Pepperpot 06 25 2017

Connecting with your roots, finding your identity

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– how Guyanese are tracing their ancestral linkages

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Connecting with your roots, finding your identity

– how Guyanese are tracing their ancestral linkages By Ravena Gildharie ALMOST every Guyanese has heard a sentimental story about their foreparents and how they arrived in Guyana, whether as indentured immigrants, slaves, peasant farmers or merchants. These stories often transcend generations, but in some families, they are so intriguing, that people become determined to trace their ancestral connections. Popular Berbice businessman Jamna Persaud Ghamandi, of Number 79 Village, Corriverton, is one such Guyanese, currently on a mission to not only track his lineage, but also to connect with living relations in Guyana and India. He, along with three other siblings, is preparing to journey to India before year-end to Uttar Pradesh in an effort to reconnect with their ancestral roots. Jamna is the eldest son of eight children born to the late Ghamandi, a former sugar

worker who was attached to the Skeldon estate and worked until the age of retirement when he migrated to New York, U.S.A. He later returned and lived in Guyana until his death one year ago at age 96. The elder Ghamandi was the second of four siblings and often told his children stories about his life growing up and about his father, an indentured immigrant, who was 17 years old when he arrived in British Guiana in 1907. “With that information from my father, I went to the National Archives several years ago when it was on Main Street and from there, I got the Ship Immigration Pass for my grandfather, Ramdharjie, who came from India on the Ganges, together with his cousin, Dhanrajie,” Jamna related. From the records, he learnt that the cousin went to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) sugar estate. Eager to connect with Dhanrajie’s Turn to page III ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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generations, Jamna recently published an advertisement seeking out relatives or others with information about his connections. He also printed leaflets that he took to the East Coast Demerara village and distributed among residents. “I am very happy to know the roots of my grandfather and I am hoping to find some relatives in LBI before I go to India later this year and where I hope to see if I can find more relations,” the businessman stated. Like Ghamandi, dozens of other Guyanese or people with Guyanese roots visit the National Archives weekly. The National Archives is now named the Walter Rodney Archives, located on Homestretch Avenue next door to the National Cultural Centre. SOURCES OF INFORMATION “We have seen people coming here and searching for their ancestors and when they find information, they are so happy and some of them get so emotional. We have seen tears and even got hugs and kisses from those elated with their find,” explained Senior Assistant Archivist Karen Budhram. Since her employment at the archives nine years ago, Budhram witnessed thousands of persons from Guyana and other countries even as far as Australia, who have researched and successfully traced their ancestors back to this country. Some of these are chronicled in books, journals, television documentaries or newspaper articles. The archives currently houses approximately 22 ledgers of Ship Registers documenting the arrivals of Indians in British Guiana during varying periods of Indentureship. Assistant Archivist Johnnell Henery explained that each of the books contain records from as many as 22 ships, each of which would have transported about 600 passengers on each voyage. There are also two books with registers of Chinese arrivals and one on Portuguese. According to Henery, there are also immigration passes, land ownership documents such as transports, records of birth, deaths and baptism, as well as correspondence bearing information of some immigrants on the sugar plantations. Additionally, there are copies of over 30 different newspapers published during the earlier years. All of these records contain information on Guyanese ancestry and are used by the public to trace their roots. Since 2012, staff at the archives started digitising the information in their possession and to date, they have managed to input quite a lot that is accessible to public search at www.guyananationalarchives.com. “Along with the name, if you have a date of birth or maybe the year the ancestors arrived in British Guiana, you can use that to search the online database. However, if that search does not turn up any information, people email us and we check through the records that haven’t yet been put into the digitalised system,” Henery noted. The dates, she explained, are vital to decipher the exact identity since in many instances there are thousands of arrivals re-

Staff of the Walter Rodney Archives looking through records

corded with the same name. The website has received about 50,000 consultations to date. For those who may not have full names or dates, but are eager to trace their ancestral connections, Budhram has encouraged that they speak to the oldest relatives to get some form of information that can initiate a search. Certificates of births, deaths or marriages can be helpful too and in some cases, it is possible to apply to the General Register Office (GRO) for copies of such documents. BOLSTERING INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY As part of ongoing studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Budhram earlier in the year started tracing her own roots. To date, she had linked eight generations of relatives from estates at Leonora, Ogle, Blairmont and Albion to several Indian provinces from which they came. She has also discovered the various castes under which her ancestors were classified and a wealth of information on the way of life of her ancestors. “I had never given much thought to ancestral lineage before, but after this research and the information I gathered, it really helped bring about a sense of identity with my family and it has been very emotional. It actually brought me closer to my grandfather and I have shared the information by word of mouth with other members of my family and they too are elated,” Budhram said. Since then, her relatives, including those residing overseas, have provided her with stories and pictures of some of her foreparents. “On the sugar estates, some of my ancestors were estate butlers, plantation overseers, factory mechanics, washer women and some later went into rice-farming and purchased their own land,” the archivist said. “My grandfather told us that his mother died when he was a baby and during my research, I actually found that a lot of the women in my ancestral line died at a very young age and this was something very prevalent among the immigrants, perhaps due to the physical stress they had endured. There were a lot of women who came to

British Guiana at a young age and after giving birth on the colonies, they died. Some of them died in childbirth,” Budhram highlighted. She is currently working to build a

family tree that will feature each generation of ancestors and is hopeful of staging an exhibition before the end of this year to showcase and share with members of the public, her discoveries.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

FILES E S A C COURT

Wrongful dismissal of Social Security officer was a nullity Appellant adopted wrong procedure THE facts of the case disclosed that the Appellant Dwarka Nauth , a Social Security Officer in the Regional Council , was appointed by the Public Service Commission to act as Assistant Hospital Administrator from March 1, 1994 until the end of 1995, when he reverted to his position as a Social Security Officer in the Regional Council . The Appellant’s services were terminated by the Regional Executive Officer with effect from September 1, 2000. He appealed to the Public Service Appellate tribunal which allowed the appeal in 2003. He then claimed the sum of $5, 096, 353.00 from the respondents with interest, which would have been salary earned between January 1, 1996 and March 31. 2003. The trial judge denied his claim on the

ground that the Appellate Tribunal had no jurisdiction to determine his appeal. He then appealed to the Court

of Appeal. Held: The position of Social Security Officer was not employed by the Public Service Commission, but a Regional Council position. In the circumstances, the Public Service Commission did not have jurisdiction to pronounce on the termination of the appellant’s services and its decision was therefore a nullity . Decision of trial judge upheld. The Appellate Tribunal in this case was of the view that there was a decision of the service comission terminating the Appellant’s services while the decision was that of the REO. In the circumstances, it had no jurisdiction to make any pronouncement and as such its decision was a nullity. The Appellant had adopted the wrong procedure in not suing the REO for wrongful dismissal. The decision of the learned judge was accordingly upheld. Costs in the sum of $10,000 to the Respondents. Mr. Gibson for the Appellant. Mr. Doodnauth Singh, S.C., Attorney General for the Respondents. Justice of Appeal Singh delivered the judgment of the Court: Dwarka Nauth, the Appellant, by way of a specially endorsed writ, claimed the sum of $5,096,353 with interests against the Respondents. This amount represents the salary he would have earned as a Social Security Officer for the period Jan 1st. 1996 to March 31st , 2003 , had his services not been terminated by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) On January 1st , 1996. Nauth appealed the decision to the Public Service Appellate Tribunal which allowed the appeal on March 21st , 2303. It was on the basis of that decision that his services were unlawfully terminated. He claimed the above-mentioned amount as salary. The trial judge denied his claim on the ground that the Appellate Tribunal had no jurisdiction to determine his appeal. At the trial, the Appellant had testified that he was a Social Security Officer in Region Two and was appointed by the Public Service Commission to act as an Assistant

Hospital Administrator with effect from March By George Barclay 1st , 1994. He worked until 1995 when he was interdicted from duty on a charge of forgery. During this period, he received three quarters of his salary (see letter from the Secretary of the Public Service Commission at page 55 of the record.) At page 56 of the record is a letter (Ex D) addressed to the Appellant, which makes it crystal clear that his acting appointment had been terminated. The letter read: Since you are not performing the duties of Assistant Hospital Administrator, 2000 at present, you cannot be paid any portion of the acting allowance.” It is obvious that after he was interdicted his acting appointment came to an abrupt end and he reverted to his former position as a Social Security Officer. On April 10th 2000, the charge against him was dismissed. On June 26th, 2000, his counsel by letter so informed the Public Service Commission and the Regional Executive Officer (see page 61 of record). On August 9th, 2000, the Deputy Regional Executive Officer wrote inviting him “ to discuss your future employment.” On August 31st he received a letter of which paragraph 3 read: “It is with regret therefore that I have to inform you that your service is hereby terminated with effect from September 1st ,2000.” He then appealed this decision to the Appellate Tribunal. At page 46 of the record is an affidavit in support of the notice of appeal to that Tribunal. At paragraph 20 he deposed: “The Regional Council have compounded their ultra vires act by removing me from an office the jurisdiction of which is vested solely in the Public Service Commission.” At paragraph 22 he further deposed: “That in the circumstances and the foregoing, I appeal to the Appellate Tribunal to protect my rights.” Mr. Gibson argued that the Appellate Tribunal was a constitutional body and its decision was final. Moreover , that the trial judge acted not only ultra vires, but unconstitutionally in finding that the Appellant was not a public officer. The Attorney-General submitted that the Public Service Commission had no jurisdiction over the Appellant, since upon his interdiction his acting appointment came to an end, in that he had reverted to his former position as a temporary Social Security Officer. Concluding the judgment of the Guyana Court of Appeal, Justice Singh said: “ I find the dictum of Lord Diplock in the case of O’Reilly v. Mackman [ 1983] 2 AC 237 at 278 apt and instructive. “The breakthrough that Anisminic made was the recognition by the majority of this House that if a tribunal (…) mistook the law applicable to the facts as it had found them, it must have asked itself the wrong question ,i.e one into which it was not empowered to enquire and so had no jurisdiction to determine . Its purported determination, not being the ‘determination’, within the meaning of the empowering legislation, was accordingly a nullity. “I adopt this pronouncement of the learned Law Lord. The Appellate Tribunal in this case was of the view that there was a decision of the Public Service Commission terminating the Appellant’s services while the decision was that of the REO. In the circumstances, it had no jurisdiction to make any pronouncement and as such its decision was a nullity. “The Appellant adopted the wrong procedure in not suing the REO for wrongful dismissal. The decision of the learned trial judge is accordingly upheld.”

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Jamaica Kincaid’s Girl JAMAICA Kincaid is a well-known, sometimes controversial, writer of Antiguan descent. She has been described as feminist, a rebel and as angry (something she rebukes), and to get a sense of appreciation for this woman, I would just like to really open this article with a direct quote from her regarding certain readers and which was also previously highlighted in the Huffington Post: “I wish people would just say, ‘I’m too stupid to understand this book’ and maybe just leave things alone.

woman and a girl (presumably mother and daughter), and the plot concerns itself with the woman trying to pass off what she considers to be valuable lessons that a young woman must learn in order to succeed and fit into the society in which they live. Girl is unusual, in terms of structure, as it is composed only of dialogue that is reeled off between the characters and appears as a steady stream of spoken words. This is probably deliberate, as I am certain that Kincaid is smart enough to recognise that the way she uses her sentences -- quick

People tend to blame a writer for writing something they’re too stupid to understand.” Now, let’s take a breather and have that sink in and ponder over why you have never heard of this woman before, if you haven’t. How many writers have thought something similar to what she said at least once in their writing career? Probably a lot of them; but Kincaid is the only one to actually say it. Now that you know what we’re dealing with, let us move on to observe her work. Today, we bring to the forefront her very short story (also identified as a prose poem by some, and as a poem by yet others), Girl, which, easily found in the online version of The New Yorker, is the ideal fare for one of those small, idle moments in life – standing in a long queue, waiting on the bus, breaks in between cooking – when you need a short story that is indeed short, but also well-developed and entertaining, and full of the kind of Caribbean spunk and sass that could only have come from a writer like Kincaid. The story has only two characters: a

and sharp -- without breaks or a moment to breathe only serves to emphasise the barrage of words the woman tries to pour into the head of the young girl. For example: “…don’t walk bare-head in the hot sun; cook pumpkin fritters in very hot sweet oil; soak your little clothes right after you take them off; when buying cotton to make yourself a nice blouse, be sure that it doesn’t have gum in it, because that way it won’t hold up well after a wash; soak salt fish overnight before you cook it…” The woman’s words ramble and are continuous so as to be overwhelming, which only further highlights how the girl feels as she hears these things. Girl also, rather obviously, focuses on Caribbean women and the role of women in society. The fact that the older woman initially appears to be instilling in the young girl rather patriarchal notions of what a young woman should be, underscores the important fact that such notions in the Caribbean are often passed from woman to woman (mother to daughter, aunts to niec-

es, grandmother to granddaughter, etc.) and while men definitely play a larger part in the oppression of women within the region, there are other women who continue to hold up the umbrella of patriarchy. However, just when you start to think that the woman in the story belongs to that group of women who seek to oppress other women by adhering to the fixed gender roles within Caribbean society, Kincaid manages to subvert our entire understanding of the woman, her relation to the girl, her relation to her society, and her real lesson to the girl, while showing how Caribbean women are more than aware of their circumstances and are definitely cognisant of the fact that in order to be themselves, to survive, and achieve some semblance

of power, it is necessary to subvert what is necessary for female oppression, even if the methods of doing so might appear unorthodox or contradictory to that aim. Alternatively, a second reader might say that the story is actually not as feminist as it appears, since the woman, while teaching the girl to become independent still bogs her down with all the expectations of woman in Caribbean society. In either case, there is no doubt that Kincaid’s tale is a little West Indian gem, vibrant with life and beauty and heavy thoughts on women in this part of the world – the kind of story that one yearns to hear in a dramatic reading done by a local actress. Thespians, take note of this one.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Gum disease is worse than it appears MANY persons I know say, “What’s so bad about gum disease? After all, it is painless.” Most people who have it do not experience any pain whatsoever and so it seems not to be a bother at all. Well, hundreds of studies have looked at different aspects of the gum disease – systemic disease connection, and have found it can be a causative factor in a heart attack or stroke, two of the top three causes of death. Studies have shown that gum disease can increase the risk of a heart attack by 200 to 400 percent, as well as double the risk of stroke. Infant mortality is affected by gum disease sites, mothers can experience premature birth or low birth weight babies. Other studies have shown that gum disease can make arteriosclerosis and diabetes worse, and can even contribute to lung disease caused by

breathing in (aspirating) pneumonia-causing organisms. What tops everything mentioned is that it remains the leading cause of tooth loss in humans. Gum disease is not something you want to have, principally because gum disease inflammation creates circulating substances called proinflammatory cytokines, which the liver modifies into C-reactive protein (CRP), a very hazardous entity. CRP causes clotting and depending on where the clot occurs, can cause a heart attack, a stroke, a deep-vein thrombosis in a leg, or even a pulmonary embolus. Since CRP level is increased, and since gum disease is a major producer of inflammation throughout the body, and therefore a major contributor to increased CRP levels in the majority of people, we need to focus our attention on total body inflammation in order

to reduce those levels. The medical profession is currently coming to the conclusion that high CRP levels are as serious a threat to health as high cholesterol (an acknowledged cause of heart attacks and strokes), and doctors are beginning to screen for this blood element as part of regular health check-ups. CRP has even made it into Readers’ Digest in a short piece, stating that CRP testing “may be getting ready for prime time” because it is a highly predictive marker for signs of inflammation. Since CRP is produced in the liver, and this production is triggered by inflammation anywhere in the body, a high CRP reading would be the result of that person’s total cumulative inflammation. Someone with severe arthritis, prostate inflammation, and healthy gums could have a high CRP reading, just as someone with severe periodontal disease and no arthritis or other inflammatory problems could. Regardless of the source, it all adds up, and high CRP is dangerous no matter what disease caused them. But, since gum disease is an inflammation-inducing condition that more people have than don’t, it has to be considered a primary culprit in many disease processes, including that of elevated CRP levels. CRP levels are usually measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) and, as reported in

an article in the San Antonio Express-News, CRP levels of less than 1 mg/L indicate low risk of heart disease, and reading between 1 and 3 mg/L represent an average risk. CRP levels greater than 3 mg/L are at least twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as those in the low-risk group. The danger of gum disease to overall health is dose-related, which means the worse the gum disease, the greater the risk. Severe inflammation elsewhere in the body is serious as well. It has been estimated that up to 400 specific types of micro-organisms are commonly indigenous to the mouth, so with gum disease there is the distinct likelihood that several types of those potentially hazardous micro-organisms are circulating throughout the entire body, wherever the blood flow takes them. In a study reported in the October 2008 issue of Compendium, a post-mortem examination of blood clots taken from arteries in the neck showed several types of disease-causing bacTurn to page XX ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

On the move again!

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How physical rehabilitation works wonders with patients By Telesha Ramnarine WHEN 49-year-old Wayne Edinboro, a miner for more than 20 years, went to access services at the Public Health Ministry’s Disability and Rehabilitation Division inside the Palms Brickdam Compound to treat a sudden physical inhibition, he could not even move his wheelchair without assistance. It was two elderly women, including his dear mom Lorraine Benn, who were on hand to provide assistance to Wayne, but what they of- Physiotherapist Christine Alphonso assists Ronicia ten got in return were angry Martin to move from the bed to the chair words and hostile behavior, because he himself was not sure what was happening to him. Residing in Mahdia, Wayne worked in the interior and was having quite a normal day when he suddenly started feeling unwell and subsequently fell. This was around October 2016. “I was working and I didn’t know it was a stroke until I went to the hospital. I came here in wheelchair, couldn’t work or use my limbs on the entire right side,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine in an interview at the Palms recently. Wayne was a heavy smoker and although he’s heard the notion that people who smoke marijuana, or generally smoke a lot are prone to a stroke, he still cannot conclusively say what caused his stroke. After being told that there wasn’t much that could be done for him at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Wayne found his way to the Rehabilitation Department where he found more help, and where he continues to receive therapy. “When Wayne came here, he couldn’t even move his wheelchair; he had to be pushed by family members. He could not speak so we started with speech therapy. He was very frustrated and was lashing out at his family members. Maybe he was just frustrated and didn’t understand what was happening to him and why it was happening,” related Senior Rehabilitation By means of the assistance Assistant, Aloma Fredericks. he received, Wayne Edinboro FUNCTIONING NORMALLY AGAIN

Joan Alexander (at right) with Senior Rehabilitation Assistant Aloma Fredericks

continued drawing

In working with him, Fredericks trained him to use his left hand and helped him learn how to sign his name and to conduct other basic movements. Since he’s talented with art, he can also now continue to draw with his left hand. Having received the right kind of assistance, Wayne is walking again and his limbs on the right side of his body are now functioning normally once more. In fact, he’s reached the stage where he doesn’t have to be taken for therapy, but goes on his own. “We have to work with the patient’s emotional needs. Many of them come in disoriented and often question why it happened and are not aware of time and days and even family members. Sometimes

patients don’t even know their own names. We first work with those things and constantly keep counselling them,” Fredericks explained. Once the patient starts to accept the situation, then some exercises will be introduced. “Sometimes they don’t understand. We tell them to raise an arm and they don’t see the need to. Or, ‘It’s hurting me so why should I lift?’ So we have to constantly counsel them and ensure they do what’s necessary,” she said. Fredericks said the challenges faced on the job surely serve as a learning experience to her and the others. “I’m not going to say it’s easy, because different patients come Turn to page IX ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

The notable achievements of PUC Chairman Prem Persaud

WITHIN the last week two matters of particular consumer concern have occurred. The first was that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission His Honour Justice (retd) Prem Persaud CCH would be demitting office and the second was the issuance of PUC Order #2/2017 granting new landline rates to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. (GTT). Justice Persaud is the third Chairman of the PUC coming in the line of succession from the great Joseph Tyndall who was the first Chairman and then Justice Mennon. Each of these three Chairmen made his own valuable contribution to the building of the PUC and to Regulation in Guyana. Justice Persaud brought to the post his

wide experience as a High Court Judge which was enriched by his study of Regulation as a theoretical discipline and his intimate acquaintance with Regulation activities and Regulators in the Caribbean. This resulted in Justice Persaud becoming a Regulator who increased in excellence with the passing of each year. His conduct of PUC hearings and his Rulings always bore the stamp of courtesy, research and learning, wisdom and fairness and all respected and accepted them. Although the GCA and other appearers before the PUC may not have fully agreed with all his Rulings, all acutely realized that nothing better was possible. He was always approachable and available to members of the public and to

stakeholders and in particular officers of the Public Utilities. There are four notable achievements of Chairman Persaud over the last two years we would like to mention: The first was Order #1 of 2015 dismissing GTT's application for increases in landline rates. This Order was welcomed throughout Guyana and was highly commended in Caribbean Regulation circles. The second was the acquisition and remodeling of a new PUC headquarters in the prestigious Queenstown neighbourhood. This property is owned by the PUC and has met a long-felt need for the PUC to have a home of its own. The third was being able to have the Commission's 2016 Accounts audited and published in exemplary time and being in surplus. And the fourth was the publication of the 2016 Annual Report in good time keeping the consumer-friendly style which he had pioneered many years ago. There are, of course, other notable achievements of Chairman Persaud over the years such as the institution of the very comprehensive website but our focus is only on the last two years. The Consumer community feels a sense of loss at Justice Persaud's departure from

the Commission but we are confident that he would unstintingly proffer his advice if sought by the Commission. In the same vein, the GCA welcomes the new Chairperson. The second matter is the issuance of PUC Order #2/2017 which is the result of GTT asking for a review of Order #1/2015. Order #2/2917 is characteristically well-written and explicit. We could not review that Order in detail owing to the constraint of space but those interested will be able to read it on the PUC's website. But there are a few features in this Order we would like to highlight for the benefit of consumers:(1) For years, GTT has been adamantly claiming that it was "guaranteed" a minimum of 15% profit with a maximum unlimited. In point of fact, their "monopoly" Contract of 1990 allowed them only an "entitlement" (not a guarantee) of 15% dependent on their doing certain things such as their providing universal landline services for as many residents of Guyana who required such services. They had never performed this vital contractual requirement and thousands of people still Turn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page VII

with different challenges. But we keep learning on the job.” ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY Ms. Joan Alexander, an elderly woman of Ituni, Region 10, has been receiving help from the department since last March. She benefitted from physical and occupational

Senior Physiotherapist Barbara Lawrence

therapy at the facility. Ms. Alexander told the Chronicle that one morning, she suddenly felt a fever, dryness to her lips, and swinging of the head. “I fell on the ground but I was conscious and I called out to a family member. I couldn’t get up. When I went to the hospital, the nurse said my cholesterol was high and I had blood pressure,” she said. Following her stay in the hospital, Ms. Alexander came to stay with her daughter in Georgetown, who then sought help at the Rehab Department. “These people here, God bless them. When I came here, I couldn’t walk. I used to lie down on a bed like a vegetable. They really worked with me. They helped me to exercise. It was painful, but it ended up good. Thank God, no more pain. I thank God for them. They fight with me. I used to hope and pray to go on to the bicycle and the bars. I don’t get any more pain. I’m so glad I can just get up and bounce up,” she expressed. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Ronicia Martin, who is also a patient at the Rehab Department, is suffering with Guillain– Barré syndrome (GBS), a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system. “It’s painful. It took away [the mobility in] my legs, my speech; I have respiratory problems. My heart gave out for 45 minutes the doctor told me. I just fell down. I don’t know until now what caused it,” she said. Physiotherapist Christine Alphonso, who is working with her, said because of weakness to the lower limbs, Ronica will have to be helped to do certain exercises that

will help her to be able to sit up and move from her bed to her chair at least. ‘REHAB WEEK’ The department concluded its observance of ‘Rehab Week’ just yesterday, after completing a number of activities that were designed to promote the value and importance of rehabilitation, while at the same time, saluting the professionals who provide these services. Senior Physiotherapist Ms. Barbara Lawrence told the Pepperpot Magazine that ‘Rehab Week’ has been celebrated annually since 2003 and that the main purpose of it is to raise awareness about the services that are being offered across the country by the Ministry of Public Health. She said it would be good for persons to begin utilising the services in their regions as opposed to travelling to Georgetown, since this can be very costly and time-consuming. Over the last years, she said rehabilitation services have been established in all of the regions. In Region One, such services are provided at Moruca and Mabaruma, and a unit

IX will soon be available at Port Kaituma. According to Lawrence, in Region Two, services can be accessed at Suddie and Charity; Region Three, at the West Demerara Hospital, Leguan and Wakenaam; in Region Four, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Palms, Ptolemy Reid Centre and at Castellani House; in Region Five, at Mahaica and Mahaicony; in Region Six, at Skeldon, Port Mourant, and New Amsterdam; Region Seven, at Bartica and Kamarang; Region Eight, at Mahdia; Region Nine, at Lethem, Annai and Aishalton; and Region 10, at Linden and Kwakwani. Lawrence had said she was hoping that as a result of these activities, more persons would seek their services, whether they have a hearing or speech impairment, or a problem with mobility. “We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, so although you might have suffered an injury or have become paralysed or have lost function because of some illness, you can be rehabilitated and come back to make a contribution to society and that is where we come in,” she declared.

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The Gentle Giant Took His Revenge By: ABDOOL A. AZIZ

The purely indo-Guyanese community of western Leguan woke up one morning to see a stranger in the midst and

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

felt scared. This was no ordinary negro man. He was burly, over 6 feet tall and in tattered clothes. Who was he? Where did he come from? Why is he here? All were

concerned and scared. A Giant patrolling the red brick road so early in the morn. He wore a smile, hardly talked and begged for food. An abandoned boat-house by the river bank eas hos “Hideout”. CLEVER TRICK It was harvest time for the rice crop, and paddy was being loaded on to trucks. Big G as he is called walked up to a farmer. “Me lode da bag in da truck fas, fas, but gimme some food.” The farmer complied, happily. But when Big G finished goggling down the food. He lay down. “Gimme, a five, leh this food go down” He stroke his enormous belly, he dropped to sleep. When he got up he barked “Ah ready now!” As soon as he stepped on the ramp, it broke. He laughed “Build back a strang wan and me go come back”, he left never to returned. Many days he turned into rice fields and used the same strategy. He never loaded a truck, but no one dare to confront, though grately upset. WRONGFULLY ACCUSED One morning, a farmer discovered his tractor battery stolen. That very morning, Big G boarded the ferry to go to Parika. In his hand a huge canvas bag weighing down. He returned back to Leguan in the afternoon with the empty bag. That night 5 guys ambushed and beat him to a ‘pulp’, leaving him with broken limbs. He had to be hospitalized at the West Demerara Hospital. On discharge he stayed at Parika. He didn’t steal the battery. It was a seat-up to get rid of him. That bag contained dusty paddy he took to sell at Parika Market. He stole from no one. THE REVENGE Every afternoon he would stand by the Parika Stelling and search out his attachers. One by one, he pounced on them in revenge. Completely satisfied, he sought a job with a cattle rancher aback of Parika. He hunted down rustlers one day he caught one, the Boss own son. The culprit try to bribe him. Big G would have none of that. He brought him out of the bushes and laid him at his boss feet. The angry father called in the police. For his honesty, the Rancher began to foster him, like a son. THE TRAGEDY Out of jail, the felon decided to murder Big G. In the back-lands, with the help of the thugs, the brought the Giant down. He was beaten to death, hi tongue chopped off. His assailants were never caught. It took a fork-lift to move the corpse. The Rancher buried him in the private Cementry-part of the family mourned his death. Especially the children, Big G loved kids. He would always do comical acts to amuse them and give them fruits and candy. The Rancher built a children’s park as a memorial called ‘The Giant’s Play Park’. And on his tombstone the words: ‘A of a man with a kid’s heart’. No one knew his names and whereabouts. He was scary from the outside but gentle on the inside. Kind and generous and humane. The Parikans remember they day he waded into the river to pick up a corpse, no one wished to touch. And he did it for free. Instant hero! Just as his size. In morality, he stood taller.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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Protect yourself from mosquitoes in the rainy season – Vector Unit Head By Rabindra Rooplall

THE recent rainy weather has resulted in an increase in the mosquito population and therefore the threat of the spread of vector bourne viruses such as Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever has heightened. Director of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox told the Pepperpot Magazine that vector borne diseases continue to be among the main areas of concern in the field of public health practice in Guyana. “There is specific focus on the control of mosquitoes within Guyana as these are the main vectors in our setting. They are the agents responsible for the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and Lymphatic filariasis,” he noted. He explained that persons are encouraged to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites around the home, school, church and place of business. “ Individuals should get rid of mosquito breeding sites by looking for anything in which

Univar Divisional Accounts Executive Raoul Persaud

water can settle and either cover it, keep the area dry, clean it regularly, fill it with soil or sand, punch holes into it and recycle or properly dispose of it. If mesh is used to cover containers then the holes should be small enough so that mosquitoes cannot enter,” Dr. Cox emphasised He explained that the fact that the wet season is upon us underscores the importance of reducing mosquito breeding sites and taking protective actions against the bite of mosquitoes. “All in all, everyone has a part to play in fighting the mosquito borne diseases within Guyana. Let's all work towards making a dif-

Director of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox

ference.” Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus are rapidly spreading in tropical regions throughout the world. Their vector, the Aedes mosquito, is difficult to control as it divides its eggs over various small and hard to find breeding sites and has become resistant to chemical insecticides. Health officials recommended the In2Care Mosquito Trap that effectively attracts and kills Aedes mosquitoes with novel and green ingredients that target both larvae and adults. Trap activity is not limited to the trap itself, but extends to the surrounding area. The In2Care Mosquito Trap was previously authorized to be sold to governments and pest control operators. However, authorization has now been given for it to be sold to the general public. The trap is produced by US-based distributor Univar. Univar Divisional Accounts Executive Raoul Persaud in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine said the In2Care devices

minimize the vector of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. The Univar representative explained that the devices can be installed in public spaces with the purpose of minimizing the occurrence of the mosquito in places with high concentration of population. “Each trap has a range of 400 square meters and will generate the attraction of the female mosquito that will have contact with a fungus disposed in water inside the container and that will cause the eggs to never reach the adult stage because they will die before,” Persaud explained. He said that it is an innovative, ecological solution while noting that the product contains a fungus that affects the female mosquito and that in a period of three days the insect dies. During this period, he said the female mosquito will continue to disperse the product with each site she visits. In addition, Persaud explained that the In2Care Mosquito Trap is made of durable polyethylene components, and consists of a lid, central tube, click-on interface and reservoir. A floater moves along the central tube with the water level and serves as the landing/resting site for mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes are attract-

ed to the trap by adding a tablet with attractive odours to the water. “When a female enters the trap she lands on the floater covered with a gauze strip that binds a mix of biological agents with specific modes of action. All biological agents are in use for pest control and are US-EPA approved,” Persaud said. The Univar rep further explained that “the trap provides an attractive breeding site for egg-laying Aedes mosquitoes. When a mosquito enters the trap she lands near the water on the floater gauze that binds two actives. The first is a growth regulator that kills the mosquito larvae in the trap and in surrounding breeding sites. The second active is a biological fungus that weakens the mosquito, prevents virus development, and kills the mosquito before she can transmit diseases.” The Vector Control Unit (VCU) of the Ministry of Public Health is also working towards the establishment of an Entomology Unit as a means of enhancing its monitoring and management of mosquito borne-diseases. Funding for the Entomology Unit comes from the Inter-American Development Bank, through collaboration with Guyana Water Incorporated.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

#SupportCreativity

Reflecting on Tilting Axis 3

Katherine Kennedy and Natalie McGuire share their perspective

Following the conclusion of Tilting Axis 3 and my subsequent engagement with Kerri Anne Chisholm and Jessica Ebanks (both from the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands) a few weeks ago, I extended an invitation to Katherine Kennedy and Natalie McGuire to join the platform to discuss their participation in the conference as two young art professionals living and working in Barbados, the birth place of the conference. Kennedy has been involved with Tilting Axis from its inception in 2015, working for two of the core partner institutions as the Communications and Operations Manager at The Fresh Milk Art Platform in Barbados, and Editor and Assistant to Director at ARC

Magazine of contemporary Caribbean art. McGuire, on the other hand, has worked closely alongside the Fresh Milk Art Platform since its launch in 2011 and became actively engaged in Tilting Axis during its second iteration in February of 2016. Dominique Hunter: In your opinion what is the value of an initiative like Tilting Axis from an individual and/or a collective perspective? Natalie McGuire: The ethos of TA is geared towards connectivity, which in a region where travel between islands is difficult provides an awesome space to share best practices. This is immensely valuable because you feel like there’s a group of people who understand and encourage you and your work.

Katherine Kennedy: Having grown with the conference over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing these new connections form between creative practitioners from around the region and further afield, with new people joining the network with each iteration. I think it is these affinities, both on a personal level and from the perspective of running arts initiatives in the Caribbean, that offer the most value. It’s rewarding to see this community in action. DH: Going into this year’s conference, what were some of the larger concerns you were hoping would be addressed, given that the theme was Curating the Caribbean? KK: I think the title ‘Curating in the Ca-

ribbean’ made me think about a so-called ‘Caribbean aesthetic’, and how we can challenge that notion of having to fit a particular mode or image in our work. The diversity of work and initiatives presented this year showed the richness and variety of the region and how we curate our own narratives through the arts and community engagement. NM: For me curatorial practice cannot be separate from the communities we engage with, so I was hoping that one of things addressed would be a broader exploration of inclusive frameworks with communities at the centre. It was great to see how different Turn to page XI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII

curators and artists incorporate community voice in their work through the conference presentations. DH: In what ways did the discussions that grew out of those presentations influence how you consider the work that you do, whether in a curatorial or administrative capacity? NM: Learning about the various approaches to projects and talking with each other about our work expanded my understanding of the capacity of things such as resources available throughout the region. KK: This way of sharing experiences and exposing one another to practices across the region and diaspora, which may previously not have been in direct contact or discussion with one another, opened the doors to possible collaborative opportunities. I think these collaborations often develop individually outside of the context of Tilting Axis, which in turn will influence the scope of programming that is implemented through spaces like Fresh Milk and ARC. To me, it was a chance for some to expand certain outlooks, acting as somewhat of a springboard for work to come. DH: In a previous interview with Kerri Anne Chisholm (Assistant Curator) and Jessica Ebanks (Education Intern) from the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, they both spoke about discovering interesting connections between neighbouring islands and how those connections provided a clearer understanding of our shared histories within the region. Was there any moment where you could identify common triumphs or challenges between Barbados and the Cayman Islands, whether it was models for creative sustainability, arts programming, access to funding and resources, (non) engagement/support from government etc.? KK: My knowledge of the Cayman Islands is actually very limited; I’ve never been there before, and confess to not knowing a great deal about its history or current climate. However from my short time there, I was very impressed by the work being done by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Although there are many similar struggles that cultural platforms share in this region, Barbados and many other islands are facing the challenge of not having a National Gallery, and I could see the positive impact this space had even from my brief stay. NM: Like Katherine, I am also unfamiliar with the Cayman Islands and structural elements in their art resources. But yes my interpretation through encountering the quality of programming and exhibits that the National ◄◄◄ From page VIII

want telephones which GTT cannot or do not install. [The GCA had long advocated that GTT's "monopoly" Contract had long been void because they breached it in vital terms and they should have ceased accessioning the benefits of monopoly such as waiver of Customs duties]. (2) By Digicel's competition, GTT had lost a great slice of their cellular market to Digicel. GTT had sought to explain this loss of its market share by claiming that it was not allowed sufficient sums to adequately deal with the landline service. GTT's reasoning is not logical since cellular and landline are two different services, and secondly, GTT complacent in its monopoly, had long neglected the landline by not effecting repairs on time and making little effort to supply landlines to the thousands who wanted them. With the coming of the lucrative cellular business, they further neglected the landline to focus on the cellular. If GTT could get the landline service back to normality with timely repairs to faults and steady supply of new landline services, the Company would return to its former great profitability. Order #2/2017 opens the door to GTT to achieve this. (3) The PUC has granted an increase in

Gallery there is imperative to the sustainability of arts. DH: I’m sure there might have been many, but could you single out the most rewarding experience of the conference for you? KK: Although all of the panelists were extremely informative, I think the third panel titled ‘Curating the Archive’ which featured talks by Dr. Eddie Chambers (Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Texas, Austin) Tiffany Boyle (Curator and Co-Founder of Mother Tongue, Scotland) and Miguel Lopez (Chief Curator of TEOR/eTica in San Jose, Costa Rica) stood out to me the most. I really enjoyed the different ways each of them addressed the unearthing of histories and the importance of having free and fair access to these archives are for the communities they are connected with. NM: For me the break out session on the third day of the conference was the most rewarding, as I was in a group that brainstormed best practices around curating for / with communities. This is one of the best aspects of TA, as although it is great to hear about everyone’s work through the panels, the dedicated discourse sessions to plan action around shared practice is invaluable. Katherine Kennedy is an artist and writer. She graduated from Lancaster University, UK with a degree in Creative Arts (First Class Hons.), where her combined major of Fine Art and Creative Writing helped develop her keen interests in both visual and literary pursuits. She has won multiple awards for her artwork and writing in her home Barbados, and has exhibited locally, regionally and internationally. She currently works for ARC Magazine of contemporary Caribbean art as an Editor and the Assistant to Director, as well as for the Fresh Milk Art Platform in Barbados as the Communications and Operations Manager. Kennedy has undertaken projects and residencies at the Instituto Buena Bista (IBB), Curaçao (2012); The Vermont Studio Center, USA (2013); Casa Tomada, Sao Paulo, Brazil (2013); and Akademie Schloss Solitude, Stuttgart, Germany on a fellowship awarded by ResArtis (2014). In 2015, she received Honourable Mention in the inaugural Alice Yard Prize for Art Writing competition. Kennedy also co-managed and participated in Caribbean Linked IV (2016) at Ateliers '89 in Aruba, where she was one the exhibiting artists from around the region. Natalie McGuire is a Barbadian curator and art writer whose main focus of work is community-driven critical discourse in the arts, landline rates subject to the following:(a) GTT must complete the end to end provisioning of the FTTX Phase 1 in La Grange, and to commence the commercial launch of services in the areas which they have identified. (b) GTT must submit quarterly detailed appraisal of progress showing the number of new services rolled out, inclusive of rural areas. This should not be less than 1000 lines per quarter, which may include 25% re-issue lines. (c) GTT has been very slow in fault repairing and they must submit a quarterly report of the average time taken to resolve consumer complaints - residential and business. (d) The company should determine a daily compensatory credit for consumers whose fault complaints are not remedied within the time-frame for addressing such complaints. The PUC will continuously monitor GTT to ensure that the Company improves the quality of service offered the public and must demonstrate that there is an urgent and genuine effort to provide services to outstanding applicants. GTT must seize the opportunity of once again being in the initiative and in the leadership role and increasing profitability.

through repositioning frameworks of writing on Caribbean art, as well as digitally housed creative exchange projects. McGuire received a BA in Art History at the University of Leicester (2010) and an MA in Museums and Cultural Heritage at the University of Auckland (2013). She is currently a PhD candidate in Cultural Studies at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, with a research focus on museums and artist-led initiatives in the Anglophone Caribbean as facilitators of community agency. As Manager of Gallery NuEdge from 2015 to 2017, she has curated exhibitions including Quaternary: Four Barbadian Female Artists (July 2016). As Guest Curator at the Barbados Museum, she has created the community-centered digital map project Barbados Beyond Boundaries, and contributed to digital programming. Working along with the Fresh Milk Art Platform she co-developed Transoceanic Visual Exchange, a film project of which the 2015 iteration was between the Caribbean,

XIII Africa, and New Zealand (Aotearoa). In 2015 McGuire was the art writer in residence for Caribbean Linked III. She has contributed articles for ARC Magazine, AICA SC, MOKO Magazine, Caribbean Beat, as well as artist exhibition catalogues. McGuire has also presented papers at Small Axe’s The Caribbean Digital symposium (2014) and Otago University’s Space, Race and Bodies conference (2014). Tilting Axis 3 opened on May 18 and continued until May 20, 2017. The three-day conference was hosted by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and organized by ARC Inc., Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. Members of its core committee included Holly Bynoe, Annalee Davis, Tobias Ostrander, Mario Caro and Natalie Urquhart. Sponsors of the event included Res Artis, Perez Art Museum Miami, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, the British Council, Davidoff Art Initiative, and Susan Olde, OBE.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Soursop Field Management A well-managed soursop tree may bear 15 to 29 fruits per year weighing between 5 and 15 pounds each, and one foot in length.

The peel is spiny and the pulp is white with numerous black seeds. The fruit is juicy but acidic; it is used for fruit juices, ice

creams and as flavoring for other preservatives. ORCHARD LAYOUT A well-drained soil with high organic matter content is recommended for soursop production. The land must be cleared, and only well developed and healthy young seedlings should be planted in the field. It is recommended that plant population should be 161 plants per acre at spacing of 15-feet within rows and 18-feet between rows. Trees should be planted on camber beds if the soil is prone to waterlogging. FERTILIZATION Soursop bears fruit throughout the year, continually depleting the soil of potassium, nitrogen phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and the trace elements in this order. Generally 100 pounds of Nitrogen, 140 pounds of Phosphorus and 250 pounds of potassium are recommended per acre per year. However, a complete soil and tissue analysis is encouraged especially at the time of orchard establishment, and thereafter annually to aid in developing a fertilizer program. It is best to apply fertilizer on a split application basis to maximize fertilizer usage. Four to six applications per year of the required elements will maintain proper plant growth and development, ensuring high crop yields. Foliar application of polyfeed (every 2 months) has also been proven effective. WEED MANAGEMENT The base of the plant should be free from weeds at all times. Both manual and chemical methods are practiced. Paraquat (contact herbicide) applied four times per year gives a good weed control.

THE “SOURSOP� BAG The soursop bag is specially design to cover a fully mature fruit. It is perforated with tiny holes to allow fruit to breathe and is impregnated with chemicals to repel insects. After flowers are fertilized—although soursop flowers are hermaphrodite (male and female parts on the same flower) they need to cross pollinate. Pollination is usually carried out by beetles. To be sure the flowers are fertilized until the small fruit starts to develop before putting on the bag. The bag is placed squarely over the fruit with its end gathered and tied around the stem of the fruit. The string may need to be released and re-tied as the stem grows larger. Adequate room should be room given on the sides for the fruit to grow without resting against the bag. Do not put more than one fruit or leaves inside the bag. Twigs, leaves, and other small fruit should be removed if necessary before tying bag. PRUNING The purpose of pruning is to maintain a well-balanced tree with a good distribution of branches. The branch must be able to withstand and maintain a good fruit set yearly. Improved flowering and fruit set, allow for air circulation, and allow light to penetrate through the tree canopy. Pruning also reduces incidences of diseases and pests, and improves fruit quality. Pruning involves removing all dry and crossing over branches, that grow inside the tree canopy, and all branches that hang low to the ground. All trees should be maintained at not more than 12 feet high. This practice will also reduce pesticide and fertilizer requirements, labor cost for harvesting, and greatly improves the longevity of the soursop orchard.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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Cary Baird inspires art exhibition at Cheshire Home By Telesha Ramnarine CARY Baird, a young man in his early 20s of St. Ignatius, Lethem, will never be able to leave his wheelchair, or more so walk again, but he continues to make the most of his situation and recently, is the reason behind the hosting of an art exhibition at the Cheshire Home. Cary has been a resident at the home, at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, for quite some time now after suffering a spinal cord injury. It is a residential facility for adults with disabilities. When Peace Corps Volunteer Lisa Rudd discovered Cary’s artistic talent, she decided that his work must be put on display. Hence, they waited for the celebration of ‘Rehab Week’ to commence to display the drawings. (Rehab Week is celebrated from June 18 to 24) When Cary had his injury, there was no facility in Lethem to care for him and so the ‘sisters’ of the Catholic Church got him into

Cary Baird

Another resident, Mark Swain, prepares his art work for the exhibition

Working together

Cary did some smaller murals on the walls of the Cheshire Home

a facility at Berbice that mostly cares for the elderly. “So here was this young man with all these old people. He was getting good care, but it wasn’t appropriate. So they approached the management committee of the Cheshire Home and asked if they will take him. They said yes. Here, there were persons his age,” explained Senior Physiotherapist Barbara Lawrence of the Ministry of Public Health’s Rehabilitation Department. “He would never walk again and be out of a wheelchair, but you can still teach him how to be independent at a wheelchair level and do things for himself. We started working with him, discovered he likes to draw and the Peace Corps Volunteer wanted to exhibit the drawings. He’s really blossomed and grown since he’s there,” expressed Lawrence. Along with Cary’s large collection of work, including portraits, animals and landscapes, other residents also displayed their arts and craft at the exhibition. The Ministry of Public Health provides for the full care of the 26 residents here because many of them are profoundly disabled and were abandoned at birth. The nursing staff at this facility works in three shifts. Meanwhile, just last year, the Cheshire Home reopened its library after almost 20 years, thanks to the efforts of Rudd and five residents of the home who helped to clean and organise the room. Liza, whose stint in Guyana will end soon, has been volunteering at the said facility since July of 2015. When the relevant committee expressed an interest in re-opening the library, she thought that it would be a great community resource and an excellent project for the residents to be a part of. The

Peace Corps Volunteer Liza Rudd

library was transformed over a period of four months. Last October 8, the Cheshire Home welcomed people from the village and neighbouring communities to join in the opening of the library. Liza, alongside fellow volunteer Allee Schlitz, gave out fun gifts such as stickers and erasers to a group of excited students before reading popular children’s books such as Dora the Explorer and Frozen.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

SNAKE! SNAKE! - Some of the most venomous in Guyana

By M Margaret Burke GUYANA, as part of the South American continent, is swamped with rainforests and jungles, which has the type of terrain where snakes and other wildlife creatures thrive. And it has been reported over time that this continent has some of the most dangerous, as well as some of the most enthralling snakes in the world.

VENOMOUS SNAKES AND DRY BITES Wildlife handler and exporter, Mr Kurt Herzog, in an invited discussion on venomous snakes found in Guyana, listed eight such snakes: the Brown labaria, Green labaria, Rattle snake, Bushmaster, Morabana, Coral snake, Parrot snake and the Water cobra.

He said that of all these snakes, the rattle snake can be found mostly in savannah areas, while the others can be found in forested areas; sometimes in other areas, which may even be considered residential, as well as in swampy areas or even in water. Herzog said that even though these snakes are venomous and in most cases if the bite is not treated in a timely manner can result in death, yet none of them would just attack people. “I don’t know of any snake attacking people, all snakes run away – they all run away, even the bushmaster. “But the problem is that if you are walking in the bush and a snake is hiding somewhere and you walk into its path and mash it, it will bite you right away, but it would not really do you anything much, even though it is a venomous snake, because it did not expect you and so it did not get a chance to really work up its poison. “So, let’s say that a man is working in an area and he is knocking on a piece of zinc sheet, which has a labaria snake underneath, he is alerting the snake all the time, so by the time he raise up that zinc sheet, if he get a bite, I am sure it is a wet bite and that can be serious, it can be fatal.” THE CORAL SNAKE

for people to bite them, instead, they try to avoid them. For their meals they feed on frogs (which can be poisonous), lizards, birds, fish and even other snakes that are most times smaller. THE LABARIA (BROWN AND GREEN) “These are very nervous snakes; once they feel threatened, they would bite you fast, fast, fast; before you even realise it

they could bite you five times already. They are very hot-tempered and most people that get bite, get bite by that same snake-type. “All of them [venomous snakes], I guess is the same thing, but when compared to a labaria, which strikes very fast, the bushmaster’s strike is much slower. And as I said before, the labaria’s bite is very deadly,” Herzog said. THE BUSHMASTER “The Bushmaster has a lot of venom inside of it, but you may still be able to get away from it because he is not that fast. And, its venom is not that strong – and many times its bite is a dry bite, even though it can and does inflict deadly venom on people at times.” He explained that this venomous pit viper can grow more than three, four metres

Herzog, in dealing with the most venomous snakes, said, “The coral snake can be found in water, as well as on land. Sometimes when going on the highway you see them crawling across the road. It can even be found in swampy places, possibly in yards, be stressed. “Once it is the red, white and black coral it is the real thing. There are plenty different coral snakes in Guyana, but this is the most common one and it is venomous,” Herzog said. He said that coral snakes do not look

and possibly more. It is a very heavy-built snake, sort of hefty looking serpent, but can be easily subdued once people understand how to handle and manage them. THE RATTLE SNAKE “The rattle snake has terribly strong venom. He is far, far more deadly than a labaria or a bushmaster. While it is found in the savannah mostly, or even in the backdam areas, they may also be found in yards, but people kill them out once they find them in Turn to page XVII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XVI

their yards. “ T h e y kill all the snakes, as a matter of fact. When people see a snake, they say only a dead snake is a good snake, so they kill them all the time,” he said. MORABANA (BOTHROPS BRAZILI), ALSO DESCRIBED AS BRAZIL’S LANCEHEAD The Morabana – Bothrops brazili is a venomous pitviper specie, which appears to be deep pink or red with some amount of grey in colour; is usually heavy-set and primarily found on the earth, though it can be found in water (passing through). It is a big snake and can be as long as five to six feet, or even more. According to Herzog, the females are usually larger than the males. WATER COBRA (GUYANA) This Water Cobra or hydrodynastes gigas is usually referred to as the false water cobra and the wildlife exporter, Mr Kurt Herzog, told the Guyana Chronicle that he has

handled this snake right here in Guyana. He said that his catch has been disputed by some of his colleagues as not being found here, but he insisted that this serpent can be found here in Guyana. THE PARROT SNAKE - BOTHRIOPSIS BILINEATA The snake of many names, the parrot snake (Bothriopsis bilineata) or (Leptophis ahaetulla), with common names such as: two-striped forest-pitviper and Amazonian palm viper is not a very large snake. This snake can be seen in three distinct colours, a bronze-like colour, green and gold, with white or yellow upper lips. The bite of the parrot snake can cause some problems,

such as pains, swelling and a constant sticking-like feeling. “Like the venom of other snakes, if not treated properly, can cause serious problems also,” Herzog said. NOT THE HOSPITAL BUT THE PRIEST Herzog said that while one type of anti-venom can be used for most the venomous snakes listed above, it is not

the same for the coral snake. “If the coral snake bites you, you don’t go by the hospital; you go by the priest, because if he gets you, if he really gets you, they don’t have anything here to save you; that thing destroys your blood and your nervous system. “But it hardly ever bite people, it is very, very difficult for that snake to bite you because it don’t have front teeth in the mouth, all the fangs till at the back; if the coral snake bite you, it has to go sideways and chew at you, he can’t get you straight like that to bite you – it is very difficult,” Herzog offered. (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Educating for Sustainability:

Enough for Everyone - Forever

IT seems as though every day we hear the terms Sustainable, Sustainable Development and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Sustainability is a global goal and yet many people are still confused as to what is meant by the term. Let’s look at the official definition of sustainable development, as determined by The Brundtland Report: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A simple analogy could be the buffet line at a wedding: everyone in the front of the line knows that there are many more people following them and that available resources are limited. And yet some wedding guests will take more than they need, piling their plates with more than they can possibly eat, knowing full well that the people coming behind may suffer from not having enough. In a sustainable buffet line, the people at the front would take only what they need so that those coming in the future would also have enough. On September 21, 2016, President Brig-

adier David Granger addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations, saying that “world leaders have the opportunity and the responsibility to defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations.” He has proposed making Guyana into a “Green State.” The intention is excellent, but there is currently a gap between the stated objective and the capacity to achieve it. In order to make the leap from the present situation to the future Green State, education will need to be transformative. What is ESD? It is similar to traditional child-based education, and yet it is completely different. ESD brings more than facts and figures to education: it teaches values and gives students, teachers and their communities the

“We are seeking, as best we can, to establish disciplined freedom, that state in which the child feels free to work, play and express himself without fear of those whose job it is to direct and stimulate his efforts into constructive channels. ..we can take steps to ensure that their limited abilities are exploited to the full. We encourage them to speak up for themselves, no matter what the circumstances or the occasion; we hope they will learn directness without rudeness, and humility without sycophancy. We try to show them a real relationship between themselves and their work, in preparation for the day when they leave school.” ― E.R. Braithwaite, To Sir, With Love

alone take us forward. The goal of ESD is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation. ESD addresses social issues such as poverty, violence, equality, sustainable communities, clean water, economic growth, protection

skills for critical thinking and problem-solving. It is said that change is the only constant in the world. We know our lives will be different as time goes by, and new technologies are making transitions happen more and more rapidly. As we educate our children, we have no idea of the changes that will occur before they become adults. We cannot predict the opportunities and challenges that they will face in the world of tomorrow. Learning to read and do math provide an important foundation, but cannot

of oceans and lands, responsible consumption and climate action. Not only schools but also communities and families are involved in ESD and creating solutions that are positive and sustainable for everyone. Guyana has been awarded the honour (and good fortune) to be selected by UNESCO as the first pilot country for ESD in the Caribbean. Its unique position as the only pilot Turn to page XIX ►►►

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country in the western hemisphere means that the eyes of the world will be watching Guyana, hoping to learn from her experiences. With the support of UNESCO and funding from the government of Japan, the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) at the Ministry of Education has the opportunity to create a comprehensive pilot programme of Education for Sustainable Development that will fill the gap and prepare Guyana for the future. As one of the first actions to promote ESD, NCERD teamed up with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to present a two-day workshop for teachers on Education for Sus-

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tainable Development. Twenty-four teachers were encouraged to adapt their lessons and activities to fit into the ESD model. They saw ways to use games and activities to teach skills in decision-making, problem-solving and opinion-forming. They also learned how to infuse ESD and environmental messages and values into their normal lessons. Participants designed sample lessons in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. They also learned about experiential learning, such as Sandwatch, where the students have hands-on experiences from which to form opinions and find answers. They were encouraged to create an environment within their classrooms that inspires curiosity and discovery. They also heard that risk-taking and failures can be im-

portant learning experiences: asking students to try a different way to solve the same problem is better than punishing a wrong answer. This ESD workshop was the first of several that NCERD and EPA hope to offer to school teachers and community leaders. 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

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

'Marcus Garvey' comes to Guyana By Francis Quamina Farrier

WILL the drummers be there to drum? Will the chanters sing a sweet chant? Will the dancers dance their best dance? Will the Leaders lead like he did? And will the talkers be also doers? These are questions

that come to mind, in hopes that there will be a worthy welcome for the Great Jamaican hero, Marcus Garvey, when he comes to Guyana in August. Of course, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the internationally famous founder of the early twentieth century mass movement referred to as Pan-Africanism,

was born in Jamaica on August 17, 1887, and died in England on June 10,1940. But on August 18, Guyanese-born actor and radio personality, Ron Bobb-Semple, will be in Guyana to perform his powerful stage presentation, "The Spirit of Marcus Garvey", at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in celebration of the 130th birth anniversary of the Jamaican hero. A performance is also scheduled for New Amsterdam on August 19. Ron Bobb-Semple, has been a member of the Theatre Guild in Georgetown even before he migrated to the USA in February, 1972. However, nationalist as he is, he was back home for the first CARIFESTA which was held in Guyana in August 1972. During his early years as an actor, he has performed in many plays at the Kingston Playhouse, even performing in one play while on a return visit, after migrating. He has also been very active in the plays staged by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York. Bobb-Semple has already performed "The Spirit of Marcus Garvey", to audiences all across the United States and in countries in the Caribbean and Africa, over the past twenty five years. The up-coming performances in Guyana will be the very first time that this play is being performed in Guyana - a country which Marcus Garvey actually visited in 1936. In a survey I conducted in Georgetown to find out how well-known Marcus Garvey is in Guyana, 130 years after his birth, the results are as follows; about 65 percent of the forty plus age group knew something about the great man. In the 19-39 age group, only about 25 percent knew anything about Garvey, while in the teen and pre-teen age group, those who had any knowledge of Marcus Garvey dropped to well below five percent. The majority of the youngsters I spoke with knew absolutely nothing about Marcus Garvey. In my question to them, "What do you know of Marcus Garvey?" some told me that they never heard of him. Some in their response asked me to tell them who he is. But the most memorable and actually amusing response which I received was from a 13 year old student who told me, "Mister, he is not in my form." One youngster who was wearing dread locks, and who obviously is well schooled in Caribbean History, seemed to know more about Marcus Garvey than myself. I was very impressed with how much he knew, and I suspect that he was enjoying himself lecturing to me about ‘Marcus Garvey, the Great Man’. Indeed, elders can, at times, learn from the youth. There are two other great Jamaicans of international fame, who almost all youngsters know of. They are Bob Marley, the Reggae super star, and Usain Bolt, the super fast track and field athlete. But more than a century before their time, their fellow Jamaican, Marcus Garvey, had gained popularity, as well as notoriety, all around the world. He was

spoken of in palaces and in peasant dwellings; by kings and commoners alike. His dreams and acts to change the world for the better for people of African heritage, shook the world of his day, and ever since, with many who came after him, all fired up to improve their destiny, not as a people of servitude, but a people of achievements. As a journalist, Marcus Garvey was hated and feared by the white establishment of America and Britain, even from his early years developing the Pan-African movement. His publication ‘Negro World’, which had a readership of many thousands and was published in English, Spanish and French, was banned by a number of countries including his own Jamaica, as well as Trinidad and British Guiana (Guyana). Garvey toured many countries in Central America, and the Caribbean, as he engaged professionally in journalism. He also visited British Guiana (Guyana) in 1936 where he was given a great welcome, mainly by those citizens of African heritage. Marcus Garvey dreamed dreams of a Pan-African Nation. He founded the Black Star Line - a passenger and cargo ship to take Africans in the Americas, back to Africa. He travelled the region recruiting many faithful followers, growing into well over a million. He became the most beloved and also, feared and hated individual of his day. He was speaking up and acting up for the oppressed African People in the Americas. In bringing back Marcus Garvey to life, as it were, Ron Bobb-Semple will be giving to his Guyanese audiences "edu-tainmernt" - a combination of education and entertainment. Two facts need to be mentioned; Ron BobbSemple is the only actor in the world, to have played the real-life character, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, on stage so many times, over such a long period of time, and at so many venues around the world. He staged that play in most of the States of the USA, also in Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Lucia and in the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It was also staged in Senegal and Ghana in West Africa. The up-coming production in Guyana will be the very first time that the play will be staged in South America. It must be noted that for his many presentations and the high standard of his acting in this play over the years, and in so many varied locations and countries, Ron Bobb-Semple was presented with the prestigious Marcus Garvey Award by the Jamaica Branch of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, which was founded by Marcus Garvey in 1914. However, this is not the last you'll be hearing from Ron BobbSemple and his interaction with the "Spirit of Marcus Garvey"; be aware that he has been working on the screenplay for a film on the life of "Garvey: The Black Moses."

◄◄◄ From page VI

alone can elevate the person’s baseline CRP readings by 300 percent. This rise can be truly life-threatening for anyone who has advanced gum disease, since acute infection can elevate CRP levels to 500 to 1000 times already high normal limits. Even extraordinarily high risk levels can be prevented or controlled by a wide variety of inflammation-reducing substances. Yet very few people ever receive pretreatment protection from their dentists unless they have a known heart problem, such as mitral valve prolapsed, valvular damage from rheumatic fever, or some other condition, such as hip joint replacement, requiring pretreatment antibiotic coverage. So, gum disease is not a condition to be taken lightly, because it can be fatal.

teria in the clots of 72 percent of the recently deceased test subjects (50 clots from the carotid arteries were evacuated during these autopsies). When the inflammation-induced nature of CRP is considered, other life-threatening aspects should be taken into account. When a person with moderate to severe periodontal disease and elevated CRP levels undergoes a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning), what happens to the CRP levels as the dentists tears the diseased tissues in their normal efforts to treat gum disease? There are a number of unexpected results that may occur in anyone undergoing periodontal procedures, perhaps even ones as innocuous as everyday scaling and root planning. Studies have shown that periodontal cleaning procedures

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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Salvation Army bids farewell to Divisional Leaders – welcomes new Divisional Commander and wife with open arms

By Shirley Thomas AFTER spending more than five years at the helm of the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army, Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch and wife, Major Carolinda Cumberbatch, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries have completed their tour of duty here, and last Wednesday extended their gratitude and bid a warm farewell to the people of Guyana. The Divisional Leaders who have completed a successful tour of duty in Guyana, will leave these shores today for neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, where they will join their son, Carson, who is currently pursuing higher education there. They are to be succeeded by Divisional Leaders Majors Matignol and his wife Mirelle St Lot, who previously served in Guyana in other capacities. The Cumberbatches took up assignment in Guyana on January 2, 2012, succeeding vice Divisional Commander, Major Vilo Exantus and wife. For the last five and a half years, under their administrative watch and with direct supervision of Corps Officers operating in six administrative regions of Guyana, Majors Cumberbatch have witnessed exponential growth as the Corps mushroomed, ministering powerfully to the spiritual and humanitarian needs of their congregations, and ‘Saving the Lost at Any Cost.’ The Salvation Army reaches out to the communities through eight Worship Corps established in six regions: Vergenoegen, Region Three; Four in Region Four – Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets, Queenstown, Wortmanville and East La Penitence; at Mahaicony, Region Five; at New Amsterdam, Region Six; Bartica in Region Seven and at Linden in Region 10. Last Sunday, the combined Corps hosted a farewell service in honour of Majors Emmerson and Carolinda Cumberbatch. Hundreds of Salvationists, including officers, soldiers, religious leaders from other denominations and other invitees gathered for the spirited and occasionally moving event which was held at Citadel Headquarters. Reflecting on their sojourn in Guyana, both Divisional Leaders had pleasant memories of the times spent here, noting that the good times were more than the challenges ones. And of the good things, one that will remain indelibly etched on their minds is that the Guyana Division continues to uphold the image and

good name of the Salvation Army that has come down through the ages. It is with pride that, on every occasion, whenever the leaders of Guyana have anything to say about the Salvation Army, it is always something good and is accredited on the basis of merit. One of the Salvation Army’s major projects in Guyana, is its Drug Rehabilitation Programme at a national level. It is the only, ‘live-in’ facility to reform or rehabilitate substance abusers from the onslaught that continues to plague, particularly our youth population. Throughout, The Salvation Army continues to do an incredible job at reducing the number of substance abusers in the streets, and snatching many from the brink of disaster, affording them an opportunity of being reintegrated into society being and happily reunited with their families. Majors Cumberbatch, during their tour of duty in Guyana, have served under two consecutive governments: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) and ‘A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. The Presidents of both Governments, as well as other key functionaries, continue to bestow the highest

(second and third from left: Outgoing Divisional Commanders, Emmerson and Carolinda Cumberbatch with officers of the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army during their farewell service at Citadel H.Q. on Sunday. Second from right is Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer.

level of trust and respectability upon the Salvation Army. They have rated it as the number one humanitarian organisation in Guyana, recognising its impeccable character and the astute manner in which it conducts its business. Consequently, the leaders of both governments readily acceded to making annual subventions

Divisional Youths render a farewell song in tribute to the outgoing Divisional Leaders

towards administering the Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programme, and plans are now being considered at the highest level to raise the grant from $10 Million per year upward. Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, alluding to that annual subvention given to the programme by government, said, “Knowing of the work they [the Salvation Army] have been doing, I’d rather suspect that we are shortchanging them.We have to do better than that.” Minister Ramjattan made these remarks as he delivered the feature address on behalf of His Excellency President David Granger, who is patron of the Drug Rehabilitation Programme, and who at that time, was out of the country on official business. And so the Majors can now leave Guyana full of hope that the Drug Rehabilitation Programme

is on its way to receiving a ‘shot in the arm.’ They also gratefully acknowledge other assistance given through the years, notably the complete refurbishing of the Men’s Social Services Centre – the home of the Rehab Programme in Water Street, Kingston. The Drug Rehabilitation Programme, even though administered fully by Majors Ulrik Thibaud and wife, assisted by professional counsellors and a fund-raising committee, does not act on its own, but in consultation and collaboration with the Divisional Commander, Mjr. Cumberbatch. The outgoing Divisional Leaders and the wider Salvation Army in Guyana have expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Guyana, as well as the Salvation Army Advisory Board for their ongoing support towards the highest good of the institution.

The intrigue of XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

– local artists talk significance, preservation of indigenous culture, beliefs i Story by Ravena Gildharie CITIZENS from all walks of life are often awestruck by the 20-foot Wakili Totem Pole mounted in the National Park, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. To the majority, it is a masterpiece, but to the skilled indigenous local artists who spend long hours pouring their talents into designing and carving such creations, the totem pole is a significant monument that captures, promotes and preserves the existence, ways of life and beliefs of Guyana’s first peoples. Totems or totem poles are wood carvings bearing the designs of various symbols that represent things, experiences and beliefs and some which give identity to individuals or groups. The carvings are made on large long logs, figurines, walking sticks and centre poles in benabs. The first public totem pole in Guyana, Hikarana, was mounted as a symbol of joy among the Caribbean during the staging of the 10th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in 2008 in Georgetown. It was mounted at the former location of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Main Street. It was sculpted by Arawak artist Telford Taylor, originally from St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Since then, totems have been mounted in Georgetown under the ‘Art in the Park’ initiative and in the Rupununi

villages of Surama and Annai, while a miniature figurine was specially designed in observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee earlier this year. The mini totem pole travelled to all 10 of Guyana’s administrative regions before it was brought back to the city. Award-winning Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig is currently working to complete a giant totem pole that will be erected at the Umana Yana during the Amerindian Heritage Observances in September, 2017. He started carving on the 50-foot bulletwood log last year as the totem pole was initially planned as a highlight of the 50th Independence Anniversary and to match the depictions on the miniature figurine. The project, funded by Digicel at a cost some $6 million, encountered some setbacks, but it is still under way. “This totem pole means quite a lot to me personally, because producing a project of this magnitude is a representation of my skill as an artist and my beliefs as an indigenous person. The research I’ve done for this project and reflecting on my years of growing up while carving this pole, has brought me closer to that part of my indigenous connections,” said Craig, who was recently awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement for his contributions to the arts in Guyana.

the Totem Pole Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

XXIII

in mystical art form

Like the mini totem, the giant pole signifies existence of the indigenous peoples and showcases too the identity of each region with symbols that the indigenous peoples can identify with. It reflects the power of the Makanaima Spirit with emblems of the harpy eagle at the top overlooking all of his people, the face of a village chief depicting leadership qualities and an owl which represents wisdom. “I also have a very strong spiritual background and I believe in the power of nature and the way how it reflects our spiritual beliefs; and the respect and admiration we, as a people, have for nature and that is my source of inspiration,” Craig outlined. He noted that “Amerindians have always lived close to nature and in harmony with nature and that is what is captured in the totem poles.” This is the first totem Craig has worked on since his career in art. MARKING EXISTENCE The Wakili Totem Pole was designed and carved by Lokono artist Oswald Hussein. It includes 10 different depictions of animals from the rainforest, mythical creatures and spirit guardians, promoting the connections between indigenous people and the earth. From the anaconda to the water spirit – Orio, the totem pole is a prized creation inspired by Hussein’s personal experience with the rainforest. “It was an inspiration that started since the early 2000s and its origins are from the earth with various symbols of life in the rainforest; the jaguar, the anaconda, the fish, all generated in various forms,” Hussein explained. Born in 1954 and raised in St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Hussein is a self-taught artist that started wood carving since the age of 10. His work is inspired by his native Arawak culture and traditions and has won many prizes and awards over the years. He recalled working on his first totem pole years ago which he mounted in his yard at St. Cuthbert’s Mission. More recently, he has carved poles for Surama and Annai. “For me personally, the totem pole is something that had to be done…It is an achievement and it speaks of a reason and change through time. It states our existence in life as Amerindian people and the things, the animals and our experiences,” Hussein explained. His totem poles are carved from wood such as purple heart, greenheart and bulletwood that can better withstand varying weather conditions. It usually takes about one month, working every day with his chainsaw, chisel, axe and gouge to carve the symbolic designs onto the log. Hussein said he has seen totem poles in North America and though they have varying meanings, the designs are similar to those in Guyana. “I feel really good having done the totem

poles which can stand maybe 30 to 40 years from now; and I feel proud that our Arawak tribe and way of life will remain for others to see and as our knowledge expands, so will our relationship with the rest of the world,” the sculptor said. SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS Foster Simon is another wood sculptor who also hails from St. Cuthbert’s Mission and who designed and carved the Golden Jubilee mini totem pole, Makanaima. The piece showcases the unique identity of each of the 10 administrative regions and combines symbols of the nine indigenous tribes showcasing their connections with nature and the different spiritual aspects of their life. At the top, there is a symbol of the harpy eagle, which is an interpretation of the indigenous people’s great ancestral spirit, Makanaima. Simon said each region submitted their concept and as he worked on the carving over a onemonth period, his ideas flowed daily. “The totem pole is a mystical form of

expression for the indigenous people, for us to bring out for the world to know. It is to showcase our culture, our connections to our ancestors and to help keep our culture alive,” explained Simon, who has been carving for over 26 years. “One of the mini totems I worked on recently has three different features: highlighting the swamp birds which move fast through the jungle and from which our ancestors got the feathers to move speed the magical frog

who rules over the kingdom and the medicine man which captures the spirit of the bird and frog to blow his medicine,” related Simon. He draws inspiration from meditation and dreams which have allowed him to create many spectacular works of art over the years, including miniature totem poles, helicopters, canoes, arrow and bows among others. He is currently preparing to carve a totem on the middle pole of the benab in his community.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017 Demerara Paradise Inc. started in October 2015 with five two-storey luxury properties

In one year’s time…

Demerara Paradise Inc. to open 200-bed elder hospital By Telesha Ramnarine LESS than two years after opening the doors of Demerara Paradise Inc., a home that provides services especially for the elderly, the owners are already in the process of discussing with government and the banks the establishment of a 200-bed hospital at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara. Demerara Paradise, at Lot 1 ‘C’ Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, started in October 2015 with five two-storey luxury properties which boasts a collection of some of the best nursing and patient-care advocates, and which provides a 24-hour service, including a pharmacy. In an interview at the facility recently, Director Dr. Vivakeanand Bridgemohan said he is already in negotiations with Republic Bank and the Bank of Baroda for construction of the hospital. He is also engaging the Ministry of Public Health to secure the necessary licences. Within one year, Bridgemohan said the facility should be available to the public. “The country’s development seems to be going towards the East Bank significantly,” he said, regarding the reason this location was chosen. According to Bridgemohan, although many facilities in Guyana offer resident care, they are not well equipped to reach certain needs of the elderly. Hence, the idea of a hospital was created to meet such needs, and those of other persons with special needs. “So far, we have almost all infrastructure in place and we have already been engaging the Ministry of Heath to get the necessary li-

A private room that caters for relatives too

cence to form this hospital. So we’re looking to be Demerara Paradise Inc. Hospital and Nursing Home.” WE’RE NOT HERE TO EXPLOIT Addressing a popular concern that some well-known hospitals are into exploiting the Guyanese public with their exorbitant costs and fees, Bridgemohan said: “We are not here for that purpose.” He said there is a transparent system in place at Demerara Paradise and that they are open for discussion regarding costs and so forth. “If you look at our daily cost comparatively to what you are receiving, it’s not that expensive for the service you will be getting.

Demerara Paradise boasts some of the best nursing and patient-care advocates

We have a strong financial management team in place, including the Board of Directors. You will have an invoice of service that is provided and you can feel free on a daily basis to discuss with us if the cost is too much for you for something that you cannot afford. We are Director of Demerara Paradise, Dr. Vivakeanand here to help you. We can talk Bridgemohan at an event held for the elderly recently and discuss and we may be Realistically, though, Bridgemohan said able to tailor a package to reach your budgetary needs because at the end of there are certain conditions that are expensive the day, we are here to help you. So if you are to manage. here and there’s something too expensive for you, we are open to meet with the families at COMFORTABLE Meanwhile, Demerara Paradise has availany point to discuss,” he stated. able rooms to meet the needs and desires of each patient. Apart from private rooms which can accommodate visiting family members, the facility also boasts on-site entertainment activities such as a gym, library and a cinema. Bridgemohan, who is the former Chief Executive Officer of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, earned his medical degree from the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba in June, 2010. He also served as medical superintendent at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and at 10 other hospitals in more than five regions of Guyana. “Demerara Paradise is truly a home away from home in a medically supervised, luxurious, safe and caring paradise. Aging parents’ declining health can be difficult to cope with, [so] you want to ensure that your parents are comfortable and well cared for with proper health care,” he had said.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

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Business blooms in Macushi Village through Renewable Energy Project – three rural communities benefit from pilot projects WITH a population of 775 persons, Shulinab (also known as ‘Macushi Village’) an Amerindian community in South-Central Rupununi, Region Nine, has increased its economic activities through the intervention of a Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) pilot project. Shulinab is located on the main South Sa-

rural communities of Shulinab (Region Nine), Powaikoru (Region One) and Moraikobai (Region Five), through the use of renewable energy technology. Public Communications Officer, Taiwo Williams, said the pilot projects were defined on the basis of the communities’ requirements (demand-driven) with focus on generating new

Ms. Stevens selling one of the icicles to a pupil

vannah road about 35 miles south of Lethem and about 12 miles south-east of Parikwarinawa village. The Macushi Village primary economic activities are fishing, tourism, livestock, fruit-processing and craft-production. The GEA is currently providing technical support to the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) Energy Project, which seeks to implement pilot/demonstration sustainable energy initiatives in three rural communities in Guyana. The Macushi Village has received four solar PV systems totalling 1960 Watts Peak, six solar powered freezers, two energy efficient wood stoves and two solar dryers under the project. Funded by the Canadian Government, the project, titled ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Renewable Energy Project’, seeks to enhance and accelerate productivity in the

income as a condition for sustainability. “This was facilitated by a team of engineers from GEA along with an OLADE consultant, who visited each of the communities to assess what possible projects exist within each village that were sustainable in nature and would further be enhanced through the use of renewable technology,” she said. She said that the information gathered from the assessment includes discussions with the Toshaos and representatives from different village groups and this will be used to tailor the projects to the needs of each community. “Based on the assessment conducted, it was realised that there was need for refrigerators to store meat, processed fruits and perishable items for the ‘hot meals’ programme that benefitted about 36 students on a daily basis. Given that one of the village’s main economic activity was fruit-processing, the need for energy-efficient dryers and stoves was also

recommended,” Ms. Williams noted. Having recently completed the last of the installations, she said the GEA visited Shulinab

and learnt that the project had significantly benefitted the village. Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Fulfilling his calling – Young athlete and his passion for swimmig

By Modesty Hossanah

SOME people are called to dance; others to sing. For Jamaal Skeete, however, his calling lies in the sports

arena. The 19-year old dabbles in a number of sports. However, he is most passionate about swimming and has been since he was eight years old. At first his parents pushed him to learn to swim mainly to ensure his

Jamaal Skeete, 19 year old swimmer

survival. Later on he found that the water somehow called to him. The sport fascinated him and engaged his interests greatly. Thus, he found himself at the pool on many weekends. Unfortunately at 11 years of age, he sustained a terrible injury which temporarily halted his practice of the sport. But soon, he missed the comfort of the water and resumed swimming as soon as he had recovered. In his mid-teens the sport became more than a hobby – Jamaal started swimming competitively. Jamaal especially relishes the thrill he gets when competing against other swimmers. He relays that there is a certain ecstasy he encounters when racing with worthy competitors. The 19-year-old likes to stay on top of his game and does this by practicing the various strokes whenever he has free time. Jamaal puts in countless hours of training to prepare for races that last 50-seconds or less. Despite being able to play other sports, he devotes most of his time and energy to swimming – to him it is a full-time commitment. Apart from the mandatory physical preparations, mental preparation leading up to a swim meet is critical to Jamaal’s performance. More so, he insists that tunnel vision and a positive attitude greatly influence his creditable performance. The highlight of his competitions is the freestyle event, which he is spectacular at. The freestyle is the best and fastest of his four swimming strokes. While others tend to focus solely on academics, he believes that it is important to be well-rounded. After graduating from Queen’s College, Jamaal fully intends to continue swimming. He does not intend to pursue swimming as a career but rather until he feels he has mastered it. For him “swimming is ultimately a lifestyle”. Unlike most swimmers, Jamaal doesn’t look up to anyone in the swimming arena. Instead he looks forward. According to him, hard work, discipline and determination are fundamentals if one wishes to be the best at what they do. This young man is driven by the need for self-improvement. Just knowing that he’s getting better with each training session is enough to keep him motivated and inspired. A guiding principle for him is taken from Ray Lewis who says “If tomorrow wasn’t promised to you, what would you give for today?” Jamaal believes that we all have the same 24 hours, but life is about living like there’s no tomorrow. We must always put 100 percent into everything we do. It is this mentality that the young athlete lives and swears by.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

XXVII

Fantasia: An Introduction to Ms. Diamond Infinity 2017

By Subraj Singh THE transgender community in Guyana, it might be said, faces the harshest forms of discrimination and stigmatisation in the country. Sure, there are many types of discrimination in Guyana – discrimination against women, discrimination against gay and lesbian people, class discrimination and, of course, racial discrimination – but surely, discrimination against trans- people is one of the

types that manifest themselves most often in both vile and violent fashion. Transpeople face stigmatisation at work, at hospitals, in the streets and even in their homes. Truly, how many safe spaces are there for the transcommunity in our country? This story, despite everything that has come before, is not about discrimination , nor is it about the hardships experienced by transpeople. This story is about expression; about art, and hope; all of which can be found in this year’s annual Ms. Diamond Infinity Pageant. The Ms. Diamond Infinity Pageant is a safe space for transpeople. The Guyana Trans United, the organisation that coordinates, manages and hosts the pageant, is another safe space for trans- people. Fantasia, the reigning Ms. Diamond Infinity Queen, has emerged from both spaces to bravely speak about her experiences in the pageant and in society, and she shows through her win that despite all circumstances, it is possible to be yourself, to surround yourself with supporters and to achieve your goals. Fantasia, whose given name is Mario, competed in 2016’s Diamond Infinity Pageant, and although she did not win then, she was definitely able to use her experience and the motivation from the previous pageant as a stepping stone toward gaining the crown this year. The 18-year- old Fantasia says that the pageant was motivating in the way it managed to address many of the problems faced by her community in Guyana. The interesting thing about Diamond Infinity is that although it allows for artistic expression (cos-

tumes, talent, etc.) and does have entertainment value, it also gives transpeople a platform to introduce themselves to the world as they want to be introduced; and it also allows them the opportunity to highlight the many challenges they have

to experience and overcome in our society. For example, Fantasia chose Healthcare in relation to Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

XXVIII ◄◄◄ From page XXV

Ms. Joan Stevens, who is in charge of the ‘Hot Meals’ programme and snackette, indicated that they were extremely grateful for the solar PV system that her group received and the solar-powered freezer. “Since we received it, we have been able to add items to the list of things we sell. We now offer icicles, custard, cool down and ice,” she said. Ms. Stevens further enthused that they were also able to “… offer meat balls and patties as they now had somewhere to store the meat.” Given that one of the objectives of the project was the generation of new income, GEA’s officers were interested in finding out whether this objective was achieved.

To this end, Ms. Stevens eagerly displayed her accounting ledger and explained that “…because of the additional items we now offer, we have been able [to] double our profits. Prior to receiving the PV system and freezer we used to make $20,000$25,000 profit per month, now we make $45,000-$50,000 per month,” she said proudly. Further, in order to generate even more income, they have recently used some of the profits they made to add a stationery section to the canteen. The additional profits, also allowed them to employ three women and they are seeking to employ a fourth: “Someone skilled in pastry-making as we want to further broaden the list of items we are offering in the snackette to generate even more income.” She said that the icicle, cool down and custard are a hit with

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017 the children and even some adults, so each day’s supply was usually sold out “…which means that at the end of each day we have to make a fresh set.” Stepping over to the village office, which also serves as the meat centre, Mr. Calvan Josey who operates the centre had a similar account as that of Ms. Stevens. He indicated that the Village Council had 200 heads of cattle while the village had about 600. Expressing how much the village has benefitted from the PV system and freezer, he explained that they used to slaughter once a month…so villagers only got fresh meat once a month.” He further explained that whatever meat was left they would have to pickle or salt. “Because of the freezer, villagers can get fresh meat to purchase all the time as we can now store the meat in the freezer.” According to Mr. Josey, since the installation of the PV system and freezer, they have recorded sales totalling $1,043,000. Energy Engineer Brian Constantine, GEA’s representative on the project, explained that part of the sustainability component of the project includes each group being required to pay a subscription fee of $15,000 per month to the Village Council. “This fee will be used to sustain the equipment that the village has received. Therefore, should any repairs be needed for either the PV systems or refrigerators, the council would have money to facilitate those repairs”, he explained. The women’s group which received two solar freezers, a solar PV system, two energy-efficient stoves and two solar dryers, indicated that though they have used the freezers for storage of ice, icicle and beverages, in October when the fruits that they process are in season, they will commence full use of the items they have received. It is hoped that the projects would serve as an enhancement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by fostering interest and support from Guyana’s private sector in replicating, advancing and/or expanding the project (s) based on the outcomes and experiences. Thanks were showered on OLADE, the Canadian Government and the GEA on behalf of the Toshao Nicholas Fredericks, who was away on business at the time of the GEA’s visit. The project will continue to be monitored by representatives of all the stakeholders involved to ensure that there is continued compliance with the objectives. ◄◄◄ From page XXVII

transpeople in Guyana as her platform – and this is an area which she believes is particularly important because she knows, and wishes everyone else knew, that every human being has the right to access healthcare regardless of sexuality or gender expression. Fantasia pointed out the segregation faced at hospitals in terms of seating arrangements, the name-calling that comes from nurses, and other factors that are particular barriers faced by the LGBT community; and these barriers are related to the difficulty of accessing healthcare as a transperson in Guyana. Fantasia has said that the Diamond Infinity Pageant is important because every person, every delegate or audience member is able to take away something from the pageant. Everyone is able to learn something new. Because of the various platforms chosen by the delegates, people are able to learn about various topics. Fantasia said that she learned about human rights in Guyana, immigration policies, and other relevant topics from her colleagues in the pageant. She believes that the pageant is important because it helps to highlight the various facets of trans individuals. Fantasia said she trained for three months to prepare for the pageant, which had several segments that the contestants had to master: Talent, Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Cultural Wear, and Intelligence. She acknowledged the skills and talents of the other trans delegates against whom she had competed, crediting her win to hard work, dedication and her parents, her colleagues, the designer of her outfits, and members of Guyana Trans United for helping her to be fully prepared for the pageant. She has several plans to cover her reign for the next year, which includes advocacy, social outreach activities, artistic activities, and her involvement in the Youth component of Guyana Trans United. At this year’s pageant, held at the Umana Yana four weeks ago, the venue was packed with people – including not only people from the LGBT spectrum, but also many heterosexual people who were allies or simply people who were interested in the trans community. There, delegates performed various routines (songs, dances, etc.) and blew the judges and audience away with their unique and inspiring fashion and artistic choices. One can only hope that next year’s Ms. Diamond Infinity Pageant is just as empowering and memorable as this year’s.

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8 YEARS SINCE MICHAEL JACKSON DIED

This Really Is It! By Hubert Williams HAD Michael Jackson lived beyond the time of his sudden death on June 25, fans would have lost the best of him, for the true genius of the man so spectacularly demonstrated in the feature film “This Is It!” would have been masked within a harshly edited, professionally refined and theatrically finished production for presentation as 50 concerts in London’s massive O2 Arena (27 concerts between July 13 and September 29; a three-month break; then resuming January 7, 2010, for a 23-concert run to March 6). Thus, forced by his death into a reversal of intent, the producers of “This Is It!” have brought to the screen an enthralling two hours of the world’s foremost entertainer still at the top of his art – singing, dancing, choreographing, directing, advising, embracing, always asking more of the cast, seeking perfection: indeed, liberally sharing his genius, and

his humanity, creating greater harmony in the highly talented multi-ethnic group that made up his singers and dancers with frequent assurances that “I love you.” And he spared not himself, for throughout “This Is It!” Jackson was movement personified. He was tireless, athletic, sleek and seemed physically fit – in excellent condition for two-score-and-ten. His movements were like creations from out of space, and no wonder, for this ultimate professional had spent much of his teenage years studying and improving upon the classic dance movements of such Hollywood maestros as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelley, as well as Black tap-dancers. What turned out to be his final night of rehearsals in California was extremely energetic and full of action. No one could have thought that death lurked so very closely. But as much as “This Is It!” presents during its fascinating two-hour run, the producers have said that its contents were but a small portion of an available 100 hours of video-taped rehearsals for the planned series of concerts for which the organisers reported ticket sales had already assured sold-out audiences. Britain had expected a billion-pound boost to its economy directly related to the Jackson concerts. I attended a screening of the film in a Boston cinema, and to me, an almost everlasting fan of Michael Jackson (who always mesmerized with his poetry -- for that was what many of his songs were -- amazing music, his singing, dazzling dance moves and colourful costumes) the Fall season was the perfect period for release of this film. At this time, Boston is a magnificent landscape of colour, Turn to page XXX ►►►

XXX ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

as the Maple, Oak, Cherry and so many other large trees and shrubbery go through nature’s preparation to conserve energy and food during winter for ensuring abundant rebirth at springtime… much as Michael Jackson’s death in June led the great minds behind “This Is It!” to produce a masterpiece for release in November. The city, nay, New England entirely, is aglow in vibrant colour – reds, greens, yellows, pinks, and others, with each gust of wind adding countless thousands more dying leaves to the browning carpet on the ground, continually deteriorating to mulch the new growth of next spring. Even now, as chipmunks feast excitedly, while also collecting and carefully storing their winter ration of acorns from the giant oak trees, unexpected additional colour has come from the rose bushes in our garden. They have been fooled by unseasonal good days (70-plus degree Fahrenheit), and have begun budding again, producing new many-splendoured blooms. As we sat transfixed in the cinema by the energy from the screen, I did not see anyone rise for a 'restroom call' the entire

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two hours; and my grandson Mark Leon Anderson, just 3 and already conversant in English and Spanish, also never wavered in his focus on what was unfolding on the screen. When the film ended, I said to myself: "Thank you Michael… This really was "IT." The cast had been assembled from across the world, each member superb in his/her own art, and personally selected by Michael Jackson from among thousands who had been flown to London for auditions. The result was surreal. Imagine lead guitarist Orianthi Panagaris and rhythm guitarist Thomas Organ playing together, with Alfred Dunbar’s bass and keyboardists Michael Bearden and Morris Pleasure. I had heard Judith Hill sing beautifully during the television presentation of Michael Jackson’s funeral, but in the film her tones were so much more strident... richer. There is much of the film to which superlatives could apply, but especially in his re-creation of the "Thriller" graveyard video sequence Michael Jackson exceeded its original brilliance. As intimated earlier, this film will likely help the world towards a deeper appreciation of the true measure of the man – his genius -- rather than a continued embrace of the media

idiocy of ‘Wacko Jacko’… understanding his sincere love of people and deeply expressed concern for the environment, the continuing degradation of which we are all now witnessing. When he debuted as a sensitive writer with “Moon Walk” in 1988, outstanding admirer Jackie Kennedy Onassis had called Michael Jackson an innovative and exciting songwriter, whose dancing seemed to defy gravity. She had thought that his public might have been unaware of the extent of his dedication to his craft…”restless, seldom satisfied, he is a perfectionist who is constantly challenging himself.” Michael Jackson kept alive the child in us; and his interaction with, and impact on, children everywhere was almost legendary (though media-distorted) and one of the most memorable demonstrations of his considerable outreach came with the tragedy in Liverpool, England, in 1993, when two-yearold James Bulger was abducted from a supermarket (where his mother was shopping), murdered by two boys aged 10 and 11 and left on the railway tracks where a passing train cut the body in two. Even as young as he was, James loved music, his favourite song being Michael Jackson's "Heal The World"; and when, at the request of his parents, it was played as part of the funeral service, the church wept. It was to me both a privilege and a disaster to have possessed the fantastic 25th anniversary pictorial publication of the Jackson Five along with 82 songs on four CDs, the four having subsequently disappeared in a mystery that I have never been able to fathom. Anyhow, back to Michael Jackson's place as a 20th Century/21st Century phenomenon: In time to come, I think, historians will contend over which single event in the United States during 2009 commanded greater global attention and generated wider poignancy – the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first ‘Black’ in the Presidency or the death of Michael Jackson. Despite the intentions of his rabid media, Michael Jackson’s fan base was hugely spread across geographical, political, religious, ethnic, generational and other cultural boundaries. He was surely the world’s greatest ever mega-star, multi-talented as was no other. And when he died, many who had long acknowledged his supremacy in the art of music and dancing, but who had also exulted over the Obama victory, came to recognise a significant difference in the two events. Millions cried unabashedly as cameras captured the shock responses everywhere; and there were others who would have wept for him, without intending to weep. Melancholic and in silence, they had heard the news; stood still with their thoughts. As I did. Our sense of ‘feeling’ then came into play as a questing forefinger moved upward to test the territory of the cheek, and found it moist; because, silently, the eyes were regretting what a monumental loss the world had suffered. Anyone who knew me well, knew me hardly if they did not know how deeply I would be touched by Michael Jackson's death. It may well be that Michael Jackson (when his true contribution, and impact on the entire world, has been accurately evaluated), will be nominated for a posthumous award of the Nobel Peace Prize. I would expect that to be much less a surprise, indeed much more widely acclaimed, than the 2009 award to President Barack Hussein Obama.

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Nipping it in the Bud

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GPHC focusing on early identification and management of Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia By Shirley Thomas PLANS are in the pipeline for the implementation of systems at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Paediatric and Medical Outpatient Departments, to make room for improved standards of care for patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia. Some of these measures are already in the initial stages of implementation by management of the GPHC. Dr. Sherelyn Stanton Another crucial facility has come as a donation by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and was accepted by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier George Lewis, at a formal handing-over ceremony where Head of Department/Consultant of the Paediatric Medicine Department, Dr. Clive Bowman and Senior Registrar in the Internal Medicine Department, Dr. Grace White were present to receive the items. Others still, are recommendations that paediatrician, Dr. Sherelyn Stanton hopes to pursue as a part of her post-Commonwealth Professional Fellowship plan for improvement in the care of persons affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassaemia. Computers from PAHO: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in yet another demonstration of its unwavering commitment to the advancement of health care in Guyana, donated two computers and two printers to the GPHC, one each for the paediatric clinic and the institution’s medical clinic for adults. The presentation of the computers and printers was done two weeks ago by PAHO’s Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, and was rather timely, having come just one week before World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. The primary aim of the gesture was to facilitate the development of a data base for adult and paediatric Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia patients. Other areas that will receive priority attention by the facility include, but are not limited to: Neonatal Screening particularly for Sickle Cell disease indicating carrier or disease status. Consequently, parents can receive counselling and become aware of the numerous options for their babies. Since sickle cell can affect all regions of the body including the brain, this intervention can, at a very early stage, allow for prophylactic measures to be implemented to prevent sickle cell-provoked stroke and other sickle cell-related states. Registering another plus for the institution, the GPHC Paediatric Medicine Department has already started a neonatal screening pilot project and is currently doing screening of babies for sickle cell disease and congenital hypothyroidism. This screening project at the GPHC is being conducted by Paediatrician, Dr. Areefa Alladin-Karran and Head of Laboratory Services, Dr. Pheona Mohamed-Rambarran. The benefit of screening the thyroid function is to determine the thyroid amounts in babies, and if they are below what is required, the doctors would be able to detect that and give them replacement thyroid, so neurologically they would function normally. The neonatal pilot project is being undertaken in order to justify that neonatal screening is actually needed at the GPHC. The goals of neonatal screening would be to detect an affected child at the earliest possible time, because some of those things that are screened for have significant implications if they are untreated from the earliest stages. • Information, Education, Communication (IEC) Materials: Also recommended is the need for the distribution of IEC materials such as pamphlets on sickle cell disease in schools, at clinics and to the public at large, so persons can become knowledgeable about the illness and know what to expect, and how to be of help when sickle cell anaemia patients are in crises and outside of the hospital setting. In the classroom setting: • There is a role for parents as well as teachers to be aware of this disease, Dr. Stanton said. “If for example, a child is not doing well in school, it may be related to their sickle cell

disease and maybe they need to have one-on- one teaching, or maybe an additional class. Or perhaps the teachers do not understand that this child may have pains from time to time and so they are not sympathetic to what the child is going through. They may even want to go to the washroom regularly. Therefore, it would help if teachers are sensitised about the nature of sickle cell disease,” Dr. Stanton emphasised. She also sees merit in having a nursing specialist; a doctor or another person who is familiar with the content and knows how to deliver it appropriately, to go to schools, etc. ● Transitioning of children with sickle cell from the paediatric clinic to adult medical clinics is also very important.

They need to be aware of what to expect and what are the expected behaviours and the benefits in the adult clinics and wards. She noted that not everybody transitions very well, since it now means having to forgo most, if not all of the support patients had as a child in the paediatric medicine services, and with that can come a lot of defaulting from clinic as adults. ● Outreach Programmes: It is also proposed that outreach clinics/programmes on Sickle Cell disease be held at hospitals such as West Demerara, Suddie, New Amsterdam to ensure that persons at different ends of the country can access care geared toward this specific disease.

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Proud Guyanese moments I WAS invited for the second year to attend the TNJ 40 UNDER 40 Awards in Manhattan. I was a special guest of Rosalind McLymont, Executive Editor for The Network Journal. The Network Journal was launched in June 1998. The Network Journal's 40 Under-Forty Achievement Awards honour men and women under 40 years old whose professional accomplishments have significantly impacted an industry or profession, and who also have made important contributions to their communities. A "TNJ 40 Under-Forty" honoree typically is a business owner, or a management executive with significant decision-making authority in the corporate, non-profit (including academia and medicine), or

Chronicle Pepperpot June 25, 2017

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion government sector. I was a proud Guyanese in that audience cheering for all the honorees, but more so, for the Guyanese- Americans; Jermaine , National Basketball Association; Damien Hooper-Campbell, eBay Inc. (his father is Guyanese) and Attorney ? Aubreana Stephenson Holder.JD?, Federal Management Systems Inc. I am so proud of my friend Rosalind McLymont, who is also a Guyanese and is one of the main persons at TNJ, New York's premier Black Professionals and Small Business Magazine and is also CEO and Publisher of AfricaStrictlyBusiness. com. She is such an inspiration to many women and we are trusting to have her join us for INSPIRE YOU next year for Women's Month. I also attended an Art exhibition called LIMINAL SPACE at the Caribbean Cultural Centre African Diaspora Institute in Harlem curated by Guyanese Grace Aneiza Ali and featuring Guyanese artist based throughout the diaspora including Kwesi Abbensetts, Damali Abrams, Khadija Benn, Victor Davson,

Stanley Greaves, Carl Hazlewood, Dominique Hunter, Michael Lam, Donald Locke, Andrew Lyght, Suchitra Mattai, Christie Neptune ,Karran Sahadeo, Keisha Scarville Arlington Weithers and the talented film maker Mason Richard. We have talented Guyanese all over the world and it is a great feeling when they are acknowledged. Walking through the exhibition and looking at those artistic expressions told so many stories. Arts and culture are super important to any society, but most times are overlooked. Imagine a society without the influence of the arts and you will envision a sad society, because art is about crossing boundaries and seeing things in different ways. It can be a vehicle for understanding social issues and building social cohesion. These activities can fuel community and economic development given the opportunity. I am optimistic, even in the midst of the many challenges the creative sector encounters. We need more people with vision to believe we can do amazing things. I love this quote from the bible: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” I also love this Myles Munroe Quote: "I think that the greatest gift God ever gave man is not the gift of sight, but the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart." I believe you need to genuinely have appreciation and LOVE from the heart to have a desire to elevate this sector. Send us your comments to beyondtherunway1@gmail. com and visit our FB page https://www.facebook.com/beyondtherunway1 as we continue this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY

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What you need to know about Dyslexia By Kate Grey IN this feature, I would like to shed some light on a disorder that might be unknown to some Guyanese, which is Dyslexia. This is a learning disorder that makes reading, writing and spelling difficult. A learning disability is a condition causing difficulties for someone to acquire knowledge and skills to the level expected by those of the same age; this condition is not the cause of a physical impairment. Although in the U.S. this condition affects 17% of the population, in Guyana there is not much data on it. So, what is Dyslexia exactly? Dyslexia is a specific type of learning disability that affects reading due to the way that the brain processes graphic symbols. The brain would mix and jumble words and letters together, the person will also have poor memory of spoken words and commands. Children with this disability are in no way below average on the learning scale, it just means that they process information differently. When it comes to learning, these children are extremely intelligent and gifted. Research shows that children with dyslexia have above average IQs and are creative; the trouble comes with expressing themselves in all forms of language, either spoken or written. Cause The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is certain that it is hereditary, meaning that it is determined by genetic factors and can be passed from parent to child. Signs to look for This language-based learning disability has several symptoms, all relating to reading fluency, decoding, recall and reading comprehension. Some signs shown in Preschool children: * Talking later than expected, * Slow to learning new words, * Problem rhyming, * Problem following directions that entail many steps Some signs displayed in school-aged children: * Reversing the shapes of written letters such as “d” for “b”, example: “dat” instead of “bat, * Writing words backward, such as “tip” instead of “pit”, * Problem linking words with sounds, * Problems reading single words, e.g. as shown on flash cards. However, it should be noted that if your child displays any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that he or she has dyslexia. Many children usually write their letters in reverse before the age of seven. What I am trying to convey is that should you notice these signs, then you should seek the attention of your physician instead of self-diagnosing. It may be a bit difficult to do with a very young child, but try as much as possible to figure out what is your child’s normal behaviour, since every child is different. SOME SIGNS DISPLAYED IN ADULTS: * Dyslexic adults are highly intuitive (known to have “street smarts”, and are highly perceptive when judging the personalities of others), * Misspeak, misuse or mispronouncing words without realising it, * Difficulty reading unfamiliar fonts, * Avoid reading out loud and may dislike public speaking, * Has developed compensatory tricks to remember spelling and using homonyms such as their, there, they may even misuse homonymous terms. Also, the adults have poor or inconsistent phonetic spelling. DIAGNOSING DYSLEXIA This may be done with the aid of a doctor or reading specialist. Both you and the child will be questioned, specifically about the signs noticed by either teacher or parent. The child may have to take a reading and skills test, and these tests might include a personality test as well. How the child learns, solves problem and uses words will be taken into context. These tests will rule out dyslexia or any other learning disability. TREATMENT FOR DYSLEXIA As mentioned earlier, persons with dyslexia have a very different way of learning. There is no way to correct the issue, specifically with how the brain processes the information, but like with any other condition, early intervention and evaluation can greatly improve success for your child. This is done with the use of various teaching techniques. Treatment for dyslexia will include, but not be limited to: * Teaching how letters and sounds are linked to form words, * Having the child read out loud with the help of the teacher,

* Teaching the child to listen and repeat instructions, * Teachers will also use teaching techniques that involve hearing, vision and touch to improve reading skills WHAT PARENTS OF DYSLEXIC CHILDREN CAN DO * Encourage reading time -- this helps to build the confidence of the child as well as improve reading skills, * Read aloud to your child -- it is recommended to start reading to your child as early as six months old or even younger. And when the child is old enough, try reading together * Address the issue early -- if you suspect your child to have a learning problem, it is best to speak to a doctor about the signs you notice. WHAT ADULTS WITH DYSLEXIA CAN DO Adults with dyslexia are all different, with different personalities and emotions. Some may be able to cope because of ways they have developed to get around the condition, but one of the

many hurdles they might have to face is the constant change in workplace environment, while others may not find it as easy, due to being recently diagnosed and having to come to terms or not being aware that they have a learning disability. * Seek evaluation and instructional help with reading and writing, regardless of your age, * Get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, * Most dyslexics find the use of technology helpful, e.g. computer, recorders and smart phones. When it comes to any condition, research is key. In Guyana, information can be sourced or support given from these organisations listed; the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disability (which also has a facebook page), the Guyana National Commission on Disability (Ministry of Public Health). It is important to remember that persons with any form of disability are humans with feelings and rights, who are an important part of the society, with families in need of our support as well.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A spade is never so merely a spade as the word Spade would imply. CHRISTOPHER FRY (1907-2005) Venus Observed (1950), II.1 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, A personal letter may address anything including political or social questions, and your relationship with a friend. At times these lively conversations (as that is what good friendly letters are) do not more often talk about you, the writer; whereas most of your friends want primarily to know more about you. Anyhow, whether you write around a single idea in a systematic way, or just ramble on like easy conversation, be aware that a personal letter is the freest kind of writing ever. Be wise.

Love you. WRITING PERSONAL LETTERS Let your personal letters zing! Train yourself to find the extraordinary qualities that give life meaning and beauty in the commonplace experiences of everyday life. Give sketches of people, places and things you observe as you pass by every day. Say ordinary things about yourself in an extraordinary way to help your reader see you better. Let the view make your reader say, “How awesome!” Make your personal letters interesting. Remember that your friend wants pri-

marily to know about you – your personality, your views, your life’s progress, etc. Still don’t know what to write about with you in it? Have a look at these simple, everyday suggestions: a) Where you have been b) What you have seen or done c) Pleasure about a happy incident in the life of your friend, like a scholarship d) Extending an informal invitation of some sort e) Cheer to a sick friend f) Enquiry about the activities of a friend away from home g) Opinion about some current event h) How to do something/ teach something you just learned

6. Develop the paragraph by use of examples, details, explanation of cause, contrast, comparison, repetition, definition, or by some combination of those methods. NOTE: Exposition is that ingredient in writing, as well as in our practical lives, that cannot be ignored. It is what connects readers to the main story by giving them the background information. In most cases, a story or script loses its essence if not accompanied by an exposition. Example: Science fiction films begin with an introduction to a character or time background to allow viewers to understand what is to expect of them; the same thing happens in books, articles, magazines and shorter writings to draw readers to them.

Something to Do 1. In a study group write a friendly letter to a relative or friend whom you have not seen for some time. Write a first draft, thinking only about what might impress your friend. Then rewrite, if necessary. In any case, proofread your letter, paying careful attention to spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure, and handwriting. 2. i) Write a first paragraph of a letter to someone your own age whom you know very well. ii) Write the first paragraph of a letter to someone your own age whom you have just met but whom you would like to know better. iii) In your study group discuss the differences between the two paragraphs. 3. Write a personal letter of at least three paragraphs that will explain what you hope to accomplish in a chosen area of your life during the last half of this 2017 year. Check the paragraph by the guidelines below. Take time to read each other’s letters, so that by the time the exercise is finished you should know one other better.

THE PASSAGE The boy’s name was Patsy Barnes, and he was a denizen of Little Africa. In fact, he lived in Douglass Street. By all the laws governing the relations between people and their names, he should have been Irish – but he was not. He was coloured, and very much so. His mother wanted him to go to school. She wanted him to learn. She had the notion that he might become something better, something higher that she had been. But for him school had no charms; his school was the cool stalls in the big livery stable near at hand; the arena of his pursuits, its sawdust floor; the height of his ambition, to be a horseman. Either here or in the racing stables at the Fair-grounds he spent his truant hours. It was a school that taught much, and Patsy was as apt a pupil as he was a constant attendant. He learned strange things about horses, and fine, sonorous oaths that sounded eerie on his young lips, for he had only turned into his fourteenth year. A man goes where he is appreciated; then could this slim black boy be blamed for doing the same thing? He was a great favourite with the horsemen, and picked up many a dime or nickel for dancing or singing, or even a quarter for warming up a horse for its owner. He was not to be blamed for this, for, first of all, he was born in Kentucky, and had spent the very days of his infancy about the paddocks near Lexington, where his father had sacrificed his life on account of his love for horses.

Guidelines for Paragraph Building 1. Be sure that you really have something to say and that it is clear in your own mind. 2. Build each paragraph around one clearly recognisable central idea maybe in a topic sentence, which is the sentence that states the central thought, or idea, of a paragraph. In every well-written paragraph, there is one and only one main idea. You use a topic sentence especially in exposition. (Please see below.) 3. Make sure that the paragraph has unity; that is, that no idea unrelated to the central theme creeps in. 4. Make sure that the paragraph has coherence; that is, arrange the sentences in natural, logical order. 5. See that there is emphasis on the central idea. Sometimes you can secure emphasis by ending with a clincher sentence that sums up the paragraph or restates the topic sentence in some other form.

About the Passage The passage taken from “The Finish of Patsy Barnes,” deals with the love of a mother for her son. The son, Patsy Barnes, loves his mother and tries to find some means of support. What to Do: Read each paragraph in the passage again and jot down ideas given so far about Patsy Barnes.

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Bollywood news

Salman Khan: Pleased to get ratings like one, one and half but not in minus Salman Khan's 'Tubelight' is released this Friday did not go well with the critics but he is pleased as they did not give minus rating to film. "The critics were really good. I was expecting minus 3 and minus 4 but they gave 1, 1.5 apparently, so i am very pleased," said Salman at an event where his "Being Human" joined hands with PVR for an initiative under which

every time when a customer book tickets for a movie at PVR, they will get the option to pay Rs 2 extra and this amount will be given to the Being Human foundation for different causes. About the feedback about his film, Salman said: "As per reports people are saying they can not see 'Bhai' (Salman) crying. So I asked, are they (audience) laughing and the answer was "no, they are crying". So I said don't worry about it." "As it is an Eid release, people have preconceived notions and plans to throw coins, sing and dance at the cinema hall. So they have gone to watch a certain film but get to watch another film. This film is not of a kind which you watch with your buddies as you will not get an opportunity to dance or have fun. It is a very emotional film. Even an emotionless, stone hearted person will get tears in his eyes. So this is an emotional film to be seen with parents, grand parents and entire family." Asked about mixed reviews the film is getting, the 'Dabangg' Khan said: "I got so many text messages, saying that they got emotional watching the brothers dancing on the song. So we are preparing audience for a beautiful, simple, emotional film about brothers. As far as reviews are concerned, every film has mixed reviews." Asked about any sense of failure and bother due to the mixed reviews, he laughed and said: "Look at me, are there any sign of worries on this face. I am not bothered, I know the film will do well and will be a hit and get lot

of respect." Produced by Salman Khan productions, 'Tubelight is directed by Kabir Khan, who has earlier given hit

films like 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'. The film also stars Sohail Khan and Chinese actress Zhu Zhu along with child artiste Matin Rey Tangu.

Entertainment

Hollywood Has Lost Its Mind Over Politics, Just Like Everyone Else We're all losing it in this political climate, some more than others. With Twitter ablaze on an hourly basis with vitriol of all stripes, some of it funny, some of it horrifying, some of it educational and all of it exhausting, it doesn't take a doctorate in political science to discern which side of the aisle people are supporting. You don't have to scroll much, either. Half the

"Can you bring Trump here?" the actor, who impersonated Trump in a Funny or Die movie in 2016, said while onstage at a screening of his 2004 movie The Libertine. Reacting to the decidedly unenthusiastic response from the crowd, he continued, "You misunderstand completely. When was the last time an actor assassinated a president?" That would be 1865, when struggling ac-

that he is [angry]," a former top aide to Bush told US News and World Report

after the dinner. "He's got that look that he's ready to blow."

Roasted breadfruit in stewed salt fish time their allegiances are declared right there in their bios, or a pinned tweet tells the whole story. And while millions of people are weighing in on Washington and international politics every day, the accounts with the little blue checkmarks by their name—many of them belonging to the celebrity set—can't help but be at the center of many a back-and-forth about the current state of political affairs. But as both opponents and supporters of President Donald Trump have been quick to remind us, the chatter isn't confined to social media, though Trump's own Twitter habit has often made the site ground zero for the latest headlines. Rather, the conversation is going on everywhere, at any given moment, all over the world, via every medium. And while everybody's talkin' at us, we're more inclined to be informed of what a celebrity is doing or saying at any given moment. A comment is only "controversial," after all, once those who've heard it have whipped themselves, or others, into a frenzy. Hot on the heels of Kathy Griffin's misguided attempt at humor, her image-worth1,000-words "joke" about calling for the president's head made entirely too gruesome by her use of a graphic prop, Johnny Depp has curried the public's (albeit seemingly less of the public's) disfavor with a bemused assassination joke made last night at the Glastonbury Arts festival in England.

tor John Wilkes Booth fatally shot Abraham Lincoln. "I want to clarify: I'm not an actor," Depp added, drawing extra laughs. "I lie for a living. However, it's been awhile, and maybe it's time." A bit of a step beyond Madonnasaying at the Women's March in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, "Yes, I'm angry. Yes, I'm outraged. Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House." But not, in its hyperbole or lack of serious intent, much different at the end of the day. Yet both have been treated like official positions on an issue that have resulted in reactions from Trump himself—an inevitable cycle of events that we'd never seen much of in the past. True, Barack Obama had a far friendlier relationship with many of the Hollywood folks who either wouldn't call themselves Trump fans or have publicly criticized the new president in some way. But George W. Bush certainly took his lumps from the Hollywood set, and it's hard to recall any instances of him slamming Saturday Night Live or issuing a rebuttal to Kanye West. Even after Stephen Colbert flayed the Bush administration—in person, with the president just a few feet away—over the war in Iraq and other pressing issues at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Dinner, the visibly angry Bush didn't actually say anything. "I've been there before, and I can see

– 1 roasted breadfruit – 3 tablespoon coconut oil – 1 1/2 cups prepared salt fish – 2 cloves garlic (diced) – 2 small onions (sliced) – 1 teaspoon thyme – 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped) – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (chopped) – 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (optional) – 1 small bell pepper (sliced thin) – 2 scallions (chopped) – 1 large tomato (diced)

• Prep the salted fish by soaking in water and/or by boiling in water for 15-20 mins. Discard that water, rinse and squeeze dry before flaking/shred. Roast the breadfruit, allow to cool then remove the skin, cut into wedges and remove the core. Be mindful of the heat of the scotch bonnet pepper, so kindly use as much as you can handle. Don’t use any of the seeds as that’s where you’ll get the raw heat and remember to wash your hands with soap and water after handling such hot peppers. • Prep the ingredients and set aside. Then heat the coconut oil on a medium flame and go in with the pieces of prepared salted cod. Reduce the heat to low and let this cook for about 3 minutes. • Afterward add the thyme, garlic, onion and parsley. Heat still on low – cook another 3 minutes. • Now go in with the bell pepper, scallions, scotch bonnet and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.keep stirring to allow all the flavor ingredients to come together. • You can now add the diced tomato (take the heat up to medium), stir well – then go in with the pieces of roasted breadfruit. Try your best to coat the breadfruit with the stewed salted cod base and heat though. • After about 3-4 minutes everything would have come together nicely.. turn off the heat and get ready to enjoy a very tasty and comforting dish.