Pepperpot 01 28 2018

See inside: ► Page

Guyana’s Leprosy Clinic endeavours to do more

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Haimwant Persaud aims to advance Guyana’s natural resources management ► Page

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A driving passion for GIS

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Compton Babb's artistic journey

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Editor’s note WE have said before that one of the best things about the Pepperpot is its ability to capture stories spanning a vast range of topics which all come together to form a healthy mixture that enriches your Sunday reading. This week’s Pepperpot is testimony to that and explores myr-

M o r e

iad topics including Science, art, craft, education, health and humanitarianism.

Among these stories includes a feature on World Leprosy Day which looks at the causes and symptoms of Leprosy and how one organisation pledges to do more in order to help combat this

t h a n

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 chronic disease. Our lead story falls within the realm of Science and looks Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a speciality that may seem complicated to most but which one man is actually using to help to advance Guyana’s natural resource management. We hope that these and other stories which make up this week’s Pepperpot bring knowledge and inspiration!

B o o k s

P a r t

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How the library serves as a Community Hub

By Gibron Rahim

LIBRARIES are central to their communities. Nowhere is this clearer than when considering the National Library. Along with its programmes that are aimed at all age groups, the institution is a hub for the community. Despite the challenges faced, the National Library and its staff remain dedicated to continuing to fill that essential role.

There is much going on behind the scenes

that a regular patron of the National Library may not be aware of. So the Pepperpot Magazine learned from its sit down with some of the staff. Nadine Moore, the Library’s Deputy Chief Librarian, explained that there is much planning that goes on behind the scenes, from the Chief Librarian’s office to the support staff. “We also have preparation and purchases of materials,” she noted. She added that there are also preparation of purTurn to page VII ►►►

The Toy Library

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

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A driving passion for GIS

Haimwant Persaud aims to advance Guyana’s natural resources management

By Ravena Gildharie USING computer-based methods to collect, manage, analyse, model, and present geographic or spatial data is not a simply-explained subject at first indication. But to people like Haimwant Persaud, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are most fascinating, as it can change the way people think and plan for the future.

Take for example, in natural resource management, remote sensing and GIS is mainly used in the mapping process; to generate maps for land cover; vegetation, soil and geology. Such data equip planners, whether technical like engineers or policy makers, to strategically coordinate and manage developmental activities. This is particularly important in an environment of changing climate and increasing population that can cause limited natural resources.

Persaud at ARMS Graduation in Essequibo in 2001

satellite image interpretation to aid pro-actively in monitoring, regulation, and compliance within the natural resources sector.

“The various aspects of resource management that GIS supports include storage and retrieval of data, interpretation and Haimwant Persaud at his MSc. Thesis analysis of the presentation at the Esri User Conference resource data, in San Diego, California 2013 and development of the ReAs a GIS specialist, source Management Plans,” Persaud told the Persaud is currently us- Pepperpot magazine. In layman’s term, Persaud ing his expertise to help can from the computer at his desk monitor rates Guyana acquire vital in- of deforestation whether related to mining or formation that enables logging, soil erosions, flooding and the state of the state to pro-actively water resources in terms of pollution. manage, monitor and regulate key natural resourc- ‘EVERYTHING IS ABOUT LOCATION’ es including its forests.

“Everything for me is about location,” PerManager of the Geospatial saud conveyed, noting that GIS makes him more Information Management Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the 33-year-old father of two, has been for the past five years performing complex GIS spatial analysis and

efficient and strategic in acquiring and analysing much-needed data. Though his current passion for this field knows no boundaries, and his expertise reflects utmost dedication, Persaud said his choice to pursue a career in GIS was spontaneous.

It all occurred in 2005 when he was a first-year Forest Engineering scholarship student in Cuba.

“I was invited to the Thesis discussion of a friend. I saw how they used Geospatial Technologies such as GPS, Satellite Imagery and GIS to identify environmental problems and derive potential solutions. I knew then I wanted to do just that. I approached the lecturer Dr. Illuminada Milian and indicated my interest,” Persaud recalled.

At the time he was awarded the Guyana/ Cuba scholarship, Haimwant was a teacher at the Aurora Secondary School in Essequibo. It was his parents and friends who encouraged him to pursue the initiative. The second of four children, Persaud hails from Three Friends Village on the Essequibo Coast and is a former student of the Anna Regina Multilateral School (ARMS).

During his childhood years, he enjoyed fishing in the rice fields and playing cricket on the seashore close-by his home. Though he was a top academic performer, Persaud was undecided of professional pursuits. Like many other young boys who grew up in the country then, the lure of becoming the next Shivnarine Chanderpaul Turn to page IX ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Today is World Leprosy Day

By Telesha Ramnarine

Guyana’s Leprosy Clinic endeavours to do more being done and more people are becoming aware and coming into us,” she explained. The clinic recorded 30 cases in 2015; 54 in 2016 and 67 in 2017.

Themed “Zero disabilities among children diagnosed with leprosy”, the focus of this year’s observance will centre on children.

WITH leprosy being the fourth cause of blindness in the world, Guyana’s Leprosy Clinic based at the Palms Geriatric Home compound will be doing all in its power to reach out to those who are affected and to provide education on the disease.

World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday in January of every year and this morning, the local clinic was scheduled to host a short programme in the Palm’s auditorium to usher in the observance.

Ministry of Public Health officials were invited to attend, along with some patients and Merundoi Incorporated.

This is a non-governmental organisation specializing in behaviour change through public education using the radio serial drama “Merundoi”.

Director of the Leprosy Clinic, Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson, told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview that the figure of those affected by the disease began to climb in 2016.

“The numbers started to rise because a lot more surveillance [is] being done and the team is getting into Dr. Morris-Wilson and her team from the clinic have been reaching out to regions in Guyana regions that are not easily that are not easily accessible accessible. More visits are

Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson

According to the doctor, a series of activities is scheduled for the near future, including a ‘leprosy heal walk’ on February 10 and a promotional booth in Giftland Mall on February 17 and 18.

Furthermore, Dr. Morris-Wilson and team will be visiting a number of schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) during which the annual ‘essay and poster’ competition will be launched. Three winners will be selected and given prizes by the end of March.

LEPROSY DISEASE Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease (HD), is a chronic infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It takes its name from the Latin word Lepra, which means “scaly”, while the term “Hansen’s Disease” is named after the

physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen.

“It is a disease of poverty,” Dr. Morris-Wilson had explained to Chronicle in a previous interview. Hence, persons exposed to poor housing, bed bugs, overcrowding, poor sanitation and water are more susceptible to the disease. “It tends to spread in these conditions. So you find a lot of persons in the slums would get it.”

She observed that Guyana sees ‘imported’ cases from time to time because neighbouring Brazil has the largest number of cases per year.

According to her, one of the first clinical signs that indicate leprosy is a noticeable rash on the skin where there is a loss of feeling or sensation. The rash can develop on any part of the body depending on the type of leprosy.

In addition to skin rashes, there can also be a tingling sensation in the hands and or feet, and a burning sensation of the skin because the disease affects the nerves. Furthermore, there is a loss of feeling, no sweating and hair growth in the affected area. “We call it a numb spot disease,” she said.

A cotton wool test for sensation would then be in order.

It is referred to as the ‘pinch and touch’ test. On most occasions, when it is indeed leprosy that the person has, he will not be able to differentiate a pinch from a touch.

Some persons who suffer with the disease also have to endure weakness, paralysis in the hands and feet, and affected muscles of the eyes.

“Leprosy treated late can cause severe eye complications and lead to blindness because of weakness of the eyelids and the muscles of the eye. So we would need to do a skin smear test where we just use a lymph fluid. We don’t need blood,” the doctor explained.

She said she has had patients who confessed to her that they opted to consult a witch doctor for help because they thought leprosy is a curse from God. “Most of our patients sometimes go to witch doctors that give them remedies. I have actually had patients who confessed to me, and learned people too, not the layman. Learned persons have been fooled into thinking that. However, everyone is susceptible to leprosy,” she said.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

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Guyana's sweetest songbird has flown away

By Francis Quamina Farrier

John, was Sir David Rose, Guyana's first (and only) Governor General, who possessed one of the most beautiful baritone voices ever in Guyana; and I would add, in the world. I can recall a Christmas concert which was staged by the Woodside Choir, on the western steps of the St. George's Cathedral, at which Sir David Rose was the Special Guest performer. He wowed the audience.

It is apt to note that one of Evelyn John's greatest achievements was officially singing the Guyana National Anthem for the very first time. The event was at the National Park in Georgetown, on the occasion

MOST people who have had the pleasure of hearing the sweet singing voice of Evelyn John, agree that she was Guyana's greatest Soprano. After singing on stage, radio and recordings for 70 years, Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York, where she was in residence for a number of years.

The life of this well-known daughter of Guyana can be summed up in three words: music, singing and service. As a 10-yearold in Georgetown in 1947, Evelyn Arthur (later John), entered and won the hotly contested Local Singing Competition, "IN SEARCH OF A STAR" on Radio Demerara. She had immediately won the hearts of hundreds of Guyanese all across the country, who love good music and singing.

Following that initial success, Evelyn went on to be a regular feature at the British Guiana Music Festivals of the 1950s and built up a reputation as Guyana's top Soprano. As the years went by, she sang on stage at the popular Sunday afternoon concerts at the City Hall, as well as the National Rev. Dr. Evelyn & Veteran Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Barrister-at-Law Llewelyn John as the featured soloist, to what were usually sold-out recitals. Evelyn John also teamed up with the best-accomplished tenors and baritones of of Guyana's Independence Celebrations on the day in British Guiana, performing duets May 26, 1966. for appreciative audiences.

During the ensuing years, Evelyn John Among those singing duets with Evelyn recorded a number of songs; "Roll the Stone

Rev. Dr. Evelyn John

of Hindrance Away", "Lead me Heavenly Father" and "The Miracle Power of God" being three of

Barrister-at-Law Llewelyn John at the funeral service of his wife, Evelyn John (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

A section of the congregation at the Homegoing Service for Rev. Dr. Evelyn John in Brooklyn New York

the more popular ones. Her life at that time was moving in the direction of spiritual activities, as she became a student of the principles of metaphysics. Many will recall her leadership at the Unity Church located at the corner of Princes and Ketley Streets in Georgetown. In 1980, she was ordained a Minister at the University of Healing in San Diego, California, USA. She later migrated to the USA in 1983. In 1984 Evelyn John

established The New Life Center of Truth in Brooklyn, New York, and was its Religious Leader until her recent passing.

Shortly after graduating from High School, Evelyn Arthur married Barrister-at-law Llewellyn John, and together they had five children. At the time of her passing, they were married for 61 years. A leading barrister-at-law and politician, Llewellyn John served as a Minister of Home Affairs for a period and continued his practice in Guyana. Although physically apart for periods of time, the couple communicated and spent much time together either in Guyana or the USA. Travelling from Guyana to New York last week, Llewelyn John was there at the Homegoing Service for his dear wife. He made a moving tribute to her in the packed New Life Center of Truth. Those in attendance could have recognised that the now 90-plus husband, was still so much in love with his dear departed spouse of 61 years.

Though the voice of Guyana's greatest Soprano is now silent, however, her recordings are still available for us to enjoy (hopefully on local Radio as well) for years and years to come.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Living a happy, productive life with diabetes

By M Margaret Burke

GLYNIS Alonzo-Beaton has been the President of the Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) or a number of years and is also on the Board of the Caribbean Diabetic Association. Additionally, she is now the Chair of the North American Caribbean Region for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), which is the voice of diabetes internationally.

Alonzo-Beaton told the Pepperpot Magazine that Glynis Alonzo-Beaton she has been diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic for the past 27 years and so she lives on insulin. She said that she was first diagnosed at age 22 even though she showed signs of being a diabetic at the age of 12 years old, but was too young to pay much attention to it.

She explained that diabetes continues to have a solid base in her family – affecting her mother and father, as well as other close relatives. “So for me, I live and eat, sleep and dream diabetes,” she said.

The second of six children, Glynis Alonzo-Beaton was born in Georgetown in February 1968 but spent most of her young life in the mining town of Linden, where she attended the Mackenzie All-Age Primary School before moving on to the Wismar/Christianburg Multilateral, the Linden Foundation High and then the Mackenzie High School, before going on to pursue her tertiary education.

Glynis Alonzo-Beaton can be considered a ‘ selfless, mighty woman – a fighter,’ who literally stands at six-feet, three inches tall; displays beauty, both outwardly as well as on the inside – a caring woman, whose heartbeat is the health and wellness of women. She is married and has given birth to three children.

THE DIABETIC ASSOCIATION Alonzo-Beaton said that she has been with the Guyana Diabetic Association since 1995. The association was established in 1969, became a registered body in 1973 and a member of the IDF in 1992.

In terms of funding to keep the association going, she informed that most of the association’s funding comes from fund-raising or from the membership. “We contribute to whatever we have; we have been seeking subvention and hope to receive same soon.

However, we do a lot of collaborative work with the Ministry of Health, through the Chronic Disease department.

“We have also done a lot of capacity-building with PAHO/WHO. By this I mean that they would have paid for certain training for us, both young people and myself, for which we had to come back and do a project," she said. "The fact is that PAHO/WHO does not give you money unless they know that you will come back and do something for your country and organisation. You go, you learn, you share and you come back to do for your organisation.”

Alonzo-Beaton said that she was very grateful for such expectations from PAHO/ WHO since it allows for improvements within individual organisations represented and the country as a whole.

DIABETES AND ITS TYPES Diabetes is considered a chronic disease or illness in which the blood glucose, also called blood sugar level in a person’s body is above normal. It can strike anyone – young or old, rich or poor and it does exactly that.

Simply put, diabetes can be explained in this manner: When food is consumed the body turns it into sugars or glucose. At that point, the pancreas is supposed to release insulin, which allows glucose to enter and give energy to the body. However, in the case of a diabetic this system does not work, resulting in complications – diabetes, which comes in the form of mostly Types 1 and 2, but also Type 3.

Type 1 also called “juvenile diabetes”, normally occurs before someone turns 20 and is rarely reversed, but it can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes.

Type 2, on the other hand, is more common among adults and can be found especially in people who are overweight, have a poor diet, experience high levels of stress, have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease; being exposed to viruses, harmful chemicals or toxins, among other causes.

This (Type 2) diabetes, research has disclosed, can eventually affect every system in the body – weight, sleep, energy level, vision and many more. Fortunately, however, this type of the disease can be reversed – with proper management by the doctor, correct diet and exercise.

Type 3 diabetes is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, where there is insulin resistance in the brain. Studies have also shown that people with Type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to the Alzheimer’s disease.

DIABETES – SILENT KILLER According to Alonzo-Beaton, the GDA has grown since, because of the awareness – featuring more and more on what diabetes is. She noted that diabetes is one of the silent killers and that while it is not number one in Guyana, it is one of the contributing figures to the top five chronic diseases.

“Diabetes is your heart, it’s your lungs, is the kidneys, is the nerves, is the foot, is the pancreas- you name it, it is diabetes. So at the end of the day it is a dangerous illness if you don’t manage it," she said.

"Managing diabetes is never easy and it is never going to be easy because it is a daily routine thing – it is not like I have flu and it will go away.

There are days when persons become sick, depressed, tired of looking at diabetes, but you have to come out of that Kodak moment very fast.”

She said that there are days when she hates being a diabetic because she has to look at what she eats; she has to look at how much she is eating and other factors. “I would love to eat six, eight, nine, 10 fudge because I make fudge, so in order not to be overboard with that I try not to make them too often,” she admitted.

COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE The GDA head explained that people sometimes need to intentionally consume sugar, which is usually when the blood sugar runs low and this speaks of calories, which helps the fat. This results in people having to strike a balance, working seriously with the body to bring order and control – eating well and exercising, without over-doing either of the two, and these she says will result in a more desired healthy life.

In fact, according to the 2017 National Diabetes Statistics Report, over 30 million people living in the United States have diabetes, which represents almost 10 percent of the U.S. population.

The report reiterated what Alonzo-Beaton said that Type 2 diabetes is one of the most dangerous diseases, which can lead to many other health conditions when it is not managed properly, including kidney disease, blindness, leg and foot amputations, nerve damage, and even death.

However, the Type 2 diabetes, according to the report, is a completely preventable and reversible condition, and with diet and lifestyle changes people can greatly reduce their chances of getting the disease or reverse the condition if they have already been diagnosed.

This disease continues to affect far too many persons at varying ages in Guyana and much is being done at this time to help bring relief to many. See Part 2 next week. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page II

chased materials for use by the public. The staff is committed to exploring various means that the institution can provide updated and relevant services to the public.

The National Library’s junior staff have much on their agenda, even before the first patron of the day has entered the library. The Chief Librarian, Emiley King, explained that their first task, after signing in for the day, is to browse the collections. Doing so, she noted, enables them to refamiliarise themselves with the items in the collection. They also shelf and reshelve the books. After patrons have browsed and removed books from their shelves, King noted that they have an order of putting them back to their places. Another important part of the process is removing books that are damaged.

It is only after the books that are considered tattered have been removed that the junior staffers proceed to the library’s various departments to charge and discharge books – the traditional task that people attribute to librarians. The staffers are also responsible for informing the senior librarian in charge of the titles or magazines patrons have been asking about. The National Library’s junior staffers additionally work along with the planning of the library’s outreach activities. Senior library assistants have numerous additional responsibilities.

These staffers need to plan all of their respective programmes, in addition to formulating per quarter and per annum work plans.

This programming is very important as King said, “Apart from people coming to you, you also have to go to them.” The National Library, as well as all its branches, is a key supporter of education in Guyana. “We support the education system in terms of literacy and therefore, we need to have programmes which promote literacy,” she added.

Annis Craig, another professional librarian on the staff took the time to explain one of these upcoming programmes – the Adult Smart Skill programme. The library hopes to launch this programme before the end of the first quarter of this year. “The Smart Skill Programme will be piloted first here at the central library and then we will extend it to the other branches,” said Craig. The programme will target working adults of various ages who are struggling with literacy. She also explained that the programme will also touch on entrepreneurial skills. “We are optimistic that it will be a welcome programme in the community,” she said.

One of the ongoing activities at the National Library is the Early Literacy Programme. Dihanne Saul, a librarian trainee, explained that the programme takes place on Saturdays and caters for children between the ages of six months and 13 years old. It takes the form of story hours and play in the Toy Library. Story hour is from 10:00hrs to 11:00hrs while the Toy Library is open from 11:00hrs to 12:00hrs. A special reading and phonics class is also held during the school term on Mondays and Wednesdays from 16:00hrs to 17:00hrs catering for children with reading difficulties.

King noted that the National Library’s collection at the central location at Main and Church Streets is approximately over 500 thousand books. “But if you extend it to branches and centres, it is much, much wider than that,” she said. “We don’t have all old books,” she emphasised, addressing a common misconception about libraries. “And the ‘old’ books that we do have are very, very pertinent,” she added. Among these is our country’s Constitution, as well as records of all the irrigation projects that were done in the 1920s. King noted that agencies, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), call on them to use those records.

Under the Publication and Newspapers Act of 1972 that established the institution as a National library, it is given the responsibility of serving as a depository of books printed in Guyana. This designation, explained King, entitles the National Library to a free copy of every book written and published by Guyanese in the country.

She noted that the library needs to re-advertise this role as some are affronted when the library requests a copy of their work. The library also purchases copies of those works so that they are available to a cross-section of libraries in the country as well.

The National Library is many things to many different people of all ages. King noted that there is a lack awareness of the National Library, and libraries in general, being community hubs “People come here for different reasons,” said King. “People come to sit and just make friends because a lot of friendships are made at the library.” Not only friendships either. “Romantic relationships are also made at the library,” King jokingly said. Most recently, wedding vows were exchanged in the library’s reference department, with the couple surrounded by its books. The library is a place where people can go and the staff at the National Library are committed to maintaining and expanding its influence.

“It is a meeting place. It is not only about books.”

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Pretty things

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Melana Hudson charts her own course as an entrepreneur

By Michel Outridge

THE thought of not working with people was stuck in her mind and that motivated her to start her own small business making handmade fabric headbands and hobo bags.

Melana Hudson used to have a "nine to five" job and she didn’t really like having a boss hovering over her shoulder and with that she made up her mind to become self-employed.

Her products are labelled and she calls it “MH Designs” a business she started four years ago operating right out of the comfort of her own home in Georgetown.

Last Friday marked four years since the 31-year-old decided to quit her job and focus on her own business and is now aiming to become a supplier to local stores.

“I always wanted to work by myself and making bags and headbands is something I like doing with relative ease and at the same time

The lovely business owner/craft maker Melana Hudson

at Main Road Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara; and at Perfect You Beauty Salon at Croal Street, Georgetown.

All headbands and hobo bags are made from local products except for the bag handles and canvas which are sourced from the US. Hudson said she doesn’t really have fulltime staff but would utilise her sister and a friend when the need arises.

A headband would take about five minutes for Hudson to make and comes from a natural knack she has with her hands. Melana admits that she has had no formal training in the arts and craft but knew she had a creative edge within her and it was just time before it blossomed.

As for making the hobo bags it would take about 45 minutes to complete one bag since that requires a bit more work and effort as it is done by hand but she often uses a sewing machine to stitch the zip, line the bag from the inside and stitch the handles etc. “[This year] I am looking to push my business and get into local stores to have them sell my products before I can export,” she said.

Hudson related that her difficulty is getting materials at an affordable price since importing is expensive and requires a lot of running around, noting that sometimes she operates at a loss-without making a profit but she manages to stay afloat.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that managing a small business is not easy and it is time-consuming but all in all she prefers to work with herself and at her own pace.

Hudson said she is determined to make it work and will press forward to become successful no matter how tough things get.

making a living," she said.

Presently, Hudson is trying to make some tourism bags and with Mashramani and Carnival on the horizon she knows Guyana will have some visitors and she wants them to have collectible bags, all handmade to take back with them.

She added that the hobo bags which are made of fabrics and hand-painted depict places and things of Guyana have tags with a little bit of history of what each drawing depicts.

Hudson related that she is making every effort to have full customer satisfaction because it is not just about buying a bag it has to be something of value.

She pointed out that her prices are reasonable considering she would have to source materials from the US for the production of the hobo bags, as well as buy fabrics from local stores.

Headbands costs as low as $200 and $600, while the hobo bags cost $1500 and $4000.

The bags can be found at three locations which are at KoKo The pretty handmade headbands Natural Hair Store at Robb produced by Melana Hudson Street; Princess Beauty Salon

The collectible handmade Guyana bags on sale

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page III

“Geographical Information System for Community Health Monitoring 2014”.

seemed a more enthralling dream.

That experience with GIS in Cuba, however, GIS ADVANCES IN FORESTRY transformed his ideology; he found his true career GIS was reportedly introduced to Guyana 20 calling and it has earned him many accolades in- years ago and is today used in various sectors. In cluding; the award for Most Outstanding Student forestry, Persaud noted advances in areas such in the field of Research at the University of Pinar as the Monitoring Reporting and Verification Del Rio for two consecutive years (2008 and System (MRVS). However, he observed short2009); the Cuban National Prize of Academics comings. “In many instances where GIS is used from the Ministry of Science Technology and in Guyana, it’s always locked away in some room Environment (CITMA) for excellence in the field where now and then someone would request a of Research 2009; and Best Graduating Student map. That was GIS back in the 1990s. In today’s of the University of Pinar del Rio in the Field of world location-based technology is in every Research (2009). gadget we use,” Persaud stated.

He holds a BSc. in Forest Engineering, UniHe noted that while the Internet is changing versity of Pinar Del Rio and a MSc. in GIS, University of Redlands. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph. D. in Forest Remote Sensing progress, University of Pinar del Rio, Cuba.

Persaud has also produced many research papers including published pieces such as “Proposed Geographical Information System (GIS) for environmental Management of anthropogenic systems: urban and suburban zones in the city of Pinar del Río.

Cuba”; “Feature Level Fusion of Multi-Temporal ALOS PALSAR and Landsat Data for Mapping and Mon- Haimwant Persaud with the itoring of Tropical Deforestation President and Founder of Esri and Forest Degradation”; and Jack Dangermond in California

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Persaud, extreme right, at the University of Redlands Graduation 2013

the way people use the web, “Web GIS provides access to location-based information on any device, anywhere, anytime.”

According to the GIS specialist, “the combination of the WEB and GIS allows us to see events unfold on real-time maps. Users can visualise dynamic information about everything, from the built environment of buildings and infrastructure to the natural environment of forests, weather, and oceans.”

He explained that Smart GIS platforms deliver intelligence to public safety officers and emergency responders, environmentalists to monitor pollution, understand hotspots, and find potentials for renewable energy as well as energy reduction.

Tax assessors perform parcel queries and analyse parcel values. Recently, Persaud worked with peers to develop a crime mapping application that facilitates community involvement in understand-

ing what is happening in their environment. The GIS application called “CrimeMapper” (https:// map.crimemapper.gy/) helps map incidences of crime at the community level.

Looking ahead, he is hoping to leverage GIS to help public and private organisations become more efficient and deploy GIS at a community level.

His advice to other young professionals, “align your day-to-day efforts with the expectations you have for your future. If you picture yourself achieving something impressive one day, then ask yourself: “Am I doing anything that is impressive right now?” If the answer is no, then you need to pick up your game. You can’t plod along in the middle of the pack if one day you hope to lead it. What are you already doing today to set yourself apart from your peers?”

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Why Tiffany Haddish Deserved an Oscar Nomination THIS year’s nominations for the 90th Academy Awards were announced last week by Andy Serkis and Tiffany Haddish.

I thought it was particularly interesting that Serkis and Haddish were the ones chosen to announce nominations, especially given the attention both actors have attracted in the past for their unusual performances that many thought and hoped would have earned them nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Serkis’ name came up for awards consideration a few years ago for his motion-capture performance of Caesar, the ape, in the Planet of the Apes sequels. Nominating a motion-capture performance (one that requires extensive use of visual effects, where the actor’s real face is never even seen) is an unusual and revolutionary prospect but, eventually, nothing came of it as Serkis was not nominated for the Oscar.

Then there’s Haddish. Unlike in Serkis’ case, Haddish did not use any motion capture or visual effects to portray her character, Dina, in the comedy, Girls Trip. She played a woman who goes on an adventure in New Orleans with her friends. So why then was she not nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, despite her stellar performance? The reasons might be varied and numerous, but the ones I will be really honing in on are the ones that keep popping up, not in news articles and film blogs, but rather in comments on social media and in casual conversation.

As a black woman, Tiffany Haddish would have had a hard time getting nominated anyway. However, the lack of diversity in nominations that led to the creation of #OscarsSoWhite, when compounded with the fact that Haddish was a comedic actress starring in a female-driven comedy, quickly made it clear that it was going to be difficult for her to break

through into the Academy Awards circuit. Of course, she did deserve to be nominated and the things that held her back were probably the Academy’s historical and slowly-changing approach, to comedies and people of colour. Such reasons, in my mind, still make more sense than the plethora of comments that I see being pandered around on social media. Statements which claim that Haddish’s performance in Girls Trip was “crass” and “undeserving of a nomination” or that the performance had “no class” or was “loud and over the top.”

Yes, the character was loud and over the top, and yes, the character was crass sometimes, but the performance was definitely deserving of the nomination, anyway, and perhaps because of her ability to bring out these very elements that defined her character. It is incorrect to suggest that a performance that does not obey the unwritten rules of propriety, or a performance that does not pander to the norms of prudishness or social expectations of what acting is or should be, should be unworthy of praise or recognition in the form of awards. A good performance is a good performance, and perhaps that is where the problem lies. Perhaps, people do not know what a “good performance” entails.

Some might argue that a good performance in a film or a piece of theatre is one that best mirrors reality; the performance that the actor or actress is able to bring to life in such a way that it accurately presents the character to be as real as possible. But is that really the case? I definitely do not think that that is only what can construe a good performance.

I think good acting performances in film and theatre are entirely dependent on context and culture. Here is an example that can help to

explain what I mean: in a theatrical performance that relies heavily on the ritualistic, let us say it is an Indian play that employs the use of Kathakali dance, would the danc-

ers who wear heavily exaggerated masks, otherworldly costumes, and move in highly unusual ways (in other words, performing in ways that are opposed to merely, and only,

representing reality) be accused of giving a performance that is not good? The answer to this is no, because if we take context and culture into consideration (Indian theatre and Indian cultural norms), then such a performance might actually be one that is quite excellent. Similarly, if an actor or actress is performing in a film or play that utilises strategies found in In-Yer-Face theatre (where the outlandishly, sometimes unrealistically vulgar and violent can be presented) that is being watched by a prudish audience, would the actor or actress who bleeds copiously for 15 minutes or who engages in some sort of exaggerated act of sadomasochism be accused of giving an unrealistic, bad performance simply because the audience watching the piece do not adhere to the same rules that emerge from the context and culture within which the actor or actress is working? Clearly, it should not be so.

My point is simply that Tiffany Haddish’s performance was a lot of things that certain sections of the traditional Western audience have long managed to not associate with good, award-worthy performances. She acted within the theatrical-culture of an over the top, slapstick performance (a performance type, though derided by some now, with its own long history) and she functioned well within the context of what she was asked to do: deliver an emotional and hilarious character, which she succeeded extremely well at.

Perhaps, the culture and context of the performance are slightly removed from the voters at the Academy – but this in no way negates the fact that Haddish’s performance was excellent and more than worthy of the kind of recognition an Oscar nomination brings.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Visiting the dentist I cannot recall ever talking to anyone about dental treatment who has expressed to me the distinct comfort of being attended to in a dental chair. Why? It is because the fear patients experience with a visit to the dentist is traditional, as well as the fact that the mouth is really a special organ. Most people would not mind an injection on the hip/buttock area but expressions of anxiety and apprehension are always present when the injection is to be given in the mouth.

This fact amplifies the neurological and psychological sensitivity of the oral cavity. In reality, the mouth and face are richly innervated and heavily invested with emotional significance.

Although avoidance of regular dental care is often attributed to economic limitations, removal of these financial concerns usually exposes them as mere rationalisations for the patient’s fear and anxiety. A variety of helpful approaches are available to the dentist to help overcome his patient’s apprehensions. These range from honest expressions of empathy to suggestion, hypnosis, adjunctive medications, local and general anesthesia.

Dentists have become increasingly aware of the need for something to influence the psyche of the patient while the local anesthetic blocks the pain. Fortunately, the old, punitive, “sit still and take it” attitude is quickly fading from the practitioner’ routine.

While office general anesthesia has been developed to a high degree primarily by oral surgeons in the US who have had advanced education and training in its use, they constitute a small percentage of practicing dentists and are obviously limited by their specialisations to surgical procedures. For most dentists and for most patients, dentistry under general anesthesia would be ill-advised and unnecessary. Nevertheless, some things are needed to enhance patient acceptance of dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen psycho sedation has been widely employed as a helpful modality for managing the conscious patient.

Expanding the dentist’s scope of patient management has also included the use of oral and intramuscular premedication. Both of these routes are subject to considerable variation in patient response, take longer to exert their effect and to wear off, and require, at best, an approximation of the appropriate dosage. The most reliable way to achieve the desired effect with a drug is to feed it slowly, directly into the bloodstream, anticipating objective signs and symptoms in the conscious, responding patient.

The ultimate aim in intravenous sedation is to achieve a level of relaxation and cooperation without oblivion and compromise of vital functions. It must be emphasised that there is no predetermined dosage and that each patient must be individually titrated to his or her own effect. The smallest dose administered which achieves relaxation and cooperation is the proper dose for that patient.

Local anesthetic must be administered for any anticipated painful procedure. It will be more profound in its effect because of the control of the patient’s anxiety by the intravenous agent. But incidentally, I’m still perplexed by a female patient who has extensive visible tattoos, and who has admitted to me she has other sensitive piercings but yet exhibited morbid fear of me numbing a molar for her extraction despite her admitting she literally had a sleepless night due to the pain she was experiencing. Is it the fear of dental procedures or the fear of pain?

I am not aware of any local dentist who routinely uses general anesthesia in his office. All over the world such procedure is only permitted after specific Laws have been enacted. So then, how do we dispel the fear of the dental chair in local context? This is done by education, pre-medication or obligation.

Through education, which ideally should begin in early childhood, the individual must understand that dentistry is essential to health and wellbeing and that everything the dental practitioner does is in pursuit of this objective. Pre-medication involves the patient taking anti-anxiety drugs a few hours before visiting the dentist. Finally, in some countries, (and I can vouch for Cuba where I spent three years), a requirement by Law is that persons to be employed, to enter educational institutions, etc. must present a report from a dentist certifying a good oral health status. The State, therefore, forces the individual to restore his/her oral health. Should we do we do this here in Guyana?

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

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First Lady projects peak Diplomatic Corps’ interest FIRST LADY, Mrs. Sandra Granger, was, on Thursday, invited by the Diplomatic Corps to speak about the plethora of projects and activities she has initiated since 2015. The Diplomatic luncheon, which was sponsored by Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the International Organisation for Migra- Members of the Diplomatic Corps at the luncheon tion (IOM), saw the at- held at Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday tendance of all 29 memof school youths, as well as the Science, bers of the corps and was hosted at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana project, which has seen Anira Street, Georgetown.

In her address to the corps’ members, continuous success and recognition both loMrs. Granger, who has focused her work on cally and internationally. The STEM Guyana youth, women and the elderly, explained that programme, the First Lady said is now being

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger delivers the feature address at the luncheon held for members of the Diplomatic Corps, held on Thursday

she had been advised to focus on one social issue as her platform but decided against it as expanded.

Finally, Mrs. Granger spoke of her she believed there is a voluminous amount of societal matters that needed to be addressed. Self-Reliance and Success in Business “There are so many issues, which challenge Workshops. “Following the data, which indius as a people on the economic, social and cates that women contribute over 60 percent political fronts. We are faced with endemic of their income to their families compared to interpersonal violence, trafficking in per- 30-40 percent for men, we have encouraged sons, teenage pregnancy, an unacceptably them to become financially secure through high rate of school dropouts, unemployed the establishment or strengthening of their and unemployable young people, risky own businesses,” she said.

Meanwhile, Iwokrama’s Chief Execusexual behaviour, neglect of our senior citizens, to name a few.

I realised that many of the issues, which retard our society are interlinked. Thus, my decision to tackle several issues at the same time” she said.

The First Lady went on to share, in detail, the work she has been doing.

Opening with her work with adolescent mothers, she said that Members of the Diplomatic Corps engage each other at the luncheon her involvement has on Thursday been influenced by her concern that too many young women were being left behind. tive Officer and Treasurer of the Guyana’s This concern led her to create partnerships Diplomatic Corps, Mr. Dane Gobin, in an with organisations such as Women Across invited comment, said that the primary Differences (WAD), United Nations Pop- reason the corps had invited the First Lady ulation Fund (UNFPA) and Republic Bank was because of the vast amount of work she Guyana Limited. Speaking on the empower- has been doing. “I thought it was important ment sessions, which her office has organ- to invite the First Lady here today because ised, Mrs. Granger said, “The young ladies she’s doing a lot of good work, especially are encouraged and have participated in with children and young adults… Really it’s other workshops coordinated by my office. to hear from the First Lady what are some One teenage mother has graduated with a of the initiatives she has and what I hope to Diploma in Social Work and another is in come out of it is that some of the missions will actually be able to come in and conher final year.”

Further, she dived into her work in in- tribute and support some of the First Lady’s formation and communications technology work,” he said.

The First Lady also coordinates work(ICT) workshops for adolescent and out shops on caring for the elderly and child-

care. She is the vice chair of the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), serves as a champion for change against stigma and discrimination of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership

against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), a patron of the Guyana Girl Guides Association, the Step by Step Foundation and the Guyana Foundation and Women Across Differences (WAD).

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

FILES E S A C COURT

Judge failed to rule on ‘fatal iregularity’ Conviction & death sentence set aside- new trial ordered A trial judge’s failure to rule on a ‘fatal irregularity’ at a murder trial in 1985 resulted in the Appellate Court setting aside the conviction and death sentence and ordered a new trial for the freed accused Linden McIntosh.

The facts disclosed that the Appellant Linden McIntosh was convicted for a murder.

According to Justice of Appeal, Cecil Kennard of the Appellate Court, the Prosecution’s case against the appellant depended on evidence given by the brother of the deceased.

On appeal the court focused on two grounds which in its view, merited consideration.

These were whether the trial judge misdirected the jury when he told them that the issues of self defence and manslaughter did not arise, and whether he erred when he failed to rule on the admissibility of the appellant’s statement to the police.

Forty-two (42) cases were referred to during the hearing of the appeal which lasted three days before Chancellor Keith Massiah, Justice of Appeal, Charles Fung-A-Fat and Justice of Appeal, Cecil Kennard.

Mr. Bernard De Santos for the Appellant.

Mr. L. Haynes, S.C., for the State.

The Guyana Court of Appeal held: (i) There was nothing in the evidence to suggest that the deceased ever attempted to strike the appellant, or that the deceased had any weapon on him which would have induced fear in the mind of the appellant that he was in danger of being struck by the deceased, and which would

have required the use of a knife by the accused in order to defend himself. There was also no evidence that the appellant was provoked to lose his self-control and therefore no issue of provocation was to be left to the jury for their determination. (ii) Counsel for the accused withdrew his objection to the admissibility of the appellant’s statement to the police and the issue was whether the trial judge was still under the obligation to rule on it, and if his failure to do so amounted to a fatal irregularity. Notwithstanding that a statement was both voluntary and obtained in accordance with the Judge’s rule, the judges may exclude it in the exercise of his residual discretion to exclude any evidence if the strict rules of admissibility would operate unfairly against the accused.

The situation required a ruling on the part of the learned judge on the issue raised at the trial and an omission to rule, especially so far as the admissibility of the statement was concerned, it was a fatal irregularity.

Appeal allowed and the conviction and sentence set aside. New trial ordered.

Chancellor Massiah said: I have had the advantage of reading in draft the opinion just delivered by my learned brother, Kennard, J. A., with whose final conclusion I am in complete agreement, but since, in relation to the question of confessional statements, I have arrived at that conclusion by a route somewhat different from his I feel constrained to explain shortly the juristic passage that I pursued.

Ibraham v. R. [1914-15] All E.R. Rep. 874 makes us familiar with the principle that a confessional statement is only admissible in evidence against the accused if it is proved by the prosecution be-

By George Barclay yond a reasonable doubt that its contents were voluntarily disclosed.

Although it has become the wont of lawyers to refer to Lord Sumner’s classic formulation of the principle in that case, as if the principle derived its seminal value therefrom, the principle is, as Lord Sumner himself observed at Page 877, “as old as Lord Hale” and has strong historical roots in the common law heritage. [A paradigm of earlier intellectual leadership is to be found in Baron Parke’s ruling in R. v Warringham [1851] 169 E.R. 575.]

This principle developed as a result of the unfair and barbarous methods employed in early times to wring “confessions” out of innocent persons accused of crime. See the historical survey made by Haynes, C. in the State v. Gobin & Griffith, [1076] 23 WIR 256, at pp. 261-5. And so it is that in Commonwealth jurisdictions, safeguards have been established to ensure as far as possible that only voluntary confessions are admitted in evidence. I believe that in Scotland some form of conformity proof is required even where confessions are duly admitted, and in Canada the issue of admissibility must be decided before any mention at all of a confessional statement is made in the hearing of the jury.

It is a well-settled principle that it is the function of the trial judge alone to determine whether or not the statement is voluntary before he admits it in evidence.

If the trial judge is satisfied that the confession was not obtained by any of the means of inducement which the common law prohibits, and as a consequence admits it in evidence, it then becomes the function of the jury to attribute to the statement what weight and probative value they conceive it deserves.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Making Physics enjoyable

Marvin Lee and his unique teaching methods

HIS students call him “Chief Goon", not because he has a menacing appearance, but because of his effortless ability to make Physics enjoyable.

Marvin Lee, aged 35 years, began teaching Mathematics in 2005 at the Marian Academy.

Relating the genesis of his entrance into the profession, he said, “It's a funny story actually.”

He initially applied for an entry-level job at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) but was turned down due to a lack of “qualifications”.

Then he opted to apply for a teaching job at the Marian Academy; a profession he had an affinity for while in secondary school.

He had to convince the then principal Sister Marie Harper that he was capable of the job.

And as fate would have it, he clinched the job. “I probably spoke well enough to make her believe I could teach, and she took a chance, though I have given her hell,” he stated.

He taught mathematics initially, but at the beginning of one school term the Physics teacher failed to show up for work and Sister Harper decided that Lee was fit for the job.

Since then, he has stuck with teaching physics though he garnered a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics).

“One of the best parts of teaching physics for me is helping children to understand that Physics is not the devil,” he said.

In his experience, he mentioned that most students are often afraid of studying Physics because they think about either the great and famous Albert Einstein or a rocket going to outer space.

In his classes though, he tries to explain that Physics is all about explaining the simple events and occurrences around us.

Lee mentioned too that he had wanted to venture into studying computers and computer programming, but as he got involved he realised that the lack of human interaction in those fields would have driven him insane. Truthfully, if you know Lee, you'd know that he's always talking.

His career choice wasn’t easy for his family to accept. His father felt as though the career wouldn't take him anywhere while his mother was just scared for his sanity. Nevertheless, he has had many successes here.

In 2010, he was the Guyanese representative on the Physics panel for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Here he, along with the other representatives, was responsible for rewriting the CSEC syllabus.

Though he deemed this as one of his major successes in the teaching profession, nothing can compare to connecting with students and helping them appreciate the subjects he teaches.

Perhaps his ability to connect with his students stems from his general persona. He insists that he is a “grown man-child” that loves to look at cartoons and play video games.

But his life undoubtedly revolves around his eight-yearold daughter, Samara Lee, who is basically a younger version of himself- intelligent, articulate and incredibly mischievous.

A challenge for him nowadays though, is dealing with parents who challenge teachers’ methods of teaching and assessing. For him, some parents do not give teachers the leeway to explore teaching techniques outside conventional measures.

He said, “Our parents trusted our teachers, and that trust is no longer there.”

In spite of this deterrence, he says that he will continue along the profession because of the genuine love he has for teaching and for his students. For him, students should never be conditioned into thinking that failure is bad, rather students should be afraid of trying.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

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‘Spoonful Theory’ RECENTLY, I have had an unusual amount of people asking me how to be ‘happy’. It’s a very difficult question to answer as happiness is relative and individualistic. This means that what makes one person happy is not guaranteed to make another the same.

The issue is that people have a belief and an expectation that happiness is a constant state of being. Yes, happiness is a state of contentment or a state of well-being but in no definition are the words “always” or “constant” found.

The whole topic is disheartening simply because of how much people want this consistent happiness, how much they expect it and subsequently, how disappointed they are when it isn’t a constant feeling.

My recent inquiries about happiness have encouraged me to share a story; one that I hope will impact you all the way it has me. It’s a story that I have dubbed the ‘Spoonful of Happiness Theory.’

About a month ago, I was catching up with an old friend, Mike- one that I hadn’t spoken with in some time.

Thankfully, we bypassed the small talk almost instantly and spoke deeply of hope, love, happiness and dreams. In the midst of our talk, he told me a story that I still think about every day; one that I am extremely grateful for. I am even more thankful that I have this platform to widely share it with my Guyanese community.

Mike told me a story about a male employee of his – one who he loves to see and speak to because of this consistent smile and high spirits. He described him as always a pleasure to be around. My friend has a lot more wealth in comparison but always admired his employee’s wealth of wisdom.

Every day, when Mike asked how he was doing, the employee always responded with “good boss, I had my spoonful.”

Mike always let that go, thinking he was talking about food or something.

One day, Mike’s unexplained curiosity kicked in. When the employee said he had his spoonful, Mike asked what he specifically meant by that.

This wise worker went on to explain that ‘spoonful’ meant ‘spoonful of happiness.’

He further explained that no one can feel happy all day, every day but they can find genuine joy in something small and make that feeling last and spread throughout the day.

I was blown away by his insight and believe that he found the true key to happiness. Since then, I have been finding my spoonful every day.

For example, yesterday I received a gift from a client. She saw that I have a (horrible) habit of touching my face often so she gave me a bottle of hand sanitiser. This personalised gesture made me feel appreciated and cared for. A few negative things happened later that day but I thought back to how the gesture made me feel and I was able to mentally go back to that place and appreciate the warmth it brought.

be more likely to sleep and eat well, exercise, decrease substance use and practice healthier socialisation.

My research shows that genetics do play a part in overall happiness, some studies show as much as 40%. However, I do strongly believe that one can still pursue happiness. View happiness as a commitment, a new lifestyle: A habit based on relentless pursuit and determination. You want to start small? Find a spoonful every day.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs12:00hrs Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 16:15hrs Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 16:15hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs!

Always

Many of us wish that we can find joy in the simple things- and this is exactly the way to do it. I urge everyone to try this daily as benefits of practicing this will be endless. The best part is that since happiness is relative and completely open to interpretation, your spoonful can be absolutely anything.

There are universal factors that promote happiness which include but are not limited to kindness, self-esteem and self- confidence, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, strong self-love as well as a support circle. This means you can base your spoonful around any of the above.

Practicing spoonful of happiness will decrease stress, anxiety, sadness, anger and therefore the possibility of developing any form of mental illness and suicidal thoughts. It will instead increase kindness, positivity, motivation, self-esteem and self-confidence. This means you will automatically

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Part Six

Converting agricultural waste to energy

Bioenergy using crops as feedstock BIOENERGY is energy derived from living materials such as wood, crops, or animal waste. Bioenergy crops are defined as any plant materials used to produce bioenergy.

These crops have the capacity to produce a large volume of biomass, high energy potential and can be grown in marginal soils. Bioenergy can contribute to reducing the overall consumption of fossil fuels.

It can take the form of solid material (biomass) for combustion or liquid products (biofuels) that can be used to power vehicles.

Bioenergy can be derived from crops including the giant king grass, palm oil, hemp, cassava and jatropha.

Given Guyana’s climate, soil types and topography, there is great potential for the production of bioenergy from energy crops.

A study conducted by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Dr. Clairmont Clementson found that crops can be cultivated on marginal agricultural land, and in so doing they would not compete with food production.

The study, which was aided by Research Assistants, Lal-

ita Gopaul and Vickram Persaud, was done early last year and titled, “Investigation of Bioenergy utilisation in Guyana, including environmental and economic impacts.”

The giant king grass, when cultivated in tropical areas can yield approximately 167 tons per acre annually and has an energy content of 18.4 MJ/KG. Hemp, on the other hand, has an energy content of 16.98 MJ/KG, while non-food parts of cassava have an energy content of 17.9 MJ/KG and jatropha oil has an energy value of 38.2 MJ/KG. In Guyana, 2,980,836 hectare of land is categorised as poor agricultural lands with fertilisation potential due to the cost of transport of fertiliser to these areas. The giant king grass can be cultivated on these marginal lands unsuitable for food crops.

This would eliminate the issue of competition for agricultural lands that could be used for planting food crops. It would also cut the cost of transporting fertiliser to these lands since this species does not require fertilisation.

If cultivated on these marginal lands, 294,506,596.8 tons dry weight of giant king grass can be harvested annually, producing a year-round supply of 4,653, 204,229,440,000 British thermal unit—this has the potential to produce the same energy as 806,447,594 barrels of diesel annually.

Dr. Oudho Homenauth revealed that the fuel versus food use of agricultural land conflict is prevalent and has driven low investment in this sector, consequently the use of crops as feedstock for bioenergy is currently done on a small scale in Guyana.

Additionally, because of the lack of infrastructural support, only 300 acres of the allocated 5000 acres of land for the giant king grass cultivation, have been planted. The giant king grass produced is exported to Europe hence Guyana does not benefit directly from the bioenergy produced.

Like palm oil, the giant king grass attracts a better price for the raw biomass material and producers are more inclined to take the most economical route.

There were previous proposals to produce bioenergy from jatropha and cassava, however, these projects were not feasible since the allocated areas were inaccessible and also jatropha has fertilisation requirement.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is currently conducting a pilot study to use the giant king grass and other species to produce propane and biogas.

If the necessary funding and infrastructure are provided for the cultivation of fuel crops Guyana could be able to produce bioenergy crops on a much larger scale.

Renewal of Le Repentir Cemetery

LAST week the Georgetown City Council discussed the fencing of Le Repentir Cemetery. The cemetery was first used in the early 19th century and was one of the large blocks of land owned by Pierre Louis de Saffon after whom Saffon Street was named.

De Saffon was a native of France and emigrated to the Demerara colony in the late 18th century. The reason why he came to Demerara was that he had killed his brother in a duel and had become so distraught with grief and guilt that, as a penance, he exiled himself to the most remote and backward place he had heard of. But though his sorrow and mental suffering were never overcome, he became a wealthy man and came to own large tracts of land. Among his landholdings were Plantations La Penitence (Penitence), Le Ressouvenir (Remembrance) and Le Repentir (Repentance), all names reflective of his sorrow. He was also a philanthropist and cared for children and the poor.

The Dutch town of Stabroek from which Georgetown developed had no public cemetery and when the British took over the Demerara colony in 1815 by the Treaty of Paris, in addition to their military cemetery in Young Street, Kingston, they established the Bourda Cemetery.

The comparatively newly-established Georgetown Town Council took over the Le

Repentir plantation for use as a public cemetery and with patient and steady work, they created the largest and best-kept cemetery in the West Indies. They drained the land by deepening the drainage canal which ran around the sides of the plantation and laid out the land into beds, dividing these into grave spots. Two sturdy red-brick roads were built, west to east from Broad Street and going on for much over a mile and north to south from Louisa Row to Sussex Street. Suitable shady trees were planted along these roads including an avenue of Royal Palms. Hundreds of coconut trees of the tall variety were planted along the sides of the canal. There were internal drains between the beds and sturdy small bridges over them.

A mortuary was built which the Police and Health authorities helped to maintain.

The cemetery was well-administered by the Sexton's office which kept records of burials and information of the various beds, supervised the rangers who were part of the security arrangements and kept the cemetery weeded.

High grass or trees growing among the tombs was never permitted. Later, an incinerator was constructed at the north-western corner of the cemetery, an area where no burials were permitted since victims of the cholera epidemic at the beginning of the 20th century were interred there. The incinerator's chimney was among the highest structures in the town and since almost all houses were eight to 10 feet

above the ground, the soot from the incinerator rarely troubled them. The cinders were given to the Albouystown properties to build up their yards and unwittingly provided fertilised land for fruitful kitchen gardens. The two gates of the cemetery at Broad Street and Louisa Row were closed exactly at 6.oo p.m. and everyone had to be out of the cemetery by then. Anyone found in the cemetery after then was fined.

At the junction of the west to east and north to south roads, a cenotaph-like monument was constructed and donated by the Freemasons and had Masonic symbols. The ruins of this monument still exist with the year 1931 marked on it. On the parapets of the stretch of road between the monument and the Louisa Row gate, a festival of flowers was planted and always seemed to be in bloom. There were roses, marigolds, forget-me-nots, African daisies and other bright-coloured perennials.

On many of the tombs of the richer folk there were ornate metal vases and statuettes and exquisite grill-work fencing around them and sometimes embossed metal plates with information of the person thereat buried. Almost all of this invaluable metal work which was also a national heritage, was plundered by scrap metal dealers.

There are examples of various types of funerary architecture which have survived the wanton destruction and neglect. There are still a few Muslim maqbaras existing and in the Old Roman Catholic ground, there are examples of the Mediterranean vault tombs used by Portuguese families. There are also 18th-century Dutch-designed tombs of the type found at Fort Island.

This neglect, decline and destruction of the Le Repentir Cemetery began towards the end of the 1950's and continued at a faster rate from the middle of the 1960s. The neglect co-

incided with the democratisation of the Town Council. In the 19th century and until the beginning of the 1950s the councillors were often wealthy businessmen, members of the learned professions or persons who had made their mark in national politics. Such persons were of the ilk of Mr L.F.S. Burnham, Mr Eddie Gonsalves, Mr Claude Merriman, Mr Rahaman B. Gajraj and Sir Lionel Luckhoo Q.C. These and others brought their particular skills and capabilities to the task of City Government.

With the democratisation, such persons as a group no longer served. Party politics took over the Town Council and most of this group were not aligned with the parties. Further, the office of Town or City Councillor became far less prestigious and respected than it was in the earlier decades of the 20th century.

It was recently reported in the press that Mayor Patricia Chase-Green wished to make a new beginning of restoring the cemetery to the status and aesthetic condition it enjoyed in the 1930's and 1940's. She wished to have the vulnerable parts of the cemetery fenced as a beginning but some of the councillors objected.

Though it appears to be a daunting and even overpowering task, the cemetery could be made to recapture its former glory. A written plan should be adumbrated along the lines of what was done in the 1920's and 1930's and gradually and consistently effectuated. Such a plan would cover matters such as Administration, Security, Aesthetics and Maintenance. Once maintenance is sustained, costs will begin to fall from the high point at which they are, until income and expenditure become equilibrial. Once the City Administration undeviatingly focuses on the Plan, the renewal of the cemetery and its continued maintenance could be achieved in four years.

folklore

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

DOUBLE TROUBLE FELIX’S death shocked the small rural village of Tiger Lake. To die at age 23 was difficult for many to accept especially his family. He had recently returned from the backdam [gold bush] with a quantity of raw gold. He sold this and collected about half a million dollars. He also brought back with him a deadly strain of malaria. It was this disease that took his life.

Felix was one of two brothers- a twinborn to Alan and Denise Trim. Alan died when the boys were both 13. Francis continued his studies but Felix dropped out of school in Form Three. Nothing his mother said could convince him to return. He began working at the wharf and later on a chicken farm.

Meanwhile, Francis sat and passed 11 subjects at CSEC and got a scholarship to study in Cuba. He left these shores to read for a Degree in Medicine. After a number of years moving from small job to small job, Felix decided to go into the backdam. Maybe his luck would be good and he would strike it rich.

After three years in the backdam, he contracted malaria. When it got to a stage where it became dangerous to his health, he returned home to rest and rehabilitate. His mother tried to convince him to get specialist treatment in the capital city. As usual, he did not listen.

One day on his way to buy his mother a new living room suite, he fell unconscious in the street and died shortly after. His body was taken to the local mortuary.

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By Neil Primus

Richard had been working at the mortuary for about six years. At first, he feared and hated working with the dead but quickly got a few pleasant surprises that encouraged him to change his mind. Gold earring, rings, chains, bangles, cash and other valuable items had

often been found in the pockets of corpses.

Richard made quite a few dollars from this. None was as lucrative as when he worked on young Felix. The body was delivered from Turn to page XXI ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future

WORLD Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 02, is an opportunity for the world to reflect on the importance of wetland

ecosystems. A wetland is considered to be a land area that is flooded with water, either seasonally or permanently.

Urban wetlands are found in and around cities or their suburbs. All around the world, there are a lot of benefits that wetlands provide for the environment and for us. However, in some places,

wetlands have been exploited to foster development, especially to build cities.

As such, this year’s theme ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future’ seeks to bring awareness to the numerous benefits which can be gained by keeping wetlands intact, instead of destroying them to foster the expansion of urban areas, even amidst growing

urban populations worldwide. While development is necessary, wetlands must not be seen as waste lands but rather ecosystems which provide invaluable service to urban development. Therefore, measures must be in place to ensure the maintenance of wetlands is an integral part of urban development.

BENEFITS OF WETLANDS Reduce flooding - Wetlands act as giant sponges Turn to page XXII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XIX

the street about two in the afternoon. Richard checked the pockets found little then discovered a money belt with more money than he had ever seen in his life. Thanking his lucky stars, he stashed the belt and recorded the other items: watch, dark shades, one cap, a pair of sneakers, blue jersey and blue jeans.

When the mother and aunt of the dead youth arrived, they immediately enquired about his possessions. The recorded items were handed over, but they asked about cash.

Only the $15,000 Richard had recorded was given to them. They left suspicious but in no position to argue. Richard went home early that evening and stashed the money under the floorboards of his bedroom. Not even his wife and two young daughters knew about this hiding place. He was officially $400,000 richer.

Francis returned two days before the funeral of his twin brother. He insisted that he must see the body of his brother. Early on the morning of the funeral, he went to the mortuary with his mom, aunt and cousin. The attendant was not at work as yet so the owner let them in and went out to do some business in the next village. Francis stood and stared sadly at the body of his brother. Tears flooded his eyes. He had always loved his twin. As always he had pleaded with his stubborn sibling to return to school and to go see a doctor in the city. Neither attempt had been successful.

Now he was dead. Francis wept. Mrs. Trim told him their suspicion about the attendant stealing Felix’s money. Francis was furious, he would wait and confront the thief when he came to work. As they waited, his brilliant brain hit on a perfect plan. Today he would teach the thief a lesson.

Removing the clothes from his dead twin, Francis put them on and with the help of his family hid the still cold defrosting body in a back room. Francis took up his new position on the mortuary table while his family hid outside waiting.

Richard arrived at work late that morning. He had been on a binge last night and had a nasty hangover. His boss was out which was not unusual. He went to the mortuary and began his routine clean up. There was only one corpse so not much work to be done. He swept then mopped with Fabuloso.

After that, he sprinkled disinfectant then sat down at a small table to read the morning newspaper.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the hands of the dead youth moved up then down to his chest. Richard stared hard at the corpse. Nothing. He blinked and then returned to his reading. He must be seeing things. This time a foot rose majestically in the air, paused for emphasis. Richard stared at this in disbelief. It then returned to the table.

He began to tremble. He knew he was not drunk. What then was happening to him? Why was he seeing such weird things?

He closed the papers and looked steadily at the dead. After a long while, he began to question himself. Did he really see a hand, then a foot move? Was he being paranoid?

Or, is the dead getting ready to exact its revenge on him for stealing the money?

Enough nonsense! He had worked here for

many years and had never before had such an experience. There must be an explanation.

He walked up to the table and glared at the corpse. Nothing happened.

“You feel I fraid dead?" he demanded.

Silence.

“Yo better lie down and behave yo self!” he ordered.

Richard turned and returned to his morning news. A sudden movement caused him to look at the corpse. Now the dead was sitting up. Worse than that, it was grinning hideously at him. He screamed in terror and fell off his chair hitting the concrete floor hard. This time the corpse did not lie down again. Richard decided to get out of there.

He, however, had one small problem, he had to pass the corpse to get to the door behind it. He decided to make a run for it.

Before he had taken two steps the corpse leaped from the table and was blocking the door from inside.

“O God, please help me!” Richard sobbed.

“Weh my money yo thief!”

“M-m-money?” “ YES!” The voice reverberated in the small room. “Last chance before yo die!

Weh my money?”

Richard’s hangover became a murderous migraine and his bowels erupted in a bad way. Now the small room stank.

Francis had been enjoying himself and the power this role gave him over the helpless thief.

“Prepare to die!" The fumes were getting to Francis.

Richard saw a weird look on the face of the corpse. It was either confess or die. He chose the former.

“A sorry a thief it.”

A gleam flashed in the eyes of the "dead" man.

“A hide it under de floorboards of my bedroom. I go give it back,” he confessed.

“Never! You’ll get what you deserve!"

Richard fainted in his own mess. Francis opened the door and let the others in. They had recorded it all on their cell phones. The police arrived and took Richard and Mrs. Trim to retrieve the stolen booty. Francis, his aunt and cousin went into the backroom to return his twin to the table. What a shock awaited them.

Instead of a defrosted corpse, they discovered wet, dripping footprints leading out through the back entrance. They were horrified.

“What the hell is dis?” Francis demanded.

“He! He! He!” The booming laugh echoed in the dark back room.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“Let me in. A don’t want fo miss me own funeral!”

Six eyes bulged in fright. Six legs sprint for the door and three terrified voices screamed their way out of the mortuary.

I guess that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

XXI

XXII ◄◄◄ From page XX

that absorb flood waters. Rivers, ponds, lakes and marshes soak up and store heavy rainfall. In coastal cities, saltmarshes and mangroves work as a buffer against storm surges.

Replenish drinking water - Wetlands filter the water that seeps into aquifers, helping to replenish this important water source. Protecting rivers and limiting harmful run-off also helps to preserve the water supply.

Filter waste and improve water quality - The silt-rich soil and abundant plants in wetlands function as water filters, which absorb some harmful toxins, agricultural pesticides and industrial waste. Urban wetlands also help treat sewage from households.

Improve urban air quality - Wetlands radiate moist air, thanks to their high water levels and lush plant life. This naturally cools the air in the local surroundings; a relief both in

tropical cities and in extremely dry climates.

Promote human well-being - When preserved as green spaces in cities, wetlands offer residents a space for recreation and access to a diversity of plant and animal life. Studies confirm that interacting with nature reduces stress and improves our health.

Enable people to earn a living - Many types of fish spawn and breed in wetlands, making them popular fishing grounds.

Wetlands provide reeds and grasses for weaving, medicinal plants and fruits; all valuable goods for local residents. Wetlands also attract tourism, another important source of jobs.

WETLANDS IN GUYANA While in Guyana, a lot of focus has been on the wetlands in the Rupununi, other wetlands around the country play an equally important role in providing ecosystem services, especially with regards to urban development, e.g., the man-

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 grove ecosystem that lines the Demerara River and Atlantic Ocean act as a natural form of sea defence. Additionally, the Protected Areas Commission, a sister Agency of the EPA, is continually working on the Botanical Gardens and the National Park to provide green spaces in the city, which would afford those in the capital city the benefits of a wetland ecosystem.

This Wetlands Day, we encourage you to take some time to enjoy any wetland that might be in your area and make a special effort to ensure its benefits are conserved through individual or community action.

Remember wetlands are not wastelands, they are vital to sustainable urban development.

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

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

XXIII

Something to live for

By Abdool A. Aziz

was received the eve of the planned suicide .

HE WAS 40 years old when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Feeling that life was over for him and not wishing to ‘sponge’ on anyone, he contemplated taking his life.

CHANGE OF HEART That night the young man held the small bill in his hand. He began to think. Now his father–in–law was dying, he needed that money for food yet he sent it to him who is swashed in food and requesting to learn about his early life. All gave up on him but not his ‘father’. Now, instead of taking his life, he decided to sit and write! Some way down the lane of his tortured thought process, he fell asleep. He felt he was soaring in the clouds with the note as the canopy. When he woke up the note was firmly clasped in his hand.

He called a child next door and asked him to buy a writing pad. The poor child said "Uncle, my mother can’t afford to send me to school. I

THE FIVE-DOLLAR NOTE His father-in-law was living far away and he was living on alms, so he got a five- dollar note from a friend. This could buy him a good dinner, but as he lay on his bunk (stroke victim) thinking of his distraught son–in–law, he decided to send the money to him. The father-in-law requested that he buy a writing pad and a pen and write him about his life prior to the outbreak of his cancer. The money

have some half-used books. Uncle, can I give you these and take this money to buy food? I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

He looked at the lad who despite his hunger was smiling. So he gave the boy a $20 note to take to his mom. He also gave away all his food. He lived there so long but never knew the hell the family faced, yet they never showed it- a single mom with three children.

He didn’t take the child’s book as he planned to send him and other siblings to school. He was a teacher and asked his maid to cook for them.

PEN & PAPER The pen and the paper replaced the rope.

The cancer was progressing but he ignored trying to complete his autobiography for his

dying ‘father’ to read. HE found time to care for the poor neighbour- life was so cruel to them, yet they had hope and cheer. No more hungry bellies.

THE SATISFACTION As the notes reached the old man, he read and knew that as long as he demands this literature, his son–in–law will stay alive. He lived for another 20 years but the writer succumbed to his cancer at the appointed time.

SOCIAL WORK Before his death, he lectured and became involved in social work. He adopted those unfortunate kids as a father – figure. His advice: Life until the appointed time. Do not disappoint your creator. Suicide is not the answer.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

XXV

Responsibilities

IF you told me just under a year ago that soon I would be forced to get up in the wee hours of the morning because I had to make milk or clean excrements, I would laugh in your face. But now, that has become a reality, where I am now responsible for the life of another.

My son came into my life unexpectedly and I was hesitant to welcome him. Over the past few days though, I have been able to appreciate his presence and reflect on my responsibilities.

For most of my life, I have undertaken responsibilities way beyond those that I should. Simultaneously, I have underestimated (and perhaps underappreciated) the responsibilities held by others around me. But I’m not here to tell you that raising my son has given me some sort of epiphany on responsibilities, he’s just one annoyingly adorable tomcat.

Instead, I’m here to tell you about my enlightenment on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). About four years ago, I attended my first live debate competition, the JOF Haynes Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Competition, where Queen’s College was defeated by the Christianburg Wismar Secondary in the finals. The winning team argued that the private sector has a Corporate Social Responsibility to invest resources to tackle pollution while QC was against this. I had no clue that something called ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ existed before this, truthfully.

CSR, in the simplest of explanations, is a business’s innate responsibility to foster sustainable development in the community and environment in which it operates. This may be vis a vis tackling pollution beyond what is required by regulatory bodies or by initiating educational and social programmes.

More recently, I had a conversation with the Director of School of the Nations, Dr. Brian O’Toole and he was able to illustrate the ‘domino effect’ CSR initiatives fostered by the institution had on the community.

He related the experience of relocating the school in the ‘Tiger Bay’ area years ago, after the school had begun to expand. Maybe you’ve heard about this community; for years it has been labelled a ‘depressed’ community with its residents battling poverty and many have subjected it to harsh levels of stigma.

Obviously, with the perception of the area, many parents were dubious about having their children in this community and threatened to remove their children from the institution, lest it relocated from its Kingston abode to Tiger Bay. Inevitably, the school relocated to this community though some students did leave.

Almost eight years later though, that fear has become a distant memory due to the intimate relationship the school has established with the community. During the very first days of relocating here, the school began to provide free literacy and computer classes to children of the area. They continue to benefit from this and over the years, through support from other local businesses, the ‘Tiger Bay Project’ has been able to grow and include a wider array of opportunities for more children of the area.

More than the school itself offering these opportunities, students of the Sixth Form college too have jumped on board with efforts to tutor the children in the afternoons after their own classes. You see, as Dr. O’Toole said, the school has practically safeguarded itself from any harm because it has become ingrained in the community; the residents see this school as their own, something they take immense pride in.

By no means, what I have related illustrates the magnitude of the school’s show of responsibility to the community but simply put, Nations’ CSR has been a selfless but impactful service to the community.

Now with the advent of oil in Guyana’s dynamics, many foreign investors who have penetrated our borders have opted to rally around this notion of CSR as well. Oil giant Exxon Mobil has in many ways contributed tremendously to Guyana- take its $62M donation to Iwokrama for instance.

But what does this show of CSR mean for Guyana? Is it also a selfless but impactful service to the community? Or does it have subliminal intentions? We hope that it is indeed selfless but must continue to be wary to safeguard against

any ill-intentions.

CSR is intended to give a moral voice to corporate Guyana, and one can only hope that just as the School of the Nations has been able to serve its community impeccably, for so many years, other businesses would emulate this.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Doctor with Guyanese roots aiming to unseat NDP leader

By Frederick Halley THE prospect of facing Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Andrea Horwath in the provincial elections on June 7 has little or no effect on Progressive Conservative (PC) newcomer Dr. Dionne Duncan.

Born to Guyanese parents, Hector and Util Duncan, who currently reside in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the scholar is looking forward to not only “giving Horwath a run for her money” but to emerge victorious in the Hamilton Centre which Horwath has dominated since 2004.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Horwath was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 2004 and was chosen as the party's leader at its 2009 leadership convention. She is the first woman to lead the NDP and one of only three women to serve as leader of a political party with representation in the provincial legislature, the others being current Premier Kathleen Wynne and Lyn McLeod, both Liberals.

Dr. Duncan was officially acclaimed as the PC candidate at a recent ceremony held at the Hamilton Public Library and among those in attendance were; her parents, close relatives and senior officials of her party.

In an eloquent and emotional acceptance address, Dr. Duncan said she was quite confident that her campaign platform will appeal to voters in Hamilton Centre, assuring that her main role was to focus on the community. She described her nomination as an honour and explained that it was indeed a happy day for her.

According to the 44-year-old Dr. Duncan, she loves Hamilton and sees a lot of hope and spirit there and is un-

Dr. Dionne Duncan delivering her acceptance speech

daunted by previous elections results. She opined that the community has been forgotten or ignored and faces a health care crisis with patients sitting in hallways for days waiting for a room or a physician. “Why? Because nobody is handling the issue properly,” she said.

While supporting the recent increase in the minimum

Dr. Duncan, second from right, poses with close relatives including her mother and father, third and fourth from right, respectively

wage, Dr. Duncan felt that it should have been done on a gradual basis. The Liberals are proposing to add another dollar to the $14 per hour minimum wage on January 1, 2019. The PCs have stated they would ease the increase over a number of years.

Dr. Duncan said the increase to $14 from $11.60 on January 1, 2018, was too fast, too soon and it has resulted in part-time employees in the restaurant business feeling the brunt of employers having to recoup their higher labour costs in other ways. Based on that, she declared that the increase wasn’t thought out since it needs to make sense.

An ardent supporter of PC leader Patrick Brown, Dr. Duncan supports his proposal to provide the $1 billion in capital funding for its light rail transit system in Hamilton but cautioned that it should only be built if the city wants it, since residents and businesses will feel the brunt of the project’s construction. Hence, they need to be heard.

Dr. Duncan also showered praise on Brown for venturing into Ontario’s diverse communities since becoming the party’s leader and seeking their support. “Nobody went to them over the years, nobody asked for their opinion.”

As a woman of colour, she wanted to “show the party has multiple backgrounds (and) different types of people. I’m glad the PC party recognises a face like mine, it’s different from the past. I too am the face of the party.”

In his congratulatory message PC leader Brown pointed out that “Dionne brings incredible experience to our Ontario PC team. After 15 years in power, life is harder with the Liberals. Families are working harder, paying more, and getting less. Only the Ontario PCs will make life more affordable for everyone.

“In Hamilton Centre and across the province, the Ontario PC Party will continue to work hard for a better future. I look forward to working with Dionne to bring change that works for the people, not the insiders.”

Dr. Duncan has years of experience in community fellowship/stewardship and has supported a variety of boards across Ontario and internationally.

She was born in 1973 in London, England and immigrated with her parents to Canada in 1974.

She graduated from York University with a BA, and completed her MBA from the Kellogg Schulich School of Business. She Turn to page XXXI ►►►

Gifted Hands Compton Babb's artistic journey Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

FROM humble beginnings to successfully painting a portrait of the President of the Cooperate Republic of Guyana, portrait artist, Compton Babb says that the journey has been a challenging but an incredible one.

Though fairly wellknown today for his works done for Carifesta and for his award-winning entry of the 50th Independence Day logo, Babb says that there were many ups and downs throughout his journey to survive in the art arena.

The artist disclosed that there were points in his life where he had to suffice to utilise perhaps the most mediocre pencils or the most inferior paper. Nonetheless, he added, the talent was always there.

“As a young artist growing up in a poor community, it wasn’t easy for me to get the necessary materials to actually execute what I love properly. So it was a struggle to survive in that period,” Babb said. “I had to be content with whatever I had at the time.”

At a very young age, the 36-year-old possessed a remarkable talent for draw-

The portrait of President David Granger painted

by Compton Babb

ing and would later attend the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, in Georgetown, for two years, where he worked and studied diligently to master his craft.

By the time he was age 16, his portrait drawings and skill level had surpassed his father's and, after leaving school, he vowed that, henceforth, he would move forward as an “independent, self-taught artist”.

Babb went on to produce a number of pieces for Guyana’s Venezuelan and United Nations Ambassador; the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; the Burrowes School of Art; Carifesta IX in Trinidad (2006); Carifesta X in

Compton Babb

By Lisa Hamilton

XXVII

2013.

“I used to think like that.

That was the cry of my heart for years, especially in the beginning. I never wanted to do art or drawing or anything pertaining to art.

I was in marketing,” Babb recounted.

Prior to his present trade, he worked as a designer of the Banks (DIH) Limited trucks; sketched designs for popular designer, the late Trevor Rose; functioned as a Graphic Artist at Giftland and was later promoted to the Marketing-Public Relations Department.

Another of his portraits

Guyana (2008); and he recently won an award for his drawing titled, ‘An Orphan’s Dream’ at Guyana Visual Arts Competition in 2017 Yet, despite the artist’s many accolades, there is still the common belief that pursuing a career in art is a financially precarious step. Many persons do not believe the profession can support one individual, let alone a family.

Babb says that for a long time, he was a victim of that very mentality but things changed all of a sudden on the last day in

EPIPHANY However, on December 31, 2013, on Old Year’s day, things took a massive ‘U’ turn for Babb whilst he was travelling across the Demerara Habour Bridge in a speedboat on his way to work.

“I just started looking at the water and the scenery around me and I started to adore and admire the nature and the natural environment. You could have heard the water clearly, you could have heard the breeze, you could have seen the clouds, everything was just open space.

“And the thought came to me: ‘Why not return to what you really love?’... So on that day I resigned and decided to pursue art and fulfill my dreams and to let my potential grow to something that is really worth it,” Babb said.

Though his ultimate dream and potential has not yet been achieved, to date, the artist Turn to page XXIX ►►►

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018

Being called 'crazy' is not a bad thing I HAVE been called crazy many times and it is not such a bad thing. Someone once said if you have never been called crazy your dream is not big enough and I agree.

I constantly challenge myself with the possibilities of what’s possible. I did it over two decades ago when I moved from Bartica and in 2005 when I moved to Barbados to live after the devastating flood. I lost almost everything and I felt like I needed a new start in a new country. There’s always something so exciting about new beginnings.

I had a lot of faith and was determined to make it work.

I must say that although there were challenges, it pushed me to grow faster than I anticipated. Not only me, but my daughters Marisca and Shontay as well. Both girls were involved in sports and

other extracurricular activities at their schools. Outside of school, they would go to polo and sailing. The atmosphere assisted them in becoming well-rounded and confident young ladies which has propelled them to do exceptionally well in their studies and now in their careers.

While living in Barbados, I challenged myself to host the first Guyana Fashion Weekend. I came back home and put a team of people together who I thought were visionaries.

To my surprise, most of them thought the idea was too big for Guyana and I was crazy to even think of it. Well, I didn’t mind being called crazy again and I used the negatives as fuel for the engine to get me to my destination.

I formed another team and was determined to make what seemed impossible, possible. We cele-

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion brated 10 years since the inaugural Fashion Weekend in 2017. It became Guyana Fashion Week after five years. The year 2008 pay slip was the birth of Model Search and 2009 Designers Portfolio.

Looking back, I ask myself sometimes, how did you do it?: Because the situations weren’t ideal in all the circumstances. Only Turn to page XXX ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXVII

says his decision from that day is paying off.

Another pivot point in Babb’s life occurred shortly before the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R)’s 60th Anniversary in 2017 when he was approached to do a portrait painting of the president.

“I was never a painter. I always wanted to be known as the best pencil portrait artist in the country. That was my desire,” he explained, adding: “I never wanted to dabble in paint because they’re already many painters out there.”

However, when he was approached by Attorney-at-law, James Bond and Head of the President's Press and Publicity Unit, Mark Archer, they were intent on convincing him otherwise.

“I said to them, ‘Compton Babb is not a painter, he’s a pencil artist... I can give you a pencil drawing in colour that can look fantastic; it can pass as a painting’,” Babb narrated.”

After the men persisted further, eventually, Babb agreed to the task even though it meant he would have to take up painting and would be attempting to recreate the features of Guyana’s Head of State. What a spotlight to be in!

“I accepted the challenge because I hadn’t painted in over 15+ years. It’s like I had to start over,” he said.

Babb then went on to tell how he got through the process: “I literally asked him [God] to guide every stroke of the brush on the canvas and I’ve seen him help me tremendously. Diligently, patiently, applying the paint whilst studying the President’s features; how to copy his eyes, his nose, his ears, his lips…it must be that real,” he related.

IN DEMAND Today, the artist relates, everyone wants a painting and he hasn’t drawn anything since the president’s painting.

This is testimony to how well the painting was received.

One of the biggest challenges the artist faces is sourcing art materials that are often very expensive and not easy to obtain due to limited local suppliers.

“There is much work in the background that people don’t know about. They might just see a photo posted up and they’re like, ‘Wow!’ But they don’t know the amount of time, pressure, focus and study it took to achieve that,” Babb clarified.

Meanwhile, the artist attributes his climb to success to his parents who he says were very influential in his early life.

Speaking about his father, Compton Babb Snr. who is a Sign Artist, he said: “He showed me how to draw certain things, how to shade, how to smudge…So we would have had some kind of father-and-son discussions at a young age… If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be in terms of doing art.”

His mother, Yvonne Babb, is a seamstress, who he says also possesses some artistic skills in her craft and for this, among other reasons, he admires her.

Inspiration Also high on Babb’s list of influencers is well-known photorealist, Carl Anderson, who to this day, the artist looks up to.

“I would have reached to him diligently in my early years,” Babb said, “When I saw him I was always persistent: ‘Mr. Carl! Mr. Carl! This is my art pad, can you give me some critique?’”

Babb was privileged to visit Anderson’s home where he saw some of his work of which he is often times rendered speechless.

Presently, Babb says criticism he receives are constructive ones and his short term goals is to, one day, own have his own art studio and gallery.

And, similarly to Anderson, today, Babb serves as the go-to person of many young people looking to pursue art as a hobby or career.

To this he says: “I think I’m fortunate for that.” Referring to his humble beginnings, he continued: “Maybe things have a way of turning around and working out for you because of the sacrifice and the motive behind what you do.”

XXIX

XXX ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

one answer comes to mind, God’s guidance in my life. From being a part of the John Maxwell (Number One leadership guru in the world) team to attending Lisa Nichols' conferences, who is one of the best transformational coaches/motivational speaker in the world. Not forgetting the renowned Les Brown who is one of the most sought-after speakers in the world. I attended one of his conferences in Ohio and was even honoured to have lunch with him, he did not even know where Guyana was!

When I look back at some of the celebrities I’ve met over the years I don’t have a single autograph because it wasn’t just a “Can I have your autograph?” opportunity. I was part of an event that they were at and in some cases lunch or dinner. Personalities like singer Eric Benet, Chantal Moore, Wyclef Jean, Seal, Angie Harmon, Garcelle Beauvais, Lou Gassette Junior, Kim Whitley,

Boris Kodjoe, Joe Jackson, Shirley Caesar, Michelle Williams, Rihanna, Erica Campbell and Lionel Richie (his table was next to mine when he received his Lifetime Achievement Award). Who would think that little small town girl would be playing in the big leagues someday? That is one of the reasons I started my first book with “Determination, faith, focus, self-discipline and consistency can really make anything a reality.” I live by that and every time doubt creeps in I think about it.

No matter how strong we are, there are times when we doubt ourselves. I must give thanks to my small team and the people who believed in me. I’m leading the team that is organising the Third Annual Women in Business Expo. I also went back to writing Beyond the Runway (the book) and working on two anthologies.

I’ve been recently called crazy again. “Sonia, how are YOU going to do it? You’re writing another book and working on two anthologies and all the other things that you are doing! Nobody

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 works on two anthologies at the same time!”

When I heard that I thought about this quote “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. –Henry David Thoreau.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. I’m a testimony to that. I’m celebrating being called crazy again because I know it is additional fuel for my journey. I prefer to try and fail than fail to try.

These anthologies will be featuring stories that are life changing from people across borders. I will share some details with you all in next week’s column.

Share your experience when you doubted yourself or someone told you could not do it.

Send your email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and check our FB page Beyond the Runway as we continue to enjoy this journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 28, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXVI

also has completed her PhD in Health Policy and Informatics from the University of Toronto.

Also, she is currently the Vice President of Healthcare and Client Advisor-ship at the Rosas Center and is a Facilitator at the PHD Acquired Brain Injury Services Group/Mind Forward in Ontario. In this role she services and supports patients who have brain injuries and require direct assistance with rehabilitation, medication, community support and extended life management.

Dr. Duncan serves on several boards across Ontario and also acts as the general manager of the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA) which has been in existence for the last 30 years.

The non-profit entity offers scholarships to community members interested in advancing education in the area of arts, sciences, healthcare and technology and also focuses on programmes to help enhance community relations between families, seniors, individuals and youth.

Dr. Duncan is also the recipient of the 2018 International Women’s Achiev-

ers Award (IWAA), a recipient of the JS Woodward Award for Humanities and Community Support, a board member of Wychwood Open Door and a board member and vice-president for the Enlightened Women’s Core team.

Dr. Duncan also has experience in production and media, as she produced 18 shows for Rogers TV. The shows focused specifically on a male perspective on politics, family, love, sports, health and education.

She has appeared on a variety of programmes as a support host for topics spe-

XXXI cific to health and community affairs. Most recently she appeared on the Agenda a TVO programme, where she was part of a panel that highlighted the importance of Men’s Health.

Dr. Duncan was also the keynote speaker at International Women’s Day at City Hall in Markham Ontario, and had worked as a key note speaker and guest advisor on radio and TV across Canada.

In more recent developments, however, Patrick Brown resigned on Thursday as leader of the party, amid sexual misconduct allegations by two women.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Betwix the stirrup and the ground Mercy I asked, mercy I found.

WILLIAM CAMDEN (1551-1623) Remains. Epitaph for a Man Killed by Falling from His Horse STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Rest and relax. Be positive about your breaks from study. Give yourself a day off a week at least and other free time when you are not obliged to feel guilty. A lovely drink or a favourite television programme can be used as a reward for the completion of a specific revision unit. Physical exercise like a walk, a run, a swim, yoga exercises or team games can help revitalise your system; and you need it. Much studying is relatively passive. Remain focused. Be wise.

Love you THE PASSAGE What exactly is good writing? Good writing is what happens by way of a number of good practices. One way is to look at examples of good writing styles.

The following excerpt, taken from NGUGI’s “Weep Not, Child,” is a perfect example of good writing.

“I have often come here to see father. There is a boy about my height. His skin is so very white. I think he is the son of Mr. Howlands. I did not like the way he clung to his mother’s skirt, a frightening thing. Yet his eyes were fixed on me. A bit curious. The second time he was alone.

When he saw me, he rose and walked in my direction. I was frightened because I did not know what he wanted. I ran. He stood still and watched me. Then he walked back. Whenever I go there I make sure I am near my father.”

“Did he want to speak to you?”

“Well, I don’t know. He may have wanted to quarrel with me. He is like his father. And you know --” Njoroge remembered the story Ngotho had told them. He could not tell Mwihaki of this. This was to be his own secret.

“All this land belongs to black people,” “Y-e-e-s. I’ve heard my father say so. He says that if people had had education, the white man would not have taken all the land. I wonder why our old folk, the dead old folk, had no learning when the white man came?”

“There was nobody to teach them English.”

“Y-e-s. That could be it,” she said doubtfully.

“Is your class taught English?”

“Oh no. It is only Standard IV which is taught English.”

“Does your father know how to speak English?”

“I think so.”

“Where did he learn it?”

“In the mission place….Siriana.”

What to Do i) Read the passage again and along with your study partner, note its specific, good features. ii) Should you think that good dialogue is one aspect that constitutes its good features, then show active interest in it; also study its good dialogue punctuation. The use of dialogue makes writing interesting. Challenge yourself with its use in your own writing. iii) Note that the specific importance of coining dialogue is its help in building up character, setting, and conflict in a story. Do away with empty dialogue!

Another Passage Look at this other exemplary passage: “Well, still day-dreaming?” my uncle asked.

“Yes…No…I…” “If you go on like this, we’ll lose the lead.”

“I was thinking about Uncle Bo. Where is he now?”

“God only knows! On his last visit, he was … You see, I don’t know where he is any more! He’s never in the same place: he’s like a bird: he can’t stay quietly on one tree, he needs the whole sky.”

“Will I, too, be like a bird some day?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, you’ve just told me that Uncle Bo is like a bird.”

“Do you want to become like him?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Well, you have plenty of time to make your mind up, anyhow.

Meanwhile, take this sheaf.”

And he would go on reaping. Even though his body was soaking wet, he always returned to his work with great vigour, as if he was only just beginning. But all the same, the heat was a burden; the air would seem to weigh down upon us: and weariness would gradually begin to creep over us: draughts of cold water were no longer any good, and so we would begin to fight our weariness with singing.

“Sing with us,” my uncle would say.

(Camara Laye’s “The African Child”) About the Passage This passage is simply written.

It is chosen for its use of dialogue to portray characteristics of persons, feeling, conflict, and environment in building a story.

Something to Do Write a short story based on any interesting thing that has happened around you. Use some dialogue.

GRAMMAR A) The ever-present sentence fragments What is a sentence fragment? A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence punctuated as if it were a complete sentence.

Rewrite the FIVE sets of information below, correcting all sentence fragments, adding words and phrases if necessary to complete each message.

1. A short story can be fulsome and exciting. Never lacks reader interest.

2. Obviously your readers will have different levels of enjoyment. And varying degrees of interest in character and setting.

3. With what kind of language can you reach a younger audience? Probably conversational.

4. Regardless of their personal opinions. Make sure that your audience understands the setting and plot you use.

5. There are children who like to listen to stories. Read every night by their parents. Seem to like myths.

B) Construction change Change the construction of the following sentences by using “so….that” instead of “too.”

1. The supervisor was too proud to take the advice of his office assistant.

2. Banwarie spoke too quickly for them to hear what he was quoting.

3. The over-crowded out-of-control taxi sank too quickly in the flooded canal before any public-spirited person could swim to rescue its passengers.

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Entertainment

Regina Simons Recalls Steven Seagal's Alleged Rape in 1993 Regina Simons opened up about Steven Seagal's alleged rape in an interview on NBC's Megan Kelly Today on Friday, said she hoped for "acknowledgement" from him.

She had told TheWrap earlier this month that the actor raped her in 1993 at a Beverly Hills home when she was 18. Seagal has not commented on her allegations. She said that she had been invited to a wrap party for his movie On Deadly Ground, in which she served as an extra, but that when she arrived at the house, she was the only guest.

"Immediately, I asked him where everyone else was for this wrap party and he said that everyone had left and he said he wanted to show me something and took me into what seemed to be a bedroom, then closed the door and tried to kiss me and took my clothes off," Simons told

Megyn Kelly. "And before I knew it, he was on top of me and I couldn't move. I just completely froze and even felt like I left my body...I know I was crying. i know there were tears coming down my face. There was no anything from him to even see if I was OK." The actor was married to now-ex-wife and actress Kelly LeBrock at the time of the alleged incident.

“I remember just my gaze went to a table or a nightstand and I saw a picture of—at the time I didn’t know who she was, but could only make the connection that it was the lady from Weird Science and now knowing that was Kelly LeBrock,” Simons told Kelly. “That was what I remember, just sort of staring at that picture and wanting him to stop and wanting to be out of there.”

Simons is one of more than a dozen women who have accused the actor of sexual misconduct and the first to publicly accuse him of rape. The claims come amid the growing #MeToo movement and Time’s Up initiative to combat sexual harassment and amid months of increased accusations made against powerful men in and outside of Hollywood, namely Harvey Weinstein.

“I know what consent is and that was definitely not consensual,” she said. “There was no asking me if this was OK. It just was very predatory, very aggressive and traumatizing.”

When asked what she wanted to see happen to Seagal, Simons paused and said, tearfully, “Acknowledgement.

For me, I know this type of behavior and abuse continues in silence which is why I came forward, is to call out my abuser and let him know this is not OK and hopefully there can be some change in there but at least to let abusers know that no, this is not OK, this type of behavior is not OK.” Seagal’s lawyers told BBC News he unequivocally denies Grant’s allegations in their entirety, saying, “Our client denies having such contact with Ms Grant and further vehemently denies any alleged assault at all, in particular,

the alleged assault occurring in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2002.”

Grant said she was emboldened by women sharing

their stories of sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo campaign, BBC News said.

Mince Balls or Cakes Ingredients 8 oz minced beef 4 oz cooked yams 1 onion 1 tbsp mixed herbs 1 tbsp savory sauce 1 egg, beaten 4 oz breadcrumbs

Method 1 Crush yams.

2 Chop onion and herbs.

3 Mix beef, yams, onion, herbs and sauce together to a stiff dough.

Season to taste.

4 Form into a ball. Roll on a lightly floured board, cut into 1 inch thick slices and shape into neat round cakes. Coat with beaten egg and breadcrumbs.

5 Fry quickly on both sides in hot fat.

6 Reduce heat and fry very slowly until just firm.

7 Serve with brown gravy.

Makes four