Pepperpot 02_08_2020

Sunday, February 9, 2020

On January 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Community hosted a Diplomatic Fair as part of Guyana’s Republic Jubilee Celebrations. The event treated attendees to a taste of Guyanese culture and educated young people about the functions and responsibilities of diplomatic missions and organisations in Guyana (Carl Croker photo)

A taste of our culture

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

‘Education is the Yardstick’ By Francis Quamina Farrier

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NE of my all-time favourite Guyanese songs is, “Pass it on” by the late celebrated Guyanese singer/songwriter Eddie Hooper, who hailed from Fyrish on the lower Corentyne Coast, Region Six, Berbice. With lyrics in that song which state, “Education is the Yardstick,” one can say that Eddie Hooper’s song which was composed over 50 years ago, is as timely and relevant to the present focus by the Government of Guyana, on the importance of having a well-educated nation. Equally, BANKS DIH Ltd has been very focused on supporting aspects of education over the decades. One of the ways in which the company has been “putting its money where its mouth is”, as the saying goes, is to make tangible financial donations to worthy and deserving candidates, as well as to schools in Guyana on an annual basis. Financial contributions are also made out of season, so to speak. At the company’s annual Shareholders Meetings which are held at Thirst Park in Georgetown, and at four of their branches, two schools each received cheques for the financing of projects which were identified. On this Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary Jubilee Year 2020, BANKS DIH Ltd., has the theme, “Let’s Celebrate Education,” and traditionally, 10 schools were presented with cheques. As promised in my previous article on BANKS DIH Shareholders Branch Meetings, I have to say that there was a moment of relative sadness at the Linden Shareholders Branch Meeting on January 31, when Company Chairman Clifford Reis announced that Branch Manager Ms Shaundell Easton had resigned as she was migrating shortly. Shaundell was the first female Branch Manager of BANKS DIH Ltd. and had consistently increased sales over the years. Expressing his satisfaction with her ongoing sterling performance, and that he was going to miss her, the chairman stated to the gathering of shareholders that, “Anytime Shaundell returns to Guyana, she has a job at BANKS DIH Ltd.” That is the kind of BANKS DIH family atmosphere on which I reported in my previous article which was published in last Sunday’s Pepperpot Magazine section. The focus was on the Shareholders Meetings at Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast, in Region Two and at Bartica on the Essequibo River, in Region Seven.

“Shaundell, if you ever return to Guyana, know that you have a job at BANKS DIH,” Company Chairman Clifford Reis tells resigned Linden Branch Manager, Shaundell Easton, who is migrating (Photos by Francis Q. Farrier)

BANKS DIH Berbice shareholders Torionton Murray and his wife as they arrived at the Berbice Branch Shareholders Meeting in New Amsterdam last Sunday

BANKS DIH agrees

BANKS DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis hands over a cheque to a student of the Ithaca Primary School, West Bank Berbice, for the funding of a school project, as the Berbice Branch Manager Reginald Matthews looks on

Company Chairman Clifford Reis gives quality time to three shareholders and BANKS “family members” at the end of the Linden Branch Shareholders Meeting, 2020

Last Sunday was the final of the four 2020 Shareholders Branch Meetings. It was held at New Amsterdam, Berbice, and once again the family atmosphere was evident. As is customary, the chairman mentioned that he is happy to be back in Berbice among the shareholders there. He also mentioned that his wife Colleen is from Berbice, which is always greeted with a measure of pride by the shareholders of the Ancient County. Once again the Berbice Branch Manager Reginald Matthews had good news regarding the performance of that branch which supplies products to sections of both Regions Five and Six. While praising the performance of the New Amsterdam Demico outlet, the issue was raised regarding the loss of revenue to Demico House on Brickdam in Georgetown, whenever there is a sitting of Parliament. Streets around the Georgetown Demico outlet are usually closed to vehicular traffic, resulting in a financial loss of one million dollars every

day while the Parliament is in session. The chairman informed the shareholders that he had raised the issue with the government, suggesting that in future Parliament sessions should be held in the night. The hope is that this impasse is settled before the next Shareholders Meeting. BANKS DIH Ltd and the subsidiary Citizens Bank had another successful year, and according to the chairman, the company will be increasing its operations to the marketing, not only of their prize-winning rums and Guinness, but their new venture of marketing vehicles. With the current traffic situation in Georgetown, the company is already constructing a parking facility at its Thirst Park location and hopefully, that would be an example and the catalyst for others to follow - an education, if you will, with the BANKS DIH 2020 Theme, “Let’s Celebrate Education.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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‘Inspiration for Innovation’

TEDxLamahaSt set for Umana Yana

By Gibron Rahim

HE power of words is often underestimated. Yet, words have the power to hurt or heal, create or destroy. They can inspire ideas or spur to action. This fact undoubtedly inspired the creation of TED Talks and the self-organised TEDx Talks. Guyanese will once again have the opportunity to experience the inspirational power of words when TEDxLamahaSt comes to the Umana Yana this month. TEDxLamahaSt will take place on February 21, 2020, at the aforementioned Umana Yana. The theme for the event is “Inspiration for Innovation”. The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak with Keiba Murray, founder and owner of Live ProActive and the event’s organiser, and learn about the expectations and logistics of planning such an important event. The “x” in TEDx refers to the fact that these events are independently organised, as opposed to TED Talks which are organised by TED Conferences LLC.

She added that we, as Guyanese, need to be able to inspire each other to innovate. “We need more inventors, more innovators, more people creating stuff,” she affirmed, “so that we can be a nation of producers rather than consumers.” According to Murray, there is a need to bridge the gap between the opportunities for innovation that are available and the individuals who need those opportunities. It was with that idea of inspiring that kind of innovation that the speakers for TEDxLamahaSt were chosen. “We tried to choose some of the best that Guyana has to offer in terms of individuals who are comfortable delivering ideas on a public stage,” Murray explained. In addition, she has been working along with Pamarysa Bobb, President of the Cacique Toastmasters Club, to ensure that those presenting who are not avid public speakers are prepared to handle the international stage. The speakers were also chosen from various backgrounds within society. They are Vishal H. Joseph, Dr Vishnu Doerga, Lisa Mae Agard and Harrison Hunter Reid Fischer. Joseph is a youth advocate who recently completed his Bachelor

Murray noted that she was aware of at least one other TEDx event that was held in Guyana – TEDxRobbstown. That event was organised by Nadia Sagar and was held on December 28, 2015, at the Theatre Guild. TEDxLamahaSt will be held under a different licence, with Murray being the licence holder. She explained that the process of becoming a licence holder naturally begins with applying. The licence is valid for a year and would need to be renewed to maintain it. Though independently organised, TEDx events need to follow regulations that are in keeping with the TED brand. “They’re very detailed in terms of how the event should be carried out,” Murray said, “but in the end, the end result is for us to film the production, send it up to them and they [will] put it as part of their TEDx lineup.” Much thought went into the formulation of the theme for TEDxLamahaSt. Murray related, “I think we are at a very pivotal point in the history of our country where our people need inspiration.”

of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). He currently serves as CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Guyana as well as being one of two Caribbean Regional Focal Points for the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth. In addition to serving in other capacities, Joseph founded Bookworms, a non-profit which serves children and students from disadvantaged socioeconomic settings in Guyana. Dr. Doerga is executive chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., as well as being a certified ActionCOACH. He holds a PhD in management, specialising in entrepreneurship, as well as an MBA and engineering qualifications. He has served as past president, chairman and councillor of several business support organisations, including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), with over 20 years of private sector development service. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of GoInvest.

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Keiba Murray, Organiser of TEDx LamahaSt

Agard holds a master’s degree in business administration, in addition to a postgraduate diploma in international studies. She also studied French at the Université des Antilles and Université Nancy 2 in France. She has more than 10 years of experience in managing and coordinating projects at a national and international level. Her experience ranges from strategic leadership and administration of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/ AIDS (PANCAP) Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) Secretariat to Project Coordinator of the Guyana Youth Empowerment, Inclusion and Reconciliation Project funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Fischer is a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, and world traveller. He went from being fired from almost every job he ever had to currently running two businesses. One of these businesses, Koohlah, is helping to relieve the global obesity epidemic by crafting affordable and delicious radically healthy snack foods. The other helps American financial institutions structure their benefit programmes to instantly generate substantially more income for both their employees and owners. He is also currently on the advisory board for two charities – Help For Children and National Alliance on Mental Illness. Much has gone into organising TEDxLamahaSt. Murray is working with a team of entrepreneurs who have helped organise events of this nature before. “I am very glad that they are able to add value to the process,” she said. She noted that Pulse Entertainment, one of the event’s sponsors, is providing an LED screen for the event, in addition to handling light and audio production. KeyNote Photography is providing two videographers and a photographer. “I’m very excited about the work that has gone into the planning and we’d love to have more sponsors on board.” The event on February 21 will not be the only edition of TEDxLamahaSt planned for this year. Murray related that they are already planning for another event in May. She noted that any sponsors who want to come on board can select either event or dually sponsor both events. Speakers are already being gathered for a selection process. “We’re hoping to have an exciting lineup ready and waiting.” TEDxLamahaSt is open to the public on a ticketed basis with a fixed number of tickets being available for purchase. They will be available at KoKo on Robb and King Sts. Keiba Murray can also be contacted at 647-3925 for further information.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

‘I can do so much with so little’

Visually impaired woman grateful for her abilities By Telesha Ramnarine ROM birth, 19-year-old Faith Green was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma that rendered her completely blind in the right eye, but with about 80 percent vision, with glasses, in the left. To this day, though, she has never adopted the mentality that she is different from anyone else, nor does she view her limited sight as a disability. “I don’t call it a disability; it’s more of a challenge. I am able to do so much with so little, as opposed to others who have their full vision,” Faith confidently expressed during a recent interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. The teen attended East Ruimveldt Secondary and South Road Primary Schools a n d i s

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currently pursuing Communications Studies at the University of Guyana; ironically, with hopes of becoming a photographer. In school, Faith would not discuss her eye problem with anyone; in fact, no one knew she was so limited in her sight. Hence, she acknowledged that because she didn’t open up, no one knew how to help her. “It took a long time for me to talk to people because I was afraid they would judge me and talk about my eyes. Oh, she has big eye and small eye, and that’s what they said without even talking to me.” Silently battling with the challenges that came up made her discouraged to the point where she started staying away from school. But a bright idea then came to her. She thought, ‘Why not enroll for the classes being offered at the Guyana Society for the Blind?’ This greatly assisted Faith in moving forward with her life. “I met people who are just like me and who knows what it feels like to be different. That inspired me to do better and change.” Faith had preferred not to talk about her issues because she wasn’t up for being treated differently and with sympathy. “I don’t like talking about it much because I don’t want people to treat me d i ff e r e n t l y and I

don’t want them to feel that they have to treat me like a disabled person; that they have to help me do simple tasks because to me, I don’t see it as a difficulty. I don’t see it as a challenge or problem because maybe I got accustomed to it. I’m living every day and I am doing everything like anyone else.” Faith’s problem is not one that can be fixed, but the most she can do is to take eye drops day and night. But she takes each day at a time. “There are times when I have to talk to myself and push myself to do things. But I am not allowing anything to limit me.” And this is what she advises others to do as well. “Go for your dreams and don’t let any challenges stop you. Be optimistic, be brave, be bold. Be everything that you can be. That’s what I am trying to do.”

Another photo from Faith

Faith Greene

Even with limited vision, Faith aspires to become a photographer. This is one of the photos she took

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020 Veteran journalist and media personality, Richard B Mahase

Subraj Foundation spearheading local health initiatives

A team that visited St Cuthbert’s Mission last week

Foundation Members Richard B. Mahase, Anthony Subraj, and Mahendra Jainarine on their most recent visit to Guyana

A team from the GPHC works along with the ‘Subraj Foundation’ to provide free eye services across the country

By Telesha Ramnarine INCE the early 1990s, the George Subraj Foundation with members based in New York, has been coordinating a number of health initiatives across Guyana,and doing so with personal funds, in an effort to give back to the country. Founder, Mr George Subraj (now deceased), always believed in helping the people of Guyana, according to his son Anthony ‘Tony’ Subraj, who is one of the five persons carrying on the late Mr. Subraj’s legacy. Anthony, born and raised in New York, is into real estate business in New York, along with his family and now serves as President of

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the foundation. His mom, Gloria, and sister Jasmine, help to continue the work of the foundation, along with veteran journalist and media personality Richard B. Mahase and Coordinator Mahendra Jainarine. Representatives of the foundation have come to Guyana at minimum, two times per year over the past three years since Mr Subraj died. “My dad has[sic] been coming since the early ’90s. As a son of the soil, he always believed in helping people. He’s done well in his life, and he decided that it was his mission in life to give back to the country where he was born. We are trying to continue his legacy; this is my heritage,” Anthony expressed during an interview with the Pepperpot

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Magazine. He left Guyana for home last week Saturday after participating in a number of eye clinics that were held across the country by the foundation. “We co-ordinated a number of different health initiatives. We’ve done 34 kidney transplants, the first one in Guyana that my dad spearheaded; over 100 cornea transplants. Now we are training a local villager to reach out to the village and help them to monitor their glucose levels, diabetes, weight, blood pressure. These are all health initiatives that my dad started and we are trying to continue them,” he informed. The foundation started the eye clinics where the members would travel to various parts of Guyana, along with a team from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. “About 20 doctors, 40 volunteers…Our foundation purchases all of the medication, eyeglasses. Some cannot get to Georgetown because of different factors, so we take the specialists to them to help them save costs,” Anthony further pointed out, adding that the members do not hold fundraisers, but use personal funds to get their work done. “It’s a little overwhelming because it is a lot of work. I never realised how much work it is, but it’s very rewarding, especially when you meet some of the villagers. It’s very rewarding to see how some of the things that are easy to get are unattainable for these villagers. It’s re-

The Subraj Family

warding to bring the services to them,” Anthony expressed. Some of the foundation members are still here in Guyana after completing eye clinics in several areas. “We went to Mahaica yesterday and that used to be the rice grounds that my dad and grandfather worked on…. our family had a rice mill, and some of these people remembered my dad and grandfather,” he said. The team also visited Wakenaam Cottage Hospital where some 700 persons received eye care; 450 screens were done in Mahaica, and hundreds more were cared for in Corentyne St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Last Thursday, an eye clinic was also held for the Guyana Police Force at its training centre. “Overall, we have given over 10,000 pairs of eyeglasses in the last two years and we’ve visited Leguan, Black Bush Polder, Linden, Bartica, Cane Grove, Wales, and other communities. We

St. Cuthbert Mission’s Toshao Beverley Clenkian at the last eye clinic there

just accomplished a major project in neighbouring Suriname; we did the first kidney transplant for the

country and we are starting our kidney transplant programme there,” Anthony informed the Pepperpot.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

Order of Roraima for PM Mia Mottley

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HIS past week, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley was conferred with Guyana’s second highest National Award, the Order of Roraima. This was given as part of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary celebrations to the PM, for her distinguished leadership in the Caribbean. In my opinion, Prime Minister Mottley is one of the better regional leaders. She seems to be more liberal and forward-thinking than most;there have been specific events that the PM was at the forefront of, which caused her to win me over.

The first was that she announced that Barbados would be abolishing their Secondary Entrance Examination, of which our National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is the equivalent. The woman, who was the former Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, indicated that education reform is a priority for Barbados, and as such, one specific matter that would be reviewed is the ‘Common Entrance’ examination. “Ten or 11-years-old is too young to ask a child to determine what their life should look like for the rest of their life....” she was quoted as saying, as she sounded the death-

knell for those exams. This was a conversation that eventually made its way to Guyana, due to remarks made at a public forum here by Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Justin Ram. But persons here remain divided on that matter and our Minister of Education Dr Nicolette Henr, has said that Guyana will pursue such a move, only if it is guided by proper consultations and findings. Then, the second event that has been very pleasing to me occurred a bit more recently. In January, Prime Minister Mottley, who is also the current Chairperson of the Caribbean

Community (CARICOM), instructed her Foreign Minister not to attendi the meeting of selected Caribbean leaders with the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. According to her, the choice of the U.S. Department of State to invite only selected ministers to a multilateral roundtable discussion, instead of all members of the CARICOM, was an attempt to divide the regional bloc. “As chairman of CARICOM, it is impossible for me to agree that my foreign minister should attend a meeting with anyone to which members of CARICOM are not invited,” she said. While I do have much appreciation for PM Mottley, part of me is still reserved about Guyana/Barbados relations. Last year, I went to Barbados for a mini-vacation; while making my way there, I was

cautioned to be very careful, particularly at the airport, because of the infamous “Guyanese Bench.” I know we have moved past that, but the very fact that my friends and relatives could caution me about this means that those memories still linger. So, it’s not all water under the bridge. You see, Guyana has been one of the leading proponents of regionalism. This country was part of the core four that signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas to bring CARICOM into being, and it is my opinion that Guyana has embraced the spirit of community embodied by CARICOM. But, Guyana has not always been the recipient of this spirit. And this is by no means something from Barbados alone. Right here in Trinidad, Guyanese have not been treated the best. During one of my first classes last semester, a

lecturer of mine insinuated that Guyanese came to Trinidad to steal jobs. And at the airport, the immigration process has been so much more rigorous for Guyanese students. But now, here we have all these countries being so very friendly with us post-oil discovery, and I can’t help but feel that this interest shown towards Guyana may very well be because of the wealth (both in revenues and in opportunities) this country is expected to generate. Just these past few weeks, a Jamaican bank and a Jamaican airline also indicated an interest in Guyana. These are all very good things for Guyana, because I know investments are needed to diversify and enhance development here. I only hope that we see continued friendship from our Caribbean sister nations as well.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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N abscess is a swelling filled with pus. Three types of dental abscesses resemble each other. It is their point of origin that differentiates them and not every stage requires antibiotic treatment. A gum or gingival abscess is the result of injury to or infection of the surface of the gum tissue. If an infection moves deep into gum pockets, drainage of pus is blocked and a periodontal abscess results. A periapical abscess re- fers to a tooth in which the pulp is infected, usually secondary to tooth decay. A gum abscess is the result of irritation caused by toothpicks or other objects, from food being forced into the gums, or by aggressive brushing. If the trauma causes a break in the gum surface, bacteria invade the area, causing a local infection. Initially, the area appears red, smooth, and shiny. As the infection progresses, the area becomes pointed and pus is released. A periodontal abscess involves the deeper struc-

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Dental abscess

tures surrounding the tooth. This kind of abscess develops when the gum pocket becomes blocked by plaque, tartar, and/or food. Because these foreign substances are not removed daily, harmful bacteria proliferate, resulting in a series of reactions. In response to the presence o f t h e s e substances, t h e body’s immune s y s tem sends particul a r cells to fight the foreign substances and the harmful bacteria contained in the plaque. Studies have shown that more than one type of harmful bacteria causes gum disease and the resulting abscess. Some types of bacteria found at various stages of gum disease, including abscesses, are Bacteroides, Actinobacillus, Actinomyces, Capnocytophaga, and Treponema. The resulting infections are caused by the reaction between the toxins of these bacteria and the immune cells present to destroy the bacteria. A tooth-related or periapical abscess is usually a result

of damage to the nerve of the tooth and is present along with swelling, pain, reddening of the gums, and sensitivity to chewing and/or hot or cold. The tooth related to the abscess usually has a deep cavity or filling. Pus is caused by the destruction of tissue by toxins and interruption of the blood supply. The centre of the abscess absorbs fluid from surrounding tissue, causing the abscess to become larger. Fever, malaise (feel- ing tired, no energy), and swelling in the neck area may be present with the abscess. The infection may stay localised or spread. If an abscess is deep, a fistula (a tube-like passage from the abscess to the surface of the gums) forms where the fluids are released. However, if the fluids in the abscess are released into the surrounding tissues instead of being discharged on the surface, the infection spreads and is called cellulitis. Fever, chills, and lack of appetite increase as the infection worsens.

A condition called cementoma, in which excess bone forms around the root of a tooth or teeth, looks like an abscess during its beginning stage, but it is not. Cementoma, often caused by trauma, is usually seen on lower front teeth. No treatment is required. An abscess may have a sudden appearance (acute) or it may have been present for a long period (chronic) without any signs or symptoms. In the acute stage, the gums around the abscess become enlarged, red, tender, and painful. The

tooth may be loose and sensitive to chewing. Pressing on the area where the gums and teeth may release pus. A dull pain that throbs and radiates may be present. A periodontal abscess may produce a feeling of sickness, fever, and swelling in the lymph glands in the neck. If the infection has been present for a long time (chronic), there may be no symptoms. Treating the acute abscess is more successful than treating the chronic, which has caused more extensive damage over time. It is important to deter-

mine which type of abscess is present, so that the appropriate treatment may be rendered. In all three types of abscess, the pus must be drained. Antibiotics may be prescribed if systemic symptoms such as fever and swelling in the lymph glands are present. (Mouth infections often affect the lymph glands in the neck region.) Deep cleaning will be suggested in the gum pocket (periodontal) abscess. If too much bone has been lost and the tooth is too loose, it may have to be pulled.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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On the rise …Budding professional basketball player Kevon Wiggins will achieve great things

By Marissa V. Foster

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be a priority before anything else. Making his parents proud is what encouraged him to be who he is today, they’re basically his motivation and the reason why he pushes himself so hard every day, he said. His life’s journey thus far has been very exciting and testing at the same time. He works hard every, day even when his body is saying, ‘no’. In his opinion, that’s the mindset you have to develop to make it in life. His father introduced him to basketball and he remembers going with him every day to the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town to watch him play. He was amazed by just watching his father and friends play the said sport. Ever since then, he took it upon himself to become a basketball player.

EVON Wiggins is a Guyanese basketball player who has made a name for himself through his intense skills and commitment to the sport. He described his childhood as a ‘fun’ one. It’s not like the younger generation today who are always inside the house and on their phone, he said. Kevon was always outside doing something active: riding a bicycle, playing cricket or football or even doing something mischievous. Believe it or not, he wasn’t interested in basketball when he was young. Until, of course, his father introduced him to the sport. Although he was always outside playing around, Kevon made sure his schoolwork came first. He eventually learned how to balance both at a very young age. His parents alTURN TO PAGE XXIX ways stressed the importance of education, that it should

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Kevon Wiggins during one of his games

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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Hopetown

Focus A village on the move on the Village

Retired teacher, Althea Wade (Carl Croker photos)

Home of Althea Wade

rearing of livestock. The Pepperpot Magazine first met Althea Wade, a retired school teacher, who is enjoying her golden years

One of the many resting/seating areas in Hopetown

By Michel Outridge HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the village of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice; the home of the ‘Soiree’, an African celebration which is held annually on July 31 whenthe village comes alive with activities to observe Emancipation. The village is home to farmers, small-business owners and skilled workers. This historic community is between the villages of Onderneeming and Number 22 (Bel Air) villages and has a population of about 300 residents, most of whom are related. The community is basically self-sufficient in terms

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of vegetables and meat products since they rear pigs, sheep, goats, cows, poultry on a large scale and almost every yard has a thriving kitchen garden for home use. The village has a nursery, a primary and a secondary school, all located in the same street. Apart from that, they have a practical instruction centre, which provides skills training for secondary school students from neighbouring communities and private schools. Hopetown has a large community centre which has a large field that is outfitted with floodlights and is wellkept and the area is secured with a fence. King Gillis Street is noticeably the most decorated and well-kept street which

Ellen Webster, 87

has plants, a charging outlet for cell phones, trees and benches for public utilisation. The street has developed into an avenue which boasts brightly painted old tyres that beautify the landscape and well-trimmed lawns, adding that natural colour to the area. The village is divided into several sections and has very vast backlands which are used for farming and

in a village she has made her home. She describes life in Hopetown Village as excellent, explaining that her life does not lack anything. Wade stated that in Hopetown she has everything within her hand reach and pointed to her kitchen garden which has an array of fruits and vegetables. “In Hopetown you can never in need of a dry coconut because as you can see

this is a village of fruits and vegetables, we made it like this, so one cannot punish or go hungry,” she said. The mother of two disclosed that she came from Kwakwani in 1974 when her mother relocated to Hopetown Village. In 2005, Wade said she returned to Hopetown after several years in the city, where she taught at several schools including, St. George’s and Campbellville among others. “These days I am looking after my grandson because I have the time and apart from keeping a kitchen garden I find things to occupy my time and life here is very quiet but rewarding,” she said. The Pepperpot Magazine also met Ellen Webster, who was out for a walk. She related that her grandfather is the oldest resident in the village and will celebrate his 99th birth anniversary on February 25. He is Rickter Edwards. Webster joked she is taking her golden years in good stride ‘with nothing to do and all day to do it’, but takes the time to stay in touch with

relatives. The 87-year-old reported that she is most disturbed with the behaviour of school children these days, referring to a recent incident in which a schoolgirl was stabbed in the back by a fellow student during a melee. “In our days, any adult could have upbraided you if you were caught doing ‘nonsense’ and when you go home is more ‘licks’, but now you cannot beat children, it different and sad at the same time. They need to bring back corporal punishment in schools, our children have gone wayward and out of control,” she said. The mother of six added that it is a good thing they have a ball field in the village which is utilised fully by the young people, but it needs a bit of upgrading. She called for the construction of a multi-purpose centre where children and youths can benefit from after-school activities in terms of education since there is none in that community. Webster also said there is need for an ICT hub in the village.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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The men of

Focus on the Village

Hopetown have no idle

time to spare

Wellington McPherson on his bicycle, taking his flock of goats to the backlands to graze (Carl Croker photos) Wellington McPherson

By Michel Outridge E L LINGT O N McPherson is a resident of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice and he is a busy man being a farmer of livestock and ground provisions, rice and bananas. The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that life has its ups and downs but he has designed his life to be comfortable as a self-employed person. McPherson is utilising the backlands of Hopetown to cultivate crops of rice, ground provisions and bananas and is rearing goats. He, like many other villagers, use the vast back lands to rear pigs, goats and other livestock on a large scale and also to farm. When the Pepperpot Magazine met the father of seven, he was on his bicycle on his way to guide a flock of goats to the backlands to graze.

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McPherson reported that he was at his farm earlier this week and will return this weekend to tend to his crops. “Life in Hopetown good, like the village name, there is hope here and we are not lazy people and we make a living using the land to do many things,” he said. During the walk through the village, the team also met a group of men who were engaged in a chat. One of the men, Alban Isaacs told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has spent all his life in the village. He added that it is a place where people come together to do things such as cleaning the cemetery which is located aback the community. The 56-year-old told the team that in Hopetown they have ancestral lands and every villager has a piece of land allocated to them for burial. He explained that there are no strangers in that

village because everybody is related and they wake up early every morning to do chores and at sundown, they are at it again. “In the countryside, you are told by elders not to let the sunrise on you in bed and we grow with that, the olden ways of life and it is good because we do all our farming early in the morning,” he said. The Pepperpot Magazine also met Kellwen Bennett, who was home briefly for lunch and was expected to head back on the road, in his minibus to transport school children from schools to their homes. The 38-year-old said he is a minibus driver, as well as, a livestock farmer of cows, sheep, pigs and horses and is also into cash crops farming. He has several acres of land aback Fort Wellington village and describes his life in Hopetown as busy and rewarding, since he has no time to spare to engage in idleness.

The men of Hopetown village in a gyaff, at a shop

“Nothing don’t bother me because I work all the time and I don’t involve myself in nonsense and there is no time to waste with a family to maintain,” he said. The father of three stated that Hopetown is a good place to settle and lead a happy family life since there are things to do to make a living and one hardly has to leave the village to earn. “As you can see, I now home to eat something then back on the road to collect

one word and this is twice daily and after that, do my farming and tend my livestock,” he said.

I to

Kellwen Bennett

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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Hopetown

Focus on the Village

Practical Instruction Centre geared towards producing well-rounded students

Teacher Avery Alfred

The Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

T Teacher Charmain Brummell

HE Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre is geared to provide secondary school students with basic life-training skills, in preparation to enter the workforce after exiting the formal school system. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Senior Teacher of the Building Technology Department, Avery Alfred, who reported that students visit the facility from several secondary schools to learn trades. He noted that mostly boys participate in the electrical installation, building technology, technical drawing and industrial technology (construction and joinery) courses offered free of cost at the institution. Alfred stated that the girls, however, are more drawn to the Home Economics and Food and Nutrition courses, which are headed by trained teachers. “This is a Grade ‘A’ School and we can accommodate a total of 500 pupils where we teach them a trade for their

future endeavours if they are not academically inclined, they have something to fall back on to earn a living,” he said. Alfred disclosed that they support the school through their own pockets, projects, exhibitions and fundraising activities. Meanwhile, most of the furniture and other things hand-made are stored at the regional office for safe-keeping since space is limited at the location. Alfred added that they have the basic tools and equipment for the projects that are part of their curriculum, but donations are always welcomed. He stated that the youths received training in cake-making, cake decoration, tie-dye and block-making. “The aim of the initiative was to empower the individuals through the development of the skills, to later be able to launch economic ventures utilising the skills acquired during the camp,” he said. The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke to the newly appointed Deputy Headteacher of the Home Economics Section, Charmain Brummell. She pointed out that she was elected to the post since September 2019 and she is from Rosignol, also on the West Coast of Berbice. Brummell related that she teaches Family and Resource Management for Grades nine and 10 students who come from Woodley Park, Fort Wellington and Bushlot Secondary Schools. “We get money to sustain this school by selling snacks such as plantain chips,

egg balls and pholurie. We were gifted a freezer recently and we are very grateful, because we will make ice, icicles, popsicle and ice cream, which will be sold to bring in much-needed funds for the school,” she said. Brummell stated that money garnered will be used to purchase raw materials for projects and practicals; their way of assisting students whose parents cannot afford to buy raw materials for classes. The teacher, however, stated that the Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre needs to be promoted, because often parents think skills training is a waste of time, but it is necessary for some children. She explained that some parents don’t see the subjects as being important, but it is adding that skills training is basically a back-up for pupils, who are not excellent performers and it will come in useful in their adult life. Brummell pointed out that the administration is seeking, as far as possible, to produce well-rounded individuals. She explained that although an individual may be academically inclined and be employed in a particular field; that individual may still be able to utilise whatever skills they would have acquired to generate additional income. Brummell noted that the aim of the Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre is to ensure that the skills which students would have acquired will be utilised to benefit themselves and their communities, particularly since such skills are always in demand, she said.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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Dason Langevine (Carl Croker photos)

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Small businesses are budding in

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Hopetown Focus on the Village

Dason Langevine’s roadside shop in Hopetown Village

By Michel Outridge OPETOWN Village, West Coast Berbice, is a place that is littered with shops at almost every street corner which provides a service to the community and also serves as encouragement for young people to become entrepreneurs. Dason Langevine is one of the young men who always wanted to become self-employed and after leaving school, he was determined to open his own business. Today, as a result of hard work and dedication, he is

H

the proud owner of a small business, a corner shop that is located at Cemetery Road, Hopetown, Public Road, making it an ideal spot for business. Langevine told the Pepperpot Magazine that since he finished high school he started his own business called ‘Red Shop Square.’ He has in stock a wide range of both local and imported beverages, packaged snacks and confectioneries. “I always knew I would work with myself because I don’t want no boss yelling at me and I do this business on my own time and it has been fruitful so far,” he said. “At 30 years old is the

same time I started out as a small-business owner and I am satisfied, because with the right mindset and willpower you can achieve your goals.” Langevine’ shop is opened from 08:00hrs up until the wee hours of the morning, depending on customer-flow. “My business is a success because the people in this village has[sic] supported me and they continue to daily and for that I am grateful,” he said. This businessman added that the people of Hopetown co-exist in unity and they support each other; as such, small businesses are able to flourish because they make

purchases within the community rather than going outside the village to do so. “For me this is a dream come true, because I have my own small business right in my village and being able to work right where you live is an accomplishment for me,” he explained. Soiree event Coincidentally, Langevine is one of the promoters, who would lend his services to the village annually around July 31, when the village would be transformed into a hive of activities for Emancipation celebrations. Langevine disclosed that he would normally organ-

ise a cultural programme showcasing ‘All Things African,’ which features clothing, craft, drumming/dance, food and beverages. This resident of Hopetown related that soiree in that village is only a one-day event, but he is of the opinion that it should be held for one week. “The one-day event is not enough to do everything; as such, more time is needed for us to really promote soiree and Emancipation as part of our culture and history,” he said. Langevine said soiree in Hopetown is traditional and villagers would beat African drums and dance to

the tempos through the village via the Public Road and when this happens everything would cease and that is the only thing that is featured. He added that soiree in Hopetown is an activity to which they look forward and it is always nice to welcome visitors and show them how soiree is supposed to be--the traditional way. Annually, on July 31, people from across Guyana would journey to Hopetown Village to attend the soiree that is hosted by the community. It is usually an all-night, all-day lime featuring African drumming, dance and related activities.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

The recent developments of

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Gordon Webster’s home

Hopetown Gordon Webster

By Michel Outridge

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ORDON Webster is one of the respected elders of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice and he is a learned man of many stories. He is a retiree of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who spent 33 years and eight months at the rank of Superintendent and was Officer-in-Charge of Brickdam Police Station ‘A’ Division under the guidance of then Commissioner of Police Balram Raghubir. The 84-year-old retired from the GPF in 1990 and now resides between Guyana and the United States of America (USA) but spends most of his time here in Guyana, in his hometown of Hopetown. Webster is well-known in his village and resides in a yard where there is a huge golden apple tree and has a wellkept garden of fruits and vegetables. The retired cop related that the village has developed over the years and it is improving where he observed there is the paving of all-weather streets and roads in the community. He reported that with the current administration, things are looking good as compared to before and the village has

received some attention. “We used to get power outages a lot before the government changed and that was a real problem for us but now we experience few power outages and when we do it restored in good time making it easy for people to plan ahead when doing business, especially storing perishables,” he said. Webster noted that the drainage in Hopetown is good so farmers don’t have to worry about their crops being destroyed by floodwaters and they try to maintain the general upkeep of the community. As compared to before, Webster told the Pepperpot Magazine that people are more inclined to return to Guyana because things are better and they can enjoy the same things as in other countries. He pointed out that on the West Coast Berbice wing, health care and education which are major ingredients for development in any society are more accessible. Webster commends the health care professionals at Fort Wellington Hospital for their prompt and reliable service, a facility he visits for check-ups. “I would leave there with a sense of satisfaction and hope after every visit because they would tend to you in

good time,” he said. The father of seven added that the village was one with many senior citizens but many have passed on as the years rolled by but he noted that the young people are thinking of development and have invented ways to make a living. He was alluding to the fact that he is proud of his son, the only one that resides in Guyana and in Hopetown, who is contributing to society in his own way. Webster said his son lives in Semple Street and has a general store, the only one in the village and provides a service for the community. “If people cannot afford to transport items bought at his store he has a vehicle and would assist them in taking it to their homes and it is a good thing to do,” he said. The senior citizen stated that as a villager it is always good to live a life of respect and do simple things for others, that way people will remember you as a role model. Webster said these days he is enjoying life in his hometown and is taking it easy having worked in the US for 15 years and eight months as a security personnel at a hospital. “Hopetown is home for me and it is a nice place to live and enjoy your retirement and golden years as an elderly,” he said.

Gordon Webster in his younger days as a policeman (Carl Croker photos)

A Street in Hopetown being paved

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Pitch-Black Comedy and Murder in ‘My Sister, the Serial Killer’

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Y I N K A N Braithwaite’s novel, ‘My Sister, the Serial Killer,’ brought to mind Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s famous Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” for two reasons. The first is that Adichie is Nigerian and the novel, set in Lagos, is written by another writer from the same country. The second reason has to do with the fact that Adichie’s Talk forces us to contemplate the multifaceted nature of identity, and how we are each not one thing only. This is broadened to encapsulate the arts, particularly with regard to what the duty of an artistic creator actually is, and how the expectations of readers and audience members can be shaped. Braithwaite’s novel, set in Nigeria, with Nigerian characters, and by a Nigerian author, does not concern itself with the stereotypical concerns that much of the reading public has been conditioned to expect from works by authors who live in Africa. ‘My Sister, the Serial Killer’ is not about race or war, nor does it concern itself with religion or post-colonialism. The novel is an old-fashioned thriller set in a modern world, with themes that resonate in the modern – such gender roles, the concepts of beauty and femininity, sibling relationships and rivalry, and the dynamics of power. Braithwaite’s novel is unique in that although it deals with murder, abuse, and other topical issues, it still manages to imbue the story with dark humour, comedy that transforms the narrative into a biting satire, particularly with regard to men and their haplessness in the face of conventional beauty. The plot of the novel revolves around two sisters, Korede, the elder, intelligent, focused one who works as a nurse, and her staggeringly beautiful younger sister, Ayoola, who is a fashion designer by trade, but by the beginning of the novel has already brutally murdered three men. Korede realises that her sister is a serial killer, as she claimed her third victim and maybe on the prowl for more. However, where another writer may have tried to pit the sisters against each other in some sort of cat-and-mouse game, Braithwaite chooses to go another route, making Korede complicit in the crimes of her sister, as it is Korede who uses her medical knowledge to get rid of traces of blood after Ayoola’s murders.

Korede tells her sister how to get rid of the body; Korede tells her what lies to say. The bond between the two is so strong that Korede, although she knows her sister is a psychopath, still has to maintain her duty as an elder sister by protecting Ayoola at all costs and ensuring that no harm comes to her. Of course, things take a dark turn when Ayoola next sets her eyes on Tade, the handsome doctor with whom Korede is in love.

her spoiled, pouty ways, such as yearning to return to social media instead of spending an appropriate time away ‘grieving’ for the ex-boyfriend who has gone ‘missing,’ or the scene in which she grudgingly comforts the relative of a man she has killed, for example, make her one of the most unique serial killers in all of literature. She is reminiscent of ‘cool girl’ Amy Dunne from Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl,’ but Ayoola is more optimistic.

“My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, 2018, Doubleday Books – Image Source: Goodreads”

‘My Sister, the Serial Killer’ thrives particularly due to the characterisation of the two central figures in the text. The siblings are the exact opposite of each other, and this not only builds tension in the story; it also helps to promote the writer’s wicked sense of humour. Ayoola, despite being a killer, has always liked for things to come to her easily. Men, gifts, money – she has never had to try really hard before and, therefore, she relies on the more grounded Korede for support after the murders when quick-thinking, tact, and restraint are needed. Ayoola’s near-disastrous mistakes and

She is the manic pixie dream girl version of a serial killer. Similarly, Korede is a particularly unique heroine, in that, up to a point, she has knowledge of her sister’s murders and assists her in getting rid of the bodies and all other evidence. Far from worrying about the character’s inability to ‘do the right thing,’ however, Braithwaite uses this to emphasise the deep love, trust, and protective instinct that the sisters have for each other. The novel comes to us from Korede’s perspective, and the text is written in such short bursts with Korede as such a compelling character that you

just keep reading on and on, hooked to her story in much the same way men get hooked to her sister. Braithwaite’s ability to both write and interweave humour to create a satirical, serial killer novel is extremely admirable. Her humour is big, like the stab of a knife or a punch in the gut. For example, in an early scene Braithwaite captures the humour, as well as Korede’s love for the doctor, Tade, her desire for acceptance, and the fact that she is the exact opposite of her sister, in one short scene when we are

given Korede’s poor attempt at seduction: As I exit the room, I swing my hips the way Ayoola is fond of doing. “Are you okay?” he calls after me… I turn to face him. “Hmmm?” “You are walking funny.” “Oh, uh – I pulled a muscle.” Shame, I know thy name. “My Sister, the Serial Killer” was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, and I think that it definitely deserved the honour as it is, from my perspective, an important piece of African

literature. Here we have a Nigerian story, an African story that does not play into the stereotypes. It is about a serial killer – and that is okay because Nigerian literature and African literature is more than just being about the things we know they are about. In this novel, we have a story about a different side of Nigeria. With this novel, we are given a story that continues to break the mould of African literature that has been formed on stories built with stereotypes, and for that, I am grateful.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

SCOTIA BANK WILL REMAIN IN GUYANA

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N November 2018,the Bank of Nova Scotia trading under the name of Scotia Bank, announced that it was selling its branches in Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Sint Maarten and St Vincent and the Grenadines to Republic Bank Financial Holdings(RBFH). This announcement was unexpected and even the branches of Republic Bank were unaware of the transaction and at the Annual General Meeting of the Guyana branch, the management could give no further information than what had been carried in the media. It, therefore, seemed that the deal was done at

the highest levels between RBFH and Scotia Bank. In Guyana, there was surprise at the suddenness of the announcement and the aura of secrecy surrounding the deal and there was immediate public opposition to it. Led by the consumer community, there was strong opposition to the deal, since it would result in Republic Bank moving into a monopolistic position to control credit and bank charges and eliminate whatever competition remained in the banking system, Republic Bank at the moment holds 35.5 per cent of the banking system’s assets and 36.5

percent of deposits and with Scotia’s assets and deposits, it would have been a monopoly. The customers of Scotia did their banking business there because it was an inter-

national institution and had no

wish to join Republic Bank. As indicated above, the Guyana Consumers Association

opposed the sale and the Consumer Concerns column carried two or three articles on how a monopoly could negatively affect the interests of consumers. The association did some lobbying and for instance, approached the Consumer and Competition Commission to throw their weight against the sale. It was felt that if Scotia

must sell, they should sell to t h e indigenous banks or a consortium of them. In any case, the Bank of Guyana did not permit the sale since, in the words of Dr Gobind Ganga, the Governor, “[takeover] would lead to systemic issues which would have affected the health of the financial system here. . .” After many months of silence, Scotia has said that it will not be selling its local branch. This decision could well have been prompted by the fact that Guyana has now become an oil-producing country with great financial and economic prospects. This is evidenced by the number of financial institutions that have been approaching the

Ministry of Finance to enter the Guyana market including the great American multi-national Citibank. Now that the Scotia issue has been settled, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana, the political parties and the citizenry should turn their attention to resolving the following banking issues: (i) Bringing the savings and lending rates of interest closer. At the moment, the savings rate is one percent while the lending rate is 12 per cent to 15 per cent . (ii) Bank charges should be reviewed to bring them in consonance with the lower charges that obtain elsewhere (iii) loans should be granted more easily. (iv) The Guyana diaspora send their relatives hundreds of millions of dollars each year, but the cost of transfer is at least 10 per cent, In other parts of the world, such remittances cost four per cent or even less.

LEAVING A Legacy

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

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T warms my heart when I experience people caring for others. I recently met Dr Anthony Bowen, who migrated to the U.S. many years ago. He attended Charlestown Secondary School. Last week he visited his alma mater and decided to contribute to his old school. He shared some inspiring words with the students and teachers. He pledged to give $500 with the possibility of an increase to the valedictorian every year as long as he lives. Ms Mc Bean who is the head mistress said, “It is always an honour when former students come back to give to their alma mater “ Dr Bowen came from humble beginnings and his achievements are a testimony of how hard work focus and never giving up can take you to the finish line. It also reminds us it is not where you start but where you finish. I was so impressed with the things he has been able to achieve in the United States. He told me it was his shift of mindset when he migrated that caused him to be intentional about life and adding value to him which puts him in a position to help his family and other people. Dr Anthony Bowen is a Senior Director Digital Marketing – Digital Practice Lead in Virtusa’s Consulting and Solutions practice overseeing Travel, Hospitality & Manufacturing (TMI), Communications, Media and

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

Entertainment (CMIE) and Banking & Finance (GNEUS). He successfully leads the PenFed Mobile Banking App Engagement and the PenFed Adobe Multi-Solution Implementation with AEM, Campaign, Analytics and Target integration. In addi-

tion Adobe Campaign for 15 domains with F&W Media. People’s United Bank, Ally Bank and Cisco Meraki Digital Transformation with 3rd party technology with Salesforce, Tealium, GA, AWS Cloud, Marketo, and DFA. He is a former Graduate Mar-

keting Professor for JWMI Executive MBA Program and Southern New Hampshire University. Most recently, he was a digital marketing executive for Cablevision/Altice and Hilton Worldwide. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with

a concentration in Project Management from Northcentral University, and Project Leadership Certificate from Cornell University, Project Management certificate from NYU and IT Management from Rutgers. He is an Advisory Board member for the American Academy of Project Management(AAPM) and holds the MPM, CIPM and PME certifications in Project Management. He is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation. He is experienced in digital media, process improvement, program and project management (SDLC) (PLC) skills working with external and internal partners. With strong Digital Multi-Channel and Cross-Device expertise in B2B /B2C traffic generation via SEO/SEM, PPC, CPC, online advertising, social media, mobile media, video and customer engagement. SME Digital Project Management certified trainer. Experience with programmatic display media technologies and plat-

forms (DSPs, DMP) with contextual, affinity, look-alike audience, and behavioural targeting, among many other accolades. I believe that the diaspora has a signature to make on this country. Imagine if a large percentage of Guyanese in the diaspora can contribute in a large or small way to the school they attended. I admire his passion for a significant contribution to humanity. He is also an active member of the LOVE REVOLUTION movement. He was recently in Panama with a strong message of care for each other and the environment. If we all join in this campaign to encourage each other to display love and compassion for each other, animals and the environment the world will be a place we will enjoy living in. Let’s ponder on this quote by Germany Kent: “If you’re not reaching back to help anyone then you’re not building a legacy ”- as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

The CJIA:

HE aviation sector of any country is critical to its growth and development, facilitating the movement of the travelling public for business and leisure. While significant investments have been made over the years to boost the capacity and efficiency of Guyana’s primary port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), since taking office in 2015, the David Granger administration has undertaken to ensure that the CJIA Expansion Project comes to fruition. The President believes that with a modern airport comes efficiency, high standards and quality service, where an increasing number of investors, tourists and the travelling public can be processed in a timely manner. This, he has said, is critical as Guyana, a new petroleum state, embarks on massive economic transformation, even as it endeavours to cement its role as the gateway to the Caribbean and South America. During a visit to the CJIA in January 2018, to take a first-hand look at the project, President Granger said the government recognises that investment in public infrastructure was vital to putting Guyana on par with other nations in the Caribbean, South America and farther afield. “This is the entry point for the modern state. It is very important to our development. Infrastructure would attract tourists and now that we are embarking on a new industry, people would want to come in their numbers and they should be coming to Guyana at a modern airport. In time to come, we should be able to put a time on visitors, meaning that no visitor should [have] to spend more than 10 minutes in the airport,” the Head of State said. In addition to the improvements being made to the CJIA to mirror modern, international ports of entry; to enhance its capacity to facilitate larger carriers and to improve overall passenger experience, upgrades are also being made to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, as well as a number of internal airstrips. In this edition of Government in Action, we explore how

Enhanced pa improved inf

the upgrades at the CJIA have impacted traveller experience and the overall operations at the airport.

[has] modernised and I think it’s fit for purpose, in that it caters for where we are going as a nation,” Ms. Gooding said.

Passenger experiences Expatriate, Mr. Tim Swain, a Drilling Supervisor on the Stena Carron drill ship, said he has been travelling frequently between Guyana and Brazil over the last four years and he has seen significant improvements at the CJIA. “Three to four years ago, it was very basic and… what we have now is up to normal standards for an airport. With the introduction of the check-ins, the access wings to the plane, back three years ago you had to make the run in the rain. The facilities have improved over the last three years, obviously the immigration is a lot more efficient, [especially] the baggage-handling. I only got off the plane 10 minutes ago and I’m already through. Before, sometimes you were looking at one and a half to two hours. So, everything is advanced from the training of the people to the facilities itself,” Mr. Swain said. Overseas-based Guyanese, Ms. Corinne Sinclair, said for her it’s great to come back to Guyana and walk into an airport of international standard. She added that her last visit to the country was in 2017 and her experience at the airport has changed a lot since then. “I’m surprised they did so much in the few years, it looks like magic… The airport was an older airport, an older model airport. You got off; you walked in; you came through. This one has been built up to something that you can walk into a sheltered area and come through, collect your bags, get through customs and so, that’s nice. It’s an upgrade and I hear great things are happening,” Ms. Sinclair said. Project Manager of the CJIA Expansion Project, Ms. Carissa Gooding, said the project is 93 per cent complete. “We have really grown from where we were to where we are. The project in itself is very timely and from talking to [passengers], they are happy that the first thing that greets them is no longer sun or rain, but an air-conditioned boarding bridge that leads you to a very comfortable facility… It

Increased capacity The departure terminal was increased from 20 to 32 check-in counters and is also expected to feature several self-service check-in kiosks that will allow passengers with electronic tickets the option to choose their seats, check-in and print their boarding passes several hours before departure without waiting to use a standard check-in desk. Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) CJIA, Mr. Andre Kellman said the airport has seen a rapid increase in travellers since the expansion began. Passenger arrivals at the CJIA grew from 250,000 in 2015 to over 346,000 by the end of 2019. This represents an over 20 per cent increase in travelling; in 2019 alone arrivals grew by seven per cent. “We have seen our passenger numbers increasing every year and with the expansion project in place, we have now gone to a runway of 11,200 feet… That by itself is an encouragement for other carriers around the world to be interested in what we have here. Coupled with that, we have the oil and gas sector booming and, with this size of runway, it… gives rise to any accommodation that they might want, including equipment and personnel… So what we do as a team is that we plan for this growth, and we prepare our staff to respond to these eventualities,” Mr. Kellman said. Customer satisfaction Passenger comfort is also a priority. The CJIA’s new design is wheelchair accessible and caters for persons who may have mobility challenges. This includes the primary service areas, such as the departure lounges and the washroom facilities. The airport will soon be increasing its complement of duty-free shops and Guyana shops. The DCEO said as we get closer to Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary, the airport will begin to offer arriving passengers an opportunity to experience a variety of Guyanese foods and culture with displays of masquerade and

The capacity of the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was, on Friday morning, tested when the cargo aircraft Atlas Air (747-400) N475MC landed. The aircraft, considered a very large cargo aircraft that is available for lease around the world, was the first to utilise the newly constructed apron at the CJIA for Code D and E sized aircraft. The Boeing 747-400 at its maximum take-off weight of 800,000 lbs, usually requires an expansive runway capacity for landing or take-off and CJIA was able to meet this requirement (Photo courtesy of the CJIA.)

The approach to the boarding gates at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

assenger experience through frastructure and services II

other festive performances. “We’re the first window to Guyana and so we try to make the passenger experience a welcoming one. If you look around the airport now, the tidiness, the pictures, the sculptures… We just awarded a contract with Impressions [a local printing and advertising firm], so all the ads are going to go through Impressions and they are going to be putting up all the nice designs,IIthe electronic displays and that kind of thing. So that by itself will add a better welcome experience to the passenger, making them feel more relaxed; and with the expanded immigration booths and the customs, it’s a combination of faster processing. So, you’re in and out in no time. That should be more than welcoming for the passenger arriving,” Mr. Kellman said.

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has already signed several air service agreements to allow for more direct flights. Additionally, several airlines have Overseas-based Guyanese, Ms. expressed an interest in starting their operations here. These Corinne Sinclair, who recently include Eastern Airlines, which will start operations next travelled through the Cheddi month and Jet Blue, which is scheduled to begin operations Jagan International Airport said can in April. she was pleased with the efficient take o ff “Signing an air service agreement is like the platform service in the new, modern PEPPERPOT airport CHRONICLE that― or the foundation of any airline wanting to fly to Guyana. f r o m way,” Already, we have in place 42 agreements signed with oth- r u n Mr. Field said. er states. We have agreements with a number of African Additionalstates: Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and I could go on. We Director-General of the Guyana ly, before the end of have agreements signed with European states and Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), 2020,Colonel a new and modern InstruLieutenant (retired), also, as you saw, not too long ago, we signed mentField, Landing Egbert A.A System (ILS) with the country of Qatar. We are setting the will be installed, which groundwork for aviation,” the director-genwill allow an aircraft to Achieving international standards eral said. fly up to 200 feet above The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is the lead The airport’s new design caters for Mr. Tim Swain, a frequent traveller ground before landing. agency tasked with ensuring that Guyana’s airCHRONICLE transportation the processing of over― 500 persons per 2, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 2, 2020 through the Cheddi Jagan PEPPERPOT February 2020 Overseas-based Guyanese, Ms. The use of the sector conforms to the International Civil Aviation Organ- hour for every arrival and departure. International Airport, Timehri, ILS is Corinne Sinclair, who recently expected reduce East Bank Demerara laudedtothe isation’s (ICAO) standards and recommended practices. The four new boarding bridges can travelled through the Cheddi instances of aborted improvements there These standards serve as a measure of ensuring proper allow the airport to facilitate up to four Jagan International Airport said landing, especially occupational, safety and health practices and efficiency of airplanes at once for arrival and deparshe was pleased with the efficient during bad weather. the air transportation service. Guyana has made significant ture. To this end, Mr. Field emphasised service in the new, modern airport progress in becoming compliant with these standards. that Guyana is boosting its capacity to The evolution Director-General of the GCAA, Lieutenant-Colonel process larger aircraft and increased Deputy, Chief Executive of the CJIA (retired) Egbert Field, A.A., said in 2007 Guyana was only incoming and outgoing passengers at Officer (CEO), of The the Cheddi Jagan CJIA has been a 42.4 per cent compliant with the ICAO requirements. The the same time. Director-General of the Guyana International Airport, Timehri, commercial airspace since Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), most recent evaluation done in late January 2020 revealed “Before, an East1945. Bank ItDemerara, was known as the Lieutenant Colonel (retired), Guyanese, Ms. that it isOverseas-based now 76.9 per cent compliant, raft Mr. Andre Kellman Guyanese, Ms.compared with the a i r cOverseas-based Egbert Field, A.A Atkinson Aerodrome then, Corinne Sinclair, who recently 65 per cent worldSinclair, average.who recently wantCorinne until it was renamed the Timehri travelled through the Cheddi “Whattravelled this doesthrough [is] it increases our safety level. What is i n g the Cheddi International Airport in 1969 and later the opposite of International safety? The opposite of safety is chaos. The t o Jagan International Airport said Jagan Airport said she was pleased with the efficient Cheddi Jagan International Airport in she pleased with theand efficient opposite ofwas safety are accidents we want to move away f Tim l y Swain, a frequent the Mr. traveller service in the new, modern airport 1997, the death of President Cheddi Jagan. At service the new, airport from that… It in enhances themodern safety level to the point where through the following Cheddi Jagan that time, the airport had a runway of approximately 7,000 International Airport, Timehri, airlines want to come to Guyana because they are coming feet and Guyana Airways East Bank Demerara lauded the was one of the airlines operating into safe zones. So, [in] remaining at that time. there improvements compliant and increasing Director-General of the Guyana Over the last four years, the CJIA’s departure terminal Director-General of the Guyana our compliance, Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has been renovated and now boasts 12 additional check-in there are Lieutenant Colonel (retired), Lieutenant Colonel (retired), points; a new arrival terminal has been constructed to ina lot of Egbert Field, A.A Egbert Field, A.A clude three new duty-free shops; four boarding bridges have beneDeputy, Executive been Chief installed; the runway has been expanded by 190 metres fits Officer (CEO), of the Cheddi Jagan and a remote apron measuring 15,679 square metres has a s International Airport, Timehri, Mr. Tim Swain, a frequent traveller been built to accommodate parking for two larger aircraft Mr. Tim Swain, a frequent traveller we East Bank Demerara, through the Cheddi Jagan in accordance with the ICAO Aerodrome Reference codes through the Cheddi Jagan from Mr. Andre Kellman International Airport, Timehri, ‘D’ and ‘E’ which are “a two part categorisation of aircraft International Airport, Timehri, GuyEast Bank Demerara lauded the East Bank Demerara lauded the types”. Two new blast pads have also been constructed, ana, l e t ’ s improvements there improvements there s a y to Europe, among other upgrades. With the advent of oil production, Guyana is on the cusp because of the take-off of experiencing massive transformational economic growth weight being marginal, [the airand the government is cognisant that in this new ‘Decade of craft] would have to take-off from Guyana and they would Development,’ improvements in infrastructure and access Deputy, Chief Executive have had to land at either Port of Spain [in Trinidad and TobaDeputy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Cheddi Jagan move go] or Grantley Adams, [Barbados] to refuel before crossing to modern facilities services and facilities are essential to Officer (CEO), of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, along,” the Atlantic. Now, with the length of runway we have, that a good life. International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, With the advent of oil production, the Government Mr. Field weight does not become critical. They can fuel up, take off, East Bank Demerara, Andre Kellman Mr. Andre Kellman said. and head to Europe Mr. or the Middle East. That is how critical is cognisant that in this new ‘Decade of Development’ He also said G u y a n a it is when we talk about the extension… The largest aircraft improvements in infrastructure and access to modern facilities services and facilities are essential to a good life.

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West Indian Cherry

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HIS week, NAREI in Focus will look at cherry production

in Guyana. The cherry or West Indian (WI)Cherry, Malpighia punicifolia

is a small bushy tree of the Family Malpighiaceae with bright, red-coloured

fruit which contains the highest level of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for an

individual fruit. In addition to consumption as a local fruit, WI cherry has traditionally been used at the household level for making juices (pure or blended with other fruits), jellies and preserves. CULTIVATION Seeds should be taken from mature fruits selected from healthy high-bearing plants. They are separated from the pulp, washed and dried at room temperature away from direct sunlight. After drying the seed would remain good for about one month if stored in a cool dry place. Where it is necessary to guarantee the reproduction of selected types, propagation by cuttings in special humidity bins or misting units is usually conducted. Sweet types are selected for the fresh-fruit market, while more acid types are required for the processing industry. Sowing of the seeds can be done in prepared seedbeds, boxes or plant bags. The seed should be planted about one cm below the surface and covered with a thin layer of soil. During germination and early growth, the seedlings should be shaded and receive adequate but not excessive water. Soils It is possible to grow West Indian cherries in a wide range of soil types. However, highest yields are obtained from trees growing on well-drained soils with more or less neutral reaction i.e. neither acid (sour) or alkaline (sweet). Given that most of the soils in Guyana are acid in reaction, a significant response can be expected from liming, which is the main way of reducing soil acidity. In sandy soils, the plant may be affected by nematodes which live in the soil. The recommended practice to overcome this is treatment of the soil with a nematicide. However, liming and the use of mulches will also be helpful. Field layout, land-shaping, drainage systems, planting-hole preparation, plant spacing and time of planting depend on the area where the planting will be done. The characteristics of cultivars to

be planted (upright and open or spreading and bushy canopy) and the type of planting material (rooted cuttings or seedlings) are also important considerations. Wide inter-row spacing, narrow cambered beds, deep drains, raised mounds, are some of the possible measures that may be adopted for overcoming adverse field conditions. Planting just before the onset of the rainy season is the recommended practice. It may be possible to plant continuously if supplementary irrigation is available during the drier seasons. Planting Cherry seedlings are ready for planting out in the field when they are about 46 cm (18 ins) high. Planting should be conducted during the wet season while there is still moisture in the topsoil. The recommended spacing for pure stand cultivation is 4.5 m x 4.5 m (15’ x 15’) giving a population of 500 plants per hectare (200 plants per acre). For mixed stands or intercropping systems, a lower plant population may be necessary, Planting holes are dug to a size to accommodate the plant in the bag but usually around 30 cm (1 ft.) in length, width and depth. The topsoil removed in digging the plant hole could be mixed with rotted pen manure, compost or some phosphate fertiliser. Some of this mixed soil is then returned to the planting hole before putting the plant. The plant bags in which plants are usually supplied should be carefully removed so as to keep the root ball intact. The plants are then placed in the holes following which the balance of the topsoil is returned to fill the holes and thoroughly compressed. If conditions are dry the plants should be watered. As part of their cultivation system, growers need to consider •Intercropping •Closer spacing & subsequent thinning out to the required spacing.

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Thinking outside the box; extending the economics of Guyana against the real challenge within the box

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N 2016, I read and filed an article developed around an address Stanley Ming had given to a graduation class previously. Kaieteur News 26, Nov. 2017, Ming in a very profound presentation, insisted on the new perspective young people should nurture towards job creation. Stanley is the only successful businessman to have expounded on the subject. This required an independent awareness in the face of new trends and realities of employment and livelihood, that the silent governance of modernisation-technology and its long reaches had silently inflicted upon global labour and thinking. I have executed several articles from

the box’ or OTB- my abbreviation, that in its concept stage is not defined, or easily explained, because as it is defined, it is being edited, adjusted and reshaped. I can offer some personal experiences on the evidence of many artists and talented artisans who turned away from their craft, for the typical accepted index of employment permitted on the narrow perspective of ‘feeding yuh self’ that would receive a nod from colleagues and relatives, some because they didn’t want to labour towards the next phase, which is indeed a difficult and lonely task, with others the puzzled expressions where support was expected, humbled them. When the President referred to the curse of the ‘Six sis-

concerned with the nature of any new business endeavour has to be designed with procedure templates to allow for easy passage. Most entrepreneurs learn along the way, by reading trade books and biographies from other countries; but regardless of what we learn from external examples, understand what we legally have at home, with respect to legal support in relation to our laws. We must remember that the ”Six Sisters” and their 19th-century bureaucracy have become rigid with tentacles across not considered areas, and a closer look most likely will be depressing, as depressing as when I discovered the dismal reality of our Intellectual

2015 onwards on this similar theme. Stanley was direct; he reflected and warned against the cultural-colonial template that certification (qualifications) Degrees and PhDs are the magical grades for all knowledge and success. I can clarify in what sense that reference was made. It is all good about getting a tertiary education, those are encouraged goals, but there is a special ingredient invested in humans that we call talent and vision, that propel us to make the unusual happen. It’s referred to as ‘The cutting edge’. It’s a calling, seeing the obvious that no one else is seeing, and having the passion to go after it, which most times is a solitary journey, especially if you’re not just mimicking an existing template. Tertiary achievements must be applied in related streams, and not expected to morph, especially in the ‘Outside-of-the-box’ stage. I have experienced and know that especially in the management towards the development of entrepreneurial skills, persons with opposing certification are placed in charge who successfully undermine, create obstacles and with clueless, parallel agendas circumvent the intended purpose, and are unable to recognise, much less initiate the next phase. A colleague briefed me recently about one such scenario that involved training in the jewellery industry; and therein lies the problem, that thinking outside of the box requires fixing the consciousness within the box, in respect to most of ‘Outside of

ters,’ meaning our fixation on our export industries inherited from the colonial era, the usual ready to criticise, with their short-sighted views, but eager collaborating media expounded. The criticism went far beyond their understanding; he was referring to our public systems and economic imagination that are tied exclusively to those specific inheritances and required functioning moulds, de-emphasising and ambivalent to the potential of every other un-regularised, unregulated skill and talent. None of the critics offered anything else but criticisms of everything to impress the ‘simple,’ but never an inspiring vision on anything, but only as clueless litigants against any effort to expand or redefine the popular age-old drudgery and its ‘time-warped’ work songs. This mode of thinking had become petrified in many areas on our stage. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous bodybuilder and actor, in an interview referred to America and Austria- his place of birth, words to effect: “In Austria, if you say you want to do this, they will give you 11 reasons why it can’t be done. In America, they say go for it.” In relation to Guyana, they tell you, “ Duh’s a good idea, but yuh should go abroad boy.” You get the agreement and acknowledgement, but not the home-launch nod, and not without good reason. But that’s changing, but the optimism has to come with a sober realisation that every bureaucratic support system

Property Laws in the 90s. I then understood why 70 per cent of our talented citizens were poor and died that way, It was frightening, because I was one of them then, sometime in their past. I understood more the President’s reference to the psychosis of the ‘Six Sisters’ and could have predicted the pedestrian responses. Another dismal reality came home to me after 1992. That the complex world of ‘Thinking Outside of the Box’ is divided as opposing elements, when it comes to our two major political parties, that any advancement of creative businesses and their supporting protective laws can only come from the APNU+AFC coalition, not the PPP. They have not evolved to even understand the value and self-discipline of the individual mind, or perhaps, they despise its existence. They will smother its potential and relegate its value to servility, while adhering to the very international dictates if they are to benefit directly. A dismal and terrifying mentality, back in the day they were stringent when NCN hosted World Cup etc. No local advertisers could use any related logo or motif or character design from their licensed product, but in the same breath, they justified the copying of school textbooks--weird but true. This is not about politics; it’s about economics, mainly the economics in the Guyana sense of ‘Thinking Outside of the Box.’

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UR world is evolving rapidly. Over the past decade, there have been unprecedented changes not only in our environment, but also in the areas of health, science and technology, consumption patterns, even the way we socialise. We have become accustomed to convenience and living in the fast lane; we are always on the go. Moreover, we have grown accustomed to plastic products; they make up almost everything we own. Plastics, however, while they are useful, cheap and easily accessible, have had longterm consequences on our health and the environment. Moreover, single-use plas-

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The impending ban on single-use plastic products (SUPP) tics have become very problematic and plastic pollution has now become a global problem. Therefore, regulation and appropriate systems to deal with plastic pollution have to be implemented. Guyana will, therefore, join with countries around the world to ban some single-use plastic products commencing, January 2021. Consequently, your contribution is vital to this process. The agency invites you to join the consultations in your area, participate in the social media campaigns and share your views on the proposed ban. In this regard, the EPA will be having a series of newspaper articles, radio and TV programmes and other

exciting fora throughout the year to engage the public on this very important issue. WHAT ARE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS? Single-Use Plastic Products are: * intended to be used once; * petroleum-based, made of polystyrene/Low Density (LD) Polyethylene; * environmentally persistent; and * low recycling potential. Who does the impending ban target? The proposed ban is on the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS AND OTHER SIN-

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

GLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS including plastic plates, food containers, cups, straws, and utensils (spoons, knives, forks), beginning in 2021. Items targeted for the ban • Plastic carrier bags • Plastics straws • Plastic cups • Plastic plates • Plastic food containers

• Plastic spoons, knives & forks

Items to be exempted SUP for; • The storage of garbage • Packaging of pharmaceuticals • Packaging of hygiene products • Storage/preservation of food

• Packaging of industrial chemicals • Use in scientific research, biomedical sciences, chemical analysis. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or join a consultation in your area to learn more about the impending single-use plastic products and how you can be prepared.

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Just go outside! T ODAY we are back on the topic of simple things that we can do to improve our mental health. Today is the simplest of all- just go outside! The Sun and the Vitamin D that it provides, have tremendous effects on both our mental and physical health. You don’t even necessarily have to be active in the sun to benefit from it. I think so many people view the hot sun as a negative thing but it actually increases so many positive hormones such as Vitamin D, serotonin and nitric oxide which are responsible for positivity, happiness and energy. We can actually feel the difference, can’t we? When we wake up and look outside, most of us feel gloomy and lazy if it’s raining, more so than if it wasn’t.

THE SUN’S BENEFITS GO BEYOND FIGHTING STRESS The sun can even prevent a wide range of diseases as the Ultra Violets (UV) rays from it work as an anti-inflammatory which means it actually helps to kill infection in the body. While excess sun may cause some cancers (such as skin), studies show that moderate sunlight with the proper protection actually prevents some cancers such as colon, ovarian and prostate by up to 60 per cent. The extra sunlight even helps our bones to healthily grow as Vitamin D is associated with a decrease in osteoporosis. Sunlight also decreases skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Basically, skin cancer may happen when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin and damage cell DNA. There is no recommendation for how long someone should stay in the sun as it depends on individual skin type as well as how direct the sun’s rays are. My research showed a few things; that people with fairer skin will get a sunburn faster than those with darker skin and the sun’s rays are more direct (harsher) between 10:00hrs and 16:00hrs. According to the World Health Organistion (WHO), every individual should get an average of 15 minutes of sun more than three times per week. Sun on their arms, legs and face. If you’re going out for a short term, it is better to not put on sunblock. However, if you are going outside for more than 15 minutes, it

is advised to protect the skin. There are even quite a few disorders that surface because of weather; the most common being Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a form of depression that describes the changes in our emotions, mood and behaviour during unwanted weather patterns. When it is not sunny, some people feel sad, lethargic and even hopeless. Many studies in various other countries show that depression is higher during winter months than summer or spring. I’m sure many of you may feel this way when we experience our rainy season. SAD is different from regular depression in the sense where the individual will recover when the weather patterns change to brighter/ sunnier days. Many studies have further proven that Vitamin D helps to reduce the onset of depression overall. We can imagine why as bad weather forces us to stay indoors and provides very little opportunity for our bodies to experience natural light. It’s important to understand that our bodies basically function by light. We sleep at night because a specific hormone, melatonin, is produced in our brains when it becomes dark, preparing our bodies for sleep. Light decreases the amount of melatonin produced which is why it is harder for us to sleep during the day but easier for us to sleep when it is raining and not very sunny. For those of you who work nights and sleep during the day, it is important for you to add in other healthy activities that may make up for the loss of Vitamin D and the daily influx of melatonin. These include exercising and eating a healthy and balanced diet. Exercise will release the positive endorphins that you would have received from the sun. Some studies show that exercise is even more beneficial than anti-depressant drugs in the cases of mild depression. Healthy food has an impact on our mood and even our ability to cope with stress. Fermented foods such as yoghurt as well as foods with high omega 3 fats, such as walnuts or salmon are ideal for good mental health. Remember that exposure to long periods of sun is dangerous, so it is important to use sunscreen which protects our skin from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, and from sunburn. This decreases our chances of developing

various types of skin cancer. If you work nights and therefore must sleep during the day, I suggest you visit your nearest pharmacy and purchase some Vitamin D

and some melatonin to take during the day. However, natural would be best whenever you can. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any top-

ics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday –

08:00hrs-12:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

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e can participate in the general elections and be part of a specific political party without the prejudice of another race in the very process. Sometimes, I am a bit

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

Leave racism behind for the General Elections 2020 skeptical to talk and discuss politics and the culture/ tone of it with others. I share that same sentiment with my writings as well. Politics, in this context, Guyana politics - can be a very sensitive topic. Of course, in our country, the

words ‘politics’ and ‘race’ often go hand-in-hand. I am uncomfortable at times because of the discussions and issues that arise during the election season. I am discouraged sometimes to even practise my democratic voting rights because of the

upsetting mood our country is in during this time. As a writer, my mind wanders off sometimes to dark, unusual and augmented places. A while back, my mind generated a question; “What if we had to send away all of the racist

people to anothor someof the sort, empty do you think Guyana will be?” I

cannot fully answer my own question. H o w ever, a s -

of Guyana er country thing how

from sumptions based on m y Facebook timeline, overhearing conversations in public transportation and personal experiences with strangers and family/friends; I’d say Guyana would be very empty. Our National Motto is, ‘One people, one nation and one destiny’ but the meaning of such a significant slogan gets lost and even misinterpreted during the election season. Friends become foes and people ‘hit heads’ on whose party is better. Surely enough, almost every country faces such dismay at times but I expected better from my country and its citizens for many reasons. I expected better because our oppressors are nowhere to be found here anymore and we have fought to gain our independence--together. I expected better because Guyana has been hurt many times because of racism and hate and she while she is still healing from old wounds, we still try to inflict more on her. I expected better because my parents are both of different races but yet still never gave up on their love despite the discrimination they faced. I also expected better because I see many young people campaigning for public office and we’re still stuck on old rules and systems. I guess new faces do not always equate to new ways of getting things done. I expected a whole lot from Guyana and her citizens but

what else a naive me think change?

could girl like I’d see After all, mummy always told m e that,

“ e x pectations always lead to disappointments”. By any means, none o f what I said was meant for a specific political party but if you feel offended by my propositions on racial tactics and politics, then you should reconsider the manifesto of your choice. I am of mixed heritage. I have always been in the middle of these arguments, overlooking the causes and outcomes. I strongly disagree with anyone who thinks that race and politics should be correlated. Newsflash: we can participate in the general elections and be part of a specific political party without the prejudice of another race in the very process. You do not have to agree with every statement I have made thus far but I do hope you at least understand that if we want to develop as a nation there is no space for unwanted hate and discrimination. I was told once that words are perhaps the most weapons of the world. So, here I am, yet again using my platform to enlighten you all on an issue that has plagued our country for decades-- it’s about time it stops. Let’s not only remember this when it’s election time, but we should also make it into a lifestyle. Hopefully, by 2025, we worry less about race and we focus more on the actual political change we need in this beautiful country we all call home.

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The importance of a portfolio W H E T H E R you’re considering pursuing an art career or furthering your art studies, having an art portfolio is a necessity. A portfolio is a collection of work that shows your performance and learning; it is essential for every artist’s development. It helps admissions officers in their decision-making of whether or not you are a good fit for their schools. Your portfolio is usually the most important part of your application because it lets schools see first-hand, the works you have created. They are also useful during exhibitions as viewers who are simply curious can learn about the artist and his work. In Guyana, I

your work and track its improvement over time. Thus, having a portfolio creates a greater appreciation for the art process, both for the artist and the viewer. In addition to a physical portfolio, a digital portfolio is also a great asset. With today’s technology, digital portfolios have become very popular. Digital portfolios are convenient because they can be submitted via e-mail and edited, corrected, reduced or extended, without the need to redo the entire document. However, when making a digital portfolio, be sure to back up all your information on an external hard-drive or a flash drive. This protects your work in the event of a computer crash or a virus. When creating your port-

A dis Ya Version, acrylic painting by Alyce Cameron

usually notice portfolios at graduation exhibitions but seldom at professional ones. The displaying of portfolios is something that should be practised even after studies. I believe that portfolios can be a positive addition to an exhibition experience. As previously mentioned in another column, visual arts comprise knowledge, skills and values. It’s about art-making, art history, art appreciation and art criticism. These documented activities appeal mainly to the sense of sight and are used to judge

folio, it is crucial to demonstrate your point of view and identity. Every artist has his/ her speciality and he/she must make sure that he/she is the master of his/her medium. When portfolios are displayed or distributed, both the work of art and the artist are judged. This judgement often attracts feedback which can be both negative or positive. A portfolio should contain the following: * Information and images you have researched * Developmental studies for artworks

* Artworks created from activities and exercises * Photographs * Sketches * Jotting for ideas * Final artworks

Many artists tend to focus on presenting photographs of final pieces in their portfolios. This may be acceptable in certain instances; for example, if

one is acquiring a new client where the focus is simply on the finished product. However, there is usually much room for depth and detail in a portfolio. There are many

exhibitions planned for this year, and I would like to see some portfolios of work when I visit. So if you’re exhibiting work this year, be sure to prepare a portfolio.

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On the ... In Guyana, cricket is the #1 sport, everybody supports it. On the other hand, basketball was the total opposite but he still didn’t pay any mind to that. Kevon always had a feeling in his gut that this sport will take him to places in life and even add as an extension to his education in college for free. He stressed that “It is all about being optimistic about the future, so if you think you’re wasting your time playing basketball in Guyana keep playing and keep working on your craft, you will be

as if he’s at home now but he still misses the tropical sun of Guyana a lot-- he dislikes the cold! Currently, he is a college basketball player, attending Monroe College. He represented his Guyana in basketball many times. Wiggins managed to gain second place in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation under 16 tournament held in Guyana, he gained first place in scoring in the centrobasket U17 tournament held in The Dominican Republic, bringing a CBC senior championship

Kevon Wiggins

recognised someday and go places.” Basketball taught him many life lessons and he also met great teachers and friends who believed in him and saw his true potential at the time along with his parents and family. To strive for greatness and be the best person one can be is what he is trying to do every day. Moving to the United States of America from Guyana was not an easy task for him to do. He had to adapt to the culture and, as he puts it, “Learn how to speak properly”. He also had to learn how to travel back and forth from Guyana to the U.S. It was very difficult at first but he overcame all the obstacles by observing and learning from friends and colleagues in the US. It feels

to his country and the most important accomplishment of them all is that he is now attending school--free of charge. His future plan is to become a professional basketball player. If by chance that does not work out then he hopes to become a sports agent or a business administrator, because of his field of study in college. Kevon Wiggins encourages young and upcoming basketball players like himself to: “Never give up and always be optimistic. You should always remember you’re a student before an athlete, your education always comes first because you could always fall back on that if basketball doesn’t work out.”

FROM PAGE VIII ←

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English February 9, 2020

THOUGHT for TODAY: Hence no force however great can stretch a cord however fine into an horizontal line which is accurately straight. WILLIAM WHEWELL (1794-1866) Elementary Treatise on Mechanics, (1819), ch. IV, prob. ii. An example of accidental metre and rhyme, changed in later edition. STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

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eep a diary or notebook for it can be very useful for you even at this time. You can monitor your learning progress and note points of which you wish to be reminded. You can also record new ideas and bits of information right on-the-spot. A diary is your companion in study. Think about your future always. Love you. THE EXCERPT Night is falling. It is getting dark. You can barely see. But now … Lights come on. Car headlights sweep the road. Windows light up. Neon lights glow red and green. Street lights shine; bright as noon. So, who cares if it is night? But what if you are camping in a forest? Or a storm blows down power lines? Then the night would be inky. To see, you would have only star twinkle, or the moon’s pale shine. Until about 1900, when electric power networks began spreading, that is how nights were: dark. Roger Ekirch, an historian at Virginia Tech., studies those long-ago dark nights. For light, our ancestors had only candles, hearth fires, torches, walnut-oil lamps. And that made their nights different from ours. “It used to be, when it got dark, people felt edgy,” Ekirch says. He studies the years from about 1500 to 1830, when mostly only the wealthy could afford even candles. Our ancestors imagine werewolves roaming at night, and demons. In their minds, they populated the darkness with witches, fairies, and elves, and malignant spirits. Night had real dangers too – robbers and murderers, but also ditches and ponds you could fall into. What was it like, when nights were so dark? To find out, Roger Ekirch has combed through old newspapers, diaries, letters, everything from court orders to sermons. He had pondered modern scientific research, too. He had found that, before the invention of electric lights, our ancestors considered night a different “season.” At night, they were nearly blind. And so, to them, day and night

seemed as different as summer and winter. They even had special words for night. Some people called the last rays of the sun “sun suckers.” …. And those darkness-loving criminals? They were “moon cursers.” …. About the Excerpt This kind of writing is called informational material. Writing like this can be found as an article in a magazine. A magazine article is a short work of non-fiction. Some articles are human-interest stories that offer insights about interesting people. Some explain or investigate specific subjects, like animal behaviour or a new technology. There are often additional attached features. See how this writer begins with an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to keep readers interested in reading more! See how the title at the bottom of the excerpt is meant to grab readers’ interest while revealing something important about the article’s subject! What to Do Respond to the following questions: 1. How do you see the following phrases and sentences helping readers to appreciate the content of the article? Underline the word or words used figuratively. a) “Car headlights sweep the road.” b) “Street lights shine, bright as noon.” c) “Then the night would be inky.” d) “In their minds, they populated the darkness with witches, fairies, and elves, and malignant spirits.” 2. Who is the narrator of the story? What role does the narrator play in this non-fiction article? 3. Detail to what extent the writer shows appreciation for the research done by Roger Ekirch. 4. After noting the style and purpose of writing in this non-fiction magazine article, attempt one of your own choice of topic. You and your study partners could add finesse to it. WRITING 1.. Finding out the main idea of a passage To find out the main idea of a passage, you must be able to distinguish the main idea from supporting details. The process becomes a little harder when the main

idea is not actually stated. That is when there is a topic idea and not an actual topic sentence presented to the reader. In that case, you need to get at the general meaning of the paragraph. Here is a paragraph, read it through thoroughly and find out its main idea. Respond to the questions at the end. The first agent Leamas lost was a girl. She was only a small link in the network; she was used for courier jobs. They shot her dead in the street as she left a West Berlin cinema. The police never found the murderer and was at first inclined to write the incident off as unconnected with her work. A month later a railway porter in Dresden, a discarded agent from Peter Guillam’s network, was found dead and mutilated beside a railway track. Leamas knew it wasn’t coincidence any longer. Soon after that two members of another network under Leamas’ control were arrested and summarily sentenced to death. So it went on: remorseless and unnerving. (J. LeCarré: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold) The main idea of this passage is that: The main idea of this passage is that: a) The police couldn’t stop the murders of Leamas’ men. b) Leamas couldn’t understand why so many people were killed. c) Leamas knew someone was killing his agents. d) The murders of Leamas’ agents were savage and cruel. WRITING 2.. An Autobiography In an autobiography is the story of a person’s life as written or told by that person himself, sometimes with a collaboration or ghost writer. His story shares memories from childhood to the present time. He deals only with his own experience to explain his actions, and often to provide insight into his choices, or to show the personal side about certain events. People, animals, places, and experiences important to the writer - all might appear in the autobiography. One authority on essay writing says: “It [an autobiography] can incorporate a concise description of an event, experience, interest, hobby, etc.” It can be used in many occasions such as in application to a college or a position of great importance.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020

Crusty Garlic Bread

Ingredients √ 2 cloves garlic,minced √ 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil √ 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley √ 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh thyme, or √ 2 tsp (10 ml) dried thyme. √ 2 tsp (10 ml) chopped fresh marjoram, or 3/4 tsp (4 ml) dried marjoram. √ 1/2 tsp (2 ml) paprika √ 2 tbsp (30 ml) grated Parmesan Cheese √ 2 small loaves Italian bread

Instructions ■ Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 C.). ■ In a small bowl combine the oil and garlic, mix well. ■ In another small bowl combine parsley,thyme,marjoram and paprika. ■ Cut each loaf lengthwise. ■ Brush inside of loaves with garlic oil, then sprinkle with herb mixture. ■ Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. ■ Put loaf back together and slice into slices without cutting all the way through. ■ Wrap each loaf in foil, place on baking sheet. ■ Bake until heated through about 10 or 15 minutes. ■ If you want after the bread is done open up foil and bread and broil the inside for about 2 or 3 minutes until top is browned and crusty.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 2, 2020