Pepperpot 19 03 2017

First study to document Caribbean challenges

Graduates with

See inside:

History maker, El-Masri hopes to inspire Guyana ► Page II once again

The art of Dudley Charles at Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC ► Page III Shenese Bobb is the first female local kick boxing champion at age 20 ► Page X

Ph.D. in Public Safety ► Page

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Graduates with Ph.D. in Public Safety On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Guyanese public safety scholar; Yeon Shirland Adams, graduated with a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Public Safety from Capella University in a simple, yet symbolic ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Adams, a former member of the Guyana Defence Force Military Police Corp, Guyana Police Force and Professional Guard Services was one of 1,700 graduating students from Capella University.

His six years of study entailed research on many issues related to effective leadership and administration of various public safety organizations; police, corrections (Prisons), courts, and emergency management. Dr. Adams culminated his studies with a 13- page dissertation (study) entitled: “A Phenomenological Study of Caribbean Police Collaborative Efforts” that explored the challenges to police cross-jurisdictional collaborative efforts in the Caribbean to effectively control

transnational crime using a qualitative research methodology with a social constructionist and interpretive approach.

The study was unique as it was the first to document these challenges from a Caribbean perspective. One challenge outlined in the study; the lack of a regional arrest warrant, was discussed at recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Guyana. Moreover, the study offered many recommendations to improving police cross-jurisdictional collaborative efforts to control crime within the region.

Dr. Adams completed his Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2007, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and International Criminal Justice at the City University of New York, CUNY Baccalaureate Program in 2004 and an Associate in Applied Science

Mr and Mrs Adams

in Computer Application at Medgar Evers College in 2001.

Dr. Adams is currently a member of staff with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York (the UN emergency response organization) and is now qualified to lecture undergraduate and graduate students in the criminal justice and its related disciplines.

He also mentors students and is active in Guyanese and international community-based organizations; Guyana Action Committee, Lions International, American Criminal Justice Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Ex-Police Association of Guyana and the alumni association of Medgar Evers College, John Jay College and Capella University. He will also continue to conduct public safety research within the Caribbean setting as there is paucity in the literature.

Women in Football: “#BeBoldForChange”

History maker, El-Masri hopes to inspire Guyana once again INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day 2017 was celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, and observed under the theme, “#BeBoldForChange”.

It focused on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030”. It is a day when women’s achievements are celebrated in various fields, whether culturally, socially, economically or politically.

In Guyana, it’s no different, and the Guyana Football Federation would like to join the mandate and celebrate women in football.

This includes women in the various aspects of football: Leadership, administration, referee, player.

Guyana’s famed Lady Jaguars has, without a doubt, been Guyana’s most successful footballing national team, re-writing the record books since 2010 with qualification to two senior CONCACAF Tournaments. The squad, throughout the years, has retained the same core group of players, and despite not playing regularly together, they have managed to raise their game when it comes to international tournaments; they have been a remarkable success, and a great advert for women’s football.

One player in particular encapsulates this ability to perform on the big occasion: Attacking mid-fielder, Mariam El-Masri. This 25-year-old is not only the first female Guyanese to score at a CONCACAF tournament when she did so in 2010, but also the first to score in Olympic qualifiers, when she scored a magnificent goal last year in Guyana’s 2-1

Attacking midfielder Mariam El-Masri

victory over Guatemala.

Despite being based in Canada, El-Masri retains a sense of pride in being Guyanese; she describes her goal in the Olympic qualifiers as invoking ‘’an amazing feeling scoring for my country; there’re no words to describe the feeling.’’

An accomplished career has seen her play football in both Canada and Denmark as she sought to develop her career. Since the Olympic qualifiers, things have not gone so well for El-Masri: ‘’unfortunately after the Olympic Qualifiers I sustained a very severe concussion: it caused me to take a break from

soccer’’ she says when discussing her career. However, showing resolve, she has recently returned to the beautiful game: ‘’I am playing locally with club side GS United in Toronto, Canada. We won the Ontario Championships and came third in the Canadian National Championships’’.

This recovery is a boost to Guyana’s National Women’s programme; the 2017 Women’s Caribbean Cup is slated to begin in May, and El-Masri will be hoping to score in her third major tournament for the Lady Jags. ‘’I am very much looking forward to

the Caribbean Cup later this year, and hopefully I will also get the opportunity to play club football at a higher level in the near future’’.

When asked about how the Lady Jags manage to maintain such a successful record despite frequent periods of inactivity, El-Masri says: “We just have that connection, every time we get together it’s like we never left each other.”

Guyana’s Lady Jaguar with the Golden Boot is roaring to represent the nation once again.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

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The Art of Dudley Charles at Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC

By Francis Quamina Farrier THERE is an on-going Art Exhibition by veteran Guyanese artist, Dudley Charles, at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, specially mounted for the observance of Guyana's 47th Republic Anniversary.

Some of the classic paintings of the talented Charles were put on display at a special ceremony on February 24, 2017.

In his address to the gathering, Guyana's Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, Dr Riyad Insanally, expressed his delight as he welcomed those who attended the Launch Ceremony.

"The Embassy is truly honoured that this great Guyanese artist has graciously agreed to display a small selection of his extensive portfolio, to help us mark this anniversary," the ambassador stated. Dr. Insanally further said that although "the space available at the embassy was inadequate to play full justice to Charles' pulsating talent, we cannot help but be grateful that he has chosen to enhance and brighten our modest home away from home, with his mastery of colour and his exploration of time and space."

Born in Plaisance on the East Coast Demerara in 1945, Dudley Charles is a contemporary of fellow villager, International songwriter and entertainer, Eddy Grant. He received formal training as an artist from famous Guyanese artist Donald Locke. A former staffer at the Ministry of Culture, Dudley Charles, also developed his God-given talent, working with Denis Williams, Director of Art at the Department

Veteran Prize-Winning Guyanese Artist Dudley Charles

of Culture, during the early years of Guyana's Independence.

One of the early Art Exhibitions by Dudley Charles was in 1967, at the Chase Manhattan Bank, which was located on the ground floor of the Bank of Guyana in downtown Georgetown. Along with art colleagues Ron Savory and Cletus Hendriques, Dudley was also very active in the mounting of the Art Exhibitions for (the first) CARIFESTA 72, here in Guyana.

That first CARIFESTA is still regarded by many as the greatest, with thousands of cultural workers and enablers, including the Guyana government of the day. Dudley Charles, as a staffer at the Department of Culture was one of those who contributed to its success.

In 1977 while still a Staffer at the Department of Culture, he represented Guyana at FESTAC77 - The Second World Black and African Festival of the Arts and Culture. Held in Lagos, Nigeria, FESTAC77 attracted 17,000 artists from 57 countries around the world. In those early years of Guyana's nationhood, when there was a strong patriotic surge in every facet of nation-building, Dudley Charles was one of the young rising stars in the art world. A year later, in 1978, after FESTAC77, he mounted a very attractive one-man Exhibition at the Public Service Union (PSU) Hall on Regent Road, Bourda in Georgetown. One of the popular paintings at that Exhibition was "Image Old House" which celebrated Guyana's wooden heritage. Dudley Charles has also won First Prize back to back of the National Visual Arts Competition in 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Since migrating to the United States in 1989, Dudley Charles has returned to Guyana twice "to check out things" in his homeland. However, in answering my question with his usual charming chuckle, he said that he has never been officially invited to any national event or celebration in Guyana or to impart his knowledge to young

up-coming artists.

Meanwhile, as his current Exhibition at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, is approaching its conclusion, he has expressed the view that the paintings

which he has selected, gives the viewers, especially those Guyanese who have not been home for some years, that they "would recognize certain images which they grew up with."

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

‘Fatty’ erroneously found guilty Court Case Files

by Full Court on ‘Bush Rum’ charge freed by Appellate Court THE Appellant Doolarie called ‘Fatty’ was charged with unlawful possession of spirits after the police found two bottles of bush-rum on premises occupied by she and her husband.

One bottle was found in the yard, while the other was found in a bathroom in the yard.

The Appellant was convicted of the offence by a magistrate and fined a sum of $750.00.

She appealed to the Full Court, which confirmed the magistrate’s conviction.

As a consequence she appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal constituted by Chancellor J.O.F. Haynes and Justices of Appeal J.A. Luckhoo and Keith Massiah.

That Appellate Court held: The Full Court failed to consider the circumstances surrounding the actual finding of the bottle in the bathroom. As such, the finding on the mental element of possession by the Full Court was based on an erroneous view of the evidence and on a misconception of the facts adduced in evidence by the Respondent.

Mr. S.E. Brotherson for the Appellant.

Mr. D.J. Christian, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions for the Respondent.

Justice of Appeal Luckhoo who delivered the judgment said: In a search executed by the police under a search warrant on premises occupied by the Appellant and her husband, the latter not being present at the time, three bottles containing liquid were found. In two of the bottles was bush rum. The search took place at Doorn Haag, Leguan, on 2nd May, 1975, at two o’clock in the afternoon. As a result of the finding of bush rum the Appellant alone was charged with, and convicted of, the offence of the unlawful possession of spirits contrary to S.89(1) of the Spirits Act, Chapter 82.24 of the Laws of Guyana, and

was fined the sum of $750.00.

The premises comprised a house, bathroom and yard. The yard was enclosed by a barbed wire fence three feet in height attached to wallaba posts. The bathroom was a rod and a half away from the house and it was without a door. The neighbour to the west, at the material time, was not on terms with the Appellant. The police party began their search in the yard.

Sometime after, there was no evidence how long after, the Appellant excused herself saying that she wanted to urinate and then went into the bath room. Police Constable English (the Respondent) said he became suspicious and hurried behind the woman. His evidence continued, “I saw her in the bath room fumbling with a plastic bucket. “ I then upturned the bucket and found a large Eldorado rum bottle corked and containing a clear liquid.”

As the search continued, in a clump of grass in the yard another bottle was found corked and containing liquid, and a third bottle with liquid was found under the kitchen portion of the house. The bottles were tendered and admitted in evidence as exhibits “A”, “B” and “C”. The bottles found in the bath room and in a clump of grass in the yard contained bush rum.

The remaining bottle had no bush rum. The Appellant denied this at the time of finding and at her trial all knowledge of any of the three bottles found.

The Respondent admitted under cross-examination that anyone could have thrown the bottles which were found in the yard. The Full Court held that so far as the evidence was concerned, with respect to the bottle of bush rum which was found in a clump of grass, it was equivocal and that had the charge been confined to that bottle only, to use the words of the Court ‘it may well be the Appellant would have been dismissed.’ The appeal really centred around the finding of the bottle in the bath room and the mental element necessary to be proved before a case could

By George Barclay be said to be established against the Appellant for the offence charged. The substantial question posed was this: Was it proved that the Appellant had knowledge that there was bush-rum in the bathroom?

It does appear to us that the Full Court misdirected itself on this vital part of the case. Its finding on the mental element was based on an erroneous view of the evidence, on a misconception of the facts adduced in evidence by the Respondent.

Concluding his judgment, Justice of Appeal Luckhoo said: All the above –mentioned possibilities and the circumstances giving rise to them were not considered by the Full Court because that Court had through its error of the facts surrounding the actual finding of the bottle misdirected itself on the issue of the mental element.

For these reasons we find that it would be unsafe to uphold the conviction. The appeal is therefore, allowed and the order of conviction and sentence set aside.

Chancellor Haynes: I concur in the order proposed in the judgment of Luckhoo J.A. Massiah, J. A. : I concur.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

e r u t a r e t i L

By Subraj Singh

#SupportCreativity

Mark Z. Danielewski’s

House of Leaves

(Random House, 2000)

WHAT is Postmodernist literature? What is Postmodernism? What is literature?

These are the kinds of questions that you will ask yourself after picking up a copy of House of Leaves. Even before you read the thing, Mark Z. Danielewski’s wild, hypnotic, dizzying, panoramic, terrifying, beautiful work of literature is something that will make you question the answers to questions you always thought you had answers for. It is a strange book – alive with menace, evil, goodness, wrath, beauty, and pain. Believe me when I say that you have never come across anything like it before and you will probably never come across anything like it after.

While Postmodernist plays and films might, for whatever reason, be more popular in Guyana among those who are cognizant of artistic trends and forms, Postmodernist literature still struggles to find a firm footing. Indeed, there are only so many works in local literature that can truly be considered

postmodernist. If, however, the young and upcoming writer is interested in this field of writing then it is essential that such a writer reads House of Leaves which, with its fragmented narrative, its use of multiple (and sometimes unreliable) narrators, its constant shifting away from one narrative focus to the next, the ways in which the characters and stories intertwine and intersect with each other, the use of colours in the text, and the utter disregard (or careful, deliberate dismantling) of the structure of the typical novel form, highlights various postmodernist elements that contributed to the book’s success and its securing of a place within the canon of contemporary postmodernist literature as an iconic novel with a strong cult following.

While much has been written about the various postmodernist, experimental elements of the novel, there is an aspect of House of Leaves that deserves as much attention: the plot. Confusing and disorienting as it is, the work offers, at its core, a story that is as en-

tertaining as it is entertaining to extract. Mr. Truant, a young man who works in a tattoo parlour, comes across a manuscript written by the mysterious Mr. Zampano which focuses on a movie called The Navidson Record. As Truant reads Zampano’s work, the effect of a “story within the story” is created, which then becomes more complicated with the addition of a myriad of footnotes and other voices and narrators, giving us “several stories within the story within the story.” It is complicated, but not impossible to follow.

Truant is a character who, in the initial portions of his own story, appears to be an individual who has a life you think you know – someone who is readable and open. However, as the novel progresses, Truant, like the book itself, transforms and develops into a multifaceted thing – and this transformation is one of the best things about House of Leaves.

The Navidsons (the family at the centre of the documentary film that Zampano writes about) is also interesting in the way that in the middle of a contemporary, cutting edge psychological thriller/horror novel, Danielewski manages to use the family and their friends to evoke age-old themes like love, death, the unknown, relationships and family itself.

However, without such elements, House of

V Leaves would be a hard, dense, emotionless thing. By putting a real family in danger, by focusing on their flaws and struggles, the author humanizes the book, which ensures that despite the many types of oddness it displays, the readers are never truly alienated from it because of our interest in the lives, in the story, of these charatcers.

Good horror novels are rare and House of Leaves falls into the small category of books that are uniquely and powerfully terrifying.

The author plays on many human fears (monsters, claustrophobia, darkness, etc.) and uses them dramatically and exhilaratingly. Unlike films, which can present the audience with a visual object of fear, the book allows readers to summon their own fears, based on the little that is given. The descriptions, for example, of the never-ending maze within the house, with its lack of light, many rooms and the growling, snarling sounds that echo within it are examples of the elements that Danielewski plays with in order to impart fear.

House is Leaves is strange. Which other book can you find with upside-down text, blank pages, strange images, poetry, letters, and coloured writing all wrapped up into one? Read it for its strangeness, if not for all the other things it has going for it.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Dealing with children A FEMALE colleague of mine once told me that she literally hates to attend to children in her clinic. Although most children generally cooperate as dental patients, some display behaviour that presents obstacles to the safe and effective delivery of care. In these instances, the dentist can use behaviour management techniques to modify the child’s behaviour. There can also be pre-medication which basically tranquilises them or physical restraint by a close relative whom the child knows well.

When using behaviour management techniques in pediatric (child) dentistry, it is critical that the child’s parents or guardians be educated as to the usefulness and appropriateness of the desired techniques. This is necessary for two reasons. First, it has been shown that parents who are informed and educated about behaviour management techniques are more positive and accepting of their use. Second, the use of some of these methods may require consent by the parent.

Methods to accomplish control over children who do not cooperate with the dentist include: “tell-show-do’, voice control, hand-over-mouth, physical restraint and drug

induced management.

The “tell-show-do” technique is the foundation of all child management. It involves the dentist first describing to the child exactly what is going to be done, then showing the child what will be done, and finally, performing the procedures as previously discussed and shown. It is important when using this technique to use the words for dental instruments and procedures that are suitable for the child’s age.

About 80 percent of all children above the age of three years with normal intellectual and emotional development can be guided successfully through new procedures with this technique.

Voice control is usually described as the dentist assuming a more authoritative role when the child starts to display disruptive behaviour. It can also be described as the dentist constantly speaking to the child in a supportive manner when the latter displays appropriate behaviour. It is important when using voice control that the facial expression and demeanor of the dentist mirror the attitude he or she is attempting to convey. It is also important to note that the technique is most effective when inappropriate behaviour is full blown.

The hand-over-mouth technique is not commonly used in this country. The purpose of this technique, which calls for the dentist to place his hand over the mouth of a hysterically crying or screaming child, is to gain the attention of the child and establish communication. Thus, the child can hear and begin

to communicate with the dentist and learn the cooperative behaviour required for safe course of treatment. This technique must be linked with voice control, that is, a cessation of oppositional behaviour is immediately accompanied by removal of the dentist’s hand from the child’s mouth and the simultaneous giving of positive verbal reinforcement (praise).

Perhaps in Guyana, physical restraint is the most widely used method to ensure that an uncooperative child receives proper dental treatment. This may involve using bite block, pediwrap, papoose board or simply by having the parent or guardian confine the child’s head, hands and legs while the dentist executes a procedure. This author only uses the latter method because it’s the least traumatic from a psychological point of view. It is often not advisable to restrain a child who is more than five years old. Mental retardation may be an exception.

The drug most noteworthy for pharmacologic management is nitrous oxide. There are many other sedatives that can be delivered orally or by injection. General anesthetic is also used in particular circumstances. I personally never advise general anaesthetic for routine dental treatment and I only recommend pre-medication (4 milligrams of diazepam 2 hours before the child’s visit), if I consider the procedure to be relatively long and complex.

Eden Corbin

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

By Vishani Ragobeer

Throughout his senior academic life, while his academics were definite priority, Corbin never concentrated all his efforts on academics. Instead, he made himself an outspoken and well-rounded person, combining his love for music and poetry with his passion for activism.

“I wasn’t always the smartest in my class but I didn’t let that define me. I made the best out of what I was given.” Eden highlighted.

In 2015, he acted as the Prime Minister of Guyana’s youth parliament hosted by the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2015. Corbin, alongside 34 other youths aged 14-17 engaged in ‘parliamentary discussions’.

Outspoken and ambitious are just two words that can effectively describe this young man. Additionally, with a spark for leadership and passionate about youth empowerment, 19 year old Eden Corbin is perhaps the shining role model for Guyanese youths.

This young man, after being the first Guyanese to be elected as Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee (IAC) for the Guild Council at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus only last week, shared his story with the Guyana Chronicle.

Corbin is currently a first year Law student at this Trinidadian University but he wasn’t always the diligent law student he is today. The young man studied Business while he attended Queen’s College and then proceeded to study law at the Bishop’s High School after graduating.

“My aim was always to do law, but I decided that I would prefer to have a good foundation… like a plan B, just in case it [law] didn’t work out,” Corbin highlighted.

Stumbling upon the opportunity to run for the position of Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee (IAC) just after entering UWI, Eden wasted no time in seizing this opportunity.

“I decided to run because I found out about the position and what I could do with the position,” he related and underscored, “There’s more to life than just studying.”

After investing much of his time and sharing his ideals and opinions at several forums in the University, the lad was elected as the IAC chairperson edging past his only opponent and yet another Guyanese studying at the University – Kena Melville.

He explained that the Chairperson of the IAC has the herculean task of dealing with the representation of all international matters relating to the students’ guild and is responsible for the Island Associations and representing all regional and international students attending the university.

Eden during a visit to the St. Stanislaus College While sharing his ideals, he expressed, “I intend to promote regionalism over nationalism beHis love for poetry and music is somecause we can do so much more if we were to thing which he has shared with many persons truly unite all of the CARICOM countries and on numerous occasions. His spoken word operate as one.” sessions have become very popular and for Interestingly however, this isn’t a case of the observance of International Women’s Corbin now ‘breaking out’ of his figurative Day 2016, the young man charmed a packed ‘shell’ but Corbin recounted, “I don’t think I Arthur Chung Convention Centre (which was ever did something this big before.” attended by several government ministers and

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– Proving that youths are the way forward

prominent persons in society).

Earlier this year, he also engaged in outreach programs in Guyana on behalf of UWI where he visited several of the top secondary schools. Here he related the pros and cons of studying at UWI and urged students to further their education.

Now, in addition to occupying the position of the UWI IAC chairperson, Eden is also the resident of UWe speak- a student activist group that uses poetry primarily to allow students to express their views on social issues and share their ideas.

Currently, Corbin is juggling his youth empowerment and activism group, his new role as the chairperson of the IAC and his academic endeavors. Nevertheless, Eden is anticipating what the future has in store for him.

Before ending his chat with the Guyana Chronicle, Eden urged all young people to never let their situations define them.

“Your worst enemy is you,” he attested and said, “You can do anything with the right mindset and drive.”

Eden Corbin

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

CONSUMERISM SUPPORTS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

WOMEN form the majority of consumers in the world and in every country they are the ones who, either directly or indirectly, make the purchases from the shops or who provide the services of distribution. They are as important to the economic progress and well-being of society as men.

If their rights and aspirations are not protected and given unfettered expression, a violation of Human Rights would have been committed and society as a whole suffers.

Last Wednesday, 8th March, International Women's Day was commemorated worldwide and the Guyana Consumers Association was involved in activities marking the Day. Several local commentators have treated International Women's Day as if its raison d'etre was a laudato on the achievements of certain women. UN Secretary General Antonio Gutterres' message captures the meaning of the Day and gives a graphic picture of the harsh reality of the conditions of women and what action must be taken to bring justice and equilibrium to their plight.

Mr Gutterres begins his message with the telling words: "Women's rights are Human rights. But in these troubled times, as

our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, the rights of women and girls are

being reduced, restricted and reversed. Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realize their full potential."

In Guyana, as in other countries, there have been historic imbalances in power

Male chauvinism is an almost atavistic feeling among men who generally do not understand how such feeling directs their actions. So although a man may be advocating women's empowerment with sincerity, his actions often turn out to be the reverse.

relations between men and women and whenever there are economic difficulties or social tensions, these imbalances and discrimination tend to be strengthened and emphasized.

Women's rights over their own bodies are questioned and undermined and this has led to sexual harassment at workplaces and elsewhere. Many males assume that they could easily intimidate women and do this as an automatic reaction.

The issue of domestic violence is related to the male attitudes mentioned above and has little relationship to the explanations of it usually given such as poor economic conditions and unemployment. These various explanations, in most cases, tend to be apologies. The immediate solution to such violence is straightforward - men found guilty of perpetrating such violence should be severely punished. And secondly, if women are rescued, some kind of employment should be found for them so that they could sustain themselves.

Gender inequalities invariably lead to a distorted economy. If as many women as men were employed, the economy would experience greater growth. Such women's employment must go beyond homemakers and domestic service and must include fuller participation in the mainstream labour force.

Finally, it is necessary that women be made to hold real leadership positions in economic life as well as in Government.

Having numbers of women as members of Company Boards or as Ministers of Government is really meaningless except such women could wield real authority and power.

In Guyana, real power still almost always resides with men.

Men who believe in women's empowerment therefore always have to guard against feelings of male chauvinism.

Except for extremists and terrorists whose ideologies are built around the subjugation and oppression of women, all mainstream 21st century opinion accept that greater empowerment of women would lead to greater economic growth and the expansion and strengthening of Human Rights in society.

A few of the ways in which this laudable aspiration could be achieved are: Biblical references to women as for example Eve or Delilah who always seem to have a streak of evil and weakness must be explained in keeping with the higher moral teachings of the Judaic religions. In the Hindu Tradition, the problem is not as acute as most of the important manifestations of the Godhead such as Lakshmi or Saraswati are in the female form.

The Education System at both the Primary and Secondary levels and the Teacher's Training College need to have modules in their curricula where the empowerment of women is dealt with. And finally, more specific mention needs to be made in the Law of Women's rights.

Before we conclude this offering, we would like to mention that some educationists have been pointing out that there are more girls at school than boys and in many of the professions female representation is greater than male and there is serious fear of a male backlash. Though these facts are true, it would be a very long time before women's empowerment is achieved and adjustments will take place during this process.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Guyana in

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Turn up the dark and shine a light on climate change

WWF GUYANA has been organizing the Earth Hour climate change awareness event for quite a few years. And what begun as a small gathering of people, has now become a big event, capable of rallying institutions, international organizations, business and a wide array of partners around the topic of climate change.

This year’s Earth Hour in Guyana is managed and organized by WWF Guianas – Guyana Office, in close collaboration with a series of partners: Caribbean Youth Environment Network in Guyana, Protected Areas Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Education, Office of Climate Change, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Guyana, Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Conservation International Guyana, Cuso International, Rotaract Club Georgetown, Brazil Embassy, Canada High Commission, Mexico Embassy, UK High Commission, US Embassy, UNICEF, UNDP, Pegasus Hotel Guyana, Annai Central and Rupertee Village, Marriott Hotel Georgetown.

BUT WHAT IS EARTH HOUR EXACTLY? Earth Hour is a project managed and organised by WWF (World Wildlife Fund).

It is an annual global event which puts the spotlight on climate change by bringing people together, urging action against climate change and reminding that personal actions matter. Its main and simplest action is the switching off of non-essential lights for one hour to show a commitment to some kind of action to change climate change.

Earth Hour is observed on the last Saturday in March, annually. This year, it will be held on Saturday 25th March between 8:30pm and 9:30pm, local time. It will be observed all across the world, and many international landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building will turn their lights off for the occasion.

What is important to know is that 2017 also marks the 10th anniversary of the event. Thus, to celebrate this milestone WWF Guianas - Guyana Country Office, along with many partnering organisations, has organized a round up of activities and a special (public and free) set to happen on March 25th 2017 from 7.30 pm onwards at the National Park.

Representatives from Caribbean Youth Environment Network in Guyana, Protected Areas Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Climate Change, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Guyana, Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Canada High Commission, Mexico Embassy, UK High Commission, US Embassy, UNICEF, UNDP; will all participate in the event, joining WWF Guyana on stage and making their pledges to #ChangeClimateChange.

Additionally, the evening will also feature a number of

cultural and environmental pieces, including poetry by Rovindra Persaud and the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science, drumming by African Kings Drumming Group, a musical rendition by Music Unlimited, steelpan compositions by Buxton Steel Pride Orchestra, dancing and face painting.

Of course, the night will also see the symbolic switching off of non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm and lighting of the 60+ emblem.

Individuals, communities,organisations and businesses are encouraged to support and participate in this initiative, and beyond: we await you all on the evening of March 25th, 2017, at theNational Park (Thomas Lands Parking Lot), from 7:30pm, to celebrate together the largest environmental event in the world.

As mentioned, the March 25th event will be preceded by a series of awareness rising cultural and entertaining activities

open to the public and happening all across Guyana.

These include: Environment Days – a series of environment themed events, organized by the Brazilian Embassy, the Mexican Embassy and the High Commission of Canada.

March 18th 2017: “Fête de la Francophonie”: an evening of French culture and music, at 7:30 pm at Giftland Mall - organized by the High Commission of Canada.

March 21st 2017: screening of “Sunú”

by Teresa Camou Guerrero, at the Mexican Embassy (44 Brickdam) at 6:30 pm – organized by the Mexican Embassy.

Recycled Art Activity – organized by Cuso International for March 22nd (911:30am.) and targeting 40-50 youth at the Kuru Kuru Training Center, Linden Soesdyke Highway, featuring presentations by WWF Guyana, GEA, CYEN in Guyana and Cuso International.

Climate Awareness Activities and Cul-

tural Initiatives - organized by Iwokrama in the North Rupununi, throughout March and leading towards Earth Hour. These include: sessions on climate change with Iwokrama rangers, special screening of “Xingu” by Cao Hamburger (in collaboration with the Brazil Embassy in Guyana), Rap with students for radio programming on Radio Paiwomak on climate.

Rotaract Recycle Fair – an event that will feature the collection of items such as clothes, school supplies, toys, books, household items (all must be in good conditions), organized by Rotaract Club Georgetown on March 25th from 8.00 am to 5.00 at the Parade Ground in Georgetown.

And, on the night of March 25th: Storytelling under the Stars in the Rupununi - an hour of traditional storytelling (in the form of narration, skits and dances) around a traditional fire, using local lighting sources (plant exudates, shells etc), organized by Bina Hill Institute, Annai Central and Rupertee Group on March 25th, Earth Hour Day. Candlelit dinner at Iwokrama – the Iwokrama lodge will host a special dinner with no artificial lights on March 25th, Earth Hour Day. Candlelit dinner and special eco-friendly menu at Pegasus Hotel - Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown will turn off its sign from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 25th 2017 and on the same night, will also host a special Earth Hour themed candlelit dinner, featuring an eco-friendly menu, in the El Dorado Restaurant.

Let us come together to shine a light on climate action and change climate change.

Join the event: http://bit.ly/ EarthHourInGuyana and share your story online: #EarthHourGuyana #EarthHour

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Shenese Bobb is the first female local kick boxing champion at age 20 – credits disciple and endurance for her achievement

By Michel Outridge She is the kind of young woman, whose demeanor and quiet personality will fool you. Just looking at her you won’t believe she packs a mean punch and her kick can knock you sendeless in seconds.

Shenese Bobb at age 20 is Guyana’s first ever female kick boxing champion. And she won gold in Trinidad and Tobago in the Real Sport Promotion “Ruff N Tuff” which was held March 4, 2017 in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) regional category.

Bobb is a trainee at the Felix Austin Police College for the past two months and while undergoing mandatory martial training under the guidance of karate instructor Troy Bobb, she developed a liking for the highly competitive sport.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Self-Defense Instructor recognised her willingness to learn and she accepted his offer for training which takes place three and a half hours, five days per week.

Bobb told the Sunday Chronicle that the intense training is not easy but she knows she is destined for greater things and wanted to push herself to reach a stage where she can successfully compete in the international arena.

The soft-spoken young lady hails from Rosignol, West Coast Berbice and embarked on a career of being a detective and helping to solve crimes.

Bobb will pass out as a Police recruit in two months’ time, but is focused on becoming more proficient in her art as she continues to train for her upcoming rematch at Princess Hotel on March 25.

The humble trainee cop says she is

Shenese Bobb with her competitor and the referee after her win in Trinidad recently

not worried since she is under the expert guidance of coach Troy Bobb who, has been in martial arts for the past 36 years.

She related that she was very elated and surprised at the same time when she knocked out her Tobago-born competitor in less than a minute of the 15-minute scheduled match.

She said, “When I won it didn’t really hit home that I had created history for Guyana but after I realised what I had achieved I was very pleased with myself.”

Bobb journeyed to Trinidad with two other policemen, one of whom won silver after he secured a second place. through sponsorship and today it is no different since she is seeking same for her upcoming rematch at Princess Hotel later this month.

The champion was in high praise for her coach Troy Bobb, who was instrumental in her achieving her goal of being a winner. Because of his guidance and that of Force Training Officer Paul Williams, she felt she was on her way to greater things.

Bobb is no ‘girlie’ girl. She is the third

child of six siblings from a home where she grew up as a ‘Tom Boy’ with a father, who works in the interior and a mother who is a landscaper.

She is also a track and field athlete, the Guyana Police Force scout for steel pan players and a one-time football referee. She is also an avid football fan.

With her positive outlook and selfmotivating attitude Bobb told the Sunday Chronicle that with her win as a champion kick boxer she has gained the respect of her peers.

She said, “My fellow trainees are somewhat indifferent, at

least some of them are. I get a few stares and sniggers here and there but no one wants a fight with me because they know what I am capable of.”

Bobb stressed the importance of discipline and wants to push herself to the limits in enhancing her career as a kick boxer since she is very fond of the sport which she describes as being ‘tough.’

The Trinidad Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation coordinated the event in which Bobb emerged a winner and the MMA in the Caribbean is associated with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), which is the international governing body for the sport that also controls the super popular Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) which features the most top-ranked fighters in the sport.

Trainee cop Shenese Bobb and her self-defence coach Troy Bobb

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

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Music heals Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

Last week I wrote about depression in the hopes of a better understanding by our general population. I mentioned a range of risk factors as well as things we can do to treat it.

Today, I would like to specifically focus on music as a way of healing. I would like to state clearly that this is not a substitute for prescription medication and psychotherapy but rather something extra that will definitely speed up one’s rate of recovery.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone likes music- maybe just not all types of music.

Music is undoubtedly the most popular thing on the planet- with everyone having access to it in one sense or the other. Its power allows for a range of uncontrollable emotions. It connects people – it excites us, inspires us, motivates us, educates us and apparently, even heals us.

Music has an emotional and physical effect on us. It allows us to express our emotions on a whole. There were many times I sent songs to different people in my life because I couldn’t find the words at the time.

In allowing us to express ourselves, it inspires creativity, fuels our memories and heal our wounds.

Physically, music can excite us as well as calm us down. It can slow down or speed up our heart beat and breathing. It’s been known to lower stress, blood pressure and possibility of drug relapse. Numerous studies have also determined that music therapy has allowed individuals to heal faster, especially cancer patients. Having said all of that, it is safe to say that music reduces pain by allowing us to feel, which is okay. A rhyme to rememberFeeling is healing.

I can personally write about what music has done and continues to do for me. I love to sing- if I could have been in any other profession, it would have been an artist. However, some people have to be the clappers and that’s me. Still, music has a bigger impact on my life than anything else. I send songs to people as a form of love, apology, education…you name it! I feel insecure at times (like most do I’m sure) and music helps me with that in ways very difficult to explain. However, I have a feeling that most of you already know what I’m talking about. We all have that song that makes us feel really good about ourselves and reminds us of what’s important. Music also improves my physical health. I cannot go to the gym without my ipod. I will literally turn the car around. When I have it, I run faster and harder. I’m reminded of all the reasons why I want to run in the first place. Music calms me down. It just takes away my anger.

What I love most about music though, is that it always provides me with company; I never

feel lonely when music is playing. I tend to only associate good memories with music because of how much I need it in my life. I wish to encourage everyone to do the same.

Official music therapy is a relatively new practice. There is active and receptive music therapy. Active involves the patient and therapist working together to create/compose music that calms the patient down. They then discuss feelings that are brought about by the composition. In receptive music therapy, patients simply listen to music that they already like while mediating or thinking about what’s bothering them. The aim is to improve mood and develop healthier coping skills. Neither therapy requires an extensive background of musical skills. In general, they are known to lower depression, calm anxiety and ease pain.

M, who was brave enough to speak about her depression last week will tell us how music affected her specifically.

“My depression is like a heavy cloak that I wear everywhere I go. Most days it's manageable but on the days that it rains, it's a lot more difficult to carry.

I have lived with my depression from the age of 13 officially, but I don't think I can remember a time where I woke up not entertaining the thoughts of suicide.

Please, don't get me wrong or feel sorry for me, I live my life to it's fullest and I always find the positivity in any given moment.

But living with a person like me is not easy.

Not even for me.

You see most people don't see the grave effects of depression until it is too late. Most people don't see the slamming of doors around my apartment, the screaming, the crying until I can't breath, the "why-won'tyou-just-jump" that goes through my head and out of my mouth on a bad day. Only few people get to witness me, fighting with myself, or my partner Kyle, who might I add is the main reason I am still here. No pressure.

The first time I recall ever feeling upset with my self-worth was around 7 or 8. I don't recall the cause but I do remember plopping myself in front of our family piano and I began to poke around and make a few noises.

My mother promptly put me into lessons and from there my love for music grew and blossomed. I played the piano on and off for a few years, dabbling with guitar until I found a real passion for the violin at the age of 14. Which might I add; my family did not

find to be the greatest choice. Have you ever heard a beginner violinist play? It is the most horrendous sound on the planet.

From 14-21 I expressed myself musically through the violin; I played in symphonies, got a tutor from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as part of a student program. I went to band camp on a full scholarship. I lived, ate and slept classical music. So much that I graduated high school with enough free credits that I only had 2 or 3 classes in my final year.

There is a void that music temporarily fills when you suffer from depression. A void that grows with each breath, each step; a void that we all desperately try to silence with medications, meditations and more. My mother always knew I was having a bad day (undiagnosed at the time) when I locked my door and practiced for hours on end; a pleasure for me, torture for everyone else. Remember, I wasn't that good.

When I met Kyle, I was still playing on my own terms. I got into York University’s music program as part of my courses, to which my professor told me "I would never make money doing this" to which I replied "I never wanted to" and stormed out. That was the beginning to the end of my love affair with the violin.

A few years later, and a month into us dating, Kyle got me a dog, James, who promptly put a stop to my musical efforts by howling uncontrollably any time I so much as open the violin case. Dogs, am I right? That was the last of it. My violin is still sitting in my storage unit desperately waiting to be heard again. James is still sitting in my apartment

desperately hoping that instrument will never see the light of day again.

But there is something special that happens when you use music to sooth your soul. There is something magical.

The urge to create never goes away.

I have since switched to something a bit more modern and millennial if you will. DJing. Plus I look A LOT cooler doing it let me tell you.

I am self taught so I do not play for other people but spending an hour or two a week behind the turn tables, gets my heart pumping again. I dance around my living room during my favourite songs, I mix and mash sounds together and sometimes they are a hit, most times Kyle jumps in desperately trying to save the sound I've let unravel, obviously from dancing and not paying attention.

When I was asked to do this speech I wanted to talk about what songs and artists I find help me, but realistically I think for everyone, the emotional associations with music and artists is very dependant on your experiences and good-feeling memories and of course the type of music you enjoy. Music has always been a major help in getting out of my personal turmoil. Whether it be blasting Kid Cudi’s latest album to drown out my own thoughts or picking up an instrument and letting my fingers and my heart talk instead, the blanket of comfort and pacification that music has the ability to surround you with is unlike anything else I have experienced.

Music will always be my escape. I will always dance alone while I try not to let my darkness settle. I will always sing out loud in the shower to cancel out my thoughts of defeat. I will always have music. “ - M 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 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Beverly Reynolds: A proficient colourist and nature enthusiast BEVERLY Reynolds spent the formative years of her life in a small fishing village on the island of Jamaica. In a recent interview she recalled fondly the memories of her time spent there and how she came to embrace the duality of water as one of several integral components of her creative practice.

“The sea was about fifty yards away [from us]. Towards the Christmas and hurricane season when we would get storms and the water would get choppy I would wonder if the sea would come and take [us] away.”

Despite her childhood fear regarding the potential danger of being in such close proximity to a large body of water, Reynolds would later spend a significant amount of time traversing and being inspired

by Guyana’s many rivers.

“I’ve been to Kaieteur Falls and I remember seeing the Golden Frog. I’ve been to Bartica. I went there with my church on a mission one summer for about a week and we took the boat across the different islands. We also took the speedboat to Baganara Resort. Then we went into the communities where there are primarily Amerindians. I love Parika and the boats there. [Although] the colour of the water is different, the boats are still colourful and the people are colourful.

The amazing thing for me is the white sand and the coloured water. My association has always been white sand and blue water. But then there’s this really white sand with the colour water that’s here. It’s very interesting.”

Although Reynolds’ knowledge of art has been acquired largely through her own self-directed efforts, her expressive brushwork, inventive techniques, vivid colour combinations and willingness to experiment with non-traditional tools and materials all suggest a thorough understanding of the principles and elements that are foundational to the process of making truly compelling work.

DH: How did you get your start in art?

BR: I didn’t do anything for a very long time.

In my days we had to do what you would call a screen test or mock exam. If you didn’t get a good grade then you couldn’t sit the exam.

I didn’t get a good grade so I wasn’t allowed

to sit the exam. I think I went into mourning for years. In 2003, about six months or so before I came to Guyana, this burning passion came over me again. I felt like if I didn’t paint I would die. So I started doing some stuff at home. When I came to Guyana I did a lot.

Most of my work, outside of what I did in high school, I did when I came to Guyana.

DH: Tell me a little bit about your decision to move here from Jamaica.

BR: If I have to be forthright and honest I would tell you that God sent me here. He told me that he had a work for me to do with the young people in the region. One day I saw an advert in the newspaper for the Global Fund and so I applied. I wasn’t selected or even shortlisted. Then about a year later I got a letter from CARICOM wanting to know if I would be interested in a position. And because I believe that God said he wanted me to work with young people in the region, I knew that was the opportunity. That was the opening.

And so that’s how I came to be here.

One of my most exhilarating experiences was traveling on the Essequibo River on the big boat. It was a very peaceful journey. It was just amazing [to see] the colour of the water and the sunlight on the water. That was the time I said to myself, “I could live in this country.”

DH: How has that shift from Jamaica to Guyana changed the way you make art, if at all?

BR: I don’t think it has changed in the sense that I still use vibrant colours.

But I’ve learned to appreciate the softer colours. In my more recent works [in progress] the colours are subtler and more subdued, I suppose. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to get away from colours and I don’t know that I’d want to. I think that is just a part of me.

But I’m also learning to make statements. I can make powerful statements with those subtle colours.

I’ve learned to appreciate the vastness of what I see here in Guyana. The things that grab [my attention] are the colours, the sounds, the sea and the sun.

In Guyana you can’t ignore the vastness Beverly Reynolds, Beginning of the bodies of water. I once went to is what I would like to do.”

Lethem. I flew there and then I decided to I think one of the areas I ought to work on come back with the bus. It took hours but that is drawing, more so figure drawing. When I [journey] in itself was something. came [to Guyana] I wanted to go to the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. I had gone to check DH: You spoke earlier about colour being it out but my schedule didn’t allow [for enrolvery important to you. Is form also important ment]. At some point I would love to get some or not as much? I know there aren’t very kind of formal training because I think there’s many representational figures in your work a lot I could learn. but there are references and suggestions through your brushstrokes that would suggest DH: Tell me about your approach to making a body or several bodies. marks, the way you paint and the tools you BR: Sometimes a piece of canvas can have use in terms of brush, palette knife, sponge things trapped in it and as I begin to paint I etc.? see those things. So what I try to do is bring BR: The sponge I’m only now experimenting them up and out onto the canvas. There’s a with, I’ve never used it before. Since I’m still shape there. There’s a story there. There’s learning I might use a brush because I like something there. Sometimes that is what Turn to page XIII ►►► happens. Sometimes I deliberately say, “This

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII

the impression it creates. Sometimes it’s a brush that’s down to stubble but it gives me something. Sometimes instead of dabbing the paint it might just do etchings and that comes out with an interesting effect. Sometimes I would try something and if it doesn’t work then I would erase it and start again. There’s one that I’ve been painting for almost the 13 years I’ve been here. It’s still not finished yet and I don’t know if I will finish it. Then there are others that I would paint for two or three hours steady and when I’m finished I feel like

XIII

there’s nothing else I can do. If I do something else to it then I would’ve wrecked it. There are times when I’ve totally changed a painting. So I have photographs of paintings that no longer exist because I changed them.

things shining. But my preference is really to have daylight in which to work, and to work when I have a reasonable expanse of time.

Now I’m trying to bring back that balance by working late so that I have the weekends free.

DH: How do you balance what you do professionally with your artistic practice?

BR: That is hard because it’s a very demanding area of work that I’m engaged in. So my tendency is to work on weekends. There was a time when I couldn’t even do that because my workload was that heavy. I’ve worked at night using fluorescent light and all kinds of

DH: What are you working on right now?

BR: In 2010 my sister and I along with a colleague and a friend went on a European tour to Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey. Santorini (Greece) was one of the most memorable parts of the journey. Now I’m actually working on my take on Santorini and what it looks like.

They talk about the colour Mediterranean

Blue but you have to see it. It is beautiful.

Beverly Reynolds is the Coordinator of the Health and Human Development department at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Since moving to Guyana in 2003 she has exhibited at the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) in Suriname. Reynolds has also shown work in a number of exhibitions including CARIFESTA (Guyana) in 2008; the annual exhibitions of the Guyana Women Artists Association (2004 to present); and the Annual Staff Talent Exhibition at the CARICOM Secretariat (2003 to present).

Beverly Reynolds, Henrietta

Beverly Reynolds, Madonna

Beverly Reynolds, The Congregation

Beverly Reynolds, My Backyard

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Red palm mite (Raoiella indica Hirst) The red palm mite (RPM) is the most important pest from an economic standpoint and is rampant in high populations in most Caribbean countries. It is an invasive alien species that entered the Caribbean region in 2004.

The mites are dispersed by wind as well as on infested plants or plant material. Damage to coconuts from RPM can result in a 70% yield reduction and possibly to job losses leading to major socio-economic problems for some Caribbean islands.

Although there is a good knowledge base in the region, there is a lack of farmer awareness. The RPM can be identified by its bright red colour and all stages including the eggs are red.

The adult females have black patches on their backs after feeding and grow to a length of 0.32 mm and a width of 0.22 mm. The RPM forms colonies on the undersides of leaves and causes damage by feeding through the stomata on the underside of the lamina damaging guard cells.

Mites can be detected on infected plants by rubbing a finger on the underside of leaves.

This action gives a reddish–brown discoloration on the fingers. Population levels of the RPM increase during the dry season with long hours of sunshine while high rainfall and relative humidity contribute to reduced populations.

High RPM infestations lead to uncontrolled water loss in the plant through transpiration. This leads to yellowing, necrosis and death of infested leaves. Severe RPM infestation leads to fruit drop, aborted inflorescences, loss of vitality and significant yield reduction.

Integrated management strategy for suppression of red palm mite

There are no means presently available to efficiently manage RPM. Approaches to effectively manage include utilisation of good agricultural practices such as fertiliser application, irrigation and weed control to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Trees that are in good health and receiving adequate quantities of water and nutrients are generally better able to resist pest and disease.

Severely infested leaves including dried leaves should be removed and destroyed. The use of bio-rationals/ eco-friendly acaricides such as neem formulations have assisted in reducing populations of RPM but is only practicable on seedlings and short trees (less than 4 m tall).

Banana and plantain plants are alternate hosts to RPM. Consequently, regular detrashing of these species when intercropped with coconut is required to reduce RPM populations.

Water is life! How often have you heard this slogan? It is probably one of the most popular slogans, yet, its relevance is undermined.. Therefore, the United Nations has designated March 22 to be celebrated as World Water Day to remind us of how crucial freshwater is to our survival. More importantly, the observance of this day is geared at raising awareness on the sustainable management of our freshwater resources. Celebrated under the theme ‘Why Wastewater?’

This theme is linked to the Sustainable Development Goal 6.3 which advocates ‘By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally’.

Globally, the vast majority of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused. This results in pollution of water used

In Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been advocating cultural practices which involves proper field sanitation. All coconut husks and fallen branches will be removed from the fields and burnt since these materials provide adequate breeding ground for the mite. Fields will be kept weed free.

Only in case of severe infestation of major

insect pests such as the RPM chemical control is advisable. Methods such as root feeding, soil drenching, injection and spraying will be utilized for application of pesticide.

NAREI is currently conducting research in the area of biological control.

Natural enemies such as the Ambyseius spp, green lacewing and others will be used for the control of the pest in the field.

WHY WASTE WATER?

for drinking, bathing and irrigation. Considering that, only 1% of the 3% freshwater is usable urgent action is necessary to address

this issue. This is why it is important to have strategies and technologies in place to reduce and even recycle/reuse wastewater, Turn to page XVI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

XV

THE COCONUT PALM

By M. Margaret Burke

THE COCONUT TREE can be considered as one of the friendliest trees. It is a display of simplicity, yet sophistication. It can be termed magnificent. This tree comes in varying forms: some are tall, some medium height, while there is the short and very short looking ones.

Though they are in differing forms, they

Coconut trees shooting directly out of the coconut seeds

all speak of beauty and poise, of usefulness, power, and an assortment of reproductive undertakings.

The coconut tree shoots directed out of its seed, which is a combination of a casing of husk, hard shell, nut and water – all of which are useful in a variety of ways, once used up and not allowed to turn into the seedling, which results in the superb plant i.e. the coconut tree.

COCONUT FESTIVAL CONFERENCE In October 21 – 23, 2016 the First Coconut Festival Conference was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Center. It was as a result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Business – Department of Tourism – and the Ministry of Agriculture and received support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

This was a very significant conference on the coconut industry, with special reference to Guyana, as well as other Caribbean countries.

Special efforts were aimed at re-educating Guyanese about the diverse benefits of the coconut fruit focusing on its economic diversification and multi-purpose use while heightening awareness and boosting the local agro-tourism sector.”

Too much (in every respect) was put into this conference to let the dream now die or go into a deep slumber – to hibernate for too long.

POTENTIALS The coconut industry in Guyana has reachable potentials, which can and must be achieved. But somehow people tend to procras-

Coloured coconut sugar cake

– one tree with on-ending possibilities

tinate on ideas, which others, even within the Caribbean would take up and run with, almost seamlessly.

On the team of experts, who so knowledgeably released studied information on the various topics were high-level members of the University of Guyana – Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, NAREI, IAST, FAO, IICA, CARDI and other NGO’s, and the Private Sector.

There were also discussions on matters of Coconut Research at the level of the University of Guyana, the use of activated carbon from coconut shell, value added to coconut, oil, copra and waste.

Additionally, there were healthy discussions on the challenges and experiences of the coconut industry in Guyana; the influence of coconut consumption, as well as health risks and benefits.

Coconut and tourism linkages were yet other well-discussed topics posited at the conference. In fact, it linked coconut tourism as a fine product – “from tree to table…to gift shop and tours.”

These men and women took the time to put together very meaningful presentations, which were well received and encouraged interesting discussions, suggestions and recommendations.

ON-ENDING USES One farmer in a village on the East Coast described the coconut tree as: “A sweet thing.”

He declared that whenever farmers go down to the back lands to farm they sometimes end up spending an entire day and the coconut tree then becomes one of their main source, both for use and preparation of the meals, as well as the fire to cook it. “The first thing is that all awee food does have coconut inside. We would pick up dried coconut from the ground and after grating them, we would use a part of the tree that is inside by the branch to strain the milk.

Then we would use the coconut shell to make fire to cook de pat – the shell does wuk good and make strong fire,” he said.

Another female farmer, Pammie from Victoria village on the East Coast said that her best part of the coconut tree is the branches.

She stated that she built her home with the use of the branches, which she has been stripping to make ‘pointer brooms’ for sale. “I would strip plenty broom and pack them away and then when I feel that I have enough to last, say a week, two weeks, then I would come down to town and sell. Deh gat some nice places, when you go through them you can make a lot of money in a day. My price would go up and

Brown and other coloured sugar cakes

Pointer broom on display at a farmer’s stall

some of their own. “It is not really big, big money business, but enough for me to get by and mind meh children, pay meh bills and other things and still get something lef back.”

There are also many more uses for the coconut, which include the coconut plus cassava quinches, which is a mixture from the cassava bread, but sandwiched with sweetened and coloured grated coconut; coconut biscuits (now in many forms), coconut cassava pone, and many

The coconut tree

down, depending on who I am selling and in which part of town.” Pammie said that at first it used to be hard work, “My fingers used to be sore and sometimes a bit cut-up, but now I understand the wuk good and I do not find it so hard now.”

Another coconut farmer, who smilingly said to call her ‘Sugar Cake Lady’ told of making lovely coconut sugar cakes. “I make ‘chip-chip sugar cakes; then I grate some with the large side of the grater and some with the small side. Some people like them grate fine, while some people like them from the coarse side. I also make ‘white’ sugar-cake. I cut out the back and then grate them and then I use white sugar. I make all kinds, different, different colours.”

‘Sugar Cake Lady’ went on to say that she loves to be very creative and so she would change the white sugar cake to other colours.

“I would also add my own ‘secret ingredients’ to make then taste lovely – ‘morish’,” she laughed. She said that she gets orders, even from people overseas, who after buying when they come to Guyana, share with their friends and family, who make contact with her to get

Chip-chip sugar cake

The coconut shell and husk on the inside

more. Added to these are some other products on the market such as the (now) ‘precious’ coconut oils, hair dressings, shampoos, body creams and the like.

SOME RAW PRODUCTS In continuing to look at its on-ending uses, the coconut tree, when used wisely can produce from clothing to homes.

The coconut husk is used to make mattresses, ropes, mats, baskets, ornaments and other products.

On a lighter note, the coconut bat, taken from the head of the branch makes for a lovely game of cricket. Here, the wicket is made from the coconut bat; at times it is used for the bat. So you can relax with a cool glass of coconut water and play some good cricket. (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)

folklore THE DUTCH INFLUENCE XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

By Neil Primus

HE WAS a permanent resident of the village of Amsterdam. Every night he reminded the other residents that he was part of their community. Most of the villagers felt otherwise but could do nothing to alter the present status quo. Almost everyone felt fear and apprehension about him. Not because he was white. Not because he was Dutch. They felt this way because he was dead.

The Jumbie of the ‘Dutchman’ roamed Amsterdam at night. The Clop! Clop! Clop! of his horse alerted many to his presence or his approach. Some saw him, others could only hear him. But they all shared the same emotion; fear.

He could be seen sitting upright upon his horse dressed in his usual cork hat – called bughouse, khaki top and white pants with a shiny black riding booths. In his left hand he held the reign and in his right the whip. He knew every road, street, dam and shortcut, and used them to his advantage.

Very soon villagers realized that they could not let him see them. Whenever the Clop! Clop! of a horse was heard in the dark of night, road users would seek the fastest and nearest place of concealment. Gutters, trees and bushes were among some of their favourite options. For those who refused to take heed, they would receive a severe whipping. If they resist they would suffer fatal consequences. Eventually, the wiser folks began to stay indoors after nine p.m. at night. This was the reported time that sightings would begin. Others, especially the younger folks, ignored all the scary stories and moved about whenever they wanted.

One group quickly learned the error of their ways.

The ‘Single Ladies’ were on their way home after a night of hectic partying. Fun ◄◄◄ From page XIV

whether in homes, industries or agriculture.

REDUCING WASTEWATER AT HOME At home, simple strategies to reduce water

began around 10.30 pm and ended at 1.30 am. Exhausted, high, drunk and loudmouthed they occupied the entire road as they moved slowly along. The six beauties were a must-have item for any party or dance in the village. They were wined, dined then possessed. Their friends were far away and well off. There was no place for bums or drunks on their agenda.

Their loud laughter and shouts, coupled with their lewd behavior and skimpy attire, left little doubt about their morality. The include turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaking pipes, and taking shorter showers.

Wastewater in the home, commonly referred to as ‘greywater’, can be reused for watering plants, cleaning shoes, flushing the toilet, cleaning yard, among other household chores.

N.B. Greywater is gently used water from

girls were not bad, they just took every available opportunity to really enjoy themselves. Tonight was no exception.

Clip!

Clop!

Clip!

Clop!

Their noisy interaction faded and heads swiveled to focus on the roadway behind them. In the far distance and darkness a figure was emerging and heading directly for their position. Immediate evasive action was required. They looked desperately around seeking any place of concealment. The only place near enough and large enough to hold five bodies was an old wooden bridge; under the bridge that is. The group kicked off high-heeled shoes and sprinted for safety, expensive shoes in hands. Frightened, they huddled together listening to the steadily approaching horseman.

Clip!

Clop!

Clip!

Clop!

He was near to the bridge and very close to their hiding place. They could see anything or anyone moving across the old bridge through the gaps between the boards.

Clump!

Clang!

Clump!

Bang!

He was right above them. Five pairs of terrified eyes looked up at the horrible spectacle above them. As they clung to each other, their now sweaty bodies trembled in terror.

The Dutchman halted his horse on the bridge and looked steadily around him. He saw nothing of interest so he decided to move on. His horse however saw the group

below and refused to budge despite being urged to do so by the master. Snorting and pawing at the bridge the ugly spectre on four legs tried to alert its master to their presence.

He was not interested and took his whip to it.

Ply! Wax! The sound of the brutal strikes resounded through the quiet village and reverberated through the ladies. They all pictured being subjected to a severe whipping by the horseman. The two moved to the end of the bridge and stooped there.

“I will lift up my eyes onto the Lord from whom comet my salvation.”

The voice was soft, soothing and unafraid. It approached the bridge and the Dutchman galloped off into the night.

“You can come out now, girls” They peeped tentatively out to see who this new person was. When they saw him their faces broke into smiles, then tears. The girls hurried towards the diminutive figure of Father Ron. The priest had seen the terrified girls hiding beneath the old bridge. He had abandoned his morning matters and gone to their rescue. He offered to walk them home but they refused en mass. It was agreed that they would spend the remaining hours of darkness at the presbytery. Many had forgotten the last day they had attended church.

Tonight’s episode had awoken their need for some form of relationship with God. Next morning they went their separate ways. The villagers were shocked by their close encounter with death. What shocked everyone more was their unexpected attendance at mass the next Sunday.

Seated in the front bench were the five ladies dressed in their Sunday best.

Somehow they had found their way back.

your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It is not water that has come into contact with feces, either from the toilet or from washing diapers.

Reducing wastewater in agriculture In agriculture, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides are a potential source of environmental pollution. The use of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater for irrigation is a major issue in many developing countries where such irrigation is practiced.

If applied safely, wastewater is a valuable source of both water and nutrients, contributing to water and food security and livelihood improvements.

to human health, economic development and environmental sustainability. With Guyana progressively walking the ‘green’ path, this is one initiative that needs to be promoted and adapted across society, providing new business opportunities and creating more ‘green’ jobs.

While Guyana Water Inc. is responsible for freshwater use in Guyana, the EPA plays a vital role in ensuring that poor environmental practices do not compromise the quality and quantity of available freshwater. This year’s theme is especially pertinent since untreated wastewater can contribute to a number of environmental issues.

On this World Water Day, let’s take steps to reduce our Wastewater. Remember freshwater is not as abundant as you think!

REDUCING WASTEWATER IN AGRICULTURE In industries, wastewater is a potential resource and its use, or recycling after suitable treatment, can provide economic and financial benefits. Businesses can directly use some wastewater, providing it is fit for that purpose. For instance, using process water for cooling or heating, or rainwater from roof collection for toilet flushing, irrigation or vehicle washing.

While the introduction of wastewater recycling systems can be expensive, it is important to note that the costs of wastewater management are greatly outweighed by the benefits

Sources • http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/ news-events/world-water-day-2017/en/ • http://indicators.report/targets/6-3/ • http://www.unwater.org/campaigns/worldwater-day/en/ • http://www.worldwaterday.org/theme/ • https://greywateraction.org/contentabout-greywater-reuse/ C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

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XVIII

Leaving business for acting…

Mark is glad he stumbled upon acting

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017 “I won’t change theatre for anything!”

By Telesha Ramnarine

Mark Anthony Luke-Edwards, a leading figure in Guyana’s acting fraternity never had in mind pursuing a career close to the one he has at the moment. In fact, grappling with life’s challenges from a young age fostered in him a desire to become a successful businessperson.

After his mom died, Mark drew satisfaction from selling fudge in school. Business would eventually become his favourite subject during secondary school, resulting in a Distinction at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams.

Mark, now 37, was born and raised at

Mark Anthony Luke-Edwards

Wakenaam Island in the Essequibo River where he attended nursery and primary schools. It was a big treat for him to visit the city during school holidays and when he heard he was going to be attending Brickdam Secondary, he was elated.

“I was always fascinated with town. When I went to Stabroek Market, it was like wow! I never saw so many people in one spot; it was like Times Square,” he fondly recalled during an interview with Chronicle recently.

After school, Mark went on to obtain a Degree in Accountancy at the University of Guyana and worked briefly with the Guyana & Trinidad Group of Insurance Companies (GTM), Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

NO PARTICULAR Mark is married to Carol and DREAM they have three kids, Kerese, Mark never nurtured Keziah, and Jared any aspirations of becoming “So basically, grappling with life was what an actor. “Theatre, acting, drama and so forth was never there. It’s not occupied my mind. I hadn’t the time to think like I grew up thinking: ‘Oh God, I want to about what I wanted to become and all that. I be an actor.’ I just wanted to enjoy life and to was just trying to survive.”

His ability to act and to entertain, though, survive. I had no particular dream. Just had has always been with him. In fact, while in the drive to be independent and an entrepreschool and church, he participated in various neur,” he recalls. skits.

“It still wasn’t a dream of mine at this His childhood days weren’t dandy especially in view of the fact that both his parents Turn to page XX ►►► died and he was adopted by his mom’s sister.

Mark has about a decade in the acting fraternity

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

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XX

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII

point though.”

He recalls that on one occasion, a play was being put on

by Althea Thomas at church called: “In the Midst of it all.”

“She didn’t know me but she approached me and gave me a major part in the play and I performed and everyone was blown away. People always knew I had the talent” he said.

His performance resulted in him being included in the cast for several other plays at the church. The first mainstream one he did outside of the church was “Watch the Ride 1” by Ronald Hollingsworth.

Mark went on to perform in so many plays that he simply lost count. Professionally, he has been in acting for seven years. For about three years prior, he performed otherwise.

Mark eventually took up the challenge of teaching Theatre Arts at the Sophia Training Center after attending the National Drama School and graduating as the second best student.

Although at first he was a bit hesitant about this job, later on he could find nothing that he enjoyed doing better.

“Coming here was almost an accident. I took the job kind of reluctantly. But then when I started, it was wow! It was awesome,” he related.

Mark said he has always had a fondness for young people and thus his job gives him an opportunity to spend time with them. “I love young people, and I came here and had the opportunity to teach what I love. This is a dream for any actor to continue to do what you like because most actors do jobs that are unrelated. So I am really teaching what I love. This is the most job satisfaction I’ve ever had. The teaching is not only from text books but from my experience in the field.”

Mark has also had the opportunity to take his performance overseas in countries like Jamaica, Suriname, Haiti and Trinidad.

He is currently in the process of forming a poetry group that would also include singing.

HAPPY Acting in Guyana is not financially rewarding and this is the reason Mark believes that someone must truly love the field to succeed in it. “I’m happy that I stumbled on acting.

Now, I love to teach these kids; I love to be with them. I won’t change theatre for anything.”

Mark’s advice to those wanting to join the acting fraternity is: “Try to be disciplined, punctual; take care of your hygiene.

Be humble and take directions. You must be a people’s person and not a grouch. You must not have biases and should be able to interact with people of all sorts. Don’t do it because others are doing it or you can go on stage and get popular.

You must have a passion for it.”

Mark is married to Carol and they have three kids, Kerese - Keziah, and Jared.

Sharing the stage with Michael ‘Inspector Credit’ Ignatius

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Putting a woman’s touch on education development SINCE women have entered the mainstream work market, they have been said to bring specific qualities that have helped to reshape the landscape of business, in many a sector.

Women are better team workers, better at developing relationships and networking, and expert in seeing opportunities where others may not. Those are qualities that are particularly handy when you want to work in the education sector, and were just a few of the qualities that one leading lady has exuded much of over the years.

In the education sector in Guyana, former head teacher, and current Director of National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch has been doing her part to put a little “woman’s touch” on things.

“Slowly but surely we are becoming a society where we recognize that women are important. One thing about education, is that we recognize that the male and female are equally important. What has happened is that more women are educated. Long ago it was more the boys who were pushed,” Cumberbatch explained.

As the NCERD Director Cumberbatch stands as a

– NCERD Director Jennifer Cumberbatch

Jennifer Cumberbatch

woman in one of the most pivotal position to put measures in place to transform the business of education in Guyana, something that she feels being a woman has helped to give her a bit of an edge on.

“As women we bring order, we bring organization, and we tend to look at the small things that others might not look at, and many times in an organization as big as this it’s the little things that matter. As a woman I’ve brought a lot of professionalism to the job,” Cumberbatch informed.

Cumberbatch has over 40 years in the education profession, starting out as an untrained teacher at the now defunct Cummings Lodge Primary School in 1975. She went on to become a trained teacher at the Cyril Potters College of Education, and achieve her Bachelor of Education Degree in Administration and Teaching with Distinction, and her Masters in Eduction, both from the University of Guyana.

It was at a young age, after a bad experience as a student in Grade school, that Cumberbatch was determined to be a teacher and do what she could to improve the profession.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. I want to show children that yes I can be strict, but they can learn in a better atmosphere, in love, in kindness,” Cumberbatch related.

Many would agree that she did just that during her time at Winfer Gardens Primary where she advanced from being a Senior Mistress, to the Deputy Head Mistress, to the Head Mistress. She spend over 20 years at the school.

“When I went there, there were a lot of things that

wasn’t the way I liked them. The children weren’t at the place I wanted them to be, the parents did not visit the school as often I thought they should, teaching was not the level I wanted it to be at. I used to be fretting all the time,” was how Cumberbatch started out at Winfer Gardens. But being the transformational woman she was, that wouldn’t last long.

“It was my husband who said to me “but the person I know is a fighter, and would get what she wants”. And I was like let me really be the fighter, and I resolved, after the first month or so, to do the best I could. I wasn’t the head teacher but I had to try.”

She started with the teachers and worked her way down

to the students, and soon Winfer Garden became a school of esteem.

“I think I was very influential to the teachers. They would come and say miss you know I never used to understand “X” but now we realise how important I am. I made them feel important to the school, because they were. If you are in an organization you are important to the organization.” She said.

Her reputation spread, and many a times Cumberbatch was offered positions from Education Officers, to Regional Education Officer (REDO), but she was reluctant to leave her beloved Winfer Gardens before the offer of NCERD Director which she took up in 2012.

The long serving educator is the holder of several awards for academic achievements including the President’s Medal (1999).

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

I want to chart my own course

Dear Uncle Henry, I am 16 and eager to start my own life, but my parents object. They say I’m too young.

They want me to stay with the family business. I want to chart my own course. I feel I

can do it without any advice?

Anxious Leslie, branching Out Hi there Leslie, Trying to gain your independence from

your parents is commendable, especially at the tender age of 16.

However many teens get caught up in the emotional flood of leaving the nest. The real world is no bed of roses. The sea of life is not always placid. Storms brew up often. And you must get a firm grip on the helm of your ship of life before you break away.

Ask yourself: Can I cope with loneliness?

Can I manage my financial constraints?

Is my health okay?

Can I really take care of myself?

Do I Posses Self-confidence?

Am I Ambitious?

Is my goal Realistic?

Think hard before you leap. Being free

from parental stewardship is not all. Be prepared for challenges and pit falls. Your parents will be sad and bewildered. Facing life at an early stage is courageous. Have faith in yourself and your creator. Keep in touch with loved ones. No man is an island. I wish you well. Be practical. Be Good.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

XXIII

Keeping the faith in Guyana

By Ravin Singh

IT IS LATE IN THE evening and people are circling a burning cone-shaped manmade structure referred to as ‘Holika’.

Celebratory voices chant Rakshoghna Mantras (Hindu religious songs) to cast away the evil spirits, as percussion instruments are played in discord.

Men garbed in Kurtas and women in Shalwars absorb the evening dew as fire consumes the towering structure at Campton Ground in Campbellville. The next day, Sunday, the ash will be used as powder as they celebrate Holi (Phagwah).

This traditional Hindu festival celebrates the beginning of Spring and signifies triumph of good over evil.

Holi derives its name from Holika – a demoness, who, according to Hindu Vedic

managed to preserve our faith in Guyana.

We are a tolerant people and it is because of this tolerance we can freely practice our religion,” he says.

Hinduism –brought to the shores of Guyana by East Indian immigrants 179 years ago - is one of three major religions practiced in this country: the other two being Christianity and Islam.

The United States-sponsored 2014 International Religious Freedom Report states that of Guyana’s 747,000 people, 39 per cent are East Indian and 28 per cent of them are Hindus. “[Hindu] religious practices in Guyana have not changed and we are proud of that. We see now that even non-Hindus and people of all ethnic groups partake in these celebrations and that is what it means to be culturally inclusive,” he shares with

The wooden structure known as ‘Holika’ being consumed by fire at the Campton Ground on Sunday evening

scriptures, was burnt to death with the help of God Vishnu. The first day of the festivity is known as ‘Holika Dahan’ where a Holika bonfire is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The second day is known as ‘Rangwali Holi’ where revelers use ash from the burnt Holika and coloured powders to paint each other as they celebrate togetherness and foster comradery.

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is in the midst chanting praises. His face is illuminated by the blaze which children find fascinating.

“In a culturally complex world, we have

a smile. Guyana comprises six different ethnic groups - East Indians, Portuguese, Chinese, Africans, Amerindians and Europeans.

By this time, the fire had ravaged the structure, leaving piles of ash which, along with coloured powder, would be smeared on the limbs of revelers the following morning (on the day of Holi) as Holi Prasad, as they are considered holy.

In fact, it is regarded as an act of purification.

The coloured powder (or gulal) comes from the legend of Lord Krishna, whose skin was dark blue. Worried he wouldn't

Some of the members of the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville

be accepted by his love Radha, Krishna mischievously coloured her face to make her look like himself.

And 179 years after this religious ‘Festival of colours’ was brought to Guyana, it has evolved into a national event, adding to the social cohesion process.

Age, race, gender and social strata would be ignored, even if it was temporarily, as people of all walks of life indulge in the festivities which are complemented with Indian delicacies.

But there is a different dimension in

what it means to keep the faith alive.

Earlier in the evening, at a Holika Puja at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville, Pandit Persaud reminded the attendees of the need to keep their faith alive, despite whatever situation they might be facing in life.

“Many Hindu books highlighted very admirably, that the man of faith will surmount any challenging situation. He who demonstrates faith will be imbued with the Turn to page XXVII ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

Government behind women to break glass ceilings, ensuring equality MOTP Feature It is the First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Sandra Granger, who said that a woman’s “greatest barrier is that they do not recognise their own value and use it to demand equal access.” Earlier this month, International Women’s Day was observed under the theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” and under the hashtag #BeboldforChange”, this statement could not be more timely or significant.

Though great strides have been made with regard to women’s rights and inequality, in many societies the ability to earn equal pay and opportunity in the workplace continues to be a problem. Climbing the corporate and political ladder has been more difficult for women than it has for men as, they have traditionally ran the household, reared the children, with those who leave the home to work, becoming secretaries, nurses or teachers.

Since taking Office, President David Granger has made significant strides in recognising the contributions of women in Guyana, while also focusing on the challenges affecting Guyanese women. During his address at the at the opening ceremony President David Granger presenting Justice Claudette Singh with her Instrument of Appointment

of a Roundtable Discussion in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, the President said, however that while these achievements are all noteworthy, the country must now move to dismantle the structural impediments to gender equality in order to fulfil its commitment under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the 17 SDGs focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls and President Granger pledged Government’s commitment to following through on this goal. “Gender parity cannot be achieved in the absence of a more equal society.

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger during light conversation with Minister of Health, Ms Volda LawEnforcement of legislation rence and Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms Amna Ally during the Roundtable Discussion in honour to protect women, to prevent of International Women’s Day abuse and to promote greater For the Head of State, this is not just a and appreciated even while striving to ensure equality must be more robust. talking point. While over the years strides that a better environment is created for the The disparities between hinterland and coasthave been made in affording women the women and girls of the country to thrive. land and between rural and urban communisame rights as their male counterparts, with President Granger in 2015, began to lead the ties, for example, must be reduced,” he said.

Guyana even change with the appointment of 10 female boasting a fe- Ministers within his Cabinet. This number male executive accounts for approximately 37 percent of the President in Ministerial appointments. With a few changthe name of the es over the past two years to his Cabinet, late Mrs. Janet Ministries such as Social Protection, Public Jagan, Presi- Health and Public Telecommunications are dent Granger now being led by women. has upped the On March 1, 2017, President Granger ante, active- announced that Justice Yonette Cuml y a p p o i n t - mings-Edwards, who has been acting as i n g w o m e n Chief Justice will assume the responsibility in leadership of Acting Chancellor and Justice Roxanne positions and George-Wiltshire will replace her as the h o n o u r i n g new Acting Chief Justice. It was a proud them for their moment for every Guyanese woman that two o u t s t a n d i n g stalwarts of the law have been recognised s e r v i c e t o through promotion for their service; a tancountry. gible demonstration that this administration The Pres- was indeed serious about its message and ident and his drive for equality. administration In December 2016, President David has been taking Granger had sworn in Justice Yonette Cumsteps to ensure mings- Edwards as the acting Chief Justice that women’s of Guyana. This would represent only the contributions second time in Guyana’s 50- year old history are recognised as an independent nation that a woman was

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017 sworn in to serve in such a position; the first being Honorable Madame Justice Desiree Bernard. In accepting that position, Justice Cummings-Edwards had said that she is elated, honoured and humbled to be appointed to one of the highest judicial offices in the country.

And when the time came for the President to end the 20 year absence of senior counsel appointments, Guyanese broke the New Year to the news that of the nine who would receive their ‘silk’, three were women. This would represent in Guyana that a female, let alone three, had been conferred with this title. The first three women to have ever been elevated to this status are Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, Ms. Rosalie Robertson and Justice Claudette Singh.

On that occasion, the President said “I personally find it unacceptable that in 50 years of independence we could not find a single female attorney to bestow silk… I have no qualms about the awards.”

Through the re-introduction of National Awards upon taking office, President Granger recognised numerous women for their life’s work towards the development of Guyana and the selfless work and sacrifices they have made for the betterment of their fellow citizens. In the two years that he has been in office, President Granger has conferred 51 Guyanese women with national awards. In 2015, 19 women from a total of 53 received national awards while in October 2016, a total of 32 women received awards, with four receiving the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), 14 the Arrow of Achievement (AA), 12 the Medal of Service (MS) and two received the Discipline Services Medal (DSM).

Of the women who were conferred with awards, leading the list is Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who was conferred with the CCH award for her long and outstanding service in administration of the law. Dr. Enid Denbow, also bestowed with a CCH for her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of medicine, is the first and only female Chief Medical Officer within the Health Ministry for several years.

Ambassador Audrey Waddell, who currently serves as Director-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is also a CCH awardee, which she received in recognition of long service with exceptional dedication in the Guyana Foreign Service.

Ms. Jaitun Haniff-Persaud, who is the longest-serving confidential secretary to the Speaker of the House, received the Medal of Service Award in 2015. In addition, Jean La Rose of the Amerindian People’s Association was conferred with the Golden Arrow of Achievement by the Head of State. Ms. La Rose, who is an indigenous Arawak, is recognised as a fierce advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples, particularly as they relate to land rights issues.

Much more has to be done to ensure that more women take up positions of leadership in the governing of the country in all sectors but President Granger has created some momentum in this regard.

In October 2016, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres, an experienced environmentalist was seconded from the Ministry of Natural Resources to head the Department of Environment, which was established by President

Jaitun Haniff-Persaud receiving her Medal of Service from President David Granger in 2015

Granger, to lead Guyana on a ‘green’ growth attended the roundtable discussion, said trajectory. Following this, the Government’s that with behavioural change, determination reassignment of Permanent Secretaries and serious concerted action, there can be across the various Ministries and staff to improvements in society in order for gender Commissions, has seen 10 out of the 16 parity to be achieved. She said she added appointments, being women. While some that women need to recognise and address are persons who have already been in the the social and economic factors limiting easy system, others were elevated to serve in this access to education for the development of capacity. women and girls in Guyana.

Minister within the Ministry of IndigeThe following day, the First Lady joined nous Peoples’ Affairs, Ms. Valerie Garri- the Luminous Women's Group, today, as do-Lowe, said that as Guyana celebrates In- they began the first leg of their school’s ternational Women’s Day, it is doing so with outreach programme, named after the Inrenewed hope, given the recent appointments ternational Women’s Day theme, #BeBoldof women and the push by President Granger to create a work equal society. Women folk, she said, can now look forward to a brighter future.

“The truth is that to be a woman, you still have to fight harder than a man to do the same work but in a broader point of view, I can say that with a President like David Granger, women have a real chance of a level playing field because he is a leader who takes the initiative for everyone else to follow. With the President trying to recognise women and give them equal status, it is a good thing for us and a reason to look to the future,” she said.

Going hand in hand with these recent developments and actions by the administration, First lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger also remains a beacon of empowerment for women and girls through various activities Justice Yonette Cummings Edwards after that she continues to champion receiving her Instrument of Appointment through the auspices of her as acting Chief Justice from President office.

David Granger The First Lady, who also

XXV ForChangeGuyana at the St. Joseph High School, in Woolford Avenue.

In an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency, the First Lady expounded on why it is important to empower women.

“The importance of empowering women is that globally, we are the half of the world.

In Guyana, we are 50.2 percent at the last census so we are half of the population of Guyana. If you ignore that sizable percentage of your population, you are ignoring a sizable percentage of your talents and your resources. I think women have to become confident in themselves. I think a major block to women going forward is that they are afraid to take risks sometimes so what we have to do is to make our girl children believe not only in themselves but believe that they can achieve whatever they want to achieve in whichever field they want to embark on,” she said.

Upon his assumption to office in May 2015, President Granger, made it clear that his administration will promote an equal society, one where women, children, men, the rich, the poor and the middle class, will all be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities. At the 2016 International Women's Day forum, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, President Granger pledged his Government's commitment to ensuring that women’s rights are secured. He vowed to take action to ensure that Guyanese women are further empowered and asserted then that women's issues and gender parity are among his administration's priority agenda items.

"We must address the structural causes of gender inequality. We must honour our commitment to these conventions...

Guyana reasserts its total commitment to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These include Goal Number Five, which intends to: "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls," the President said.

XXVI

Women can make a difference Good morning guys, Trust you all are well.This article i have a pic attached for the bottom.Have a blessed day.

One of the highlights for March 2017, as part of the activities to celebrate International Women’s Day will certainly be the my visit to the Berbice Women’s Prison. In 2016, I spent a few hours interacting with them and had a personal conversation with every one of them; and some very interesting stories were told; some very touching.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

From Left to Right: Dr Sonia Noel, Hon. Catherine Hughes, Dr. Desiree DeFlorimone, Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar, Ms. Rosemarie Ramitt and, Ms. Shonta Noel

I had a nice chat with the guys too and it is always difficult for mothers to be separated from their kids especially when they are babies. Talking about babies, I fell in love with the most beautiful baby boy, Bob Anthony Viera. I met his mom in prison and she called me when she gave birth to him. I did not want to leave him in the hospital that day knowing he had to go to the prison with his mom. I totally agreed with President Granger’s International Women’s day message when he said mothers belong with their children and not in jail. One of the women there last year contacted me as soon as she was released this year as one of the women that benefited from the Presidential Pardon. We are in contact every day and she sends beautiful pictures of her and her children who are happy she is back in their lives. I am also in contact with another young lady who was released earlier this year and I invited her to breakfast at my home. I am trying to provide a positive influence for both of these women because the last thing we need is for them to go back to prison. We have so much talented women in prison and some of them were a part of a project I did for the 50th Anniversary celebration. They created crochet book markers using the Guyana flag colours.

We have to continue to support and empower women in and out of prison for the development of a great society I was thrilled to see the amazing interaction at the networking event at Charting Your Course: People, Purpose and Passion at the Pegasus. We are contemplating making it a monthly event because it can contribute to tremendous growth.

This event was aimed at bringing together the exhibitors, young and new women business entrepreneurs and other prominent women in business in Guyana, to kick start conversations on partnering and collaborations and forming plateaus of support for mutual growth and development.

The Honourable Catherine Hughes, Minister of Public Telecommunications was the featured speaker. Minister Hughes, a strong advocate for the development of women in business, delivered a speech that highlighted her own experiences as a young business woman, as a means of encouraging the attendees to Be Bold For Change. Other guest speakers were Dr. Desiree DeFlorimonte, who shared how she overcame obstacles to educate herself and became and educator.

Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar shared why she is passionate about women’s rights; Rosemarie Ramitt, reemphasized the importance of the inclusion of persons, especially women with disabilities and Shonta Noel, who all accentuated the importance of dedicating yourself to your business and developing your brand while challenging yourself. They also alluded to believing in the vision as business women and using collaborations as a means of building their individual industries.

Today I will be sharing some descriptive words about women since we are still celebrating our achievements: WOMEN ARE DYNAMIC WOMEN ARE CREATIVE WOMEN ARE VERSATILE WOMEN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WOMEN ARE UNIQUE Turn to page XXVII ►►►

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necessary strength, fortitude and resilience, not only to withstand the pressures of life, but to come out victorious,” the well-respected religious leader said.

The mandir (Hindu temple) - which is one of the most popular ones in the City – was filled to capacity by men, women and children who offered songs of praise and prayers after a puja was performed by Pandit Persaud.

For the puja, incense sticks and dhoop, flowers, raw cotton thread, turmeric pieces, unbroken lentil of moong, batasha, gulal powder (colour) and coconut were used.

When the puja ended, the people made their way to Campton Ground, a few corners away, to witness the highlight of the night – the burning of Holika.

Asked whether he believes Hinduism has empowered Hindus to keep their faith alive, when faced with challenging situations in life, Pandit Persaud responded in the affirmative.

“As a Hindu community, to some degree we have been very successful,” he says.

However, he was keen to point out that, “As a nation we need to work in a more cohesive way though. We need to look at the bigger picture and focus on what is ahead and what is to be achieved,” he offers.

But while Pandit Persaud recognises the need for cohesion and a common goal, the Hindu community has been divided over the last two years on when religious celebrations are to be observed.

Even this year’s Holi celebration stood testimony to that fact, as the Rangwali Holi was announced by the Government – advised by the Viraat Sabha – to be on Sunday, while the Dharmic Sabha announced their observance to be Monday, based on their interpretations of the religious scriptures.

Despite this, what is undeniable is that Holi has been a useful tool in uniting Guyanese. And no one knows this better than popular finger cymbal player, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Hinds, who is a non-Hindu Afro-Guyanese, has been at the centre of these celebrations for more than two decades, actively participating in every aspect of the religious ceremonies.

Tired from singing Chowtal (classical Hindustani music) at the burning of Holika, the former Prime Minister still managed to offer a few words which he hopes reminisce with all Guyanese.

“What started as a religious celebration is now a national ◄◄◄ From page XXVI

WOMEN ARE INNOVATIVE WOMEN AE RESILIENT WOMEN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD WOMEN ARE ENTERPRISING WOMEN ARE RISK-TAKING WOMEN ARE EVOLVING WOMEN CAN CHART THEIR OWN DESTINIES WOMEN ARE BELIEVERS WOMEN ARE HEALERS WOMEN ARE LOVERS WOMEN CAN SAVE OUR HUMANITY WOMEN ARE MOTIVATORS WOMEN ARE MENTORS WOMEN ARE MOTHERS WOMEN CAN RISE TO THE OCCASION “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” - Maya Angelou Let’s continue to Celebrate, Commit and Contribute to each other’s well Being.

Be Bold for Change.

Send us your comments to beyondtherunwayway1@ gmail.com and visit our FB Page BEYOND THE RUNWAY as continue this beautiful journey call Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and several others circle the burning Holika as they chant Rakshoghna Mantras

XXVII one and we ought to be proud of that. We have come a very far way as a people. We struggled for our freedom to practice these festivities and it is no longer about one group. It is about everyone participating and sharing in Guyana’s rich culture, and no individual feeling excluded.

If we think celebrations of this nature are limited to one group, then we would not be living true to our motto: One People, One Nation, One destiny,” he says as a middle-aged woman interrupts with a handful of powder she delicately applies to his wrinkled face.

Unexpected showers then greet the crowd which was forced to disperse. A good night’s rest was now the only thing standing in the way of revelers and an eventful day which awaited all.

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My Love is Not For Sale THE MILLIONAIRE AND HIS MAID

HIS wife dies in child-birth and he needed a nurse/maid.

So he hired a young, pretty female. He did not only employ her as a care-giver but as a beauty to dote on. He is enamored by pretty ladies. His late wife was also his maid but more of a convenience. But this new employee would put a check to the philandering. He paid her well.

She had special quarters. He laid out the terms - live in, weekends off.

LOVE TO SPREE He was hardly home. Sometimes he is at work in his rice fields or having a good time at El Cabana, the country club.

When home he would lounge around, smoking his Cuban cigars and drinking vodka. He also loved his music…Country and Western. He would ask the maid Nelly to sit with him.

Drinking so much he often fell asleep on the sofa.

ECSTATIC One night he had a “little too much to drink.” He began to sing and dance. “I got money. I got assets. I got me! But I got no one. I need love. I need Nelly. Nelly come hey girl, I need you.”

She came. “Boss you’re drunk “ “Drunk! Yeah I am drunk.”

GIVE ALWAYS “Intoxicated with love for you…how pretty you are.”

He stared at her. “Come here Nel.” She hesitated.

“You see all this….yeah all this…it’s yours! He slipped and fell back on the sofa. She rushed to help him regain his composure. “Yes help me …baby I need your help.”

PROFESSING LOVE “Me, Nizam Bacchus, a millionaire, rich but with no love.

But now I think I found one…you’re the one.”

He reached out to kiss her, but she said: “Boss your breath, oh it stinks!”

She got up to check on Nareefa. “Excuse me. Oh no, Nareefa is okay, I need your care too.”

ROMANTIC OVERTURE He hugged her and said: “I’ll give you everything, give me love!” He began to romance her. She wriggled out of his grip and ran away. He grumbled: “Run Nel, run away….but not for long.”

THE BABY He fell asleep. Nelly went to the bed where baby Nazeefa lay. I’ll give you all my love. I’ll be your mama. But Papa, he better get sober. So many women and now he say he loves me. I think your mama died of heartbreak, not me!

PANDERING GOLD CHAIN The next day Nizam came home with a gold chain. “Come here sweetie,” he called out to Nelly. She came. ”Put this on.”

“Is this for me? I don’t need it.”

“Wear it. I bought it specially for you.” She reluctantly clasped it around her neck. “Oh how beautiful Nizam.”She rushed up and smacked him playfully on his cheeks, thanks!

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SWEET WORDS “More to come, my cupcake, more to come.” Nareefa awoke. She rushed to Nelly’s side and he followed. He took his daughter from Nelly. “You’re God’s Gift….so precious and you got a lovely nanny. Nareefa got uncomfortable and started to cry. Nelly rescued her from her sweaty and smelly dad. She calmed down. “See she loves you too, you’re her mama!”

Then he threw his huge arms around them, saying: “Together, we’ll be one family.”

BABY FIRST Nareefa began to cry again. Nelly squeezed out of his grip and attended to the baby.

“Good nurse….Good care……Good choice. Girl you got it.”

MORE GIFTS The next day he bought her a gold watch. Again she refused to accept it. But he insisted. She said “Boss, why are you doing this?”

He said: “I love to do this…..give you valuables.”

“But I don’t deserve this!”

“You more than deserve it, you’re my heart beat. What’s mine is yours. She shook her head. Again she said thanks.

But this time no kiss.

MORE AMOROUS MOVES He asked her about that kiss? She smiled. He rushed up, hugged her tightly and planted his lips on hers. She tried to break loose but he tightened his grip. She tried to wriggle out.

“I love you girl, I love you girl, I love you.”

CONFESSION He lifted her off her feet and took her to the bed. He began to caress and stroke her. She fought back. ”I ain’t going to rape you, stay still and listen to me.”

She obeyed. “ I Love you and wish to marry you. But you don’t know me. I know my heart and my heart is thrilled with love for you.” He assured her and she got off the bed to look at the child and say to him:” I give this child all my love, she is the reason I am here.”

STRAIGHT TALK He sprang up. “Is it a crime to love you? Well, love is better than hate.”

Nelly said: “I thank you. But for now let it be a working relationship. Thanks for the gifts.”

Nizam in disarray shouts: “But I want to marry you.” She looked at him and said “That is out of the question right now .But I tell you if you are sincere of your love for me, treasure it. And in time things can change.”

EARN MY LOVE “Try to earn my love but not by giving me gifts or money.

Something more everlasting.”

He got excited: “Like what! Tell me, is it a house, a car?’

“That don’t buy love, at least not mine. There are ways that count.

Nizam snapped: “Like what?” “ As a starter ease up on that liquor and cigarette and cigars. Be home more often and be there for this child.

LAUGH TO SCORN “Well, well, my care-giver is now a tutor.” He laughed then let out an outburst. “Alright I will change, I need your love. I’ll try to earn it.”

RETAIN DIGNITY He did make some changes in his character and she applauded him even more. Nizam mistook this for love and made a move to be intimate. Handing his maid a cheque for thousands Nelly got angry. “I told you money can’t buy me, neither power. What I came with into this world is priceless.

And I’ll give it to the one I love and only in marriage. I am poor but rich in my soul. I’m not one of your ladies, either I remain here as a maid or I leave.

LOVE CAN’T BE BOUGHT “But I want to marry you.”

“I’ll never marry for convenience, love must be the unbiblical cord not money, not documents. But hearts in unity, sincere commitment. Pure loyalty and only love can produce that. It must be a two-way street.”

Nizam returned to his old ways. Nelly eventually quit .He was only lusting for sex.

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Debbie Gouveia

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

– pioneer of the ‘flying’ industry CAPTAIN Debbie Gouveia is more than just a pioneering pilot. She’s a wife, a mother and well known as ‘the other half’ of the husband-and-wife owners of the prestigious Roraima Airways, which she shares with her Captain Gerry Gouveia.

In the aviation industry, primarily in the case of pilots, Guyana has come a long way since the days of Lucille Golas, the first female private pilot to fly in Guyana’s airspace.

However more women are now closing that gap.

Golas left a legacy that many women were able to continue. And Debbie was one of those who happily picked up the baton and continued the race.

“The aviation industry is more than pilots. There is certainly much scope for women Captain Debbie Gouveia (centre) and her family with Prince Harry (second from left), when he visited Guyana last December

to find opportunities in the industry. It would be great to see more of them develop an aptitude for the disciplines which would provide for them making greater use of the opportunities in the aviation sector,” is what Debbie is looking forward to most.

Guyana’s first female aircraft pilot to fly the jungles of Guyana as a commercial airline captain, Debbie, in her own rights, is also a pioneer of the industry. She helped to break down some of the biases and prejudices that persons had towards female fliers in her time.

“There were times when I encountered men and women who demonstrated a reluctance to fly as my passengers,” Debbie points out.

“But at the end of every flight, everyone was high in praise for the professional and comfortable manner in which the flight was conducted. I just love being of service to people, and being able to fly people safely from one destination to another is perhaps what I love most about being a pilot.”

She loves how society has progressed in developing respect for women, but reminded that women must also remember to put forth characters worth respecting.

“I would say there have been immense changes in the way women are regarded. Some of this change is positive Turn to page XXXI ►►►

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and some negative. I think it important that we women do some introspection and analysis of our own conduct, ask ourselves some hard questions and answer them honestly,” she reflected.

“On the occasion of International Women’s Day I would like to salute the women of Guyana, especially our mothers who often sacrifice so that their children could enjoy a good quality of life, a good education. I also would want to encourage

Debbie and her husband Captain Gerry Gouveia in the cockpit of one of their planes

XXXI our young women to uphold the highest moral standards, be disciplined, think big for the sky is the limit and do not allow anyone to hold you back from achieving your dreams.”

Debbie was the embodiment of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Be Bold for Change.

“I think my personal growth and development over the years is testimony to my commitment to accept change and to adapt to it. I think change is necessary as we progress in life.” She says.

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By Shauna Jemmott AT 13, AN ADULT man in her own home gave Jelani (not her real name) an experience which would push her early into taking on the responsibilities of a woman.

Now at the age of 28, she has pulled herself together and has become a mother, standing boldly in defense of her five daughters

and creating a change.

Having been a school drop-out and a drug trafficker at the age of 13, she now sits in her own home. A pressure cooker of turbulent thoughts has become her companion, as she scrabbles for ways to break the vicious cycle from moving in the lives of her little girls, whose ages range from four to eleven.

For years, the challenges grew and even as

Chronicle Pepperpot March 19, 2017

only one pair of her daughters share the same dad, she was still searching for love, and a man to stay by her side. One who would be to her the husband she long hoped for and father she had never known.

Jelani’s dad was murdered when she was just a baby and her mom would migrate permanently to the United States of America (USA) leaving her in the care of a family friend. For 13 years, the woman whom she first consciously knew as “Mommy” and her husband “Daddy” along with their seven children together were very kind to her and ensured she benefitted well from whatever cash and goodies her mother would have posted.

She felt good in the home in a village in East Demerara but close relatives of her mom talked her into housing the girl at another relative in Alberttown, Georgetown. Taking Turn to page XXXIII ►►►

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the advice, she was transferred to a private city school and moved to the city with the relatives. Her new foster mother worked as a businesswoman in the downtown arcade and would leave on a daily basis for work. She had a daughter in her older teens, a younger son, and another son in his twenties. This is where Jelani’s ugly transforming experiences began.

She would then be placed among the ‘good girl gone bad’ bracket after repeated encounters with the adult cousin in his twenties with every chance he got.

“It’s so much that I don’t know what to say,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. She continued, “I was a baby. At that time he was probably touching his twenties. He did it often, when they were not around. He would send his brother to go and play and he would turn the music up so nobody can’t hear what’s going on.”

It started not long after she had moved into the home and he raped her at every chance he got.

That would be her first of several abusers and with each experience she felt like she

would have died again and a little bit more.

She complained to her older cousin, the man’s mother, but instead of investigating, the woman not only whipped her heartlessly but verbally abused her viciously, labelling her with words of immorally. Apart from such constant abuse from both parties, the woman began to covet her gifts for her own children. “I couldn’t be on my own computer because my mother used to send these things just to make me comfortable and I couldn’t be on them.”

By this time, a sense of worthlessness stepped in and she felt too weak and scorned to hold her head high, slouching as echoes of horror tormented her teenage mind. There was now no one to turn to, none in her family she could trust. Then one day as she was walking to school in mental torment, a big man saw her crying and enquired why she was so sad.

He was driving a fancy car. He stopped to listen. And a new chapter in her life began.

The man used the opportunity to make her his mule, and still 13-years-old she began trafficking cocaine and marijuana to specifically Turn to page XXXIV ►►►

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assigned areas with the task of getting all the merchandise sold.

“That’s when things changed. I was tough. I had to go off my own to look for everything. I begin to start selling weed, start selling cocaine. I had to drop out of school. I went all over with he,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. For days she watched a missing person’s report of herself on national television as she moved into the big man’s home and her response was a burst of laughter as she began to feel a freedom she needed from the abusive household. She did not mind at that age, becoming the man’s reputed wife. Even though it is illegal for a child to be somebody’s wife and he could have been charged with statutory rape or having carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old, it was her only option of escape at the time and she was unaware of the additional trouble in which she had been placed.

The run-away teen’s joy was short-lived while she shared the home with the drug dealer with whom she now had an affair, and his extended family.

It started from the first day she was not able to sell all of the illegal drugs which were entrusted her for the purpose of trafficking and marketing. “Nothing wasn’t bothering me there. I was searching for love. I wasn’t finding love. There wasn’t anybody there (at her relative’s home) that was giving me any love so I had to go and have an experience of what love was about. But instead of getting love, I (was) being abused. Love turned out to be an abused love,” she recalled with sadness printed all over her face.

“When the stuff ain’t sell out how it supposed to, he used to have me and then he used to beat me.”

The drug dealer, whom she described as a ‘big man’ battered the teen with his bare hands, throwing slaps and punches at regular intervals, and ‘black and blue eyes’ had taken almost a permanent fixture on her pretty dark face.

Eventually, she would escape and break into an empty house back in the countryside, where her mother and extended family once lived. She was 14-years-old already, and now had no other choice but to live on her own.

Pitfalls continued and a dancehall life brewed while she smoked marijuana and consumed alcohol and exchanged sexual intercourse with men to earn a living. The woman whom she called ‘Mommy” was in her life again, this time providing food, while she had already adopted a new lifestyle and had become unstoppable at the time.

Defending herself in verbal and literal battles, she had become one to fear as she now had yielded to the use of weapons to defend her vulnerable life.

She gave birth to her first daughter at the age of 16 but did it all alone since the man responsible for her pregnancy had abandoned her. “I had nowhere else to go, nobody else to turn to. Nuff of me other families them would treat me the same. I survived by the mercies of God,” with “Mommy” giving her a few things, but sex had become her new sanctuary.

“I didn’t go for children. I jus go to free meself from what I was going through. Free from pain. But at the end of the day it didn’t pay off. I became pregnant and gave birth to my children who I choose to give birth to,” she confessed to the Guyana Chronicle.

Her five children are for four different men and she did not achieve things easily to care for the girls. But, she never quit her role as their mother, even though she had been obsessed with the thought of suicide.

Now she has developed a strong relationship with her biological mother who still helps, while she finds it difficult to leave her children and enter into the world of work since she prefers watching over them at every chance she gets.

This woman, on International Women’s Day 2017, is advising women living in abusive circumstances to “walk out of the situation and depend on God. You don’t have to kill yourself. Be strong. Depend on God. Ain’t nothing too difficult for God to do.”

“I think parents need to have a relationship with their children so it wouldn’t lead a child astray to suffer. They need to have conversations. A child mustn’t be afraid to tell parents anything instead of going to a friend (instead). That is how I see parents supposed to be,” she advised further.

Jelani said while in earlier times she thought of her children as mistakes she had later come to realize that they never were.

“But my children and me are one army, a mighty army. They are special and they have been chosen by God,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

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EU authorities demand changes from Facebook, Google, Twitter Social media companies Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc and Twitter Inc will have to amend their terms of service for European users within a month or face the risk of fines, a European Commission official said on Friday.

U.S. technology companies have faced tight scrutiny in Europe for the way they do business, from privacy to how quickly they remove illegal or threatening content.

The Commission and European consumer protection authorities will "take action to make sure social media companies comply with EU consumer rules," the official said.

Germany, the most populous EU state, said this week it planned a new law calling for social networks such as Facebook to remove slanderous or threatening online postings quickly or face fines of up to 50 million euros ($53 million).

The authorities and the Commission sent letters to the companies in December saying that some of their service terms broke EU consumer protection law and that they needed to do more to tackle fraud and scams on their websites.

The companies proposed some ways to resolve the issues and discussed them with the authorities and the Commission on Thursday, a source familiar with the matter said, adding that the meeting was constructive.

According to the letters seen by Reuters, some of those contested terms include requiring users to seek redress in court in California, where the companies are based, instead of their country of residence.

Other issues include not identifying sponsored content clearly, requiring consumers to waive mandatory rights such as the right to cancel a contract, and an excessive power for the companies to determine the suitability of content generated

by users, according to the letters.

In the case of Alphabet's Google unit, the concerns were about its social network Google+.

Google and Facebook were not immediately available for comment. A spokesman for Twitter declined to comment.

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English 2017-03-05

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

As long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination. When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular.

OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900), The Critic as Artist, Part 2 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, When you write a persuasive paragraph it is important that you convince your readers, and thus gain their belief. Take care to present an arousing topic sentence. Then, supply interesting and precise details mostly in as short sentences as you can in support of your main idea. Finish the paragraph with a

suitable closure. Please meet the writing of a persuasive paragraph of explanation under heading WRITING WELL. Thanks. Be wise.

Love you GRAMMAR A. Word Positions in Sentences We will look at some instances of word placements in sentences.

First: Let’s look at the adverb. One of the hallmarks of adverbs is that they are able to be moved around in the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. Adverbs of manner are particularly flexible in this regard.

Example: Suddenly the flagpole fell.

The flagpole fell suddenly.

The flagpole suddenly fell.

Second: The following adverbs of frequency appear in various points in these sentences: Example: Before the main verb: I never get up before five o'clock.

Between the auxiliary verb and the main verb: I have rarely written to my step-father without a good cause.

Before the verb used to: I always used to see him jumping the orchard fence.

Third: There is a specific technique which is not well known about the reason for one kind of adverb placement. Adverbs of time give details about time of events and are usually put at the end of a sentence for emphasis.

Before, finally, recently, now, then, yesterday are fitting time adverbs.

Example: They will tell us the names of the church executives tomorrow.

Then, if you don't want to put emphasis on the time of an event, you are permitted to put the adverb of time at the beginning of the sentence.

Example: Tomorrow they will tell us the names of the church executives.

What to Do 1. Give about two sets of three sentences illustrating that you can change the position of an adverb without changing the meaning of the sentence.

2. Give one set of three sentences showing the use of adverbs of frequency in the sentence.

3. Explain to a study partner about the placements of adverbs of time for emphasis.

B. Vocabulary: Suffixes Suffixes: The suffixes –tion and –sion mean “the act or process of doing something” or “the result of doing something.” These suffixes usually form nouns. For example, the word intention is formed when –tion is added to the verb intend. An intention is what you intend.

Something to Do: Answer each question in a complete sentence. In your answer, use the noun formed by adding –tion or –sion to the underlined word. This type of exercise helps improve expression in composition writing.

1. What do you use to persuade someone?

2. What do you have when things contradict each other?

3. What do you have when you revise something?

4. What do you have when you appreciate something?

WRITING WELL Structure of persuasive paragraph - Explanation This persuasive kind of paragraph explains why steps should be taken to prevent

the extinction of wolves. Its main idea is that wolves should be protected. The first sentence is its topic sentence. You will find that the paragraph contains many statements of fact and few statements of personal belief.

Factual details are one important kind of convincing detail.

Steps must be taken to prevent the extinction of wolves. The wolf has already been eliminated from 99% of its original rangeland in the United States. Although there are still good-sized wolf populations in more remote areas of Canada, the Vancouver Island wolf is now considered to be an endangered species.

Many people fear wolves and think that they attack humans, but there is no evidence that wolves who have not been provoked will do this. Some farmers feel that wolves should be eliminated because they kill livestock, but such killings are usually found to be the work of dog packs. Some hunters think that wolves should be exterminated because they prey on large hoofed animals like deer and elk. But wolves only attack animals that are weak or sick, so in fact they help nature balance the herds. Since wolf bounties and government poisoning programmes are causing wolves to disappear in North America, it is very important that steps be taken to preserve this species.

NOTE: The above paragraph – persuading readers to accept and do Pattern of Choice: Beginning Sentences main idea – your opinion, clearly stated; Middle Sentences: Details that support the main idea; Ending Sentences: Summarise, restate, or emphasise the main idea.

[Another technique: Beginning Sentences: Some convincing details to arouse interest in topic; Middle Sentences: details that lead to, or justify, your main idea; Ending Sentences: Main idea – opinion; being clear about what you want readers to do or believe in.] a) A persuasive paragraph is written to convince the readers to believe in something or to do something. It is built around one main idea – the opinion of the writer about the topic. b) Convincing details are used to support the main idea. c) Some of the most useful kinds of convincing detail are factual details, statistics, authoritative opinions, anecdotes, and actual incidents.

What to Do Suppose that your group has been studying endangered species in Guyana. Suppose as well that you have decided to mount a campaign to support the Guyana Wildlife Fund’s programme to protect and conserve vanishing species.

To raise money for this project, the group decides to appeal to a large business conglomerate for help. The upshot is that one-paragraph statements should be submitted giving reasons why endangered species should be protected. Write a one-paragraph statement defending an endangered animal/bird/fish group of your choice.

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Entertainment

Former 'Power Rangers' actor admits killing roommate with sword AN actor best known for his role in the "Power Rangers" children's television series who prosecutors said stabbed his roommate to death with a sword during an argument pleaded guilty on Thursday to manslaughter.

Richard Medina, 38, entered the plea during a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court. He faces up to six years in state prison when he is sentenced on March 30.

Prosecutors said Medina stabbed Josh Sutter with a sword multiple times on Jan. 31, 2015 as the two men argued about the actor's girlfriend at their apartment in Palmdale, north of Los Angeles.

Following the fatal confrontation Medina called the 911 emergency number and remained at the scene until sheriff's deputies arrived. Sutter died of his injuries.

Medina was arrested at the time of Sutter's death but was released within days after prosecutors asked for further investigation into the high-profile case.

Medina played the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger on the popular "Power Rangers Wild Force" children's television

series.

He also voiced the character of Deker on a later series, "Power Rangers Samurai," which, like "Power Rangers

Wild Force," was a rebranded version the 1990s series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." He has also appeared on such prime-time shows as "CSI: Miami" and "ER."

Entertainment 'Beauty and the Beast' launch begins as Disney pulls film from Malaysia Lyle Shelton, managing director of the conservative Australian Christian Lobby, said he was concerned by reports of "sexualized content" in the movie but that he wouldn't start a public campaign against it.

"There's a lot of battles. This is just one of many things in our culture which ignores the innocence of children," he told Reuters.

FILE PHOTO: A Beauty and the Beast poster in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Angie Teo

Malaysia stood by its decision to bar "Beauty and the Beast" from cinemas without a "gay moment" being cut as the worldwide rollout of the Walt Disney movie began on Thursday.

Starring Emma Watson as young Belle who falls in love with the Beast, the film features a gay character for the first time in Disney's history.

The company refused to make the cut and pulled the film from cinemas across the Muslim-majority country where homosexuality is discouraged by religious leaders.

"The film has not been and will not be cut for Malaysia," Disney said in a statement.

Asked it Malaysia would change its mind on its demand for the cut, Censorship Board chairman Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said: "Still the same decision."

He added that local distributors had asked for a review of the decision. The board is expected to meet on Tuesday.

The film opened in neighboring Singapore on Thursday with a "parental guidance" rating. The world rollout happens over the next few days.

Last year, Singapore organizers of the musical "Les Miserables" cut a scene in which two male actors kissed so that the show could retain a "general" rating and

reach a wider audience.

The Communications Office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore warned viewers about the likely content of "Beauty and the Beast".

"With extensive media reports of the purported 'gay moment' in this movie, we believe that parents must discern and reflect with their children on whether the lifestyle portrayed is consonant with the teaching of Christ," it said in a statement.

In next-door Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, the movie opens on Friday with a 13+ classification and without any cuts.

Some Islamic groups in Indonesia have launched protests targeting western entertainment in the past, leading to the cancellation for instance of a performance by pop star Lady Gaga in 2012.

The movie opens in China and India on Friday. In India, it has been given a U/A rating which means unrestricted public showing but with guidance for children under 12.

The gay character in the live-action remake of the 1991 animated version has sparked calls among some ultra-conservative groups around the world for a boycott.

A U.S. evangelist preacher said last week that the film was trying to promote an LGBT agenda to children.

Malaysia has previously blocked the release of Hollywood movies deemed religiously insensitive, such as 1998's "The Prince of Egypt", which depicted the Biblical story of Moses, and 1995's "Babe", which featured a pig as the main character. Muslims consider pigs unclean.

Vegetable and Cheese Casserole Ingredients ½ cup diced pumpkin ½ cup chopped bora ½ cup shredded cabbage 1 cup macaroni, cooked 1 lb grated cheese Salt and pepper ½ oz margarine ½ oz flour ¼ pt milk 2 tomatoes 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Preparation • Cook the vegetables separately until they are just tender. Put all together with the macaroni in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Keep hot.

• Make a white sauce with the margarine, flour and milk blended together, and cook for about 5 minutes.

• Add the sauce to the vegetables and macaroni with half of the cheese. Turn into a greased pyrex casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

• Cook under a grill for about 3 minutes, or alternatively, bake in a hot oven for the same time.