Guyana Chronicle PepperPot 08-12-2018

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A legacy with ‘Food VI for Thought’ ► Page

Filling the voidV ► Page

One of the cultural performances during the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

'Proud of our Indigenous identity, celebrating in unity' Indigenous Heritage Month 2018

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Pageantry TALK with Pamela Dillon

PART ONE

Is pageantry in Guyana losing its value?

By Gabriella Chapman OVER the years we have seen the emergence of countless pageants in Guyana. Persons have even started to label our country, “Guyana, the land of many pageants.” A lot of businesses from the private and public sectors have opted out of supporting our queens and a lot of natives have lost respect for what can be a major contributing factor to the development of young women in society.

There has been a history of scandals in the industry that have tarnished the reputation of pageants in Guyana, the latest being Guyana’s ban from competing in the Miss Universe pageant for the next three years following a controversy with the local pageant’s franchise holder.

It leaves us to question what has become of the pageant industry in Guyana. How can we revamp this empowerment platform for young women?

For the next three weeks, the Pepperpot Magazine will feature the thoughts of Pamela Dillon, a local pageant mother who has been in the industry for decades, as she addresses the concerns or preconceived notions persons may have about pageantry in our country. We will be highlighting some of the challenges that may have contributed to the deterioration of and possible solutions to revitalise the industry.

She shared that Guyana has had great representation, dating back to the years of Shakira Baksh-Caine, 1967, Miss Guyana who went on to compete at the Miss World contest in London and finished in third place.

But “there was a lull,” she said, explaining that several “pageant politics” came into existence, ranging from racial prejudice to persons who are pageant fanatics, thinking that they can just “buy a franchise and call themselves franchise directors.”

PAGEANTRY AS A BUSINESS It is lodged in the minds of many that pageantry in Guyana is done for a business; a means for the directors to make money. This notion was birthed from the social media hot topics of delegates not receiving prizes promised and delegates paying registration fees and not getting what was assured for the payment.

Dillon admitted that, indeed, pageantry is a business but it’s a business that is beneficial to young women. “Of course it is a business.

It has to be a business because money is involved. Franchises are always for sale. So when you have invested in getting a franchise, it is only natural that you would want to make back your investment. You would want to ensure that you are equipped with funds to execute a proper production. But that’s the least of it all. It is a business, but its true benefit is how it transforms the lives of persons involved,” shared ‘Miss Pam’, as she is popularly known.

She further injected that sometimes their investments go downhill, referring to that of investing in a pageant franchise. And just like any other business, sometimes things don’t work out as planned, and subsequently, there is a failure to reach expectations, failure to hold up ends of bargains and failure to execute plans. She said this is by no means the interest of any franchise holder.

“It is within our best interest to deliver to expectations; to see changes and transformations in the lives of young girls and women. And pageantry is a lot of hard work for girls involved and we would want to reward them accordingly, but of recent, the support of the sectors that provide the financial support has declined. And because of that, it is sometimes hard for us to hold up our promises to the delegates because the support wasn’t as expected,” she said.

Despite the aforementioned, Miss Pam said she believes that the true reward of participating in a pageant should be what it does for the young women’s personal growth, confidence and self-image.

RACIAL PREJUDICE IN PAGEANTS The pageant expert shared that racism has been prevalent in pageantry for a very long time,

Miss Pamela Dillon in conversation with Pepperpot Magazine reporter (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

with the preference being the lighter toned delegate(s).

“I remember when I first came back to Guyana. There was a pageant, which was in the 80s, and I had just started my salon business and of course, the pageant girls always wanted their nails or makeup done and they all found their way to my salon, so I always was fortunate in hearing the off the record conversations amongst the delegates. And for a long time, we have been conscious of colour and we still are very conscious and that is a major part of the controversy in pageants…” Miss Pam said. “There was a pageant where one girl was ebony black. [She was] very beautiful, she lit up a room. Then there was another girl who came from Canada, she was Portuguese-mixed. And the race was on between the two beverage companies and the two girls since they were the two sponsors. It got really lawless and I think as a result it caused two major beverage companies who can make a difference in pageants in this country to have, since then, never done pageants. Two girls competing and it got very political. There was a lot of picketing and confusion. I think that is where some of the franchise holders came under fire,” Miss Dillon shared.

She added that she can recall a past franchise holder speaking publicly against his queen because he didn’t want her to win and he even stated that the judges were contaminated to arrive at the decision of the queen. Dillon further pointed out that it is indeed true and sad that sometimes Afro-Guyanese girls participating in pageants, especially the pageants with international Pamela Dillon legs, aren’t seen as the most suitable representative because of their colour. It is believed that to make it on the international stage, queens have to be of a lighter tone to make the final cut. She noted, however, that this phenomenon is slowly changing and she believes that all women are beautiful despite their differences and that should be the true meaning of pageantry.

“But we ourselves are the ones contributing to the discrimination. Sometimes it isn’t the directors of the pageant, it’s the public. Our very own Guyanese patrons. As soon as a line up is released to the public, they are the subject to a lot of criticism from their fellow Guyanese.

They pull them apart and they add to the hate,” she said. “But it is time that we be patriotic and support our difference in culture, our difference in mixture, our difference in women, and realise that we have the power to transform them into the queen they need to be for our country.”

Look out for part two next week, where we will focus on the issue of “rigged pageants” and the fact that anyone now qualifies to own a franchise.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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Vegetables being sold by a staff member from the ‘Fresh from the West’ business

To buy smart is to buy local

By M Margaret Burke “FARMING in Berbice is like a culture for us and then as a little boy growing up, I gained the love for farming from one of my uncles who was a graduate of the Guyana National Service (GNS).

“When he returned from the National Service he really impressed me with the way he did things on the farm and through him I saw farming in a professional way; everything was unique and nice and so I actually developed that love for agriculture,” Manager of the ‘Fresh from the West’ farm, Pearce Ifill told the Pepperpot Magazine.

He said that even though he was seriously farming for over 15 years it was after going to Linden that he started to focus on commercial farming – looking at farming strictly from a business perspective, noting that “farming is not a past-time affair, it could be a business just like any other business.”

BUSINESS NAME Ifill explained to the Pepperpot Magazine that in his seriousness to meet the needs and demands of people in and outside of the Linden area, he found it necessary to create a name for the business – Fresh from the West.

He said that it started out with an advertisement, which was telling people: ‘Buy smart, buy local’; that in so doing people are spending their money within the community and at the same time making it possible for the creation of jobs locally, particularly within their own community. “I kept telling them that when you spend your money out of Linden you are investing out of Linden and so creating jobs for people outside of Linden too.”

He advanced the reason that as people repeatedly started hearing about ‘Fresh from the West’, they began to buy-in to the idea, especially because, as he pointed out, they are getting everything fresh from his farm on a daily basis. “Trust me, I don’t have a problem with marketing my products within or outside of my community now and I live a comfortable life,” he stated.

TEACH A MAN TO FISH Ifill told the Pepperpot Magazine that

adults should accept responsibility for the work he or she does and to do their best at every opportunity. “I believe that if the government teaches a man to fish; once the man knows how to fish he doesn’t need to beg anymore. So, the government has done their part and now I am left to do my part.

They have put infrastructure in place and as a farmer, it is now for me to produce and find the right market.”

He said that because of his very serious interest in the business of farming he is determined to not only supply the entire McKenzie and Wismar areas, but also to be able to supply many other parts of Guyana.

And to ensure that this happens, he explained that he has been planting a very large variety of cash crops for supply to the market on a daily basis.

WEST WATOOKA When the Pepperpot Magazine visited Ifill’s ‘Fresh from the West’ farm, what he earlier said about the access road to his and other farms within the community being in a very bad state, was confirmed. While the road is passable it is indeed difficult to traverse and is possibly out of reach to some vehicles.

Ifill, however, explained that while some amount of work is being done to the market road, there is a dire need for urgent attention to be given to the access road to the farm, especially because of the rainy weather being experienced at this time. “But while we are waiting for proper work to be done to the access road, we as farmers who have to use the road every day, sometimes pool our resources and do some work to the road – we do not just sit down and wait for the government to assist; we just try to fix it for ourselves until better can be done.”

FINANCING AND OTHER CHALLENGES Expanding his business is high on the agenda for Ifill, since he feels that once his produce is labelled ‘Fresh from the West’ there is no difficulty getting them off his hand. However, he has been encountering some amount of challenges in relation to finances to advance his plans. He reported, for

Manager of the ‘Fresh from the West’ farm, Pearce Ifill standing (second from left) under his business place

example, that getting finances through LEAP has proven unsuccessful so far, leading him to commercial banks for assistance.

So far his focus is on creating shade houses, as well as opening up his business in the area of poultry rearing since there is a need for this in the market, he said.

“I am comfortable to make these advances in the market because I know what I do and I do it as a business… I take it very seriously; I just don’t sit back and relax. I assess the market, I see the needs and then I execute,” he offered.

He said that he finds the time to be out at the market and at the same time make all his plans, which are then carefully implemented.

“I can do all of these things because I understand good management,” he indicated. He said that after setting a programme in place on his farm in the mornings, he is then able to go out at the market to ensure that all the available produce are out there and to be able to manage the business properly as well. Later in the afternoon, he has a similar routine at the farm to ensure that his planned programme has been accomplished.

Climate change and all the challenges that go with it is another factor that Ifill encounters as he manages his farm. He gave an example

of a very large crop of tomatoes, which should have lasted through for at least a four-month production timeline, but he was only able to get one month from it. This was a big loss, he said, noting that for reasons such as these he is in need of the shade houses.

TRAINING FOR FARMERS Ifill said that while he has gone through a number of training sessions, which he is now benefiting from, many of the other farmers have not been that fortunate. He has therefore expressed the view that should the other farmers experience adequate training they will be able to gain much more success with their farms.

He also called on the farmers in Linden, especially in the West Watooka community to take farmers more seriously – as a business venture, where they can manage their farms, supply the market and live comfortably.

“The general farm practice for us in Linden is good and it is safe, so as we grow and as we expand, there is no stopping of us here. Our produce can stand the test of time outside of being refrigerated without going bad because we know what we are about,” Ifill concluded. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Fun galore for children of ‘Back Circle’ As Gardner Foundation hosts massive Anniversary Sports Bonanza A HUMANITARIAN initiative started six years ago by New York-based Guyanese, Troy Gardner to unify and find positive engagement for the children of Back Circle, West Ruimveldt, has seen positive results. Six years later, they are celebrating with a grand sports bonanza. The event, which is being held today, will include competition in various categories and trophies and medals will be up for grabs.

The Back Circle Foundation was born in August 2012, by a young Gardener visiting home from abroad, who made the observation that, “To have nothing to do and all day to do it can be a pretty bad situation in which to find one’s self, and particularly so for youth, especially since there’s an old adage which says: “The devil finds work for idle hands.”

Making a cursory assessment of the situation in the fast-growing community of ‘Back Circle’ West Ruimveldt, from which he hailed, Gardner, now 40, and having lived abroad for more than half his lifetime, came up with the idea of introducing some sort of positive engagement for the children of the growing community during the August holidays.

Reflecting on how the idea of the foundation was birthed for the children, Gardner told the Pepperpot Magazine, “I was at home on vacation and it being summer, the children of Back Circle were at home too. And, as I looked around I would see all these kids during summer time with nothing to and nothing to look forward to.

“I was moved to compassion and said to myself there must be something I could do for them, especially since I was born and raised in Back Circle. This would be an opportunity for me to give back something to the kids and keep them out of trouble.”

Gardner said initially he was faced with some trepidation but discussed the idea with his aunt, Debra Gardner and cousins, Sonia Edinboro and Nicholai Thomas, who are living in Guyana and they were all enthusiastic about the idea.

GNNL General Manager, Mr. Sherod Duncan is flanked

by Melissa Cush and NY-based Guyanese Troy Gardner, founder of the Back Circle Foundation

Doing a brief survey, he learned that there were lots of young people with talents which were not being put to use and needed to be honed, particularly in the field of sports, such as football, cricket and volleyball. And chances are, he said, with honing some of them can look forward to pursuing careers in sports.

Knowing children to have a liking for sports, he used it as a platform to jumpstart the initiative, and together with his aunt and two cousins set about mobilising and galvanising the children of the community for action.

It was in the summer of 2012 that they began with ball games and played friendly matches, much to the excitement of the children. There was always food galore, and the young people were given prizes and other incentives for good performance. Many were moved to the point of tears on receiving their gifts.

“Additionally, we ensured everyone was Turn to page VIII ►►► adequately fed, serving something different

‘Filling the void’ Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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Two young artists and their drive to promote the arts in Guyana

By Gabriella Chapman THE importance of youth in the development of a country can never be overemphasised. Youth play one of the most important roles in nation building. They are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the partners of today. Young people are social actors of change and progress. Their contribution, therefore, is highly needed.

Over the last week, Pepperpot Magazine stumbled upon two Guyanese young men, with exceptional talent and vision. Shamar Spooner, 19, and Shamer Hescott, 22, recently collaborated and executed an exhibition themed “Filling the void”, with the aim of showcasing the works of artistic young people, like themselves, in Guyana.

“Shamar Spooner and I were on vacation in Barbados in April and on our way back we had the idea to do an exhibition, and we started thinking of what to display and we realised that we knew a lot of great young artists who are not so recognised for their work, and we wanted to show everyone what they were capable of and also what we were capable of. Shamar came up with the name ‘Filling the void’, in a sense of the void being us young creatives not getting enough credit and recognition for our work in Guyana so we wanted to fill that void, hence the name of the event,” Shamer said.

Shamar shared that he is passionate about many things, including helping other young creatives like himself, in Guyana. “I believe that Guyana has so much untapped talent in our youths and we don’t recognise it, so I aim to find ways to incorporate their talents and make it as unconventional and different as possible and this is what

sparked the idea of Filling the Void,” Shamar said.

He went on to share that the event was one that included different art forms such as sculptures, architecture, fashion, robotics, digital art, photography and fine arts.

Filling the Void attracted scores of young people from across Guyana who were privileged to witness just some of what Guyana’s youths in the arts have to offer.

Both young men expressed that they are very satisfied with its execution and turn out; it was just as they imagined it to be and it was a dream brought to life.

SHAMAR SPOONER

Shamar Spooner (left) and Shamer Hescott (right)

Shamar is an entrepreneur currently into fashion designing and event coordiSome of the art pieces that were nating. He has a fashion brand/movement on display at “Filling the Void” called Upper Echelon that was founded last November. The brand came from his love and drive for fashion, especially streetwear, which comes from the influential pop culture. The name “Upper Echelon” came about since back in 2013 when Shamar was in high school and it represents something of a higher standard and out of our societal norms. He said he was even known for always dressing “weird” in school.

Shamar shared that he grew up seeing his aunt, who is a designer, creating beautiful pieces but it never got his interest until he grew up to find his niche of fashion, which was geared towards the urban culture. After finding his path, he was never hesitant about venturing into it.

“I was never really worried about venturing into fashion in Guyana. Even though I know that art in the whole isn’t appreciated like it should be, I believed in myself ever since school days so nothing ever broke my spirit,” Spooner said.

He also noted that it wasn’t an easy path nonetheless. “I wouldn’t say that there weren’t any challenges because that would be a lie. The challenges were quite numerous as it relates to places to learn fashion, capital to sustain the line and sourcing materials locally. However, I must say that since I’ve started, the young generation has really graced me with appreciation and love I didn’t even think I would receive. For example, I would release a collection online which is where I’m currently located, and the pieces would sell out in 24 hours,” the prodigy said.

He injected that there is so much more that can be done A few displayed pieces from Shamar for young people like himself, making mention of the GovSpooner’s Upper Echelon brand ernment’s support and creating opportunities.

“There are so many of us out there with a lot of potential Turn to page IX ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

President Forbes Burnham

A Legacy with ‘Food For Thought’

By Francis Quamina Farrier SOME say "Burnham". Some say "Forbes Burnham". Others say "Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham", while there are those who say "The Founder Leader". And in some cases, it has been rumoured that there are even some who say "The Dictator". Last Monday, August 6, 2018, dozens of individuals and groups converged at sunrise, at The Place of the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, where they paid homage to the memory of a man who, along with others, including

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India presents a gift to President Burnham

President Fidel Castro of Cuba with President Forbes Burnham

Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Stephen Campbell, laid the foundations for an Independent Guyana. It was the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the sudden passing, on August 6, 1985, of President Forbes Burnham; Guyana's first Executive President.

Prayers were said by representatives of Guyana's three main religions; Christian, Hindu and Muslim, which is one of the legacies of the late president. Verbal Tributes were paid. Floral Tributes were also laid. Those attending exchanged pleasantries and some of their memories of a man they loved. Not present, were those who hated Burnham with a passion. Some who were already born and old enough at the time of his death on August 6, 1985, celebrated his passing with drinking and song and dance. Those who loved him

mourned his passing with prayers and tears and lamentations and thought of what Guyana would become without him as the leader.

Such is the reaction to strong national leaders on their passing.

Last Sunday, the National Congress of Women (NCW), the women's arm of the PNCR, held a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Bust of their Founder Leader, President Burnham, in the compound of their headquarters at Lot 44 Public Road Kitty. Addressing the gathering were Party General Secretary Basil Williams and First Vice Chairperson, Volda Lawrence.

Since my own writing career commenced with my winning First Prize at a Schools NaTurn to page VII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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Forbes Burnham (third from left) with Janet Jagan and Cheddi Jagan (at his immediate left), in Pre-Independence British Guiana ◄◄◄ From page VI

tional Essay-Writing Competition some 70 years ago, I've recently thought of the idea of an Essay Writing Competition, in which the Burnham admirers and the Burnham haters are invited to enter; the competition would issue two First Prizes of 10 million dollars for the best essay submitted about Burnham. My idea is that the competition will be in two categories: Those who love Burnham to a fault, will write what they think were his worst mistakes. Those who hate Burnham to the core will be invited to write a few things which they consider were his best achievements.

The submissions will not be identified by the names or gender of the authors, but only by some other identification method.

Although I consider myself a Guyanese patriot, I will recommend that all the adjudicators should be non-Guyanese. For example, Former US President Jimmy Carter as the Chief Adjudicator, with former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson, former Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister

President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, (at left) with President Burnham

Lester Bird, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesser, former CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Edwin Carrington and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, should the other adjudicators.

Last year, my article on the death anniversary of late President Forbes Burnham, was embellished with photographs in which I was seen with the President: one in which I was presenting him with my first published play; another in which he was interacting with members of the Public Service Union Drama Group of which I was the Director. This year, I am including photographs in which President Burnham is seen with other Heads of State from three different geographical regions of the globe; the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

One of the most controversial acts by President Forbes Burnham was his banning of certain foreign food items; wheat flour, for example. Some Guyanese welcomed such a ban, even referring to it as a good economic policy. Others were in stark objection to

what was taking place and even referred to the President as "Banam". On Monday, July 23, 2018, while looking at the American TV Food Show, THE CHEW, the Chefs were making a dish and one of the ingredients they were using was Rice Flour. On Saturday, July 28, 2018, while looking at the American TV Show "Family Feud" with Host Steve Harvey on Channel 5, I noticed that one of the answers was "Rice Cake".

Forty years ago, the introduction of

rice flour in rice-producing Guyana by President Forbes Burnham, was extremely controversial and was met with fierce opposition by many citizens. Some citizens even migrated to the USA, a country which now promotes Rice Flour on popular Food Shows, on National Television. That certainly is "Food for thought" and could be one of the issues included in my proposed National Essay-Writing Competition about Guyana's first Executive President.

VIII ◄◄◄ From page IV

every hour on the hour, so they were energised and went back to the games, bubbling with excitement, ‘rearing and ready to go’,” Gardner now recalls. And credits go out to the group’s volunteer Chef, Abiola Holland who continues to serve in that capacity every year for the last six years.

Gardner said that whenever they met, they would instill

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

within the youths, a sense of pride in themselves; value for education; always stressing the importance of living within the law. “We also taught them to have respect for each other and to do only things that would make them feel good about themselves and make their parents proud.”

In August 2013, the distribution of school back-packs was introduced, but because he was doing it ‘out-of-

Kids queue up to receive their share of goodies

pocket’ he could not manage to do the distribution each year. By the summer of 2016, Gardner and his volunteers organised the first massive Sports Jamboree – an event to remember, on the lawns of Back Circle, attracting a massive turnout.

“It was a huge success – We catered for 300 kids and got much more – even from surrounding areas, but kids will be kids and so we were happy to have them anyway and ensured everybody was well fed,” he said.

Over the years that relationship has grown and both the youth and their parents have continued to show appreciation for what has now become “The Back Circle Founda-

Youths of Back Circle listen attentively for their names as the teams are being announced

tion”, constantly reaching out to the children.

Excited, and equally amazed at what he has been able to achieve in a few short years, Gardner, in high spirits, said, “And this year, on Sunday, August 12, we will be celebrating our sixth anniversary with a massive Jamboree at the Back Circle, under the theme ‘Fun in the Circle.’ All systems are in place for a fantastic day of fun and games.”

For next summer, the Foundation plans to hold a series of workshops for its teenagers, with the support of the Private Sector and Ministries of Public Health and Public Security. Topics to be addressed include Anger Management; Conflict Resolution; Law and Order; HIV/AIDS, Obesity and its consequences; Career Guidance and Eating Disorders.

Gardner is now throwing out a challenge to other Guyanese – both at home and elsewhere, to come on board, so as to help equip the children for school and moreso, motivate them to attend school. Interested persons may call: Troy Garret on 914-473-8001; Sonia Edinboro on 658-9834; Nickelhi Thomas 695-2780; or Abiola Holland on 223-6607.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page V

who are just waiting for the opportunity to arise so we can showcase what we are capable of. But we need to be supported and encouraged by the government, the private sector and the civil society by creating opportunities or by assisting us in reaching where we have the potential to be in this country,” Shamar said.

He further stated that it is also essential to note that young people must also believe in themselves; that they can become a big asset both individually and collectively to national development if they work hard.

SHAMER HESCOTT Shamer’s passion lies in perfecting his work and reaching further in the field of photography, film making and graphics

One of Shamer Hescott’s captures with local celebrity, Timeka Marshall

and taking his talents on an international level.

His inspiration comes from seeing the work of other famous international photographers and it drives him to want to create similar visuals on that level to blow minds.

“I first started with graphics in high school, then when I started working as a graphic artist in 2013, I realised that I work with a lot of images and I wanted to start taking my own so I bought a camera. That was when my photography journey started and that was by far the best decision I have made in my life,” Shamer said.

He shared that since that decision, he was focused and taught himself by watching videos online and studying the field. During his learning process, he started to improve and his work improved and clients grew.

Sharing his love for photography, Shamer said he grew to love this art for several reasons.

“In a deeply personal way I feel an image is a poem about time; about staying the moment. Photography can defeat time. Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive; hold a moment in history for future generations, and be a witness to tragedy or joy,” he said. “They can also change behaviour, stimulate understanding and create a sense of urgency that will move people to action. Photography is the universal language that speaks to the heart. When I discovered and later understood photographic visual language, I saw that this language could inform, educate and move audiences worldwide without the need for a shared spoken language.”

At just age 22, Shamer has had the opportunity to shoot several Guyanese celebrities and beauty queens, international models, popular event coverage, weddings and the list can

go on.

The young photographer said that he really thinks the arts and artists, especially the young ones need to be looked into more, as Guyanese and how talented they are. He believes that they can really put Guyana on the map in the arts industry.

“One does not need to belabour the point that there are many young people who,if given the required support can contribute meaningfully to the development of our country.

But bringing such youths onboard the development wagon

IX becomes the responsibility of those in authority. They need to support us and realise that we can make a unanimous contribution,” Shamer said Shamar and Shamer stated that they will continue to assist in providing opportunities for their fellow young Guyanese in the arts industry. “Expect more great work from Shamer Hescott and Shamar Spooner as individual creatives and also look out for future events from our collaboration,” the two echoed.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

SUNKEN DUTCH TREASURE

By Abdool A. Aziz

MY sister-in-law who hails from the Pomeroon River would fascinate me with stories of her native region. One that really energises my imagination is the sunken punts of gold coins (Dutch money) off the shore of Kabakaburi Mission. Now at age 12, I made a trip to the Pomeroon and went straight to the location of the treasure.

I met the captain of the village who told me the story is true. He took me down a raving to a huge Kumaka tree root.

He pointed to a rusty iron chain. It was massive with links as large as your hand. It was attached to the tree root. I was a victim of my imagination. Was I seeing right? And if so, why was this ‘Goldmine’ left untouched? Surely it can be raided or salvaged. I wanted to follow this chain in the water but it was buried under the silt.

Attempts were made to retrieve this mystery gold but all failed. A gutsy move by the authorities was nearly disastrous.

Salvage Tug in Trouble, a powerful tugboat was sent to the location and the driver went down and secured chains on the serpent that slithered on the surface of the punts. Now the tugboat had its engine in full speed ahead. She strained and strained. The chains burst and new links were used. That broke too. Heavy-duty wire ropes were substituted. The steel hawser held and the tug inched forward. The spectators held their breaths. Some were scared, some skeptical. With her black stone engines tested to its limit, the water above the treasure began to bubble. There was movement down there and all were excited. The tugboat gave its all and the water burst open. The rusty and muddy punts emerged with a frightening splash. You can see the snakes on top of their lids. Fear gripped the crowd of onlookers.

The captain and the crew celebrated, but their joy was short-lived. The short punts decided to submerge and as they sunk. They began to pull the tugboat down. A quick response by the captain to dash her into reverse saved the day. The punts took away the tethers and since then treasure hunters developed a macabre fear of the sunken treasures. They concluded that Dutch spirits controlled their money. It was too risky to salvage.

WRITER’S NOTE: This story was told to me. Some survivors of the time verify its authenticity. I can only vouch for the massive chain leading into the river. It is still there. The Dutch had occupied us for years. They were known to be rich and powerful. No doubt those gold coins are buried in those iron safes and well preserved. But the Kabakaburi? It was rumoured that Dutch spirits live in the Kumaka tree as they do in silk-cotton trees. According to legend, those punts came to the surface to tease us. They exhibited a force beyond human capacity. The Dutch left us remarkable legacies of stretch and wealth but buried some for eternity. I still marvel at the wealth beneath the Pomeroon River.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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President Granger’s impassioned plea

By Wendella Davidson WITH the combined food import bill in the Caribbean region continuing to skyrocket, President David Granger’s impassioned plea in his Emancipation message for the Guyanese populace to embrace agriculture, education and the community was timely.

In his call for people to go to the lands, he was reported as saying, “Our lives will be determined by how we make our living.

If we make our living by hanging around the corner, liming by the Guinness Bar, we will forever be poor. But if we go into our farms, go into our workshops, into our schools, we will be able to have prosperity.” He also urged residents to venture into self-employment through agro-processing and growing and selling their own produce.

The President was at the time speaking during a cultural evening on July 31 at Beterverwagting, on the East Coast of Demerara, at an event organised by the Beterverwagting /Triumph 8th of May Movement to mark the 180th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery.

His renewed call jolts to mind the recently held CTU/ ICT Caribbean Roadshow presented by the Caribbean Telecommunication Union (CTU) from July 9-14, where “Agri-Man” a superhero created by an organisation in Trinidad sought to promote the benefits of e-agriculture and small-scale agriculture practices with the catchphrase, “Plant a tree, Live for free.”

The roadshow sought to show how ICT can be used

to improve efficiency in Government, in business and in education and in agriculture.

It is no secret that the import bill for the Caribbean is astronomically high and E-Agriculture is emerging as the chief area of focus in strategic and economic planning in countries across the Caribbean. Pundits have concluded that there are numerous ways in which small and largescale farmers could use ICT to increase produce yield and make the processes between planting and reaping more efficient.

Hence during the roadshow e-Agriculture was one of the main thrusts and fittingly the event culminated with a forum that saw farmers, businesspersons and other citizens

of East Berbice- Corentyne (Region Six) turning out in their numbers at the forum.

A highlight of that event was a presentation by Trinidadian Alpha Sennon whose WHYFARM- “We Help Youth Farm” has been making inroads in Trinidad, also with the ever-popular agri superhero “Agriman” ably portrayed by George Caesar, a Trinidad-based Guyanese. The motto of that Trinidadian outfit is “to develop a new generation of food producers. We teach youths about food and nutrition security, creatively showing them how they can contribute to decreasing hunger and malnutrition.”

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes said at the culmination of the roadshow that the forum had achieved its objective of opening the minds of the citizens, particularly farmers on the benefits of incorporating the use of ICTs in their activities.

“What we wanted to do was sit with farmers in communities and give them an idea of where the technology is going, what e-Agriculture is about and in a very practical way talk about some of the things that can help them, “she noted.

And, during her interaction with the farmers, Minister Hughes said e-Agriculture will change the way farming is done and will also attract the interest of young people to pursue this field, pointing to drone technology for pest control and crop monitoring.

She noted that the turnout was exceptional and the enthusiasm to learn more about the technology was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the CTU, Bernadette Lewis, encouraged farmers to use ICTs to add value to their produce.

She also urged the older Turn to page XV ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

What you need to know about coconuts Pt 3

Copra Processing AFTER the coconut is dehusked, the hard but brittle shell is exposed and can be split open into two halves using a machete. The coconut water is drained off and the meat attached to the shell is dried. During the drying process, the meat is easily detached or scooped out from the shell. Copra is produced from the dried coconut meat.

The copra quality is influenced by the method and the manner of drying the meat. Improper drying may result in contamination of the meat with certain harmful aflatoxin-producing moulds, including the dangerous yellow-green mould, Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin is harmful to both humans and animals. It is therefore extremely important the coconut meat be properly dried.

The three common methods of drying are sun drying, kiln drying, and hot-air drying.

Small-holders typically use sun drying or kiln drying methods, whereas larger produc-

ers may use hot air dryers. During drying, the moisture content of the coconut meat is reduced from about 50 per cent down to 6Vo. For producers using kiln dryers and hotair dryers, a temperature of 35oc to 50oc (95’F to 122”F) should be maintained for the first 16 hours of drying followed by 50”C (122” F) during the next phase until a final moisture content of six per cent is reached. It is important that drying begins within four hours after the coconuts are split in order to prevent mould contamination. In drying copra using kiln dryers, it is important to use a clean source of fuel and minimise the amount of smoke that passes through the drying coconut meat. The colour of the dried copra will depend on the source of fuel and cleanliness of the smoke. Since smoke does not come in contact with the meat, the copra produced from hot-air dryers is clean and white.

The moisture content of the dried meat can be estimated by pressing it between the thumb and forefinger. If the dried meat does not stick to the thumb and readily drops when released, a moisture content of approximately 60 per cent has been obtained.

Former cane cutter goes into fulltime farming FOLLOWING the closure of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, Dennis Campbell became a fulltime farmer. Campbell who worked with the estate for over 20 years invested a portion of his severance from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to set up a shade house on his farm.

Campbell has always been involved in farming at the subsistence level.

The crops harvested were consumed by his household and any surplus was sold within the community of Sisters Village, East Berbice. However, within the past two years, the former cane cutter began focusing more on establishing a farm for commercial purpose.

“I used to plant all the time but on a small scale but when it was announced that the estate

Turn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

XIII

Mental Health knows no race LAST week I took part in an anti-racism campaign through the Heal Guyana Civil Society. It was only when I got there and listened to the speeches that I thought about how much racism can affect mental health.

Despite the fact that racism is one of our oldest and most serious concerns, the study of racial trauma in the field of psychology is fairly new.

However, we do know that exposure to racism affects our entire well-being and may cause issues ranging from low self-esteem to mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety to even suicidal thoughts and behaviours. I have so many clients who have also turned to aggression, violence, isolation and substance abuse due to racism.

Sharon Lalljee- Richard, the Founder and Director of Heal Guyana made a speech on the importance of education on racism; that maybe not many have a good understanding of what racism is as well as how deep it goes.

Below is her speech at the anti-racism campaign. It gave me a lot to think about and I think it will benefit you all just the same.

“When we think of racism in Guyana, we tend to see it through a narrow lens: “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race.”

This view is not at all incorrect but is somewhat incomplete.

You see, in order for any of us to positively effect change when it comes to racism, we must challenge ourselves to understand the issue at a deeper level. By realising the foundation through which racism was born, we can challenge this foundation at its core, viewing the world and ourselves, beyond the shadows of its imposed limitations. By remaining cognisant of the various manifestations of racism, we will be able to sensibly intervene when we see it playing out in the lives of others, as well as our own. By acknowledging the forces that perpetuate race-hate and deciding not to subscribe to them, we will invariably free our hearts and minds from the emotional cycles that imprison us, keeping racism alive in our society.

We cannot beat such a complex challenge unless we fully understand how to outmatch it,

strategically. And to do so will call for lots of patience, tons of determination, endless dedication and the courage to look at every naysayer in the eye and answer, “the right thing is worth fighting for and I will not stop until this generation and the next inherits a race-free Guyana because of what I stood for!”

Think of history, culture and identity as the lens, through which, we perceive everything. History shaped the course of our past which has led us here. We see each other as indigenous or descendants of Africa, India, Europe and Asia etc. which seems innocent enough but right away – that begins to quietly compromise the neutrality of our perspectives regarding how we see each other. Culture and the preservation of it- is wonderful but only when we embrace all cultures. What tends to happen at an individual level is that we embrace only one culture and we compare that one against others; then we begin to judge. Identity! In most cases, we identify as one race. Then we set out ‘other-ing’ ever other race besides our own. The mixed-race people are often the only ones who are left confused at this point.

History, culture and identity, as you can see, are the foundations of our racial challenges. They are inescapable unless we begin to see each other beyond the confines of our differences toward our similarities. What are the common things that make us, Guyanese?

Now, let’s talk about the manifestations of racism in the broadest sense for a minute.

It is really important that we understand that racism plays out both internally and externally. In other words, we probably shouldn’t be policing others and their racist bad-behaviour, without equally checking ourselves and holding our inner-most thoughts to a higher standard, every day. From within, racism manifests itself in the forms of bias, privilege and submission to the oppression created by a racist environment or culture.

RACIAL BIAS is most noticeable when we ‘suffer’ because others treat us or a particular racial group, differently, from how they would treat other races. Do we quietly sabotage persons of a certain hair texture and complexion so that they never succeed? Do

we hold silent beliefs that chastise one race while celebrating another? These are examples of racial bias and as individuals, we must fight against the tendency to buy into these patterns. Most of us are often very discreet about expressing these sentiments because we know it may not be viewed with tolerance by others. But as soon as we are in a space we consider private or where we are among like-minded people, our racial biases begin to flourish; permeating the clean air with prejudice, hate and misguided stereotypes about others.

Quiet submission to racist oppression is a more complex manifestation of internal racism. We never realise it because we have become so intrinsically programmed by our environment. But when we adopt a self-defeating outlook that takes on the form of ‘a limited sense of self’ which undermines ourselves or a group, in favour of another racial group we perceive to be superior to ours; this robs us of our humanity and disrupts our balance with respect to self-worth and justice.

What about external manifestations? How can we detect these within our midst? We are all familiar with interpersonal racism as we read the callus and cowardly statements coming from online trolls and others who may, from time to time, be outwardly abusive or condescending toward those of a particular ethnic group. Institutional racism is the policies and practices within and across institutions that, intentionally or not, produce outcomes that chronically favour one racial group over another. There are many instances of this quietly happening (for years) within our ministries, employment sectors and schools. Structural racism is in its infancy in Guyana but I have seen indications of it making its way into the mainstream with certain groups making declarations which will create a system of public policies, institutional practices and cultural representations that work in various ways to reinforce racial inequality. If allowed to take root, our social, economic and political systems will be further condemned to the influence of privilege, inequality and our racial divide shall deepen.

As a strong civil society organisation

determined to make an impact, we must be prepared to intercept at all of these levels if we are to be effective. In fact, all citizens must be prepared to intercept if we are to succeed for Guyana. I know it could appear overwhelming but we must garner enthusiasm from each other and from deep within ourselves to move forward with confidence! We must pray! When our energies are running low, let us call on God and each other for strength.

When nothing seems promising, we will take a short break and awake the next day -- with renewed passion and stride to press on even harder. I know we can do this! Never lose the belief that fairness can triumph over injustice.

Unity will win against hate because of ordinary citizens like you and me.

The objectives of this Heal Guyana Anti-racism Project are simple. We want to significantly reduce and eventually eradicate all manifestations of racism and ethnic tensions in Guyana. We want to deepen public understanding of the various forms of discrimination and give them peaceful, actionable ways of combatting these scenarios. We want to cultivate a greater sense of tolerance and respect for diversity among all Guyanese, across all socio-economic lines.”

Sharon Lalljee -Richard For those of you who do not know, Heal Guyana is a platform for ‘free thinkers’ to educate our society in a wide variety of areas. Their mission is to “empower Guyanese and Influence positive change” and objective “to listen and network with others who are similarly inclined towards patriotism and peace, in the effort to unite all Guyanese and bring prosperity to the country we love.”

I am also a new member of Heal Guyana and it has been such a pleasure working with them.

Sharon, thank you for shedding some light.

Check them out at https://www.healguyana. org/ Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Do not be afraid to reach out!

◄◄◄ From page XII

Campbell knew he needed to plant under shaded conditions but did not have the financing to do same. Thankfully, he overcame this hurdle using his severance.

Campbell related that “My last bean crop was affected by pest and it really cost me.

I was really looking forward to that crop.

Long now I wanted to get build a shade house because of the benefits but didn’t have the money. So when I got my severance I used about $50,000 to set up the shade house.”

“I sourced the shade plastic from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at a cheaper price than the market price and purchased the wood from the sawmill to make the shade house. I already plant celery under it…I plan to plant sweet and hot peppers under it cause it big… it is 80ftx 20ft,” he added.

The 56-year-old man has begun conducting market research to determine crops that are currently in demand and would be

required for the Christmas holiday. The intention is to plant crops that have a high price on the market.

“Whenever I harvest my crops I would sell to wholesalers and market vendors.

Also, my sister sells in the market so I would sell to her…like how the Christmas season coming up I want to plant the bell sweet pepper using the shade house…I will make the best use of the shade house because I waited long for it,” Campbell said.

was going to close I began placing more emphasis on the farm. Farming was my backup plan to continue earning money,” Campbell said.

Hot and sweet peppers, celery, red beans, and bora are among several other crops he usually plants in open field. But, their vulnerability to pests and diseases oftentimes affected the output of his farm. As such,

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

A leap of

faith

A bold step from full-time employment

to the pursuit of passion

By Tracey Khan TAMARA Johnson left her job in the public sector to become her own boss and decided to turn her passion into a profession.

She is now a well-known makeup artist in Berbice who boosts the confidence and enhances the beauty of the women whose faces she touches.

“I went into this career with low confidence but high hopes. Much to my surprise, I progressed through the different levels successfully. Starting with makeup artistry as your career is not an easy task,” Tamara said.

This 21-year-old has encountered many setbacks and struggles as she works hard to become a successful entrepreneur who can eventually create jobs for others in the ancient county since this is a huge problem.

She believes, “It’s my duty to outline your beauty.”

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, she was all smiles as she spoke about the validation she is afforded when her clients’ faces light up with satisfaction from her work.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a thousand different things before I settled to be a makeup artist. It is a creative career and something I love doing. I loved makeup artistry and had always been experimental with makeup but didn’t know any proper techniques. I started to research online.”

Tamara continues to enhance her skills and is working to elevate herself as a businesswoman and build her brand MUA Tamara Johnson by taking professional courses. “[I want ] to make it big in the industry. It’s one of the most common goals, but I keep practising. This way I will improve my skills and my attitude towards my career because let me tell you, frankly it’s not easy building your own brand, your career life will mainly depend on you mastering techniques and what’s one way for you to do this? Practice, practice and more practice,” she said. “So, I believe that it is only through experience that you’ll learn truly by heart. Some days I feel like am a winner but on other days I feel like I have nothing at all. But it’s perfectly fine. It just

MUA Tamara Johnson

Tamara Johnson stands tall as a businesswoman

goes to show that I genuinely care about where I’m going in life as a makeup artist. But I remember to keep going and always keep pushing.”

Talking about the market in Berbice, she noted that it can be slow at times but the love and appreciation for this form of art are growing.

“Berbice can be very slow at times and being here as a young entrepreneur it’s hard. The big challenge is gaining publicity, especially as a new makeup artist, to attract attention from potential collectors. Yes, they are getting more into makeup artistry,” she said.

Tamara was also one of the official MUAs for Guyana Carnival and brought the heat with some of her spicy designs.

When asked what advice she would give to young girls, she said, “Being successful often means learning from those who have already achieved their goals. We all weren’t born to be doctors and lawyers. If there is something you’re actually good at, you have to keep challenging yourself. You never know the outcome of your efforts unless you actually do it,” she said. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right. Believe that you can succeed and you’ll find ways through different obstacles. If you don’t, you’ll just find excuses. No one succeeds immediately and everyone was once a beginner. Always pray, prayers do wonder.”

Tamara can be contacted on her Facebook page @ChikMakeupbeat and Instagram @chikmakeup_beat.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XI

persons to educate themselves on the new and emerging technologies by visiting the ICT hubs in their communities.

Lewis said there are many creative ways of enhancing produce from new packaging ideas to finding non-traditional uses of particular items.

Super-hero “Agri-man”, Trinidad-based Guyanese, George Caesar speaking during the recently-held e-Agriculture forum in Berbice

There were also presentations from representatives of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) during the CTU/ICT event.

The 2018 Global Food Policy Report has emphasised the need for open access data in achieving food and nutrition security.

The report says reducing hunger and malnutrition requires evidence-based decision making, which in turn depends upon access to knowledge and data. Published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the report points out that accessible data are critical for

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Trinidad Super-hero ”Agri-man”, Guyanese-born George Caesar, during an interview at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during the roadshow

decision making, from the farm to the retail level of food systems.

Key findings from the report show open data can improve the performance of food systems and help achieve global food and nutrition security. It can increase both the visibility and utility of research, allowing researchers

to create more knowledge about products and support decision making. Open data allow governments to make evidence-based policy decisions and push governments toward increased accountability.

The report also lists some main challenges, that data quality and ease of use are essential for putting data to use, but datasets are often too large or complex to be easily handled. It says Inequality in access to knowledge is

XV increasing. Data policies, commitments, and investments can improve access to and use of knowledge, but current commitment and action on open data are uneven.

The Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) supports the proactive sharing of open data to make information about agriculture and nutrition availTurn to page XVI ►►►

XVI ◄◄◄ From page XV

able, accessible and usable to deal with the urgent challenge of ensuring world food security.

The report points out that: “A cornerstone of open access must be reducing the knowledge inequality within and among societies that arises from both lack of access and lack of capacity to make use of the world’s growing store of knowledge and data.”

It recommends that data access must be democratised to improve livelihoods by putting data tools, such as mobile phone apps, into farmers’ hands; that the efficiency of

knowledge transfers be increased to prevent loss of information and ensure uptake in the field, and that government “big data” be made public to in order to drive high-quality analysis of food systems, better policy and decision making.

Other recommendations include building open data initiatives to reduce inequality and address issues of data quality, use, storage, and dissemination; and increasing data quality and ease of use through better data collection, new tools, working groups, capacity building, and improvements in big data platforms. Empowering citizen stakeholders to demand open data through capacity building and access to data tools.

Trinidadian Alpha Sennon (encircled) sharing his WHYFARM knowledge with local farmers

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

XVII

folklore

XVIII

POLICE RESPONSE THE telephone rang in the small police station. O.C. Sergeant Smartt picked up the pesky device. The hysterical voice of a woman assailed his sleepy ears. He had been sound asleep and was having a wonderful dream.

Now this annoying voice had shattered that.

“What is your emergency?” he demanded angrily.

“Officer there is a robbery taking place in my street,” the woman said.

“Were any shots fired?”

“Yes Officer.”

“How did the shots sound? Pow! Pow! Pow! or Rat! Tat! Tat! Tat!?”

“Rat! Tat! Tat! Tat! Tat! Tat!” was the excited response.

That last bit if information had a strange effect on the old policeman. His hands began to tremble.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

By Neil Primus

“Okay madam. We’re on our way!” he lied.

Both the woman and the officer hung up in relief.

“Constable Johnson!” The officer called.

“Yes Sergeant!”

“Unplug dat phone and lock de station gate!” he bellowed.

“Yes Sir!” The junior rank hurried to comply.

The next week another strange call came in. This time the sergeant was off duty and an eager corporal took the call.

“Officer, something bad happening to me neighbour!” the person said.

“What’s the problem madam?” the officer asked.

“Like robbers in me neighbour house. De family overseas so the house supposed to be empty. But ah hearing windows breaking and furniture moving. Like bandits

trying fo clean out de place.”

“Don’t worry! We’re on our way.”

“A hope is not like last week when ah call and de police never turn up!”

She hung up in anger and Corporal Morgan hung up in astonishment.

Twenty minutes later a police 4 x 4 double cab Ford truck arrived.

The armed officers jumped from the vehicle and moved purposefully towards the dark house.

Rumbling, barging and grating sounds were coming from the double-storied home. The officers charged and engaged as one body. They then disengaged and had to flee as every man for himself.

As soon as they entered the house, all hell broke loose.

Licks rained down on the hapless crew. Cuffs, butts, kicks, slaps.

Pow! Crack!

Ply! Boof!

Bam! They left in their wake handcuffs, hats, shoes and a few spectacles and watches. The patrol returned to the station to lick their wounds. By now they realised that they had unwittingly clashed with a baccoo or baccoos. From the lumps and bruises, they suspected that there was more than one spirit in the house.

When Sergeant Smartt returned to duty he was told about the incident.

“Never go into that kind of situation again!” he warned.

“They don’t pay we fo get killed! Once is Jumbie or big guns, play sick or dead!”

The next night the good sergeant was on duty when a call came in.

“Good night Officer. Please come quick. Oh Gawd ah need help!”

“What’s the matter lady?” he asked rudely.

“Somebody pelting down me house and tumbling up de place!” she replied.

“Did you see anyone?”

“No I don’t see anybody. Help me please Officer!”

Sergeant Smartt took a deep breath before replying.

“Look lady, try calling a priest. Police can’t help you!”

He hung up.

When the sergeant put the phone down he hastily blessed himself by making the sign of the cross.

Looking around in fear he thundered for the junior rank.

“Constable Johnson!”

“Yes Sergeant!”

“Unplug dat dam phone!”

“Yes sir!”

“Constable how many times ah gon have to tell you to close de station gate after nine o’clock?”

“Sorry sir, it won’t happen again!”

“An when yo get back turn off dem lights in the front of de station!”

“Yes Sir!” “Constable ah don’t want to be disturbed!”

“Yes sir! Will do sir!”

Sergeant Smartt withdrew for the night for a few hours of horizontal meditation.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Queenstown churches uniting to make a difference in the community

XIX

Several denominations joined in revival power packed service

By Indrawattie Natram HISTORY was created on Sunday, August 5, in the village of Queenstown, in Region Two, as members from the various denominations united at the Full Gospel Fellowship Church for a revival restoration and regeneration power pack service. The atmosphere was filled with much energy and enthusiasm as pastors and religious leaders took the stage in deliverance and prayers.

The inter-denominational national service was held under the theme song, “Nobody greater than you Lord” and was continuously sung by Gospel Artist Joshua Joe. The programme commenced around 17:00 hours with a prayer being delivered by Pastor Norbert John. Pastor Brian Christiani then convened the service and welcomed everyone to the “momentous occasion”. The pastor said that the village of Queenstown needed help especially in fighting social ills. As such he said it was important for all the churches to meet to have a united stand against those issues.

“I believe that if we fight against each other we become weaker. I believe that if churches come together we can make a difference in Queenstown, I believe that we serve the same God and as such we should be united and stand together for the good of our community” Pastor Christiani said.

He also told the gathering that the inter-denominational event was a vision of Pastor Clyde Fortune who hoped to change the community and to bring everyone together.

SOCIAL ILLS Pastor Fortune, who currently resides in the United States of America, was tasked with the deliverance of the Word of God. He told the large gathering of his desire to see the people of Queenstown living in harmony and at peace. He also told them that they can only achieve this if they work together to address topical issues such as unemployment, sexual issues and domestic violence.

Pastor Fortune, a past resident of Queenstown, said that he is trying to work with the various churches in the community for a greater good. He also took the time to thank all the pastors and leaders for their cooperation and pledged his support to work with the churches and have more services of such nature.

The denominations of churches that were a part of the service included, Pentecostal, Methodist, Faith Deliverance, Anglican, Wesleyan, Assembly of God, Baptists, Seventh Day Adventist, New Hope, Roman Catholic, amongst other leaders around the community. Each of the churches participated in an item on the programme.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Firm and focused action could eliminate squatting SQUATTING is one of the continuous illegalities which the authorities responsible for dealing with this unacceptable behaviour have only been sporadically addressing. This failure of the authorities to continuously and firmly address squatting has led to squatters and would-be squatters realising that they could take a very good chance of squatting undisturbed on both public and private land.

In the politically-inspired disturbances of the 1960s, several thousand persons were forced to leave their villages and settle elsewhere where they would be safe from racio-political attacks.

These “refugees” settled on any available state lands they could find and even private property, and the exigencies of the time caused officials and private persons to have some sympathy for the plight of the squatters and were lenient to them since the assumption was that the squatting would be only temporary until normality returned.

Several of these squatter settlements remained and years after were “regularised”, but this squatter episode of the 1960s initiated the

culture where squatters began to assume that they could squat with impunity and that the authorities, and even private owners, would be dilatory and take no action to evict them.

Government has been giving agricultural leases to all who apply as well as distributing thousands of house lots. Everyone could now acquire freehold house lots or leasehold agricultural land at subsidised costs. No one now has any justification for squatting.

But the culture of squatting which made its appearance in the 1960s still survives. This culture has now been reinforced with the greed of squatters who squat in company with relatives, who together squat on large portions of public and private lands and expect to speculate on the land, fraudulently “selling” house lots to the gullible. Squatting today is not caused by need but by the culture of lawlessness and greed since state land leases and house lots are there for the asking.

Two recent squatting incidents which were reported in the press would illustrate the present attitude of squatters, and indeed, of officials.

Last year, the local authority wished to execute some fairly urgent infrastructural works in the Sophia area but the structures which the squatters had erected on the state reserves, made it impossible to extend or widen the roads or to clean the drainage trenches. Despite the presence of police and Local Government officials, a few new squatters still defiantly continued to erect structures. It was only when stern action was taken and some structures were demolished that two fields were cleared. The squatters in the third field armed themselves and would have attacked the officials who had to withdraw. The standoff went on for two days and most of these third field squatters managed to remain.

The other incident occurred a few months ago when a family which had returned from Venezuela to Region Two wished to erect a structure to house their family of four. The family approached the NDC chairman, who understood that the family were in effect “refugees” in their own country, told them that he had no objection if they built a temporary structure and would remove such whenever the NDC requested it. The Executive Officer of the Region (RDC) seized the family’s building material which they had bought on credit and forbade them to build, though in the same area there were several other squatters who had built structures without any official objection. The REO demanded that they should apply for a house lot and only when that was given could they build any shelter. The root cause of this problem was the failure of the officials to prevent squatting in the first place.

Squatter settlements or ghettos are incubators of criminals. They are usually insanitary since electricity and water could not be supplied to them by the utilities. Their conglomeration of shacks or poorly built houses poses fire hazards.

Children do not attend school regularly or not at all. Squatting is anti-social and out of consonance with national development and should be eradicated.

Squatting may appear to be very difficult or even impossible to control or eliminate.

Actually, with firm and focused action it could be gradually ended: The departments responsible for land - The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the Ministry of Housing should create small units of one or two persons who would devise and execute programmes of education on squatting. Two points such programmes should underline, the first being that squatters have no rights and the other that whatever structure a squatter may have erected belongs to the land when it would have been repossessed by the owners.

The law needs to be strengthened by repealing the present 12-year rule and resuscitating the 33-year rule whereby no squatting or prescriptive rights claim could be made before 33 years. The 12-year rule was adopted from English legislation and is highly inappropriate to Guyana. The 12-year rule is appropriate to an urban society like England but is inappropriate to a largely rural society like Guyana. And secondly, proportionally, Guyana has the highest emigration rate in the world and emigrant owners’ property may not always be taken care of by the relatives and friends left in charge.

When owners return, they are shocked to see their property had been sequestered.

The Police should be more proactive in investigating and being involved in squatting complaints since squatting is lawlessness and squatting often results in dangerous altercations and in violence.

And finally, the Courts should also try in their own ways to control squatting. The Guyana Bar Association are the best-informed group of the dangers of squatting, and would render the country a positive social benefit if they strongly petitioned Government to amend and strengthen the laws relating to squatting.

If focused action is taken squatting could be controlled and eliminated in a reasonable time.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

XXI

Linking education to youth development IT GOES without saying that education is a fundamental part of youth development but what remains distorted is what is meant by ‘education’ and how it must be utilised to advance youth development.

Today, International Youth Day is being observed under the theme: “Youth Building Peace.” The genesis of this observance is to raise awareness on the circumstances of youth in individual countries and then across the globe.

It also aims to empower youth to stand up for themselves.

Wholesome peace, in Guyana, will perhaps be achieved when poverty is eradicated and racial differences no longer divide citizens. But in light of youth day, how will this happen? I think it’s fair to say that education is a fair option towards achieving this.

You see, education and youth development are inextricably linked. Education isn’t only the academic side of things; it is also about learning culture and values and becoming empowered. It is a tool for social mobility; it is touted as the key to a better life for those living in poverty.

And just as education is touted as a tool for social mobility in a stratified society, the popular saying is that education dispels ignorance. Ignorance in culture and ignorance in national affairs are widespread and education is that tool that can adequately combat this. And youth are well-positioned to capitalise on education to fight poverty and to use it to combat ignorance.

This week there will be the fourth annual Youth

Parliament, where 72 young persons will be given the opportunity to debate on topical matters and share their views on issues concerning youth. These youth will be drawn from every region in Guyana which will allow information sharing across regions, and perhaps dispelling misconceptions which the youth can clarify back in their communities.

As shared, the motions to be debated on the first day of the Parliament are centred upon efforts to combat climate change, non-communicable diseases, restructuring the education sector and youth representation in governance.

While on the second day, university students will debate climate change, media and the press, alternative sentencing in keeping with the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (control) Act and oil and gas.

And having youth take the wealth of information they would’ve garnered from the experience is not a farfetched idea. In fact, previous young parliamentarians have been tapped to render their services at the Youth Parliament and former parliamentarians have even gone on to establish mini youth parliaments in their communities.

Then, yesterday there was the Come Alive Network Incorporated (CANI)’s ‘Just Youth It’ conference- an annual conference which is a culmination of hundreds of youth all piping to have their voices heard and effect change in their communities and in the wider Guyana.

CANI’s conference is another testament to the positive impact youth can make once educated. Here, they are

empowered and refilled with the drive to continue doing the great things they are all doing.

What caught my attention was that this year, as CANI is in its fifth year, the conference was extended to include ‘breakout’ sessions where youth were given opportunities to benefit from a myriad of informative presentations from entrepreneurship to animation to volunteerism.

Effectively, what this does is expose youth to areas where they may venture into and educate them on ways they can effect change in their communities. It allows youth to become empowered- socially and economically.

And these were just short sessions held one day. Imagine the ripple effect that will be created should this be continued.

I will concede that there are so many programmes in Guyana that are geared towards developing youth but youth development in Guyana is not consistent and that is great a hindrance to development. And much of youth development is focused on bolstering academics, which is great but not the facet of education that adds to development.

You see, I will say again that youth are well positioned to effect change in any society. The development of a nation rests on developing its people who will in turn harness the other resources. Youth are a key demographic and a good long-term investment for any society, but in order to use them, they must be developed. Education is the key to youth development.

Bringing the ‘fete’ to Guyanese

Shaquille Cole

A CONTEMPOR A R Y weekend is never complete without an extravagant party or social affair.

While some parties might n o t meet the expectations of the “feters”, persons could always expect the best from events organised by young promoter, Shaquille Cole.

Cole’s friendly personality is usually reflected by the parties which he promotes. The events are known for the good music, dance, performances and even art and fashion.

“I am very determined and I go after what

I want despite any challenges because I am committed to and aim for success,” he said.

Although he is not where he wants to be, Cole intends on becoming a successful promoter and an influential person to young people.

In order to get where he wants to be, the young promoter has a plan to make a few adjustments and changes for the better.

He, however, believes that his support system is weak because most of the older folks do not quite understand what he is trying to achieve.

“Growing up in a completely different generation from our elders is hard because everything is so much more different now from what it was then and adults always think their way is the only way and the right way,” said Cole.

They often give negative feedback, he

said, adding that it makes it easy to lose faith but you need to have a lot of confidence.

Additionally, Cole said, “People don’t take young people serious enough. Persons try to take advantage of young people [w] and can also be very unprofessional and disrespectful.”

The young promoter as such advised persons to be themselves unapologetically.

He believes that in order to be happy you need to put yourself first and always do what makes you happy.

Cole encouraged persons to follow their dreams and never settle but be persistent and patient instead. Most importantly, always be kind.

Department of Public Information

XXII

RECAP

INFOHUB RECAP - August 2 - 8

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Min Harmon endorses Dr. Bynoe to head Energy Dept

Dragger operations halted in Demerara River

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has endorsed President David Granger’s decision to appoint Dr. Mark Bynoe as the Head of Department of Energy describing him as an “excellent choice” for the post. Minister Harmon said, “he comes with excellent credentials, apart from his stated qualifications, the work he has done on climate change and environment…he has wide experience". The minister noted that government’s plan is to hire persons with the requisite skills to work along with Dr. Bynoe as he steers the department.

Dr. Bynoe, an Environment and Resource Economist officially took up the appointment on August 1. According to President Granger, Dr Bynoe will be tasked with identifying qualified persons to be part of the department. 

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said he has put a halt to mining in the Demerara River even as his ministry investigates concerns raised by residents of Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice, about river mining. Minister Trotman said he has requested a report on the matter from Acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison. He was speaking at the opening of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. Residents were concerned about pollution of the water and Regional Chairman of Region 10, Renis Morian, had written to the president expressing concern over the GGMC granting license to mine without an environmental impact assessment being carried out. Minister Trotman noted that his ministry is treating the matter with all urgency. 

August 2nd - 8th

@dpiguyana

PSC Commissioners sworn-in

Mavis Benn, Vincent Bowman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Maurice Gajadhar, Mortimer Livan and Michael Somersall were sworn-in by President David Granger to serve for a period of three years as members of the Public Service Commission. President Granger, in his remarks, said public servants must be allowed to work without “fear or favour, partiality or prejudice” and their careers uninterrupted by a change of government or for political reasons. In this vein, he urged the commission to ensure the establishment and existence of such a public service by insulating it from political interference, as prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana. The Chairperson and Deputy-Chair will be selected by the commission. 

President Burnham laid foundation for economic independence President

President David Granger said the policies of Guyana’s first Prime Minister and Executive President, the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham has allowed for economic independence. Paying tribute to the late Executive President on his 33rd death anniversary at the Botanical Gardens, President Granger said the former leader encouraged self-reliance to stimulate economic independence and generate employment. The late President and Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was born on February 20, 1923. He served Guyana as the first Prime Minister from 1964 to 1980 and as first Executive President from 1980 to 1985. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., described him as "a colossus of a man”. 

Defence Force Islanders arrive

The Guyana Defence Force’s Air Corps added two Britten-Norman Islanders to its fleet. The aircraft arrived at Air Station London, Timehri to a water salute. Commander of the GDF’s Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Courtney Byrne explained to the Department of Public Information that the planes will be able to effectively perform 10 out of the 13 Air Corps tasks. Byrne said the aircraft are best suited for Guyana’s rough, mountainous terrain, high altitudes and short hinterland airstrips. Earlier this year, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had sought supplementary provision of $484Million in the National Assembly to procure two Islanders and two Sky vans. 

DeSinco donates hampers to Venezuelan migrants

ExxonMobil’s 3rd drillship headed to Guyana basin

Guyana to secure more than half of oil & gas benefits Prof. Thomas Professor Clive Thomas stressed the importance of Guyana’s relationship with ExxonMobil in the budding oil and gas industry. He was at the time making an address among two other panellists at the Buxton First of August Movement’s annual emancipation symposium at the Friendship Primary School. Professor Thomas said despite concerns about the contract signed between ExxonMobil and the government, Guyana is destined to reap more than half of the benefits. “… based on the contract that we do have; every single professional estimate that I have seen and the ones that are existing, estimate that Guyana will get more than half of the net cash flow from the sales of the oil. More than half the profits.” The professor added, “to get 50 percent of the take, while not sufficiently; everybody would like a hundred, but we cannot get it and also have Exxon. Exxon is there to protect us from losing out to Venezuela.”. 

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) received a donation of 50 food hampers from DeSinco Trading Limited, which will be transported to the 260 Venezuelan migrants, who are occupying areas in Barima-Waini (Region One).

The items were handed over at DeSinco’s headquarters in Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Director General of the Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, who received items on behalf of the CDC, expressed gratitude to the business organisation for their donation. Colonel Craig also used the opportunity to urge other organisations to come forward and contribute in whatever they can to the efforts to bring relief to the migrants. 

ExxonMobil has added a third drillship to its Guyana basin with the Noble Tom Madden to join the Stena Carron as the oil major ramps up exploration activities. The announcement came by way of Noble Corporation’s second quarter report which stated: “Following the close of the second quarter, the drillship Noble Tom Madden was awarded a contract for work offshore Guyana, which includes two firm wells, plus three optional wells. Re-activation of the rig from its warm stacked status has begun, with the contract expected to commence in October 2018.” The Noble Tom Madden is currently moored in an area in the Gulf of Mexico just south of New Orleans where rigs not in use are stored. 

INFOHUB RECAP - August 2 - 8

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Dr. Harold Davis Jr. is GuySuCo CEO

Chinoweing Village gets boat, engine

East Coast road project on schedule

Department of Public Information

XXIII

Contract inked for 12 new pumps

Dr. Harold Davis Jr. has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Minister of State, Joseph Harmon informed the media during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing that the executive’s appointment took effect from August 1. The appointment comes as the government continues efforts to return the industry to profitability following its restructuring. The GuySuco’s Board of Directors will be installed soon, Minister Harmon stated. 

Lindo Creek COI report handed over to the President

President David Granger has vowed to ensure that no efforts are spared by the Government to expose the intellectual authors and the perpetrators of the deadly violence during the period of the “Troubles” as he noted that the truth must be determined to reinforce regard for the sanctity of life, respect for the Constitution and law and the restoration of public trust in those entrusted with upholding the law. Speaking at the presentation of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of eight miners at Lindo Creek on or around the 21st June 2008, the Head of State said that the ‘Troubles’ will be remembered for a spate of uninvestigated massacres. He therefore noted that the Government is determined to ensure that, as far as humanly possible, the truth about the ‘Troubles’ is uncovered. Meanwhile, Commissioner of the COI, Justice Donald Trotman, in his brief remarks, said that despite several challenges and constraints, the team tried as best as possible to ensure that they could be faithful to the requirements of the terms of reference, to achieve the objectives and to obey the mandate of the Inquiry.

He also commended President Granger for his efforts to find the truth and bring justice to the families. 

@dpiguyana

The “Five Bs” initiative began some three years ago, and since then, President David Granger has donated 27 buses and 14 boats to aid the transportation of school children across Guyana.

These donations were all made possible through contributions from private and business persons, but President Granger said, that the objective of allowing every child to school remains the same. The Head of State was handing over a new $1.3Million boat and engine to the Village of Chinoweng in Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni. He said so far, the programme has acquired 27 buses and 14 boats which he noted, will help children attend school free of charge. He reminded that in communities that have roads, children are given bicycles. 

Tax Amendment Bill passed The Tax Amendment Bill 2018 was passed in the National Assembly. It was laid by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. It seeks to allow the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to help small businesses to start operations pending the granting of building, fire and other permits to formalise their businesses. The Bill amends section 71 of the Tax Act to include a provision for the issuance of a provisional license for business premises. Businesspersons, however, must be able to show that the application for the license is in the process and all efforts are being made to satisfy the requirements. 

GLDA on High alert for vesicular disease The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) is on high alert for foot and mouth and other vesicular diseases following confirmed cases in Venezuela. Head of GLDA’s Animal Health Unit, Dr. Colbert Bowen says following confirmation of the disease presence the by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Authority has dispatched a team to Region One, Guyana’s closest border region with Venezuela, to prevent the importation of animals and animal products, which aid in the transmission of the disease. “We have sent in a few officers there led by one of our veterinarians and they are presently on the ground in Region One, specifically in the Mabaruma because of the influx and movement of people from Venezuela,” Dr. Bowen said. 

The Multi-Billion-dollar East Coast of Demerara road widening, and improvement project remains on schedule for the September 2019 deadline. The extending of the four-lane section from Better Hope to Annandale is now 60 percent completed. Technical Services Manager at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Nigel Erskine informed the Department of Public Information that the plan is to complete the four-lane section by the end of the year and proceed with the upgrade of the two lanes from Annandale to Bellfield subsequently. 

Mahdia township closer to realisation Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan said the government is at an advanced stage in its quest to have Mahdia in Region Eight, Potaro-Siparuni become Guyana’s tenth town, joining the three that were named back in 2015. The minister told the Department of Public Information recently that the government is ready to move ahead with the process which was halted for some time.

Mahdia was among a list of communities identified by President David Granger in 2015 to be commissioned to towns. The other three, Bartica, Lethem, and Mabaruma have already been up and running, however, Mahdia has been having some delays due to issues with internal boundaries.

“We are at an advanced stage of resolving that matter and the last remaining issue was that while we have arrived at the external boundaries of what will become the municipality of Mahdia, it encompasses two Amerindian villages; Campbelltown and Micobie," Minister Bulkan said. . 

Digital crime mapping soon for Region Four A sixteen-million-dollar (US$78,750) contract for the creation of a digital map of all the crime hotspots in Region Four, Demerara-Mahaica was given the go-ahead by Cabinet. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon informed the media, that the contract was awarded by the Ministry of Public Security to the Consultant, Valerie Grant. At the post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, the minister said, “this crime mapping consultancy will depict spatial depictions of crimes in Region Four.” He said, the project will allow, “Guyanese citizens will be able to see a digital map that depicts where crimes are occurring based on crime data.” The initiative, similar to services provided in other countries will assist persons to avoid becoming victims of criminal activity. 

Government’s determined efforts to ensure Guyana’s drainage capacity improves was this morning amplified as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed a US$3,602,014 contract to have 12 new pumps supplied within the next twelve months. The agreement was inked during a simple ceremony in the Ministry of Agriculture Main boardroom between the Authority and Apollo International Limited (AIL), an Indian company engaged in providing latest technology driven products & equipment to developing countries. With the installation of the high capacity fixed and mobile drainage and irrigation pumps, 37,780 acres of farm and residential lands in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six are set to benefit. 

Regional tourism projects showcased

Representatives from across Guyana presented their flagship tourism projects to stakeholders and government agencies at the Regency Hotel, which was held with the aim of regional tourism stakeholders soliciting support to advance and develop their projects. Explaining the reason behind the flagship project, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Donald Sinclair said: “There are expatriates in this country who fly out to sister Caribbean islands for their weekend vacations; if we do not create safe and attractive experiences for this market that outbound tourism trend will only intensify.”. 

JSL trains six to become roustabouts Six Guyanese working onboard the Noble Bob Douglas are being trained in rigging and slinging for potential promotion from utility hands to the position of roustabouts. JSL International facilitated in-house training for the staff. Corporate Communications Advisor, Renatha Khan, told the Department of Public Information the training exercise focus on the current use and safety of rigging and slinging. It is a requirement for working offshore, Khan explained. 

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

FILES E S A C COURT

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

XXV

Appellate Court allowed appeal of convicted wounding accused

New trial ordered for Frank Sookram BECAUSE a trial judge had misunderstood the defence in a case of wounding with intent, in 1971, he misdirected the jury, who as a consequence, found the accused Frank Sookram, guilty.

Sookram, who had led a defence of self-defence, appealed.

After hearing the appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal, by a majority judgment, set aside the conviction and sentence, but ordered a new trial in the interest of justice.

The appellant was charged with wounding with intent. The substance of his defence was that he was attacked with a knife by the virtual complainant (VC) and that he barred the blows which were being aimed at him with a cutlass, as he was unable to run away.

The trial judge in summing up to the jury, dealt with the defence on two bases, viz, firstly that the appellant was not admitting to inflicting the wounds, and, secondly, that he wounded, but in self-defence. In dealing with self-defence, the judge left it to the jury to find whether that defence arose.

The Guyana Court of Appeal, constituted by Chancellor E. V. Luckhoo and Justices of Appeal Guya Persaud and Victor Crane, (with Justice Persaud dissenting) held: (i) that the judge had misunderstood the defence, and that the only defence raised was self-defence; (ii) that whether there is sufficient evidence to support an issue of self-defence is within the province of the judge to decide, and not for the jury; but it is for the jury

to decide whether the accused acted in self-defence.

Twenty-two (22) cases were referred to by the Court of Appeal during the hearing.

At the hearing, Mr. C. Lloyd Luckhoo, S. C., appeared for the appellant while Mr. W. G. Persaud, appeared for the State.

Chancellor Luckhoo delivered the main judgment. He said that the appellant stood his trial for the felony of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Chatarpaul Panchu, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure, or disable him on November 10, 1970 for which he was liable to penal servitude for life, and to whipping or flogging ( Section 57 (a) of Chapter 10 [G.] ) There was no count for the misdemeanour of unlawfully and maliciously wounding, for which on conviction the punishment was no greater than a sentence of five years (s. 50 of Cap. [G.D. But according to accepted practice, where the facts so permit, a jury is allowed to consider the alternative of convicting for the lesser offence of unlawful wounding, on the basis that: Every count shall be deemed divisible; and if the commission of the offence charged as is described in the enactment creating the offence, or as charged in the count, includes the commission of any other offence, the accused person may be convicted of any offence so included which is proved, although the whole offence charged is not proved, or he may be convicted of an attempt to any offence so included…”

(s.1o2 Cap. 11 [G]) The Chancellor went on to explain that the appellant and the injured man Panchu were not on speaking terms because of some family dispute about lands. They came into conflict with each other on the day in question when apparently no one was around, as a result of which Panchu suffered the following injuries: (i) A lacerated wound about two inches long on the front portion of the scalp. (ii) A lacerated wound two inches long over the right elbow region. (iii) A lacerated wound across the right palm about three inches long with nearly amputated third, fourth and fifth right fin-

gers. (iv) A

By George Barclay lacera t e d wound about two inches long over the right axillary region, left arm and left forearm.

These injuries could have caused disability and disfigurement and were thought by the medical officer to be dangerous to life because, of the severe bleeding at the time.

For the prosecution, the injured man Panchu gave this account: Turn to page XXX ►►►

XXVI

New lease on life I THINK we all take life for granted sometimes. Waking up every day is an honour and a privilege and we must be thankful. Every day I am appreciating life even more and it was not from a near death experience or some tragedy. I look forward to inspiring myself and others every day. The mind is such a powerful thing and we don’t maximise its potential. Many of you may be familiar with the power of thought. We are what we think and we sometimes attract what we don’t want. For example, if we desire something but think it will never happen, if that is the way we think

then IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. We have to condition our minds to be no limit people and understand everything that comes our way as an opportunity. Your circumstances have very little to do with your fulfilment in life. It is the way you react to them. No limit, people! Celebrate the mountain and the valleys. How people treat you is their Karma and how you react is yours.

I have heard surgeons saying they prefer to operate on patients who believe they will have a successful operation.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion Recently some friends invited me to their home to catch up because we have not connected in a while. They were very interested in my just concluded book tour and my journey. Another guest joined us after half an hour.

It was someone I heard of but never met. He was very upbeat and full of life but yet humble. The couple was genuinely elated that he joined us and I kept saying to him how proud they are of him. Very soon I realised that he was living his best life because he has a new lease on life. I was anxious to hear the whole story so I was excited when he started to share his journey. A few years ago he had three heart attacks in a short space of time and a stroke a week later. ISN’T THAT SOMETHING? I had many questions for him. He was in a hospital for two years and that is a lot of time for reflection when you regain consciousness. The guy suffered major memory loss and had to learn how to talk, walk and to do other functions again. He still has a little difficulty sometimes when he speaks but his surviving is what mattered. He said some days it was absolutely horrible to be alive and he wanted to die.

His resilient nature, close family members and friends’ full support made his recovery possible.

He is well travelled and enjoyed what he regarded as the finer things in life. He said looking back now those things don’t matter. He looks forward to constantly going to mass and straightening his faith. He enjoys praying vacations with the monks and enjoying the simple things.

He told me if I knew him then it was someone with a different attitude but the last few years have been so humbling. He shared some of the simple things he enjoys now that he never noticed before. He has a testimony that may even be converted to a best seller one day.

I do believe that God has extraordinary plans for his life and he agreed. Achieving inner peace is not always easy but it is priceless. I have been working on my inner peace and loving the journey.

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savoured.” Earl Nightingale Send us an email beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and check of FB page Share with us something that caused you to have a mindset shift as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

XXVII

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Netflix’s “Mindhunter” NETFLIX has truly revolutionised our lives, introducing a myriad of new shows and movies in an accessible way that has truly changed the way we incorporate entertainment into our lives. The good thing about the service – at least to me – is the way in which I can compile excessive lists of everything I want to watch and then in my rare moments of free time, I can always go find something on my list on Netflix and have a good binge before I return to the intricacies of work and family and general phase of life known as just existing in society.

A show that was on my list since last year that I only recently got around to seeing is “Min0dhunter.” It is set in the 1970s and focuses on the realm of the FBI, specifically areas of criminal psychology and criminal profiling, which are being developed by agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), and psychologist

Dr. Wendy Carr. In their work, they interview various serial killers, acquiring data and analysing them in order to be able to create a body of information that can assist them in solving cases that occur as they are conducting the study.

“Mindhunter” is different from many other detective shows in the way it does not focus excessively on the victims and the gruesome murders only, but also the killers themselves.

The world has a fascination with serial killers. We want to know why they do what they do. We want to know how anyone can bring themselves to commit such terrible acts of depravity. We want to resist the ‘human’ aspect of their being and the truth that a lot of their triggers and psychological inadequacies stem from human behaviour (narcissism, lust, etc.) that are present in us all, as well human atrocities (abuse, isolation, deprivation, etc.) that has resulted in them becoming the way they are. “Mindhunter” taps into our need for

more information about serial killers, while at the time both repulses and intrigues us by showing the relationship between so-called ‘normal’ human beings and the abnormal human beings who become serial killers.

Another interesting thing about the show is the presentation of the interviews with real-life serial killers. These instances are particularly creepy, so much so that “Mindhunter” might be the scariest non-horror television show I know of. The agents’ discussions with the killer, Edmund Kemper (Cameron Britton in an eerie performance), for example, presents one of history’s most notorious criminals in our beds with us as we lay transfixed on our computer screens as the man responsible for the death of so many women, including his own mother, cheerfully discusses his crimes with the agents. The effect of the whole thing is terrifying and disturbing, disgusting even and yet the emphasis on Kemper’s ability to project himself as normal and, sometimes – dare I say – even likeable, understandable, results in the audience feeling inexplicably drawn to the horror of the whole situation, in the same way people slow down when driving past an accident on the road or the way people flock to a crime scene to stare at a corpse. Kemper is only one of several killers who make an appearance in the series. Other notable criminals who turn up include Jerry Brudos (the killer with the shoe fetish), and Richard Speck (the mass murderer, notorious for killing a houseful of nurses). Each killer

brings gloom and darkness to the screen, and because of this, “Mindhunter” exists as one of the darkest television shows I have seen, giving us the creeps not only in its representation of the killers, but in its representation of a tense, pervasive atmosphere that filters through every scene, and also in the show’s representation of human emotion, with anger, sorrow, love, jealousy, and fear all coming across even in the mundane, everyday activities of the characters in such a heavy manner that the connections between the effects of the serial killers on the agents become even more profound in the way the dread and tension that is associated with them enters the room where Tench is talking to his wife or follows Dr. Carr down into her basement as she is doing her laundry.

The cast is in fine form, and even though the killers may be the most captivating to watch, the main cast also has their own skills and attraction. Jonathan Groff is a hero who somehow manages to be both annoying in his brilliance and yet immensely likeable in the way he tries to always help people. McCanally forms a great foil for him, and Torv excels as the closeted psychologist working with the group of men.

For people who love horror, thrillers, detective shows, or anything that has to do with serial killers, “Mindhunter” is a mind-bogglingly good show with tons of creep factor that mixes well with the history and crime genres.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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XXX ◄◄◄ From page XXV

“I saw the accused walking coming towards me; he was about five rods from me. When we were about four feet apart he brought his hand forward. He had a cutlass and he said he would chop off my neck. He had the cutlass in his right hand. He made a chop at me and I raised my left hand which had a hand bag. The hand-bag was chopped off and fell to the ground. He made a second chop and I received a blow on my left elbow region. He made a third chop and I received a wound on my left upper arm. I then rushed into him and the two of us fell into the trench. I fell inside the trench and I braced a little on the road. The accused then chopped me on my head and I became unconscious.

“When I regained consciousness, the

accused brother spoke to me. I then walked out of the trench and I went and sat under a sapodilla tree. When I regained consciousness I found I had other wounds including one at the back of my right elbow, right hand, upper left shoulder and one under my left arm. I received two wounds before I fell inside the trench.”

Continuing his judgment, the Chancellor explained that Panchu denied such suggestions as that he was the aggressor and that he was armed with an Eddie Polo knife with which he had attacked the appellant.

At the close of the case for the prosecution, therefore, a case of wounding with intent was made out and the trial judge’s direction on the effect of Panchu’s evidence could not be seriously questioned.

The Chancellor said that he was there-

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

fore constrained to the firm view that the trial judge misdirected the jury when he left it for them to decide as a preliminary question, of whether self-defence arose as an issue.

According to him, there should have been a ruling: (i) that self-defence was an issue which was fit for consideration; (ii) that self-defence was an issue which was fit for consideration; (ii) that it was for the jury to decide from the evidence on the whole case (and not from the defence only) – (a) whether the accused inflicted the injuries, and, if so, (b) whether it was in self-defence.

Chancellor Luckhoo added, “ In conclusion, I would say this: that the case for the defence was not properly put in matters which were essential to a fair assessment

of the issues. In view of the serious omissions and express misdirection, it would be impossible to say whether a reasonable jury properly directed would have inevitably come to the same conclusion, as that would depend so much on how they weighed the evidence, etc. The summing-up was of such a character as to deprive the appellant of the substance of fair trial for reasons already. An opportunity should be given to have the case properly put to the jury.

“I would, therefore, propose that the conviction and sentence be set aside, and that a new trial be ordered in order to allow the defence to be put in its proper perspective, and to give the jury an opportunity of assessing what arises naturally therefrom.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

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Standard dental practice FOR decades, the major emphasis in dentistry has been on the avoidance of dental caries. Now dental professionals are realising they need to focus on preventative maintenance of gum disease as well. The techniques exist to eliminate virtually all local factors (plaque and calculus) responsible for gum disease. Therefore, it is not only prudent but crucial for countries like Guyana, whose foreign exchange earnings are inherently linked to national development, to emphasise prevention of oral diseases.

Good oral health requires a team effort between yourself, your dentist and his staff. In order for it to be successful, you must realise that only you can make the effort a success. The outcome will depend on how well you clean your teeth and gingiva (gums) each day. A healthy diet is also important.

Home care involves the use of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss . Good home care is the backbone of preventing dental disease. One should never forget this statement because it is an important tenet. Brushing and flossing are the two primary methods of providing good home care for you and your children. Brushing with an approved toothpaste can be of significant value when used in a conscientiously applied programme of oral hygiene. The “programme” is one you must orchestrate in conjunction with your dentist.

Your dentist should provide you with regular dental check-ups (taking X rays when necessary ) to detect decay and periodontal disease. That is why, in this author’s dental clinic, check-ups are free after the patient’s first visit. If there are any weak points in your home care, your dentist can intervene and correct the situation before it gets to a point of urgency. His intervention involves recognising and treating problems that you are not trained to see. He or she provides a thorough cleaning of your teeth on a regular basis to prevent periodontal disease. Often, pit-and-fissue sealants are placed on children’s teeth to help prevent decay. In conjunction with this care, the dentist or one of his staff members will provide you with instructions on how to foster your home care. Once you begin active home care, the staff will serve as a resource for you if you have questions or problems.

In general, dental examinations are usually done every six to 12 months. Some dentists determine this based on your DMF index – a way of counting how many of your teeth are decayed (D), missing (M), or filled (F). It also depends on how quickly you build up calculus (tartar).

Studies show that there are two myths that commonly lead to a lapse in home care. Patients who have been successful in reversing a periodontal problem with a preventative-care programme sometimes believe that some permanent immunity has been created. In addition, some patients who have completed periodontal therapy may feel they have been ‘cured’ with no possibility for recurrence. Both of these beliefs are false.

When dental professionals focus on prevention, it allows periodontal disease to be intercepted with relatively simple procedures. This reduces the need for complicated treatment options caused by delayed diagnosis.

Today, preventative dentistry is considered a standard of dental practice. It is the primary way to ensure that good dental health and quality care are maintained over a lifetime.

If preventative education is minimised or omitted, most dental professionals would consider this substandard care. A healthy mouth projects an attractive smile that is noticed by all. A person who takes care of his teeth and gums reflects a person who values himself or herself.

Your eating patterns and food choices are important factors in helping to reduce caries (decay) in your teeth. The reason is that everything you eat passes through your mouth.

When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches), the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can destroy tooth enamel. After repeated attacks, the tooth enamel begins to break down, forming a cavity.

It is important to remember that the acids in foods that contain carbs attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat. The more often you eat foods such as

hard candies, breath mints, or cough drops, all of which stay in the mouth for extended periods of time. Foods that contain carbs are less harmful if they are eaten with a meal because the saliva production is increased at this time. Saliva helps to rinse food from the mouth. In the final analysis, oral health depends on the effective control of dental plaque.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

IN MANY parts of the world, the indigenous peoples are seen as a very vulnerable and marginalised group. More often than not their rights were trampled and they had little or no inputs into the developmental process. However, the United Nations have recognised the need for inclusivity of indigenous populations and protection of their rights.

To this end, the United Nations Assembly in 1994 designated August 9th each year, as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “Indigenous peoples’ migration and movement”. Movement of indigenous people has been associated with the loss of traditional lands or restricted access to resources due to development and other pressures. Many therefore migrate to urban areas in search of a better life including access to education and employment. The disadvantage of such migration though is associated with loss of traditional customs and practices (knowledge). During this year’s observance focus will be placed on exploring the challenges and way forward to revitalise indigenous peoples’ identities and encourage the protection of their rights in or outside their traditional lands.

Did you know? There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries.

They make up less than five per cent of the world’s population but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. [Source: United Nations] RECOGNISING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN GUYANA As global issues of biodiversity conservation increase due to habitat destruction, climate change and increased demand on resources due to human population growth, there is a need for more acknowledgement and recognition of the sustainable way of life of indigenous peoples. For hundreds of years, many traditional customs and practices have innately promoted the wise use of rainforest and freshwater resources. As avid hunters and gatherers, they have proven themselves to be most knowledgeable of the natural world. Traditional hunting and fishing methods continue to be used to this day which clearly supports sustainable-use and conservation efforts in stark comparison to the conservation impacts of present-day methods involving the use of high-powered firearms and fishing seines for example.

Today, while many indigenous communities have adapted and incorporated some of these methods for hunting and fishing, the principle of sustainable and wise use of resources remains at the forefront. However, due to a lack of job opportunities, the threat of over-exploitation and overharvesting of resources is becoming a challenge.

SUCCESS STORIES IN GUYANA Here in Guyana, there are some success stories to be proud of. The people of the Rupununi, predominantly the Makushi and the Wapishana indigenous nations, have stood firm in promoting their traditional customs at the village level. They have been strongly engaged by the government and non-governmental agencies in conservation efforts. Not surprisingly, our indigenous peoples of the Rupununi are closely associated with the successful management and protection of the Iwokrama Rainforest and the Kanuku Mountains. Also, in the Deep South Rupununi, the Wai Wai nation of Konashen is the first ‘community-owned’ Conservation Area - an official Protected Area under the Protected Areas Act of 2011, in Guyana.

The Shell Beach Protected Area in the North-West District in Region One of Guyana has strong ties too with the indigenous communities present there - the Arawak, the Carib and Turn to page XXXIII ►►►

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the Warrau nations. Their traditional way of life continues to support the protection of this region’s unique ecosystems and the diverse biodiversity which they support.

Indeed, the importance of recognising, respecting and better engaging the indigenous peoples of our country is vital in our quest for a sustainable development.

ADDRESSING UNDERLYING CHALLENGES The United Nations states that “Indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years, yet throughout history their rights have always been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.”

With that in mind, and acknowledging that Guyana too needs to take more steps to recognise and respect the rights of our indigenous peoples, several actions have been taken in this direction. The government has several projects that clearly seek to advance issues such as lack of youth employment - through their Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme; access to education - through the hot-meal projects and hinterland scholarship programme; and access to traditional lands - through the Amerindian Land Titling Project to name a few.

From a biodiversity conservation lens, Guyana’s obligations to the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) includes working towards achieving several Aichi Targets, one of which speaks specifically to indigenous peoples and more specifically the preservation of their traditional knowledge.

Aichi Target 18 states that 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.

With this target in mind, a Darwin Project (UK-funded) entitled ‘Integrating Traditional Knowledge into National Policy and Practice’ is underway and seeks to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Protected Areas Commission and local Indigenous NGOs such as the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), the Kanuku Mountains Communities Representative Group (KMCRG) and the South Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA).

The project aims to provide policy-level guidance, capacity development and research-led experience for the incorporation of traditional knowledge into local biodiversity conservation decision-making, monitoring and policy development.

The project thus has been targeting communities associated with the established Protected Areas in Guyana.

Recognising the challenge of the lack of indigenous community members’ input in decision-making, a communication approach of participatory video dialogue is being trialled. The participatory video involves community members sharing their views and opinion as it relates to issues that affect them and providing recommendations to relevant stakeholders without those stakeholders even coming to them. This is one capacity building activity that the project has begun to engage Indigenous communities being worked with.

To learn more about this project, please visit our website at http://projectcobra.org/cobra-project/traditional-knowledge-and-conservation-in-guyana/ and follow us on Facebook at Project COBRA. As we join the world in observing the International Day of World Indigenous Peoples, consider the uniqueness of each of Guyana’s peoples. In doing so, let us acknowledge and respect the role of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples in maintaining the natural beauty and protecting our country’s unique and diverse biodiversity and ecosystems.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, There are three basic methods of taking notes: detailed, outline, and mindmaps. Detailed notes are time consuming and not too effective as a learning tool. Outline notes are a more selective approach which requires concentration upon key issues and important points; an exercise which helps make information memorable and digestible for examination purposes.

The hierarchy of ideas approach combined with verbal and visual signposts can help you select key points to compile mind maps. Be wise.

Love you THE PASSAGE The throw-away spirit or the spirit of wastefulness has become part of the American life and consumption only keeps rising. Besides, according to the economists, we depend so much upon this wasting and buying that people will probably be encouraged to consume even more in the years to come if the U.S. economy is to prosper.

In other words, these marketing experts say that “the average citizen will have to step up his buying by nearly fifty per cent in the next dozen years, or the economy will sicken.” This means that the producer of household commodities, i.e. a television manufacturer, will have to find new means of making further sales since nine out of ten American homes nowadays have one television set. He could, for instance, launch a campaign to induce people to have a second TV set – or one for each member of the

If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR (1564-1616) Henry IV, Part 1.

family – or he could produce a TV set so sophisticated that people would wish to replace their old set.

(From Vance Packard: The Waste Makers (Pelican, 1961)) Something to Do The writer’s style includes using general words to cover more specific ones. a) In the text, the writer uses the less general term “marketing expert.” Tell what word the writer uses before in the passage that directly relates to “marketing expert”?

Respond in this way: ………………. → marketing expert. b) Complete this other relationship: producer of household commodities → …………………..

IMPROVING WRITING It is the precise use of time adverbs, the system of reference, and the chronological sequence of events which help you, the writer, to make a text coherent.

I. To help you with this, a simple exercise is given which contains a jumble of two different stories. Separate the sentences belonging to story 1 from those belonging to story 2 and then reorder the sentences to get two meaningful stories. a) His friend was upset and told him to hurry up. b) “When I make out my report it will be easier to write ‘King Street’ as the place of occurrence.” c) “Whatever are you doing that for?” asked a bystander. d) Two burglars broke into a bank. e) He replied: “Don’t worry. It will take a bit longer, but we’ll drive the fingerprint department crazy.” f) The policeman replied with a knowing look: g) One went up to the safe, took off his shoes and socks and started moving the combinations with his toes. h) A horse had dropped dead in a street named Nebuchadnezzar Street and a policeman was laboriously bragging it around the corner into the next street.

Story 1: ……………………………. Story 2: ……………………………..

II. There is disorder of steps in the text below, this time a recipe for sherry trifle. Can you reorder the instructions?

Serves 8 Time taken: 45 minutes Chill for several hours.

Ingredients 6 trifle sponge cakes 100 g ratafias Raspberry jam 1½ dl sweet sherry For the custard: 6 egg yolks 50 g castor sugar a few drops of vanilla essence 3½ tsp flour toasted flaked almonds ½ l cream a) Draw off the heat, add the vanilla essence and allow to cool for a few moments. b) Split the sponge cakes and spread with jam. c) Separate the egg yolks into a basin. Add the sugar and cornflour. Mix the ingredients. d) Pour over the soaked sponge cakes and leave until cold. Chill for several hours. Then sprinkle with the toasted flaked almonds just before serving. e) Cut in pieces and place them in a large dish. Add the ratafias and pour over the sherry. f) Heat the cream in a saucepan until very hot, then draw off the heat and gradually stir into the egg mixture. Mix well and put the custard into the saucepan. Put over low heat and stir until it thickens. Do not let it boil. g) Set aside for 30 minutes while preparing the custard.

THE PASSAGE Use the short passage given last week to follow steps in précis work.

In this week – Step 1: Make a skeleton of the passage: Main point1: Henry Ford … means of transport; he not an inventor nor contributor to anything scientific.

Main point 2: … genius … knows principles of mass production … cars. …. transformed … sport and pleasure of the few … useful vehicle for the many.

Main point 3: He decided that cars must be tough enough, cheap enough; spare parts … widely available … easily fitted ….

Main point 4: These aims were realised …first undertaken.

(To continue in next issue.)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS: Simple or compound sentences with subject and predicate italicised: 1. Over the holidays, Simona and Jeffrey learn swimming, playing the organ, or making cheese cake. (Simple sentence) 2. Never before had we played golf, and never before had we suffered such embarrassment. (Compound sentence) 3. The laptop computer sat there before Frank, but his mind was a blank sheet. (Compound sentence) 4. The sunset painted the white clouds in the west and north with shimmering vermillion colours. (Simple sentence) 5. Foreigners shopped with frantic eagerness; some became considerate, but others kept their self-possession. (Compound sentence) 6. Sydney loves fish; Vera prefers chicken. (Compound sentence)

Chronicle Pepperpot August 12, 2018

Guava Cream Ingredients

2 Heat 1/2 pt of milk. Drop egg white mixture by desstewed guava or other fruit sertspoonfuls into heated 4 eggs milk and allow to cook until 2 oz caster sugar firm. Remove meringue and 1 pt milk set aside. sugar to taste 3 Use remaining milk to make 1 tin cream or milk custard using 2 egg yolks and 2 tbsp liqueur 2 whole eggs.

Cook very carefully. Do not Method allow to boil as this will cause 1 Separate 2 of the eggs. Beat curdling. As the egg whites with caster soon as mixture thickens, sugar until thick remove from heat and pour and standing in peaks. immediately into a cold

bowl. Add sugar to taste, with cream and half the liqueur.

4 Arrange guavas sprinkled with remaining liqueur and meringues in the bottom or of a glass bowl. Pour in custard. Refrigerate for about 3 hours.

5 Decorate before serving.

Serves 4-6

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