his life in the comfor it and people with fruit juice businesses munity of Canal Number One Polder, can buy it,” Prashad said.

West Bank Demerara, Ramanand Prashad The farmer reported that in their area is serving his fellow villagers by acting as they lack farming supplies such as seeds, a counsellor to resolve disputes and other because they have to source it themselves social issues among residents. and sometimes they have to go out the He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he village to do so, but they work with what was born in the village and grew up there they have. and when he became a Justice of Peace, He added that a little bit of resources people began to visit his home to seek can go a long way in assisting farmers to advice, as well as to conduct document-reget the much-needed tools and equipment lated business. among other things.

Ramanand Prashad Prashad has never refused anyone and is alRamanand said, “A farmer is a patient man, ways up for a friendly chat, even though he is a full-time farm- who puts food on his table all around the world and they must er who plants pineapples on a large scale on his 11 acres of be treated with respect, Not because you see an old man going land just behind his house, which runs deep into the savannah. into his farm with old clothes and a tattered hat means he is “I moonlight as a counsellor in mostly domestic disputes nothing. A farmer is a technical man who knows how much like if a neighbour cow damage a fence – people come here fertiliser he should put on his crops and when he can do it, for recommendations, other document-related things and I because without fully understanding these things you can lose assist,” he said. an entire crop just so by putting too much fertiliser.”

HOME OF PINEAPPLES, JACK FRUIT AND GROUND PROVISIONS Having retired in March, 2016, Prashad stated that he is farming full-time and on a large scale with crops of pineapples and ground provisions.

It is his choice of crops because sometimes during the rainy season, the land would be flooded and those crops unlike others can withstand the water accumulation for about a week.

He disclosed that with pineapples, after a week under water, one would just add some fertiliser and it would be as good as new. Prashad doesn’t have to go out of the village to sell his produce because customers would come and make purchases of all his pineapples and ground provisions and all seasonal crops he is planting.

Ramanand Prashad in his pineapple farm (Samuel Maughn photos)

CANAL NUMBER TWO POLDER Prashad stated that everything good and home-grown comes from Canal Number One Polder.

The village is home to more than 500 residents and life in that ‘neck of the woods’ is well, since almost everyone is independent and has his/her own business, he said.

The elderly man told the Pepperpot Magazine that country life is hassle-free, once you work, you can live comfortably.

Canal Number Two Polder has two primary schools, one secondary school and the Manram Memorial Health Centre which is fully staffed and also has a visiting doctor.

It is a farming community, the home of pineapples, jack fruit and ground provisions, since most people, who were into sugar cane production, reverted to seasonal crops as a result

of falling prices of sugar cane.

DIFFICULTIES When asked about the difficulties associated with living in Canal, the 66-year-old man told the Pepperpot Magazine that personally, he has none, but things are costly; as such, in that farming community they depend heavily on their produce to make ends meet in remaining financially viable.

He related that sometimes they do not have any need to go out of the village, since trucks with people who sell groceries and other things such as cooking gas and other commodities would pass through on a regular basis.

Prashad added that at the edge of the community, which has one main access road that stretches for about seven miles from the public road, they have a small general store which has building materials and other hardware items.

“You know Canal is a good place, very quiet place to live,

The senior citizen on his farm which is behind his house

we don’t have loud music problem and if we have a wedding, permission from the police is required to play between certain times. People in this village are close-knit, we are neighbourly and generally look out for each other, so much so, we don’t have a ‘bandit’ issue, but we do get some petty crimes such as ‘bottom house’ thieves,” he said.

Prashad stated that transportation is not a problem, because they have taxis and minibuses plying the route on a daily basis and some residents have their own vehicles; so all in all, this is the ideal place to live outside the city.

He disclosed that he was educated at Mc Gillivray Primary School and worked with the Ministry of Works for 23 years, then moved on to the then Office of the President (OP) for another 23 years as the project manager.

Today, Prashad devotes most of his time to his farm.

YOUTH CONCERNS The farmer said the youths in the village are left to their own devices because they don’t have employment and most of them are drop-outs.

With limited education, good jobs are hard to come by; that is why they need the interventions such as skills training, Prashad said.

He, however, admitted that some youths are working the land as farmers, while others don’t do anything and some have jobs outside the village.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Birthday reflections

XXXI

The good times and the sacrifices through the years

ATMARAN Ramotar, also called granddaughter. “[My son] is a tradesPandit Ramotar, of La Venture, Caman: an electrician and a carpenter/ manal Number One, West Bank Demerson – a real Jack of all Trades,” he said. ara, celebrated his 72nd birthday at his home last Tuesday; he spent it GOOD BEGETS GOOD sitting out in his yard with his treaAtmaran, who is a Hindu, said he sured wife, Scavy, reminiscing on the eventually became a Pandit and a Hindi good times they have spent together teacher and believes in the mantra that and the sacrifices they made in order when you do good, good will follow to be living a comfortable life today. you. He said he believes in showing Atmaran was born and grew up in people the way of life and how to beCanal Number One with his parents, come elevated. He believes that every three sisters and three brothers in a action carries a reaction, stating conficlosely bonded family environment. dently that, “The Bible says so too.”

Asked what would he do for the Agreeing that La Venture has grown remainder of the birthday, he replied: Pandit Atmaran Ramotar and wife, Scavy Ramotar by leaps and bounds in terms of hous“I’d relax. You see, we are not fancy. on his 72nd birth anniversary last Tuesday (Samuel ing development since he first took up We grow very poor … very simple. Maughn photos) residence there, Atmaran alluded to the My father used to work with people for beautiful dream house he built after love, because they did it to get an education a cent and a halfpenny a rod a day to weed and that was the most important thing. “In getting married. Asked what else would he the farm and that was years ago; and that was fact, I was always the first to get to school. deep into the forest. We [my brothers and I] The school was McGillivray Primary School would go with him at a place called Yampari and it was run by a Canadian Mission in and we would help him weed. those days, he recalled.

“Then when time comes for payment, “At that time we were living in a place the shop man would give my father goods called Leonora Backdam, then from there, in exchange for labour [imposing a barter we come down here at La Venture where I system.] He never get money to bring home, met the lady of my life. Her father gave us and so he had to do other things, like planting this land and we start with a little house and pine, but that too did not pay despite the hard I start to work far away in the Yampari forest work; and so my father took to working on behind the Bonasika Conservancy. We plantthe Leonora Sugar Estate.” ed pine, because it thrives well on sandy soil, but what I did getting for it couldn’t pay, plus BOYHOOD DAYS sales was slow.

Sharing memories of his childhood days, “I did farm work too -- hard work. I cut he said: “We grew up poor, very poor and I cane and work at Yampari with my father, couldn’t afford shoes, so I went to school cutting cane at Leonora Estate. That is years ‘barefoot’. The road was bare mud, espe- gone by. My father died about 20 years back cially in rainy season and so we had to walk and mother about 15 years ago,” Atmaran through the mud, with it reaching above yuh stated. ankle,” he recalled.

However, he said, he worked and build The evidence of pineapples as a thriving On average, Atmaran said, he walked himself. “You got to try you just can’t sit West Bank Demerara seven miles to school in a place called ‘A’ back, especially when you have a wife and Line, in the same Canal Number One; it was children,” he said. And so soon after meetthree and a half miles each way on foot. But ing Scavy, the two became married. The desire to see happen to promote developin retrospect, he now considers it a labour of union brought forth one son and later on, a ment in the village, he replied. “Not only

the village, but mostly the economy. The economy has dropped a lot. For example, when you sell the pine you not getting a right price. We selling it for the labour cost. But I guess that is the economy of the world … not only Guyana. I would sit and look at it on television.

“I work so hard in my lifetime that even as I was still planting pine, I started to get weaker and weaker. I became sick with dengue fever and end up lying down whole day with fever. But I believe in God and God is the great healer,” he contended.

He also lamented the level of personal income tax, saying he would like to see it go down.

“If there is one more thing I would like to see the country do - reduce income tax. That is killing … terrible. And when it comes to that light bill, I used to pay

commodity at Number One Canal Polder,

$8,000 and now it has gone up to $20,000 a month for my residential facility,” he said.

Support the L’Aventure playfield initiative Residents praise NDC, express concern about other areas of development RESIDENTS of La Venture, Canal Number One Polder are high in praise for their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for working diligently to improve the aesthetics of the community and for making life more comfortable for the people.

They cited the recent desilting of Canal Number One and the timely disposal of garbage as well. These words of commendation came when the Pepperpot Magazine made a recent visit to the neighbourhood.

But while this is so, residents also have some concerns which they would like to have addressed soonest, particularly since these matters are likely to have a negative effect on the growth and development of young people of the community.

Residents are acutely concerned over the state of neglect in which the only playfield in the community has been left for the longest while; according to them, this has effectively denied youths the right to clean and socially acceptable outdoor recreation such as athletics, football, cricket and volleyball.

A visit to the playfield showed that it

The open playfield at La Venture in a sad state, according to residents (Samuel Maughn photos)

is heavily overgrown with weeds and more recently, irresponsible persons have taken to dumping waste around the periphery. This practice, the residents say, creates a haven for the breeding of mosquitoes, even as youngsters with sporting potential are being denied

the opportunity of practising whatever sports they show potential or desire to pursue.

The elders are of the view that if systems are put in place to take care of the field and have it used for what it was intended, the Number One Canal can, in time, be shot to

fame, since the community will be churning out ‘quality’ national sportsmen. The residents recall that a few young men showed signs of hope and promise in the football arena. In fact, some ambitious residents identified a football coach they approached to train the youngsters, and the coach was said to have agreed. Unfortunately, however, the proposal never materialised due to lack of cooperation on the part of others who were ideally positioned to get the proposal off the ground, residents said.

Meanwhile, other areas of concern included: the need for fencing the area identified for sporting activities to protect it from roaming animals and the need for at least two floodlights at the playfield. Residents acknowledged that the NDC had donated one for the purpose, but unfortunately, about three weeks later it was stolen.

Residents expressed concern about the increasing spate of criminal activities in the area. One suspect in a break and entry matter was said to have been recently identified during a police identification parade.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Leading by example Headteacher working to raise the standards of her school ALTHEA Daniels-Stuart can be described as a disciplinarian but also considers herself a simple woman, who is like, as we say, ‘from the old school.’ She is the headteacher for L’ Aventure Secondary School, which is located at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara. She has been in the teaching profession for 28 years.

Daniels-Stuart has been there since September 1, 2012. The school, which was established in the 1950s as a nursery school, then developed into a primary and all-age school.

“I am very serious about discipline because there is no flexibility where discipline is concerned. I think if you don’t have the ability to manage yourself, then it will be difficult for you to mingle well with people and I think knowing your limits is very important as an individual,” she said.

This straightforward headteacher hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice and has taught at all the schools she attended in Berbice.

Daniels-Stuart added that she has a house in La Parfaite Harmonie where she resides, but likes to travel and has worked at schools in Region Nine, in the city and on the East Coast of Demerara.

Her teaching career first started at New Amsterdam at the St. Theresa Primary School.

L’ AVENTURE SECONDARY SCHOOL The school was converted into a secondary school when they had the Secondary School Reform Project – it is now a secondary school where students sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

“I came to this school in 2012 and the very next year we had a fire which basically wiped out the entire building. However, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 2014, so we are now back here after spending a year at the GAICO Construction Compound further [sic] down the Canal,” she said.

Daniels-Stuart told the Pepperpot Maga-

zine that their current enrolment is 455 and they have 18 subjects for CSEC. She related that they have 42 students writing CSEC this year, but their numbers have dropped significantly because they have a large drop-out rate.

“In this area, a child in Form One or Two would say, ‘I don’t want to come back to school’ and I think it is a lack of firmness on the part of the parents that contributes to this kind of behaviour. For me, if you are leaving school at this age, when you reach age 14 you cannot gain employment or acceptance to any of the proper post-secondary education [institutions]. So for those years you are just floating around getting into trouble,” she said.

Daniels-Stuart told the Pepperpot Magazine that a large number of their students come from La Parfaite Harmonie, while others come from Wales, the West Bank of Demerara and Crane, West Coast Demerara.

She pointed out that they do not have a very vibrant Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), but they would have their meetings.

And at those meetings, elections are held to elect executives of the PTA and then afterwards they would just drop out.

WORKING TO BETTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES “We are trying, the one we have now is fairly active and we are trying to streamline changes in our admission policy and so on,” Daniels-Stuart said.

The headmistress stated that students of L’ Aventure Secondary School are not the high flyers from the primary school; as such, they find that students who attend the school can hardly read or write.

She is of the opinion that the problem of children who cannot read or write properly, stems from some deficiency in the home and at the primary school level.

The headteacher admitted that they have to work with them to become literate and

they have been fairly successful in the sense that the students are still able to gain eight subjects.

Daniels-Stuart explained that two years ago, they had 11 subjects for Grades One to Three and last year they had eight subjects with just one Grade Three student and three others were from Grades One and Two. “We have a student at Queen’s College [QC] doing the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), so we can do much better; but a lot depends on the collaboration between the school and the parents and that is what is lacking to foster better relations. I am saying with a school like ours, for us to be able to get children to write CSEC and pass, I think it is a significant achievement… I said to a colleague that we are called a secondary school, but we have more students who would fit better in the community high school environment rather than the full secondary school they are in,” she said.

Daniels-Stuart added that they write the same exams as at QC, but noted that the disparity is evident in the intake, facilities, support and with what they have she is of the belief that they are doing a good job.

She stated that they have 34 staff members in total and they house only the sections of Form Two to Form Five, because there is no space.

Form One students are housed at the Two Brothers Primary School, which is also located in Canal Number Two Polder.

“We don’t have adequate space here, we need a library, that is sorely lacking and we also need an extension to the building. The front building is in my work plan and proposal and if we have an upper-flat edifice we can accommodate the Form One pupils,” she said.

Headteacher of the L’ Aventure Secondary School, Althea Daniels-Stuart (Samuel Maughn photos)

CHALLENGES Daniels-Stuart said their biggest challenge is getting adequate support from the PTA and is optimistic if they join collectively, they will

help to re-enforce their regulations.

She explained that if they have PTA relations they will encounter very few social problems, since they have to deal with issues such as ‘fine pants’, hairstyles and lateness and concentrate on teaching rather than focusing so much on discipline.

The senior education official told the Pepperpot Magazine that because of the negative representation of the school, securing corporate sponsors and community-based businesses partnerships are not forthcoming.

“For instance, after the fire, we approached Courts for a used stove to get our Home Economics Department re-started and we didn’t get it. So I am constantly trying to urge the children to work on having what the public knows about this school to be positive.

When you go out there and say L’ Aventure Secondary School, some people say ‘What is that?’ They never heard of it. Those who heard about it, heard about the fights, the negative things -- but we are doing good things,” Daniels-Stuart said.

L’ Aventure Secondary School is without a landline phone service and the head teacher is hoping to have internet connectivity as well. The school is, however, active in football and they do well at inter-school competitions annually, where they have eight students to represent the school in the field of sports.

Daniels-Stuart related that they lack the facilities, but they are working with what they have and most times they have to improvise and they are doing well.

for sale, a snackette is like an oasis in the desert.

In this regard, the Triple ‘A’ Snackette. a lone food facility located just next door to the La Venture Primary/Secondary School compound along the Number One Canal Polder road has proven to be a ‘lifesaver.’

And this is so, not only for the hundreds of children attending that school, but for other persons as well.

Owned and operated by a lifetime resident of the La Venture community, Anthony Arthur, Triple ‘A’ Snackette, which has come to be a household name in the community, is ideally and conveniently located just next door to the school.

Even though the service is used by other members of the community, it caters specifically to the needs of children attending the school and who live a far distance away.

The snackette offers a variety of tasty snacks and beverages, including fruit juices in an environment where fruits abound and where they are consumed largely for their health benefits.

Meanwhile, for those desirous of dining on the premises, they can savour the flavour

of delicious, well prepared and packaged servings of cook-up rice and fried rice or chowmein, to which the students have taken a particular liking.

Deeply appreciative, the children are happy about the service, especially since it is close to the school and renders it easy for them to make their purchases and get back to school quickly and on time.

“We are also happy that Triple ‘A’ Snackette is here, and have come to like it because both the snacks and lunches are tasty and very affordable,” some of the students remarked. In the absence of the snackette, students, as well as workers who, for whatever reason did not bring their lunch from home, would experience some difficulty finding such a service.

Arthur said that the service is provided Mondays through Saturdays, opens up from 06:00hrs and runs throughout the working day to meet the needs of working people and other categories of his clientele in the quiet and slow-paced community of La Venture along the Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara.

e t t e k c a n S ’ Triple ‘A An oasis in the ‘desert’ Anthony Arthur, proprietor of Triple ‘A’ Snackette

Triple ‘A’ Snackette (Samuel Maughn photos)

IN a community where the main thoroughfare spans miles of roadway, exposed

to the sweltering heat of the sun and little or no facility offering food or beverage

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019 ‘Original Lyrics Singers’

XXXIX Relon and Roell Sumner

Visually impaired brothers aim to make it big in local music industry

By Vanessa Braithwaite DESPITE being visually impaired, Linden brothers, 17-year-old Relon and 15-year-old Roell Sumner, have commenced their singing careers after recording their first song, which is the theme song for Linden Town Week (LTW) 2019.

The duo goes by the stage name ‘Original lyrics’ and they have already written over 15 songs using catchy dancehall/soca beats. They however related that their preferred genre is dancehall. ‘Money Time’, was the first song they wrote about two years ago. The duo has also mastered the art of freestyling and has wowed crowds in the Blue Berry Hill community. People were astonished , that despite their disability, they can flow and rap lyrics in split seconds.

The LTW theme song is entitled ‘Town Week Time Again’ and was recorded at Elevate Studios. The song highlights the excitement and hype associated with the annual event, which attracts thousands of people to the mining town.

“It is basically talking about Linden Town Week, the fun, how we enjoy it; it talks about Poker Street Lime and how you roll out, bringing a vibe to the people them to see what it is all about,” Relon said. The duo is hoping that the song will create the traction and support they need to be recognised as local artistes, so that they can achieve their dream of recording and performing more of the songs they have written.

While Roell is a high achiever at the Mackenzie High School, Relon, unfortunately, had to drop out of Mackenzie High in fourth form, because of limited provisions for visually impaired students. Despite not being able to complete his secondary education, which would have made him qualified for a job, he believes that music will be his gateway to success.

“I always say I want music to carry me at the top to really build my life, but the way how Guyana going right now, I’m seeing it as a real big challenge; but I’m just hoping to get to the top because that’s what everybody wants-- to get to the top,” Relon posited The two siblings work as a team. They have five other siblings and two others also suffer from low vision. Their mother Ronella Waldron was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, a disease that occurs in foetuses infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, which is transmitted from mother to foetus. In cases where the mother does not miscarry, the child may be born with serious and progressive visual, hearing, motor, cognitive, and other problems. Impaired vision, however, is most common. Her third son Dimitry Waldron, also a high achiever at the Mackenzie High School, has low vision, but assists his brothers with writing their songs when they create and memorise the lyrics in their heads. “If we get a song that we want write, we does memorise it first in we head and whenever it done fix up, we does sit with him and he does write it. Sometimes we do it by verse and then the chorus.”

Because of assistance from their family circle, being visually impaired is far from a deterrent to the brothers, who believe they will be the Stevie Wonders of Guyana, in years to come. They are currently working on two soca songs, which will be submitted for the Junior Soca Monarch competition in 2020.

The brothers are also pleading with local promoters, and DJs, especially at the radio station in Linden, to not shun them because of their disability, but to give them an equal chance as other local artistes, whom they see as their equals. They are also encouraging other youths who are differently abled, to reach for the stars, to push against every stumbling block, so that they too can achieve greatness.

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HUAWEI: China warns of investment blow to UK over 5G ban A top Chinese diplomat has warned that there could be “substantial” repercussions for her country’s investment in the UK, if Huawei were to be banned from Britain’s 5G network.

Chen Wen also told the BBC that Beijing had already “witnessed some conscious moves” in that direction.

Last week, the US put Huawei on a list that curbs the ability of US firms to trade with it.

US officials blamed national security concerns over Huawei technology.

The UK is still reviewing its 5G telecoms policy and may allow Huawei to supply “non-core” 5G components, such as antenna masts.

‘WELCOMING ARM?’ Huawei is considered a world-leading provider of next-generation 5G technology, which will provide superfast mobile internet connections.

Speaking to the BBC’s World at One programme, Ms Chen, who is the Chinese chargé d’affaires in London, said the UK economy would be damaged by the message any ban on Huawei sent out to international and Chinese companies.

“The message is not going to be very positive,” she said.

“Is UK still open? Is UK still extending a welcoming arm to other Chinese investors?”

When asked how large the repercussions would be, the embassy official said: “It’s hard to predict at the moment, but I think it’s going to be quite substantial.”

Ms Chen insisted that her government would never force a Chinese firm operating abroad to provide information to its intelligence agencies.

She went on to claim that there was a bit of “hysteria” in the United States about the rise of Chinese influence and the UK should make decisions based on its own national interest.

She called Huawei’s investment in the UK “a vote of confidence in the UK economy”.

CHIPS AND PHONES Earlier this week, Cambridge-based chip designer ARM told its staff they must halt “all active contracts, support entitlements, and any pending engagements” with Huawei to comply with a recent US trade clampdown.

ARM’s designs form the basis of most mobile device processors worldwide.

On the same day, EE confirmed that its range of 5G phones would not include Huawei models.

It followed a decision from Google to bar the smartphone maker from some updates to the Android operating system.

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Snap is looking into licensing music for users to embed in posts

SNAP is in talks with Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group to license songs for users to embed in posts, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The deal would give users access to a broad catalog of songs to post on Snapchat, much like the features available for Instagram Stories and TikTok. The licensing deal would come at a time when tech companies are increasingly leaning into music features as a core part of their offerings. The popularity of these videos has allowed social media platforms to launch hit songs — Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” which has been the number one song on the Billboard Top 100 for several weeks, first gained popularity through TikTok as a meme.

Facebook secured a licensing deal with the three major record labels back in 2018, allowing users to put licensed music in their videos across all of its platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Oculus. The company has used the license to roll out features like Lip Sync Live, an obvious copycat of Musical.ly, which was acquired by Chinese giant ByteDance and folded into TikTok last year.

TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is now working on securing more licensing deals as it gears up to launch a music streaming service. Snap’s licensing deal won’t be quite at that scale, but it will be a step toward keeping the app competitive against Facebook and TikTok. As music copyright issues have been a point of contention between record labels and companies like YouTube and Peloton in recent months, it’ll be in Snap’s best interest to secure licenses quickly.

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English

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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Examinations at different levels demand more specialist knowledge, understanding and expertise as you move up through them. But even if examinations become more technical and abstract in ideas and concepts, or demand greater specialisation and more use of jargon, they do not become more difficult. It is only to the unprepared and inexperienced that successive examinations appear awful and frightening. Just study well, dear, and you will succeed in your chosen field.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Spring for bees, and so for beekeepers as well, has nothing to do with the calendar.

In protected hallows even in the Missouri winter, bees can find a bit of springtime in flowers with enough pollen to feed the first young bees growing from the eggs the queen has begun to lay.

Various aspects of maples, all members of the genus, Acer, with their delicate blossoms ranging from yellow-green to red, are one of the earliest to bloom. Maples are tall trees, and their blossoms are borne high in

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

the crowns, where they often are not seen by humans. The bees, of course, have no trouble in finding them. The American hazel, CorIn skating over thin ice, ylus americana, is a smaller tree our safety is in our speed.

– hardly more than a shrub – that RALPH WALDO EMERSON is another early source of pollen, and easier for us to see. It grows (1803-1882) Essays, vii. Prudence wild throughout most of temperate North America and produces the nuts we call filberts. In late tence where it is found. winter and early spring when most other 1. Standing there in the middle of the plants are at rest, hazel generously produc- street, George suddenly thought of Sandra. es pollen on long, dangling catkins. In the 2. Popular DJ Delano, wearing a sky winter, I like to stop on my walk down to blue tropical suit and a wide-brimmed hat, the mailbox and draw one of the yellow- was the first ashore. ish-brown catkins between my thumb and 3. The tent, illuminated by candle, forefinger and watch the powdery golden glowed warmly in the midst of the flat grass pollen collect in my palm. On days warm land of Guyana. enough, bees, having declared it springtime, 4. Enchanted and enthralled, I stopped will be on the catkins collecting pollen….. the reader constantly for details.

More adult bees are carbohydrate Participial phrases are used as adjectives feeders. They live on nectar and honey, only. Adjectives describe nouns and prowhich are almost exclusively carbohydrate nouns. Remember that participial phrases in composition except for a few traces of are often enhanced by an adverb or adverb minerals, vitamins and other materials. But phrase accompanied by a complement. young and developing bees need protein to played like a butterfly inspired by his grow muscles, glands and other tissues, and downfall it is pollen - variously rich in protein, desprang from the thicket sweating like pending on its source - that provides it….. a donkey (Sue Hubbell’s “A Book on Bees”) suckling their offspring winging from a length of web WHAT TO DO More examples of participial phrases in 1. Read the passage until you observe sentences: how the writer reaches out to her readers 1. The labourer, sweating like a donkey, and guides them through her factual writ- is the sick boy’s father. (sweating like ing. a donkey acts as an adjective; modifies a) Write down whatever pointers appeal labourer) specifically to you on a personal level.

2. Wild pigs, suckling their young, b) Ask a study partner to do the same; came from up the mountains. (suckling and compare the points of appeal. their young acts as an adjective; modifies c) How can this exercise help you as a wild pigs) writer?

2. Write a factual essay like this passage GERUND PHRASES and try to include personal anecdotes.

Note: A gerund, a verbal noun, can As you do this, consider the following: be used like any other noun. It may have a) Your audience, and how you can adjective modifiers. Fast riding is good affect their reading; exercise. (“fast,” is the modifier) b) Your specific words and images, and The gerund keeps certain verbal charachow they create a desired mood. teristics; that is, it may have complements and adverbial modifiers.

GRAMMAR Cleaning plastic is a tedious task. (plasA look at managing participial and ger- tic, object of Cleaning) und phrases Eating quickly causes a sick stomach.

Some information about phrases: Phras- (quickly, modifier of Eating) es are groups of two or more related words Note: A gerund phrase is made up of a that add information to different parts of gerund and its complements or modifiers. the sentence.

In the examples above, Cleaning plastic and Many phrases have predicates, but they Eating quickly are gerund phrases. do not have both subjects and predicates as Gerunds and present participles look sentences and clauses do. exactly alike.

Today we name four types of phrases: The phrases in the two sentences below prepositional, participial, gerund, and in- contain the same wording as two examples finitive. We will however, deal with only used above under Participial Phrases. two of them: participial and gerund. The 1. Sweating like a donkey was the only prepositional and infinitive phrases will be way the trainees could prove they had good dealt with in the next coming CXC page. stamina.

Participial Phrases (Sweating like a donkey acts as a noun; Participial phrases are those that consist used as the subject of the sentence.) of a past or present participle, its object 2. All mammals like suckling their and any modifiers. They describe nouns or young. pronouns. An entire participial phrase acts (Suckling their young acts as a noun; as an adjective. used as direct object.)

Present participles always end in -ing.

Reminder once again: Gerund phrasPast participles always end in -ed. They es are always used as nouns and participmodify a noun or pronoun in the same sen- ial phrases are always used as adjectives.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 26, 2019

Smoked Banga Salad

INGREDIENTS 8 oz cooked smoked banga-mary or fish-fillet 2-3 wiri-wiri peppers, chopped lemon juice mayonnaise cucumber and onion to garnish INSTRUCTIONS Remove all skin and bone from the fish.

Flake fish, mix with chopped peppers and sprinkle with lemon juice.

Divide the fish into scallop shells or individual dishes, cover with mayonnaise and decorate with cucumber cones and onion rings.

Serves 4

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