Pepper pot 04/18/2018

See inside:

The art of Yoga Valuing our Independence ► Page II

► Page VI

Reach for the

Skies

► Page

III

LeShaun Berkley and her high rising accomplishments

Yoga

II

(Photo courtesy of Annie Gomes)

The art of

HEALTHY for both

BODY and

MIND er’s friend Alana, who she followed on Instagram, was a practitioner and inspired Christine to take it up. She started teaching herself with the yoga challenge “#letsgetflexy2015” hosted by Instagram users @beachyogagirl and @kinoyoga.

“It was actually supposed to be beginner friendly so I plunged right into it,” said Christina. “After then, I kept doing challenges to improve my practice.”

Christina began teaching yoga in November 2016.

three-vehicle smash-up. For five months she was unable to teach classes, though her personal practice continued.

“It was actually yoga that got me walking faster than expected,” related Christina. She officially restarted teaching classes in April 2017.

(Photo courtesy of Annie Gomes)

YOGA is thousands of years old. Of course, it would be a mistake to say that modern practices of yoga exactly mirror those practices and disciplines that began millennia ago. It can be said with certainty though that yoga has always been a practice for both body and mind and not just a form of physical exercise. There are numerous yoga practitioners in Guyana who, having taught themselves yoga, are now imparting their knowledge.

Christina Basil was looking for a new hobby when she discovered yoga. She related to the Pepperpot Magazine that she had been living in St. Lucia at the time. Her moth-

(Photo courtesy of Christina Basil)

By Gibron Rahim

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

She had just returned to Guyana to begin her studies at the University of Guyana and someone urged her to try teaching. “I was playing around with the idea but never felt confident enough to teach,” she explained.

“But I gave it a try anyway.” Then tragedy struck. Christina had only been teaching for a month when she was involved in a

PLAYFUL CHALLENGE Annie Gomes first became interested in yoga after completing a challenge put to her by her brother.

“My brother just playfully challenged me one day to do a move that he saw,” she explained. She was able to perform the move but did not find it as easy as she had thought. After that experience, Annie began looking up exercises that dealt more with flexibility and balance than strength and building muscles. “I came across yoga and the rest is history.”

Teaching herself yoga meant that Annie needed to use all the tools at her disposal. “The internet is a world of knowledge,” she said emphatically. She came across a few pages on YouTube at first. Links from there led her to various articles, research papers, free online courses and websites like Yoga Journal and Yoga.com. “You come across sites like these and you’re able to follow the instructions and incorporate them into your own practice,” she related.

Annie made the decision to begin imparting her yoga knowledge around July last year. “I was between six and seven months pregnant,” she recalled. It was a nudge from her husband that set events into motion. She partnered with Turn to page IX ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

III

Reach for the Skies LeShaun Berkley and her high rising accomplishments

By Lisa Hamilton

job.

“When you’re flying you have a lot of responsibility, it’s not just ‘Oh, I’m going to fly’. You have a lot of responsibility, you have your life, persons’ lives both in the air and on the ground so you have a lot of responsibility,” she explained.

Nonetheless, her number one supporters from day one have been her parents and although many of her friends were unaware she was about to receive the recent promotion, they are now all happy to see her excel.

“Actually, no one really knew about it, I didn’t really mention it to anyone so it came as a surprise to everyone…because I was just waiting for it to happen and be sure before I let the cat out the bag,” she said.

In her leisure time, she likes to hang out with her friends but also doesn’t mind staying at home just to relax.

SOARING into position as the youngest female Captain to be commissioned in Guyana within the last decade, is 22-year-old LeShaun Berkley, a young woman who literally reached for the skies.

After training as co-pilot for two years she was given her fourth gold stripe during a small ceremony at the Roriama Airways Limited on Monday.

The Pepperpot Magazine met up with this young woman who explained that the Captain or pilot-in-command has all responsibility for the aircraft, the safety of its passengers in the air as well as persons on the ground.

FLYING WAS MADE FOR ME Although she now spends 20-30 hours a week in the air, LeShaun didn’t always want to be a part of the aviation industry but became interested after she graduated from high school at St. Stanislaus College.

“When I came out of school I thought of doing medicine but then when I started it wasn’t really something I liked, I didn’t really look forward to going to school every day to do that,” she said. “So, I sat down and I thought about it and I was like: ‘hmm, I love travelling and ever since I was young I always was fascinated by planes, I was never scared of planes’. So, it was then that it hit me: ‘you know what, let me try this thing, let me actually go see what it’s like’ and I kind of took a chance and I would say it was the best chance I took because I ended up falling in love with aviation.”

LeShaun, the eldest of two siblings, began Flight School in 2014 at Air Services Limited and later completed her studies at Dean International in Miami, Florida after which she joined the Roraima Airways team.

Telling of her experience abroad she said: “Flying there, it was a wonderful experience because I met persons from all around the world. It was a big flight school so you had people from the Middle East, people from all over so it was great [knowing] that I can say I have a friend in Egypt or I have a friend in Colombia.”

Throughout her robust training, she successfully met the criteria and acquired three licenses: the Private Pilot License (PPL); the Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Despite several challenges along the way, LeShaun told the Pepperpot Magazine that she never gave up on her dream to work high among the clouds.

“Every time I go flying it’s like my mind is at ease.

So, I feel like it was for me, it was something that was made for me,” she said.

Working with the Roraima Airways for the past two years, LeShaun says she gained a lot of flying experience which she expresses the highest of gratitude for receiving.

She spearheads both local and international flights and just last Monday, took her first command flight to Trinidad and to this ex-

perience she commented: “It was great! The weather was perfect, everything went smoothly.”

As many can attest, from the passenger’s seat of an aircraft it doesn’t seem like piloting is an easy task and, confirming this supposition, LeShaun says that much obligation comes along with the

EVEN BIGGER DREAMS AHEAD The next checkpoint on LeShaun’s list of big dreams happens to be flying much larger planes which should see her advancing from the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft model to perhaps a Boeing aircraft.

“This is not the end of the road for me, this is just the beginning, it’s an achievement where it’s actually the first step to getting to where I eventually want to go which is to the airlines someday. So, I see this as my stepping stone,” she said.

Even in a field where males far outnumber females, the 22-year-old wants other young women to know that anything is possible should they put their minds to it.

“I think anything you want to do or any goal you plan to achieve you can do it. Because it is a male-dominated field, certain females might feel like ‘this is not for me’ but I say, whatever a male can do us females can do twice as better,” she said smiling.

In the midst of her encouragements, LaShaun added that more can be done locally to make opportunities like her’s readily available to Guyanese.

“Here in Guyana we don’t have that many flight schools and the one we have here, it’s ridiculously expensive so, that would be a barrier for a lot of people because they can’t afford it.

“So, I think there should be some system put in place where you can actually get to go to flight school at a cheaper cost or they should provide scholarships in order for persons to get that opportunity,” she advised.

Roraima Airways, where LeShaun works, was started by Guyana’s first female captain, Captain Debbie Gouveia and together with her husband Captain Gerald (Gerry) Gouveia (Snr.) founded the company in November 1992.

Thus far, coming out of the airline has been Guyana’s: first female captain, Captain Debbie Gouveia; youngest female pilot, First Officer Amber Low and youngest female captain within the decade, Captain LeShaun Berkley.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Mission accomplished!

– US Psychotherapist completes fruitful stint in Guyana, focused on tackling Mental Health issues

By Svetlana Marshall WHEN Melinda Blaise was presented with the opportunity to work at the Mental Health Unit in Guyana, she knew it would have allowed her to give yeoman service while helping to tackle the issue of suicide.

Born and raised in the United States of America, Blaise is a clinically trained psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree. She is also certified as a training and staff development manager and facilitator.

“I’ve worked in human services with survivors of trauma including domestic violence, rape/ sexual assault and child abuse.

My professional background also includes conducting workshops and training sessions

Psychotherapist Melinda Blaise, MSW

one with Melinda talks one on e staff after ntr Ce h alt He ola Agric Session h alt He l giving a Menta

Melinda Blaise facilitating a workshop at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on depression and suicide

across the U.S. and in various countries overseas, in support of capacity building to prevent trauma and abuse of persons at risk,” Blaise said as she gave the Pepperpot Magazine a sneak peek into her professional life.

Trained to identify mental illness and to develop mental health awareness, self-care and coping strategies, she was an ideal candidate to work as a Mental Health Officer at the Public Health Ministry in Guyana under the U.S Peace Corps Programme.

In 2017, in her capacity as a U.S Peace Corps Response Volunteer, she arrived in Guyana to work with the Public Health Ministry. “Peace Corps Response sends experienced professionals to undertake short-term, high-impact service assignments in communities around the world. Bringing valuable skills and experiences to projects in places where they are needed most,” she explained.

Cognisant of the fact that Mental Illness, is a primary concern for Guyana, particularly as it relates to suicide, the U.S trained psychotherapist was excited to lend her expertise.

“I was intrigued by the issue, its impact and was excited to bring a certain expertise

and to support efforts in any way that I could through my work. You can ask anyone that I have worked with here in Guyana and other parts of the world, how passionate I am about this subject and making sure that we educate the masses in order to equip them with the tools necessary to deal with the effects,” Blaise posited.

MORE TIME Originally, when she came to Guyana in 2017, the Peace Corps Volunteer was slated to return after completing a period of six months but she chose to extend her stay in order to serve longer and make a bigger impact.

Her mission was to promote mental wellbeing and simultaneously prevent mental disorders while offering care and enhance recovery. Importantly too, Blaise was tasked with promoting the human rights of persons with mental disorders, to reduce morbidity, disability, and mortality in its citizens.

Earlier this month, Blaise returned to the U.S pleased with the contributions she has made to Guyana while working on a number of programmes.

Turn to page VIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

V

Valuing our Independence Guyana remains a beautiful and blessed country and therefore there is a lot to be grateful to God for– whoever persons may see Him to be.

She offered that independence is about looking after one’s self, not just the trappings,

but that persons must want to look after themselves in every respect; using the resources of the country, for that is what it means to be independent.

“We must think seriously about our development and about the development of our country; about the path that we can play in helping in its development because everybody has something to offer wherever necessary,” she said.

OPEN OUR INTERIOR She continued, “Since I was a child they have been talking about the resources – I want before I die to see the potential fulfilled, realised – I want to see that. I would like to sit in a vehicle and travel comfortably by road from Linden to Lethem; I want to see them develop infrastructure; that is where some of the oil money must go – open our interior.

“It’s tremendous when you think of it, what we can do – now that the oil money is coming I know that [President] David Granger is not going to steal the oil money Turn to page XI ►►►

By M Margaret Burke “We may have all come on different ships, but we are all in the same boat now.”

Martin Luther King Jr “INDEPENDENCE is not just a flag and an anthem. Independence means independence of spirit,” said the former Minister of Education, Information and Public Service, Yvonne Harewood-Benn as she quoted the then Prime Minister of Guyana, L.F.S. Burnham.

Speaking about the change independence has brought to her life, and that of Guyana, Harewood-Benn told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was not in Guyana when the country became an independent nation, having left the country in 1964 to study in England – in the midst of what she referred to as a very difficult time in the country.

She noted though, that she was still able to celebrate and share in the joy of Guyana becoming an independent nation while in England. She told of how, along with her friend Olive Lyken (who recently passed away), they cooked, sang songs and enjoyed themselves in their own way for the occasion; they were not to be left out, she stated.

OUR MOTTO General elections were on December 7, 1964 less than two years before the country gained independence, and Harewood-Benn said that prior to those elections the then prime ministerial candidate, Mr. Forbes Burnham went all over the country promoting healing, peace and trying to unite a nation that had gone through a lot of mayhem and felt that he was successful to a large extent.

However, she stated very emphatically, “We must make sure that we never reach that

stage in our country again – it must never happen again; ‘nip it in the bud’ wherever; make it something that we must think of positively, it must never happen again and anybody who come to incite you, chase them”, she insisted.

She went on to say that while she does not know how much longer she has to live, being 84 years at present, she would like to see Guyana live up to our motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. “They have some people who really believe that is possible, but on the other hand there are some who forget that or put it one side – they are selfish, think only of themselves, but we have to find the people who will ‘put Guyana first’ and remember that it belongs to all of us .

Harewood-Benn said that it is important to note that “everybody has a stake here,” for if I may borrow a quote from Martin Luther King, ‘We may have all come on different ships, but we are all in the same boat right now’,” imploring that as a people, Guyanese must try and live together.

BEAUTIFUL AND BLESSED Harewood-Benn said that every race has something to give and so none should think of one race being superior to the other one, and went on to say, “We are Guyanese and Guyana belongs to all of us and we must behave as if it is just that.” She said that while there are disasters in many parts of the world today,

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Mothers in Black, Pink and Blue

By Francis Quamina Farrier

LAST Sunday was Mother’s Day and millions of mothers around the world were wined and dined, praised and pampered on that, their special day of the year. Most of us extended “Happy Mother’s Day” greetings to the many mothers we know and quite a number who we do not A statue of Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus, is crowned at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Main Street, Georgetown, on Mother’s Day, 2018

even know. That is what we do on Mother’s Day to the many deserving mothers. But how does one wish “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY” to a mother who has lost a child, especially because of a road crash? It is very difficult; almost like scraping an old wound.

such grieving mother is Denise Dias, who lost her daughter Alicea in a traffic accident in 1996 on the lower East Coast Demerara. She is at the forefront of the “Mothers in Black” movement which, over the years, has been working assiduously in consoling each other and trying to keep death off our roads.

In 1997, Denise Dias along with her sister Beverley Harper and Founder of the Bernice Mansell others, also established Foundation, Bernice Mansell, is the Alicea Foundation a ‘mother’ to thousands of needy which also works along Guyanese children. with the Police Traffic (Photo by F.Q Farrier) Division, to make the roads of Guyana safer. For example, Road Rage Marches have been organised to bring attention to the way so many Guyanese drivers behave when they get behind the wheel. Just listen to the incessant honking of vehicle horns on our city streets and you will realise the rage within so many drivers, with the potential to become involved in an unnecessary fatal crash and the possibility of adding another Mother in Black to the increasing total. However, in a release from the Police Traffic Division last Thursday, there has been an 11.4 per cent decrease in fatal accidents for January to April 2018.

MOTHERS IN BLACK Sadly, the Guyanese organisation “Mothers in Black” is growing Deborah Blackmore is a “Mother in Blue”, with more and more mothers havwith one son. She is a long-time ing to bury a child who has died as MOTHERS IN PINK volunteer with the Bernice Mansell a result of a traffic accident. One One of Guyana’s best-known Foundation. (Photo by F.Q Farrier)

Mothers in Pink, is fashion designer and businesswoman, Dr. Sonia Noel. “I enjoyed a glorious Mother’s Day with my two daughters” she stated, adding, ‘WoW, I’m super blessed”.

It is obvious that Mother in Pink, Dr Sonia Noel feels ex-

Fashion designer and a Mother in Pink, Dr Sonia Noel who has two daughters (Photo by F.Q Farrier)

ceedingly blessed, not only to have her two daughters in her life, but also her own mother on Mother’s Day. My wife, Patricia Farrier, is also a proud Mother in Pink, with her two bright and beautiful grown daughters, Arlene and Venita.

Together they enjoyed a great Mother’s Day 2018.

MOTHERS IN BLUE Deborah Blackmore is the mother of one son and Mother in Blue, Hyacinth grandmother of two. She is Bradshaw, the mother very active with the Bernice of TV Personality, Basil Bradshaw Mansell Foundation for many years and last Sunday she was just as active at the Foundation’s Annual Mother’s Day Fund Raising Tea Party, which was held at Parc Rayne Banquet Hall, Rahaman’s Park. The funds garnered at these annual Mother’s Day Tea Parties by the Bernice Mansell Foundation, go to assist some of the many needy children in Guyana with books, clothing and meals. Also present at that Mother’s Day Tea Party 2018, was Mother in Blue, Ms. Hyacinth Bradshaw, who is the mother of well-known TV Personality Basil Bradshaw. She was presented with a special award at the Tea Party.

This, of course, is just a minute sampling of how Guyanese mothers celebrated Mother’s Day 2018, last Sunday. Belated HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Greetings to Guyana’s First Mother, Mrs. Sandra Granger; to Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, wife of the Prime Minister; and all the other Mothers in Black, Pink and Blue.

Mother in Pink, Alexis Keizer, cuddles her sweet pink bundle of joy on Mother’s Day 2018 (Photo by F.Q Farrier)

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

VII

Five Guyanese women to play blind cricket in July

By Telesha Ramnarine

FIVE Guyanese women, who are either blind or visually impaired, are expected to play on the West Indies Blind Cricket Team in a game against the English Blind Cricket Team in July.

Manager of the Guyana team and passionate advocate for women’s rights, Theresa Pemberton, told the Pepperpot Magazine that the game is scheduled for July 8 to 15

Melieka Crawford (right) and Ackila Smith are expected to be trained to coach blind cricket locally

– Local team manager chides ‘attitude’ of winning teams

going for such training.

Nineteen-year-old Melieka Crawford and 20-year-old Ackila Smith are the two individuals who are expected to benefit from the training.

The women who will play on the team have not yet been selected but are currently in training.

Manager of the Guyana Blind Cricket Team, Theresa Pemberton

Blind cricket, in part, was responsible for the positive transformation of Ganesh Singh

in Barbados. This year, there will be no regional blind cricket tournament due to financial limitations.

What is more, at the tournament, officials from the English team and other organisations will use the opportunity to train coaches and administrators for blind cricket. As such, two more persons who are visually impaired will be

DISGRUNTLED PLAYERS The West Indies Blind Cricket Association is said to be having some ‘teething’ problems at the moment, Turn to page IX ►►►

VIII ◄◄◄ From page IV

“I worked with so many programmes.

However, a big part of my focus was working with the Health Promotions team at the Mental Health Unit, to train and provide capacity building for various professionals from medical practitioners, to teachers, law enforcement officials on strategies for health promotion and disease prevention techniques on mental illness and suicide,” she told the Sunday Pepperpot while looking back on her stint here.

Based on her analysis, the psychotherapist said there has been a “huge shift” in the conversations around mental illness and suicide in Guyana over the last year and she was pleased to be a part of the process.

“While both of these issues are still highly stigmatised and some people are afraid to talk about it, the fact that the Ministry of Public Health and other organisations are bringing this topic to the forefront is showing its citizens that it’s okay.

“The more we’ve normalised this sensitive subject, the more individuals have begun to seek out services and feel less threatened by the issue for themselves, families, friends,

neighbours and/or co-workers. I saw a great deal of this in my work in and around Guyana. And this was in all corners from schools to clinics to businesses and religious institutions,” Blaise explained.

NATIONWIDE WORK While she has travelled to all 10 regions of Guyana bringing awareness and strategies and education on mental health issues, she admitted that there is much work left to be done.

“There is still so much more work to do in the country as it relates to Mental Health, Mental Illness and Suicide. Issues related to stigma, misunderstandings of what Mental Illness is and how we preserve Mental Health needs to continue to be tackled,” she posited.

More mental health practitioners ought to be trained, she added, while making a call for more resources to be pumped into all regions to tackle mental health issues.

“What the country is doing thus far is a great start. And there are several initiatives which include the self -harm surveillance programme, health and promotion or outreach and direct counselling. Having the opportunity to be a part of that start-up process

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

is providing a great learning tool for the unit to move forward on strategies and implementation, which includes training more folks -specifically health professionals and other relevant folks through the WHO-sponsored mhGAP programme to deal with mental health issues at a community level,” she further noted.

ENJOYING THE NEW CULTURE Just as she enjoyed working in Guyana so did she enjoy living here. The rich diverse Guyanese culture, the Guyanese dialect – though she never quite mastered speaking it, and the natural wonders of the country will forever remain cherished memories.

Asked whether she sees herself returning to Guyana, Blaise responded in the positive.

“Although I was lucky enough to visit every region, I didn’t get a chance to climb any of your famous mountains. And I wouldn’t mind coming back to do that.

In addition to wanting to hike up Mountain Roraima, I met some good people along the way and it would be great to reconnect and see how everyone grows and evolve. Oh and where else am I gonna get egg balls, salara and pone? So I kinda have no choice!” she

said.

But for now, her memories will suffice.

“Two of my most cherished moments, one was the first time travelling along the Barima-Waini River as I headed to the villages of Manwarin, Waramuri and Kumaka.

I was part of a team to meet with members of those communities in Moruca. And my job was to share my work and to provide updates on services of the Mental Health Unit. That part went very well, however, I was struck by the immense beauty of the region. If you’ve ever travelled along that river or visited that area you know the beauty of which I speak of... the black water with its reflection of the sky meeting as if it were one, it is incredible.

“My second favourite memory was getting to tour Orinduik Falls with loved ones visiting me from overseas. The opportunity to see this particular falls and to swim in its waters was heavenly. This has to be my favourite spot in all of Guyana!”

Thankful for the experienced she gained, Blaise expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Peace Corps and the Public Health Ministry for providing her with such a remarkable opportunity to positively impact the lives of others.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page VII

with the stronger teams often times trying to dictate how the organisation ought to be run.

“Some of the countries, they have this big boy, big girl attitude where blind cricket is concerned. They feel that what they say must go because they are the winners. This is the attitude they have around the place,” Pemberton expressed.

What has also been found is that, like conventional cricket, some players lack loyalty to their countries. “You find a lot of disgruntled players who want to go with the other countries and this brings a negative impact to blind cricket,” she said, adding that this is one of the issues that should be dealt with during the training.

“We have to stop telling ourselves that because we have more money as a Caribbean country, we are better than the rest,” she said. “Because they are the big players; for instance, Trinidad one year was sanctioned because they did not want to share the trophy with Jamaica; and some of them don’t want

◄◄◄ From page II

the group ‘Live ProActive’ and, seeing that there was a need and interest, they got yoga classes going. “That’s really how the teaching started.”

There are numerous benefits to practising yoga, as both Christina and Annie noted. Christina related that, in addition to toning the body, yoga truly relaxes.

“The breathing aspect of it is amazing,” she said. “When you finally get to control your breath and have it aligned with your body movement, it’s one of the best things ever.” She added, “It’s a whole new way of living after then.” She has found that conquering poses does more than help in the practice of yoga, it can also help remove mental blockages when approaching tasks in everyday life.

MANY REWARDS Annie noted that there are mental, emotional and spiritual rewards to practising yoga. “You are able to strengthen all areas of yourself,” she said. Yoga does not just teach physical movements and postures, it strengthens the body and the mind. “And it translates into your day-to-day activities,” Annie explained. “You are more patient, you are more kind and you’re more of a rounded, respectable person as a result of yoga.” She pointed out that its teachings and principles provide much mental and emotional grounding.

It is important to start slow when beginning a yoga practice. “Get your foundation firm and extremely strong first before attempting anything else,” said Christina. She noted that the foundation essentially comprises Sun Salutations A and B. Mastering those two poses, she related, can lead to ‘mastering’ any other pose. It is also important to listen to one’s body and its signals. “Most

to participate because of the current president and all sorts of things. If we don’t put a grip on it and make some strong decisions and let them know this is where the buck stops, blind cricket will have problems.”

She added, “If we have weak persons within our structure at the top, we will have countries that want to dictate how the organisation should be run and it should not be that way. We are hoping that this spill off of West Indies women will send out a strong warning to the regional teams that play blind cricket.”

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Pemberton observed that some countries do not even train women and young girls who are blind to play cricket. “I have a big problem with that because blind cricket is not about men alone. It’s giving both sexes a chance in life.”

In a previous interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Pemberton said blind cricket will continue to be lobbied for, as it is a catalyst for the empowerment of persons who are blind and visually-impaired. importantly, have an open mind,” Christina stated. “Like I always tell my students, yoga is not dependent on body size or age.”

She noted rather that, “We all have our strengths and weaknesses and it’s important for you to trust the process!”

And there is also no need to get caught up in the belief that yoga can only be practiced with fancy yoga gear. “In my opinion, it’s all a tremendous waste of money,” Christina said. “It’s a gross exploitation of what should be a humble practice.” She advised using clothes and props that are already available to practice and using one’s carpet until a mat can be obtained. “To me, that’s the only thing worth investing in – a yoga mat.”

Annie’s most important piece of advice to those interested in yoga is simple – start yesterday. “If you wait then you can talk yourself out of it,” she said. There are many resources available to help in beginning a yoga practice. “I am available, the internet is available,” she pointed out.

“You can just get into it right away, don’t waste any time. Find the right persons and resources to link to and then do it like yesterday.”

Christina Basil can be followed on Instagram @datyogachick. She will present “Yoga & Wine” on May 25 from 17:00hrs to 18:00hrs, the first event of its kind in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Annie Gomes can be followed on Instagram @annieyoga_fitness.

“For example, Ganesh Singh (member of Guyana Society for the Blind) became a recluse when he got totally blind at age 17.

He became like a [piece of] house furniture, never going any place and was protected by his family. In 2005 when Guyana embarked on blind cricket, he heard it on the radio and called to find out how he could get involved.

He came down that afternoon very timid and when he realised he was with blind young persons like himself; after his second training session with us, he never looked back.”

She stated that this is proof that sports can serve as a vehicle to empower people and blind cricket will continue to be a vehicle that the organisation will use to help empower blind and visually-impaired persons. “We are hoping that in raising awareness, the public will see the need to support the three blind

IX cricketers and assist them in going,” she said.

“The blind in Guyana are doing a lot. The blind and the deaf are the vehicles for persons with disability. The blind looks out for all disabilities. We are hoping that the Government and corporate Guyana can see the purpose of what we’re doing and support us.”

Blind cricket is played with a hard plastic ball, a special ball that makes a very strong sound. The stumps are laid out like conventional cricket but without bails on them. The umpire usually guides the blind persons back to the stump, which they use as a gauge to bowl.

The batsmen are bowled to underhand style and when they are about to be bowled, they are asked: “Batsman, are you ready?”

When the batsman replies in the affirmative, the bowler then says, “Play!”

X

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page V

– he is not going to put it in no Swiss Bank, he is going to use it,” Ms. Harewood-Benn declared.

He urged that the interior of Guyana, which has very beautiful places be opened. She informed that as a politician she was able to travel to many parts of Guyana’s interior and marvelled at what she saw, “Lethem, you look out and you see the mountains there at night if it is moonlight, wow! – We have to do whatever we can to let the potential for this country be realised, it’s worth it,” she exclaimed.

THE YOUNG PEOPLE Harewood-Benn said that there is so much that people can do with their lives, particularly now, and urged that especially the young people should find creative ways of ‘educating’

themselves and in some ways create their own employment, since not everyone would get a government job or work in an office.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she tries to talk to young people, especially those who are feeling that there is no hope, trying to convince them that there is hope. In fact, she said, that there are many of them who are finding out that there are things that they can really do; there are things they can do, many things, once they put their minds to those things and that there are wonderful opportunities right now for them, she assured. There are many success stories to go by, Harewood-Benn added.

NEVER GOING BACK Harewood-Benn said that there was a whole lot of difference in Guyana to when she left in 1964 and when she returned

XI from England in 1968 and that she was very happy about that.

“We have come a far way and must never go back to where we were – a place of turmoil, murder and mayhem, but when I came back, thank God, people were ready to settle.”

She said that the Prime Minister of the day, Mr. Burnham had made it his duty to go around to every village to talk to the people about togetherness… “This is what our present leader [President David Granger] is saying, ‘we are better together than apart – and I believe that we are better together. Everybody has something to offer and we don’t fancy the people who want to divide us; those who are preaching division – they don’t have the interest of the country at heart when they preach division.”

She said that at this time when the country is celebrating independence people should desire only the best – for the development of themselves and also for Guyana. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Safeguarding Life on Earth Respecting OUR Biodiversity

TOMORROW, we have the opportunity to join with millions of people around the world in celebrating ‘International Day for Biological Diversity’. The United Nations first proclaimed this significant day in 1993 and it has since been observed annually. The aim of the day is to increase the understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues facing our planet. Each year, a suitable theme is selected.

This year, the celebrations will be held under the theme: “Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity”. This year marks the 25th anniversary since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was enacted and highlights progress made in the achievement of its objectives at both national and global levels.

WE NEED BIODIVERSITY… Statistics show that 31 per cent of the Earth’s land is forested but continues to be under threat due to deforestation. Yet, we know that forests are the lungs of our planet - Earth. They produce oxygen and act as a huge carbon sink, a significant link in our fights against climate change. According to a recent study at the North Carolina State University, one large tree is able to supply a day’s supply of oxygen for four people and collectively, trees absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

The average citizen of the world is now coming to learn and appreciate the integral ties man with the Earth and truly appreciate its value.

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE History shows, in a country’s quest for development, one of our greatest downfall has often been simply failing to recognise the important connection – even dependence; all humans have on the natural world. All life is inevitably dependent on nature’s ecological systems and their processes to provide clean air and water, assisting in food security through pollination services and even controlling the spread of disease vectors.

LOCAL INITIATIVES IN GUYANA TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF OUR BIODIVERSITY 1. Biosafety - In 2008 Guyana acceded to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and has since developed a National Biosafety Framework, a draft policy on Biosafety, a Biosafety Bill and four sets of draft Regulations.

2. A national lab at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been equipped to conduct testing of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

3. Training workshops on Biosafety to ensure contribution to the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH).

4. Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Policy was approved and draft ABS Regulations were also developed.

5. Nagoya Protocol - In 2014, Guyana became the first Caribbean country to accede to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS).

6. National reports, national Strategies and Action Plans were developed and submitted to the UNCBD. Amidst the challenges, all reporting requirements have been met.

7. Protected Areas - two (2) phases of the Guyana Protected Areas System (GPAS) project, which resulted in the development and enactment of the Protected Areas Act 2011, and paved the way for the establishment of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and subsequent Protected Areas Trust Fund.

8. Designation two (2) protected areas in the process, namely, the Kanuku Mountains and Shell Turn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

◄◄◄ From page XII

Beach Protected Areas- the Kanuku Mountains and Shell Beach Protected Areas were accomplished. This was in addition the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Kaieteur National Park which were established prior.

9. Wildlife Management - In 2013, the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations were enacted. This paved the way for two areas of focus; the establishment of conservation areas and a system for licensing of domestic wildlife trade.

In 2017, the EPA restructured to focus on Biological Resources Management with two focal sub-areas; Conservation and Sustainable use of biodiversity as well as Coastal and Marine Resources Management.

NOT FORGETTING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE Recognising the importance of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation, there is a project currently being implemented in Guyana entitled: Integrating Traditional Knowledge in National Policy and Practices. This is a UK-funded (a Darwin Initiative) project which brings together several local partners namely: the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the Protected Areas Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the North Rupununi District Development Board, among others. This project supports Guyana’s obligations under the CBD as Guyana and other signatory countries work towards meeting the CBD Aichi Targets by 2020.

In particular, this project addresses Aichi Target 18 which states: “By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels”.

Several communities have been engaged to date through the project in community workshops and training in participatory videos.

EMBRACING PARTNERSHIPS 25 years later, Guyana continues on an upward trajectory towards conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This will become even more important as we move towards a green state. Let’s ensure the future of Guyana’s biological wealth and our health by first becoming educated, then taking the necessary action.

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

XIII

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Do not over-dry fruits and vegetables TWO Sundays ago, NAREI in Focus began a series on solar drying. The aim is to inform readers of this green option in food preservation. Sun drying is the simplest and cheapest method of drying. It is used for high volume foods such as grain, rice, sultanas, tomatoes and raisins. `It is advisable to dry fruits and vegetables in the shade

when possible. Excessively high temperatures during drying can lead to high levels of shrinkage in the food. This may make them irregular in shape and unattractive to the consumer. High temperatures also increase the tendency to turn brown. Dried vegetables that are shrunken are more difficult to rehydrate.

The temperature and rate of drying should be strictly

controlled. Rehydration of the product is an important quality aspect. Fruits and vegetables that are overdried appear unattractive and are difficult to rehydrate. Over-drying is also wasteful in terms of lost manpower and energy. There is a fine balance between drying to a moisture content low enough to preserve the fruit and high enough to make an attractive product.

SELECTION OF DRYER Some fruits are dried directly in the sun. Sun drying of fruit and vegetables on the ground should be avoided as it is very difficult to control the quality of the product. When sun drying is used, the fruit and vegetables should be dried on mesh trays on racks that are raised above the ground so that the air can circulate around them. This speeds up the drying process. The fruit or vegetables are loaded onto trays in a single layer. The maximum capacity should be 6kg vegetables per square metre of tray. They should be turned or moved every hour during the first drying period to speed up drying and improve the quality. The trays of produce should be dried in the shade to prevent loss of colour and nutrients.

Shade drying is more dependent on-air movement over or through the fruit or vegetables. The drying rack should be placed in a position that can take advantage of any wind.

In dry air conditions with ample circulation, shade drying can be accomplished almost as quickly as sun drying. In conditions of high sunshine and low humidity, sun drying can be finished in one day. If the produce has to be dried overnight, it has to be protected from evening rains and early morning dew.

Solar drying in a cabinet dryer can be used for most vegetables and fruits. During the initial stages of drying it is essential to ensure that there is no condensation of water inside the dryer. Condensation is caused by insufficient air flow. The operator should ensure that the air intake and outlet vents are wide open to prevent this from happening.

Solar drying is dependent on the sun shining. There is no drying in cloudy or rainy conditions or overnight. This prolongs the drying period and can reduce the quality of the products. For a small business, solar drying is really only a viable option in dry sunny climates.

Artificial drying is the most controllable method of drying. It is also the most expensive as it requires a drying cabinet that is heated by electricity, gas or biomass.

There are several types and sizes of dryer available to suit processors needs. The advantages are that the drying rate can be carefully controlled regardless of external climatic conditions to make a high quality dried product.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XV

Women of Substance host Mother’s Day dinner at Regional State House

The executive members of the Women of Substance Group. They were joined by the Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson and Joan Jeffery

By Indrawattie Natram IT was indeed a magical evening for many mothers in Region Two as many of them found themselves at the fund-raising candlelight dinner organised by the Women of Substance group on the evening of Mother’s Day. The dinner was organised by the non-profit body to treat mothers on their special day.

According to President and Founder of the non-profit organisation, Ciselyn Jonas, the dinner was one with a difference, aimed at making mothers feel honoured. She said the women’s group which was formed on October11, 2015 has been making tremendous strides and continue to educate and empower young women of all ages and ethnicities within the Region. Jonas said the group’s main

President and Founder of the Women’s organisation Ciselyn Jonas speaking at the fundraising dinner

objective is to train women in an effort for them to acquire entrepreneurial skills and to mobilise youths on educational and community development projects.

The programme featured live karaoke which was sung by leading calypsonian, Wendell Walcott. Walcott set the mood for the dinner with his rendition of songs like, “Tell her you sorry”, “If tomorrow never comes”, “Your mother’s love”.

Paying tribute to the mothers at the Regional State House was Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, who commended the women’s organisation for planning such a marvelous activity.

He said the dinner demonstrates what an organisation can do collectively. He, therefore, urged other organisations to utilise the Regional State House for similar activities. Hopkinson said indeed the night was a special one for mothers and

Calypsonian Wendell Walcott serenading the mothers

Persons who supported the candlelight dinner held at the Regional State House in Region Two

wished them well.

Representative from the Red Thread organisation, Abigail Wilson, spoke about violence against women. Wilson used the opportunity to urged women to speak out and to stop putting a blind eye on issues within their homes. She urged parents to also be more vigilant to their children and build stronger families within the home.

“Sit and talk more with your children,

listen to them, explain things to them, be open,” Wilson said.

Giving a reflection on the importance of mothers was Joan Jeffery who shared her knowledge from a religious standpoint about the important role mothers’ play.

The dinner concluded with mothers from various villages interacting with each other. The Women’s group intends to host the dinner annually.

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XVII

The invaluable role of the Midwife

By M Margaret Burke

MIDWIVES have been around throughout the ages. Like Shiphrah and Puah, midwives who were written about in the bible as playing major roles in saving lives, many others have spanned the lives of men and women for centuries and are now even more in demand today in every part of the world. Though in some primitive cultures, where there may be self-delivery of babies or by some other archaic mode, babies are normally delivered by midwives and when there are complications they are aided by an obstetrician or gynaecologist.

However, even as the role of the obstetrician (doctor who specialises in the delivery of babies, among other important roles), or the gynaecologist (one who is qualified in the treatment of the diseases of women, especially as it relates to their reproductive health) is not being played down, the role midwives play, especially during their reproductive years, is very pivotal- most times starting soon after conception through to delivery.

A midwife is not God, but assists in the birthing of babies. The timeframe for such care and services would vary from culture to culture – some are up to the first six weeks after delivery, while others are up to the time the child would have received all the vaccines due and that can be at long as three years or so.

mother through the pregnancy – tell her what to do; tell her what to expect during the pregnancy, where she may experience certain conditions and if we highlight any prevailing high-risk condition we normally refer them to the Georgetown Hospital clinic where they receive expert treatment.”

Nurse Maria Francois was trained at the New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice in 1993 was eventually transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she did the midwifery programme in 2002. She has continued to work as a midwife and due to her dedicated service she has even served as President of the Midwives Association of Guyana in 2012 and for two consecutive terms. In 2013 she did the Registered Nurse programme, which now makes her

EXPERIENCE TOGETHER MAKING 105 YEARS AS NURSES The Pepperpot Magazine recognising the important role midwives play in not only the delivery of babies, but also over time systematically helping to ‘make’ families – sometimes by way of one, or by twos (twins) or by threes (triplets) or even by fours (quadruplets), has seen it quite fitting to highlight these wonderful ladies, many of whom are also mothers.

In an invited discourse with three of these midwives, it was discovered that these nurses who continue to work in the nursing profession have gained vast experiences, moved to various regions of Guyana to work, and continue to dedicate their lives and are still enjoying what they do.

Nurse Joan Stewart started her nursing career in 1978, qualifying as a registered nurse at the end of her training. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she then worked in most of the areas in the Georgetown Hospital. “I did my midwifery training in 1986 and when I had completed I had to go to an outstation; my outstation was Suddie Hospital in Region Two and after completing a year at Region Two I returned to Georgetown hospital, where I worked for another number of years before I left in 1991,” she said.

From left : Nurses Joan Stewart, Nurse Stewart explained that after leaving the Maria Francois and Donneth Mingo Georgetown Hospital, even though she continued working as a nurse in another area she really did not like what she was doing and subsequently quit and went into public health. a registered nurse/midwife, working at the Maternity Unit – “So I was trained as a public health nurse in 1992 and then Birthing Room of the GPHC. I worked in this capacity for a number of years, where my duties included seeing mothers from the time of conception WHAT IS LIFE, BEING A MIDWIFE – from the time they realise that they are pregnant, because “As a midwife you have a pivotal role to play because we always advise them to come by the second mis-period,” the life of the mother and the baby depends upon you; someshe offered. times there may be 10 deliveries in the night shift, excluding what happened during the day, or about something like 500 FROM CONCEPTION TO BIRTH AND BEYOND deliveries per week – there may be no complications, but out Nurse Stewart went on to explain that as a nurse/midwife of1,000 there may be one complication, and when that one they see women from conception to birth and some time after; complication occurs and if somebody is to lose their life it “…because we are there, we are always there; we guide the never leaves the midwife feeling happy at all – it’s a different

feeling all together,” she said, explaining that while the death of that person – mother or child, might not be the nurse’s or doctor’s fault, they still feel very concerned about it.

She said that there are times when because the mother may have accessed ante-natal care at a late stage of her pregnancy or may not have accessed it at all until she arrived at the hospital, complications arise, causing mother and or baby to die.

“In the case of the death of the mother or her baby, the amount of investigations that goes on with fingers pointing to either the doctors or the midwives is not a nice feeling – you feel like staying home; you feel like not coming back to work, but after all, it’s your job and you are committed and when these incidences happen you try to reach more to mothers on the road and encourage them to join the clinic early,” she said.

Nurse Francois went on to explain that the earlier mothers join the clinic the better it is for her and baby. She explained, “The minimum visits that we encourage to the health centres is like four – minimum, but at least she must have like 10 or 12 visits, because the earlier you start ante-natal care is better for you because we will then be able to diagnose and treat any illnesses at an early stage so as to prevent complications, she offered.”

EDUCATION, A KEY ROLE As a midwife, it is important to educate these mothers in ante-natal care at the health centres and when they arrive at the hospital in pre-natal care – where what was taught at the health centre is still reinforced, Nurse Francois added. She further said that even though mothers would have been given ‘talks’ at the health centres, yet when they arrive at the hospital many of them would profess ignorance to what was told to them, claiming that they arrived late or were “not able to sit down and listen to the long talk, so they deliberately arrived late.”

However, she said, “Regardless of the situation or attitude of the mother, as nurses and midwives so are still to give care and comfort.

Labour is painful and that we cannot really stop, but whatever is within our power to do to help we are always willing to do; though some may spit at us and so on.”

ANSWERING GOD’S CALL Nurse Donneth Mingo told the Pepperpot Magazine, “I am a Berbician by birth; trained in nursing at the Linden, McKenzie Hospital, where I started nursing in 1978. But, in those days it was a straightforward thing at Linden; as soon as you become a Staff Nurse you had to go on to midwifery because they saw it as the nurse being a rounded person.

“Being a midwife to me was really a blessing.

Being a midwife really is answering God’s call, in that you are there to help in the arrival of a new person into the world,” Nurse Mingo said.

Being a midwife you appreciate life even better, she said, “I always wanted men to be more involved because when men are involved especially in the process delivery when they witness it, I think they have a better feeling towards the woman that is bearing or bore his child.

“Being a nurse so long, I don’t think that there is anything else I can do with my life; further, being a nurse and a mother and a grandmother, it takes quite a lot out of you, but the end result is that you are always loving and caring and it shows within your family life; you are always willing to bend back; you are always compassionate – your nursing goes into play, even in your daily life.

In next week’s edition we will close off with many of the thoughts and feelings these nurses have expressed on the lives of midwives. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Writers and Their Relationships with Science THIS week at my school, we will celebrate science and scientists with our annual Science Fair which runs for an entire week and students are asked to present experiments,

exhibitions, and innovative designs in technology as part of the celebration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics).

Charles Dickens, Image via: Wikipedia

Science Fairs have, thankfully, increased in popularity in Guyana over the past few years, and the inclusion of Art is a welcome addition to a system of study that is designed to lead the children of the world into the technology-heavy future that they are expected to lead.

In thinking about the relationship between Art and the Sciences, I was obviously forced to contemplate the relationship between Literature and the Sciences. While unexplored in Guyana, there are many instances where the two overlap, and a quick survey of the few, but highly influential and important writers who had a relationship with science or contributed to science in some way, is sure to help those who may be unaware to learn of the many ways in which Literature and Science has maintained a relationship over centuries, and have continued to shape and inspire many aspects of each other through the years.

Recently, there was an article in The Guardian called “Charles Dickens” Contribution to Medicine highlighted in the London Exhibition”, written by the website’s science consultant, Hannah Devlin. The article highlighted an exhibition called “Charles Dickens: Man of Science” which aimed to show how Dickens, the famed writer of Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield and many other classics of British literature, actually made some meaningful contributions to science through his writing. Devlin notes that Dickens “forensic descriptions of illness [in his literary work]” managed to “anticipate or even inspire later advances of medicine.”

An example of Dickens’ description of illness, according to “The Guardian” article, can be seen in the description of Turn to page XXI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XIX

The mean streets of a Metropolis

By Abdool A. Aziz COMMUTERS scurry past him all the time. Though he is on ‘bended’ knees and praying, they don’t seem to care. They are too busy and sometimes did not have a dime to spare. But this immigrant stopped, fielded a coin and threw it into the empty bowl. The beggar, almost blind asked, “How much?”

The donor replied, “Just a dollar.”

“Thank you brother, can you buy me a coffee?”

“Sure!”

The traveller brought him a cup of coffee and a doughnut. His bony hands trembled as he raised the paper cup to his parched lips.

“Here, let me help you,” said the benefactor. The delay caused the Good Samaritan to lose his train. He didn’t mind.

DAILY ALMS He felt so badly for this poor beggar that he decided to bring him breakfast every day. If not coffee and doughnut, it was cooked food. And the white guy loved Guyanese cuisine especially salt fish and bake and metemgee.

He once joked, “Man, if I were strong I’d loved to marry one of your people. Your wife cooked so sweet.”

But the traveller had no wife. He didn’t even have any documents. But he had a heart of gold. Sometimes he would go early and sit and chat with Dan the beggar. He learned that this almost crippled beggar was a lumberjack and gold miner, but arthritis damaged his health. He lost his family and became a drifter eventually.

He admitted he was an inmate at a shelter, but had to leave because of the degrading treatment. He said he rather beg than lose his dignity. But no one seemed to care.

“All morning and no alms. Your own people go past.

They don’t seem to care,” the man said.

“I agree, but you type of people care. Look at your kindness. You’re from Guyana?” the beggar asked.

“Yes” “Guyanese are the friendliest and kindest people. Most third-world immigrants are. The whites here are too conservative. Too busy with the material world. Not much time for people. I was once so. The society carved you out this way. But thank God for people like you. I know they discriminate against you because you are coloured. I once did, but look now. You embrace me as your own. No one is superior in looks, money or power. It’s your character and charity is its foundation. Thank you, brother. God bless you.”

EMPTY SPOT One morning, the Good Samaritan dashed out of the bus to bring food to Dan but an empty spot greeted him.

He thought his beneficiary was late or in the washroom.

He waited and waited. A female janitor came up to him in a sombre way.

“Looking for your friend?”

“Yes! Where is he?”

She slowly pointed up.

“You mean he is gone back to God?” She shook her head sadly.

“He died on Saturday, slumped on his knee,” she said.

“Do you know what happened to his corpse?”

“The subway authorities buried him, but I have his bowl,” she said.

“Please, give it to me, please.”

She handed him that silver container. He kept it as a memento of his beloved friend Dan. As he was in sorrow, he saw another beggar take Dan’s Place. He walked over, placed a coin in his hat and gave him the food. Dan was in Heaven, this newcomer is still a victim of the mean streets of a metropolis and there are more out there waiting to take his place.

The philanthropist eventually returned to our ‘paradise’ where people count and are charitable. The big society with the awful spill of human lives. The rich get richer. The poor get poorer. God Bless Guyana.

XX

Four books in four months

THE University of Guyana 9 (UG) hosted a celebration and Book Launch for my four books. Some of the books are not only in English but Spanish and French.

UG’s Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith made the opening remarks. I am very appreciative of the meaningful gesture and I must commend Dr. Griffith for initiating this event and Chief Librarian Mrs George and team for answering the call. Veteran

media personality Ron Robinson’s eloquent voice added to the classy affair. Dr Gravesade read my bio unlike any before.

He mentioned he met me in 2010 at the Archer’s Senior Home where his mom resided.

“I admired Sonia Noel and team transforming the home for the seniors for the festive season. I knew since then she had a heart for people,” Gravesande said. Joan Butcher who read the first excerpts, said my book LIVING WITH INTENTION is like a daily word and the keeps it close to the bible. Nazim S. Hussain, Phillipa Morrish and Shonta Noel also read excerpts from both Women Across Borders and COMPILATION- Beyond The Runway. WOW, four books in four months. That little girl from Bartica certainly turned her dreams into reality.

I got so emotional with Rashlie Joseph song HE MADE A WAY by Travis Greene. I play that song almost every day. Invitees were treated to the Vice Chancellor’s wonderful reception where they had a chance to acquire their signed copy of their

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

books.

All four books are on Amazon and can be found at Makin Style Boutique,Robb Street. Call 630 0550 to get your copy.

Let’s encourage each and especially the youths to read more as we celebrate this beautiful journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII

the character of Fat Boy Joe who appears in The Pickwick Papers. The character is an overweight boy who is troubled with snoring and sleeping,0 even as he runs errands during the daytime – symptoms that are now used to identify an illness now known as “Pickwickian syndrome.” Another example identified is that of dyslexia which manifests itself in the character of Mr Krook from Bleak House who was unable to identify letters when placed together to form words. It is worth noting, as the article points out, that during Dickens’ time, dyslexia was yet unidentified as an illness.

Apart from Dickens, there have been other writers who have contributed to science in monumental ways. Jules Verne, for example, who wrote 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,

a novel about an undersea voyage that is conducted via a ship called the Nautilus that is designed to travel underwater. Verne’s Nautilus, according to Mark Strauss’ article in “Smithsonian” actually inspired Simon Lake to work on submarines. Lake went on to make several innovations – including the periscope (an iconic part of submarine machinery) – that resulted in the first submarine to be able to travel in the open ocean. The “Smithsonian” article also highlights another Jules Verne book – Clipper of the Clouds – as one of the elements to inspire Igor Sikorsky, the inventor of the modern helicopter.

In a second “Smithsonian” article called “The Many Futuristic Predictions of H.G. Wells That Came True”, Brian Handwerk outlines several scientific features from the science fiction works of H.G. Wells that are

now in existence, or close to existence. H. G. Wells is well known as the author of The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, and The Island of Dr Moreau. Handwerk’s article highlights elements of modern science and technology, such as genetic engineering, a form of which was presented in the animal/ human hybrids that are created by the titular character in The Island of Dr Moreau.

Also significant is Wells’ inclusion of early ideas about what would become modern day lasers and other energy directed weapons.

Such items appeared in the novel, War of the Worlds, which has been adapted many times, with the incarnation most familiar to local audiences being Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning.

It is obvious that Literature and Science connect in many ways. However,

XXI the relationship between the two needs more observation and critical analysis, especially among audiences who may find it difficult to identify ways of establishing the important connection between the two. As seen in the few examples listed in this article, there is much to be gained from the connection between Literature and Science. The question, regarding the connection between these concepts, is what current works of science fiction in books may be able to offer to the realm of science in the future. What will we learn from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian Oryx and Crake? What insights into science and biology may Alex Garland’s Annihilation offer to us? Will the technology-driven world of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One ever become a reality?

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

The Tobacco Act should be enforced without delay

SMOKING and the use of tobacco products have been long controlled in almost all countries and especially in the most developed and intelligent. It is an accepted commonplace that he use of tobacco and tobacco products could cause the deterioration of

the user’s health, cause familial tensions and problems in that the smoker has to deploy some of his income to tobacco when food, clothes, education and medical help are badly required by his family.

The smoker’s health deteriorates and he becomes

unable to contribute to the economic life of the country or to contribute in a much-diminished way.

The large numbers who have contracted smoke-related diseases become a burden on the country’s health services.

Smokers could infect

persons who have absolutely no connection with tobacco by secondary or second-hand smoking when smoking is done in closed or ill-ventilated areas and non-smokers are forced to inhale the fumes. Second-hand smoking is just as dangerous to health as to the original smokers’. The tobacco industry in Guyana and tobacco industries all over the world seem

to have moved away from their defence of the negative health effects of tobacco.

Their strategy seems to have changed - merely to ignore the negative health effects of tobacco and to try to continue business as usual.

At the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) of DEMTOCO, nothing was said about consumer interests or concerns.

In the past, the Ministry of Public Health appeared to be far more committed to passing legislation and effectuating it and that enthusiasm was communicated to the public. Our take is that the ministry must be more proactive in educating the public and putting the legislation at work.

What remains to have this long-delayed tobacco legislation functional is to have a final meeting between the ministry and DEMTOCO to resolve their concerns.

From the media reports, DEMTOCO is primarily interested in the ministry publishing the Regulations to the Act, but the ministry’s public relations officer claimed that the regulations are now being drafted. The drafting of such regulations should not be a lengthy process since the regulations used in all Caribbean jurisdictions are much the same.

DEMTOCO says it has six main concerns with the Tobacco Control Act. These concerns seem to mainly relate to Part VI of the Act: The Act prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship since such is likely to promote the tobacco industry, directly and indirectly. Advertising a product is usually designed to attract new customers. Non-advertising in no way prevents those who wish to buy the product from so doing. And various promotions, such as sports promotions tend to glamorise the product.

The PAHO/WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco gives the same idea more succinctly: “The tobacco epidemic is not one that is spread by infection but by promotion and advertisement. Tobacco Advertising, Sponsorship

and Promotion glamorises the use of tobacco products with positive personal and social images.”

The legislation also tries to control and eliminate secondary smoking. Secondary or second-hand smoking is as dangerous to the victim as to the smoker himself. The victim inhales the smoke or fumes expelled by the smoker and is subject to contract the same diseases and ailments. Accordingly, the Act provides for a smoking ban on indoor public places, indoor workplaces, public transportation and also in specified outdoor places including premises of schools and health facilities, and places for commercial service of food and drink.

The regulations to the Act will guide sales and packaging which will be different from what obtains to-day. Pictorial representations of the effects of tobacco-related diseases will be carried on each box or package and such pictures should be chosen by the ministry and not the company or tobacco interests.

The ministry has to immediately carry out a comprehensive programme to educate the public of the operations of the Act so that there could be no confusion. For example, the rumour that the Act totally bans smoking should be exorcised.

DEMTOCO claims that 23 per cent of the cigarettes imported into the country are contraband and that if the Act is enforced in its present form, the smuggling rate would grow exponentially causing the company to lose profits and the government to lose revenue.

The company has never provided convincing evidence to support these claims. In any case, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken the initiative of stamping every individual product imported by DEMTOCO so that these could be easily differentiated from smuggled products, thus greatly controlling smuggling.

The ministry must put the Act in operation without further delay.

FILES E S A C T COUR

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXIII

Full Court affirms Magistrate’s novel ruling

Exhibited jurisdiction to order a rehearing IN 1973, the Guyana Full Court of the Supreme Court affirmed a magistrate’s decision for granting an application to a respondent, for a rehearing of a building land possession case, on the ground that the magistrate had a discretionary jurisdiction to do so.

Through a misunderstanding the appellants Bhagmatie & Seepersaud who had a possession land case against Mamas, had the matter heard and determined in their favour due to the absent in court of the Respondent, Mamas, on the day in question.

Mamas, through her counsel appealed to the Full Court, which affirmed the Order of the Magistrate after taking into account that the respondent might have been genuinely absent in court through a misunderstanding.

The facts of the case disclosed that due to a misunderstanding, neither the respondent nor her legal adviser attended court when an application for possession of a certain building land was heard and determined in favour of the appellants.

The respondent thereupon filed an application for a rehearing supported by an affidavit, and the magistrate made an order granting the application.

An appeal was made to the Full Court against the magistrate’s order by the appellants.

The Full Court, constituted by Justice Keith Massiah and Justice Maurice Churaman, held that by affirming the order that the magistrate had a discretionary jurisdiction to grant a re-hearing, and in the circumstances of the case it was proper to make the order.

The appeal was dismissed. Order of magistrate was affirmed.

Attorney-at-law Mr. E.A. Gunraj appeared for the appellants while Mr. Bernard De Santos, S.C. represented the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the court, Justice Churaman said, “This appeal raises the interesting point as to whether and in what circumstances an application for the re-hearing of a cause or matter in the magistrate’s court can or ought to be granted.

“The appeal under review arose out of the grant of an application for a re-hearing of a claim for possession of building land. After innumerable adjournments at each of which it would appear the respondent was in attendance, the possession claim was finally determined in favour of the appellants on January 7, 1972, the respondent on that day being in default of appearance. Both the respondent and her legal adviser were genuinely under the impression that the cause had been set down for hearing on January 10, 1972, and on attending the magistrate’s court on that date, the respondent discovered to her surprise that the cause had been determined in her absence three days earlier; she forthwith informed her legal adviser, and on January 25, 1972, the respondent filed an application in the prescribed form for a re-hearing supported by an affidavit.

“It is of primary significance that the learned magistrate found on the hearing of the application for re-hearing that the respondent and her legal adviser genuinely believed that the cause had been set down for hearing on January 10, 1972 and not January 7, 1972.

“Of equal significance is the fact that the respondent asserted a defence which, if accepted, would have afforded a formidable resistance to the appellants’ claim for possession; and of yet further importance is the fact that the appellants (landlords) have in no way whatsoever altered their position in consequence of the determination of the possession claim, nor would they suffer any prejudice which cannot be reduced by costs.

“It was against this background of circumstances, that the learned magistrate granted a re-hearing of the cause from which order the appellants now appeal to this court.

“Counsel for respondent raised before us a preliminary point as to the jurisdiction of the Full Court on the basis of the appellants ‘non-compliance with ss 4 and 5 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Appeals) Ordinance Chapter 17 [G.] We decided to defer ruling on this preliminary point and to hear arguments on the merits. In view of the decision we have reached, it is necessary to deal with the preliminary objection, and we express no view on it.

The main contention advanced before us, as indeed also before the learned magistrate, is the question of the jurisdiction of the learned magistrate to hear and determine the application for re-hearing. The submission in other words questions the jurisdiction of the learned magistrate to hear and determine the

application for re-hearing, in as much as the application though filed and served on the second named appellant within 28 days and was not served on the first-named appellant until May 28, 1972, i.e. some four months after the date of filing.

“It is here convenient to observe that the evidence suggests that this delay was due not to any tardiness on the part of the respondent in posting same, but to the facility or rather the lack of it, in effecting delivery. This much debated point of

‘service within 28 days’ arises from the wording

By George Barclay of rr. 4 and 5 of Pt. 20, of the Summary Jurisdiction (Civil Procedure) Rules, Chapter 12 [G.] (Sub.Leg.) which read thus: Turn to page XXXIII ►►►

folklore STATE VISIT XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

By Neil Primus

THERE are many stories about the existence of the Kanima. Some are believable others are not. Here is one that you have to decide whether to believe or not.

Basil was 28 years old and on his first visit to the city.

All his life he had lived in the interior jungle among his tribe. It was a simple life without too much influence from

the city. He was the son of the tribe’s spiritual healer. It was believed that he possessed special powers. This was no lie. Basil was indeed a very powerful young man. He had the uncanny ability to shapeshift. Yes, Basil was a Kanima.

When he arrived in the city he was greeted by relatives and friends who had migrated to the busy metropolitan

capital. He was fascinated by the houses, vehicles and throngs of noisy people. Basil arrived in September and was expected to return home in late December.

His cousin Annemarie invited him to attend her staff party. What she failed to tell him was that it was a Halloween Ball. When Basil arrived, the man at the door told him he could only gain entrance if he was dressed in a costume.

Meanwhile, people were passing wearing all sorts of weird costumes. He decided to comply.

“I’m going to put on my Jaguar costume and return,” He told the nonchalant doorman.

He was true to his word. Ten minutes after, he was back.

When the man at the gate saw him approaching the poor fellow was speechless. It was the most realistic costume he had ever seen. Besides that, the young man wearing it must have had a lot of practice. He looked perfect in his role.

Basil entered unchallenged.

The party was in full swing. All sorts of animals, birds and mythical creatures roamed the large hall, but none could be compared to the Jaguar. He had no difficulty in enjoying the best cuts of meat. As the party neared its conclusion an announcement was made.

“Animals and all creatures including aliens, please get ready to reveal your identity.”

One by one, people stepped forward and removed their mask. After every revelation, there was loud applause. This went on for quite some time until it was Basil’s turn.

“Now who can this be?” The announcer’s voice was playful.

“Take off the headpiece.”

Basil just stood there.

The announcer misread the lack of response as some sort of hesitation and shyness. He stepped forward to assist.

That was when he received the shock of his life. He grabbed the neck trying to detect where the headpiece could be pulled off. Finding no seam or opening he just took a leap of faith and yanked roughly trying to tug the headpiece off.

Flashing feline eyes, raised hackles and exposed claws were accompanied by a ferocious, deep growl.

The man took an uncertain step back, his mind trying to wrap itself around this new and present danger. There, in front of him was a real jaguar. It was too much to take in.

With a shriek, he ran out of the building much to the shock of everyone, that is, everyone except Basil.

“J….J….Jaguar! Real J…. Jaguar!”

When the significance of what he was saying penetrated the liquor and drugged minds in the party, they all responded as one. In a flash, there was a screaming, jostling mass trying to exit the room.

The man at the gate who had seen him enter had his own suspicions. He kept checking to see where the strange costume fellow was. Something about the costume made him uneasy. When the MC made his exit screaming for Jaguar, the doorman took his cue. He sprang into action heading for the safety of his home. No more Halloween Balls for him. As for Basil, he exited the empty dance hall and made his way home; transformed of course. He met a terrified cousin babbling about some monster at the party.

When she asked if he had attended, he replied in the best way he could.

“Got lost, sorry.”

Basil returned home and to normalcy. Many of those who attended the party, particularly the MC would find normalcy a lost Kingdom.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXV

Empowering Youth through National Youth Week BEGINNING today, a week of activities geared at promoting the country’s youth and fostering their development will be initiated. It is expected that scores of youth everywhere will be empowered to fulfill the critical role they play in the development of Guyana.

A list of activities for the week was published online and I will admit my delight at the geographical reach of the activities. A Youth Forum to discuss policies and youth issues will be held in Region 10 on Monday, May 21; there will be a Career Knowledge Fair at the Mahaicony Technical Institute on May 22 in Region Five; the Youth Business Summit will be held at the Pegasus Hotel on May 24 and 25; and finally, an Exhibition and Display will be held on May 27 in Region Three.

While the week of activities does not span all 10 administrative regions, it has stretched its arms and if my involvement last year has shown me anything, it is that youth from the outlying regions will not be left out.

Last year, they were connected to the forums through the e-Governance platform. It was pretty cool stuff.

My focus, however, is on the Youth Business Summit. From what I’ve garnered, the summit is designed to foster community development and employment opportunities throughout Guyana and to achieve this, it has called for young people to submit their business proposals.

The summit also stresses the incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, Archeology, Anthropology, the Arts, Mathematics and/or Spirituality (STEAMS), a concept birthed last year at the launch of Youth Week. STEAMS formed the substructure for the Youth Innovation Projects where youth identified challenges or issues affecting them in their respective communities and formulated innovative ideas to combat these challenges while fostering a “green” economy. The projects which were judged were later funded with $50M through the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) which was introduced in the 2017 National Budget.

This time around, a different approach is being taken. While the tenets of youth involvement and innovation in response to community issues are still in place, it seems

as though the focus has been extended to address the pervasive issue of youth unemployment in Guyana. This time, the youth are being asked to create their business proposals- to turn their solutions to local issues into possibly lucrative ventures.

This points to a governmental intervention of creating jobs by stimulating micro and small enterprises. What this further translates to, is a step towards sustainable opportunities for development instead of a good-natured attempt to eradicate an issue without preventing or at least hindering its recurrence.

With youth at the grassroots level experiencing the issues firsthand, they are better-suited to advance just how they are affected and just what solutions they know will be better. By embedding an entrepreneurial mindset and a drive for innovation aimed at tackling these issues, the youth are now enabled to participate in the workings of their communities.

Another feature that is important to me is that while entrepreneurial drive and innovation in response to local issues are spurring job opportunities, youth are also being able to see just how instrumental they are in trans-

forming the country.

This business summit is a practical way of showing them that in a participatory democracy, the state is not the only body responsible for eradicating the societal ills or is not solely responsible for creating avenues for development. It is the role of all citizenswith the state as the overarching body.

And finally, my last bit of enthusiasm about this summit is centred on the exhibition. With the young people having their proposals and projects on display for others to see, this undoubtedly creates a forum where other youth can be inspired to develop similar proposals and projects to tackle issues in their own communities. Further, ways of improving the projects can be garnered and avenues for collaboration can be established.

All in all, the summit provides a skillful way for youth to become empowered to function effectively in society. It provides a pragmatic approach of letting them participate in making Guyana a better place for themselves and for other citizens. And perhaps, at the week’s end, many more youth would become similarly empowered and conscious of the role they play.

Nisana Gobin Budding human rights activist

STANDING up for the rights of anyone despite their race, creed, religious beliefs or sexual p refer ence is 19-year-old Nisana G o b i n ’ s passion and she intends on making an impact on society in her own way.

“I am very passionate about being an advocate of human rights because all humans should be treated equally, whether male or female. I believe that women are considered to be weak up to this day but I will break the glass ceiling and prove to everyone

that women can do anything that they want to do,” said the ambitious Gobin.

After completing her secondary education at the St. Joseph High School in 2015 as the best graduating student in the Arts stream, she realised that she had a passion for advocacy and wanted to make a difference in society.

Activism requires good communication skills and the ability to defend a topic unequivocally so in order to ensure she is in line with those requirements, Gobin is pursuing communication studies at the University of Guyana.

While her true passion might be activism, she wants to become a journalist so that she will have a medium to share her knowledge in an objective way.

“I think for me wanting to make a difference is enough motivation for me to strive to achieve all the goals that I’ve set. I want others to look up to me as a role model and know that if I can do it they can too,” said Gobin, adding that she is a firm believer of Jesus Christ who gives her the strength to achieve her goals.

She is fully aware that the road ahead

will not easy because there will be challenges but, Gobin believes it is important to: “rise against the wind and keep pushing for something that we really want”.

For those persons who might be facing similar challenges, she encouraged them to be determined and have a plan to take them through life.

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Government’s Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Strategy (Part 1) EMPLOYMENT is essential to human development as it provides financial resources for the generation of sustainable livelihoods, thereby improving the standard of living and quality of life for citizens. In Guyana, youth unemployment remains a central issue.

Recognising this, President David Granger and his administration have designed a two-pronged approach to youth empowerment in the form of entrepreneurship and education.

In this two-part series of Government in Action, we will take a look at the Government’s efforts aimed at not only creating jobs, but the promotion of agro-processing and entrepreneurship and the opportunities and financial support available for young entrepreneurs, particularly at the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and through other programmes facilitated by the various Ministries.

to have a common core curriculum so that every child, whether or not he or she is a school dropout, who enters that programme will get common training, which will prepare him or her to get employment in Guyana. I don’t like to see young children, some of them who have left secondary school in the Rupununi for example, drifting over to Brazil to do menial work. I think they can stay here and get a good living, not only because oil is on the horizon but because we can produce practically every food that the Eastern Caribbean needs. The country is wide open and it is open to you… Your education will not only equip you for employment but it will also equip you for entrepreneurial activities so that you can become rich,” the Head of State said at a youth luncheon held at State House

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP While training and vocational education will no doubt empower a generation of talented young people, who in most cases just need a second chance, this administration has demonstrated that it is interested in inculcating a culture of industry and entrepreneurship. In this regard, programmes have been developed to provide the necessary support for budding entrepreneurs, while others focus on skills training to aid President David Granger visits a booth owned by this young lady in employment ability. at the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) In the area of entrepreneurat the Lusignan Community Centre in November 2017 ship, programmes such as the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), which was launched in December 2016, provide in January 2018. support to young people aspiring along these lines. The Another such programme is the SLED initiative, which programme provides entrepreneurs across Linden and other was launched in September 2016 by the Government of parts of the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region with the op- Guyana under the Ministry of Communities as a means portunity to access loans to further expand or consolidate of introducing job-creation measures to promote micro their businesses. At that event, President Granger in his and small-scale enterprises so as to open opportunities for address to the entrepreneurs said that the programme will the disadvantaged and the county’s youth. Through this open new doors for occupation through self-employment, initiative, scores of young people are given the chance to adding that there are four pillars necessary for enterprise: tap into resources that allow them to become business owninvestment, information, infrastructure and innovation. ers. The initiative has, since its implementation, enabled The President said that the government wants to create more than 100 youth business start-ups from among the an environment, which can provide the facilities for young Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Depeople to be self-employed. merara-Mahaica (Region Four), Mahaica-Berbice (Region “We are bringing all the youth programmes together Five), East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) and the Upper

Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) regions.

President David Granger, who delivered the feature address at that event, said that the answer to tackling unemployment can be found through investments in education and entrepreneurship and the SLED Initiative is a part of that investment.

“The SLED Initiative is part of a programme that reinforces the administration’s efforts to stimulate economic development in communities, especially at the grass root level. It has provided training, mentorship, business development skills and start-up grants to individuals and groups,” President Granger said on that occasion.

Minister of Communities, Mr Ronald Bulkan, in his remarks, said the origin of the SLED Initiative is contained in the vision of President David Granger, who at the time of expressing this vision was Opposition Leader, and who spoke of the challenges facing the country’s young people, including the high rate of unemployment. He said that the beneficiaries and entrepreneurs were among the first to take advantage of this helping hand offered by the Government.

“This initiative tries to ensure that we don’t leave anyone out of the loop of having that better life. Every intervention ensures that there is a level of training, mentoring and technical support, even after the project is completed. Building the capacity, ability and the right to earn and sustain a livelihood of the most vulnerable in society would be futile and unsustainable, if that is not complemented by institutional strengthening at a local government and community level that can offer support mechanisms and services to strengthen local economic activities at a grassroots level,” he said.

THE SMALL BUSINESS BUREAU In his 2018 National Budget presentation, Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan said that the Administration recognises the important role that entrepreneurship and by extension, the private sector, play in generating employment and income. It is imperative, therefore, that the Government continues to strengthen the fabric of micro and small businesses, especially those owned by vulnerable groups, through the alleviation of prohibitive constraints, he said. This is where the Small Business Bureau (SBB) plays a critical role.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXVII

In a demonstration of Government’s commitment to entrepreneurship, President David Granger visited this seafood business owned by Ms. Allison Butters-Grant in February

Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Dr. Lewell Porter, in an interview with the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency, said that the agency is mandated to not only assist small businesses to develop but is also responsible for helping them to access financing for their businesses and to advocate for Policy development, which can grow and develop this sector.

In terms of financing, Dr. Porter said that the Bureau provides grants starting from 300,000 to one million dollars to young entrepreneurs, who have viable ideas once they fulfil the established requirements.

“We require you to, first of all, be a registered kind of the small business and when you do that, we verify a couple of things because the Small Business Act defines the small business as any business that has less than 25 employees and the gross annual revenues is less than 16 million and the business assets is less than $20 million so as long as you meet two of those requirements, you can be registered as a small business. You come to us with a business side to your plan. We will sit down with you and try to understand the viability and the sustainability of that plan and if you benefit from a loan or a grant. Grants are usually for a startup to just give that impetus to continue in their effort, so the grant process is simple. We will come to do a site visit to ensure that you are who you say, whatever you said to us is correct, this is our verification process and then from that, we come back and there is a committee that meet and then they say whether that persons get a grant or not,” Dr. Porter said.

In addition to this, the SBB helps small business owners to access loans at Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited (RBGL) and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) for the expansion of their businesses.

The SBB provides the technical assistance in completing the application and helping the individual to acquire all necessary documentation to access a loan. It also issues a referral letter to the bank for the client. In addition to this, it provides 70 percent of the capital for the small business borrower.

Dr. Porter noted that since the inception of the programme in 2014, approximately 173 loans have been approved and more than 530 grants given out. For 2018 alone, more than 50 grants have been approved and 17

Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Dr. Lewell Porter

loans facilitated.

Approximately 40 percent of the Bureau’s clients are young people between the ages of 18-35. The CEO said that the SBB recognises that young people play a critical role in the development of the country and in most cases, need someone with the financial capabilities to support their creativity and vision. The Small Business Bureau, he said, is more than happy to play this role.

“I think the Small Business Bureau has an exceptional role here in the development of small businesses. Let’s say specifically youth, I personally believe that small businesses are the backbone of any economy and with all these business ideas that we have floating around, if we look back at some of the richest persons in the world today they had a simple idea, their ideas were sometimes shut down but then somebody came up and said “you know what? Let me put 10,000 into your fund to help you”. So, in the same way, we’re trying to help you, so it’s young people we are targeting to come up with all of these fantastic ideas and to see how we can help them grow. So come down to us, let us help our young people to develop into something fantastic,” he said.

In addition to financing opportunities, the Bureau also arranges training sessions for small business owners to

hone their skills. While specialised training are offered in some areas, it also focuses on generic business training areas including how to develop a business idea, how to write a business plan, how to record financial information, marketing and dealing with clients.

“We also do specific business training. We have a sustainable mining programme, sustainable forestry training. We did cosmetology training because we believe that there is a need for having a higher level of cosmetologists here in Guyana so we hired a consultant from the United States and it was excellent. An excellent programme, free of cost for everybody attending.

We just don’t want to be able to say that we gave out twenty million in loans but what was done with that money, we want to make sure that it is contributing to betterment of those entrepreneurs,” the CEO said.

Minister Jordan in his Budget 2018 speech, said that additional support to micro and small businesses will be delivered in 2018, through the creation of business incubators and accelerators in Regions 5 and 9 at a cost of $36 million. These structures will foster the growth of businesses by facilitating the provision of support services, such as business registration, documentation, and capacity building.

Meanwhile, the sum of $100 million has been allocated in Budget 2018 to replenish the Small Business Development Fund. This will be managed by the SBB. Such initiatives will help to mould Guyana’s future and they reinstate the government’s commitment to ensuring ‘a good life for all’ through education, employment and enterprise. Moreover, as time progresses, through the Government’s commitment, we will see the introduction of more such programmes that aim to ensure that the country’s young people indeed get the chance to enjoy this good life. The President believes that such initiatives help in overcoming the problem of unemployment and will also help to create a generation of young people who will become the new entrepreneurial class.

In next week’s programme, we will take a look at the Government’s efforts in promoting vocational education as a means of empowerment and independence for the youth population.

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Unfaithfulness and Mental Illness I RECEIVED a request to speak about adultery today - I guess based on the sequence of my columns over the past few weeks.

A woman wrote in explaining that her husband is being unfaithful as well as the effect it is having on her. I think it’s an important topic to discuss as it is so prominent

throughout our society. I myself know very few relationships that are monogamouswhich means to be married to or in a sexual relationship with just one individual.

We’re going to talk about being unfaithful in general as only married people can commit adultery and you do not have to be married in order to be devastated by that betrayal.

For the religious, adultery is a sin; the word itself from its Latin heritage ‘adulterare’ means to corrupt. It is one of the major causes of breakups/divorce worldwide. However, its effects on both of the individuals are widespread.

Unfaithfulness/cheating causes so many problems with both the cheater and the vic-

tim, ranging from psychological, physical to financial stress - both long and short term. It also affects an entire family. Even though it’s so rampant and typically ignored, cheating is usually disapproved of in society. In fact, it is still against the law in certain countries such as Saudi Arabia, North and South Korea and Pakistan.

There’s no doubt that the idea of adultery/ cheating is attractive. Humans love reading about it, watching it on television and many simply love the excitement of pleasures we can’t easily have.

Turn to page XXXIV ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXIX

Treating oral lesions I CAN hardly remember a time when I converse with a stranger and when they learn that I am a dentist, they do not ask some advice about oral care and treatment. Many ask about bad breath and mouth sores.

Now, there is a product which I believe is not here on the market, although it is in existence for years, that has a lot of potential in the treatment of gingival (gum) inflammation, geographic (inflamed) tongue, aphthous stomatitis (canker or cold sore), Candida albicans, (thrush infections), herpetic lesions and fever blisters. The name is Prevention Mouth Rinse. The manufacturer has completed all the safety studies under FDA protocol proving the product is very safe. There are three strengths; Everyday, Orthodontic and Periodontal.

All three strengths have the same ingredients in different strengths and have shown clinical success in treating oral lesions.

The Periodontal Strength is the most concentrated. This rinse has zinc chloride, an excellent antimicrobial for oral use as well as promotes tissue healing; sodium citrate, a dynamic anti-inflammatory when complexed with zinc; EDTA sodium, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens and improves cellular integrity and hydrogen peroxide. The Periodontal Strength Part A has clinically rendered large aphthous ulcers asymptomatic within hours and promoted healing within two or three days. This product has shown the ability to stop fever blisters if used often once the initial symptoms begin. If you feel itching, tingling or burning in the lip, start treating that area with Prevention Periodontal Mouth Rinse immediately.

Rinse the area with a cotton ball or q-tip four or five times a day for the first two days, and then follow the manufacturers’

directions. There has been very positive data collected to date using this method to control and help heal fever blisters. The product is relieving the pain within hours and promoting healing within hours and promoting healing within three days.

To treat an oral lesion in the mouth, take a cotton Q-tip and paint the affected area three to four times per day or as often as you wish with the Prevention Periodontal Part A. Once the lesion begins to heal, rinse as instructed by the manufacturer. Rinse daily with the rinse after the lesions are healed. Prevention Mouth Rinse will keep the lesions from recurring in most individuals. There are controlled cases of individuals that have not experienced oral lesions in three years. These patients had oral lesions every month. Many times these lesions become so painful the individuals could not eat or drink.

There are a few prescriptions drugs that will help treat oral lesions, such as the chlorhexidine gluconate rinses, Nystatin, Betadine based rinses, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, and a few antibiotic-based rinses. Research and clinical use have not proven any of them to be extremely effective for long-term use by individuals with immune deficiency disease or symptoms. Many of the prescription drugs produce side effects in individuals that use the drugs on a long-term basis. There is also a new prescription drug for oral ulcers called Aphthasol (Amlexanox Oral Paste) five percent.

No one is absolutely certain about the mechanism of action by which this product accelerates the healing of aphthous ulcers (canker sores). The manufacturer states side effects with the use of this product. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects if you decide to use this product. Nursing mothers should use

caution and consult health professional and pharmacist before using this product. If you use a prescription drug, you should ask the pharmacy for a medical safety data sheet for the drug you are using. Take the time to read the side effects paragraph. Check regularly for any of the listed side effects. If you start developing one of the side effects, consult a health professional immediately.

If you are controlling and treating your oral lesions with any type of OTC or prescription product and the lesions are not responding to your treatment, consult a health professional as soon as possible. Always read your medical data sheet on all prescription drugs and any OTC product that you might have concerns regarding their daily use. Always consult your health professional or pharmacist if you do not understand the medical safety data.

Things to do to help prevent Canker Sores and other Oral Ulcers.

• Avoid foods that have a history of initiating canker sores.

• Eating yogurt (lactobacillus acidophilus cultures) daily may be beneficial to some people.

• Taking vitamin C 500mg or more may be beneficial.

• Taking daily multi-vitamin with a broad range of vitamins and minerals will help most people.

• Rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouth rinse that is low on alcohol (5% or less) and has credible research showing effectiveness against viruses, fungi and pathogenic bacteria.

• Avoid contact with individuals that have active lesions.

• Keep a personal history –eliminate initiating factors.

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXXI

XXXII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXIII

‘An application under Section 32 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Petty Debt) Ordinance for a new hearing may be made at the same sitting of the court at which the action was heard, if both parties be present , or not more than 28 clear days after the date of the termination of the action of which a new hearing is desired.

‘When it is intended to make an application contemplated in rules 1, 3 and 4 of this part of these rules at a subsequent sitting of the court, the applicant shall deliver to the clerk a notice of application in accordance with Form 52 in the Appendix and serve on the opposite party a copy of such notice containing the date

of hearing of the application.’

Continuing, Justice Churaman said “It is fair to observe at this juncture that the parties herein litigated this matter in the court below as one properly arising under Section 32 (supra), and it is equally evident that the learned magistrate determined the contest on the footing that Section 32 was the applicable and appropriate section. But was it the appropriate section covering the circumstances of the matter under review? We are of the clear view that it was not, as this section embraces a number of situations which may give rise to a party seeking a re-hearing.

“Among those situations are fraud, improper conduct on the part of the successful party, or if the unsuccessful party was prevent-

ed by ‘causes beyond his control from placing his case fully before the court’.

According to the judge,“This last situation appears to have lured the respondent as a relevant and pertinent ground upon which the application ought to have been predicated.

“We take the view that a mistaken belief as to the date of hearing of the cause does not fall within the scope of ‘prevented by causes beyond his control’, as these words seemingly relate to the will of the party having neither the ability nor the competence of any control over the causes envisaged in the section; additionally this section envisages a party putting forward his case at least up to a certain point, but not “fully” in the sense that “much more” could have been put forward.

XXXIII Concluding his judgment, Churaman said the “Appellate jurisdiction is always statutory; there is in the statute no restriction upon the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, and, while the appellate court, in the exercise of its appellate power, is no doubt entirely justified in saying that normally it will not interfere with the exercise of a judge’s discretion except on grounds of law, yet if it sees that on other grounds the decision will result in injustice being done, it has both the power and the duty to remedy it.”

Justice Churaman declared, “We adopt Lord Atkin’s view so admirably expressed.

He added, the appeal is accordingly dismissed, the order of the magistrate affirmed with costs to the respondent.

XXXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

BUT WHAT ARE THE SERIOUS AFTER EFFECTS? For the person who has committed the adultery/cheating, they may experience: - Intense guilt - Anxiety about being caught - Depression due to consequences if/when caught - Violence as some people can get physical if they find out they have been betrayed - End of a marriage/relationship - Broken relationships with children and other family members - Financial stress - Medical consequences such as acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (STD) - Pregnancy (themselves or the outside person) NOW, WHAT DOES THE CHEATING DO TO THE VICTIM? It causes extreme hurt, low self-esteem and self- doubt.

It ruins the trust for not only the current but also for future relationships. This is called projecting when the victims are more often than not afraid, insecure and untrusting in their new relationships. This can lead to high anxiety, depression and even suicide.

Cheating will affect the children if the family is split apart.

Typically, trust issues are also passed on to them, affecting both their future friendships and intimate relationships. I know many people who have never been cheated on (to their knowledge) but are terrified of it because one of the parents was unfaithful. This prevents them from having a normal, healthy relationship which includes trust, love and respect.

A COMMON QUESTION- WHY DO PEOPLE CHEAT? Other than serious illnesses such as sex addiction, there are many contradictory reasons as to why people cheat. It is known that rich and powerful men/women cheat as they believe everything has a price. However, people who are not rich or those who are instead with powerful partners cheat.

Why? Because they feel as though they don’t have enough power in the relationship. Many people also blame cheating on drugs and alcohol. They have had too much, their inhibitions are lowered which causes normal thought processes to go haywire.

Whether you are male or female, rich or poor, black, white or brown, powerful or not, have a mental illness or not; there are people who cheat and people who don’t. It’s simply a personal choice. There will always be other problems to ‘blame’ the cheating on but despite temptation, we as humans have the capability to choose whether we hurt someone deeply or not.

The main reason always cited to me is a lack of attention.

The partner has felt ignored by their significant other which has lowered their self-esteem and self-worth. Therefore, they seek attention elsewhere.

There are many ways one can pay attention to their spouse. Some examples are constant communication of the problem- not talking, ignoring and holding a grudge solves nothing. Other examples are being physically and mentally present and affectionate, compassionate, patient, empathetic and sexually active. Human beings long for these types of connections. Basically, cheating is an external reaction to an internal problem. Participating in the above examples are internal solutions.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE FOUND OUT? Well, there’s a big decision to make. Do you stay and trust that it won’t happen again or do you end the relationship? I did not realise until recently how many people are stuck in this type of situation as they have nowhere else to go and no other way to financially support themselves or their children.

This is where the community groups that I have previously spoke about come into play. If you have been betrayed in this manner, you are definitely not alone and can bring others together to offer support to one another.

Please continue to write into caitlinvieira@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to talk about.

Suicide Helpline numbers – 223-0001, 223-0009, 6234444 or 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXXV

XXXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXXVII

XXXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XXXIX

XL

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XLI

XLII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XLIII

XLIV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XLV

XLVI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XLVII

XLVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

XLIX

L

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

English STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Repetition helps you learn quickly. Just try these strategies: a) Writing out things several times can be used for spelling words, learning tables, learning definitions and dates of events; b) Repeating things aloud several times to learn tables, quotations, poems, and other extracts from literature; c) Listening several times to a record or tape even as you fall asleep at night; and d) Re-reading information several times and coupling it with a questioning and/ or an association technique. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE These observations call to mind a little domestic story, of which I was once a witness.

My intimate friend, Leslie, had married a beautiful and accomplished girl, who had been brought up in the midst of fashionable life. She had, it is true, no fortune, but that of my friend was ample; and he delighted in the anticipation of indulging her in every elegant pursuit, and administering to those delicate tastes and fancies that spread a kind of witchery about the sex. - “Her life,” said he, “shall be like a fairy tale.”

The very difference in their characters produced a harmonious combination: he was of a romantic and somewhat serious cast; she was all life and gladness.

It was the misfortune of my friend, however, to have embarked his property in large speculations; and he had not been married many months when, by a succession of sudden disasters, it was swept from him, and he found himself reduced almost to penury. For a time, he kept his situation to himself, and went about with a haggard countenance and a breaking heart. His life was but a protracted agony; and what rendered it more insupportable was the necessity of keeping up a smile in the presence of his wife; for he could not bring himself to overwhelm her with the news. She saw, however, with the quick eye of affection, that all was not well with him. She marked his altered looks and stifled sighs, and was not to be deceived by his sickly and vapid attempts at cheerfulness. She tasked all her sprightly powers and tender blandishments to win him back to happiness; but she only drove the arrow deeper into his soul. The more he saw cause to love her, the more torturing was the thought that he was soon to make her wretched.

At length he came to me one day, and related his whole situation in a tone of the deepest despair. When I heard him through I inquired, “Does your wife know all this?” - At the

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Merely innocent flirtation, question he burst into an agony Not quite adultery, but adulteration. of tears. “For God’s sake!”

LORD BYRON (1788-1824) cried he, “if you have any pity on me, don’t mention my wife; it is the thought of her that drives me almost to madness!”

Something to Do (1) Produce a touching short story prompted by the passage. Allow it to have the following features (plus more of your own choosing): (a) Two characters that are different from each other; (b) Things that contribute to one character’s painful heart; (c) End with a saying that characterises the passage GRAMMAR Sharpening Your Language Skills It is never too late to have some reminders to maintain your agreement of verbs with their subjects.

1. Nouns ending in the suffix –ics are usually singular and take a singular verb form: Mathematics includes many different subjects.

Some nouns ending in –ics are clearly plural in meaning and take a plural verb form: His acrobatics are amazing.

2. (a) Some nouns are singular in meaning but plural in form - these take a plural verb form: Track Record Freddy’s new trousers are bright yellow and pink. (b) Some nouns are plural in both form and meaning but take a singular verb form: Each day’s news is becoming vastly discouraging to fishermen. (c ) Other plural nouns take either a singular or a plural verb form: Mumps is contagious. Mumps are contagious.

3. A compound subject connected by and usually takes a plural verb form: Rest and sleep are essential to good health.

4. Don’t be misled by a word group that comes between the subject and the verb or between the subject and an auxiliary: The results of the Clouston Scout Group’s special election are being announced today.

Something to Do Find the subject in each sentence. Choose the verb form that agrees with the subject.

1. The serviceman’s handwriting and spelling (has have) shown some improvement.

2. The mangoes on the windowsill (are is) ready for making Mango Fool.

3. My father and mother (are is) on their fifth adult education course.

4. Aunt Hyacinth together with her numerous children (belong belongs) to the International Longshorewomen’s Association.

5. Your tactics (are is) obvious; you fool no one in this house of God. 6. Frederick and Joseph (are is) buying a car together with all amenities.

7. A pile of books on handwriting (was were) stacked high on a top shelf.

8. Their fun and excitement of that first airplane trip to Guyana’s interior (has have) never faded.

9. Checkers (are is) a game of no common skill.

10. The new red-handle clippers (are is) on the garden table.

11. The sports news tonight (are is) worse than usual for this season.

12. The acoustics in the school’s auditorium (are is) poor.

13. Oil of citronella, as well as many other remedies, (are is) poisonous when swallowed.

14. The two rabbits in that first cage (hasn’t haven’t) been fed all morning by the salesman.

SPELLING Add a suffix pronounced shun to each of the following.

1. pen ----2. cau ----3. politi ----4. men ----5. satisfac ----- 6. mo ----7. electri ----8. admi -----

Chronicle Pepperpot May 20, 2018

LI

Entertainment

Harry and Meghan's wedding to blend royal tradition with Hollywood glamour bers of the public specially invited into the grounds of the castle before setting off on a carriage procession through Windsor.

A reception will be held in the castle’s St George’s Hall before 200 guests join the couple at an evening event at Frogmore House, another grand mansion in the grounds.

The prince and his new wife, who are expected to be given a new title by the queen to mark their marriage, are not immediately leaving on honeymoon and will carry out their first official engagement as husband and wife next week.

Educated at the exclusive Eton College, a stone’s throw from Windsor, Harry, the

Prince Harry weds U.S. actress Meghan Markle on Saturday in a lavish ceremony that unites the pomp of British royalty with Hollywood glamour.

Hundreds of millions of people across the world are expected to tune into watch the wedding of Queen Elizabeth’s popular grandson and the American star of the TV drama “Suits” at the 15th Century St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

More than 100,000 fans will cram the narrow streets of the town 20 miles (30 km) west of London, dominated by the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, a home to 39 English monarchs since 1066.

“I love all the regalia, all the hoo-hahs, the procession with the cavalry,” said Jane Tofolo, 50, from southwest London, who shook hands with Harry when he held an impromptu walkabout with his brother and best man outside the castle on Friday evening.

“It will be spectacular because us Brits do all that very well.”

Harry, 33, is sixth in line to the British throne. Markle, 36, is a divorcee whose mother is African-American and father is white.

For many, the wedding is a fairytale. For some black Britons, it illustrates the breakdown of barriers in modern Britain.

To others, it is an irrelevance. Polls have suggested that most Britons will not bother tuning in to watch the event.

The hour-long ceremony begins at 1100 GMT, with weather forecasts predicting blue skies and sunshine.

The bride will arrive at the church with her mother, Doria Ragland, 61, with whom she was spending Friday night at a luxury hotel. Harry was staying at another hotel with elder brother and best man Prince William, whose daughter Charlotte and son George will be among the bridesmaids and page boys.

CHARLES TO LEAD MEGHAN Harry’s father and heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles will walk his future daughterin-law down the aisle after Markle’s father pulled out due to ill health.

Thomas Markle, 73, a lighting director for TV soaps and sitcoms, told the U.S. celebrity website TMZ he had undergone heart surgery on Wednesday. Confusion over his attendance marred the build-up to the wedding, which had been carefully choreographed for months by royal aides.

On Friday, Ragland met the 92-year-old monarch and her husband Prince Philip, 96, who will be among the senior royals in the 600-strong congregation. It will also include a smattering of celebrities, including fellow cast members of Markle from “Suits”.

The service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor with Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, overseeing the exchange of vows. A black U.S. bishop, Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, will give the wedding address.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds are expected to greet some of the 1,200 mem-

younger son of the late Princess Diana, gained a reputation as a royal wild child.

He admitted smoking cannabis, getting drunk when underage in a pub, scuffled with paparazzi outside a London nightclub and drew outrage by dressing as a Nazi officer at a party.

But he turned his image around after joining the army, where he spent 10 years and included two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Last year, he spoke openly of his emotional torment following the 1997 death of his mother in a Paris car crash. Aged just 12, he walked solemnly behind her coffin in the funeral cortege.

BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

INGREDIENTS 7 slices white bread slices 3 tbsp softened butter ¼ cup raisins 2 cups whole milk ½ cup heavy cream 3 eggs 1/3 cup sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Powdered sugar to garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter 1 side of each slice of bread and layer in a buttered 10×7 or 8×8 baking dish. Sprinkle with raisins.

In a large bowl whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Pour over the slices of bread. Place the dish with the bread and butter pudding in a large 13×9 baking dish and pour water until it comes up to half way the dish.

Place in oven and bake for 1 hour until it puffs up and the top is golden. Serve warm.