Creating a ‘Paige ’ of her own in motor
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Paige Mendonca
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Creating a ‘Paige ’of her own in
motor racing Paige Mendonca
By Rawle Toney For the average 9-year-old girl, especially in Guyana, becoming a professional race-car driver might be the last thing on her mind, but not Paige Mendonca. Growing up, sports, more so motor racing, is all she knew, since her father Carlos Mendonca is a local Superbike champion, he’s also into martial arts and more recently, cross-fit. “She’s not the usual little girl who wants to dress-up and play with dolls; she likes cars, and bikes and always mingle with the boys” her mother Tammy Mendonca explained. In January of this year, businessman and Managing Director E-Networks Inc. – a local cable provider –
brought something new to the shores of Guyana; organised Kart Racing. Located in Thomas Lands, at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), Persaud built a state-of-the-art kart facility, which now see scores of persons with a need for speed, competing against each other either as a means of recreation or competition. “For her ninth birthday, her father and I presented her with a Kart” said Paige’s mother, who added “she had these little bikes but I wasn’t too comfortable, so we got her the kart and after then, it’s all she does and talks about, so here we are.” With a personality and charisma to win the heart of anyone she encounters, Paige told the Pepperpot “I love racing. I know it’s hard because I’m like the only girl, but the boys don’t treat me different. I hope that one day I could become a champion, go on to represent Guyana and also race cars.” Caribbean Champion Kristian Jeffrey and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton are listed as her favourite drivers and would someday love to emulate their feat in the sport. The Mae’s student finds her drive for competing, by most times being the only
Paige Mendonca (15) in action
female on the track and believes that “more girls should try driving karts. It looks hard, but it’s actually fun to do.” Paige’s mother explained that her daughter eats and sleeps for racing, noting “we basically get her to do anything once she could go to that track on the weekends, but since school will be out, she will want to be there almost every day if we allow her to. She’s a good child, gets good grades in school and doesn’t give us any trouble at home, so we’re encouraged to let her race.” There’s no pressure in wanting her to be the best, according to Tammy, who stated stated “we support her in whatever she wants to do. Her father and I don’t force her into it just because he’s into racing; no, we let her decide. If one day she thinks she’s had enough, then so be it. But as parents, we only want to support and fuel her passion for racing.” “Seeing her race is a good feeling for us as parents, it doesn’t matter how she places, as long as she goes out there and have fun, because for us, all this is fun. She’s the one that takes it serious” said Paige’s mother. “I hope other young girls can look at me and one day get involved in racing. I know how it looks, but all you need to do is take your time and you will be fine” Paige said when asked about being a role model for other young girls who might want to follow her behind the wheels. Like every other sport, Paige’s participation at competitions at the Thomas Lands facility comes at a cost and her mother said that they are grateful for Sueria Manufacturing Inc. for the sponsorship under their ‘Mogu Mogu’ drink brand.
80 A look at five of his best roles
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
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Billy Dee Williams turns BILLY DEE Williams may have turned 80 last Friday but he doesn't seem to be slowing down much. The former heartthrob recently reprised his popular, somewhat controversial role as the brand ambassador for Colt 45. "Sometimes a true original doesn't need to change a thing," he declares in a new commercial, talking as much about himself as the malt liquor he's drinking. Williams, who was born and raised in New York City and graduated from the former High School of Music & Art, has been bringing his brand of charm and swagger to the screen for nearly 60 years. Next month, he'll appear in ABC's television remake of the popular 1980s film "Dirty Dancing." He'll play Tito, the charismatic bandleader for the resort, replacing Charles 'Honi' Coles in the original film. But "Star Wars" fans hoping to see a return of Lando Calrissian, perhaps his best known role, shouldn't hold their breath. Williams has not been approached about reprising his role, though he's not entirely opposed to it. "If that's what they want me to do I would be very happy to do it -- as an old man," he told The Huffington Post last year. As for another actor portraying a
younger version of Lando, Williams was dismissive. "I think I made that character into something very special, and I can’t imagine anybody else doing it, to be very frank with you," he told The Huffington Post. To celebrate Williams' 80th birthday, we took look back at five of his best known roles: 'Dancing With the Stars': Billy
Dee Williams Withdraws in Week 3 "Brian's Song" Williams' second screen role was actually his breakthrough. In "Brian's Song," he played Chicago Bears star football player Gale Sayers, who stood by his friend Brian Piccolo (James Caan) during his battle with terminal cancer. The 1971 television movie was so popular that it was released in theaters.
Williams and Caan were also nominated for Emmy Awards. "Lady Sings the Blues" The following year, Williams starred opposite Diana Ross, making her screen debut as Billie Holiday in the biopic "Lady Sings the Blues." The film was a box office hit and earned five Oscar nominations. Producer and Motown founder Berry Gordy was so impressed with the on-screen chemistry between Ross and Williams, who played Holiday's husband Louis McKay, that he cast them in another film three years later. "Mahogany" The follow-up project was "Mahogany," with Ross and Williams once again playing a couple forced to overcome obstacles to be together. The film became a success at the box office and its theme song, "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)" became a No. 1 hit and earned an Oscar. Because of Gordy's involvement, Williams told The Huffington Post, "It all made sense to me that it (the film) will always have a very important status in the world of film and music." "Star Wars" The 1980s brought Williams his
best known role as Lando Calrissian, an old friend of Hans Solo's in "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back" and "Episode VI – The Return of the Jedi." Once again, Williams charmed audiences and went on to lend his voice as Calrissian in a video game, an animated series and more. Colt 45 At the height of his popularity, Williams signed on as the brand ambassador for Colt 45 in 1986. Although he got some flak for appearing in liquor commercials, he said the five years he spent doing the campaign turned into an "iconic experience." "No matter where I go, in this country or outside of this country, there are young people -and I’m always surprised that young people know about me and Colt 45," he told the Huffington Post. "So, I obviously created a huge impact with this brand. And certainly during those days it was something different and very special." Recapturing that experience and "the money" were among the reasons he signed on again to represent the company. "The whole idea of having been the face and the voice of something that turned into an iconic experience, and to come back to it, again, I found myself thinking about it and I thought, 'Wow, I was so good at it,'" he said.
Natural Health and Beauty Expo for Easter Monday By Telesha Ramnarine HAIR TECH International, together with B’s Beauty Circle and Naturopathic Center, will be hosting a grand Natural Health and Beauty Expo on Easter Monday. The respective owners, Cosmetologist/Trichologist Joan Mc Calman and health expert Barbra Peterkin, became friends last year and decided they wanted to put on a show that would cater for those who are interested in beauty and those who are
conscious of their health at the same time. The show is being held under the theme, “Beauty begins on the inside and radiates on the outside,” and will be put on inside the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel between the hours of
B’s Beauty Circle’s Barbra Peterkin.
Owner of Hair Tech International, Joan Mc Calman.
10 am and 7 pm. “I realised over the years that if you’re not healthy, you can’t be beautiful; you can’t have Turn to page IX ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Court in ’61 rejects story that man Court Case Files left property for church goers CONSEQUENT to the litigation that followed as a result of the action related to the plaintiffs, Adams and others versus Wilson, Jutice Guya Persaud, who heard the action dismissed the matter with judgment to the defendant. The plaintiffs were the four remaining members of a church founded in 1947 by one Mc Beth, deceased, of whose estate the defendant was the administratrix. Before his death the deceased told his legal adviser that he had bought a certain property for the purpose of worship. The plaintiff claimed a declaration that the deceased held the property on behalf of the members of the church. The defendant objected to the recep-
By George Barclay
tion of evidence from the legal adviser as to his conversation with the deceased on the ground that it was a privileged communication between solicitor and client. Held: the privilege applies only to communications that were made confidentially for the purpose of the employment of the solicitor or to knowledge confidentially obtained solely in consequence thereof. The communication in question was not of the kind. (ii) the evidence, including the communication, was insufficient to support a finding that the deceased intended to hold the property in trust for the church or its members. Judgment for the defendant. Mc. Williams for the plaintiffs. A.T. Peters for the defendant. Justice Guya Persaud in delivering the judgment said: The plaintiffs are the members of a church called the Church of the Gospel of the Last Trump of which one William McBeth, also called Leviticus McBerth, now deceased, was the founder and elder. This movement was funded in 1947 at Lot 2 George and Norton Streets, and it then comprised four members of whom the plaintiff Agness Moore was one. The other plaintiffs became members subsequently. Upon the hearing of this action the membership was four. William Mc Beth died on the 3rd October, 1959, and letters of administration were granted to the defendant.
• During his lifetime William McBeth puchased a property - the subject matter of this action - for $3, 500.00 and, according to the plaintiffs, out of monies collected by them from time to time with the express purpose of providing a building for their church meetings. The plaintiffs further claimed that the purchase of the property was as a result of a decision taken at a meeting held on the 29th December, 1947, presided over by William McBeth , when it was determined to create two funds - one for the ultimate purchase of a building for church purposes, and the other for the meeting of day to day expenses; and the members there and then undertook to make contributions to both funds out of their own earnings, and from any money realised from the sale of pamphlets and from donations, the members honouring their undertaking. The plaintiffs now claim a declaration that William McBeth held property on behalf of the members of the church, and certain other corollary remedies. The defence has taken the point that the pleadings have not raised the question of a trust, and therefore the plaintiff cannot now rely on such matters. I do not agree. I hold that para. 6(a) of the endorsement of claim, as repeated in para, 12(a) of the statement of claim, amounts to pleading a creation of a trust. I have no documentary evidence before me to indicate that the plaintiffs , including the plaintiff Moore , made any further contributions , or that the contributions acknowledged on Exhibit (A) went toward the purchase price of the property , or indeed that the deceased William Mc Beth intened to hold the property as trustee for the members of the church. This takes me to the evidence of Mr. Phillips. The defendant has submitted that Mr. Phillips’ evidence should not be received, as his conversation with the deceased, and to which he has testified, is privileged as being communications between solicitor and client. The plaintiffs’ answer is that the privilege – if there was privilege – died with the deceased. Having regard to the principle on which privilege is based I cannot hold that the communications made by the deceased to Mr. Phillips are privileged, even though I agree that the defendant as the personal representative of the deceased may properly avail himself of the privilege if it were available. In my view, Mr. Phillips’ evidence does not take the plaintiffs’ case any further. There is nothing on which I can make a positive finding that the deceased intended to hold the property in trust for the church which was and still is unincorporated, or for the members of the church. This being my finding there is no necessity for me to consider whether those plaintiffs who became members of the church after the initial meeting in 1947 can now maintain an action in trust, and I express no opinion on this question. The action is dismissed. The plaintiffs will pay the defendant her costs to be taxed. Judgment for the defendant.
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017 #SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Jay Asher’s
13 Reasons Why I RECEIVED a copy of Jay Asher’s young adult novel, 13 Reasons Why, long before the acclaimed Netflix series based on the novel was released. I kept putting it off, reading it again and again because there was a part of me that felt that the book would join the long list of YA novels that contain clichéd love triangles, teenage against, and teenagers rebelling against insufferable, overbearing parents. Once the TV show began to pick up steam, however, I turned again to the book and on one of those slow nights, I started reading. I finished reading the entire novel in two days. The book, geared towards young people as it may be, does not trivialise or soften any of the heavy issues (suicide, bullying, depression, rape) that it forces its readers, as much as the author forces his characters, to grapple with. Perhaps, that aspect is the most outstanding thing about it – its ability to present real issues that teenagers face in their everyday lives, but told in a way that does not glamourise these problems and in a way that does not belittle young people but, rather, plays on their own knowledge and experiences of high school life in order to gain a thorough understanding and appreciating for the story that Asher is telling. The structure of the book too is interesting and unconventional. Hannah Baker, who has committed suicide before the story begins, sends thirteen messages recorded on cassette tapes to fellow high-schooler, Clay Jensen. Each recording contains a reason why Hannah has killed herself and gives the names of the individual who has contributed to each reason, detailing their involvement and the role they played. These tapes are sent to all the main players involved in Hannah’s death. The novel is told from both the perspectives of Hannah, recording herself on the tapes, and Clay, listening and reacting to the recordings. This kind of parallel, interwoven structure works well in 13 Reasons Why, especially because Hannah and Clay, despite their limited interaction with each other in real life, are so connected on multiple other levels, which the structure helps to emphasise, and it also works well because as you read, you get a blow by blow account not only of what Hannah is feeling and saying, and not only of how she is, layer by layer, unfolding the events that culminated in her death, but also you also get Clay’s reaction to the things she says; you learn
how he feels, how it affects him and how it affects those around him, especially the people Hannah calls out in her tapes. Occasionally, the book does lapse into the realm of what might be referred to as slight-melodrama, but, thankfully, it never lingers there and for the most part, the story is one that is filled with lifelike characters and, equally importantly, situations and scenarios that are able to invoke real emotions. Another of the novel’s great strengths is the way it manages to tug at the heartstrings. It swells with emotional content and at juncture after juncture, are scenes that will make you think of your own problems and struggles with depression and suicide, or, if not, will at the very least force you into thinking of that individual whom you know who suffers with these issues. And perhaps that is one of the author’s purposes. Throughout the novel, there are many references to the fact that people who are sad and desperate and suicidal often provide clues, and often reach out, to others and yet, sadly, these moments are often overlooked as people rush through their daily lives oblivious to the pain experienced by those who are unable to call the name of the monster who lives in their minds. The book reminds us to be vigilant and to look after each other. Another important element of 13 Reasons Why is the way it forces the reader to try and understand that despite all the assumptions you make, you might actually never learn about someone’s life entirely unless that person chooses to tell you about his/her life. As Hannah says at one point: “You don’t know what went on in the rest of my life. At home. Even at school. You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything affects everything.” Our actions, even the smallest ones, can have larger ramifications and repercussions, regardless of whether we ourselves are aware of the harm they can bring to others. 13 Reasons Why presents this philosophy and suggests, more than anything else, that this the ultimate reason for Hannah’s tragic fate in the book – all the seemingly trivial things, along with horrible things, that come together, building up and becoming more
overpowering until Hannah, unable to bear it any longer, makes her decision and starts to compile the tapes. 13 Reasons Why is beautiful in its characters, in its theme of redemption and forgiveness and of learning from one’s mistakes, but it is also sad especially because it brings to the fore, the pain and heartache that we thought we had left behind in our teenage years. Thankfully, in the final pages, there is a message of hope that is not needed only because the book makes us want to have that sort of hope for the characters at the end, but also because hope, the book seems to tell us, is also what is needed, the thing that can help us in real life.
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Increase in UG fees an inevitable necessity IT came out in the media last week that the University of Guyana Council had decided to increase students' tutorial fees over a three-year period by 15%, 10%, and 10%. The students' association, quite understandably, came out against the proposed increase. Many students saw the proposed increase as part of the general milieu of the increases in taxes or payments to Government or semi-Governmental organisations, such as taxes being levied on private schools and educational institutions or parking meter charges. It must be emphasised that the increase in students' tutorial fees has absolutely no relationship to present taxation increases or payments to companies such as Smart City and their parking meters. This proposed increase has been in the books for at least the last 20 years,
but over the years, it was deferred year to year for one reason or another, helping to push the university on a downward spiral. It should be pointed out that the vice-chancellor and the university administration have no pleasure in increasing fees. These are persons who empathize with the lot of students since many of them, including the vice-chancellor himself, were students of the university. Indeed, Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith was a highly successful American academic and administrator and could have happily remained in the United States but chose to return to Guyana at great personal sacrifice, because he wished to contribute to the Guyanese nation and help to build the university into a world-class institution. And he has positively begun to move the university in that direction
during the short time he assumed office. But propelling the university upwards, even though gradually, requires a great amount of funding. The older universities of the Developed World, especially in Europe and many in North America, access their incomes from investments, donations, bequests, Foundations, earnings from consultancies, students' fees and some State assistance. The University of Guyana depends almost wholly on Government funding, since students' fees contribute a comparatively small part of expenditure.
At the present level of funding, the university would be barely able to maintain its present position and would not be able to grow and develop. The fees at the University of the West Indies are incomparably higher than those of UG and in Europe and North America they are even higher. The student fees at UG are among the lowest in the world. So when we complain about facilities at UG being inferior to other universities, it would be enlightening to find out the fees at the places which are being compared. This does not mean that the administration of the university is complacent, since they are always engaged in maintaining and upgrading standards. For years, the university has been held in the vice of non-progress and there seemed to be no chance of breaking loose from it. Since conditions could not be improved, this inhibited prospective donors from making substantial gifts such as bequests or gifts of land and company shares, since there was not even the infrastructure to receive and utilize such. And so development and progress would always be stymied. Prof Ivelaw Griffith acutely understands the doldrums the university is in but instead of throwing up his hands in despair, he decided to use constructive programes and activism, within his financial limitations, to change the image of the university and placing it on the road to begin the long
march towards the world-class institution he plans, that is, the "Renaissance. For example, He has already done a great deal to bring in IT comprehensively; he has successfully brought the public to the university by extra-mural activity; the graduations are again begining to be important national events and the media after a long silence, are begining to give ample coverage; positive contacts with foreign universities are growing; improving the quality of staff and improved salaries are being addressed; the physical conditions of the campus are on the front burner. Recently, he arranged for UG to have its own publishing house, a facility which every world-class university has. This achievement, like many of his others, has far-reaching implications. Students’ tutorial fees, being increased by 15% this year is not as burdensome as many feared and 10% for each of the next two years is lighter. These increases are fairly modest and if viewed in perspective, it is part of the march to achieving world-class. It will also help to mollify the feelings of members of the public against students as a group who are failing to repay their student-loans which they all are able to repay. These loans run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Also, payment of the new fees will help to allay the quiet resentment of the public against the students, since 80% of our graduates emigrate, giving their service to foreign countries, after they would have received an education highly subsidised by the taxpayer. Many students now understand why they should pay the new fees. At the moment, Guyanese society seems to be mired in constant, aimless squabbling under an over-arching pessimism. Those who are interested in the progress of the university must transcend this negative milieu and grasp that the university under Prof Griffith’s leadership is an oasis of optimism and the positive moving to the realisation of the Renaissance.
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
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The tooth equation cavities in anyone prone to decay. The use of non-sugar sweeteners is recommended for those susceptible to tooth decay. Another excellent way to deal with dental decay is to drink several cups of green tea a day. Why is green tea so great for reducing dental decay? One study showed that green tea actually inhibits the growth of plaque caused by the S. mutans bacteria, while another study showed that green tea catechins
Since effective brushing and flossing are absolutely critical in controlling dental decay in susceptible individuals, I want to detour for a brief discussion about the cause and prevention of tooth decay. Of course everyone who reads this column should realise by now that the secret to oral health is the effective control of dental plaque. Now, three elements need to be in place before tooth decay can happen: the micro-organism responsible for decay (Streptococcus mutans) must be present, a sugar or carbohydrate for S. mutans to metabolise must be available, and the tooth or teeth must be susceptible to, or capable of decay. Additionally, there are three cavity-preventing measures those of us susceptible to tooth decay must take in order to combat this decay: we must control plaque, reduce carbohydrates (sugars) in our diet and make out teeth more resistant to decay. The tooth equation is pretty simple: germs plus sugar equals acid production. These acids can dissolve enamel as well as tooth-root structure and result in cavity (technically, a carious lesion). Although tooth decay is a fact of life for almost everyone, there are some lucky people who simply do not experience it because their teeth are resistant to the acids the S. mutans bacterium produces in its processing of sugar or other carbohydrates. Eliminating or at least drastically reducing tooth decay is certainly relatively easy although it takes a little effort. Proper brushing and flossing are of paramount importance in eliminating tooth decay in the caries-susceptible individual because without excellent control of plaque (the sticky stuff containing cavity-causing microorganisms, including S. mutans), cavities can develop in the grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth. Also in between the teeth, on the sides of the teeth at the gum margins (edges) of fillings, crowns or bridges distress dentists and patients alike, since much of this restorative work was done to repair damage caused by previous decay, and new decay around existing dental work does not usually get restored properly with a patchwork approach. Once the dentist has done his or her best to restore a tooth, this work needs to be well maintained by the patient. Brushing and flossing are critical in controlling the plaque that can lead to decay, but further reduction of microorganisms ( germs) is necessary for a healthy mouth. This can be achieved by tongue scraping (the top of most people’s tongue carry untold trillions of micro-organisms and much odorous material), and irrigation to reduce the number of microorganisms under the gum margins. An obvious way to cut down on dental decay is to reduce or even eliminate sugary drinks from the diet. Great plaque control is an excellent way to keep cavity-causing organisms at lower levels in the mouth, but even great plaque control is no match for the acids produced when six to twelve sugar-containing soft drinks are consumed every day. This much sugar coating the teeth supports the astronomically fast growth of the cavity-causing organism and its acids. Coffee or tea sweetened with sugar will create never-ending
actually destroyed these bacteria at concentrations lower than those found in one cup of tea. Other studies report that green tea strongly inhibits bacteria after only five to ten minutes of exposure to the tea. And yet another study reported that green tea extract was more effective than fluoride compounds in preventing dental caries. To summarize, consuming three or four cups of green tea daily for dental reasons is a great idea because it inhibits the growth of plaque caused by S. mutans, destroys the biofilm that coats teeth and the rest of the mouth (thus helping to clean the mouth), and, because of the fluoride content in green tea, actually makes the teeth more resistant to acids produced by S. mutans. Fluoride in its many dental formulations is actually the third method that has been utilized to reduce susceptibility to tooth decay (caries) in cavity-prone individuals. I am in my fifties and have only lost 4 teeth which occurred when I was a teenager. I ascribe much protection from green tea and recommend the same to my patients. Please note that when consuming green tea for its cavity reducing benefits, it is best to swish each mouthful of green tea vigorously to cleanse the mouth before swallowing the tea. In other words, don’t drink the tea as you normally would, since the cleansing action and the S. mutans inhibition are improved by having tea in contact with the mouth and teeth for longer periods of time. Finally, my advice on the use of green tea is to find one you like, and have it readily available at work and at home
so you can drink it on a regular basis. Green tea has benefits that go well beyond cavities, and you can take advantage of them all if you will incorporate drinking several cups into your normal daily routine. A final note on the dental decay issue: make certain that you have regular dental checkups. Your dentist is there to help you to be healthy. And regular dental visits afford the greatest possibility of keeping problems at minimum.
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
An American visa...
Is something rotten in the State of Denmark? By Hubert Williams
Bridgetown, Barbados, June 8, 2015 -- “Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark”… thus wrote William Shakespeare “Bard of Avon” in “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”, one of his many memorable plays – a talent that has fascinated generations across the Globe for four centuries now… and his works will long represent the best of the English Language. Shakespeare brilliantly literaturized the qualities, frailties and foibles of his society; and each generation since (all of which have embraced Shakespeare’s genius) has discovered that ours has such frailties as well – and that he merely chose literature to project the reality of the human condition everywhere… in every country, every culture, every generation. Shakespeare put those unforgettable words “something is rotten in the State of Denmark” into the mouth of an officer of Denmark’s palace guard upon appearance of the ghost of the murdered King walking over the palace walls. Nowadays, in just about every situation – especially those that are English-linked - when corruption/impropriety is afoot, malfeasance
abroad or incompetence evident, or, generally, when things seem to be not going right or some funny business is taking place - we seek expression in Shakespeare’s genius and declare “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”. Shakespeare’s words now seem to be applicable to the level of competence at the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Georgetown which has the prerogative for issuing entry visas to the USA. Ordinary Guyanese have been applying in large numbers for visitors’ visas, the fee now having risen to a non-refundable US$160 (more than G$32,000). Most applicants are rejected, for various reasons, the principal one being failure to convince the interviewing officer that they will not breach the conditions of the visa and abscond in the USA.
All things being equal, that is right and fair. However, there seems that “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”, for while many genuine applicants with no intent to abscond find themselves unable to convince interviewing officers of their honesty and integrity and that they will not stay illegally in the USA, an increasing number of dishonest applicants seem to be “getting through”, some of them criminally bent and are smuggling illegal drugs/narcotics into the USA. Some are caught at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri, and others at US ports of entry, particularly Miami Airport and the JFK Airport in New York. The Press reports on those caught, but there is no way of finding out how many of the criminal couriers “get through” to deliver their concealed narcotics to whomsoever and collect their ill-gotten rewards. The frequency of reports in the Guyana Press of US-bound smugglers caught at the local airport pre-departure, sometimes aboard the flight, and frequently on arrival in the USA, must distress the many honest but rejected visa applicants. Some Press reports have told of airport law-enforcement authorities reporting cases of
about-to-depart visa-holders with drug-filled condoms stuffed into unmentionable places; some others who had swallowed capsules of narcotics; and yet others who had been exposed masking illegal substances in alcohol and other products; and still others bundling their contraband supplies in suitcase cavities as well as wrapped up among other general passenger items in luggage such as clothing, shoes and permissible foodstuff. Detecting the miscreants at the interview is extremely difficult for Consular personnel, for it is they who are more likely to be calm, collected and confident during the questioning process of their application. Contrarily, it is the innocents who tend to be ill at ease and nervous, because they do not see a need to rehearse before “going in”. Thousands of Guyanese know the pain of being rejected in their visa applications, and have lost their fees… and many an honest man/woman have had that distressing experience more than once, for they return and re-apply, always in the belief that “I’ll get it this time”. There is abundant evidence that rejection has nothing to do with ethnicity, where you live, or what work you do; though rough figures indicate that women feel the ‘pinch’ more than men… if they are not married, don’t own their own homes, and that sort of thing. Their word is seldom good enough. Some females Turn to page X ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
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The Buldozer and the Dwarf By Abdool A. Aziz
MARKET time is always a time for frolic and fun; and especially at estate markets when the peasant workers collect their pay and head for the rum and gambling shops nearby.And every pay day,the busy scene of buying and selling is spiced up by the physical conflict of Ball, called “The Bulldozer”,almost 6 1/2 tall,Ball,built like an oxen,7 feet tall and the dwarf, Mighty Joe Young,just 4” tall.He works on his knees. Where Mighty Joe Young hails from no one knows. As soon as the mid-day train stops at the busy station, Mighty Joe jumps down. See how quickly he traverses the rough brick road to the market. The vendors rush to protect their merchandise. This short , busy body just appears and grabs anything to eat. He doesn’t pay.The police are never called. He got the pity of all. But his mischief doesn’t stop on the road. He swaggers his way into the rum shop.and without asking, he picks up the rum bottle and downs it down his throat and the fellows ignore him. But on this day, he snatched the liquor from the wrong man --- Ball. As he tried to gobble down the liquor, Ball wrenched the bottle away, “Gimme this, you thief!” Bull, not far away, shouted Gi de man the rum… you stingy Mighty Joe, gimme dis bottle! He pulled it out of the man’s huge hand.Ball pushed him down.Bull tekking advantage on da small man,why na try me? Bull stood up. Bull stood up. Ball pushed the table away.”Come outside!” Mighty Joe, always loud mouth “Get him Bull!” He then took a good swallow of Ball’s rum. Now the two human “Monsters” are at each other’s throats. This was the scene every market day. As a boy I loved to watch ‘de rumble ‘Ball was ultra-strong and could butt well, hence the name “Bulldozer.” A head attack sent Ball reeling; Mighty Joe Young, now intoxicated, joined the melee. At 4’ he went between Ball’s legs and his strong fist drove a low-blow. The big man folded up in agony. Bull jumped on him and began to punch wildly .Joe ripped out a stave and dealt Ball several blows; the chinee “Massa” rushed Joe to retrieve his fence stake, but this dwarf with elephant strength and rum in his blood became more belligerent. The business of the market slowed as all became spectators. Ball absorbed those heavy blows and stumbled to his feet. One punch from his right fist floored Bull. He wrenched the stake away from Mighty Joe and smashed it into his opponent’s left arm .Joe grabbed his battered arm,he cried out in pain. He suffered a broken arm. He pleaded with the public for help. Too afraid to render assistance. Bull was on top. He lunged at Bull with the wooden club.Bull jerked the weapon free and started to lash Ball. “Tek dis,Tek dis you.You bruk me friend hand! duff daff !” Still in ,tears, Mighty Joe hollered: “ Kill he,kill he,kill the bastard!”. Bull kept up the beating until the big man fell into a nearby sewage canal.Now some rummies tried to lift “The Bulldozer” out and save him from drowning.They couldn’t do it.He was too heavy.Mighty Joe got up,took the stave from Bull and began to poke the victim.The spectators ran up to him and grabbed the weapon; they begged Bull to rescue Ball. “Who ◄◄◄ From page III
good hair, good skin and good nails if you’re not healthy from the inside,” Mc Calman told the Pepperpot in an interview at her salon at 10 Garnett Street, Campbellville. Along with exhibits, the event will feature presentations, seminars and practical demonstrations. “Come and be informed and enjoy a day that promotes the use of natural healing medicines, therapies, beauty treatments techniques, etc. You can also interact with health and beauty professionals from Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, USA, and Canada,” a flier showcasing the event said. “Learn about healthy and revolutionary cooking methods, state-of-the-art health monitoring gadgets, natural and herbal products from Guyana and abroad. You can also sample fresh healthy shakes, juices, etc. and witness new designs by hair stylists, beauticians, make-up artistes, and more.” The event will also feature free dental checkups, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol readings, and HIV testing and counselling. Training seminars will be held by visiting Natural Health Expert Darcie Williams and Professional Stylist and Colorist Donna Payne. ‘Nature’s Own’ at First Street, Alberttown and D.M. Beauty World are avid supporters of the event. Tickets for $1,000 can be picked up at Hair Tech, Nature’s Own, and B’s Beauty Circle at 151 Sixth Street, Alberttown. Children under 12 years old will be admitted free.
mo strong me, oh? “ Pointing to Ball fighting in the water. “Mighty Joe Young, me ah de strong man….Oh God me aam.” Bull laugh and pushed him aside; he plunged into the canal and rescued his enemy that had been a thorn in his side for years. But Ball was not thankful.He threw Bull into the water “Now who ah de king hey?” He beat his hairy chest “Ah me,all me! The dwarf still holding his injured shoulder crept up behind him and gave him another blow to his wet gonads. Ball dropped to his knees in deep pain.The dwarf hobbled away and hid in the crowd.still in tears ,babying his broken arm.Bull managed to pull himself out the filthy trench and escaped,all wet and stink. Ball got up and gazed around, “Ah weh de gaan? Cowards, ah glad to ketch that son-of- a-bitch walking on he knees.” The sun was setting,time to disperse, the drama was over. Ball limped home. Bull stopped drinking.Ball fell sick and died of pneumonia.
Bull was the first to lift his coffin.As he was so heavy.Bull migrated to the USA where he got a job as a chucker-out at a Guyanese bar.His sheer size kept would-be trouble-makers at bay. As for Mighty Joe,he disappeared for good.Rumours had it that he died a lonely man on a deserted island in the Essequibo River.And the vultures picked his bones.It’s still a mystery as to why he lost both of his legs. Rumour had it that he used to kick folks around in a remote village in Brazil and a rich rancher severed both feet. Though cut down in size, he stood up to “The Bulldozer.” He had a big mouth and courage to make up for his handicap.See this bully hustle around the market square.Always mischievous.But he was a strange character.Fun for us kids. He made market days brighter.I miss him a lot.I miss the battle of the giants and the dwarf --- Mighty Joe Young.
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emerge in tears after the consular interview and rejection. From my observation of reports in the Guyana newspapers, it seems so frequently that it is Guyanese nationals already resident in the USA and visiting their homeland who are attempting as they depart to break the law and earn “filthy lucre” by secreting illegal drugs “wherever”. “My cousin, Mrs. Velma Gaskin, has had the rejection experience five times, and still believes that eventually her honesty will win out. She has been sorely disappointed, but remained always courageous, believing that she will be able to visit the USA some day. However, time is going. She is now over 3-score-and-10. She says: “Every time I apply for a US visitor’s visa, there is hope; but then disappointment and despair – until next time,
when hope springs anew”. Over her earlier years in “BG”, then later Guyana, she had been very close to an elderly cousin, my mother, Mrs. Audrey Williams – indeed for a period she and her family shared our residence on Duncan Street - who in time migrated to the United Kingdom, and later the United States, taking up residence in Brooklyn, New York. Family celebrations in both countries (the UK and the USA) are periodic and she always receives invitations. She has visited England; did not abscond; returning to Guyana as per her airline schedule. Her repeated US rejections include a request to travel for her cousin’s 100th birthday celebrations in January 2010; and later for a return visit to the UK when my sister booked her on a Georgetown-to-London journey on US-owned Delta Airlines, transiting a south-eastern US airport. On the day of in-
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
tended travel, the airline refused to board her as she had not been aware of the need for a transit visa (she was going to England), and part of the fare was withheld. On the death in 2012 of my mom in her 103rd year, the oft-rejected applicant again sought a visitor’s visa to be able to attend the funeral in New York, and was again refused… the obvious message being that… the more determined you are to seek to gain entry, the more determined we are to refuse. Awestruck by her experiences, she asked: “Why me?” She is peaceable and law-abiding; no problems within the home; no political affiliations or party card; no problems with the law or ever having been taken to court; lives in peace with all her neighbours; and is a deeply committed Christian and conscientious community worker within the congregation of an Anglican church in Georgetown. Her unblemished record prompts her to ask “Why me?” And it is through her faith and Christian beliefs that she persists in repeatedly re-applying. Guyana is a very difficult environment for both the Consular personnel in Georgetown and genuine, honest visa applicants such as “Mrs. Gaskin”. In recent years, because of the country’s perplexing political, social, economic and cultural conditions (with much of its serious criminal activity linked to US deportees), its rate of migration outstrips those of just about all other jurisdictions in the Caribbean (except Haiti). Therefore, the suspicion of official America seems to be that almost all Guyanese are anxious to get out of the country and into the USA “by hook or by crook”, and are not above using guile, subterfuge and any other means to success. That is understandable. In a society where moral standards have degenerated from the second half of the1900s, and dishonesty, crime and violence during the 2000s reaching unprecedented levels, it is a considerable challenge for Consular officials to separate the “wheat” from the “chaff” among visa
applicants. There is this other likely contentious element to what is a very complex problem: Some Guyanese are coming to the view that because of the high rate of rejection of honest-to-goodness applicants for short-term visitors’ visas and the policy of always escheating the high fee, a very huge, very rich and very powerful country like the United States is deliberately skimming members of the relatively impoverished Guyanese public of what is for them a hefty portion of scant financial resources. Obviously, something needs to be done. It is difficult to accept that there are not systems within today’s technological advances that can resolve the current seemingly glaring inadequacies in the assessment skills of America’s Consular staff in Georgetown … perhaps the installation of some kind of in-office lie detector equipment. Public evidence of lie detectors operating in other circumstances show them to be virtually fail-proof (eventually such might be utilized to transform the global justice system, accurately determining truth and levels of guilt; and thereby freeing jurors everywhere for productive work away from the courtrooms). Consular personnel should still have the prerogative of saying “no” to any applicant for just and sufficient reason, but not merely because there is suspicion that the applicant is lying about the intention to abscond and remain in the United States as an illegal immigrant. The interview and its outcome must accord both with the national security and safety requirements for entering the United States and the need to minimize the extent of disappointment and loss of pecuniary resources suffered by genuine and honest visa applicants. Except the current system and practices are adjusted in order to ensure justice and fair-play to all, the Guyanese public would likely conclude that “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”.
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Look inward every day I HAVE mentioned many times that every day I listen or read material that will add value to me, because that is the only way I can add value to others. The late Dr. Wayne Dyer’s teaching is brilliant. One of my mentors, Les Brown, always made reference to him, so I researched his work. Recently, I have been listening and reading a lot more of his materials and will share some with you today on “Transforming Your Life. “ Transforming your life is a very powerful and exciting thing to undertake. Think about this word transform and break it down into two words. The second word is ‘form,’ it means the physical world we live in and all the boundaries that we experience in our lives. Trans is the prefix put in front of form. Trans mean to go beyond, to soar above, to go past. So transform means going beyond the limits of your body. Transformation can happen at any moment in your life. We can change our lives in a moment by changing the way we think and the words we speak. Our internal dialogue has an enormous effect on every aspect of your life. "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at, change." - Wayne Dyer. Know in your heart that there is an invisible intelligence in everything. You have the power to make contact with this Divine Intelligence and create a life of bliss. There is something divine that flows through all this. You have greatness and an energy that is so powerful that it flows through you and everything you come into contact with. Know it and begin to trust it and you will experience transformation in your life. The doorway to a higher level of awareness in your lives opens inward. Most of us spend our lives facing the wrong way for the solutions to our problems. Where inward in the quiet empty space within is where the universal intelligence lies; it is where your essence as a human being is. You need to begin looking forward at who you are and
why you are here, instead of outward at the physical world or anything in it. This is your sacred quest. Begin to look inward every day. Become aware that they are no accidents in our universe. Everything and everyone that shows up has something to teach you. Make this a day of appreciation and bewilderment. Appreciate everything you come into contact with instead of judging and questioning. Draw your inner energy from the beauty that surrounds you. When you do so, this energy reception will become a source of strength and sustenance in your life. As you begin practising beauty-appreciation and seeing it in all things you encounter, including all people as you begin to see the fullness of God in everyone rather than something to judge, you will find a new kind of bliss in your everyday life. Be peaceful, experience silence, meditate, and really listen to God. The result will be that you will find the solution to each of your problems within yourself -- be it related to relationships, finances, health, or self-image. All within yourself, the peace and the quiet and the solitude all come from an understanding that God wants us to be silent and listen to him sometimes. Just for one moment today you may experience a peaceful moment and so within you may have a new experience in your life. Forgive yourself for your transgressions. See that mistakes are lessons for you to transcend. Release yourself from the tyranny of self-recrimination. Make the decision to be free. Everything that has ever happened in your life has happened for a reason and when you are filled with an absence of self-forgiveness of what you should have done…all of these things are messages you are sending to the universe. Everything you have done or experienced is over and you have learnt from it, so forgive yourself and move on with your life. When you seek happiness for yourself, it will always elude you. When you seek happiness for others, you will find it yourself.
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I can attest to this, because I am happiest when I see the joy in someone‘s face because of a deed I have done. Attempt to remove all enemies from your thoughts. The same intelligence that flows through you flows through all human beings. When you know that, you are connected to all, you cannot fathom striking out at others, let alone feeling hatred for them. We all are here for a reason. God wants us to love and care each other. We all have to live in this world, so why not encourage this practice? We can all live in a peaceful world. Writing this article this week has assisted me with some things I am going through in my life and I was beating myself up for too long, saying to myself: “Sonia, you should have known better,” but I have certainly learnt from it and I need to move on. Let’s continue to motivate and inspire each other. Send us you’re a feedback or suggestion to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit our FB page Beyond The Runway as we continue this beautiful journey called life, BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Mindfulness and you Hello Everyone, I HOPE this week has treated you well. I received an anonymous email asking me to talk about mindfulness today. It’s a good suggestion as it will be a very new subject to many of you. I’ve studied (as well as practised) mindfulness in detail as it is a very common practice e in addiction recovery all around the world. However, as you will read, it has many other benefits for many other illnesses- both mental and physical. Mindfulness itself, is the ability to be fully present in the current situation. This means being fully aware of who we are, what we are doing, what we are feeling and so on. This also means that we accept all that we are aware of. It focuses on four important elements- body awareness, self-awareness, regulation of emotion and regulation of attention. It is a way to prevent us from overthinking and therefore ‘over-feeling’ and over-reacting. It is about accepting who we are, flaws and all with understanding and empathy and without judgement. Mindfulness is mainly practised in the form of mindful mediation which absolutely any one can do- regardless of age, gender or religion. Read further for an example on how to do it! FIRST, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS AND MINDFUL MEDITATION? Instead of being in denial, disliking ourselves because of certain qualities, disliking situations because of stress it may cause, being mindful allows us to accept (without judgement) all of this. When we are mindful, we pay attention (without distraction) to everything in our lives and have the peace of mind to figure out what needs to be done. The meditation itself has proven to show many benefits as well. It is not about wanting to be different or even necessarily improve, it’s about accepting things as they are and the best way to work with them. As mentioned, mindfulness has been shown to alleviate both mental and physical pain. Mentally, mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety while increasing acceptance, patience and levels of concentration. It lifts our moods and levels of life satisfaction. It increases self-esteem and self-confidence. It has fundamentally helped those suffering
from depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many more. It also allows us to have better relationships with those around us as our attention and listening skills are heightened. It increases self-discipline which (added to the above) makes us less violent during conflict. It allows us to relate to ourselves (and others) with kindness, empathy and compassion. Overall, it has decreased chances of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
mindfulness mediation has been known to cut cravings and prevented relapse in over 50% of cases.
Physically, mindfulness has been known to increase overall immune functioning. It helps with chronic pain, lower blood pressure and respiratory rates. It has done wonders for people who suffer from asthma specifically. It improves our over- all eating and sleeping patterns. It helps us to relax and breathe better. The lower levels of anger and frustration allow us to better thrive in our responsibilities such as school, work or home-making. It prevents burn-out/ exhaustion, sick days as well as low productivity and efficiency. For those going through alcohol/ drug withdrawal,
want/ need. We focus on three things when practising mindfulness – body, breath and thoughts. The body means not only our physical self but the environment we choose and how we fit into it. What are you around? What are you looking at? How are you sitting? How are your legs placed? Etc. When you have taken in your direct environment, it is time to focus on just your breathing. After this is calm and understood, our attention goes solely to our thoughts of our current situations and feelings.
HOW TO PRACTISE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION? Set aside some uninterrupted time. Turn off/ silence all electronic devices. The purpose of this exercise is to pay attention to the present moment; to quiet the mind while creating inner peace. For beginners, I wouldn’t recommend any longer than 10 minutes. However, as you get more practice, you can do this for as long as you
- Sit (anywhere) upright but make sure you are comfortable. The best way to sit is the picture above. - Your eyes can be opened or closed- depends on your level of concentration. - Start by focusing only on your breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Is it calm? - Pay attention to your breath for a few minutes. If you feel your mind wanderingthat’s okay. When you’ve noticed that it has happened, gently bring your mind back to your breathing. After a few minutes of this: - Observe the present moment as is. How are you feeling? What is currently happening in your life that may be bothering you? Your thinking process here should be something like this. How am I feeling? I am feeling sad and angry because I got fired today. - Ignore all judgement that comes along with your feelings. Do not let your mind wander into anything that will promote a negative self-image. - Our minds naturally tend to wander. In silence, it’s common to think about past events, possible future ones, our dreams and goals etc. See that this is happening and return to the present moment. (this will happen quite a few times in the beginning) - Simply think about what has happened and accept it. Think about the solutions to that problem- not the problem itself. Forgive yourself for whatever wrong you think you’ve done. Do this as often as you think you need to. Remember the main goal and try your best to reap its proven benefits. You can do this alone or with a partner or friend. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:15 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
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#SupportCreativity
Art and entrepreneurship: EVERYONE has their own ideas about will eventually follow suit in an effort to keep is rapidly changing and the arts curriculum to mass production? Perhaps you would like artists and the way they function. Some up with the art world’s changing pace. needs to reflect those changes in order to stay to find a way to capitalize on the best of both subscribe to the idea of the artist as a solI was fortunate enough to have a profes- relevant and also justify individual program types of production. Regardless, it helps to itary genius who works around the clock, sional business practices course during the costs (the average MFA program could cost understand your work preference, as it will never leaving his or her studio. Others two semesters of my final year while I was US$30,000 with others going far beyond affect your level of motivation and ultimately, cling to the myth of the starving artist. studying in Barbados. But even with those US$60,000). Then of course there are also your creative output. Regardless of public perception whether two semesters there was still quite a lot of those creative individuals who have not been A few weeks ago I sat down with Wayne favourable or otherwise, there’s no deny- ground that I needed to cover (and a lot more trained in a formal classroom environment. Barrow, Director of Interweave Solutions ing the art world has developed in such that I’m yet to figure out). In an ideal scenario They have instead opted for a more intuitive Guyana Inc., to discuss some of these issues, a way that it has become impossible to a full course in professional business practices process of acquiring knowledge of the materi- the developments unfolding that are geared overlook the transformation most artists would be offered from the beginning of every als and techniques used to create their works. towards empowering local creative entreprehave undergone since the days of faithful art program in every tertiary institution until What happens to them? Where can they turn neurs and his organization’s role in facilitatpatronage. More artists ing those developments. are now embracing en“Interweave Solutions trepreneurship as a cruGuyana Inc. is part of a cial component of their larger organization Intercreative practice, taking weave Solutions, essentially the work out of the stuhelping people get out of dio and making it more poverty in a way that’s not accessible to the public very expensive. Interweave in the process. Solutions can be found in The words art and enAfrica, South America and trepreneurship may seem now with Guyana being the an unlikely coupling but headquarters for the rest of recent trends in the art the Caribbean. We teach the world prove that they may ordinary guy in the street not be so odd after all. In about business practices. fact, you would be hard But we don’t just teach pressed to find a contembusiness practices. They porary artist who isn’t have to be incorporated doing it all right now. But into what we call the three this wasn’t always the circles of success: the busicase. There once was a ness, the quality of life plan time when artists were and the community plan. free to focus entirely on We see the interconnection mastering their craft withbetween all three. out being too concerned Our motto is ‘Business with things like audience with a heart, charity with and market. Those days, a bottom line’ because at however, are long gone the end of the day it’s not and more artists find themjust about making money. selves alternating between We have to give back to two vastly different yet society. So even when we equally demanding modes bring communities together of operation. or we train in communities So how does one we still have to mentor bridge the gap between them. We want to see them creative practitioner and succeed and for that reabusiness professional? son we’ve been providing The truth is there’s no training throughout the Casingle formula to making ribbean. We’re an approved it work. Every creative training institution for the professional when asked First Lady Sandra Granger and other patrons examine jewellery made by a member of the recently formed Guyana Creative Ministry of Business’ Small Business Co-op Society, at the two-day Arts Tourism Extravaganza event last month. The event was a collaborative effort would provide a different Business Bureau and we’re between the co-op society, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and Roraima Duke Lodge. list of things that worked currently working in collabin his or her favour. Most oration with the First Lady would’ve had to go through months or even the completion of the program. But since that for support or advice about making their cre- of Guyana to provide training to persons in years of trial and error before finding the hardly ever happens, students are either left ative practice a sustainable business venture? every region in Guyana.” perfect balance for their schedule. Unfortu- to pursue a double major in art and business The key to balancing creative and busiSpeaking more directly about the recent nately, even with an arts diploma or degree at the university level or register for business ness practices is to first understand the po- push to encourage entrepreneurship among there is no guarantee that you would be courses in a separate institution after complet- sition you wish to occupy within the larger creative individuals and groups, Barrow adequately prepared for life after the student ing their formal art training. picture. What kind of production would you explained how the formation of the Guyana environment. While very few art programs Either way, it points to an obvious discon- like to employ? Are you interested in produc- Creative Business Co-op Society became cenhave moved to include professional business nect in the way art is being taught as opposed ing strictly one of a kind work or would you Turn to page XVIII ►►► practices in their curriculum, I suspect more to the way it should be taught. The world rather make pieces that lend themselves easily
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Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
Palm trees and donkeys By Francis Quamina Farrier YOU MAY BE Christian and observing Palm Sunday today. You may not be Christian, and so not observing Palm Sunday today, as tens of millions of Christians around the world are doing. However, if you are Guyanese, you will most certainly have had some association with the Palm tree; especially the coconut tree. On this Christian Holy Day, the leaves of the coconut tree are used as part of this annual Christian celebration. In some cases, the leaves are carried and waved by the Faithful, in their natural form, and in other cases, platted into various attractive designs. We are all aware of the myriad uses of the coconut tree; from
the coconut itself, which is used for drink and food, to the leaves which are used for the making of the likes of hats and mats. Added to those is the use of the coconut leaves for the religious rite on Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday, one animal is highlighted; the donkey. One of my all-time favourite poems is entitled, "The Donkey" by GK Chesterton, who in that poem gives that dumb animal the power of speech. And so, the donkey admits that he is, "The tattered outlaw of the earth" and that he has a "monstrous head and sickening cry." As the donkey moans its horrid characteristics, he cries out: "Starve, scourge, deride me, I am dumb". If one were to think on that statement by the donkey, one would realize that there are millions of humans who are also in a similar predicament; they have little to eat, they suffer unfair physical abuse, they are demonized, and worse, they have no voice. We could say that the humble donkey - a beast of burden represents the poor people of the world, who are treated shabbily every day of their lives. Those humble people who do not have a voice. Who depend on their Parliamentary representatives, their Trade Unionists, the Media, their Religious Leaders to speak up for them, as they survive their humdrum lives in a seemingly uncaring world, one day at a time. While some of the downtrodden have given up on their rough journey of life, others sojourn on with humble determination, and like the donkey with an over-laden cart, just keep going on, until they reach their destination. Many of these people work hard, but still receive very little wages and salaries for their work. We could think of the Policeman and Police woman who put their lives on the line every day. We could think of the teachers who teach the next generation of citizens for little financial reward. We could also think of the nurses and young doctors who do a wonderful job in caring for the sick. We can even think of the man in the Lighthouse; that lone and lonely soul who is up there, where the light flashes around and around, to ensure that the ships come safely into Port Georgetown with all the imported items from near and far, which we buy without ever checking the labels. Some of those items are imported from as far away as Australia, China and New Zealand. However, the final stanza of that inspiring poem, "The Donkey", states the following: "Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet." The poet empowers the donkey to give expression to the honour he had of taking Jesus, the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords", into the city of Jerusalem, as scores of admiring fans of "Jesus Christ Super Star", lay palms before his feet, on that first Palm Sunday. What a glorious hour for that humble donkey! In giving the power of speech to the donkey, poet GK Chesterton gives advise to the poor and downtrodden, that they, at times, have their hour - maybe when they go into the polling booth at General and Local Government Elections, and place an "X" to the name of the candidate of their choice, sometimes even while realizing that, that individual, if elected, may abandon them when in power. The poor will still have no voice, except when in a public demonstration and shouting: "We want Justice. We want justice" It is traditional here in Guyana for the Media to give full coverage to the Palm Sunday observances around the city of Georgetown. So in tomorrow's Print and Electronic news reports, there certainly will be lots of stories and photographs about what took place today, Palm Sunday, 2017. What will not be reported for sure is the dwindling number of Century Palms along Church Street in Georgetown, as well as in Le Repentir cemetery. Turn to page XVII ►►►
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This 16-year-old hasn’t cut her nails for three years SIMONE Christina isn’t like any other teenager. She has completely altered her life thanks to her six inch nails. The 16-year-old has been growing her nails since August 2014 after being inspired by nail art tutorials. “It wasn’t my intention to grow them so long but as they grew, so did the amount of compliments and they became more and more a part of me,” she told The Sun. Unsurprisingly, she has had to learn to do basic tasks again, such as learning to write: “My nails are too long to hold a pen properly now. After one hour of writing, my hands really hurt. On the computer, I have to type using my knuckles.” She also has to be careful when getting dressed and going
to the toilet and is unable to take part in PE in school. So how does Simone ensure zero breakages? (It’s not the Zoolander scenario you were imagining.) Instead, she follows a strict nail care regime consisting of two coats of nail hardener every single day, along with cuticle oil every other day. “I hope I can inspire people, not only to grow their nails, but also to keep doing their thing, even though not everyone might like it,” the teen finishes. “It’s important not to let other people bring you down because you look unusual. Differences make life interesting.”
Simone Christina has been growing her nails for almost three years [Photo: Instagram/simone_christina_]
Her nails are now six inches long [Photo: Instagram/simone_christina_]
It takes her three hours to paint her talons [Photo: Instagram/simone_christina_]
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XIV
No one at City Hall seems interested in replanting Century Palms in Georgetown, and soon they will become a scene of the past, in a similar way in which there are now no Century Palms along the Houston Public road on the East Bank of Demerara, as there used to be a century ago. What a shame! Century Palms were very popular in Guyana a century ago. And as one thinks of it, will century palms not be a useful element as we continue the efforts to make Georgetown become even better than it was,
when it held the title of, "The Garden City of the Caribbean". But do not be disheartened as there is good news. There are some young Century Palms on Hadfield Street in Georgetown, around the Dr. Walter Rodney monument. You should go and take a view of them sometime and be inspired. Now, have you noticed that there is a dwindling number of donkeys here in Guyana? Or is the humble donkey way below your radar of things to be concerned about? Would it be important to take a census of the number of donkeys now in Guyana? By-the-Way, when last has there been an
organized Donkey Race, as there used to be back in the day, which gave us so much joy? I can recall riding on the 'A' train in Queen's New York, and a recently-immigrated elderly Guyanese who was seated next to me, bemoaned the fact that he was away from some familiar sounds; "Me nah ah hear dem donkey ah bray". Because of the tone of voice in which he said it, I looked into his eyes; tears were settling in them. The braying of donkeys was a sound that he had dearly missed. However, we have to admit that some owners of donkeys are derelict in their duty to keep them off Public roads when unsupervised.
XVII We need to be so careful about taking our familiar sights and sounds for granted, such as beautiful waving Century Palms and the braying of donkeys. Let us not forget that it was a donkey who took Jesus, the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords", triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, as the crowd chanted loudly and with enthusiasm, "Hosanna to the Son of David. Hallelujah!", and the palms being strewed in the path of that humble donkey, who proclaimed that Palm Sunday was his great day, as he happily carried Jesus into Jerusalem!
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tral to any type of progress they could have envisioned for local arts and craft producers. “Interweave Solutions Guyana Inc. is a registered member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and GCCI, like most chambers of commerce, is always planning workshops for the betterment of their environment and businesses. Consequently one of the former presidents Lance Hinds had considered an initiative with the Caribbean Development Bank with a focus on three specific areas: music, agro processing and arts and craft. This would’ve been over four years ago. It took some time and it has
only now happened. So it was quite a while in the working with many drafts and redrafts to accommodate the conditions in Guyana. It was realized that the CDB would not work with an individual entity. Most of us fall under micro and nano businesses but we recognized that if we collaborate as we did by the formation of the Guyana Creative Business Co-op Society, we would now be an umbrella organization for everyone. Now we have agreements with hotels to buy the products of our members. The hotels would never deal with individual craft persons but as a group we can choose from a variety of categories whether it’s basketry, jewelry, pot-
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017
tery etc. [to meet their demand]. More artists can also benefit from training and technical assistance. I think those are some of the biggest advantages of the GCCI asking that this umbrella organization be created.” With the recently formed co-op society now in full operation Barrow admits that he remains hopeful about the future for local creative entrepreneurs. “I’m an eternal optimist. I think people just need guidance. The artists and craft persons never had great representation. In the past certain agencies have just thrown largesse in a way that will benefit them and not the craft persons. So the craft persons over the years have become disillusioned with the handouts from government because mechanisms were never put in place to help support them. But with a vibrant arts and craft association we can call on the Small Business Bureau. We can call on ministers now and we can make proposals to government and
represent them well. Collaborations with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and Guyana Tourism Association are now possible. Two thousand and seventeen (2017) is a watershed year for the arts and craft persons because they will start to make money the way they’re supposed to make money. I can see persons coming out of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, the Guyana Technical Institute and the Carnegie School of Home Economics knowing that they will have a future either working by themselves or with another entrepreneur. So yes, the future is bright for the artists and craft persons. We have to come together as a nation to make this happen. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and we have just started our small step.” For more information about the Guyana Creative Business Co-op Society you can find them on Facebook under the same name.
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017 Eight of the contestants for the Mr Bartica Regatta Pageant.
More financial support for
Bartica Regatta
The annual Bartica Regatta slated for the Easter weekend (April 15 to 17) has been given a big financial boost with the sponsorship support of several prominent businesses and captains of industry in Guyana as part of their “corporate social responsibility.” A presentation of cheques was done on Thursday afternoon in the office of Brian Tiwarie of BK Quarries to Ms. Elizabeth Moonsammy, Secretary of the Bartica Regatta Committee and coordinator of the event. This is the 62nd year of the annual Bartica Regatta. Among the many supporters over the years have been Brian Tiwarie and his conglomerate BK International. He has been instrumental in attracting more financial support to the event this year. Included among the new sponsors are China Zhonghao Inc. through its managing director Mr. Chen Ming; Top Brandz Distribution and Tamesh Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading. Mr. Tiwarie disclosed that the sponsors were all interested in the
overall development and enhancement of sports in Guyana, but are also interested in the success of this country’s first “green town”- Bartica. Ms. Moonsammy disclosed that this year’s Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant will be held on Sunday night. On Saturday night there will be a street party and musical showcase featuring an international artiste. The Bartica Regatta Committee is headed by Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford.
Danian Douglas of Surrey Paving and Aggregate Co. Ltd hands over his company’s cheque.
Mr. Chen Ming of China Zhonghao hands over a substantial check to Ms. Moonsammy. To his left is Ms. Brionne Tiwari, daughter of Brian Tiwari. Centre is Larry London, Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). At left is Fitzroy Corlette of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
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Promoting Guyana’s national interests through diplomatic relations GOOD international relations are a top priority for every country. Strong diplomatic ties promote the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, security against external threats, and the pursuit of economic prosperity among nations. On April 3, the Government hosted its second Heads of Missions Conference since taking Office. The week-long convention, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel, brought together Guyana’s diplomatic representatives stationed in countries across the world with an aim to establish a common understanding of government policies and government’s
Guyana's Heads of Missions appointed to various countries listen intently during the opening ceremony of the conference
President Granger said that safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and promotion of trade and economic development through diplomacy is a matter of national interest.
approach to diplomacy as well as the measures that could be taken to improve and refine Guyana’s foreign policy. President David Granger, while delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, told the Diplomatic community that safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and promotion of trade and economic development through diplomacy is a matter of national interest and that an important part of Guyana’s diplomatic policy is to garner international and regional support to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.” The protection and projection of Guyana’s sover-
eignty are essential elements of Guyana’s diplomacy. Guyana lacks both the economic strength to sanction other states and the military capability to extend its power beyond its borders. A small state, notwithstanding its limitations, can seek to influence international relations in order to achieve its foreign policy objectives,” the president said. The idea of protecting the country’s national interest is also a core tenet of good international relations and within such interest also includes the protection of the country’s territorial integrity. The President said that this has remained on the forefront of Guyana’s international relations work programme. He said that the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/49/31) of 1994 called on the Security Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations “to pay special attention to the protection and security of small States…”. In this regard, the President said that Guyana has consistently elicited assurances of solidarity and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth and other international organisations. “An essential element of Guyana’s foreign policy has to be a strong commitment to regionalism. Guyana’s early diplomatic exertions extended to the establishment of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). These were followed by entry into the
Chronicle Pepperpot April 9, 2017 Association of Caribbean States (ACS); Community of Latin American States (CELAC); Organisation of American States (OAS); Union of South American States (UNASUR) and others. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carl Greendige said it is important to Membership of interna- recognise that the country’s foreign policy is an extension of its national policy. tional organisations reinforces collective security and, hence the pursuit of the ‘national interest’,” the President said. Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge during his remarks said it is important to recognise that the country’s foreign policy is an extension of its national policy, and that the primary aim of foreign relations must be to promote the nation’s development. As such, the Minister said that Guyana’s diplomatic representatives must understand their role and responsibilities as external actors as well as the underpinnings of our national development. Topics that were high on the agenda at the week-long conference were: the preservation of the country’s territorial integrity with regard to its border controversy with Venezuela and Suriname, Guyana’s Green Agenda and the pursuit of economic diplomacy. Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell, said that investment in diplomacy is imperative for Guyana given the combination of both national and global circumstances and challenges. “The preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, security against external threats, and the pursuit of economic prosperity remain the central impulses. Accordingly, while the imperatives of our foreign policy have not changed, we do need to adapt to changing external environment. This Heads of Mission Conference avails us of an unparalleled opportunity to undertake, collectively, a review of the discharge of our responsibilities in order Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell said to attain our that investment in diplomacy is imperative pivotal foreign policy for Guyana objectives,” she said. As such, the Ambassador noted that good international relations can be strengthened through the pursuit of approaches that are prudent, pragmatic and sustainable. She expressed the hope that the Conference would help to ensure that the Ministry and the Heads of Missions are better equipped and empowered to pursue Guyana’s national interest in the international realm. On the most recent episode of the Public Interest, President Granger said that Government’s aim is to transform the Diplomatic service and to make sure that they are functioning more efficiently in their posts. The President said that a country depends on the work of its foreign missions to protect its citizens living abroad and to promote tourism, trade, investment and other interests. “The foreign service has an important role to play. I am very glad that this conference has taken place. It will ensure that the diplomats are singing from the same song sheet. Many of the diplomats are there for the first time and we hope they help to stabilise the situation in the Foreign Service. So we are in the process of transforming the foreign service, this conference is im-
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President Granger poses with the Heads of Missions on the lawns of State House following a luncheon hosted there
portant to moving us from where we are to where we want to be,” he said. These foreign-based Diplomats are therefore placed in pivotal positions and are tasked with a packed mandate to act as the voice of Guyana and to forge strong partnerships to aid in the country’s development. Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations Organisations in Geneva, Dr. J. R. Deep Ford, said that since his appointment in October last year, he has worked to strengthen partnerships in the area of economic development, fisheries, Human Rights Issues and other areas. Geneva is also seen as
the Human Rights Capital, and Ambassador Forde said that he is currently also involved with organisations such as the United Nations Office of Geneva, the World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and other bodies to discuss matters of importance in the area of Human Rights. The Ambassador said that Geneva is a critical point of global collaboration for all countries, as such, work to create lasting partnerships through negotiations is critical in that area. Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Ms. Barbara Turn to page XXIII ►►►
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ICT entrepreneurs badly needed in Guyana By Svetlana Marshall
“LIVE YOUR dream. Be as crazy as you possibly can be, ignore the status quo, set your goals and go after them with blind determination,” Social Entrepreneur, Eldon Marks said as he addressed a roomful of entrepreneurs and software developers in a collaborative workspace he had developed with his business partner, Chitra Dwarka. Marks, who ever so often describes himself as a dreamer, is no stranger to Guyana, having won the Ministry of Public Telecommunication’s first Hackathon along with his team from Version75 Solutions (V75) in November, 2016. But long before he had risen to stardom, Marks had been quietly working behind the scenes, molding the nation’s youths to be the best versions of themselves.
development to the University of Guyana, more specifically to my former lecturers in the Department of Computer Science who later became my colleagues and mentors. The environment that I was afforded as a student and subsequently as a young lecturer gave me the opportunity to discover my true potential and reach further than I had ever conceived.” Although being exposed to what many describe as the “world of opportunities,” Marks opted to return home to contribute to the development of his country in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Entrepreneurship. “Looking out from a developing economy, it is easy to see what we
Social Entrepreneur Eldon Marks
Minister of Public Telecommunication Cathy Hughes presenting Eldon Marks and his Version75 Solutions team with their prize for winning the 2016 Hackathon. From LeftRight: Asa Brouet, Ashim Badrie, Shemar Lindie, Eldon Marks and on Minister Hughes's extreme right is GTT PRO Alison Parker
For 12 years, he lectured and mentored hundreds of students at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Guyana. It was at that university that the former Bishops’ High School student had acquired his undergraduate Degree in Computer Science before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at Howard University, Washington D.C. At Howard he specialized in Artificial Intelligence and completed the programme in three semesters with a 4.0 GPA. “I owe much of academic and professional
don’t have and it is easy to be consumed with studying our problems instead of solving them. ICT Entrepreneurs are much needed in Guyana for two reasons: (1) it is widely accepted that digital industries where an individual can electronically provide services and products regardless of geographic location are significant drivers for economic growth – simply put, a trained web designer with a laptop and Internet access can quickly and readily earn a decent living, even in Guyana. (2) The entrepreneur mindset is concerned with assessing problems to quickly and effec-
The Version75 Solutions at the Code ‘til yuh drop’
are meant to be overcome, Social Entrepreneur emphasized. Here in Guyana, Marks and his team at V75 were faced with the sad reality that acquiring local support from businesses in the field of ICT was a difficult one. But instead of ‘packing up shop’ and opting to do something else, they decided to target foreign markets. “Locally we are faced with this stigma with respect to our own local developers…. We have this diminished image of our own skills as Guyanese,” he explained. Its first client was a Canadian company. “Through networking, we were fortunate enough to secure an offshore client – a Canadian Insurance Company,” he added. Today, 64 per cent of its projects are for clients outside of Guyana. There was another challenge V75 had faced during its initial phase – the team had difficulties finding a
tively solve them – taking action over talking about it.” Further, driven by his personal philosophy drawn from spiritual teachings and his innate desire to empower others while empowering himself, the husband and father of one made one of his many dreams a reality developing his own company – Version75 Solutions. Marks explained that V75 is a community disguised as a company uniting user interface design specialists, graphics designers, marketers, web developers, mobile application developers, database developers and software engineers to deliver the most effective, comprehensive and unified solutions. As a ‘dreamer,’ he told the budding entrepreneurs and software developers that there were risks that he had to take but it was important for his dream to materialize. Eldon Marks and wife, Amanda and son Ethon “There are realists and then there are dreamers. A realist would understand certain parameters and these parameters common workspace. It was out of that chalwould be based on what they can see, what lenge that WeOwn Space was established they can touch, what they can feel,” he posit- approximately seven months ago. The collaborative workspace, situated at ed while explaining his perspective. A dreamer, on the other hand he explains, Lot 3 David Rose Street and Aubrey Barker pushes beyond the limits set by society. “So Road, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgebeing a dreamer really means constantly chal- town, in the words of Marks, “gives local lenging those social norms, the status quo, startups a fighting chance,” on a daily basis. pushing the limits and eventually discovering It was further explained that WeOwn Space what more we can actually do and how much provides a unique environment for co-workmore we can deliver,” ing, leaning, collaborating and networking he explained. to support Guyanese on their professional For him there is journey. no harm in taking Though Marks is the founder of V75 and risks. “There is really the Co-founder of WeOwn Space, he said for no harm in taking both entities there is no boss, noting that the that risk of setting an objective, however, input of all team members is important and crazy it might be. valued deeply. Outside of the world of ICT, Marks said You set the objective as high as possible he is a husband and father one. He said while and whether you pursuing one’s dreams is important, family is achieve it or not, you important too. learn from it. Be as “It is no easy task to be a full-time procrazy as you possibly fessional and have a family. The constant can be, ignore the context switching and collection of responstatus quo, set your sibilities can often force you to choose one goals and go after it or the other. In my case, my family is the with blind determina- reason that I became a social entrepreneur tion,” he posited. who lives up to delivering value. I can betThough there will ter provide for them today while leaving be challenges, there behind a slightly better world, tomorrow.”
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Atherly in her eight months since being appointed to the post, said that her interactions have been mostly focused on the promotion of the development of Guyana in order to form stronger economic, social and cultural ties. With Guyana’s certain future as a pe-
troleum producing nation, she attested that she has been in talks with potential investors as well New York also is home to the largest population of Guyanese in the Diaspora. The Guyanese diaspora is also the fifth largest immigration population in the United States. As such, close relations with this significant group becomes a major part of the Consul
General’s mandate. She shared President Granger’s sentiments on the strength of the Diaspora, as she believes that it can play a major role in the economic development of the country. Cordial diplomatic ties are ever important especially in cases where tension exists between countries and Guyana’s Ambassador
XXIII to Venezuela, Ms. Cheryl Miles is well aware of this. However, the Ambassador said that much of her work since being appointed surrounds Diaspora relations, as the Eastern part of the country has over 250,000 Guyanese citizens living there. However, the AmbassaTurn to page XXIV ►►►
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dor said that she is aware of the current state regarding the Guyana/Venezuela Border controversy and is ready and willing to honour her duty in carrying out her required role with regard to the decision that will be made by the United Nations at the end of 2017. In South Africa, focus is placed on strengthening ties in the area of mining, and Guyana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr. Kenneth Hunte explained that there is much room for collaboration between the two countries in this area. He stated that he is working to create ties to encourage investment both at a business and academic level with South African partners so that the country can learn from key aspects of South Africa’s rich mining sector. Mr. Halim Majeed, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, said that much of his work
has surrounded holding open dialogue with Cuban officials, given that country’s close relationship with Venezuela, as well as the re-establishment of trade and economic relations with Guyana. The Ambassador said that while the trade relationship had become dormant, Guyana’s long standing friendship with Cuba was still active in the form of cooperation in the area of medicine, education engineering and other areas. Government believes that it is its obligation to strengthen the work of our Diplomatic Missions where necessary in pursuit of economic diplomacy, which is one of the reasons the Conference was held. Moreover, Government’s aim is to expand its representation in areas that could lead to greater economic exchanges while examining existing relations to see whether they can yield greater investments and economic dividends.
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Do not live in fear of your step-dad Dear Uncle Henry, Please advise me with my problem. My step-father came into my life since I was five. I learned to love and respect him as a ‘father’ and he treated me like his own blood. Now I am 15 years’ old and he is treating me differently. Recently he began
making advances towards me; he wants sex. I am shocked at his behavior. I want to tell mom, but would she believe? She adores him. I told him I detest his move and threatened to speak out. I now live in fear of my step-dad. What to do? A Step-Daughter Dilemma
Dear Scared, Your step-father has no right to try to seduce you. If he does, then he can be charged for statutory rape. You must refuse and tell him you’ll report him to your mom and the police. Do not be afraid. Preserve your self-esteem and character. Try to avoid him and if he insists with his evil ways then tell mom. But be discreet; your mother might be able to put measures in place to avoid an assault on you. If not, report the matter to the police or any social worker. A good mother will listen and act condignly. She must protect your rights and she can avert the danger, as mother and wife. Step-fathers do become rogue, but change their ways when warned. Mom has the crucial role here. If handled well all of you can be happy campers, asserting your rights to self-protection. Refuse his solic-
XXV itation, avoid him and ask him if a loving father will rape his daughter and be so low to commit such a grave sin. If mom ignores you or accuses you of being vindictive, then go to the authorities. If pressured leave home and seek shelter at a relative. No matter what mom may think “spill the beans,” before it’s too late. Stay bold, stay clean, be dignified. Preserve your natural assets. I admire your courage and morality. Good girls act accordingly. If he stops his sexual harassment then say nothing. I hope he changes. If he continues his wickedness then he must be stopped before it’s too late. I am glad you wrote me. Write me again on the situation or call me to have a talk with mom. Do not live in fear Uncle Henry
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Women in Business Expo a success
BUOYED by a month full of activities, the Women in Business Expo 2017 was a resounding success. The Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts and the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development, the Expo featured over 50 exhibitors ranging from Fashion to Craft, and Real Estate to Culinary Delights etc. The Expo officially opened with the cutting of the ribbon by the youngest exhibitor, Ms Francine Moore and the oldest exhibitor, Mrs. Iris Castello. The Hon. Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection said that she was feeling very optimistic about the future of Women in Business in Guyana, as she glanced over the auditorium of exhibitors. The mission of SNFCA is to create access for talented individuals, not only in Guyana, its home base, but throughout the wider Caribbean. In her speech at the opening ceremony, chairman of the SNFCA, Dr. Sonia Noel, promised that a contingent of exhibitors from the expo would be attending the United Business Fair in Paramaribo, Suriname. This fair serves the purpose of bringing together rising entrepreneurs within the Guianas to create a mutual trading space and platform to exhibit and showcase their products and services. The SNFCA was represented by Fashion Icon Dr. Noel, Natural Fibre Craft Jewellers: Julianna Hughes and Natasha David; Scented Candle Maker: Debbie Arguyle; Soap and Hair Products Manufacturer: Leisa Gibson; Indigenous Fabric Designer: Vanda Allicock; and Natural Fibre Floral Arrangement Specialist: Melba La Gadoue. Dr. Noel and team will also be taking some products of the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry - Garlic Herb Butter Spreads by Carol Nurse and Flavoured Barbeque Sauce by Sandra Craig. Sonia stated that she was very excited that she was invited by Mr. Edward Lee from the United Business Fair and she decided to include the others for the further development of small businesses. The feedback from the patrons who visited the Guyana booth is that all the products were of a high standard and in the near future restaurants should be using our local creations. At present a businessman is negotiating with one of the businesses to supply her creations on a large scale to Holland. The contingent paid a courtesy call on the Guyana Embassy in Suriname and Mr. Gerald Whyte visited the booth at the exhibition and was presented with a gift from Melba La Gaudaoue. "Doing business in the Guyanas is very important to the united Business Fair. We are happy Sonia Noel and her contingent participated with quality products and next year will be bigger," Edward Lee said in a statement. Many past clients of Sonia Noel were happy to see her back in Suriname and many young ladies who follow her on social media came to express their thanks. Guyana was well represented. The trip was part-sponsored by Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, Small Business Bureau and Mr. Juman Yassin.
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WORLD HEALTH DAY
Nature as an Antidepressant EVERY year on April 7 we celebrate World Health Day. This year the theme was “Depression: Let’s Talk”. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health in its broadest sense as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Depression is one of the most insidious mental illnesses, because to people who are not depressed it seems like it should be easy to overcome. “Just shake it off” or “Stop feeling sorry for yourself” are common words of advice when someone is unhappy and cannot seem to help themselves. More helpful advice would be to encourage a depressed person to see a professional counselor who can help the sufferer overcome depression and enjoy life again. Severely depressed people may contemplate hurting themselves or even killing themselves. Never ignore someone who is considering suicide: get them to a professional counselor as soon as you can. You may save a life Our environment is an important component of maintaining our good health. Often when we speak of environment, we specifically mean the natural environment that surrounds us: water, trees, birds, plants, insects, air and of course, other people. When the environment is clean, comfortable and healthy, then the people and animals that live there can also be healthy. The quality of our environment affects our physical health, but it has also been proven to impact our mental and spiritual health as well. A beautiful sunrise over the river, the cheerful song of a bird, the brilliant green of leaves shining in the sun: these are all capable of lifting our spirits and making us feel happy. Here are some ways that interacting with nature can keep you mentally and spiritually healthier. 1. Go for a Walk: Stanford University, USA, found that walking in a quiet natural place decreases activity in the part of the brain that generates negative thoughts. Whether it is on a path in the national park or along the shoreline, getting exercise while enjoying nature is a time-honoured way of relieving stress and clearing the mind. Sunshine is a known anti-depressant. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, USA, sunlight increases your brain’s release of mood-boosting serotonin. Exercise increases the circulation of the blood and makes the brain better equipped to handle stress. John Ratey, author of “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” says that exercise is the single most powerful tool we have to combat depression. Solutions to problems are more easily seen when you take time to stop everything else and get out to exercise in the natural beauty of your world. 2. Do Something Useful: It is difficult to be depressed when you are busy doing useful things. Healthtalk.org recommends replacing inactivity with activity as an effective step to stop being depressed. Working in a garden, leading a school group on a hike, cleaning up your neighbourhood, and planting trees or flowers all have the advantage of cheering you up while helping conserve the environment! 3. Clean It Up: Take a good look at your surroundings and decide what can be done to improve it. Clear away old rubbish, clean out the canal in front of your home or put out some flower pots. When your home is clean your spirits will rise! 4. Stop Using Pesticides and Poisons: Many people use pesticides and poisons in their homes, even around their children. A study from the University of California, USA, found that some household pesticides can attack your nervous system and brain if you are repeatedly exposed. How can you protect your family? Always read the chemical labels and follow the instructions. Avoid putting toxic chemicals on floors or counters where someone else might accidentally get contaminated. Keep all poisonous chemicals out of the reach of your children and away from food. Always wash your hands after using Bleach, Lysol, Fish or other common products. Look for non-toxic ways to control pests: control ants by putting dish washing detergent or wood ashes in places where they enter; use mouse traps instead of poison; use a flyswatter to kill insects. Remember that anything that can hold rainwater can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Turn over empty coconut shells, buckets, tins and anything else that can hold even a small amount of water. 5. Close Your Eyes: Meditation can help you focus your thoughts and leave negative energy behind. Feel the cool breeze, listen to the frogs and birds, taste the salt air, see the
blue sky and smell the flowers. Taking time to become part of nature will bring you peace. 6. Practice Gratitude: Being thankful for our wonderful world will lift your spirits. Studies at the University of California discovered that practicing gratitude increases joy and reduces depression, envy, resentment, regret and frustration. Start by writing down 3 things you are thankful for each day. You do not have to choose huge things: it can be as simple as being thankful for a bed to sleep in. Any person, no matter how poor or unlucky can find joy in nature if they will look. 7. Create: Nature has always been a source of inspiration to
artists, poets and musicians. Healthtalk.org says that creativeness can reduce depression both by giving an outlet for your emotions, and giving you pride in accomplishment. Clearly there is a connection between a healthy environment and our own physical, mental and spiritual well-being. As we celebrate World Health Day, and specifically the theme of “Depression: Let’s Talk”, remember that there is peace and comfort awaiting you in the world that surrounds you. C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com
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Guyana receives support from Brazil ...to ensure sustainable development initiatives for the Indigenous Peoples is realized THE Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and its partners are on the verge of concluding the final stages of consultations before rolling out the much-touted Sustainable Development Agreement Framework (SDAF) in villages and communities across Guyana. The ministry, in collaboration with Conservation International, hosted key stakeholders including a team from Brazil for a three- day workshop to ensure there is clarity on all aspects of the framework, while at the same time learning from Brazil’s experiences. The three-day engagement commenced Tuesday last at the Splashmins Resort on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The SDAF once completed, will be used as an instrument to effect long- term changes in the lives of Indigenous peoples through effective, sustainable livelihood programmes with support from key government and non-governmental actors. During Tuesday’s opening session, Vice-President and
Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told participants that a framework of this nature is necessary at this critical juncture when the Guyana Government is forging ahead towards a green economy. “With the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agreement Framework, we hope to rectify most if not all the shortcomings and challenges we face presently in terms of development for the IPs, but this would need lots of commitment and resources. At this time I would like to put on record special mention of Dr. Singh and team who have been very instrumental and supportive in terms of providing the financial and technical assistance to the project”, Minister Allicock opined. In emphasizing the need to collaborate, the senior statesman assured “That we are working towards improved and new ways of doing things and we have to collaborate, we have to communicate more with each other, so that we will not replicate; instead, we will build, improve and strengthen what is already
there. When we work together we will see results, we will make an impact and see the change that we are working together for.” The SDAF will also facilitate strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms which will assist Village Councils in the preparation and prompt submission of reports and feedback. Late last year, a Guyanese delegation benefitted from a similar exercise in Brasilia and in welcoming the visiting team here, Minister Allicock said it is his hope that the experiences shared would improve Guyana’s capabilities to effectively execute the SDAF. “We will try to learn as much as we can from you and I know that you will take away good experiences from us. This visit will no doubt strengthen our cross-border partnership.” Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, acknowledged the role Conservational International (C.I) has and continues to play in this process. Minister Garrido-Lowe said : “Everyone who has a vision and wants to build on that vision and make it a reality must realise that it is built on relationships. You can be the biggest star, a scholar, or could be in the highest position, if you don’t try to build that relationship or have that people skill to make sure you get your vision going, is either you start and fall or you never start. We have come this far with the Framework because of the relationship Minister Allicock and Dr. Singh (C.I) has had over the years.” Acknowledging the benefits that will be derived when the project is fully implemented in all 215 villages, satellites and communities, Minister Garrido-Lowe assured that “this is a very good start.” Conservation International’s Executive Director, Dr. David Singh, said while it is his organisation’s role to secure natural capital, “We are one player of many, we are here working together to create a future that we all want and a future that we all need and we are seized with many common purposes and one of those fundamental purposes is the recognition that the people need nature to thrive.” Dr. Singh noted that in Guyana, there is that need for development with a human face and C.I. is pleased to be given the opportunity to be strategically placed to facilitate the shaping of that future. Sharing similar sentiments were Chair of the National Toshaos Council, Joel Fredericks, and World Wildlife Fund’s Senior Technical Officer Chuck Hutchinson, who both acknowledged the efforts made by partners to develop a mechanism which seeks to improve the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples. Meanwhile, in 2004, the Brazilian Government established a similar programme, the “Bolsa Verde” a “Green Grant” which is an Environmental Conservation Support Programme which provides incentives to more than 70,000 persons from five regions and 25 states living under extreme poverty conditions. Families selected must meet the social protection programme criteria and will receive benefits totalling R$ 300 Reais or $US94 quarterly under one condition: that they invest in activities that support sustainable use of forest resources and environmental conservation. The areas targeted are Protected Areas, Land Settlements and territories occupied by traditional peoples. Fernando Riberio C.I., Brazil, said: “Going in the fields and seeing people living in extreme poverty situations and wanting to know how they are doing, you know you can do more and Conservation International Brazil has done an extremely good job with the Ministry of Agrarian and Development and I think we can strengthen our relationship even in Guyana and bring more knowledge if you can .” The key areas focused on, include identifying challenges, opportunities and strategies to enhance political and financial stability, effective communication and connecting the SDAF and the Bolsa Verde to National and Regional developmental efforts. Leonardo Pacheco, Brazil’s representative, believes Guyana is one step ahead of Brazil in that “The work that you are doing here is very good in that you work with the communities and not just the families, which is much more effective than just working with the families; that’s why in Bolsa Verde now, we are starting to work with the communities because it is much more important than just working with the families.” Among the many success stories coming out from the “Bolsa Verde” programme is the fact that last year alone, more than 20,000 persons were removed from the list of beneficiaries since the programme boosted their incomes well above the poverty line. In 2017, close to 5,000 persons were removed from the list. Meanwhile, on the local scene, the SDAF is currently being tested and refined in forty nine (49) villages, satellites and communities in Rupununi, Region Nine. Key players include the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Conservation International, the National Toshaos Council, World Wildlife Fund, the Regional Democratic Council, Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).
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English 2017-04-09
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The shades of night were falling fast, As through an Alpine village passed, A youth, who bore, ‘mid snow and ice, A banner with the strange device, Excelsior! HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807-1882) Excelsior STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, Today we draw your attention to what is considered mature writing. This writing might show, among other things, an author trying to recognise the complexity of the subject at hand, and attending to more than one single feature of the experience. Read Forms of Writing to appreciate one form that mature writing can take. Be wise. Love you.
THE PASSAGE I awoke to the hum and the hunk of traffic beneath my window. I dressed and ate as I had every morning for the last year. Stumbling down the dark stairs, I swung the door open to greet another day. The soft morning sunshine caused me to blink as I walked down the busy street towards the towering black “EL” station. Dodging a pigeon, I climbed up the stairs carpeted with cigarette butts and broken whisky bottles. Immediately I ducked outside to escape the screams of angry children and the booming of the loud
speaker. I stood there with people brushing past me and trains whizzing by. Finally my train came snaking down the track and with a screeching of brakes, it halted before me. It yawned and I stepped aboard. I swayed back into the car and threw myself into a dusty green seat. Suddenly a bell rang, and off we jerked. I sat there watching the back porches and trash littered lots whiz by. Even the sun didn’t seem to reach these forbidden places. Often it halted at stations and swallowed more people. Soon we burrowed underground into musty blackness. Lights flashed on and hand-holds swayed in rhythm. The roar of the train drowned all the other noises. Suddenly the train squealed and scraped to a stop and vomited its load. I rushed off the train but halted in my tracks to gaze down at the poor beggar. How ugly and cruel the city seemed. I forlornly scaled the stairs and stepped into the light air. Beautiful sky scrapers iceberged heavenward, illuminated by bright sunshine. I then realised that there is real beauty in a big city. Something to Do Evaluate the above passage by responding to the questions that follow. i) What is the passage speaking about? Do you think the writer is personally connected to his topic? Tell why you think that way. ii) Is the author’s purpose clear to you? What is clear? iii) Tap into your study partners and tell what in the narrative seem sincere and convincing: a) Is there any reflection of true feeling or belief of the writer? b) Does it come over to you, the readers, whether or not the writer is only using known phrases and ideas? Substantiate by using expressions from the passage. iv) Judge the writing for: a) sequence of ideas or events clear and logical; b) unity, coherence, and emphasis. v) How keen is the writer’s observation? Say in what way(s) it arouses your interest? vi) Are specific, colourful, forceful words and phrases used in the writing? Do they arouse vivid images? vii) Check for sentence variety in the passage: a) Is the variety wide-ranging? Name the kinds of sentences structurally. b) Talk about their purpose(s) as used by the writer. FORMS of WRITING Mature Writing Here is an excerpt in which a student skilfully conveys the perceptions and reactions of a novice, out-of-condition hiker who is trying to keep up with a well-conditioned and apparently relentless hiking companion.
The red pack bobbed ahead of me, always the same distance, always just out of reach, teasing me on. Only twenty minutes out and my lungs were burning. I swung my arms, loping up the trail like an orangutan, each hand in turn clutching for the invisible handle that would pull me on. ‘Tell me when you want to rest.’ ‘Ha!’ I laughed back proudly and spent the next three minutes gasping to make up for that extra air I had wasted. Don’t talk, just climb. Breathe. My breath came and went in fast, deep rasps. 7000’. I wasn’t breathing. I was viciously sucking the air into me, as if through a pillow. I was a sieve, the air running through me, too thin to feel, gone and lost before I could soak it up. The slow ache from my chest creeped up, tightening around my throat. Couldn’t swallow. No time. Just breathe. Teeth ached. ‘If I ever stop,’ I thought, ‘I’ll never move again, I swear.’ Note: 1) This writer deals exclusively with her own perceptions; she never makes reference to what the wearer of the red back pack might have thought about this hiking experience. 2) Consider this personal experience expressive writing to be a very effective piece. Consider her thoughts represented by direct speech. 3) Consider it also represents a relatively complex, mature consideration of the experience – never wavering but always ‘head up’ and objective. 4) Consider it a fact that a writer’s performance can vary widely from task to task. But a mature writer tries to explore and convey ideas more adequately each time of writing. Something to Do Start by trying to write a paragraph structured exactly like the one above which is considered mature writing. Choose your own topic. Attend to more than one single feature of your chosen experience. Keep up practising to explore and convey ideas more adequately each time you write. GRAMMAR Presented below are FOUR ways to know word groups that are sentence fragments. 1. A sentence fragment may be a group of words without a verb or predicate. Students trying hard to submit an assignment before an examination 2. A sentence fragment may be a group of words without a subject. Eventually stopped crying 3. A sentence fragment may be a group of words without subject and predicate. Consisting of close family members 4. A sentence fragment may be a group of words forming a dependent clause. Because they came to eat and not to help
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Self-help powers the way By Shirley Thomas HEAVILY clogged trenches bordering both sides of the roadway and passing through the Parika-Mora neighbourhood have recently been cleared, bringing relief to hundreds of households. This massive desilting exercise has been undertaken not by the Parika Neighbourood Development Council (NDC), but through grass-roots community intervention and with the blessings and cooperation of the Regional Executive Officer of Region No. 3, Dennis Jaikarran, together with Regional Social Cohesion Officer, Ms. Alshazie Ramlakan and a handful of private residents. For years, the trenches have been overgrown by trees, shrubs and other forms of obstruction, and repeated calls on the NDC to address this debacle have fallen on deaf ears, sources say. The 16-member Parika NDC is comprised of 12 Opposition representatives and four APNU representatives. FRIGHTENING
accumulation on the roads and inundation of livestock and vegetable gardens. And very often, deadly reptiles were spotted in residents’ yards. The most recent incident was recently where an elderly woman at Hobo discovered a snake snug in her bed one rainy night. This frightening situation caused panic in the community and again the NDC was approached by the counsellors with a view to having the trenches cleared, but they said that funds were not available to undertake the dredging.
Hobo Village before the trench clearing exercise
The problem which faced residents of the neighbourhood bordered by the Parika Koker at one end and Hobo at the other,
was that the trenches were badly clogged up and whenever there was heavy rainfall the banks overflowed, resulting in water
NETWORKING When it became clear to the minority group of councillors that the majority of the NDC seemed only interested in working within their own time frame and on their own terms, the out-numbered decided that it was time to come up with a ‘Plan B’. It was resilience, cooperation and the will to succeed on the part of a handful of committed people - with the development of the neighbourhood in mind that formed the driving force behind getting the Turn to page XL ►►►
Glaze: 1 cup sugar boiled with half cup water until it forms a sling.
Hot Cross Buns Ingredients: 1 package active dry yeast ¾ cup warm milk or water 4 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup white sugar 2 tbsps. mixed ground spices (½ tsp cardamom, ½ tsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. allspice, ¼ tsp. clove, ¼ tsp nutmeg)
1 tsp salt 2 ozs margarine, softened 1 oz shortening 2 eggs, room temperature (optional) ¾ cup currants 2 tbsps. chopped candied citrus peel 2 tsps. grated orange zest
Method: 1. In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup of the warmed milk and one teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. 2. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of the flour (reserving additional flour for later step), the salt, spices and ¼ cup of sugar. 3. Create a well in the flour and add the foamy yeast, softened butter, 1 egg, and the remaining milk. Mix ingredients until well incorporated. The mixture should be soft and quite sticky. Add in the currants, candied peel and orange zest. 4. Knead well. Sprinkle in additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, kneading to incorporate
after each addition, until the flour is still slightly tacky, but easy to work with. 5. Form a ball of dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit, covered, at room temperature (or in a warm spot) for two hours until the dough has doubled in size. Press down on dough. 6. Cut into 10 pieces and roll into balls. Place ½ inch apart from each other on a greased baking sheet. Allow to rise again. 7. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350°F. 8. Prepare egg wash by whisking together the remaining egg and a tablespoon of milk. You can score the top of the buns with a knife or scissors in a cross pattern. 9. Brush the egg wash over the buns. Place in the middle rack of the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the buns are lightly browned. 10. Brush over with sugar glaze. 10 servings.
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work done. A private resident of Mora, Romeo Fanfair, with a wealth of experience in dredging, revetment and drainage and irrigation, who worked in the employ of BK Intenational for about 18 years, came up with a plan that would see the dredging of the trenches at minimal cost to government. Fanfair approached the Regional Social Cohesion Officer, Ms. Alshazie Ramlakan who is also a RDC Councillor and put forward a proposal on the way forward. The solution was to seek the assistance of the Regional Administration in making two hymacs, fuel and two machine operators available to undertake the dredging. At the same time, he (Fanfair) undertook to voluntarily oversee and give guidance for the works being executed on a daily basis, assisted by Councillor Leon Moses. Ramlakan in turn took it up with Overseer Ganesh Maipaul, explaining the urgency of the situation and asked what he thought about the plan. Maipaul took a team of officers from the Vreed-en-Hoop Office to inspect and do a feasibility survey, then reported to the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Dennis Ramcharran. RDC TO THE RESCUE The REO, after studying the proposal, agreed to provide the necessary resources. That being done, work commenced early March and much was accomplished within a few weeks. By the end of March, ten communities within the neighbourhood had been dredged, bringing relief to residents who were high in praise for the Regional Administration and the team of grass-root minded volunteers for a great job done. Ten communities are now benefitting from this initiative, namely: Parika Koker; Hyde Park, Look Out, Naamryck, Salem Mora, Bartain Stein, Roden Rust, Unity and Hobo, literally representing the triumph of good over evil. Phase I of the project which saved the Council millions of dollars in the absence of having to pay private contractors huge sums of money, entailed digging and clearing trenches in those ten communities and that has been completed. Similar activities are being undertaken from Mora to Sparta. Meanwhile, Phase II entails collecting the overburden (trash from the trenches) and removing it from the shoulders of the road, to prevent it getting back into the trenches whenever it rains. The Opposition-majority NDC was asked to take on this responsibility, but to date they have not done so and the overburden remains at the roadside, likely to get back into the trenches whenever it rains, as observed by the Sunday Chronicle on a recent visit to the neighbourhood.