See inside:
A– STEM winGuyana for all! ► Page
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Animation for Carifesta XIII ► Centre page
A flourishing ICT sector ► Page
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Hoop Dreams
Teen basketball Phenom Jada Mohan
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Editor’s note Coming off the heels of Team Guyana’s stellar performance at the recent Global Robotics Challenge in Washington D.C., and the feeling of immense pride that Guyanese have experienced as a result, it became quite clear that this week’s focus would do well to zero in on technology and the youth. The transformative effects of technology on our everyday lives can no longer go unnoticed. Technology has
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
changed everything, so much so, that, the way in which we do things; the way in which we seek to achieve our goals and the choices that young people will make when building their careers, have all, unavoidably, begun to seamlessly intertwine with various aspects of this phenomenon, which has arguably become a necessity in today’s world. So as you read about STEM Guyana’s preparations in this week’s
Pepperpot; or at the initiatives being implemented by private and public sector to create a technology-driven society; or even as you look at preparations for Carifesta and see one group making history to represent Guyana in the category of animation for the very first time, it is our hope that in the back of your mind, you consider the critical role that technology plays in all these things, and the need for us to rally behind future-thinking initiatives in order to provide our youth with the resources they need to succeed in this technological age.
Hoop Dreams Teen basketball Phenom Jada Mohan fulfilling her family legacy By Rawle Toney AT just 14-years-old, Jada Mohan is, arguably, Guyana’s best female basketball player-- which is unsurprising, since basketball is rich in her DNA. Jada is the daughter of Lugard Mohan, a former national point guard who is considered by many the best player Guyana has ever produced. Lugard made a name for himself as a hot-shot ball handler with a mean aim in the 1990s. In his prime, he played for the Ravens Basketball Club and represented Guyana in many tournaments. He would reign supreme in the ‘back court’ until the mid-2000s, when he hung up his sneakers and
turned his attention to refereeing, becoming an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Certified official and later national coach for both the senior and junior teams with a considerable degree of success. Now, following in his footsteps as a player worthy of recognition in her talent for the game, Jada says, however, that she aims to create a path of her own. “I don’t want to be known as just ‘Lugard’s daughter’,” Jada told the Pepperpot Magazine, adding that this unique path will see her heading off to hopefully play for one of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) most decorated Division One women’s basketball teams – the University of Connecticut
Jada Mohan drives past her father (Lugard Mohan) to score during one of their many games of One-on-One (Samuel Maughn Photo)
(UCONN) Huskies. And don’t be fooled by her charming smile; one that could warm a cold heart and light up a dark room, Jada is mean with the
Jada Mohan
ball in her hands and isn’t afraid of a challenge, even if it is against her fiercest rival – her father. Last year, a 13-year-old Jada got to match her skills against other female players in the Caribbean when she represented Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U16 Tournament which was hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Guyana failed to pick up a win in their three games played, but, Mohan, despite being one of the
youngest players in the tournament, turned heads and wowed the crowd with her ball-handling skills and fearlessness. She scored 11 points in her first game, 18 in the second and 15 in her third; all of which were team-high points, finishing with an average of 14.7 points. Mohan also had an average of nine rebounds per game (a team-high) in the tournament and had a total of 21 steals. Opposing coaches applauded Turn to page XIX ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
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A flourishing ICT sector
- driven by an innovative public/private partnership to reach all Guyanese By Ravena Gildharie
Installation is ongoing in areas such as Santa Rosa, Matthew’s Ridge, Linden, Aishalton and Masakenari. During an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, NDMA’s Chief Executive Officer Floyd Levi, said the coastal schools are connected via the E-governance network, while the hinterland is served by a satellite-based system, being installed along with a local private company. Levi acknowledged that the satellite connection is very expensive, costing about $600, 000 per month at each hinterland site,
FROM Matarkai in the North West District to Aishalton in the South Rupununi, Guyana is currently a hive of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformation, led by a revolutionary partnership between the public and private sectors. While the state’s National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is reeling out a series of community-based initiatives that are enabling thousands of citizens across the coast and hinterland to connect with the most advanced technologies of this internet era, businesses such as the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Digicel Guyana and Starr Computers are pursuing other innovative ICT expansions. It has been five months since the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) was merged with the eGovernment Agency to create one entity with combined resources to accelerate the national ICT agenda. With a $1.7 billion 2017 allocation, the agency enlisted the private sector to boost its ICT work programme. ICT in education The agency recently completed phase one of its Secondary Schools Internet Connectivity Project, through which President David Granger handing over 100 coastal secondary over a laptop to a teacher as part schools and other technical of the ‘One Laptop Per Teacher’ institutions were provided with initiative (MOE photo) well-equipped, internet-ready computer laboratories. The initiative then but the benefits are overarching. shifted to the hinterland with internet al“Students who are doing CSEC require ready installed at secondary schools in Port the internet, as it is actually mandatory for Kaituma, Mabaruma, Bartica, Waramadong, students to prepare their SBAs. So those stuMahdia, Paramakatoi, Kwakwani, Annai, dents who have access to the internet have a St. Ignatius and Sand Creek, among others. clear advantage over those who don’t have,
Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes and UG’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith, cutting the ribbon at the commissioning of the Teleconferencing Platform at the Centre for Information Technology at the university (DPI photo)
Students utilising the computers at the Crabwood Creek ICT Hub (DPI photo)
and we are trying to bridge that gap that exists between those schools in the hinterland and those in the coast,” Levi said. The project complements The One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT) Initiative, which seeks to better equip educators in the public system to deliver the curriculum, using modern technology. ICT IN FAR OUTLYING COMMUNITIES The NDMA is maximising the school’s hinterland investment, by integrating essential government services such as health, public security and local government. Levi noted that this is a major aspect of Guyana’s ICT drive, to boost the provision of government services, again using advanced technology. Efforts are ongoing to digitise services such as birth registrations, applications for birth certificates, passports and other necessary documents. “The citizenship requirements or civil events of registering a birth, getting a
birth certificate, those are some our priority projects that we would like to provide over the eGovernment network so citizens do not have to leave their communities to get that done. All of that could be done online through our e-governance system,” Levi highlighted. The agency is partnering with the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) at post offices countrywide to support the e-Governance network. “We see the post office as an integral role in this transformation of government services…if you want to buy something online, you can order it and have it shipped to the Guyana Post Office Corporation and they would in turn deliver that to your community, if you are in the hinterland,” Levi explained. Added to these services, the NDMA has also installed several ICT Hubs, which enable community members to access computers and internet services as part of its Improving Digital Equity Access and Learning (IDEAL). The project, which began last year, has since seen 39 Community ICT Hubs established in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, with more than 100 additional hubs planned for various parts of the country, including the hinterland. The agency also conducts high-level training of its staff and ICT personnel in the public service. The Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (ICT) at the University of Guyana is almost completed and will soon deliver high-end courses through scheduled classes, ideally designed for local personnel. Additionally, there is a pilot project involving the state’s emergency response units, particularly the fire and emergency medical services. “We are working with the Fire Service on an emergency response system, where persons will call in and state their emergency, whether fire or medical, and a particular vehicle would be dispatched using GIS (Geographic Information System) and other updated technology,” Levi revealed. The project is intended to help local ICT personnel better understand the operations and requirements of a larger-scale service. Turn to page XX ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Public policy – Magistrate erred:
Full Court granted possession to adulterous husband THE Full Court in 1961 conceded that a magistrate erred when considering the application of an adulterous appellant husband for, a dwelling to house himself, his mistress and their children. But after the appellant Pereira appealed to the Full Court, that Court, constituted by Chief Justice J.A. Luckhoo and Justice Sydney Miller allowed the appeal by Pereira with costs of the appeal to the Appellant. Appeal allowed. C. R. Wong for the appellant. M.C. Young for the respondent. The Court had said: A magistrate is not precluded by public policy from granting an order for possession of a dwelling house (which is subject to the provisions of the Rent Restriction Ordinance, Cap.186) to a husband
living in adultery and apart from his wife and lawful children where the husband requires the dwelling house as a residence for himself, his mistress and their children.” Judgment of the Court: The sole point for determination in this appeal is whether a magistrate is, on the ground of public policy, precluded from granting an order for possession of a dwelling house (which is subject to the provisions of the Rent Restriction Ordinance, Cap. 186), to a husband living in adultery and apart from his wife and lawful children where the husband requires the dwelling as a residence for himself, his mistress and their children. It was established to the satisfaction of the magistrate that the appellant’s application for possession was made bona fide and that it
was reasonable. It would appear that the magistrate would have granted the appellant’s application for an order for possession, had he not considered that it would be contrary to public policy to do so as the applicant is a married man living apart from his wife and lawful children and requires the premises, the subject matter of the application, for a residence for himself, his mistress and their children. The evidence established that the appellant has been living apart from his wife and their nine children for the past four years. His wife and their children resided in the appellant’s property while the appellant, his mistress and their five children resided in a dwelling house rented from some other person. At the time the appellant’s application was filed an order for possession had been made against him in respect of the house he was residing. By order of the court he was required to vacate the house not later than 1st July, 1960. As a result he purchased the premises, the subject matter of this application, for use as a dwelling. The respondent was residing in those premises at the time of the appellant’s purchase. The appellant has found himself in these
By George Barclay
circumstances. He is obliged to give up possession of the premises in which he presently resides with his natural born children and his mistress. He obviously cannot take his natural born children to reside in the house in which his wife is presently residing with their nine children. The appellant nevertheless, desires to find a residence for his natural born children who are no doubt of tender years. If not legally obliged to do so the normal obligation is clear. In such circumstances, it could hardly be against public policy for an order for possession to be made in his favour, despite the fact that his adulterous association with his mistress will continue there. It perhaps should also be noted that there is no evidence on the record of the circumstances under which the appellant ceased to reside with his wife. We are of the opinion that the magistrate erred in refusing, on the ground of public policy, to make the order for possession applied for by the appellant. The appeal is allowed. The order of the magistrate is set aside and an order made for possession of the premises, the subject matter of the application, to be given by the respondent not later than July 1st, 1961. Costs of this appeal to the appellant. Appeal allowed.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
V
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Sappho’s Love Poetry – Part II LESBIANISM expressed through literature is not a modern conception. In fact, it can be said that literature of this kind has existed for as long as there has been women poets – which goes all the way back to ancient times with Sappho, and maybe even much further back. While lesbianism has been present in the literary arts for a long time, the ways in which it was expressed and the mechanisms through which it was expressed have varied considerably. Poets often write to appeal to a certain time, a certain place and a certain audience, but only truly great poetry can become universal, surviving, existing, and influencing regardless of place and time. Sappho, the Greek lyrical poet, whose works dealt with the love of women, exists in this particular category of poets. Sappho is one of the earliest poets whose work contains aspects of lesbian relationships. One of her poems, I have not had one word from her (trans. Mary Barnard) is a particularly good poem to use in analying Sappho’s presentation of lesbians since it is neatly connected to her belief system and its influence in her poetry, as was discussed in last week’s article. Interestingly, the persona of I have not had one word from her seems to incorporate the goddess of love and a representative of Sappho’s belief system, Aphrodite, into her own relationship, in a few brilliant lines, when she tells her female lover to “think of all our gifts to Aphrodite / and all the loveliness we shared”. The “we” in the line could be read as referring to the persona, her lover, and Aphrodite herself. One reason why Sappho may have done this is to hint at the strength of the love between the women in the poem – it is so powerful that it calls upon the goddess of love to partake in it. It seems almost as if the characters worship the goddess in such a way so that she almost becomes part of their union. Clearly, Sappho is intent on showing the divine nature of lesbian love and the way it should be celebrated, in a
that is expressed in Sappho’s poetry, the kind that is both sensual and religious. Sappho makes it difficult to navigate between the two and that, clearly, is her intention. She wants her listeners to view relationships and love as sacred and religious. If this is an indicator of the status of lesbians in ancient Greece then it should not be difficult to understand why Sappho draws on Aphrodite for so much of her poetry and why her poems are exalted in such a way so as to present lesbian relationships as being akin to the divine. Sappho’s portrayal of lesbianism is mostly religious, written in language that often sound like invocations and prayers, usually sanctified with the appearance or plea to Aphrodite, or
Bust of Ancient Greek Poet, Sappho
holy manner that is implied by the presence of Aphrodite. Apart from highlighting the strength of her emotions, Sappho might have been using that particular line from her persona to show how beautiful the general love between women is. The presence of the goddess of love in a poem that is about a lesbian relationship was definitely an attempt by Sappho to show how sacred she believes these types of relationships to be. To further emphasise this point, we must pay attention to the subtle use of imagery in the poem. The images that elaborate on all the “loveliness shared” between the women in the poem follows directly in the lines after and, according to the persona, include, “…violet tiaras, / braided rosebuds, dill and / crocus twined around your young neck / myrrh poured on your head…” Flowers are obviously emblems of love, but they can also be used in religious offerings and this interpretation is underscored by the presence of myrrh, a notoriously religious item, as part of the love-making activities that these women take part in. Sappho is obviously attempting to fuse the religious aspect of her life with the sexual aspect in order to sanctify lesbian relations, in order to show how lesbian love is as sacred as worship. Such is the kind of love
a comparison of the persona’s young lover to a goddess. Today, and in other periods of our literary history, the idea of writing poetry that fuses lesbian love and the divine might seem sacrilegious, but Sappho’s poems are filled with imagery and emotions that bring the two together. I have not had one word from her is one of many, and when one reads the poem in its entirety one cannot help wondering what verses, what gems, might have been lost through the ages when one comes across only fragments of her work, even when they are as simple and powerful like the line in a fragment which simply reads: “You burn me.”
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
GBTI throws support behind Sickle Cell project with lifelong benefits THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has been making inroads in the health sector in Guyana. From erecting a billboard and adopting the counselling room in the Guyana Foundation Sunrise Centre in Essequibo, to bringing awareness and sensitising the public on curbing the scourge of suicide, to being supportive of ensuring healthy new-born babies of Guyana. The Bank has seen it fit to partner with two doctors: Dr Pheona Mohammed-Rambaran, Director of Medical Laboratory and Dr Bibi Alladin-Karan, Paediatric Resident, who are attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). They are currently undertaking a pilot project called, the “NewBorn Screening”. This pilot project which has been running from July 1, and continues to September 30, will see 3,200 new-born infants being tested for the prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) and Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) at the GPHC. To date, some 3,000 infants have been tested for these diseases. Dr Alladin-Karan said that because of the bank’s efforts, the hospital has saved a
number of babies’ lives from SCA and CH. Babies born with the Sickle Cell trait are only expected to live to about the age of 25-30 years old if treatment is not administered. Babies born with the trait of CH could potentially develop mental disorders, limb and joint impairments and other such disabilities that can affect them as they grow and develop. This, she says, is why screening for these two diseases is necessary and should form a part of the routine tests that are carried out on babies when they are born. Dr Alladin-Karan further noted that if the new-borns are tested and if these traits are picked up from that stage, there are treatments that can be administered which can improve the quality of life for those new-borns so that they develop less complications later on in life. Once the mother’s consent is given, samples are being taken at the GPHC, and then sent to the Children’s Health Eastern Ontario laboratory in Canada for the testing to be done. A sample only requires a prick of the baby’s foot as a just a small drop of blood is required. Dr Alladin-Karan said that upon ap-
GBTI’s Head of Banking Operations, Mrs Collette Lyken-Ramdial hands over the donation to Dr Bibi Alladin-Karan of the New-Born Screening project
proaching GBTI, she was immediately granted funding as the Bank took cognisance of the fact that a research project, such as this one, can be beneficial to all Guyanese. Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas are among the first Caribbean countries to pilot a study of this nature. It is hoped that once the pilot project is
completed that comprehensive sensitisation and awareness campaigns will be done along with an advocacy for sustainability of this project which would then see the implementation of same by the year 2018. GBTI also intends to forge ahead with this partnership so that in due time, the testing can be done locally.
A sample being taken from a new-born baby
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
VII
Optimal oral health the significance of the dental professional in preventing and treating oral diseases, as they may be the first health care provider to diagnose a problem. The importance for regular oral health care and education becomes imperative for improving oral health and will impact the well-being of all. Since the late 1990s, as previously mentioned, it has
IT IS written in the Holy Bible that it is what comes out of a man’s mouth that defiles him and not what enters into it. In a literal context, the author obviously was unaware of the fact that it is precisely the opposite that is true. In the late 1990s, the dental and medical communities were hit with a revolutionary research outcome that showed a link between oral health and systemic health. The culprit: bacteria. Today, it all seems second nature. Many say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, which means that they could be seen as the window to the body – or better yet, the door. It only makes sense that what a person ingests will lead to either a healthy lifestyle or an unhealthy lifestyle. We, dentists, are taught that we should not treat the oral cavity but we should treat the people with an oral cavity. The mouth is not separated from the rest of the body and why it took centuries to realise that oral bacteria could contribute to declining health may forever be a mystery. There will be short-term and long-term effects of what one does today as a result of their diet and exercise routine. Yet, many people would rather live for today than worry about tomorrow. For the dental professional, it will be imperative to influence patients to make a change in their eating habits if they want to save their teeth. For other health care providers it will be imperative to influence patients to make a change in their lifestyle in order to live a longer, healthier life. But what is oral health? Is it the same for everyone since many people have different oral conditions, such as missing teeth, restored teeth, and so on? There are good questions to consider, since everyone has different existing conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (1982), “Oral health is a standard of the oral and related tissues which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialise without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well-being.” Society in general has always viewed a pretty smile as an indicator for good teeth and healthy gums. Yet, statistics are indicating otherwise and all professional dental organisations have begun to advocate for optimal oral health. While it certainly occurs, few people die from oral diseases, yet the costs of treating it is astronomical at all levels: individuals, families, third party insurance companies, and government agencies. For example, in the United Kingdom, costs for treating dental disease overweigh the cost for treating all cancers and heart disease (East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority, 2009). The American Academy of General Dentistry is among those to promote the importance of oral health, recognising that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations and that oral infections can affect major organs (bacterial endocarditis). The Surgeon General reported that some type of periodontal disease or gingivitis affects more than 75 percent of the population. The statistics reveal
become more apparent with continued research that not only is cardiovascular disease linked to oral disease, so is respiratory disease and preterm low birth weight (PLBW) babies. There are good or normal bacteria thriving in the same environment as infectious microorganisms. As medical research continues to assist in better understanding this link, oral health practitioners must continue to educate patients in the relationship that exists between oral and systemic health. Of course, bacteria is not the only influence to systemic diseases that take the life of millions each year. Other known risk factors still include stress, tobacco use, high blood pressure, family history, genetics, weights, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity. There are more and more risk factors being discovered each year that can shorten one’s lifespan. Cardiovascular disease may be exacerbated by periodontal inflammation. The National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reports that scientific theories site opportunistic infectious bacteria that colonise in the mouth form biofilms. These biofilms can activate white blood cells releasing inflammatory mediators that can enter circulation and either enhance or perpetuate systemic effects. This inflammation, along with other risk factors, taxes the body’s ability to fight systemic disease. In a periodontal pocket, bacterial biofilm directly contacts ulcerated epithelium. The more advanced the periodontal condition, the more
surface area for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, more recent studies are now indicating that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins are better at determining the risk for cardiovascular disease associated with periodontal disease. The liver makes c-reactive proteins after being triggered by the number of bacterial by-products in the bloodstream. This trigger response system causes increased arterial inflammation.
A win for all!
VIII
Team Guyana competed against 809 youths from 157 countries
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
– STEM Guyana’s Karen Abrams tells of preparations that contributed to Team’s stellar performance
By Ravena Gildharie AS praises ring out for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana team following their impressive performance at the recently concluded Global Robotic Challenge staged in Washington D.C., STEM Guyana stands tall as a camp of motivation made up of a vibrant group of youth who are convinced that they can dream big, and can realise those goals through hard work and dedication. With only one year of exposure to robotics, Team Guyana competed against 809 youths who contested from 157 countries in 164 teams and emerged in the 10th position at the end of the event. The competition was held under the theme ‘H2O Flow’ and tested the critical thinking, strategy, and ingenuity of the competitors, who were tasked to construct robots that would help solve the problem of access to
clean water. Team Guyana was led by captain Ryan Benschop and included Anthony Frank, Arianna Mahase, Christopher Nelson, Sahief Poese and Vevekeanand Ramnarace, alongside Team Manager Farnaz Baksh; Coach Ricky Chan; and Public Relations Officer Horace Mosley. The support team Karen Abrams
Team Guyana building ‘Megathurium’ at Global Challenge Team Guyana at the Global Robotics Challenge in Washington D.C.
was led by Co-Founder of STEM Guyana Karen Abrams, an overseas-based Guyanese. Benschop, upon his return from the competition, noted that the team “learned many invaluable lessons both about robotics and even life in general, and what it takes to be successful.” The team received a grand welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timerhi, on Wednesday evening, July 19 2017, led by First Lady Sandra Granger, who pioneered STEM Guyana along with Abrams.
The young Benschop said the youths “developed skills in useful areas, such as teamwork, problem- solving especially under pressure, time and resource management, and, I think most importantly, determination and the attitude of never giving up.” He added, “we’ve proven that Guyana can be a very formidable player in robotics, and tech as a whole, and I think our experience will inspire an attitude in many Guyanese and pave the way for much development and progress.” DISTINCTIVE DESIGN Team Guyana competed with a robot, named ‘Megathurium,’ which featured an integrated design of koker doors, combine machines used in the rice fields and other indigenous systems. While building the robot, the youth visited kokers and other structures which inspired the robot’s design. At the challenge, commentators remarked on the distinctive design of the robot, and although Team Guyana ended Day One in first place, the members were subsequently challenged by underperforming teams and robot, which caused the loss of many points. Each team was challenged to build a robot that could have gathered/simulated water particles, sort the contaminated from the clean water particles and then find a way to make the robot deposit those particles in specific locations. The robot also had to be programmed to pull itself up off the ground. Teams built their robots with no formal instruction, and limited experience using nuts, bolts, motors, sensors and other parts provided by Vex Robotics. “One weakness was not being able to afford to purchase more than one robot with which to practise. This would have helped us to strengthen our competition field navigation, but we still managed to perform outstandingly well,” said Abrams, during an exclusive interview with Pepperpot Magazine after the competition. Many of the other participating teams practised with additional robot kits. However, she highlighted that the experience was exhilarating for Team Guyana, as members developed a global network of linkages with friends and possible business contacts. “Team Guyana members are grateful for the experience and look forward to acting as ambassadors for STEM Guyana, spreading STEM education throughout communities in Guyana,” Abrams expressed. She added that members “learned that hard work does pay off and that although the world is not fair, if you do your best to prepare, you put yourself in a position to win. They learned that ‘teamwork makes the dream work.’ They learned to love and appreciate each other and to believe in themselves. Most of all they now understand that they have Turn to page XIX ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page VIII
the ability to dream big dreams and work to change the world,” she continued.
that Team Guyana’s “accomplishment was a dream realised” and said that she looks forward to support from the diaspora, individuals, private sector and government to expand the programme throughout Guyana. At the Global Challenge, it was observed that Team Guyana’s strength was the willingness to look around the Guyanese community for robot-design ideas. “Additionally, our team’s diversity; education, age, and geography helped to strengthen our team, since we learned early on to embrace different ideas and perspectives. This strength helped us later in competition when we endured tremendous stress and had to depend on various perspectives and were able to entertain all views and extract the best ideas,” Abrams outlined. She believes the Guyanese youths are now more confident, empowered and determined to contribute to the solutions
BUILDING TEAM GUYANA Last year, her children observed that Guyana was not represented at robot engineering competitions and Abrams got an idea. She contacted the First Lady, who expressed interest, and the two women reached out to the diaspora. They used the U.S.$10, 000 raised to buy robot kits and thereafter produced four summer camps in Buxton, Lusignan and Georgetown. There, Guyanese youths were exposed to robot-building and programming. “Later, we were invited to the global tournament and we reached out to some of the folks we had trained the year before and went further by recruiting other youth from the University of Guyana, Georgetown Technical Institute (GT) and some high schools to practise for the team. It was from this group of young people that we chose the members of Team Guyana,” Abrams recalled. Over the months, the pioneers advocated support to fund and organise the team’s participation. “We had a handful of strong advocates and they helped to make the way for us,” Abrams said, but admitted that the level of cooper- Team Guyana at the Kingston koker, while seeking ideas for ation was not impressive. However, she stressed design of the competing robot
Team Guyana with First Lady Sandra Granger
that will help to rapidly advance Guyana’s development. STEM Guyana would soon begin outreaches to schools and communities in Guyana. The members would help to train trainers and new coaches of the new STEM clubs to be created. Three leagues for Mathematics, Robotics and MIT Scratch Programming for youths would also be set up. YOUTHS BEHIND THE SUCCESS Vevekeanand teaches Lego Mindstorm to fourth form students at his former Bishop’s High School. He volunteered with STEM Guyana last year and joined the team in May. Anthony is a former Diamond Secondary School student, who took part in the STEM Guyana camp last year, and became interested in robotics, after he realised how much programming influences a robot. Arianna, who joined the team last April, is a Computer Science student at the Uni-
IX versity of Guyana (UG) and dreams of becoming a Robotics Engineer. Sahief is also a UG student who joined the team last April. Christopher is a GTI student pursuing Electrical Engineering, while furthering his interests in the Arts. Ryan graduated from Queen’s College and is studying at School of the Nations with hopes to become a digital entrepreneur. Farnaz, the manager and Adult Mentor, is a Computer Science student at UG, where she founded the University’s Robotics and TechED Rev Clubs (Technology Education Revolution). Ricky, who coaches the Team Guyana Robotics group, is Systems Development Officer with the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services, General Register Office. Horace is a young representative from Buxton, who was trained and certified at a Lego Mindstorm coach.
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
‘Boiled to Perfection’ How Mabaruma’s ‘best boiled corn maker’ rose to local fame
By Shirley Thomas IT is said that ‘in the midst of hunger there is plenty.’ But every so often we miss the opportunity of zeroing in on that abundant source, simply because we are so consumed with lamenting over what we do not have, that we fail to see what promises to be a virtual ‘gold mine’ waiting to be discovered. But this is not the case with Yonette Boyer, the popular ‘boiled corn vendor’ plying her trade at the Kumaka Water Front in the Mabaruma Sub Region. It is amazing what the previously unemployed mother of three has been able to achieve, simply by thinking outside of the box, and today, she has a business with assured sales and it continues to get bigger and better. Yonette’s product is not just any kind of boiled corn, but quality, freshly cooked boiled corn; it is irresistible, spicy and juicy corn, cooked in coconut milk, and garnished with small amounts of thick leaf ‘calaloo.’ It’s the kind of delectable flavour that keeps customers coming back for more and now they’re demanding it, not only as a snack or for pastime munching, but even at meal times, and more recently it’s being used as a finger food when folks are having a few drinks or cocktails. Reflecting on how she got started, Yo-
“This is what will always remind me of Kumaka,” says first-time customer and Welfare and Humanitarian Officer, Ms. Angela Grant, visiting from the USA. At left is Yonette Boyer cheerfully displaying a serving of boiled corn as the two others ‘dig into’ theirs
nette likened it unto a prime example of how necessity is the mother of invention. It was at a time when jobs were not easy to come by in the neighbourhood, she said, and with growing children, her bills were continuing to mount. And so, she began thinking outside of the box. It was then that it dawned on her that she had ready
access to corn and therefore could go into a virtually non-traditional trade on the Kumaka Market. Of course, it would be lucrative, she thought, since the capital required for her to start the business was negligible and she knew that she was only going to put out a product that was simply the best, and of a quality that would offer her an assured market. It worked and today, known for her tasty, nutritious product, prepared and sold under hygienic conditions, she is avidly sought after, as the vendor with the best boiled corn one could ask for. HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORN And while Yonette’s business provides a tasty option for the residents in her com-
munity, she is also providing them with a healthy and nutritious addition to their diet. Corn or maize is known for controlling diabetes, preventing heart ailments, lowering hypertension and preventing of neural-tube defects at birth. Corn is one of the most popular cereals in the world and forms the staple food in many countries, and ideally, thrives well in the North-West region. According to ‘Organic Facts’ by de Deutsch, “Corn not only provides the necessary calories for healthy, daily metabolism, but it is also a rich source of vitamins A, B and E as well as many minerals. It is also rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin and Niacin. Thiamin is cited as being essential for maintaining nerve health and cognitive function. Fibre helps to bulk up bowel movements, which stimulates peristaltic motion and even stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile. It can also add bulk to overly loose stools, which can slowly reduce the chances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea. Its high fibre content ensures that it plays a significant role in the prevention of digestive ailments such as constipation and haemorrhoids as well as colorectal cancer. It is also high in antioxidants and is also known to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.” Corn is also known to provide many health benefits, due to the presence of quality nutrients within its kernels. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases. According to Deutsch, corn reduces the risk of haemorrhoids and colorectal cancer and also aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and haemorrhoids, as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer.
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Healthy Diet, Cooking
and Mental Health I ALWAYS have so much fun with the ‘trivial calendar holidays’. Apparently, last Friday, July 21st was National Junk Food Day in the US. Naturally, I celebrated with a pizza and at the moment, it was great. However, recently I have been trying to eat healthily so the pizza was a rarity. I realised almost immediately after that I felt tired, lazy and de-motivated. I had plans to go out the same night but skipped the event. It got me thinking about how much your diet can affect mental healthso much so, that we will discuss it today. Maybe some of you already know the serious impact of food on mental health and maybe some of you will now realise why you often feel down. I believe we all know how a healthy diet affects us physically. It prevents high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, various forms of cancer and of course, controls weight. However, we know now that diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health. The truth is, good nutrition is essential to our mental health- playing an important part in both its prevention and management. WHAT CAN A HEALTHY DIET DO TO OUR MENTAL HEALTH? Diet can intervene with many psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) but is particularly associated with depression and anxiety. A healthy diet can balance our mood, boost energy levels and overall decreases risk for psychiatric disorders. Healthy eating is impactful on these existing disorders and their symptoms. For example, a balanced diet has been known to reduce depressive symptoms in depression, mood episodes in bi-polar disorder, panic attacks in anxiety disorder and binges in eating disorders. Research also shows people who eat well are more likely to exercise, have better quality of sleep and are less likely to drink alcohol. Proper nutrition has also been shown to improve and maintain healthy brain ac-
tivity- decreasing cognitive decline while increasing memory functioning and thought processing. Foods such as dark chocolate, extra virgin olive oil and apples specifically do this. Needless to say, eating healthy drastically increases our self-esteem which subsequently increases our confidence, productivity and efficiency. Studies show that diet is so powerful, the effects are even passed on via pregnancy. An experiment conducted in the U.S followed 20,000 pregnant women during their pregnancy, birth and years after. The children of mothers who ate a less healthy diet during pregnancy have higher levels of mental illness today. Of course, the overall rule is to stay away from sugary foods and add more leafy greens. However, there are a few specific diet changes that can be made that make a significant difference. For example, increase B vitamins as people with low B12 levels report higher rates of depression o r Omega3s (eg. Salmon) as this has been known
to improve mood. Yogurt has also been shown to lower stress, anxiety and depression levels while dark chocolate (due to its antioxidants) decidedly aids in mood and memory. Check with your health care provider for more informa-
tion on specific diets. Finally, research shows that healthy diets boasts the positive effects of anti-depressant medication. I must say that a healthy diet is not a replacement for prescription medication for mental illnesses. However, it can definitely help with the speed of recovery. So now that we know eating healthy has tremendous benefits, we can talk about the actual process of cooking it. My research showed that cooking and baking is also amazing for our mental health! For some people (myself included), cooking can be quite stressful. This is for many reasons- my own personal reason is that I do not think about food until I’m hungry and therefore do not have the patience to cook as I am already quite hungry. However, my recent research (both theoretical and practical) has proven to me that cooking can actually be quite therapeutic. They have actually developed a reasonably new practice called Culinary A r t Therapy (CAT) which is used to decrease anxiety, d e pression, eating disorders and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and various types of addiction. I read a piece by Julie Ohana, a culinary therapist based in Michigan, who said “Life
and cooking is a balancing act of thinking a few steps ahead, but also focusing on what is in front of you in the exact moment. A huge piece of coping and managing anxiety and depression is living in the moment and being aware of that. “It can be done individually or as a family to decrease stress and increase communication, socialisation and support- all things that are highly associated with good mental health. It is also much easier to control our diet when we prepare the meals ourselves. Other benefits? You will also save money. It is much cheaper to cook at home than always eating out and saving money of course reduces the possibility of stress and anxiety. My research determined that those who are of healthy and appropriate weight also spend an average of 42 percent less money on medical bills and health expenses than those who are overweight. Last and very importantly, many people- especially those who bake, see it as creative expression. It is a form of art not much different from drawing or painting. This doubles as a coping skill which I hope we already know means that our stress levels are immediately lowered. Do you feel that you have been eating unhealthily and therefore have been feeling down? Try all the above suggestions and let me know how it has worked for you! Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come to see me. Georgetown Public Hospital: MondayFriday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
#SupportCreativity
Notes from MOU
Points of intersection ANOTHER week has passed and it is getting increasingly difficult to imagine where the time has gone. It has been an interesting process, to say the least, of trying to balance work and play. Since the residency began, Trinidadian artist, Shanice Smith, and I have been actively gathering information and materials to start production, while still trying to make time for sightseeing tours with friends. It might sound like a simple enough schedule but we found out the hard way that some things are simple only in theory (and this balancing act was one of those things). There were moments when it felt as though we were struggling to build any significant momentum because there was always something happening that threatened our flow. Nevertheless, in spite of what seemed to be a kind of perpetual exhaustion we eventually managed to carve out a relatively full and uninterrupted week of studio work. As I mentioned in last week’s article, with most residencies there comes a point when anxiety slowly creeps in. Even the most well thought out plan has just enough room for the kind of self-doubt that could make you second guess your time management skills (granted you have any to begin with). My management skills are hardly brag-worthy but when it comes down to the wire I always find a way to pull everything together in the nick of time (sometimes for fun I like to convince myself that I’m not always scrambling at the last minute). Even so, as “used to it” as I should be I still found myself wrestling with those feelings and worrying about the final outcome of this residency. There came a point when I was forced to accept the fact that my plans would have to be scaled down quite a bit as I might have been too ambitious with my initial projections. My plan was to complete two large installations and have them both photographed and animated
digitally before our presentation at Alice Yard in Woodbrook. However, by the end of the first week it was clear that I would have to make some adjustments. In addition to scaling down the initial plans for my own projects, Shanice and I both decided to collaborate on another piece after noticing a recent call for art from Fresh Milk, a creative residency space in Barbados. During our time in Caribbean Linked IV in
drawing material from for this new project: her series titled “Nice ting does be in glass case” completed while in her final year of the BFA program at UWI, and my series “Yesterday, tomorrow, forever” from my time in Aruba. Both series of works (produced last year) addressed the commodification of female bodies and relied on similar techniques to draw viewers in and engage them in an
endence
ep s in and around the Ind tural details of building area ec hit arc the of ots A few sh Square, Port-of-Spain
Aruba last year, we had observed similarities in the themes we chose to engage with in our individual practices and often spoke casually of one day working together. So, when this opportunity presented itself, it seemed the perfect time to explore how this joint project could be manifested. We knew almost immediately which bodies of works we would be
intimate way. So there was a lot of common ground in our works for us to explore. Whenever I’m on a residency I try to always look for connections between “home” and the host country. This time was no different. Trinidad and Guyana have a number of intersecting histories and common threads that link the two territories in a way that is quite distinctive from our other neighbours
in the region. I was especially interested in learning more about those connections even if they didn’t find their way in my final work. While I was conducting my own investigations into those connections, Shanice and I continued mining various texts from the National Library in the hopes of finding any kind of material that would prove useful to our joint project. We’ve also been photographing interesting architectural details in the buildings around Independence Square, looking for common motifs to include in our collaborative project. Although Trinidad has a strong Spanish influence and Guyana has a strong British influence, we found a number of similarities in the architecture of both spaces. There were similar types of windows, fretwork, wrought iron designs and decorative motifs/molds found on old colonial buildings. Unfortunately, time did not permit more in depth research into this topic but we found enough material to begin what has the potential to be the first of several pieces in a new series of work. So how exactly will we bridge these two seemingly disconnected themes: the objectification/exploitation of female bodies and details from colonial architecture? Join me next week as Shanice and I prepare to wrap up this residency. By this time our presentation at Alice Yard would’ve passed and we would’ve provided a clearer context for the work we are currently developing. 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 will take 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.
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A Greater Measure of Transparency for Guyana
By Francis Quamina Farrier THE Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) which was established earlier this year will soon be accepted as another member of the Global EITI Family of Nations, if all continues to go as planned. This longed-for mechanism for better governance in Guyana is now much closer Hon. Raphael Trotman, to realisation. That was an- MP, Minister of Natural Resources nounced by the recently appointed National Coordinator of the GYEITI, Dr Rudy R. Jadoopat. The Guyanese-born economist and former Youth Trade Unionist, brings to the job, over three decades of international experience. So what is the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) all about? The short answer is that it is a coalition of governments, companies, investors, civil society members and partner organisations, working together to ensure a much greater degree of transparency, and with it, a citizenry capable of accessing information regarding business transactions conducted by their governments, investors and non-governmental organisations. In
a nutshell, EITI empowers citizens in member countries to be able to access the kind of information, which in the past, was held as top secret, and to access such information, citizens can hold their political representatives and others accountable for business which will impact the lives of ordinary folk. During the past two weeks, GYEITI has held five outreach workshops; at Corriverton, Bartica, Linden, Charity and Georgetown, where the public was addressed by representatives from EITI, government, civil society members and investors, including ExxonMobil. During those workshops, a wide variety of questions were entertained from the floor and responses given, generally to the satisfaction of the gathering. At Corriverton, the principal questions from the floor were about the ExxonMobil Oil and Gas exploration. At Bartica, the principal questions were linked to the gold-mining industry, and at Linden, to the bauxite industry. Questions from the floor at the outreach workshop at Charity, were also about oil-and-gas exploration and the gold-mining industry. The published Policy Forum of GYEITI states that its main objectives are ensuring corporate social responsibility; encouraging the sharing of information; revealing beneficial
ownership and promoting revenue transparency. EITI being in Guyana is not unique, since it has already been established in over 50 countries around the world, and the number is growing. With Guyana’s application soon to be officially accepted, our country will be elevated to a country in which corruption will dwindle, as is the case in other EITI member countries. Some of the EITI member countries are Nigeria, Norway, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Liberia, the United Kingdom, Peru, Colombia, Togo, The Dominican Republic, Ghana, Honduras, Senegal, Zambia, Germany, the United States of America and Trinidad and Tobago. The fifth and final of this first series of outreach workshops, was held at the Marian Academy in Georgetown. The principal speaker was Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who referred to himself as “the first among equals” in the partnership of Government, Civil Society
Rod Henson of ExxonMobil, who addressed the GYEITI outreach workshop at Corriverton
and Industry, in bringing more Transparency to governance in Guyana, as is unfolding in over 50 other democratic countries around the world. As was the case at the other four GYEITI outreach workshops, there was a wide range of questions from the floor at this fifth workshop in Georgetown, one being whether there will be similar outreach workshops in some of the far-flung communities, such as Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem. That was answered in the affirmative. Among those who addressed one or more of the five workshops, were National Coordinator, GYEITI Secretariat, Dr. Rudy R. Jadoopat, Deputy Coordinator GYEITI Secretariat, Diane Barker, Guyana Country Representative The Carter Center, Jason Calder, Deputy Director, Office of the Budget, Ministry of Finance, Gillian Pollard, MSG Member, Extractive Industry, Patrick Harding, MSG Member, Civil Society, Najuma Nelson, MSG Three students of the Anna Regina Technical Institute who attended Member, Civil Society, Gomin Comacho and Exon Mobil Country Manager, Rod Henson. the GYEITI Charity Outreach workshop
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Dominica’s Arthlene Lawrence and her love for Fashion WITHIN seconds of meeting Arthlene Lawrence, her thick accent would tell you that she is not from the United States. Yet, she has lived there for more than 30 years, but her Dominican tongue stands strong. “It is important to remain connected to the Caribbean. With whatever I do, I always try to pull the Caribbean into it so we can get more recognition. No matter where I go, I try to talk about the Caribbean islands. We have so many great resources and Arthlene Lawrence
that each design is infused with a bit of Dominican flavour. Now, having been bestowed with many awards for her work, Arthlene hopes that thus far, she has made her homeland proud. Arthlene discovered her talent for designing in 2008 when her daughter came to her unable to find the right dress for an upcoming Father-Daughter Dance. “I used to sew when I was younger, so my daughter asked if I could sew something; so I said I think I can try and we sat together and we came up with a dress for her,” Arthlene said. Using her self-taught skills, Turn to page XXXIV ►►►
amazing sites and wonderful people, I don’t want it to be a secret I want people to know there is a lot more to get and give in the islands. It feels great to represent my country as a proud Caribbean woman,” Arthlene said. And that representation can also be seen in her work; a designer for almost nine years, Arthlene’s business, the Legair Brand Company, has taken her many places, but she ensures
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
folklore
BLACK NIGHT IN DE COUNTRY THE road leading to the old country village was black, almost jet black. The remote village lay close to the seashore and fishing was a way of life there. When it’s dark in the countryside it’s black. You can barely see your fingers if you wave them before your eyes. Moses walked cautiously along the mudroad. He stumbled a few times and almost fell on his face. Visibility was vastly reduced. He could not see past his nose. He was worried and a bit apprehensive. Every now and then he trembled, but he fooled himself into believing he did this because the night was cold. But he was also afraid. The wind joined the conspiracy against him. It started to blow a strong relentless wind. The trees too got into the act in a big way. They began moving like when ‘jumbie’ got feet. The long, unkempt grass then played their part by fidgeting with his foot. It seemed that the night creatures were having fun at his expense. Simple noises sounded as though death was waiting at every bend. Frogs’ voices began to rival the sopranos. Cricket chirps
assaulted his eardrums. Bats brushed his face and body as they flew past as if taunting him. The actions of these creatures were brazen and designed to insight panic. He kept going straight ahead, hoping that he would not end up in any of the trenches running parallel on both sides of the road. He knew none of this would happen if there was light. A strange sound in the bushes off to his right caused him to halt in his tracks, but this turned out to be a large bush rat rummaging in the litter left by careless citizens. His eyes were slowly becoming adjusted to the dark. Blackout was nothing new. But that was in the city. The countryside was another matter. He continued his quest for the safety of home. He was silently praying to get there soonest. Then a cloud the size of the Essequibo shifted and the full moon emerged in all its glory. The entire landscape was immediately transformed from darkness to shimmering brilliance. Moses breathed a sigh of relief. All his fears and anxiety evaporated with the advent of light. He chuckled to himself, thinking how
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By Neil Primus
easy it was to slip into fear and despair. He increased his pace, home bound. There was movement just ahead. A sharp bend in the road and large trees prevented him from seeing clearly. He rounded the bend and his brain stalled. It was big. It was humongous. The thing was just standing there staring up at the intoxicating light of the moon. Fear crept back and Moses began a new bout of shivers. A large ball of fire swooped low, sizzling past him as if checking him out. Off to his left a baby was bawling for attention. Something was coming up behind him. It was moving very fast. He looked back and looked right through the creature. Now he was officially terrified. His brain came back to active duty. Moon Gazer, Old Higue, Dry Bones and Jumbie all in the same place, on the same night with the same victim. Sprits were on the move tonight. How he wished he was in bed, cuddled up against his beautiful wife. But here he was in the thick of things. Moses heard a horse approaching from behind. This would be his escape medium. A horse cart would save him plenty energy.
He stopped and turned, waving to attract the attention of the driver. He succeeded in catching the eye of the approaching figure, but he regretted this as soon as it drew near enough for him to see clearly. It was a white man on a white horse. He rode upright, looking from one side of the road to the other. He was dressed in the attire of an old plantation owner; bughouse, whip and riding booths. He looked straight at the horrified man and he tipped his ancient hat. He did this with a flashing smile. None of this held Moses’s attention more than the horse. It was the biggest and grandest animal he had ever encountered. As he stared in fascination, his eyes settled on the head. The hair on his entire body stood rigidly to attention, sparing none. The scream that exploded from Moses’s lips caught him by surprise. His body was in motion even before his brain could catch up. He was off and sprinting like bolt. He sped past a weird-looking fellow who was trying to flag him down. A short man with a large head was riding a small donkey with a big head. He smiled at Moses and Moses hit overdrive. ZOOM!
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Professor Ivelaw Griffith’s Project Renaissance at Work ONE of the core aims of Professor Ivelaw Griffith’s Project Renaissance which was launched last year at the University of Guyana is to make itself immediately relevant to the life of the Guyanese Community. The Turkeyen and Tain lectures form one such example and the University is now being brought to the public. Both the younger and older generations have come to look forward to these lectures not merely as an intellectual treat but as something which is raising public awareness of important societal problems and giving pointers to their solutions. The recent lecture on “Youth, Crime and Violence” was very topical and in the presentations of the various speakers as well as in the audience discussion, various thought-provoking reasons and solutions were proffered as to why Guyanese youth were being drawn into a whirlpool of crime and violence. All reasons and solutions put forward by presenters as well as the audience had much validity but none was all-encompassing. The various solutions were reminiscent of the ancient story of six blind men who were brought to an elephant and were then asked what an elephant was. The first one touched the trunk and he concluded that an elephant was a tube; the next touched the tusks and decided that the elephant was a kind of spear; the next touched the legs and believed that the elephant was a column; the next touched the side of the animal and said an elephant was a wall; and the last
as the Committee of the Guyana Consumers Association take a slightly different approach towards the elimination or containment of youth crime and violence. In the first place, we feel that greater imtouched the ear and concluded that an elephant portance and stress should be given to religion was a kind of large flat fan. in society. This implies that though we feel The first presenter was the Hon. Khemraj that the metaphysical teachings of Hinduism, Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security. He Islam and Christianity should be taught and avoided putting forward any specific solutions made known, by far the main focus should be as he could have done but instead referred to on the moral and ethical teachings of Religion. the various Reports on the subject which cov- The moral and ethical teachings of all religions ered a great number of solutions. Among the are much the same and such would bring about solutions which surfaced during the evening greater solidarity among people of faith in sowas that Youth should be kept away from drugs cialising parents and their children in a moral and alcohol; that poverty was a major cause of and ethical life. Two or three generations ago, youth crime and this has to be addressed by people in the villages of Guyana and even in creating more jobs and teaching various skills the city were far more God-fearing than today to youth so that they could become self-em- and youth crime and violence were almost ployed; having healthier TV, radio and press unknown. since the media have oftentimes stimulated Suicide is today another concerning eleyouth crime; youth crime and violence often ment that is to be considered among the probbecome ingrained in Society because of the lems affecting youth. If young persons have a emergence of criminal youth gangs. These strong religious background, they would not gangs could be changed or even dissolved if be suicidal since they would understand that it such gangs are in contact with sincere and un- is privilege to have a human body and that the derstanding men of God and religious bodies. body is the source of both material as well as Many youth feel alienated and are drawn into spiritual joy. If one becomes overwhelmed in criminal anti-social behaviour because they suffering and unhappiness and one is aware of feel Society is run by the old and as such they the basic religious teaching that pleasure and have no stake in it. Promoting youth into more pain are not permanent states of being, one decision-making roles in Society would help in would never feel that one could escape from ending alienation and diminish youth crime. pain and suffering by destroying one’s body Several participants felt that the State through since suffering and unhappiness are temporary an active, imaginative and creative Ministry of states which will pass away. Youth could do a great deal for young people In addition to religion, the secular eduand greatly diminish youth crime and violence. cational system could help to socialise chilOn the other hand, many consumers such dren and youth into law-abiding members of
society. These lessons should start from the primary schools. Two or three generations ago, there were text books like the Royal Readers which inculcated moral virtues such as obedience to parents and familial solidarity, belief in and respect for religion, serving and even sacrificing for society, empathising with the sufferings of other human beings and love and respect for animals. Today’s text books are mainly concerned with teaching the skills of reading and writing rather than with the content of the written word, as was the case of the Royal Readers. Accordingly, today’s text books need to be supplemented with reading matter inculcating moral values and behaviour. Two or three generations ago, the text books helped to produce law-abiding and constructive youth and if we resuscitate the method, it would work again. A third approach towards youth crime and violence is to strengthen the family by having parents know the value of bringing up their children as law-abiding citizens and also to give them an understanding of how much more profitable it is to be moral rather than unmoral. Another virtue parents, and so eventually children, will have to be exposed to, is to live within one’s means. Clothes, for example, should be made to go their fullest usage before discarded and food should be wholesome and not fast foods which are more expensive. Parents should help their children and encourage them in their studies and encourage reading using the public library facilities. Closer familial contact would lead to stronger families and such inhibits juvenile delinquency and youth crime and violence.
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Diving for a cent changed his life By: Abdool A. Aziz THE HUNGRY KID HIS father had deserted him and his mother worked hard from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs, to provide for him. But life was tough, food was scarce and he was always hungry and left to forage for food. So when he saw a cent piece glistening in a trench, he decided that he must get it. But how? He didn’t know to swim. A passerby saw him staring down into the transparent water. “What is down there, Sonny?” The man came to look down “Ah, a brand new cent, boy that can buy you three biscuits or a bun… Do you know to swim?” The lad responded that he didn’t. “Well leave it be…lets go, I’ll buy you a bun and a mauby,” the man said. After the treat and the kind man went his way. The boy returned to the bridge and continued to fatten his eyes on the cent. The lure of that money overpowered him. He decided to dive for it, despite the risk.
THE PLUNGE He went down the embankment, stripped off his tattered clothing and plunged. He went straight to the prize, swooped it up and kicked furiously to reach the surface. He did, but was unable to reach the embankment. With one hand closed tightly around his trophy, he went nowhere and he bub-
bled! A nearby shopkeeper saw him plunge and monitored his moves. He realised this child would drown. He abandoned his business and rescued the lad as he was on the last breath. On the shore he lay exhausted, the cent still in his clenched fist, and he was safe. The shopkeeper dried him off, took him to the shop and fed him. The boy offered the cent as payment. “Oh no, son, you almost died for
it. Keep it,” the shopkeeper said. WORD OF THE ORDEAL The estate management heard of the plight of a boy risking his life for a cent to buy food. They started a food-feeding programme for the unfortunate kids and they increased the pay for the single moms. ‘One Cent’, as he was now labelled by his peers, was hired by the white manager to field their tennis balls, at age 12, he earned six cents per week. He began to save and helped other children. He became an adult and established a food outlet to
cater for the needy. His motto: No child will go hungry! Your one-cent, by me, will turn to a dollar He used his money to pioneer the welfare of his village. This led the expatriate owners to follow suit and the Sugar In-
dustry Labour Welfare Fund was created. One-Cent’s life was improved with better housing, food, clothing, health and education. His life was saved for a purpose. The hungry lad now led a charitable life. He gave away much. He died almost a pauper, but happily he didn’t marry, but had many children call him ‘Dad’. He supported them in every way, especially the orphans. As for the shopkeeper who saved him from ‘Davy Jones’ Locker,’ he named his charity ‘Hamid’s Food for the Poor’ based on the hero’s name. When ‘One Cent’ died, the children followed his cortege like the piper’s story, and imbedded on his tomb is the cent piece still glittered and the words: ‘ The cent missed cost our life, but made others better, forever grateful.’ ‘One Cent’ was my compatriot. I am so proud of him. Whenever I visit our village, I visit his grave and stare at the coin – and the good it bought.
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Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Conversation and Clothing with Sonia Noel I HAD a very interesting and exciting five weeks visiting a few cities in the U.S. promoting my brand and trying to take a few days off. When you are a workaholic and really enjoy what you do, it is easy not to have a day off. I started Conversation and Clothing with Sonia Noel a year ago in Guyana, then took it to Brooklyn NY, Boston and Texas. I also had the opportunity to meet some very influential people who expressed their desire to partner with me on some future projects. Later on, Queens, Atlanta, and Mississippi were added. I love my career as a designer, but using the platform of fashion to inspire lives is very meaningful.
I receive lots of very encouraging messages from people every day saying how much my work motivates them to do better. Dr Tanya Destang Beurbeun is a woman of substance whom I admire and respect. During this trip, I received this message from her: “Hi Sonia, have to tell you how much I admire the work you've been doing . I know you're an amazing designer and I proudly own four of your pieces, but I'm now even prouder to wear them, knowing how much you're transforming lives. So proud to know and love you.” Meeting me and wearing my designs must be more than
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion a fashion statement. Conversation and Clothing with Sonia Noel varies from politics, to career, family life, life’s challenges, relationships, etc. The atmosphere is so comfortable that people open up and feel safe to do so even with people they are meeting for the first time. In some cases, people got emotional and cried because they heard or said something that hit home. We take it for granted sometimes not knowing how much people are hurting. When I make a difference in the life of someone else it also energises my own life and will to do even more. I spend a lot of time creating moments that will continue to bring value into my life to benefit others. I talk about the human capital very often, because sometimes the value is underestimated although it is the most important of all the resources we have. My last Sunday morning in NY was spent at the Liberty Bible Fellowship with Pastor Joe Persaud and his beautiful congregation. Pastor Persaud is the person who initiated the Hope is Rising Rally at D’Urban Park in June. We all need to be hopeful sometimes just to get through the day and that is why it is dangerous when people become hopeless. There are so many negative forces everywhere and we need to counteract them with uplifting thoughts while giving them a push, so that people can realise their potential and want to be the best version of themselves. I am so appreciative for these opportunities in my work and personal life and one of my favourite quotes comes to mind: “We learned about gratitude and humility -- that so many people had a hand in our success; from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our schools clean and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect.” Michelle Obama Last year, I commenced the Conversation and Clothing series in Guyana and this year I will climax it here on July 28 at the Courtyard Mall. Send us a message if you are interested in attending to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or visit our FB Beyond the runway as we continue this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page II
her ‘hustle’ and a year later, she has improved, has grown taller and now stamps her authority amongst her peers. “I started basketball watching Daddy play. I started playing when I went into Form One (7th Grade) at Marian Academy with Mr. [Chris] Bowman. I had to actually help him get up a girls team because they didn’t really have a girls team at the school,” Jada said. “Basketball is the only sport I could play properly, I mean I’ve tried out other sports but I don’t succeed like how I have in basketball.” Basketball is truly a family pastime for the Mohans.“My family and I would watch the WNBA games or whatever basketball game is on TV. We would sit and watch as a family and then we would discuss plays, defence and those stuff,” Jada explained.
“Playing a game where there isn’t much female participation gives me motivation, because some males might feel because I’m a girl they can take advantage of me or go easy on me. So I would show them that they could come at me as tough as they want.” COLLEGE DREAMS Jada has undoubtedly proven that she is the best female player in the country, unmatched by many, especially in the ‘back court.’ And even with the school basketball season being closed, the point guard still works overtime on her craft with her father as her mentor and coach, since she hopes to one day land a scholarship. “I actually want to go to college in the U.S., because in Guyana, if you look at it, they only focus on high school games here and probably CBC, Inter-Guiana Games
(IGG), but then no one can’t really see your skills here,” Jada said. “I know to reach to college is a lot of work and dedication, but I hope to go to UCONN or some other top college…on a scholarship, I mean it will be less money for my parents to pay; it will be easier for them and they’ll be proud after all of daddy’s hard work; and my mom, all my family members who push me and encourage me.” NO PRESSURE Carrying the Mohan name and being the daughter of a legend in the sport, according to Jada is no pressure, since, in fact, she uses it as a stimulus to excel. “I don’t see it as a pressure, I see it as a motivation, because most persons think that because you’re Lugard’s daughter, you should be skilled, but I don’t think I shouldn’t
XIX have to be skilled because I’m his daughter. I could be his daughter, but I don’t have to play basketball. It’s about motivation and determination and about how much you love the sport,” Jada said. “Not because he’s a past basketball player it means I have to play the game, I could’ve been something else; I just picked up the sport by looking at him. I mean he started it and then ‘Luggy’ [my brother] started too, so I just decided to give it a try.” From the look of things, there’s no stopping Jada Mohan from achieving her dream. The point guard can be found in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on the floor with her father, while her mother would sit in the stands paying keen attention, maybe hoping to see her daughter one day becoming the first Guyanese- born and raised player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
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PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO DRIVE ICT Noting the current ICT hype, the NDMA’s CEO alluded to the public/private partnership as the driving force to accelerate Guyana’s technological advancements with the state utilising existing services and infrastructure of private companies. “We purchase internet from GTT. We are actually the largest single purchaser of internet from GTT. We are also doing our expansion in the hinterland using services of Digicel to expand the network to Region One communities, Kwakwani, Mahdia, Linden and Bartica among others,” Levi stated. The agency also uses private software developers to help create applications, whether web-based or client-service type.
“There are good opportunities for the private sector, especially those companies already involved in ICT. We put out advertisements in the newspapers regularly for private companies to bid for projects and services,” Levi advised. PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES The private sector has also been forging its own ICT agenda with various innovative ICT projects and services that support the country’s technological advancement. Just two weeks ago, telecoms giant, GTT, launched its massive $5 billion ‘Blaze’ high-speed internet that caters for some 20, 000 households at affordable rates. This is the company’s official launch of its mega fibre optic cable service into the homes of Guyanese, a project that has been years in the making. “Even outside of the larger cities in the U.S., you don’t get this type of fibre optic
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service, so this is revolutionary for Guyana. This is really what we are about at GTT, we have already started a number of partnerships and we are going to partner with young people that have ideas to drive Guyana forward. We are building the service throughout Guyana at places that already have phone lines and also at those places that are now developing,” GTT’s CEO Justin Nedd stated at the ‘Blaze’ launch. The company previously unveiled its 4G LTE Internet service to customers, including those on the Essequibo Coast. On the services side, GTT is expanding its Mobile Money application, allowing Guyanese to pay basic utility and other bills from the comfort of their mobile smart devices. Just recently, the University of Guyana was added to the system, enabling students to pay their dormitory, application, general and graduation fees. The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company, COURTS, Singers and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) are some providers already connected to the MMG. Users can also transfer money and shop with the application. Meanwhile, GTT is still partnering with private firm, General Datatech, L.P.–GDT, to improve the Broadband Core and Access Network. The system upgrade, coupled with GTT’s substantial undersea capacity, will facilitate a substantial improvement in broadband and data connectivity services through provision of faster speeds and a more secure and reliable connection. The project for upgrading the network is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2017. Starr Computers, a private business on Brickdam in Georgetown, is another company leading ICT growth with significant investments in research and development of
modern technology, both in terms of services/ applications and equipment/devices. The company introduces these to Guyanese through educational and informative seminars held at least twice per month and offered free of cost. Each session accommodates between 30-40 participants including students from secondary schools, university, technical and vocational institutes and others. “While we send our staff to various countries to learn about new technology, we’ve also been bringing professionals from some of the leading global companies such as Samsung, Lenovo, APC, HP and more recently Honeywell…We have them at these workshops and training to expose students not only to current technology, but to give them an insight of ICT beyond 2018,” Starr’s Managing-Director Rehman Majeed told the Pepperpot Magazine. Despite Guyana’s limited ICT infrastructure, he noted positive signs with the expansion of high-speed internet such as GTT’s fibre optic service, disruptive innovations such as Uber, Amazon and Netflix and the growing Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) network. “Looking ahead, there are numerous opportunities. With call centres for instance, the BPO network can provide employment for about 25,000 persons. We probably now have about 8, 000 employed, but again it all comes back to us [to] have fast, reliable and efficient internet,” Majeed indicated. With technology advancing daily, the businessman said his company is committed to keep Guyanese updated and strives to make products affordable, even by partnering with local financial institutions and GTT.
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‘Guyanese to de bone’ Robert Lalljie and his undying love of country
IN all his years since migrating to the United Kingdom at the tender age of nine, Robert Lalljie, upon reflection, can say that he has certainly achieved much. A published author, esteemed historian, broadcaster and avid traveller, indeed, life has borne much fruit for the now, 65-yearold. But in all these things, he maintains that it is his Guyanese heritage that he places among his topmost subjects of pride, and this love of country can be seen in the way he manages to connect Guyana to everything he does, be it by returning home to launch one of his projects, or spending time in his homeland to simply connect with his culture. Born in New Amsterdam in 1953, Robert was the son of one of Guyana’s most accomplished musicians, Joyce Ferdinand-Lalljie (later Saunders). After migrating to the UK and living there almost 14 years, Robert’s curiosity for home peaked at 23. “I returned to Guyana because I wanted to know about the land of my birth; I wanted to write a book, immerse myself in my culture, because I knew nothing of it,” Robert told the Pepperpot Magazine. At the time, he said that the world was starved for Caribbean writers, much less those from Guyana, adding that Edgar Mittelholzer who, coincidentally, was also from New Amsterdam, was the only West Indian author whose work had made it abroad. Eager to make a mark in the name of his country, Robert, who while in England had become quite the arts enthusiast, brought his love for writing and drama back to Guyana and began to contribute to the industry at home. “I was working for GuySuCo at the time and the Chairman, Harold Davis, resuscitated a drama group. I was writing poetry from the age of eight and nine years old (in fact, I still do) and I got roped into a drama group,” he said. Robert had also begun to be active in plays at the Theatre Guild and
the National Cultural Centre. Soon after, Robert’s destiny took a turn to broadcasting after he was head hunted by the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). Though reluctant at first, Robert agreed to take the job for three months. “I knew the stage from acting at the Theatre Guild and the National Cultural Centre, and from there I knew lighting, I knew the audience and so on, so I felt that it would be good to know sound and I would get that from radio and it would make me more rounded,” he said. But what started as a three-month plan, developed into a love affair with broadcasting; an affair that didn’t end until 1988 when he returned to the UK to pursue his Post-Graduate Degree in Management. During that time, Robert was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interview Afro-Trinidadian historian, journalist and socialist, Cyril Lionel Robert (CLR) James. Seeing it as a great opportunity for Guyana, and wanting to make a Guyanese connection, he returned to Guyana where he wrote, narrated and produced an exclusive radio show “CLR James; His life and thoughts.” The show was later broadcast in every state in the United States over 150 radio stations on the WBAI network completely unedited, making it the first Caribbean-produced programme to ever be given that honour. His knowledge and research on CLR James landed him to be invited to lecture before a select batch of professors and wardens from famous colleges at the Oxford University in 2010; an event that Robert holds as a badge of pride to date. Robert’s other achievements include a
Robert addressing attendees at the Guyana Independence Celebrations in the UK
one-off radio programme, “Britain’s greatest living composer- Albert Katelby” which aired on BBC 4’s radio station in 2000. PUBLISHED AUTHOR In 1996, Robert and family founded the Derdinand Lalljie Publishers, the avenue which allowed him to publish his very first, and highly rated book “Sir Arthur Lewis; A Biographical Profile” that same year. Robert
was encouraged to publish this book by St Vincent and the Grenadines’, then, Minister of Education, John Horne. The book took three years to write and Robert considers it among his greatest achievements. “It was a very difficult topic to write on for a first book,” he said. Since then, Robert has published several other books including “A bouquet of Guyanese Flowers” an anthology of Guyanese Poetry, as well as the Guyanese Examiner, a magazine that focuses on -- you guessed it -- all things Guyanese. Robert plans to soon publish Volume Two of “A bouquet of Guyanese Flowers,” featuring the works of modern local poets. Robert attests that all his life, he has continued to ensure that Guyana remains a core part of his work because it is the place of his birth. “They say ‘give you the child at three or seven’ and I will give you the man’. It is because I was estranged for all those years it gave me the desire to immerse myself in Guyana because we were immigrants in London and we weren’t welcome, because they were very racist at the time. So coming back to Guyana meant coming home and home is very important to me,” he said. He is currently a member of the Guyana Diaspora Group in the United Kingdom. Robert is currently in Guyana working on a film “CLR James and Defining Cricket” which incorporates his 2010 lecture. He hopes to launch it in Guyana very soon, and hopes that sponsors are forthcoming in that regard. Until then, Robert continues to promote his love for Guyana, both by spending large chunks of time on her shores or promoting his work abroad.
Guyanese Animation Set to Deb XXII
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By Gibron Rahim
As Guyana prepares for Carifesta XIII which will be held on Barbados from August 17-27, this year’s celebration is particularly significant as it marks the first time that Guyana has submitted animated pieces to be screened as part of its official contingent. These pieces are reflective of Guyanese culture and the country’s potential for a thriving animation industry in the future. Guyana’s animation pieces for Carifesta were submitted in the Film and Animation category. Jubilanté Cutting, founder of the Guyana Animation Network (GAN) and convener for animation, notes that the sub-contingent of Film/Animation is shared with Mr. Burchmore Simon, convener of film. “We decided to collaborate, to have film and animation be represented as two of the visual media that encapsulate not just the arts, or not just tech, but both,” she said. The seven animation pieces that are going to Carifesta were not easily obtained. There were no responses to the initial public calls for submission of animations. Cutting explained that, though she is surely not the sole representative for film and animation, she decided to push the process because she was aware that there were likely candidates for submission. She contacted these candidates and insisted that they submit their pieces. “Even if the exposure seems insignificant, it’s still worth something and that’s the reason why I pushed for persons to send up their work,” she said. Indeed, these efforts may
GAN and the Suriname Animation Network, was created in order to receive a grant from the Animae Caribe Festival. It placed second and a grant was given. The trailer “shows a lot of Guyana’s flora in our more hinterland regions”. She said that it contributes to telling the story of a green economy which is on Guyana’s agenda. There is also ‘The Puddles Family’ animation by Tinninben Animation Studios which was a funded project and deals with preparation for extreme weather events. It was one that she personally enjoyed and believes that children will enjoy it for its colour scheme and storytelling. She not-
Only in GT: Three lil pigs (Photo credit: Animatix Studios)
A still from the Ol’ Higue trailer (Photo credit: GAN, SAN)
already be bearing fruit. “A few days ago, I received a very favourable call from Carifesta to say that the films and animations have two buyers and those buyers want to meet with us.” She then contacted the persons involved to let them know that she was willing to take additional content and materials they may have to Carifesta. “I’m not going as Jubilanté. I’m going to represent a collectivity of persons. That’s my aim,” she said. “It’s not about me. It’s about ‘we’ and them.” Cutting indicated that the submitted pieces portray Guyanese culture to a large extent, especially those from local animation studios
A still from Only in GT: Market Diary (Photo credit: Animatix Studios)
Tinninben Animation Studios (under Tagman Media) and Animatix Studios (under BrainStreet Group). “Some are to the more humorous side while others are more serious, but not so serious,” she said. “I find that they do tell the Guyanese story through those different lenses.” Two of the animations being represented are episodes from the Nancy Story Series. The episode ‘Nancy’s Story: Boys Too’ deals with child sexual abuse. Cutting explained that the episode handles a serious issue through the eyes of children in a way that is not so harsh. The series was previewed at the recently held STEM Guyana Robotics Exhibition and she noted
that children at the exhibition could understand and retell the story, showing that animation can be used to tell stories that need to be told as well as create awareness among children. Meanwhile, amongst the more humorous animations are ‘Market Diary’ and Three Lil Pigs (Ah We Style)’. According to Cutting, both of these animations are especially representative of the way we speak to each other. They use comical characters so funny that “you can’t help but laugh and enjoy the way that we speak to one another”. The ‘Ol’ Higue’ is another animation submitted. The animated trailer, a collaborative effort between The Puddles Family (Photo credit: Tinninben Animation Studios)
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but at
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ed too that there is a portfolio of work done by freelance artist and animator Shimuel Jones among the pieces. Overall, of all the animations she said, “There is a mixture of pieces and I’m happy to be taking them with me.” All seven animations that will be representing Guyana at Carifesta are available on GAN’s YouTube channel. This, she explained, was a crucial part of the submission process. “No film or animation can be shown in Barbados unless their film committee screens it and they rate it,” she said. “And that is
their standard, whether you’re international, regional, even local.” Thus, all the pieces for both animation and film had to be made available for pre-screening. The challenge was ensuring that the deadline was met and fortunately it was.
Cutting hopes for numerous positive outcomes stemming from Guyana’s submission of animation to Carifesta. Foremost among these is the desire that the pieces, especially those that deal with social issues, find producers in other countries so that “Guyana’s works can get more leverage elsewhere and those companies [here] can be compensated for the work that they do.” She acknowledged that right now the animation studios here operate at a loss in hopes of finding a buyer or producer willing to invest. She also hopes to be able to engage with other animation networks and studios, especially those she is not well acquainted with. This will go toward informing any future collaboration efforts with these bodies. Cutting referred to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and explains how the educational opportunities in the field of animation available in these regional countries illustrate the distance animation as an industry still has to go in Guyana. However, progress is being made. “I’m grateful for the fact that some schools, like Queen’s College, do have the curriculum of animation and game design, as well as digital media in their CAPE syllabus, so that students who want that opportunity can now transition”,
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she said. “I must thank schools. I must thank CSEC because they have introduced that in order to create that mechanism and I’m happy that the Ministry [of Education] has taken on that mantle to push the tech courses and animation courses,” she said. There is potential for a thriving animation industry in Guyana, but Cutting underscored that this is in the long run. She acknowledged that, just as Rome was not built in a day, it will take time for Guyana to grow such an industry. This industry will have creative people at its heart. “The creative people, they inspire the industry as opposed to people just waiting for the industry to just fall into their laps,” She said. She believes that she will be able to say that there is the real possibility of an animation industry when Guyana gets to the point where the creative industry tirelessly exerts an effort until systems are put in place to facilitate that industry. There is a crucial need for trained professionals in the field. “The more persons you have pursuing careers, pursuing higher education in the field is the more professionals you will have,” she said. It is also important for those not in the field of animation to be educated about it in a different sense. Through dialogue about animation
people are able to understand the reason for the seemingly high cost of animation projects, according to Cutting. “Wherever your studio is located, whether it’s third world or first world countries, the software remains the same, the equipment remains the same,” She said. The cost then, is directly related to the cost of the tools used to accomplish the wonder of animation. The lack of value placed in animation, and the arts in general, is reflective of a greater societal problem in attributing value Cutting believes. “To try to tackle that issue of generally not having value for things and value for people’s work, through animation we’re continually trying to show persons not just how important it is but what the industry requires,” She said. In terms of animation, and perhaps for development in general, it is not just a matter of talking about it or believing that we can. Rather, it is about “setting up the right mechanisms, so that your people can be educated, so that your people can be qualified and so that your people can have the channels to access the necessary opportunities and that’s what we want, especially the young people,” She said. Nancy’s Story: Boys Too (Photo credit: Tinninben Animation Studios)
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Recollections of Carifesta – the festival’s grandeur as witnessed by Francis Quamina Farrier
Carifesta 2013 in Suriname (Carifesta photo)
By Ravena Gildharie WHEN Guyana staged the first Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) in 1972, Francis Quamina Farrier was a young film producer recruited to capture in motion picture, the cultural splendour. Seven years later, he journeyed to Spanish-speaking Cuba as part of Guyana’s delegation at Carifesta 1979. But, it was at Carifesta 2000, when the cultural icon got the chance to lead and direct his country’s artistic spectacle on stage in St. Kitts and Nevis. Preserved in his mind like on a reel of film, Farrier harbours a deep connection to the 45-year-old festival, which will have its 13th showing in Barbados next month. “Drumming was one of the main features of Guyana’s performance at Carifesta that year in St. Kitts… and when the drummers took to the stage, we had a fusion of African, Indian and Amerindian drummers,” Farrier recalled of Carifesta VII. “Imagine the show,” he posited, as he explained how the drummers represented each cultural group with
their traditional instruments and with which they continuously exchanged during the performance, in sync and undisrupted. “So, at the start if we had African drummers beating African drums and Indian drummers using their drums, we had at the end, the Indians beating the African drums, and the Africans were using the Amerindian drums…man, it was just beautiful,” said Farrier, a veteran journalist and man of many talents including script-writing, film production. Back in 2000, Farrier had already retired and said he was surprised when then Culture Minister Gail Teixeira asked him to lead Guyana’s 25-man delegation at Carifesta VII. The Guyanese showcase included a choreographed dance to ‘Beautiful Guyana’ performed by Jerusha De Santos, ‘Old Higue’ portrayed by Lavern Fredericks, ‘Dance of the Peoples’ with several traditional indigenous dancers and Farrier’s song, ‘Me Caffee in the Marning.’ As Guyana’s Carifesta VII Coordinator, Farrier was heartened by the audience’s
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What do you have in your hands? – Let your gifts give wings to your dreams WOMEN are taking their places more and more in the global arena not just as workers, but also as promoters, investors, entrepreneurs, managers, as well as significant customers. While they continue to be the ones who do most of the household shopping, their situations are becoming more of being in control of having the spending power – working for their own money to buy. Women are also making a lot more of the consumer goods that are out there in the market places. Riegina Wilson, has been doing the simple job of a cleaner at Rama Krishna Primary School in Campbellville, Georgetown, for many years and according to her, in a couple of years she will reach her age of retirement. She noted that she has grown accustomed to ensuring that the school and its surroundings are kept clean at all times and feels that there is dignity in every job. “I love my job and I also love to work with the children, assisting in whatever way I can to make them happy and comfortable to do their school work. The money is very small but, along with my colleague, we do our best,” she said. ENTREPRENEUR Wilson told the Guyana Chronicle that she has devised many ways of making ends meet, so that she is able to help her family by using the gifts she has in her hands to make tasty delicacies for others to enjoy. “I have three girls and so I work hard to ensure that they get the best education and other amenities. My youngest daughter is in one of the top 10 secondary schools and is now going in to the class to write CSEC and
she has many needs, which I try my best to make sure that she is able to get. My other daughter has gone into nursing, while the other one is not so quick with the books so she is into business with me at home,” Ms Riegina Wilson she stated. Wilson said that her husband has been retired for some time now and so he does not get an income. I work hard, sometimes I go to bed very late so that I can finish some of my work; then I get up early in the mornings too, to make sure that I get things done before going off to work at the school,” she said. As an entrepreneur, Wilson has a lot of drive and she talks of being creative with some of the items she prepares for sale to her customers, some of whom now reside overseas and place orders to take back to their home whenever they travel. The items she prepares include: plantain chips, pastries and cakes, tamarind balls, sugar cakes, fudge, icicle, mauby, ginger-beer among others . Wilson said that she prepares the various items as if she was doing it for herself and loved ones at home. “I take time to do things and I do them under the best conditions. I am
not a rich woman and so I do not have all the best facilities, but I try my best to do good work for my customers, who are both children and adults,” she said. She explained that some of the items she prepares, such as sugar cakes, tamarind balls, icicles, plantain chips and the like, are definite children favourites, even though they are also ordered by the adults. On the other hand, the pastries, cakes and beverages such as mauby and ginger beer are orders that she receives in larger quantity by the adults. START SMALL, GO THE EXTRA MILE Wilson said that she started small, with just one or two items since she did not have the finance to do better. “But with time, I began to expand, making more of each item and even extending towards making other things,” she said. She mentioned that at first she sold
things at the school, as well as to children living in the neighbourhood. As time went by, she started getting orders from some of the parents for some of the items she continues to make, and now she would get orders from persons who have gone to live overseas. Wilson explained that she took the plunge into living life as a female entrepreneur, even while having all the responsibilities of managing her work at the school, as well as in her home in order to make sure that the needs of her daughters and the rest of her family are met. “It is never easy, sometimes I get real tired. However, we women must be determined to make it in life, working hard and making sacrifices – it will not be for all the time. But, we must be able to trust God and let Him bless our hands; we must be willing to go the extra mile,” she advised. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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Budding businesses on the East Coast – The growth of Chinese Supermarkets By Michel Outridge CHINESE-owned supermarkets are on the increase on the East Coast corridor, so much so, they may be giving the grocery shops a run for their money in terms having more local products on their shelves, as well as creating employment for locals. The Pepperpot Magazine visited several of these supermarkets and interacted with some of the owners, most of whom communicated through their local employees, due to a professed limited knowledge of the English Language. At the recently-opened ‘A Wen Supermarket’ at Public Road, Richardstown, Lusignan, they have on their shelves more locally-produced products on sale and also have from groceries to household and hardware items in their spacious supermarket. This business which opened about two weeks ago and is fully stocked. The owners’ hail from Suriname and are already planning to open another branch at Public Road, Non Pariel, also on the East Coast Demerara. The ‘A Wen Supermarket’ have a chain of other large supermarkets at Plaisance Public Road, and Vigilance Public Road, also villages on the East Coast Demerara. The facility at Vigilance opened about a month ago while the one at Plaisance opened its doors for business sometime last year with a few local staffers. There are also four other Chinese supermarkets scattered
along the East Coast under the name of Gian Supermarkets at Success Railway Embankment; Annandale Market Road; Courbane Park Public Road; and two others at Mon Repos Railway Embankment. Also, at Mon Repos Railway Embankment is the newly-opened ‘Lin Household and Hardware’ which stocks from building materials to groceries, all at competitive prices that resemble the prices at your average ‘corner’ shop. Located at Industry Railway Embankment is the ‘Hong Zing Supermarket’ which also has a Chinese Restaurant operated by Chinese and has a few Guyanese employees. Newly opened: A Wen Supermarket
Some of the locally produced products on the shelves at the Chinese Supermarkets
Along Coldingen Road there is another Chinese-owned supermarket which offers customers the wholesale price when they make a purchase of three and more items. In the nearby village of Enterprise is yet another Chinese Supermarket which retail groceries and haberdashery. At ‘Moon Supermarket’ located at La Bonne Intention Public Road, East Coast Demerara, the Guyanese employees said the businesses opened its doors about four months ago and they have in their employ four female staffers. The establishment of these Chinese-owned supermarkets creates employment for many young people and provides locals with a variety of products to choose from including all locally produced and also imported items. When the Pepperpot Magazine visited these Chinese Supermarkets, the report was mostly fair as it relates to the favourable treatment of their employees, but some complained that they are made to work “around the clock” without being paid overtime. Others said that they are being treated fairly but think they are underpaid for the hours they have to work.
Hong Zing Supermarket at Industry Railway Embankment
Some items on display for sale at the Chinese owned supermarkets on the East Coast Demerara
Lin Household and Hardware Store at Mon Repos Railway Embankment
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Savannah Drive 2017 open to the adventurous at heart LAST Sunday saw the opening of the annu- South Georgetown and Houston, East Bank al Savannah Drive taking to the Savannahs Demerara on the DT 175 which is known as to expose participants to Guyana’s natural the “Dependable Transportation,” he said. beauty, while building lasting relationships Shane related that he has gained a lot of exbetween Amerindian villages and visitors. perience and saw a lot of Guyana’s breathtakThe event, which was first launched three ing landscape riding his motorcycle. “Whenyears ago by Shane D’ Andrade follows ever I leave Guyana, I would clean and put ancient Amerindian tracks, along changing that bike away safely. I would always travel terrain from sandy to muddy in the beau- home in September for Amerindian Heritage tiful Savannah. Vehicles and dirt bikes will Month and ride to every village, including St pass ruins, creeks and several Amerindian villages, including Swan, Laluni and St Cuthbert’s Mission. Competitions were held in every village, such as Mud Track Race for bikes and 4WD vehicles, Amerindian Arrow and Bow Shootout and Tug of War. Prizes were awarded to victorious individuals and teams. The entire day was broadcast live on Green Mango Media’s Roku channel Calypso TV and on Facebook. The drive was also filmed for an upcoming travel programme ‘The Real Guyana’, which will later be shown online and across the Caribbean and United Kingdom. Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, Shane said that brand was birthed because of his Yamaha DT 175. “I bought my bike from my very good friend Mark Kendell 20 years ago and it is still in tip-top shape. I have ridden almost every trail along the Linden/Soesdyke Savannah Drive Coordinator, Highway and in cane fields in Shane D’ Andrade
Cuthbert’s Mission, which is 13 miles of pure dead sand. That was back then,” he said. Shane explained that he has learned so much about that bike while tracking trails. “Now I can take it apart and fit it together easily on trails if needed. Because of riding this bike, the Savannah Drive was born and includes every trail I have mapped out in the Savannah starting five years ago on my DT 175,” he said. Savannah Drive 2017 is an ongoing
event which will continue throughout the year and is open to persons who are interested in exploring lesser known, beautiful territories in Guyana. Persons interested in joining these excursions must have their own transportation. Each trip costs GY$4,000 per person. This week, registration will be opened to interested persons at Rent A Tent and Triple ‘A’ Auto in Kitty. The exciting drive is expected to be the biggest outdoor summer event of 2017.
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Investing in our youth
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Thus slowing the growth of young offenders By M Margaret Burke GUYANA’S population count at the 2012 Census stood at 746,955 persons. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Population Division’s latest estimates has Guyana’s population at 774,564. At the same time a breakdown of the population by gender puts Guyana at a count of 387, 925 males and 384, 598 females. It also points out that Guyana has grown in population by 1,497 for this year so far and that the median (average) age in Guyana is currently 25 years. Studies have shown that children and youth form the greater number of persons represented globally, especially in the developing countries such as Guyana. The ages being considered here are: children, who are from 0-14 years, youth who are aged 15-24 years as well as young adults, starting from age 25 years old. Such
indicators show extraordinary potential for social and economic progress since this group is part of the most productive age range. Chapter 10 of the Guyana 2012 Census Report states: “The handing down of a society depends on the best offer given and available to children; as such, it is imperative that good economic planning considers their size and distribution…there were more boy children aged 0-14 years than girls; and conversely, a slightly higher number of female youths than males. This is a usual demographic phenomenon, where there have always been more boy children at birth, but the deficit of girls is overcome and girls outnumber boys as they grow from infancy to adolescence.” In the case of Guyana, immediately there seems to be a disadvantaged position for the boy. BOYS ARE TOUGH AND AGGRESSIVE Across the world, studies have revealed that men, more than
women; boys more than girls get involved in criminal and delinquent behaviour and there are many reasons for this situation. Edwin Sutherland (1949) stated in his Sex Role theory that in the first place, “girls are more supervised and more strictly controlled…boys are encouraged to take risks and to be tough and aggressive.” He therefore went on to explain that because of this situation, “boys have more of an opportunity and an inclination to commit crime.” It was further expressed that where boys have been socialised essentially by their mother and not by their fathers, they tend to reject behaviour that is seen as feminine as they compulsively pursue masculinity, and because of the emphasis on toughness and aggression this encourages anti-social behaviour and delinquency. While this is certainly not the case for all boys from female-headed households, much research data support the fact that many boys who had not had the male-headed experience seem to be lacking in some obvious ways. Studies have further shown that where the readily available role model for the boys is lacking, socialisation can be a difficult process. Boys can experience anxiety about their identity as a young man and a solution for this is all-male peer groups or street gangs. In these social contexts, aspects of masculinity can be expressed and rewarded. The idea of being tough and breaking rules can help to conform to the idea of masculinity if it is directed in the right manner, for the benefit of the individual, his family and the society as a whole. GUYANA NATIONAL SERVICE The relentlessly serious nature of what might be termed tough, aggressive behaviour can also turn out to be criminal in nature. And a country such as Guyana at this time, needs the involvement of a resilient group or organisation, one of a paramilitary element, somewhat similar to that of the Guyana National Service. Formed in 1971, this Public Service Organisation lasted nearly three decades, after it was closed off in 2000. Documents disclosed that the service was created following recommendations by Mr Robert F. Landor, a United Nations consultant, who felt that this ‘service’ was one of the better ways for Guyana to address youth unemployment. PRIME MINISTER L.F.S. BURNHAM His advice was conceded to by the then Prime Minister Linden Forbes Burnham with a 1500-person paramilitary force. The young people who got involved as pioneers were mostly in the 15-20 age groups and some programmes lasted as long as 18 months. At the same time the training activities ranged from military to agricultural, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, technical and electrical training, mechanic, driving, and many others. Pioneers were also subjected to academic studies, music, the arts and the like. The training centres included Kimbia in the Berbice River; Koriri in the Canje River; Papaya, Port Kaituma and Arakaka in the North West District. There was also quarrying being done at Itabu and Teperu; wood products at Konawaruk; garment-making and artisan skills training at Tumatumari; printing and publishing at the Industrial Site; and gold-mining in the Puruni and Potaro. Documents show that many, if not all of the young men and women graduated out of the Guyana National Service (GNS) as either skilled, multi-skilled or semi-skilled in a variety of disciplines/training. Added to what was already mentioned, these also included music and music production, arts and drama, sports, catering, printing and publishing, infrastructural development, electronics and suitable technology skills. SEVENTEEN YEARS ON It has been just about 17 years since the GNS was closed off. Many of the then young men and women are nearing two decades older, much more grounded in what they do, or probably retired from daily work. Even some University of Guyana students, who did obligatory service as part of a two-month or 12-month pioneers’ service, it is recorded, stated they benefitted in one way or another. Indeed, the GNS played a pivotal role in the extended-nurturing and development of many of our young people, many of whom live in Guyana or abroad today, but could attest to the benefits they received at the hands of ‘national service’. Expenditure for something even close the Guyana National Service may be the big man today. However, the options must be considered. A country so small, in terms of general population, but yet so big with regard the population of children and youth can ill-afford to not confront the demons head-on before many more of its children are devoured. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
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Sensitivity; Progress and Bereavement
Helping relatives and patients to cope
By Shirley Thomas ANGELA Grant, a Caribbean Welfare and Humanitarian Officer residing in the United States of America for the last 20 years, and pursuing her Master’s Degree in Nursing, is concerned about some of the nursing practices she has seen, since being here on vacation for the last two weeks. Among her observations include behaviours displayed by persons seeking medical care, or trying to get information about their loved ones in hospital, to no avail. Against this backdrop, Grant, born to Guyanese and St. Lucian parents, and having attended schools in Georgetown, Guyana, feels compelled to share her expertise with local nurses, aimed at improving the quality of service they deliver. Grant had received training in nursing from the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Last week, the Pepperpot Magazine carried the first of her observations and recommendations for the improvement of patient care in Guyana and today we bring you Phase II, focusing on what she considers as being three critical elements within the hospital setting. Those areas are: Sensitivity, Progress and Bereavement, three sensitive areas which are important when dealing with patients and families in hospitals. Bereavement: Grant has reiterated that nurses and doctors should be trained in this field, adding that they both stand to benefit. As Mental Health America puts it: “The death of a loved one is always difficult… It is one of life’s most stressful events and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone you love, you experience bereavement, which literally means to be deprived by death. Your reactions are influenced by the circumstances of the death, particularly when it is sudden or accidental, and also by your relationship with the person who died.” BEREAVED RELATIVES HAVE RIGHTS “Professionalism must be a big part of this, and it must be done with respect for the bereaved relatives.” Grant said. She said doctors who pronounce persons dead should be the ones making the announcement to relatives and that this information should not have to come from other sources, such as the media. She added that if this is a practice that is being done, then this is unprofessional. She suggested that in every way possible, the professionals should try to console the family. She said, had it been in the United States, that matter would not be dropped that easily. It could have escalated into a lawsuit. Mental Health America describes the death of a loved one as: “Dealing with a Major Loss” and that, “The death of a loved one is always difficult. Your reactions are influenced by the circumstances of a death, particularly when it is sudden or accidental. Your reactions are also influenced by your relationship with the person who died.” And in the case of the death of a child, that arouses “an overwhelming sense of injustice — for lost potential, unfulfilled dreams and senseless suffering.” Sensitivity: Training for the staff in levels of sensitivity is also important, Grant says, and recommended this for nurses. She added that health care facilities should introduce training in levels of sensitivity to the staff. This will prepare them to not take it too sensitively when customers/ clients ‘lash out’ at them, since it may be that they (the clients) are going through a phase in their lives and the behaviour might not necessarily be characteristic of them. The Clinical Nursing Sensitive Indicators (CNSIs) are measures and indicators that reflect the structure, processes and outcomes of nursing care.
Progress: As is expected, there will always be persons there waiting for news and signs of change in relation to the condition of those they considered critical. The patients may sometimes be confused, deluded or agitated and the relatives, feeling powerless, want only good news. When this does not happen exactly as they want it, or answers are not forthcoming, clients can react with hostility. In such a case, it is required that the doctor gives that information, Grant says. She advised nurses against merely telling the client that they do not know. “It is better to say, ‘Ma’am or Sir, I will get you a doctor who can better explain,’” This, Grant explained, is in the light that customers can become frustrated
and explode when no answers are forthcoming about their loved ones in hospital and they are powerless to help them. She observed that even though people look at nurses, not as Gods, they do look to them with the expectation that as nurses they should be caring, compassionate and showing love. “When they do not get it, they feel dissatisfied with the treatment and swear they would never come back if they could help it. That makes both the hospital and nurses look bad,” Grant stated. On the other hand, if a person is hospitalised and gets good treatment, they will always want to come back and so that augurs well for the institution.
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reception in St. Kitts and the Guyana delegation was also invited to perform in Nevis. “For the closing ceremony, we had all
of the Guyanese performers on stage in a Masquerade-style show with Dave Martins, who had just released ‘Guyana Coming Back’ and we were all there dancing and the Guyanese in the audience jumped to their
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Carifesta 1972 (CARICOM photo)
Montserrat delegation at Carifesta 1972 (Carifesta photo)
feet and started dancing too. We knew they were Guyanese because they were singing ‘Guyana Coming Back’ and some were waving Guyana Flags. We had a ball,” Farrier reminisced, with Carifesta VII forever etched in his mind alongside memories of the 1972 and 1979 festivals. ‘WORLD OF THE CARIBBEAN’ During the first Carifesta, staged in Guyana during August 1972, Farrier was among a group of talented local film makers who produced a documentary titled ‘World
of the Caribbean’ and which captured the entire regional cultural experience before, during and after the festival. At the time, Farrier was employed with the Ministry of Education and Information. The one-hour documentary included features of each participating country as some of the Guyanese producers travelled to various states to capture content for the film, under the direction of Brian Stuart-Younge. There were dozens of cameramen too. Turn to page XXXIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXXII
Noting that “Guyana had a lot of money then and there was a big, big budget for Carifesta,” Farrier said there were three film teams and each was allocated its own Land Rover vehicle and facilitated on travels countrywide, including via Guyana Airways, to produce the documentary. “From Mabaruma, to Pomeroon, to Crabwood Creek, Bartica and Aishalton in the deep South Rupununi, we were able to get to the most remote parts of the interior,” Farrier indicated. The films compiled in Guyana were subsequently sent to England to be manually edited and the documentary was released during the latter part of 1972. “There has never been a Carifesta more grand than 1972,” expressed Farrier, noting that “No Caribbean country was left out of the first Carifesta. Plus, we had people from all over Latin America; Belize, Columbia, Cuba and Brazil…There were spectators from Africa, Asia and even a small group that participated from New Orleans.” Through the eyes of a now senior Farrier, the festival’s opening ceremony at the National Park was nothing short of magnificent with a gigantic crowd, as the late Prime Minister
Francis Quamina Farrier enjoying a local steel pan rendition (FB photo)
Forbes Burnham ensured citizens were brought from across the country to witness the show in Georgetown. There were visitors from the diaspora too. Some members of the audience along with regional and international participants were accommodated in Festival City, developed specifically for Carifesta 1972. CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS Reflecting on the performances as if it were yesterday, Farrier highlighted the showings of The Woodside Choir, the National Dance Company, Nappi Amerindian Dancers and the Masquerade Band of Boysie Sage. “I remember Boysie Sage from the West Bank Demerara, the best stilt dancer I’ve ever seen to this day. He would dance on one stilt and pick up a tricycle and a child and continue to dance,” said Farrier. He pointed out the presentation of Lavina Williams, a U.S.-born citizen who adopted Haiti as her home. After Carifesta 1972, she returned to Guyana and pioneered establishment of the Guyana National School of Dance the following year. The Dance School has since participated in Carifesta across the region, including 1979, when it was held in Cuba. Farrier was an administrator for the Guyanese participants that year, and noted that since the festival was in a Spanish- speaking country, Guyana showcased only the visual arts with songs, dances, skits and fashion. Performing alongside the best of the Caribbean entertainers, actors, dancers and singers, the Guyanese again pulled off a grand show that was well received by many including the late Cuban President Fidel Castro, who personally congratulated the Guyanese.
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she was able to complete the perfect dress in one night. “As soon as she got to the dance, the pastor and everyone were like ‘where did you find this dress?’ And when they heard that her mother made it, they couldn’t believe, because they all knew I was in nursing school, they didn’t know I could sew,” she said. Seeing her talent, her Pastor, Tyus Nedd, encouraged her to invest in it, stating that she had a gift. After meeting with the pastor once a month for about three months, she was encouraged to get into designing full time. “I remember I was in Anatomy class and the professor was talking and I couldn’t understand what he was saying, so I asked God for a sign and just then the professor told us to take a break and I packed my bag and never came back,” she said. The following Mother’s Day, Arthlene put together her first fashion show with 75 pieces. The show, which was held at the International Christian Centre, was sold out. Business picked up from there, and the rest is history. Today, Arthlene is a successful designer and is widely noted for her avant-garde gown made up of over 700 peacock feathers valued at over US$10,000. The gown was featured in African Vibes magazine, Sparks magazine, in England and Couture Fashion Week, New York, at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel. She is a favourite designer of Hollywood actress Tangi Miller and gospel recording artistes Lois Commodore and Deborah Hightower. Also, favourite designer to Celebrity Actress Kari Wells, a model from London England, Bravo TV’s Married to Medicine star and Tyler Perry “haves and the have nots. CHARITY Arthlene is also the founder and president of the Restore to Empower Charity Organisation, which is a leader in philanthropic giving, providing mentoring, support and educational programmes for young adults, abused, at-risk children and high school dropouts. “We work with these people and try to empower them. If there is anything I can do, I try to do for them; teach them skills or other extra-curricular activities, teach them sewing and fashion, because that is where my expertise is. We try to help them not to give up. We let them know that if they put their minds to it they can do it,” she said. The organisation is currently working on a uniform project with partners from Dominica. The project will see the provision of uniforms for children in primary schools on the island. She also partnered with local organisation Nelly’s Catwalk for Kids where she created 50 headbands for children with cancer. “What I try to do is just try to empower people, they are sick, tired or distressed; I try to let them know there is hope, there is help, there is support if you just reach out,” she said. Soon, Arthlene will host a feature event for 25 to 50 selected teachers by having a VIP event and honouring them for their work with children by giving them awards. “I believe that teachers should know how much they put into our lives, because I believe they don’t have enough recognition for what they are doing,” she said. Arthlene has also founded a fashion school The Laudat Institute Fashion and Education (LIFE) to help inspire up-and-coming designers. So far, one of her students who finished her classes two years ago is now a designer in New York. For all her philantrophic work and other work in fashion, Arthlene has been bestowed with many Awards and honours, including "Humanitarian Of The Year Award" at Atlanta City Hall Atrium by The Atlanta Latino Fashion Week and The Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Awards-2016 Youth Empowerment Through Music Award” among many others. “I love working with people. Knowing I can help and empower them is a blessing; that is why I still work as a nurse part-time. The same goes for the fashion industry. When I get to work with young models, I always try to impact their lives to encourage them or speak into their lives,” she said. Arthlene looks forward to working on future projects through her organisation, particularly in the Caribbean, beginning with Dominica. “My home Dominica is my first love and I did not leave because it wasn’t a good place to be, but the U.S. had more opportunities for me at the time, as a young girl. But I look at my island as the best and whatever I become here I still represent Dominica, because that is where my roots are. It is important to stay connected to your roots. Sometimes you get so involved in the U.S., you can forget but I try to stay connected wherever I go,” she said.
Chronicle Pepperpot July 23, 2017
Mechanic workshop proprietor fined one hundred and thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) in the East Judicial District Magistrate’s Court. In addition, to making the payments, the defendant was ordered to clean up the said area by removing all derelict vehicles and scrap metals which were stored at his business premises. AS the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to strengthen its enforcement arm and clamp down on poor environmental practices, the Agency recently emerged as victors in a scrap metal/derelict vehicles case. In accordance with rule 3(6) (b) a person who is guilty of an offence in case of a body corporate is liable to fines of one hundred thousand dollars (100,000.). Where a cleanup order has been issued for the offence committed and the pollutant fails to comply with the said order, he can be charged a fine for failure to comply with a clean-up order. To this end, an East Coast Demerara mechanic workshop proprietor felt the force of the law after he was fined a total of one hundred and thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) for litter offences. This was following a written complaint received by the Agency. Further, the complaint stated that the defendant continued to dump and store scrap metals and derelict vehicles in an unsightly manner on Government’s reserve. Subsequently, a site inspection was conducted by EPA at the defendant’s business premises and surroundings on the East Coast Demerara, where it was observed that the Government reserves surrounding the defendant’s business premises were heavily littered with derelict vehicles and industrial wastes. The litter had also spilled into nearby waterways. WARNINGS IGNORED… After numerous warnings, verification and compliance exercises at the defendant’s business, he remained non-compliant with the clean-up order that was issued. Given his persistent non-compliance, the Agency moved to the courts where the defendant was slapped with the above two mentioned charges. The defendant was found guilty of both offences and fined $100,000.00 and $30,000.00, respectively,
THE AGENCY IS ACTIVELY PURSUING CASES OF LITTERING… The Waste Management Programme Area of the EPA with assistance from the Agency’s Legal Unit, continues to actively pursue cases of offences and are making persons liable for their actions. As the EPA continues to take such steps as are necessary for effective environmental management, the Agency calls upon all Guyanese to honour their civic responsibility and care for their environment. The Regulations also prescribes an increase in penalty for persons found guilty of repeat offences. Specifically it states that the fines will be double the maximum for any offence repeated. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LITTER Under the Litter Regulations, it is an offence to litter in a public place, particularly: 1. To deposit litter in a public place; 2. To deposit litter from a moving vehicle unto a public place; and 3. To cause or permit persons to commit offences 1 and 2 above. Any person/persons found guilty of any of these offences under the Litter Regulations shall be liable to a fine of between fifty to one hundred thousand dollars ($50,000 $100,000) or three months imprisonment. The absence of a waste receptacle is not an excuse to litter under the law. Incidents of littering can be reported to the Agency on 225-54679 ext. 223 or your local NDC. 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, Facebook: epaguyana or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com
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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
You darent handle high explosives; but youre all ready to handle honesty and truth and justice and the whole duty of man, and kill one another at that game. GEORGE BERNARD SHAW (1856-1950) Major Barbara Act III STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Authors usually help you find the main idea of each paragraph by writing a topic sentence that tells what it is. Most often the topic sentence is very easy to find because it is the first sentence in the paragraph. But you can’t always depend on that because some authors like to end a paragraph with a topic sentence. Other authors put a topic sentence elsewhere in a paragraph. To be able to find a topic sentence, you must habitually ask yourself a few questions at the end of every paragraph. Be wise. Love you. MAIN IDEA AND THE PARAGRAPH Finding the main idea in a paragraph is
sometimes easy. Look at these questions: 1. What is the person, place, or thing written about in this paragraph? 2. Why is this person, place or thing so important that makes the author write about it? Try them on the following two simple paragraphs, and see the results. Which sentences are their topic sentences? Paragraph 1 The spread of American food crops was the other great change that transformed the African scene in these centuries. Maize and sweet potatoes became the staples of West African agriculture, and maize spread throughout the continent. The additional food supply thus made available may have
permitted population growth so rapid as to make up for the loss to the slave trade. Although millions of innocent captives were sent to the New World to labour in the plantations of Brazil, the Caribbean, and the southern colonies on the North American mainland, there is no sign of lasting depopulation of African territories. Paragraph 2 When I awoke I didn’t dress immediately, but ate breakfast first and wrote letters for a couple of hours. Then I dressed and went out, walking for an hour or so along the river bank. Remembering that my food was almost gone, after lunch I visited my favourite store to buy groceries. I then stopped for a cup of coffee, returning home pleasantly tired and in good spirits late in the afternoon. This is how I spent that day. Of course, in Paragraph 1, the topic sentence is the first sentence, and in Paragraph 2, the topic sentence is the last sentence. The easiest way to remember details is to tie them to the main idea. Look at the third paragraph following, about yogurt. Quickly find the topic sentence and then summarise what the important details were? Some dieters rely on yogurt as a low-calorie meal. While it is true that plain yogurt is low in calories and high in protein, many people do not realise that the flavoured yogurts can be very fattening. Yogurt has all the nutritional value of milk. While low-fat milk is often used to make yogurt, the flavouring can be high in sugar. And sugar is a substance many people are anxious to keep out of their diet. Your findings should be: 1) The first sentence is the topic sentence. 2) The details supporting the topic sentence are: a) plain yogurt is low in calories, and b) flavoured yogurts can be high in sugar and very fattening. You can show the relationship between the main idea and the important details by single-line underlining the topic sentence, double-line underlining key details, and then being able to make an imaginary connection from the details to the topic sentence. Look at what we were talking about. As a matter for information, you can underline or circle the details. Some dieters rely on yogurt as a low-calorie meal. While it is true that plain yogurt is low in calories and high in protein, many people do not realise that the flavoured yogurts can be very fattening. Yogurt has all the nutritional value of milk. While low-fat milk is often used to make
yogurt, the flavouring can be high in sugar. And sugar is a substance many people are anxious to keep out of their diet. Once you can detect details, you will be able to make good note of them and do good reviews. Something to Do Find a favourite science or other book. Pick out paragraphs and try to find their topic sentences and the details supporting the main ideas. Discuss this with a study partner. COMPREHENDING A PASSAGE Because the colonies had an unfavourable balance of trade with Britain, they had a constant need for specie to pay for imported British goods. To obtain specie, colonial merchants developed trade through various triangular routes, many of which violated the Navigation Acts since they involved direct trade with foreign nations. One popular route took colonial-made rum to West Africa where it was exchanged for slaves as well as gold. The slaves were taken to the West Indies and sold for sugar, molasses, and gold. The molasses and sugar were shipped to the colonies and distilled into rum. Another profitable route took colonial fish, grain, and lumber to the West Indies. Here they were exchanged for sugar and molasses, which then went to Britain to be exchanged for manufactured goods needed in the colonies. (From R. Curry, J. Sproat, K. Cramer: “The Shaping of America”) Something to Do Now answer the following question broken into four parts: i). Find the meaning of the following terms taken from the passage: direct trade, specie, exchanged for slaves as well as gold, distilled into rum, colonial fish, grain. ii). What is meant by the term merchants “violated the Navigation Acts”? iii). Find on a World map of the world and locate places where the colonies were. Do you now have additional information about those colony locations? Discuss this with a study partner. iv). Find a World map and trace routes mentioned in the passage. Discuss with a study partner whether you have made a journey or two across the routes? What countries have you visited along the route? Write a short paragraph about the journey(s) whether by land, sea, or air, and display it on your classroom Display Board.
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Entertainment
American Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Cited for Trying to Carry Loaded Gun Through Airport Scotty McCreery recently experienced a dramatic visit to the airport. According to multiple reports, the winner of season 10's American Idol was cited last week for trying to carry a loaded gun through a passenger checkpoint at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. In a police report released to ABC11, Scotty stated that he had gone to the shooting range earlier in the day and forgot to remove the loaded weapon and rounds from his backpack before entering the airport. The report also stated that the 23-yearold was found to be in possession of a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun and ammunition. While Scotty had a permit to carry a concealed handgun, he was cited and released for a misdemeanor violation when he tried to bring the firearm through an airport checkpoint and board a plane with it. He has a court date pending for the citation, but is scheduled to perform tonight in Biloxi, Miss. "I have been a concealed carry permit holder for awhile now after being robbed at gunpoint in 2014, and I take gun safety very seriously. While in between tour dates last week, I went to go target shooting with a friend a few days before an early flight out
of my hometown Raleigh-Durham airport. Unfortunately, I did not realize that I left my pistol in my backpack until the TSA found it during the security X-ray screening and rightly confiscated it," Scotty said in a statement to E! News. "I had my concealed carry permit on me so once they had checked everything out, they then released me to catch the next available flight. Great to know our airport security force is on the job. I have learned a lesson that I won't forget." Fans first met Scotty when he appeared on the Fox singing competition series. After the votes were counted in the live finale, America chose the country singer over Lauren Alaina to be crowned the season's American Idol. Since then, the singer has released a book titled Go Big or Go Home as well as albums including one titled Clear as Day. Back in 2014, Scotty was a victim of a home invasion that left the young singer compelled to think of safety even more. In an interview with The News & Observer, Scotty said he developed a "higher level of alert" in general. He also felt extra safe when he was on his tour bus with crew members. "My bus would not be the bus to rob," he told the publication while laughing.
"I've got guys that are always equipped to make stuff happen. And one of the guys is
like a black belt in every martial arts you can think of."
Ingredients * ¼ cup vegetable oil (or canola) * 2-3 garlic clove , minced * ½ medium onion , diced * 2 teaspoons creole spice Homemade recipe here * 2 cups uncooked long grain rice * 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 13.5 oz can (1 3/4 cups) coconut milk * 15.5 oz can red kidney beans , rinsed and drained * 2 small bay leaves * salt and fresh ground pepper , to taste * 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water (see notes) * 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (optional) * 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper. * 1 teaspoons paprika (optional) Instructions 1. Wash rice until water runs clear. Drain water. 2. Heat a saucepan with oil. Then add onions, garlic, thyme, and hot pepper, sauté for about a minute. 3. Stir in rice to the pan, followed by beans for about 2 minutes, then add coconut milk, bay leaf, bouillon powder, creole spice, with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes or more. Stir occasionally from the sides to prevent burns , add more water if needed. 4. Adjust for salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves You have to stir occasionally to be preventing any burns. 5. Serve warm
Caribbean Rice and Beans