See inside:
Celebrating freedom in 2017
► Centre page
Showcasing the best of
Guyana ► Page
III
Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S. talks Guyanese culture, Diaspora relations
Caribbean delegations hyped for showcase at
CARIFESTA XIII ► Page
XXXIII
– Barbadian organisers promise cultural explosion
A prison in the centre of Georgetown ► Page
II
– issues and events that plagued the Camp Street Prison for decades
II
Editor’s note The last week was, to say the least, eventful, given the tragic fire that flattened the Camp Street Prison and the ensuing events that occurred as a result. Naturally, given past scars, the nation waited with bated breath over the past few days for further updates, hoping that they would soon be able to return to some semblance of normalcy. Even as these
events have, undoubtedly shaken us up as a nation, we must endure and move past it. This week's Pepperpot takes time to reflect a bit on some of the woes of the Camp Street Prison, but balances it with other uplifting stories in an aim to help us to move past our scares as we allow our scars to heal. We continue with some insight into CARIFESTA, and we begin to
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017 focus on preparations that are in place for Emancipation. We also share some wise words from a Career Diplomat who speaks about the importance of showcasing Guyanese culture. It is hoped that these upcoming occasions will aid in helping us to remain positive, as we focus on history and culture and all the things that provide us with spiritual wealth. Life may not always be easy, but it comes equipped with distractions that help us to cope. With this, I hope that you have a positive week ahead.
A prison in the centre of Georgetown – issues and events that plagued the Camp Street Prison for decades By Ravena Gildharie THE recent riot, jail break and fire that ravished the Camp Street Prison has created great unease, but as events continue to unravel, there are more questions than answers, not only with regard to last Sunday’s dreadful occurrences, but decade-old issues that plagued the correctional facility. Overcrowding, poor conditions for prisoners and staff, minimal scope for rehabilitation, corruption among some prison service officers and collusion with inmates, and the hefty financial burden on taxpayers were long identified and recognised by various leaders, political and governing administrators and other stakeholders with power to implement the necessary change. A 2001 report on prison reform by a British team outlined these problems along with inadequate alternatives to incarceration that ultimately contributed to the overcrowding. There have been many other such inquiries and reviews over the years, with similar findings and recommendations. But have any of these been applied? Former Prisons Director Dale Erskine, recently acknowledged that everyone had been aware of the vulnerability and the toxicity of the Georgetown Prison. He said though that administrators “planned tirelessly institutionally, as well as at the Joint Services’ level to prevent this from occurring over the past decades.” Erskine made the comment via his personal Facebook page. “As prison administrators and prison officers, we always fear the outcome of a total conflagration at the Georgetown Prison considering the old wooden buildings and the overpopulation at the prison, knowing how devastating it will be to officers, inmates and ultimately the State,” he indicated. He said officers went to work daily with a feeling that it could be their last, “considering the overpopulation, poor security design of most prison buildings, a high number of dangerous, violent, in- disciplined and angry prisoners, inadequate and poorly trained staff as well as a number of corrupt/unprofessional staff.” These factors combined, Erskine said, were highly explosive and officers tried their best to keep it from exploding on a daily basis. Looking ahead, the former prisons administrator urged: “Important now, is not to expend too much energies on finding faults as to how this inevitable situation occurred, considering the ever-present vulnerabilities within the prison system, but finding solutions to this crisis.” Erskine emphasised that “judicious, hard and endurable decisions have to be made swiftly to ensure that the new prison infrastructure is designed in such a manner,as to diminish the will of prisoners to break out.” LESSONS FROM PREVIOUS INCIDENTS In 2016, Erskine was part of the Justice James Patterson-led Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 3, 2016 deadly inferno which claimed the lives of 17 inmates at Camp
Street. The fire was reportedly set by the prisoners in protest against what they felt was excessive length of time on remand while awaiting trial. Upon receipt of the CoI Report in June 2016, President David Granger pledged his administration’s commitment to tackle the weaknesses and challenges in the country’s century-old prison system. He was quoted as saying, “We have to understand that we inherited a prison system and the three main prisons were built during the reign of Queen Victoria…the prison population…has outgrown the infrastructure…So, we are aware that something must be done and before we take action, we had to find out what the conditions were at the Georgetown Prison, because it is at the heart of the city and there are schools, there are people, there are business places, and we want to ensure that there’s never a threat to human safety ever again.”
Now, as authorities scamper to recapture the escapees from this latest breakout, and temporarily accommodate the hundreds still in custody and displaced by the fire, discussion hovers over the prison’s re-establishment at the Camp Street location. The penal facility dates back to the colonial era and became enclosed by a busy residential hub as Georgetown transitioned. At the site last week, President Granger said his government does not intend to rebuild the Georgetown Prison as it was previously configured. He assured of measures to strengthen the prison system to guard against such disturbances that have rocked the nation at Camp Street over the years. Though there would be a facility at the location, he said the government plans to relocate the correctional facility outside of the city’s centre. Back in 2004, then, Colonel Granger was part of a Disciplined Forces Commission that conducted a public inquiry of the prison service. Led by then Appeal Court Judge Ian Chang, the commission made 28 recommendations for improvements to the prisons, increased staff and improved capacity of Mazaruni to deal with dangerous prisoners and others. A previous 2002 Cecil Kennard-led CoI into the February 23, 2002 jailbreak concluded that it would not have
occurred if the prisoners had been transferred to Mazaruni. In the ‘2002 Mash Day Jailbreak,’ five prisoners shot and stabbed their way out of the Georgetown Prison, setting in train a sequence of dangerous events. The prisoners were Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Browne, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick. OVERCROWDING AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS In his testimony to the Chang inquiry, Erskine, who was then Prisons Director, told the commission that relocation of the Georgetown Prison was necessary. He even hinted to a possible site at Soesdyke to accommodate a new facility, and implored construction to be done in phases for the project to be more financially manageable. He dubbed the 2002 Jailbreak as a turning point that prompted the need for a holistic approach, involving not just equipment, but intelligence-gathering and an understanding of the environment. He had also stressed the need for more collaboration between the judiciary and the prison services to make the criminal justice system more efficient. There have been added calls over the years for the judiciary to consider alternative sentencing for minor offences. To address the overcrowding, prison and judicial authorities during this week assessed charges of many prisoners, and some 91 inmates imprisoned for non-violent crimes who were unable to post their bail previously, were sent on their own recognisance. According to reports, 50 prisoners who were charged for the possession of small amounts of marijuana qualified for bail and another 57 who were scheduled to be officially released within the month, were expected to be sent on early release by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. A United States Department of State Human Rights Report 2002, indicated that though then prison officials acknowledged that the Camp Street Prison was intended to hold 500 inmates, there were 815 prisoners at the time of the review. This was a decrease from between 900 to 1100 during 2000, the report stated. At last week’s incident, there were 1018 inmates at Camp Street with a large percentage charged with capital offences, including death-row convict Mark Royden Williams, who was sentenced for the Bartica Massacre and other murders. He reportedly orchestrated the recent fury. A section the 2015 U.S. State Department’s report also focused heavily on the prisons and culture of punishment in Guyana. It highlighted the mistreatment of inmates by some prison officials and stated too that while the prisons offered rehabilitation programmes focused on vocational training and education, such programmes did not adequately address the needs of prisoners with substance-abuse problems. “Overcrowding was in large part due to a backlog of pretrial detainees, who constituted approximately 11.3 percent of the total prison population,” the report stated.
Guyana
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Showcasing the best of
III
Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S. talks Guyanese culture, Diaspora relations
Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally
By Jasmaine Payne THE dynamism of Guyana’s rich culture is something that is often remarked about wherever we go and it is something that every Guyanese wears as a badge of pride and uniqueness, even after leaving home to settle elsewhere. It is that dynamism and uniqueness that Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally says, warrant that Guyana’s culture be showcased. The Ambassador has therefore said that, during his tenure, he will continue to ensure that this goal is achieved. “We may be a small country, but we are a proud people and we have a lot to be proud of and I want our embassy to be a place that people are proud to visit and also a place where we can put on display from time to time the things of which we are rightfully proud,” the Ambassador told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, D.C. Since the beginning of his tenure in September 2016, the Ambassador’s efforts to bring this goal to fruition has been seen in several activities which the embassy has since hosted and/or participated in. In February, the embassy opened its doors to members of the diplomatic community and the Guyanese diaspora through an exhibition held in honour of Guyana’s Republic Day. The exhibition featured the work of Guyanese artist Dudley Charles. “Dudley Charles is an icon with regard to his contribution to Guyanese art and culture. He holds
his own among the best of our artists and we were delighted to have him here to enhance our modest space with his dynamic and vibrant colours; his vigorous brushwork; his evocations of Guyanese myths and the Guyanese narrative and his own mystical grasp of our reality,” the Ambassador said. Later on, the embassy participated in the annual Embassy Adoption Programme (EAP), hosted by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts. The programme invites embassies to host children from various public schools to learn about the cultures of various countries. “We showed children of the Fifth and Sixth Grades parts of Guyana’s culture; our national anthem, where children sang it lustily; they did research on Guyana, we taught them about Guyana’s history and culture, our unique mix of people and we gave them Guyanese food,” the Ambassador said. “That was one of the highlights of the year so far because when you see children’s faces light up and their interest in a new country and their thirst for learning about a country, most of them have never heard of before and they delighted in what they heard about Guyana, that was particularly rewarding for all of us here at the embassy.” Along this thrust, the Ambassador expressed his intention to host similar events, including another exhibition, this time, with Guyanese artist Stanley Greaves. The artist intends to showcase his newest collection of sculptures titled ‘El Dorado’. The diplomat noted that the embassy’s intent to showcase Guyanese culture is a tenet that is encouraged by the Guyana Government. He recalled that during his visit to Guyana in April 2017, for the Heads of Missions Conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, encouraged the Heads to promote various types of engagements which would foster fruitful relations such as investment. “We talked about public diplomacy and of course cultural diplomacy and aspects of diplomacy that go beyond meetings and encounters with government officials and businessmen,” he said. “These are the opportunities to showcase the multifaceted country to which we belong and to give people a positive image of Guyana,
Ambassador Insanally interacts with students of the Brightwood Education Campus during the Embassy Adoption Programme
which would underlie any attempt to attract investment, to enhance our standing here in the U.S. and the wider world and which would actually make our own diaspora community proud of what we are doing as much as it would make Guyanese at home proud of what we are doing.” TAPPING INTO OUR DIASPORA On the note of investment, the Ambassador added that the Guyanese Diaspora is eager to aid in the development of their home country and that many of them already are. He stated, however, that the next step is to ensure that sufficient systems are in place, so that their investments can bear the most fruit. “The president has a vision for the development of Guyana. The president and government recognise the importance of employing the skills, expertise and even the financial resources of the Guyanese diaspora to help build the country, so when we make that call we have to ensure that we are also giving our diaspora the confidence that there are appropriate systems in place to facilitate the remigration of skills and resources even if we are not talking necessarily about the remigration of people,” he said. “But we are looking at reversing the brain drain-making it brain gain and building on that contribution. But I know the general desire to give back is strong, having spoken to many people of the diaspora and we can continue to work with them. It’s a partnership, but sometimes you need to create the enabling framework to make things flow a bit more easily.” He stated that the embassy works with many Guyanese organisations in various parts of the U.S., adding that these organisations are active in their support for their villages, schools, professional organisations and other worthy causes in Guyana. “People put a lot of effort into raising money to help worthy causes at home…they are giving back, they haven’t forgotten their roots, where they have come from; they haven’t forgotten Guyana. It is still very much in their hearts, in their prayers and they are supporting our development efforts at home,” he said. The Ambassador noted that he wishes to work closer with those organisations to develop a more systematic way of giving back to Guyana.
“As meaningful as their contribution is, we can try to add value to what they are doing. We want to have better systems in place to channel their energy and their resources into projects at home without seeking in any way to take over their work; without seeking to give the impression that we want to hijack their agenda… we simply want to work together to add value and deepen the linkages that already exist. Guyana has a lot of goodwill here and we need to make the most of it because they are our people,” he said. BRIDGING THE GAP But even as many Guyanese want to give back, the Ambassador stated that it is also important to help to foster deeper connections with Guyanese who desire to have a connection with their country. The large number of Guyanese living in the U.S. over several decades has spawned new generations of U.S.-born Guyanese who wish to be connected to their home, but are not. “We want to look into how we can build the connection with Guyana through the generations. We need to look into how we can tap into the good will to enhance the contributions and a lot of the voluntary work that people do. We want to encourage people to come back to invest in businesses if they have been successful here they can come back,” he said. Moreover, while it may not be realistic to expect those who come back to stay, having already settled for several years abroad, Ambassador Insanally said that they can invest their time and their skills into helping to train younger people in Guyana. “We have Guyanese who are professionals in a range of fields who can come back and help build capacity by spending some time in ministries, other agencies, NGOs or even in the private sector. Simply by spending time there and helping to mentor younger Guyanese, helping to develop their skills; helping to put systems in place, these things can then be sustained by people who are at home,” he said. With a new generation of trained individuals, the Ambassador believes that this could very well reduce the desire to leave their country and help to build it instead.
IV
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Judge Chung ruled Indian immigrant infant not liable in action for Breach of Promise DELIVERING judgment at an Infant Immigrant Breach of Promise of Marriage, 1968 Justice Arthur Chung dismissed the action and ruled that under the Labour Ordinance an infant immigrant is not liable for Breach of Promise.
The Judge was trying the matter of Shirley Kalicharan v. Ramdeen Thakurdeen. The facts of the case disclosed that the plaintiff and the defendant are both descendants of Indian immigrants. The former was twenty-two years old at
the date of the trial and the latter was born on January 4, 1949. The plaintiff claimed that on December 26, 1966 she and the defendant had agreed to marry, but that the latter repudiated that agreement on March 27, 1967. She also claimed that the day before i.e., March 26, he had seduced her. In the result she filed the present action claiming damages for breach of promise and seduction. Counsel for the defendant submitted in limine that neither action was maintainable. HELD: (i) As regards the action for seduction the person seduced could not institute proceedings; (ii) Although the Indian Labour Ordinance empowers the male and female descendants of an immigrant to marry after the ages of 15 and 14years , respectively, without parental consent, under the general law an infant would not ordinarily be liable for any breach of contract which had been entered into before attaining the age of 21, and, accordingly, the defendant would not be liable for a breach of the marriage agreement. Action dismissed Ashton Chase for the plaintiff. K. Zaman Ali for the defendant. Justice Arthur Chung: In the present case the plaintiff claims against the defendant:(a) Damages in excess of the sum $500.00 for the breach of promise to marry by the defendant to the plaintiff, made on December 26, 1966, the said breach being by repudiation by the defendant on March 27, 1967, at Stanleytown, West Bank, Demerara. (b) Further and in the alternative damages in excess of $500.00 for seduction of the plaintiff by the defendant on March 26, 1967 at Stanleytown, West Bank, Demerara, in Guyana. At the trial the following facts were agreed on:-1. The defendant was born on the 4th day of June, 1949, as per his birth certificate. The plaintiff is 22-years-old. 2. The defendant having courted the plaintiff from March, 1966, promised to marry her in June 1966, and again in December 1966, and in consideration therefor the plaintiff on both occasions agree to marry the defendant.
By George Barclay
3. Both the plaintiff and the defendant are Hindus and agreed to marry according to Hindu rites, to be followed by registration of the marriage. 4. The defendant subsequently repudiated both of the above promises and refused to marry the plaintiff. 5. The defendant lawfully married another woman in April 1967. 6. The grandparents of both the plaintiff and the defendant came from India to this country as immigrants under the immigration fund. 7. The defendant seduced the plaintiff in March. 1967. Counsel for the defendant submitted that on those facts the action should be dismissed since:(a) The defendant being an infant cannot be sued for breach of promise of marriage. (b) An action for seduction cannot be brought by the plaintiff. With regards to the claim for seduction counsel for the plaintiff agrees that no action is maintainable, but the court can take into account the fact that the plaintiff was seduced when awarding damages to the claim for breach of promise of marriage. As to the claim for breach of promise of marriage, he submits that the plaintiff becomes sui juris at the age of 15 years under the Indian Labour Ordinance, Cap. 104. In other words, he can marry after attaining the age of 16. He states that under s.3 of the Marriage Ordinance ,Cap. 164 consent of the parents is necessary if the party is under twenty-one years of age , but in the present case the parties are immigrants and agreed to marry according to Hindu rites to be followed by registration of the marriage. Under ss.137 and 138 the defendant has the capacity to marry without the consent of his parents. In those circumstances he should be treated as an adult and therefore can be sued on an action for breach of promise of marriage, Justice Chung said After referring to the number of years when an immigrant is regarded as an infant Justice Chung added, “In the circumstances, I am of the opinion that the Indian Labour Ordinance was passed for the benefit of immigrants and does not impose a liability on an infant in the sense of making him liable in an action for breach of promise of marriage. “In the circumstances the action is dismissed. Cost to the defendant fixed in the sum of $200.00. Action dismissed.�
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
V
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Sappho’s Love Poetry – Part I the woman she wants is an obvious indicator that Sappho is portraying lesbian relationships as being sanctified by a deity in her belief system, thereby ensuring that lesbian relations are in no way inferior to heterosexual ones.
Erinna in a “Sappho and ilene”, 1863 yt Garden at M
SAPPHO is a Greek lyrical poet, who lived around 630 BC – 570 BC and who is predominantly known for her poems which focuses on love for women and lesbian love. Her home was on the island of Lesbos, which is where the word “lesbian” is derived from. Sappho’s presence and the worth and content of her poetry, then, becomes obvious when we think that the word used to describe women who love other women was born from the island where she lived. She was so skilled that she was sometimes referred to as the “Tenth Muse”. Much of Sappho’s poems remained unexamined for a long time, and they currently exist as various fragments that modern scholars have used, and are using, to give Sappho and her poetry the kind of study and recognition they deserve. One of the ways in which Sappho represents what appears to be same-sex love in her poetry, and also imparts some sanctity to such relationships, is by imbuing her poems with elements from her belief system. The Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, for example, is sometimes referenced in her poems in order to elevate the same-sex relations Sappho writes about. In the poem, “I have not had one word from her”, (trans. Mary Barnard), Sappho’s persona seems to be pining away for a female lover who has left her. In sadness, the persona tells the lover: “If you forget me, / think of all of our gifts to Aphrodite / and all the loveliness we shared.” The “gifts” that are mentioned could refer to offerings and sacrifices to the goddess, but one cannot help thinking that when the goddess of love is involved, surely the greatest gift that can be given is that of love itself; love expressed in some manner would be the essential offering that one is expected to give to Aphrodite, goddess of love. Clearly, Sappho’s persona in the poem is referencing the love between herself and the woman to whom she writes. In bit-
terness, the persona is asking/forcing her lover to remember their moments together, sexual or otherwise; the moments of love; and their “gifts to Aphrodite”, in an effort to persuade her lover to come back to her. Another poem by Sappho, simply titled “Fragment 1”, (trans. Gillian Spraggs), is a direct invocation to Aphrodite to come to the aid of the persona and help her win the love of another woman. In this poem, Sappho is able to use the idea of a woman praying (to a goddess) in order to win over another woman, which does bring to mind several heterosexual heroines in literature (oral and written) who often prayed to a god/goddess to save or bring their (heterosexual) lover back to them. Aphrodite in “Fragment 1” says, “Whom shall I seduce back to your love / this time? Who is it, Sappho, / who flouts you?” Sappho presents the goddess as being entirely supportive of the persona’s feelings for another woman, clearly understanding her desires and knowing how to remedy the situation. Aphrodite replies to the persona’s pleas for help by saying, “…if she’s in flight, soon she’ll pursue; / if presents she will not accept, she shall give; / if she does not love, then love she shall, and soon, / even against her wish.” The fact that Aphrodite is so responsive to this lesbian relationship, going so far as to seemingly imply that she herself will enchant the woman who has spurned the persona’s affections, causing the woman to reciprocate the persona’s love “even against her wish”, says quite a lot about the views ancient Greeks, and Sappho herself, had about religion and its role in relationships. The interference of the goddess in this affair is Sappho’s way of creating a direct link between Aphrodite and love, specifically lesbian love. She may be implying that the goddess does not discriminate when it comes to love, regardless of if it’s between man and woman or woman and woman. Her presentation of the goddess as a being willing to help a lesbian get
This use of religion as a mechanism with which to express same-sex desire in poetry is simply one of several techniques used by Sappho to extoll the virtues of lesbian romances in her poems.
VI
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
The ART of Awareness – Using creativity to promote awareness on women issues KEISHA Beharry is just 17 years old and a first-year student at the University of Guyana (UG), but her passion for the arts is at its peak, and even higher is her belief that as a young female, she can use her artistic ability to better represent women in society. Beharry recently joined nine other talented UG art students who showcased their work at the Umana Yana, Kingston, under the theme “Aspects of Perception: The Renaissance”. The one-week exhibition was staged through the University’s Faculty of Education and Humanities and featured several female art students who eloquently captured the audience with mind-blowing artwork that depicted women in various forms. Beharry exhibited 10 pieces of her work including a series of clay sculptures that represented the strength of woman and the gender’s maternity transformation. “The series was actually inspired by my mom and my sister-in-law, who recently got
a baby. My sister-in-law was pregnant for the latter part of 2015 and early 2016, and I observed a whole lot of changes in her during and after that time. So, my series captured that aspect of how a woman’s life changes to become a mother, and the strength it takes to love, care and protect another human being more than yourself,” Beharry said of her exhibit. The young art student, who is currently pursuing a two-year Associate of Fine Arts programme, said she was always fascinated with drawing and paintings, but started advancing her artistic creativity during secondary school when she wrote Visual Arts at CSEC. Beharry worries that as a young woman, her creativity is being downplayed and that the work of female artists is not treated seriously as that of their male counterparts. “There are not a lot of women artists who are recognised and I feel it is my duty to overcome this and use my art to represent women and to be successful as an artist. Universally, women are expected to be sensitive and
emotional with the ability to understand things deeply, and as a young woman I believe I can use my artistic ability to connect with people on a wider scale to create awareness of women and women issues,” Beharry said. She added, “Art is all about emotions and it is something that is relevant and important and very much needed by society because it has the ability to captivate people and remind them to feel and ultimately it can motivate them to change.” EXPOSURE AND MOTIVATION Beharry said she is grateful for the exposure she received at the exhibition and this would further motivate her creativity. To date, she has created 30 different pieces of artwork including photographs, paintings, drawings Keisha Beharry artwork titled and sculptures with clay, 'Mother Nature' wood glue and wire-mesh. Nineteen-year-old Chelsea Ramotar is and I feel my work can help to bring more another young art student who intrigued a lot awareness to this scourge,” Naughton noted. One of her mixed-media collages done of viewers at the exhibition with her pieces including several paintings depicting women for course work in class titled ‘I am woman,’ in the nude form. There were also paintings Naughton specifically dedicated to women that portrayed childhood and the innocence who have been maimed by their spouses. It depicts an armless woman and includes associated with that stage of life. “I gained a great deal of exposure at the newspapers clippings and pictures of scores exhibition because I had never before shown of women whose cases were reported in the people my work and I was pleased with the press. “Some of these women are murdered by response. People were a bit shocked at some their spouses and in those cases, there is a of my work and they said it was different but finality but what about those who have been they liked it. I look forward to freelancing in Guyana and other countries in the future, and maimed and have to continue living without hope to exhibit more of my work,” Ramotar the vital parts of their body? Around the time I did this piece, a woman had her arm stated. Originally from New Amsterdam, Berbi- chopped off by her husband and her story ce, Ramotar is a third year Bachelor of Arts kept coming back to me, so this piece is (Fine Arts) student who developed a love for symbolic of that particular issue,” the student art from a tender age. As she grew older, she artist observed. In a sculpture series, she used unbaked researched emerging techniques and uses clay to aid the portrayal of women in the most inspiration from things around her and from fragile and natural form as she highlights the the internet. She explained that while it is not inten- challenges women face while in abusive retional, a lot of her artwork portrays a fem- lationships and the strength and courage they inine touch and this has been observed by adopt to free themselves from such situations. After living abroad for a few years, her some of her peers and teachers. family returned to Guyana and Naughton is “As a young woman, I believe I am more currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts (Fine in touch with certain gender issues and I can therefore relate better to other people,” the Arts) at the University of Guyana. “My work is mainly focused on women, art student said. who I believe are dynamic human beings. We are resilient, beautiful, fragile and vulnerable DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Another female art student whose work all at the same time and more importantly stood out dominantly during the recent show- because I think women are the backbone of ing is Alvina Naughton, a young wife and our society,” Naughton highlighted. In her exhibit, final year student, Aelisha mother originally from Victoria, East Coast Garnett-Williams represented women in sevDemerara. Her work, included paintings, clay eral paintings, sculpting and textile mediums. sculptures and mixed-media collages that “My artwork depicts organic forms and powerfully represented the issue of violence colours of nature. They reflect the life of against women in the most visual form. “I have been deeply troubled in the recent women and their harmonious connection to years by this upsurge in domestic violence nature. Flowers are my main source of imand that is why my art focuses on women agery, since I feel they soothe the mind and who I believe have been marginalised by create a feeling which I feel represents the men and while the Ministry and other or- woman,” stated Garnett-Williams. The recent exhibition also featured ganisations have brought awareness to the female student artists such as Sandra La issue, I still think there is something missing Roque, Violet Holder and Tonya Williams.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Dreading the dental office SINCE graduating as a dentist 30 years ago I often wondered why people are afraid of dentists or, more specifically, why there is always the fear or anxiety of sitting in a dental chair and being attended to by a dentist. So I decided to try it out some years ago in Connecticut, USA. Although my visit to a colleague dentist was for a routine checkup, I must admit that I still felt nervous in that chair. So, do not think we dentists, at least this one, never experienced how it feels to visit the dentist. It has been estimated that nearly 40 percent of any population exhibit sufficient fear of dental treatment that their oral health has been significantly affected. Of the other 60 percent, 90 percent experience some degree of apprehension. Overcoming this prohibition is therefore crucial. The first thing you can do is realise that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behaviour. Therefore it can be unlearned. Patient-centered behaviour modification treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth and that can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his or her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. Modern dentistry with a compassionate dental team can be truly painless. You can desensitise yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears. Here’s a list of other steps you can take to overcome your dental fears: 1. Asking questions 2. Learning how to relax 3. Improving communication with your dentist Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your
As you get more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a portable music device is a common technique. Some sophisticated clinics are now equipped with virtually-reality glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need to be.
dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase. If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time. The brain won’t process these feelings simultaneously. Physical relaxation methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practice forms of physical relaxation first. Examples of physical relaxation are diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga. There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitise yourself to these fears as you build confidence. The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones and this less threatening environment coupled with your relaxation methods will help you eliminate your fears.
VII
If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behaviour or if you are ashamed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it is never too late to recreate a new smile. Communicate, empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your fears. These are sure fire ways to beat your fears!
VIII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Young women battling Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – what you need to know about this hormonal disorder
MARIA* had been married for three years and was unable to conceive when she sought medical intervention at age 24. An ultrasound showed small ovarian cysts and a local gynecologist eventually diagnosed her with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. Over the last six years since then, Maria has received a series of treatment to manage her PCOS and primarily help her become pregnant. However, despite several rounds of clomiofene and metformin, medications that are used to treat infertility, a laparoscopic surgery to remove the cysts and a session of intrauterine insemination (IUI), Maria is still longing to become a mother. PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s level of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function and physical appearance. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, between one in 10 and one in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS. The condition currently affects up to five million
women in the United States Aside from infertility, Maria is confronted with irregular periods, weight gain and facial hair which are all symptoms associated with PCOS. However, she said she had these issues since her teen years and did not know she had hormonal imbalance and a complaint that would affect her life so dramatically. “I had the laparoscopic surgery first, in 2015 and it was very painful afterwards. Plus I was low on blood and before the surgery, I had to get two pints of blood…During the metformin course, I used to get upset feelings and then I even did IUI but no positive result yet,” the young woman said. She is currently considering In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), an assisted reproduction technology where the embryos are fertilised outside of the body and introduced directly into the uterus. Guyana’s first IVF baby was birthed two years ago at a private hospital in Georgetown. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, doctors believe that hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role. It is believed that women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition. Overproduction of the hormone androgen may be another contributing factor, according to research. Androgen is a male sex hormone that women’s
Facial hair is one of the symptoms associated with PCOS
bodies also produce. Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen, doctors have observed. TREATMENT Like Maria, there are many other Guyanese women who suffer from hormonal disorders such as PCOS, according to Dr Judy Hung, a final-year resident doctor who specialises in gynecology at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). She said though that while some PCOS patients display clinical symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods or none at all, obesity, acne, rapid facial and hand hair growth and/or darkening of the skin behind the neck, other women are asymptomatic meaning that they show no indication of the disorder. In most cases, PCOS is diagnosed when the women seek fertility treatment. She explained that an ultra sound can help too with diagnosis if there are cysts on the ovaries. Once diagnosed, Dr Hung noted that medical practitioners work with the women to deliver an individual treatment plan based on the patient’s particular situation/needs. “In some cases, women come to us because they are having heavy periods or irregular periods or had never had a period before, so we can use contraceptives to help regularise their ovulation. However, if it is a woman who is trying to get pregnant, we can’t use that same treatment strategy, we have to put them on other hormonal drugs to boost fertility,” she outlined. In addition to medicinal treatment, she encouraged women suffering with PCOS to exercise regularly to control weight gain and reduce body fat which usually impact hormone imbalance. She also urged women to eat healthy. The doctor further observed that women between 18 -35 are mostly affected by PCOS and hail from various ethnicities, locations and genetics. Anna* is another young Guyanese woman battling infertility due to PCOS. Diagnosed at age 28, Anna is now 31 and has since turned to herbal medicine to treat her condition after several rounds of clomiofene and metformin did not yield her a pregnancy. She, too, is struggling to control her weight as well as excess facial hair and irregular periods. The whole situation, she related is very frustrating not only for herself but her spouse and other relatives who are eager for the young couple to expand their family. “We were placed on several rounds of clomid, which seemed to be the ideal fertility treatment but after it didn’t work, we were advised to try all sorts of remedies, and we tried a lot. However, after a while it became very tiring because every time we tried something new our hopes would be renewed that this would work and this would be our time, but it always ended in disappointment,” the woman said. Dr Juliet Skinner, Founder of the Barbados Fertility Clinic, has been quoted in the Caribbean press as saying, “The sooner the condition (PCOS) is diagnosed, the sooner women can be advised on their options for medication and in extreme cases, assisted reproduction. It is also important to note that maternal age plays a big part in successful treatment and therefore I urge women who may be suffering to seek help sooner rather than later.” *Name changed for protection of identity
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
IX
HPV and Cervical Cancer Awareness – A peer education project, with women in mind By M Margaret Burke THE Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Adventures (SRHR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, recently carried on a peer education project in an effort to encourage women who are 21 years and older to get involved in serious matters of their health and well-being. The aim of this project was to raise awareness of the HPV vaccine and to encourage women to screen for cervical cancer. While the Guyana Chronicle was not able to garner adequate statistics at this time, reliable reports are that cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and can affect women at any age. The project was designed to educate the general public, especially women on matters of HPV (the human papillomavirus), which they said come in more than 100 varieties. Additionally, the project sought to promote the HPV vaccine, while informing the public about the seriousness of cervical cancer. #ProtectYuhCervix was the title given to the project, deemed a success with many females approaching members of the team, which is made up of mostly young medical doctors, as well as other interested persons. VARIETIES OF HPV The doctors informed the women in attendance that the HPV infection commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts) and that certain types of HPV infection can cause cervical cancers. There are more than
100 varieties of human papillomavirus (HPV) in existence. They noted that different types of HPV infection cause warts on different parts of the body, for example, some types of HPV infection cause plantar warts on the feet, while others cause warts that mostly appear on the face or neck. Most HPV infections, the women were informed, don’t lead to cancer. However, it was disclosed that some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix). Other types of cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have been linked to HPV infection. HPV VACCINES The team informed the women that the vaccines can help protect them against the strains of genital HPV, which are most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer. “While, cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina, the normal ‘ectocervix’ (the portion of the uterus extending into the vagina) is a healthy pink color and is covered with flat, thin cells called squamous cells and the ‘endocervix’ or cervical canal is made up of another kind of cell called columnar cells. The area where these cells meet is called the ‘transformation zone’ (T-zone) and is the most likely location for abnormal or precancerous cells to develop”, the doctors informed the women in attendance. It was further explained that most cervical
The SRHR project team
cancers (80 to 90 percent), are squamous cell cancers. Adenocarcinoma is the second most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for the remaining 10 to 20 percent of cases. Adenocarcinoma develops from the glands that produce mucus in the endocervix. While less common than squamous cell carcinoma, the incidence of adenocarcinoma is on the rise, particularly in younger women. A GLOBAL SCENARIO It was revealed to the women in attendance
Members of the public in attendance, paying keen attention to what was being said to them
that more than 12,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and more than 4,000 of women will die. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Nonetheless, women were encouraged that there is hope. The many women in attendance were informed that deaths from cervical cancer in the United States continue to decline by approximately two percent a year. This decline, they were told, is primarily due to the widespread use of the Pap test to detect cervical abnormalities and allow for early treatment. It was thus revealed that most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the previous three to five years. The women were further educated that cancer of the cervix tends to occur during mid-life. Half of the women diagnosed with the disease are between 35 and 55 years of age. It rarely affects women under age 20, and approximately 20 percent of diagnoses are made in women older than 65. For this reason, it is important for women to continue cervical cancer screening until at least the age of 70; some women need to continue screening longer. (mercilinburke2017@gmail. com)
X
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
NOISE POLLUTION - A DANGER TO HEALTH
IT WAS reported in the media last Friday that the Ministry of Public Security had taken the initiative of establishing an Inter-Agency Task Force with the intention of eliminating noise nuisances from the society. The Agencies which would form part of the Task Force are a number of Government Departments together with the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown and that the Coordinator of the Task Force would be Mr Deonarine Ramaroop. Mr Ramaroop outlined the activities in which the Task Force would be engaged. Quite professionally, Mr Ramaroop declared that all the Agencies which form part of the Task Force would be collaborating to
ensure that all the Laws and Regulations governing noise nuisance are enforced. Actually, it is failure to enforce these Laws which has led to the spread unchecked of loud noises everywhere and at all times of the day and night. In addition to enforcing the Laws, Mr Ramaroop went on to identify some of the other areas of activity of the Task Force. These would include the loud music and other noises which proliferate the minibuses and other public transport. It would also include curbing of random and spontaneous open air and roadside “boom boxes”; loud music emanating from motor vehicles; motor cyclists who remove noise controllers from their machines so as to make loud,
deafening noises when they ride and shops, especially in downtown Georgetown, which place a boom box in their doorway or on the adjoining pavement which blare loud and raucous music all day. The Task Force will enforce the Silent Zones around the Parliament when in session, as well as around the Law Courts and the Hospitals; they will also address industrial noises and will be pioneering in Guyana the use of the available technology to establish and measure noise levels for the purposes of compliance and prosecutions. It is expected that the Task Force will be properly staffed and funded so it could acquire noise-testing
equipment and have a desk, or at least facilities, where members of the public could phone in and report any noise nuisances which could be dealt with immediately. Noise Pollution which used to be called Noise Nuisances in the recent past is an environmental factor which insidiously damages the health of both man and animal. Noise is measured in decibels or DBS. A level of 80 DBS or lower is safe to live with, but above that, one could bear it for some time only before it begins to harm. One could stand 85 DBS for 8 hours; 100 DBS for 15 minutes and 115 for only 30 seconds. The most obvious damage of noise pollution is impairment of hearing, eventually leading to deafness. An example of this could be seen in the regular minibus drivers
and conductors whose buses play loud music non-stop throughout the day. They cannot easily hear when commuters give them instructions and they all seem to speak louder than normal. Loud and disparate noises damage one’s psychological health. People who work in industrial establishments which generate a great deal of noise are often in a state of some mental confusion and are often in stress. Excessive noise leads to cardiovascular effects and increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Many people who have heart disease could have contracted it from noise pollution. Loud noises is one of the causes of hypertension and many people would intuitively understand this since loud noises often lead to headaches and the feeling of
being “unnerved”. One of the worst effects of noise pollution is that it results in poor sleep quality. If one is not able to sleep well this could affect one’s health in a variety of ways including a drain of energy. Education was not mentioned among the Task Force main activities. Educating the public as to the dangers of noise pollution is a key factor in the success of the Task Force. We would therefore enjoin the Task Force to work out a comprehensive programme of education of the dangers of Noise Pollution. The Guyana Consumers Association would like to congratulate the Ministry of Public Security on its establishment of the Task Force and to offer its support to Coordinator Deonarine Ramaroop.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XI
Accept yourself! EARLIER this week, I was looking through an event calendar and saw that Thursday, July 13 is known as “Embrace Your Geekiness Day.” The word “geek” is foreign to us. It typically has a negative connotation, which basically means awkward. I guess we have our own local names for that -- Which I will not get into! The day was created by Wellcat Holidays, a private group which has created more than 70 copyrighted holidays that are added to the annual calendar. This particular holiday was created in an effort to encourage people to embrace their quirkiness, hobbies and interests – whatever they may be. The day and its meaning made me think about self-acceptance and its importance to not only mental health, but our general well-being. How many of us can say that we genuinely like ourselves? That we like the way we think, look or speak? Sadly, my guess would be not many – which I hope to change today. Self-Acceptance means that we embrace all parts of ourselves; that we unconditionally love our flaws and all. It means we are fully aware of our weaknesses and limitations, but do not let them define us as a whole. It means that we are satisfied with who we are. It requires zero judgement and a lot of understanding. It’s not about living in a fantasy world thinking that everything is okay. It is about being okay about everything not being okay. It is important as there will rarely ever be a time when everything is okay. We will always have some issue or difficulty to face. Some theorists say that our self-acceptance begins as children and largely depends on how our caretakers treated us and felt about us. If you were not allowed to make any mistakes, if your caretaker showed that they didn’t accept you – or even if you simply feel they didn’t, it would be very difficult to grow up and accept yourself. Of course, any kind of abuse (physical, sexual, verbal or emotional) will decrease the chances of self-acceptance in the future -- for both the victim and the abuser. Therefore, it is important to ensure that anyone in your care is well aware that they can make mistakes and they are still enough, still accepted and still very much loved. WHY IS THIS EVEN IMPORTANT? Without self-acceptance, our entire psychological and physical well-being can suffer. People with little self-acceptance suffer
from high stress and anxiety – particularly social anxiety. It affects our relationships as it is known that we cannot love or accept anyone until we love and accept ourselves. There are so many benefits of self-acceptance. Of course, we will generally feel happier, but it is so much more than that. Our mood is better regulated, we have higher self-esteem and feelings of independence; we have lower fears of failure and self- criticism. All of the above decrease the possibilities of anxiety, depression, as well
cepting. It is about being content with the here and now and not based on any changes in the future. A common difficulty with this occurs when people do not want to accept themselves as they feel it makes the current situation okay. For example, if they become happy in a job below their capabilities, they may never want to do better. That is inaccurate. Acceptance and the creation of happiness is what brings the motivation for personal growth and improvements. However, keep in mind that if you do want
as suicidal thoughts and behaviours. When we accept and actually like ourselves, we stop comparing ourselves to other people -- which is a huge way of bringing ourselves down. We also break free of the prison we are in, wondering what other people think of us. Self- acceptance comes with the understanding that the only approval we need is our own. It may be easier said than done, but anything is possible through practice. How do we learn to accept ourselves? Just like any skill, through rituals that we can practise every day. How do we become more self-accepting? Keep in mind that self-acceptance is completely different to self-improvement. It is beneficial to improve, but that cannot happen without the acceptance-- affirming who we are. Some\ very common examples are when we tell ourselves: “I will be okay when I make more money.” “I will be okay when I lose 10 pounds.” This is not self-ac-
to change yourself, self- acceptance is the prerequisite for this to happen. As mentioned before, a preventative measure is growing up in a calm, compassionate, supporting and forgiving household. However, the reality is that any of us do not, so we need to do things that ensure we accept ourselves for who we are. To gain self-acceptance, we must gain self-understanding and compassion. Again, it requires self-awareness of our flaws. We must understand and admit that everyone has faults; that it is okay to have the limitations that we have. You must be aware of what you are bringing to the table. In every social group, there is ‘the fun one’, ‘the responsible one’ etc. Everyone has a role and recognising and accepting yours allows for inner peace. If you are unsure what your role is, ask! Constantly acknowledge and celebrate your strengths. We tend to focus more on our negatives than our positives and this should change. Every morning, write down
a strength that you have. Furthermore, make a list of everything you have accomplished, all of the adversities you have overcome and all the good that you have done. Have a healthy support system and social circle. This means staying away from people who pull you down and make you feel bad about yourself. You probably do that enough on your own already. Forgive yourself for whatever wrongs you have done and every flaw you have. Regret can prevent self-acceptance. Mindful meditation is specifically for acceptance. Mindfulness happens when we sit (upright but comfortably) alone in silence. We take a few minutes to pay attention to our breathing. We focus on what’s around us and then we focus on our life. The point is relinquishing power to the situation and accepting it as it is -- without judgement or plans to change. Do you feel that you have been unaccepting to yourself? Well that’s okay -- it is never too late to start. You can make a conscious effort right now to transform your sense of self. I found a brief exercise online that is recommended to try every day: Find a comfortable chair to sit in quietly for a moment and just notice your body; your arms, legs, torso and head. Then focus on your mind, your thoughts, feelings and sensation. Once you have done this, just allow your self-awareness to sink in and then let a smile creep across your face as you tell yourself: “This is me and I’m completely ok with that.” It may take a little practice, but once you are able to do this, and truly feel that acceptance of self inside, it will give you a huge sense of relief. It’s like a wave washing over you, calming your body and mind because it feels good to be you. Did you try it? Wasn’t it wonderful? Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me. Georgetown Public Hospital: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
XII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
#SupportCreativity
Adjusting to a different pace
Notes from MOU
TWO weeks have passed since the creative exchange between Trinidadian artist Shanice Smith and I began. While I think we’ve both made some headway with regard to conceptualising a more concrete series of work to present at the Shanice Smith works on a series of masks for one end of the residency, we’ve also both been wrestling of several projects she is currently developing to finish older projects that have managed to roll over and encroach on our time here. In my relatively brief history of residencies I’ve recognised that these things happen and while there might not be any way of avoiding them altogether, you can certainly learn to work with them. In other words, just roll with the punches. As a creative practitioner it’s important to recognise that each residency will be differentand as such will require you to respond differently in order to effectively manage your time. Unlike the two previous residencies I attended (Caribbean Linked IV in Aruba and Vermont Studio Centre Residency in Vermont, USA), I came into this with a plan (for a number of reasons). In this case, because it was an initiative which both of us funded out of pocket, the pressure was on to be a bit more organised than usual. Administrative duties, logistics in terms of transportation and other things that are typically handled by the host organisation would Christopher Cozier, renowned artist and one of now fall squarely the three administrators of Alice Yard, generously on our shoulders. allowed us to spend time in his studio browsing In addition to through some of his past and present work producing a solid body of work together, we would also be responsible for managing the residency in since I’ve been here is a way that would the creative commuallow us to make nity’s response to this the necessary MOU initiative. There connections and is a general feeling of engage as many excitement around the persons from the possible outcomes of local artist comthis leg of the residenmunity as poscy, however, I couldn’t sible. help but wonder why So the first more initiatives of this two weeks mostnature weren’t being ly involved seeundertaken. Obviously, ing places and funding (or lack theremeeting people, of) is a major contributand I was exing factor to this dilemtremely gratema. The reality is that ful for everyone most artists are working who stepped in as teachers (some out to facilitate that of genuine love for the in one way or profession but most out another. I think of necessity), often with this component a less than spectacular of any residency salary and not nearly is crucial because enough time to focus you’re not there on developing their own to make work in portfolio. The remainisolation (at least ing artists (myself inI’m not here for cluded) work in limbo, that). There is a freelancing and doing certain level of the odd job here and engagement that there just to maintain needs to happen relative control of our in the first week- at least before you can really settle time. So while the desire might be there in both scenarios down to begin production. And although this is common to participate in these kinds of initiatives there are also knowledge, it still does very little to fend off those pes- very real reasons why most have failed to materialise. ky feelings of anxiety that creep up to remind you that you’re not working fast enough. Nevertheless, the show HOW DO WE WORK AROUND THOSE must go on and we must find ways to work through the CHALLENGES? heat exhaustion that has burdened us these past few days. Recently I’ve become very interested in systems that One of the many things I found myself contemplating
facilitate these types of initiatives by stepping in to provide support in the area(s) most needed (whether it’s time, space, funding, resources, information, networking etc.). Currently there are a few spaces across the region, which offer that kind of support to creative practitioners but of course there is always room for more. Sometimes it’s as simple as recognising that in the absence of opportunity, it is our duty (as individuals and collectives) to create them ourselves. HOW DO WE MAKE THESE TYPES OF INITIATIVES THE NEW “NORMAL”? The story seems to be the same regionally. No one is willing to invest in the arts in a way that isn’t short term or they simply don’t understand how to begin making meaningful investments. Either way, the general consensus seems to be that there has been regional budget cuts in the arts sector and very modest to non-existent contributions trickling in from the private sector. How do we deal with shrinking budgets and what happens when support from the private and/or public sector falls through? These are all things that have occupied a more central position in my mind even as I prepare for an intense workweek ahead. MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is a collaborative residency initiative conceptualised and developed by Trinidadian artist Shanice Smith and Guyanese artist Dominique Hunter after the two met on the fourth iteration of the Caribbean Linked residency in Aruba last year. The residency, which takes place in Trinidad & Tobago, was designed to strengthen new and existing connections between creative practitioners working in the two countries. In addition to creating a platform for Smith and Hunter to expand their individual portfolios, the long-term vision is to continue explorations between both artists and to foster an ongoing engagement with local artists and artist spaces such as Alice Yard.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XIII
– a blessing for GPHC’s patients unable to finance life-changing surgery By Ravena Gildharie THE first kidney transplant surgery ever conducted in Guyana occurred in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2014, that the state-owned Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) started offering the surgery. Free of cost, it reaches persons previously unable to finance such expensive treatment at private and overseas facilities. Many local kidney failure patients die while still gathering funds for transplant surgery. So, for those that have benefitted, the transplant is a chance of survival. But how different are their lives now? And how have they been spending their time since getting a new kidney, and a new lease on life? And what of their donors; the selfless relatives who willingly give up their organs? Ellisya Persaud, age 21, of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, was forced to drop out of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) when she was diagnosed with kidney failure in October 2014. She was coughing up blood then and endured extended bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Her blood pressure skyrocketed and her sight became impaired. She required dialysis three times per week, which left her weak and she was unable to return home to Essequibo. She was hospitalised several times; in one instance, for two months. Now, it has been five months since Persaud underwent kidney transplant and she is already pursing business and computer science studies, as she aims to fulfill her dreams of becoming an educator. Her older brother, Romaul, was the donor and he has since returned to work and is living a normal healthy life. “My life is so much better now. No more dialysis and I feel healthier and more alive. Now I can get to move on with life plans. After my studies, I hope to return to my home in Essequibo,” Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine in a recent interview. She is still required to take medications three times per day, undergo blood tests and medical assessments every two weeks, but so far, her body has responded well to the transplanted kidney. “Transplant makes a very big difference in the lives of patients suffering from kidney failure. They get to live a healthier life, there are minimal diet restrictions; they get to go back to work, back to school and there is no need for blood transfusion,” said GPHC’s Transplant Surgeon, Dr Kishore Persaud, who heads the institution’s Nephrology Department. He teams up with local doctors and others from Canada and the United States to perform the transplants. The overseas surgeons visit twice yearly to perform the surgeries. Each year, the GPHC sees about 40-50 patients who require kidney transplants, Dr Persaud said, adding that this number includes referrals from outlying hospitals. He manages these patients, many of whom require frequent hospitalisations for lengthy
periods, and this sometimes contributes to overcrowding. Also, dialysis which patients rely on for survival, is costly for the average Guyanese household. “Dialysis costs about $15, 000 per session and with each patient requiring about three sessions per week, that equates to $45, 000 per week and ultimately $180, 000 per month which is beyond the average income of most Guyanese. So financially, transplant is a more cost-effective treatment,” Dr Per-
when he met Dr Persaud and was offered the surgery at GPHC free of cost. Hardyal and his donor, Satyam Inardeo, a relative, both prepared for their surgeries with a series of blood tests, clinical assessments, counselling and necessary paperwork. “I immediately felt different when I woke up from surgery. My recovery was really good, I started eating back and drinking water as normal,” Hardyal stated. He added, “My life now is totally different. I’m back to normal, no dialysis, I’m free to travel anywhere, and I have no more sleepless nights. I have more energy than before. Having a transplanted kidney is like having a new life and my donor is doing well. She is living her normal life…Not everyone is lucky as I was to have a donor. She willingly gifted me a second chance at life. She has given me Abdool Shakeer
Tomol Mingo is doing well after transplant months ago
saud outlined. Dialysis at the GPHC is only offered to hospitalised patients as capacity is limited. Dr Persaud was trained in organ harvesting and transplant in Canada, and to date, is the only trained medical personnel in this field operating in the public health system. The GPHC Nephrology Department has three General Medical Officers (GMO), one dietician and one social worker. REINTEGRATING IN SOCIETY Tomol Mingo, age 16, a student of the Charlestown Secondary School is one of the youngest patients that has benefited from transplant surgery. Last February, he received a kidney from his mother, Shondelle Mingo, who works at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Before being diagnosed with kidney failure in January 2016, the young man had been a promising footballer and was awarded many prizes, trophies and medals in prominent competitions such as the Digicel Schools Championship and Milo Secondary Schools Tournament. But in the last year, he was snatched from the fields and hardly able to attend school. He felt unwell, depended on three sessions of dialysis per week and lost vision in one of his eyes. “He spent the last year in and out of hospital…I can’t even remember exactly how many times he was hospitalised but more than 10, I think. He vomited terribly, felt
weak and had severe headaches. His blood pressure was always high and it was painful to see him like that,” recalled Tomol’s mom. It was a heavy financial burden on the family too, with Tomol being the eldest of five children, and his father’s fluctuating income as a mason/carpenter. Shondelle relied on donors and the Guyana government to help offset expenses particularly the dialysis. “I am very grateful to Dr Kishore Persaud who really helped us a lot...Without his help, I don’t know what would have happened. Dr Persaud was the shining light in our cloud of darkness,” she expressed. After surgery, Tomol returned to school in March and did extremely well in the most recent end-of-term examinations. He is headed into Fifth Form where he will begin preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams next year. He also returned to playing football and helps to coach other students. Overall, Tomol is feeling better and the family is at ease. The mother also recovered well from the donor surgery and has not had any complications thus far. Like Mingo, 28-year-old Kiran Brian Hardyal of Wallers Delight, West Coast Demerara, (WCD) has been gradually restoring normalcy in his life since undergoing kidney transplant two years ago. He recalled the agony of living with “constant excruciating headaches”, high blood pressure, feeling of weakness, nausea and swollen feet. His frequent dialysis treatments also left him confined to his home, unable to work or travel. “Sleeping was a bit of a challenge too because of the catheter sticking out of my stomach,” he said. “Being on dialysis was a daily challenge, but it was necessary to stay alive.” HIGH REGARDS FOR DONOR After being quoted a price of some $7 million for kidney transplant surgery at a private hospital, Hardyal was heartbroken since he could not afford it. His hopes grew
Kiran Brian Hardyal underwent kidney transplant in 2015
something I can’t repay but I will forever regard her as my mother,” the young man said. Another grateful kidney transplant patient is 53-year-old Abdool Shakeer of Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Last February, he received a kidney from his son, Imran, age 28, and is still at home recovering. An Assistant Factory Manager at Beharry Group of Companies, the elder Shekeer collapsed at work one year ago and was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with kidney failure after a series of tests. Boasting 36 years of exemplary service to his employer, Shakeer spent the last year on dialysis twice weekly, which left him weak and caused him to miss work a lot. Currently resting at home and regaining his strength, Shakeer looks forward to returning to work within the next several months. He enjoys eating any food he wishes, something he was restricted from doing before the transplant. And his donor, is also healthy and back to his normal lifestyle.
XIV
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
‘Love the skin you’re in’ Jamaican Model Walleisha Burte
A FEW years ago, you may not have expected the usually shy Walleisha Burte to be pictured in bold or provocative outfits, but if eight years of modeling have taught her anything, it is to love yourself. Now, the 27 year old Jamaican beauty is a shining example of being comfortable in your own skin, and moreover, embracing one’s natural beauty. Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, Walleisha, who has graced several international stages and who is no stranger to professional shoots, said that her boldness has been built by realising that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and shades. Now, she can be seen stepping a bit outside her comfort zone including, photoshoots in the ever provocative ‘implied nudity’ category. “I’m usually very shy, not normally that bold… lots of people tell me I have gotten bold. Modeling has given me a lot of confidence that I didn’t have. I am more comfortable with myself and that propelled me to do those types of things, I am more accepting of who I am,” she said. A graduate with her Degree in Media and Communication Studies from the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica, Walleisha admits, however that the standards of beauty set out by society are often times difficult to ignore, which is why many women feel obligated to try to fit into those categories. “We are living in a society right now where it’s very confusing and everywhere, everyone is getting into this cosmetic world. But people need to just be happy and be confident with they you are,” she said. “It takes time for some persons but just give yourself time to grow wand be accepting. Personally, I have struggles with my body, but I have learned to accept who I am and how I look and how God created me. You are beautifully created
in his likeness and his image. Do not get caught up in the superficial aspects of the world.” And even in light of the ‘bleaching culture’ known to inhabit parts of Jamaica, Walleisha said that despite her own insecurities, her complexion has never been one of them. “I have always found it so sad that persons would go to the extent of bleaching their skin. I never had a problem with my complexion so I would never bleach, it’s really sad. But it all comes down to accepting yourself,” she said. She admitted, though, that she recalls just one incident where she was encouraged to bleach her skin by an acquaintance who was doing the same, but stated that she declined. Apart from those ups and downs, Walleisha enjoys life and her career as a model, though she is also employed a s a sales executive for an overseas based company. “You can make it as a model over here if you are determined and if you really want to make something out of it, so if you really push for it then you can gain some level of success. The market is somewhat lucrative for persons who wish to make it,” she said.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XV
Driving responsibly never gets old By Francis Quamina Farrier WE have just entered the second half of 2017, and I have decided to do this feature about the current traffic situation which impacts the lives of all of us. This article is about the way we have used our roads during the first half of 2017, and the report of the Police Traffic Division as regards life and death on the Roads of Guyana. First, let’s focus on the good news: there have been less road fatalities during the first half of 2017, than was the case during the corresponding period of the year 2016. The year 2017 recorded 50 road fatalities in the first six months in comparison to 67 for the same period last year. This is a 25 percent reduction. However, while that is encouraging news, it is certainly poor consolation to those who have lost a loved one. Especially if that loved one was the breadwinner of the family. What is of note, is that the majority of victims of fatal traffic accidents, have been relatively young people. Quite a high number of young motor cyclists, for example, died when they lost control of their motor cycles and crashed. There were also young drivers of motor cars who, while speeding, or driving under the influence, crashed, resulting in their deaths, and in some cases, the deaths of others in the vehicle. Recently, I had an exclusive interview with Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dion Moore, at Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. He expressed the view that, “the attitude of drivers is the one big challenge”, which is the root cause of many accidents. “Speeding is a big problem as well”, Superintendent Moore said, adding that too many drivers get behind the wheel after imbibing. He pointed out, however, that there is a welcome behaviour by some drivers who go to enjoy themselves at the creeks along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and other recreation venues. While the men do the driving going to the creeks, and drink while there, the women (who would not have been drinking), would do the driving on the return journey. That practice, the Traffic Chief feels, should be encouraged. “People going to places where there is drinking, should
Traffic Police of ‘B’ Division, at work on the Corentyne Coast (FQ Farrier photo)
appoint a designated driver, or leave their cars there and take a taxi home,” the Traffic Chief recommends. He also gave the example of the arrangement by the Traffic Division, to escort groups of motorists who attend the Motor Racing Events at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, from that location into the city. That has resulted in zero accidents since its inception. The Traffic Chief also expressed his gratitude to the many organisations and business enterprises that have been very supportive of the work of the Police Traffic Division; the various Road Safety Councils, for example. Just before I submitted this article, I was fortunate to meet, unexpectedly, with retired Traffic Chief, Neil Semple, who I had interviewed many times during his term in office, and so I posed a few questions to him. “There needs to be more discipline on the roads. There is also need for sustained Road Safety Programmes such as more Traffic Safety Drills at Schools,” he said. The retired Traffic Chief was loud in his praise for his successor, Superintendent Moore, who he said was a student of his. Finally, my investigation for material for
One of the few vehicles with the “L” Learner Driver Tag in 2017
this feature, took me to the Brickdam Police Station Traffic Division. I needed to know why it is that so few vehicles have the “L” Learner Driver tags, especially bearing in mind that there are so many more drivers and vehicles on our roads, than ever before. The reason was simple. “In the old days, relatives and friends tutored others to drive,” the officer told me. “Today, there are many Driving Schools, and that is the reason for the reduction of the many “L” Learner Driver tags”. As the saying goes, “Dis time nah lang time.” Superintendent Moore also spoke of the Traffic Division’s Operation Safeway which will come into operation on September 15, this year. That project will target those errant road users who continue to drive in a reckless way. He hopes to continue to record less and less fatal road accidents in our dear land of Guyana. Fifty dead during the first half of 2017; were any of them known to you? Let’s keep death off the Roads. Let’s enjoy the ‘Good Life’ as best as we can.
XVI
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Parents plead for help – to make life bearable for ailing teenage daughter By Michel Outridge LIFE for 14-year-old Vinita Dowlatram is very difficult, and unlike teens her age, she doesn’t get to do much for herself and is considered a shut-in because of her ailment. She’s also very dependent on her parents, as she’s not able to do much on her own. Her mother, Nandranie Motilall, told the Guyana Chronicle that Vinita was born with a hole in her heart, and has been on medication ever since. To make matters worse, the Non Pariel resident said when the child was 12, she fell in school, injuring herself further, and has since had to stay at home. Then there’s a problem with her medica-
tion, which has, over the years, caused her heart to become enlarged and her arteries smaller. Vinita survives on oxygen, since she cannot breathe on her own, and can only eat crushed foods. And whenever she needs to go from one point to the next, she has to be assisted lest she becomes weak and lapse into unconsciousness. She’s currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she attends clinic every three months, and where, during a recent visit, she was given a wheelchair but asked to return it. Fortunately for her, however, Food for the Poor Inc. Guyana stepped in last Thursday and gave her a brand new wheelchair, for
which her parents are eternally grateful. Nandranie said she and her husband were told that little can be done for Vinita, as because of the seriousness of her condition, she cannot undergo any surgery. She said that whenever Vinita has cause to go out of the house, she has to carry with her portable oxygen, a cylinder of which lasts only two hours and costs $12,000 to refill. Thankfully, a Christian church in the Non Pariel neighbourhood recently stepped in and not only presented her with a larger oxygen tank, but also offered to refill it every month. Nandranie said that in light of her daughter’s condition, she cannot go out and work, because she has to be around all the time to tend to her. Her husband, Ramphal Dowlatram, on the other hand, is a labourer. And he, too, has his own medical problems to contend with, as he’s a diabetic. Nandranie said she receives $7,500 in public assistance every month, but there’s
Vinita Dowlatram
only so much she can do with it, given Vinita’s medical needs. As such, the family is asking for assistance, be it cash or kind. Their bank account is: 001012053017. They can also be contacted on: 270-4385 or 683-4595.
Young Vinita and her anxious parents
Seated from left are: Vinita’s mom, Nandranie Motilall; the ailing teen; her father and her uncle
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XVII
XVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Guyanese Toastmasters shine in Caribbean Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
IN the modern world, there’s been an emergence of a number of international clubs promoting community service and personal self-development. Toastmasters (TM) International has attracted men and women in 142 countries, forming about 16,000 Clubs. In Guyana, Toastmasters International has been fairly active over the years, and seen many prominent persons acquiring their first skills in public speaking and leadership from their experience as Toastmasters. There are seven active Clubs in Guyana, five of which five are Corporate and two are Community. The Corporate Clubs are those which exist in business entities. Corporate businessed are progressively learning that having a Toastmasters Club among their staff is an inexpensive and pleasant way of training and development. The Toastmasters Clubs in Guyana have been quite active in the International Conferences which are held in various countries each year. The Guyana Clubs take part in the District 81 Conference, which generate much interest in member countries in the Caribbean region. Guyana’s participation in these Caribbean Conferences projects a positive image of Toastmaster the country, Tashi Browne and this is especially so when Guyanese perform exceptionally well at the Speech Contests. In the last two years, two Guyanese girls have made a memorable impact at the District 81 Speech Contests. In October 2016, Toastmaster Mizana Gonsalves participated in the District 81 Humourous Toastmaster Mizana Gonsalves
Speech Contest held in Curaçao. She placed second among 14 participants and brought the house down with laughter with her presentation, entitled “Sticks”. TM Mizana is a member of the Bank of Guyana Royale Toastmasters Club. At the Region’s Prepared Speech Contest held in Barbados in May 2017, Toastmaster Tashi Browne won second place with her presentation, “Stifle Those Limitations”. She competed against 11 other Toastmasters. TM Tashi, with her persuasive and sincere style, won the hearts of the
XIX
audience who enthusiastically applauded her. TM Tashi is a member of the Cacique Toastmasters Club. Both young ladies have been, like other men and women, enthusiastically participating in National Toastmasters Contests, and aspire to reach the highest rank of Distinguished Toastmaster. They would also like to encourage other Guyanese to join or form Clubs, so as to help in their personal development and participate in a useful network. Those interested could email: guyanatoastmasters@gmail.com
XX
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Compliance with noise regulations
THE constant humming of a generator, blaring music sets, that brush-cutter that goes on at 06:00hrs on Saturday morning - these are examples of noise pollution. These situations are common in our communities. Noise pollution refers to
sound that goes beyond the acceptable decibel level that may disturb or harm the human or animal life. Sound is measured in decibels with one decibel being the faintest sound the human ear can hear. Sound becomes undesirable when it disturbs our normal activities such as working,
sleeping, and conversing. Chronic or long term exposure to noise can have serious effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. EPA AND NOISE REGULATION The Agency has a responsibility to control and manage sound (noise) emissions in Guyana, by
setting permissible levels for activities which produce noise such as entertainment, transportation, commercial, and construction activities. HOW DOES EPA MANAGE NOISE? Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations 2000
These Regulations were developed under the Environmental Protection Act to protect against noise pollution, and require persons who are engaged in the above-mentioned activities to apply for Environmental Authorisation, so that the Agency can monitor their activities. The Regulations also seek to protect citizens from excessive noise, whatever the source. THE AUTHORISATION PROCESS Any business engaging in activities which produce noise such as entertainment (night clubs, shows), commercial and construction activities is required to apply for an Environmental Authorisation. If a Permit Holder makes changes in their business operation which will cause an increase in noise levels, then they will be required to obtain approval for a variance from the EPA. If you are hosting an activity where noise will be generated, then apply for a permit at the Agency. Short-term Noise Permits are granted for single use between the hours of 07:00hrs and 23:00hrs, and typically can be processed within one to two days. REQUIREMENTS ● Affidavit from a Justice of the Peace which states the date, time, and location of the event;
● Approval from the Guyana Fire Service; ● NDC/Town Council approval; ● US$20 processing fee ● Note that copies and originals are required for documents PENALTIES It is an offence to cause loud noise in any building, private premises, or vehicle and the Regulations provide for defaulters paying up to $750, 000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment if found guilty. Anyone who is affected by noisy operations can lodge a complaint with the Agency. Next week we will examine the specific limits according to the regulations and what the Agency has been doing in this regard. To find out more about the Noise Regulations and other Regulations, visit the EPA’s website at www.epaguyana.org, and remember to be considerate and respectful of others. Sources Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations 2000 You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXI
Making sure that ‘Guyanese Girls Rock’
Cloyette Harris-Stoute EVERY so often, you may have seen an interesting post pop up on social media featuring the work and life of some impressive woman of Guyanese heritage from the website ‘Guyanese Girls Rock.’ Over the past few years, the site has picked up quite a following, with over 16,000 likes on Facebook alone, and many persons continue to look forward to the inspiring articles that showcase the talents, hard work and successes of Guyanese women from various parts of the world. The face behind ‘Guyanese Girls Rock’ belongs to U.S.-based Guyanese Cloyette Harris- Stoute, whose idea to start the website in 2013 stemmed from a casual conversation with a passenger during a flight on her way back from Florida. “I was talking to a guy about Guyana and he didn’t know where it was, and then there is always this common thing we face where people get Guyana confused with Ghana, so that was really one of the things that sparked me to start it,” she said. But more importantly, having moved away from Guyana for almost 24 years, Cloyette admitted that it was the feeling that she had become disconnected with her country that really led to her to want to get closer to it.
Cloyette presents U.S.-based Guyanese Kelly Hyles with her laptop from the scholarship fund
Cloyette Harris-Stoute
Cloyette was presented with the Golden Arrowhead Award of Achievement and Distinction by Guyana’s Consul-General to the U.S., Barbara Atherly
“I had met a lot of people from Guyana, but at that time I wasn’t aware of other groups or organisations that had anything showcasing Guyanese and through social media you were seeing information on Guyana, but it was all the same thing; lots of things got recycled. So I decided, I knew everybody was blogging and I wanted to do something, so I said let me try my hand at it. I wanted to do something on the country and something on women,” she said. Cloyette then started by simply researching online and finding women who were from Guyana, then posting about their successes on a Facebook page she had created. “Slowly, people started to respond and comment and that was encouraging for me and then I started to do more and more,” she said. Soon, she created the website and things started to take off. “People started emailing me telling me
they really like what I was doing. One woman from Ohio, where not a lot of Caribbean people live, reached out to me and said, ‘I am so happy that I found this website, because being that far away or not having a lot of Caribbean people, I feel more connected and it gave me a sense of pride.’” Before long, Cloyette no longer had to search due to the large number of referrals that started pouring in. “I get to meet amazing people. I get so excited when someone reaches out to me and I can see what they are doing; it gives me a sense of pride to do it,” she said. MAKING IT A MOVEMENT Seeing the success that she had with the site, Cloyette decided it was time to do a bit more for the women she featured. In 2016, she created a Guyanese Girls Rock non-profit organisation within which now has a scholarship fund for women enrolled in two-year and four-year university programmes. The scholarship awards successful young women with a laptop to aid in their work. “Not every young woman can purchase a laptop and in the age of technology in order to inspire a new generation of young women in technology, they have to be equipped with the tools,” Cloyette said. Last year, U.S.based Guyanese Kelly Hyles, who made international news after being accepted to all eight Ivy League schools in the U.S., was the first recipient of the Guyanese Girls Rock
scholarship. “We hope to award more young women being given this opportunity, but it is all based on financing, and hopefully we can also offer them a stipend as well,” she said. Cloyette is also working on creating a leadership programme for young women between the ages of 12 and 18. The programme, she said, will provide mentoring and other opportunities to the participants. Now with Guyanese Girls Rock bringing inspiration to young women and girls, Cloyette admits that it not only gives her a sense of pride, but has definitely eased her feeling of being disconnected from her home. “Living in the U.S. can be a lonely place if you don’t make those connections. It is not Guyana where everybody knows everybody; where you can come out and say good morning to your neighbours. There are lots of Guyanese in New York, but if you live in other states where there are not a lot of Guyanese, it is easy to lose that culture because you aren’t embedded in that. Luckily for me I realised that because there are some Guyanese who are totally disconnected…So I was able to recognise that after a while I was not involved,” she said. “‘Guyanese Girls Rock’ is a movement and it gives people a sense of pride knowing that you have somebody to champion for; to root for; to celebrate for. When you see people achieve to that level you get excited when they reach that type of recognition.” Now feeling more connected to her home this is inspiration for Cloyette to also return home more often. Her last visit was in 2015 for a Women’s Conference.
XXII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
ACDA Prepares fo
Celebrating fre By Gibron Rahim
THIS year marks the 179th anniversary of the reclamation of freedom by enslaved Africans in Guyana and in the Caribbean region. Emancipation Day celebrations are observed on August 1 and focus on the joy that resulted from freedom, but also include a time of reflection on the pain, death and suffering that were endured under a brutal and inhumane system. It is an occasion of great significance to Guyanese of African descent, but also to all Guyanese, regardless of race or creed. This year’s Emancipation will mark the 24th anniversary of the Emancipation Day Festival of the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA). The organisation is in the midst of preparations and has much planned in the days leading up to the occasion and on Emancipation Day itself. The two weeks leading up to Emancipation will feature a street bazaar in Main Street, Georgetown and will have, among its many attractions, vendors showcasing their work as well as cultural performers. In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, ACDA’s Emancipation Coordinator , Aisha Jean-Baptiste, said that the aim of the street bazaar is to create an environment where those who are interested in showcasing their talents are able to do so, while simultaneously getting everyone into the spirit of the Emancipation season. Another pre-Emancipation event will be the Spiritual Tribute. This will be conducted at the Square of the Revolution in association with the House of Santeria over successive nights and will pay respects to African ancestors. It will begin with Ancestors Night on July 27 and be followed by Elemental Night (Water/Earth) on July 28, Elemental Night (Fire) on July 29 and Guyana/All Nations Night on July 30. On July 31, also known as Emancipation Eve, there will be a candlelight procession from the car and bus parks in front of Demico House to D’urban Park in memory of all those who died in the struggle for freedom. EMANCIPATION DAY The day of Emancipation will begin with Sunrise Services, scheduled for 05:30hrs at the National Park. Different religious groups will come together to hold a service to ask the Creator to bless the day and keep everyone involved in the day’s activities safe. This will mark the opening of the Emancipation Day Festival at the National Park. The gates for the Festival will open at 10:00hrs. The activities will cater to all interests and all age groups. Jean-Baptiste said that there will be an array of activities for children. “Every year we try to put on a lot of activities that are centred on the family. And, of course, the centre of our family has always been our children,” she said. For this reason, the Festival will have a Children’s Centre which will have
face-painting, ring games, folk games, bouncy castles, colouring and storytelling. There will also be presentations featuring young people from youth groups all over the country. This children’s show will commence from when the gates open and will include drumming, dancing and poetry. Later in the day, there will be the ‘Hello Africa’ Children’s Parade. There will be prizes for most creative costume/float, best-dressed group and best costume display. OTHER SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES There will also be activities for more athletically inclined young people. Leading up to Emancipation, there will be various teams of youths competing against each other in events such as football and cricket. The teams taking part are from Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and West Coast Berbice. The culmination of most of these activities occurs during the festival. It is also noteworthy that there will also be 40 and 60-metre races for the blind, a six-over cricket competition for the blind, five-a-side small-goal football matches for veterans and a domino competition. A definite highlight will be the five-mile Freedom/ Reparations race. This race begins at the Square of the Revolution and ends at the National Park. It will be a collaboration with the Guyana Reparations Committee. Cuisine will not be neglected. ACDA is collabo-
Taking part in the Children’s Parade (Photo credit: ACDA)
rating with ANSA McAl to bring a cook-up competition to the festival this year. There will be three categories. “There’s a no-meat cook-up, a chicken-and-beef cook-up and then there’s the all-goes cook-up with pigtails and so on,” Jean-Baptiste said. This ensures that everyone can enjoy cook-up. The first prize will be $50,000 in each category and there will also be hampers. The coordinator encourages all those who are interested in participating to contact ACDA. Registration forms for the cook-up competition are available at ACDA
mancipation ing at the E ACDA) m or rf pe rs Dance credit: 2016 (Photo Day Festival
headquarters. Additionally, she said that there will be vendors offering an array of food as there will be local and international visitors to the festival who wish to try new culinary experiences or are nostalgic for ones from their childhoods. The culinary, sports and cultural events will also be joined by educational features as well. Jean-Baptise said that the festival will feature educational booths for visitors “who are interested in history; in exhibition; those who love to read; those who love to learn about new things and new areas.” MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT Of course, the celebrations would be incomplete without music. It is not surprising then that ACDA will include numerous live musical performances. Headlining the festival will be reggae soul singer-songwriter Etana and reggae singer Everton Blender.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXIII
or Emancipation
eedom in 2017 Etana’s hits include “Wrong Address”, “Warrior Love”, “Roots” and the well-known “I Am Not Afraid.” A unifying factor among the acts is that their music is inspirational and uplifting. This is completely intentional. “You want an inspirational, positive message on Emancipation,” Jean-Baptiste said. “It’s going to be very rich, soulful, powerful sounds coming out on Emancipation
was a good comparison to look at a country which is the richest country when it comes to resources.” She also noted that Guyana is only on the brink of discovering its potential in terms of resources and that showcasing the DRC was an opportunity for Guyanese to think about how they can develop themselves to take advantage of the opportunities of Guyana’s new-found oil wealth potential. The village chosen for the festival this year is Union Village, also known as a conga village. “Their entire story is told through the drum,” she said. She added that Guyana had a second wave of indentureship. There were Africans who came to Guyana as indentured immigrants from Ghana and the Congo. Though indentureship was just as difficult as slavery, these immigrants were not stripped of their culture. In time though, she said, “Their everything, the one survival piece of their story is this drum.” The conga drum is the core of these communities and it is this aspect that ACDA wishes to highlight. The hope is to have a conga drumming competition at the festival with
Aisha Jean-Baptiste, ACDA Emancipation Coordinator
Day.” These performers will also be joined by local acts, including, Big Red, Charmaine Blackman, First Born, X-Factor, Zion Kid, Divine Stars, Mystique, Flame of the Hearts, Young Bill Rogers. There will also be other acts visiting from neighbouring countries such as Fire Dancers from Suriname, providing excitement and spontaneity to the celebrations. Performing in costume, CELEBRATING AFRICA Emancipation Day Festival Two ubiquitous features of the Emancipation 2016 (Photo credit: ACDA) Day Festivals have been the annual honouring of an African country and an African Guyanese village. This celebration of an African country is reflective of the fact that most Guyanese of African invitees from different conga villages all over Guyana. descent cannot trace their ancestry to a particular African “I want people to understand that there’s a difference in nation. The country chosen this year is the Democratic drumming styles,” she emphasised. “It’s quite intriguing Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC was chosen for when you can sit and actually hear the difference between being the second largest country in Africa, boasting a rich the beats and the styles.” history and culture. “We thought it was fitting, considEmancipation is a celebration for all Guyanese ering Guyana is on the forefront of being extremely rich Jean-Baptiste added. “Emancipation is not an Afriin natural resources,” Jean-Baptiste said. “We thought it can-Guyanese concept. The concept of Emancipation is
the struggle against injustice, against oppression and discrimination.” Fairness, equality and justice, she explained, are celebrated by and fought for by all. The story of Emancipation is also one that illustrates the power of unity. In her words, “Together with a common mind, with a common focus, you can achieve something good.” Indeed, this can be seen in the fact that the funds raised from the festival go toward funding ACDA’s programmes in communities. These include feeding and literacy programmes, free dance and drumming classes and youth entrepreneurship. “We’re in the background 365 days of the year trying to reach out in communities that need it the most and to individuals that require it the most to empower them and to make their situation better.” Sponsors and volunteers are invaluable to the success of these Emancipation events with purpose. Highlighting the importance of volunteerism in Guyana, Jean-Baptiste also called on volunteers to sign up for Emancipation. Interested sponsors and volunteers can contact ACDA at 225-8420 or at acda.emancipation@gmail. com. And, of course, everyone is invited to ACDA’s Emancipation events. In the words of Ms. Jean-Baptiste, “No matter who you are, no matter what background, I want to encourage all of you to come into the National Park and take part in the activities that we have in store for you.”
XXIV
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXV
XXVI
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXVII
XXVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
The GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends THE Recording Academy (known most famously for hosting the GRAMMY Awards) honoured its 2017 Special Merit Awards recipients with an award ceremony and live tribute concert on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. I have never dressed so quickly for any event in my life. My friend Angela from Atlanta sent me a message asking if I wanted to attend the GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. When I called her, she said she had two tickets available and asked if I could get to the city in less than two hours. Imagine I am in Long Island and needed to get ready and get to the city during rush hour in less than two hours!
Was this even possible? I always look at the glass half full, so I told myself YES. I literally took the first outfit off the hanger and the first pair of shoes that my hand reached. I put on some basic makeup, drew on my brows and hit the road. I am fortunate I have friends in my life who would drop everything and drive me to the city and I am so appreciative. My friend Robert took every short cut and I think he even created some to ensure I made it there. We both believed it was possible and we made it. This mind of ours is so powerful and we should use it more often to will ourselves when things seem impossible. I was seated in the ninth centre row which gives a great view of the stage and the teleprompter. Even the jokes that
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion seem impromptu are in the script, but they are so good, they make it seem so real. The performances from some iconic music greats will be in the treasured part of my memory bank. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honourees were Shirley Caesar, Ahmad Jamal, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, Nina Simone, Sly Stone and the Velvet Underground. Led by GRAMMY-winning entertainer Paul Shaffer as musical
Me and the legendary Shirley Caesar
director, the tribute concert featured rare performances by honourees and never-before-seen renditions by those they’ve inspired. Some of the performers were Lifetime Achievement Award honouree John Cale of the Velvet Underground, Lifetime Achievement Award honouree Caesar, past GRAMMY nominee Andra Day, 12-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin, six-time GRAMMY winner Randy Newman, past GRAMMY nominee Catherine Russell, Lifetime Achievement Award honouree Pride, past GRAMMY nominee Valerie Simpson, five-time GRAMMY winner Dionne Warwick, past GRAMMY nominee Charlie Wilson, and two-time GRAMMY winner Dwight Yoakam. During the break I had a chance to sit with legendary first lady of Gospel Shirley Caesar and we got a chance to chat for a short while about how great God is. I also got the opportunity to chat with Neil Portnow President/CEO, of the Recording Academy. He seems so humble because we spoke for a few minutes about the level of details that go into productions of this magnitude. They had one mishap with the mic when Catherine Russell was performing, but she was received well. We also chatted during the break and she somehow thought we had met before, so I guess it was my double. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the GRAMMY Awards, and to celebrate, they are returning to New York City! I can’t wait for January 28, 2018, God’s willing. I had two tickets for this event, but because it was last-minute it was not possible for someone to join me. More than likely, I will have another for the GRAMMY in January and I have to select someone.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXIX
Women are steadily gaining ground in the fight for equality
– but may need to begin the fight for their boys now By M Margaret Burke WOMEN across the globe are participating in the workforce more than ever before. They are gaining ground in many facets of the labour force, at all levels – from top to bottom. Women are also currently (or have been in the past) leaders of many other countries, including Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark; Yingluck
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party with Nicola Sturgeon, Prime Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (Getty Images)
Shinawatra Prime Minister of Thailand; Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, President of Argentina; as well as Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil. Other Prime Ministers include Julia Gillard of Australia, Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago; Johanna Sigurdardottir of Iceland and Sheik Hasina Wajed of Bangladesh. France and Canada also had female Prime Ministers, though for brief periods of time. The ‘Iron Lady’, Margaret Thatcher cannot be left out here. There are also other prominent ladies such as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia; Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica; Tarja Halonen, President of Finland and Dalia Grybauskaite, President of Lithuania. In the Middle East, only Israel and Turkey have had female leaders. Golda Meir led Israel for five years, while Turkey’s Tansu Ciller occupied the prime minister’s office for three. Globally, women have been placed in many other positions of authority in every sector of society – ranging from the education, health, banking and finance, the judiciary, engineering, aeronautics, and many more. In Guyana, women are very nearly in control of the education system, especially at the Kindergarten and Primary levels, with marginal changes at the Secondary level-- especially in relation to the needs that present themselves at this level. At the post-secondary / tertiary levels, there is an obvious and welcome change, where larger numbers of female teachers are present in the classroom to instruct. One may only need to use the method of a rapid as-
sessment in order to properly garner and evaluate the outcomes of most of the national tests, such as CSEC and other exams; then follow the lead of many of the students or past students to come to some safe conclusions on where our girls, as well as boys are heading in their preparation for life. But looking at these results, quite obviously, there is need for quick interventions because even as women
continue to climb the ladder in many ways, far too many boys need to be rescued. STUDIES AND REPORTS The IFM Report stated that while, “Women remain an underutilised labour resource in Latin America and the Caribbean…over the past two decades, they have been increasingly active at work, narrowing the gap with men and their counterparts in advanced economies at an Turn to page XXXIV ►►►
XXX
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
The mysterious death of Teddy By: Abdool A. Aziz HE was 12, I was 15, but we were friends. Every afternoon I accompanied him as he took dinner for his father working as a ‘watchman.’ But on that day I did not, and I lived to regret it, Teddy my humble friend had a mysterious death. The Drowning At the end of dinner, Teddy would go to a nearby canal to wash the dishes and return home, but that evening, he did not. An alarm was raised by his worried mother and the whole village turned out to search for their missing ‘son.’ I was going crazy. My heart fell to my feet. We searched and searched but there was no Teddy. Then I decided to retrace his steps to the canal and to
my shock and sorrow, I saw a bowl floating on the dark surface of the water. That was where Teddy was; I feared he had drowned. The Discovery Many men plunged into the cold, black water and searched, but they found no body. But we know he was down there as his food bag with other wares lay on the embankment; so, too, his cap. The night was busy and folks wept and prayed for the beloved lad. His mother beat her chest all night, overwhelmed. His father watched in agony. Teddy was their only son; his pet and my dear friend. It was a night of sorrow and anxiety. The next morning, the authorities opened the koker door and drained the canal, and to our shock, the tiny body lay pinned under a submerged log. How did
he get there? That log was not disturbed. Indeed, it was a mysterious death. A Hymac construction vehicle had to be used to pry the log from its bed. When the lifeless body was finally retrieved, tears and sadness were shared by the spectators. His dad broke down. I wept like a baby. There was my friend – but dead. The post -mortem He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for a post-mortem. It revealed that he had not drawn any water into his lungs, but his neck was broken. Who could have committed this heinous crime and why? What did this innocent child do? The funeral was the biggest and it was really heart-rending. His mother suffered a nervous breakdown and eventually died. His dad took to
the ‘bottle’ to ease his pain. I couldn’t go to school, because I was crying all the time. I still cry for my ‘Baby’ friend Teddy. Was it a mermaid? All suspected that it was a mermaid who took Teddy’s life. It was learned that the father dealt with them and that he had the golden comb. But something went wrong and Teddy paid the ultimate price. Dwellers of the back lands were warned not to go near black water creeks and never to pick up golden combs. It will bring fortune and eventual disaster. My take on this? Yes! I believe that these magical creatures exist on land and in water. God placed his superb creations everywhere. But those particular ones took away my Teddy.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXXI
Adjusting to life as a differently-abled person – stories of courage, lessons of faith from Essequibo’s CBR Programme Williams, proud of her achievements. However, her success was not well received by some sections of society. “When I got the teaching job, some people felt that someone was probably sorry for me and gave me the job. There was some resentment towards me. Some parents even went to the then Regional Chairman, Ali Baksh, to lodge a complaint, saying they asked for a teacher and they got a differently-abled person. But he told them there was no problem because I was qualified for the job,” Williams explained. Now 43, Williams spends time sharing her story to support and motivate other differently-abled persons.
SUPPORT SERVICE FOR THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED Aside from skills-building, the CBR porgramme offers counselling and members participate in events such as awareness walks, interactive sessions, school campaigns and a community outreach service. Skills training courses include block-making, carpentry, tin smith, envelope-making and garment construction. They are now involved in a duck-rearing project. Members are between the ages of 20 and 65, and some of the differently-abled are amputees, visually-impaired, wheel-chair bound, speech impaired and those physically challenged after a stroke. Turn to page XXXII ►►►
Marcel Ann Williams and two of four of her children
By Ravena Gildharie MAIMED by her husband 15 years ago, Marcel Ann Williams was thrust into living as an amputee, adjusting to life without the use of one of her hands. But from her story, shines the essence of forgiveness, faith and never giving up to achieve one’s dream. She is currently a mother of four, a trained school teacher and an advocate for the differently-abled. Back in 2002, Williams, a resident of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, was unemployed and pursuing a tertiary course at a local institution. She was then 27 years old and a mother of two. One day, her husband returned from a social outing and the couple got into a heated argument that escalated and resulted in Williams losing her limb. She subsequently relocated to Georgetown as she struggled to adjust as a differently-abled person. “It was very hard at first. It is not until you lose something that you have been accustomed to using, that you realise how important it was…But as they say, when ‘you don’t have mommy, you have to use granny,’ and that is what I had to do – learn how to do things for myself and my children with one hand,” Williams indicated during an interview with Pepperpot Magazine. While in the city, she pursued a one-year certificate programme in Information Technology at the Open Doors Centre. She subsequently enrolled at the Critchlow Labour College and wrote five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, four of which she secured with Grade Two passes. Not successful in English, she again sat the examination the following year and obtained a Grade One in 2006. Around that time, she returned to Essequibo and joined the Essequibo Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme (CBR). Launched over a decade ago, the programme supports differently-abled members of society and their caregivers. It is based in Queenstown village and currently has about 30 members. Through the initiative, Williams teaches various skill-based courses to children during the school holidays. “I always dreamed of becoming a teacher and when I came back to Essequibo, I applied for a teaching job in the region. Thankfully, in 2010, I got through and I’ve been teaching since then at the Charity Nursery. I attended CPCE during 2010 to 2012 and graduated as a trained teacher,” said
XXXII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
◄◄◄ From page XXXI
One member is a part of Guyana’s Blind Cricket Team, while several others are regular contenders in the annual domino competition sponsored through the National Sports Commission. The CBR programme is now managed by Lloyd Griffith, a 53-year-old former headteacher who completely lost his vision to glaucoma in 2001; an impairment which forcefully ended his prestigious 36-year teaching career. He previously served at the Anna Regina Multilateral and Suddie Primary schools. A resident of Johanna Cecelia, Griffith had supported the CBR programme since it was initiated in 1995. However, it was not until 2001 when he took up full-time membership while he was personally struggling to adjust to his disability. “I was in charge of the Bartica Secondary School when I lost the sight in both of my eyes and I had to leave the job and return home to Essequibo. I was forewarned by the doctors, but when it happened I went into a mode of self-pity and withdrew with a lot of hostile emotions,” Griffith recalled. Even while members of his family went beyond the
Mr Lloyd Griffith and others from the Essequibo CBR programme
Kids at the CBR playpark in Queenstown village, Essequibo
measure to support and comfort him, Griffith said he was unreceptive until he later realised there was no use in being withdrawn. “I began to realise then that I should not give up and that there is no need to behave that way, so with the support of my family, I started working to help myself deal with my disability,” he stated. Griffith is married and has four adult children and one grandchild. “It is difficult when you become disabled, but I now like to do a lot of counselling and help others understand that there is still hope, and that there are things we can learn to do to help ourselves instead of begging or depending on anyone to provide for us,” the advocate said. He noted that society is often skeptical of persons with disabilities, but “it is up to us to change that mindset of how we see ourselves and how society sees us, so that we can become more visible and can reintegrate with society.” A DIFFERENT-VIEW PROJECT The Queenstown CBR Centre was renovated earlier this year through A Different-View Project, an Essequibo-based, non-profit organisation led by Queenstown-born Canadian student Menakshi Babulall. Her initiative is aimed at building infrastructure and providing social and educational programmes for children and other vulnerable groups in Essequibo. Aside from an upgrade to the building, the CBR centre was furnished with a computer and printer for use by the community’s children and a mini library. A playground was also established with swings and slides. During the week, the project’s volunteers tutor the school-aged children on various subjects and assist them with homework and school-based assignments. The sessions are designed to help the children read and write, Babulall said, adding that there are interactive sessions as well to encourage public speaking and aid communication with their peers. The young woman explained that while growing up, she longed for such recreational and educational spaces in the community, which she believes can help students deal with some of the problems they encounter, and enable them to become well-rounded individuals. Babulall said she is hoping to secure the services of a professional counsellor to work with the differently-abled members at the CBR centre, but more so, to conduct home visits to those who do not visit the centre. She plans too to set up similar ventures in other areas.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXXIII
Caribbean delegations hyped for showcase at
CARIFESTA XIII – Barbadian organisers promise cultural explosion By Ravena Gildharie
A plethora of main and community performances are scheduled (carifesta.net)
JUST weeks away before the curtains are lifted for staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XIII) in Barbados, the organisers are set to make the event as diverse as ever, packed with features to create a lasting legacy in the region. Barbadian officials promised that CARIFESTA XIII would be an explosion of rich cultural creativity with a packed schedule of Caribbean theatre, dance, film, arts and eats. As the event approaches, participating delegations including Guyana, Jamaica, Bermuda and Haiti are busily preparing their cultural showcase. In Guyana, the 60-member delegaThrowback to CARIFESTA X 2008 in Guyana (carifesta.net)
Belize culture would also be on show at CARIFESTA XIII (carifesta.net)
tion is preparing to fully represent the Land of Many Waters as a ‘Green State’ at CARIFESTA XIII in Barbados. Headed by Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain, Guyana’s contingent includes representatives of the arts in forms of visual, literary, culinary and cultural; fashion, craft, film/animation, performing arts music, dance and drama. Additionally, Junior Calypso Monarch T’shanna Cort has signed a contract to compete for Guyana in the Caribbean Youth Calypso Monarch against other regional contenders. Meanwhile, Jamaica is getting ready its largest troupe ever to participate in CARIFESTA XIII and will feature more than 150 creative entrepreneurs, performing groups and vendors showcasing the country’s diverse, intangible heritage. “This will be the first time in recent years that Jamaica will participate with a delegation this size. We are pleased that this is a direct result of the expression of interest that was publicly advertised by us to the sector,” Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia Grange said recently. In Barbados, organisers are working to ensure all venues, systems and programmes are set and ready to accommodate the more than 3,000 participants expected at CARIFESTA XIII. Belize is so far the lone Central Latin American country that is slated to participate in the event. According to Barbadian media reports, the Grand Market and Buyer’s Mall is among the most notable events to be staged during the August 17 to 27 period. The event has been a regular feature at CARIFESTA over the years and allows thousands of buyers the opportunity to view exhibits of cultural goods and services in a market place environment. It gives exhibitors the exposure to showcase their creativity, secure networks and buyers for their products and generally grant
them the experience to improve and expand their capacity. Barbados’s Culture Minister Stephen Lashley, while updating his country’s local media on CARIFESTA XIII preparations last week, said that through its Grand Market and Buyer’s Mall, this year’s CARIFESTA XIII will employ a rebranded element. He noted that Barbados had been at the forefront of the development of the cultural industries and CARIFESTA XIII will focus on the promotion of those industries. This year, the organisers have attracted participants from outside of the Caribbean allowing buyers from around the world to see what products the region has on offer for world Turn to page XXXVI ►►►
XXXIV
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXIX
impressive rate.” The report offered that in a region where there is a need to find new sources of growth, encouraging more women to participate in the labour market would help boost income levels and employment across countries. “Caribbean countries have historically had high female participation rates, and since 2005 are higher than the United States. In the rest of the region, Central America and the five largest South American economies were almost on par in the early 1990s, at below 40 percent, but since then countries in South America have made significant gains, while Central America has been catching up at a more modest rate,” the Report said. According to a 2014 World Bank Report, ‘Voice and Agency: Empowering Women and Girls for Shared Prosperity’, it stated that notwithstanding the shocking [many] facts, “…women continue, against the odds, to play many distinct and important roles in society and the fruits of their labour continue to be seen.” The 2012 World Development Report: Gender Equality and Development highlighted wide-ranging and unprecedented progress in important aspects of the lives of girls and women over recent decades. According to the report, “more countries than ever guarantee women and men equal rights under the law in such areas as property ownership, inheritance and marriage. Gender gaps in primary schooling have narrowed in many countries. Globally, more women than men attend university, and women are now living longer than men in every Region of the world. In all but a handful of countries women have the right to vote.” In the words of CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin La Roque, in his special message on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2014, “The women of our Community have shown great courage and strength as catalysts for change in the pursuit of justice, equality and peace…” Their composite story is of unstinting public service, not only at the national, regional and international levels, but also at the community level. It is a story of integrating women into the mainstream of development; of raising national and international consciousness to a greater appreciation and acceptance of the integral role of women in the process of development. It is also a story of inspiration and mentorship to younger generations of Caribbean feminists; pioneering research work on women in the Caribbean; of positioning the Region on global agenda issues through astute leadership; of charting ways rooted in Caribbean culture, enabling us to make our way with dignity and self-esteem; of innovative work which has informed programming and policy at the national level; of raising the profile of gender and development in academia; and of breaking glass ceilings. UNDERPERFORMANCE OF BOYS The essence of their narrative is a determination to broaden the parameters of existence for women and girls and to improve their economic, social, political, cultural and legal status; a resolution to tackle the vexed question of underperformance of our Caribbean boys at every level of the education system. Theirs has been the story of gender and development; Caribbean development. The expansion of higher education has also boosted job prospects for women, improving their value on the job market and shifting their role models from stay-at-home mothers to successful professional women. The best-educated women have always been more likely than other women to work, even after having children. As women climb the ladder of success and become even sure of who they are, yet there will always be a level of uneasiness, insecurity, the feeling of being unsafe…the important roles of the male cannot be disregarded – to do so could indeed be to the detriment of woman. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXXV
XXXVI
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXXIII
markets. To date, 15 buyers from as far as Europe have confirmed their attendance for the Grand Market and Buyer’s Mall. PLANNED SHOWCASE Barbadian officials have indicated that the spotlight will be on the Kensington Oval on August 18 for the opening ceremony, where Barbados and 22 other nations will give a preview of their showcase during the festival. Festival Artistic Director, John Hunte, recently told Barbadian media that the opening ceremony would take the form of an ‘Olympic-style atmosphere’ with the entrance of the flags of the delegates before the formal presentations. CARICOM Secretary- General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart are expected to deliver remarks at the ceremony. Hunte had related that the presentation by the Barbadian delegation would be featured under the theme ‘Return to the Village’ and would include all major dance groups of the island. A plethora of main and community performances are scheduled from August 19 to 26 and will feature creative showings from various cultures. For those in the literary arts niche, August 19-23 is set aside for the Symposium which includes panel discussions, presentations, readings and book launches at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, the organisers indicated. The penultimate day of the festival will feature a super-concert under the theme ‘Caribbean Comedy Show’ at
Barbados is all set to host CARIFESTA XIII next month (carifesta.net)
the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Organisers reported too that support from the region has been strong, especially from Haiti and the French-speaking islands. The featured acts out of Haiti would include Boukman Eksperyans, former President of Haiti, Michel ‘Martelly and out of Guadeloupe, Cou Cou Stick. A team from Haiti visited Barbados last week to formulate plans for their participation ahead of the festival. Bermuda just days ago announced its contingent of artists, authors, entertainers and craftsmen who have been selected to represent the country in Barbados. “Carifesta, the largest gathering of Caribbean arts and culture, is an opportunity for local artists and performers to showcase their talents as well as their goods and services to the world,” Bermudian media quoted the Island’s Culture Department’s Director Heather Whalen as saying. She added, “The theme of Carifesta XIII is ‘Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves’, and the programme of performing and visual arts represents a melting pot of cultural expression from many countries of the Caribbean region. This theme speaks to the connectivity of the Caribbean region brought about by our common history and heritage.” Bermuda’s delegations include popular rapper Adum Reb, who is a local radio sensation, author Alan C. Smith, who is described as one of the forerunners of Bermuda’s contemporary Spoken Word Movement and craftswoman Veronica Chameau, who is noted for reviving the dying art of doll-making in her home country.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXXVII
XXXVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XXXIX
XL
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XLI
XLII
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If it be now, ‘tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) Hamlet Act 5, Scene 2 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Mainly, business letters feature crisp clarity, positive impression, and the keeping of the reader’s goodwill. But they also have formats and styles, and there is no standard by which the appropriateness or inappropriateness of a specific style can be firmly established. Differences among them mostly concern arrangements or placement of letter parts which we look at today, so you will be better able to present your ideas within an acceptable framework. Be wise.
Love you. WRITING LETTERS The business letter format and style The business letter, like other letters, carries four sections: The heading, the opening, the body, and the closing. You will have one letter later below which will be one that you can safely follow after for now. The Heading: This contains essential heading parts such as a letterhead and date line which contain information for both writer and reader. The contents and design
of a company or organisation’s letterhead identify the company or organisation and project an image. The date line consists of the year, month, and date the letter is written. The parts of a business letter must be arranged in a sequence that will make the parts meaningful. The Opening: This directs the letter to a specific individual, company, department, or whatever, and to courteously greet the reader before beginning to talk business, and establish a an overall letter tone The inside address directs the letter, as does an attention line, if used; and the salutation greets the reader in the most commonly used letter styles. a) The Inside Address: This contains the name of addressee with a courtesy title. Person’s job title is either in the same line or on a separate line. b) The Attention Line: This is a line positioned below the inside address and above the salutation to speed up handling of the letter, e.g. Attention General Manager. Do this when the letter is addressed to a company or to department within a company, rather than an individual person. c) The Salutation: There are several acceptable forms of salutations, and each reflects a different tone. The Body: This is the most important section of the letter from both the writer and the reader’s point of view, with the writer doing his best to get his or her thoughts across to the reader. This body consists essentially of the message and may optionally include a subject line. a) The Subject Line: There is advance notice here of what the letter is about. Put this immediately below the salutation (so that it precedes the message), e.g. SUBJECT: ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING, or Subject: Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. b) The Message: This is the body and soul of the whole letter – all other parts are appendages, arms and legs that support and help to make the message work. The message carries the purpose of the letter. It may have at least two paragraphs even if the last paragraph is nothing more than “Thanks and best wishes to you,” or something along that line. The Closing: This complimentary closing says “Good-bye” in a different way from normal. a) The Complementary Closing: This closing varies in form and tone. It must match the salutation of the letter, e.g. “Re-
spectfully yours”, “Yours very truly”. b) The Company Signature: Most companies do not use a company signature. It is the name of the company typed in all-capital letters. c) The Writer’s Signature: The handwritten signature of the person who has written the letter. d) The Writer’s Identification: The writer’s name and job title. Samuel Johnson, General Manager. e) Reference Initials: This serves for administration purposes only, e.g. FTB/crt/bur, meaning FTB signed the letter, crt wrote it, and bur typed it. f) Enclosure Notation: Such a notation helps writers, recipients, and secretaries confirm that all the enclosures are included when the letter is sent and received. g) Others: These are the Mailing Notation, the Carbon Copy notations, the Blind Carbon Copy Notation, and the Post scripts which are still left to be taken into account, so specifically accountable are the parts of a serious business letter. Here is a simply written business letter which is a fair example of what is normally accepted in our society. Hinterland Camping Equipment Ltd., Unit 18 - The Boulder, Aishalton Tel. 734 3917 Fax. 734 3928 July 3, 2017 Our ref. BM/AB H. M. Whartonson, A.A., 7, Bamboobridge Road, Mocha Dear Sir, Re. Two-berth Heuge Tent – order number HW 602 We thank you for your letter of June 28, together with your remittance of $88,540. We regret to inform you that stocks of the Heuge tent that you ordered were exhausted within ten days of our special offer appearing in magazine Garden Space. However, we have ample stocks of the Duchess range of tents and are prepared to offer you the two-birth model (order no. HK527), which is normally sold at $98,540, for the price of the equivalent Heuge tent. If this is not acceptable to you, we will, of course, refund your money promptly. Perhaps you will give us your course of action. Yours faithfully, ……………… (Sandra Pitt) Manager – Mail Order Hinterland Camping Equipment Ltd.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 16, 2017
XLIII
Braised Chicken with Pineapple Ingredients 3-3 1/2 lb chicken 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 oz margarine 1-2 onions, chopped 4 tbsp chopped eschalot 4 tbsp chopped celery 1 oz flour 3/4 pt stock made from the chicken giblets or 1 chicken stock cube 1 tsp Chinese or soy sauce 1 tsp tomato ketchup
Method 1 Clean and wash the chicken in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and water. 2 Dry the chicken on a clean towel. 3 Joint the chicken. 4 Season with salt, pepper and a little of the chopped garlic. 5 Heat the margarine in a frying pan without browning. 6 Fry chicken until slightly brown, cooking legs and breast first. 7 Remove chicken from pan and place in an ovenproof dish. 8 Skim off any brown bits from the pan. 9 Add chopped onion, garlic, eschalot and celery and fry. 10 Blend in flour, stock, Chinese or soy sauce, tomato ketchup and nutmeg. Pour over chicken. Cover with lid or foil. 11 Place dish in oven at 400 degrees and cook for 20 minutes. 12 Remove lid, arrange sliced pineapple and chopped tomatoes on top and leave to cook uncovered for a further 15 minutes. 13 Decorate with chopped parsley.