Pepperpot e paper 07 30 2017

See inside:

Melieka Crawford and her battle with blindness XX ► Page

The expansion of M&M Snackette ► Page

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The Church boasts an impressive architectural structure of concrete and wood

Keeping a legacy alive! ► Page

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– St Bartholomew Anglican Church Queenstown, Essequibo

Engaging youth in African drumming ► Page

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Drumming is an integral aspect of African culture worldwide

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Editor’s note

One of the badges of pride of our country is its multi-cultural composition and- despite the global debate of cultural appropriation- our determination to celebrate our diversities rather than to create divisions. Among those diversities, are the national holidays that honour those various cultures; and provide a time for reflection and indulgence, not just for one race, but for the country as a whole. With Emancipation

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Day just around the corner, this week’s Pepperpot gives a soft introduction to the event by telling stories that are rich with history, as well as insightful information that can be appreciated by all. Some of those stories feature the 175 year old legacy of the St Bartholomew Anglican Church and its rich African roots, to the role that Queenstown, Essequibo has played in the African Village Movement. We also look

at the importance of drumming to the African heritage and how stakeholders are clamouring to ensure that the tradition is passed on to youth, thereby breaking down stigmas that have, long, been attached to the practice. Indeed, even as we prepare to remember our ancestors and celebrate and appreciate the concept of freedom, we further reflect on the scars left by slavery and ways in which we can work to overcome it. All these are mixed in with other engaging stories aimed at adding enrichment to your Sunday reading. We hope that you enjoy this week’s edition.

Engaging youth in African drumming - master drummers striving to preserve cultural art form By Ravena Gildharie MARK Cryus is a master African drummer who feels empowered by the ‘therapeutic’ and ‘sacred’ art form, which he strongly believes can help inspire positivity among the young and upcoming generations, but only after the negative influences are removed from this aspect of the dynamic African culture. “There is still a lot of negative inAfrican drum (ACDA photo) fluences associated with African drumming,” Cryus told the Pepperpot Mager and also formed the Diamond Drummers, azine, adding that “I think this is why most a group out of the Diamond Special Needs of the youths are scared of it, and are shying School. This troupe also enjoys national exaway from this part of the African culture.” posure and participated in CARIFESTA XII Cryus, now age 51, is leader of the Otish- in Suriname. Otishka has about eight regular ka drummers, one of the country’s most pop- performers while the Diamond group has ular drumming groups that was established about five. some 30 years ago, and which has performed Cyrus said the name Otishka derives from at many national events countrywide, and at an African folktale of two brothers, Ozula, several Caribbean Festival of Arts (CAR- a negative sibling and Otiskha, the positive IFESTA). He is a prominent drumming teach- one. The drummer has participated in several

traditional African Libation and Queh Queh ceremonies. A resident of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, where he was born and raised, Cyrus said he has been associated with drumming for almost all of his life, stemming from toddler stage when he took a liking to the beating of metal tins and cardboard boxes. By age five, he started formal drumming lessons as an entertainer in a nearby village’s dance school and youth group. He later joined dance/music schools in Georgetown, including the National School of Dance during the 1980s and

to drumming and begin to understand the dynamics of the art form, there would be a better appreciation publicly, and a willingness among the youths to learn and preserve drumming. He highlighted that the youths need to

where he developed much of his drumming skills. “My experience has been tough over the years. I’ve heard people call drumming a lot of negative names, ‘obeah’ and ‘anta banta.’They see drumming as a bad thing, and I think that is because of a lack of experience and understanding of it,” Cryus said. He believes that once people get exposed

sensitise themselves about drumming and trace it back to their roots, so they can be able to adopt the art form and use it to identify with their African culture and traditions. Identified a few years ago as a fading culture in Guyana, there have since been various initiatives to revive and preserve African drumming involving the government, international and non-profit bodies, private groups, individuals and the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA). Back in 2013, ACDA received a $1 million grant from the Cultural Centre of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), specifically to boost African drumming. Around the same time, young Guyanese musician, Orlando Primo, launched his African

A young student learns about the drum at the Buxton Fusion School of Music

Young drummers at a past ACDA event

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Keeping a legacy alive!

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– St Bartholomew, the village movement and Queenstown, Essequibo’s rich African heritage By Ravena Gildharie THIS time around as villagers of Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast celebrate their community’s rich legacy and its links to Emancipation, special emphasis is also on the historic St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, which significantly molded unity and community development dating back to the days of slavery. The church observes its 175th anniversary this October, and a grand week-long celebration is planned to commemorate the occasion with the entire community. This period of the year is of special significance to Queenstown, beginning with Emancipation in August and the village’s official anniversary in September, followed by that of the St Bartholomew church. The oldest Anglican church in Region Two, St Bartholomew was founded from a coffee storage house (logie) built by slave labour during the 16th Century. It was later converted to a church during the early 1840s, when Queenstown was created. The church is believed to have led early development of education, youth and culture, while also helping to preserve unity and moral values, especially during the village movement, and onto present day. “I remember a few years ago when the village observed

Inside the St Bartholomew Anglican Church at Queenstown, Essequibo (Herald Alves photos)

linked to familial names such as the Ellises, Drakes, Braceys, Alves, Daintys, Carylls and Primos, among others. Historian Dr Kimani Nehusi is one of the Queenstown-born scholars who attended the St Bartholomew’s Anglican School. He believes that “a key factor in the construction of the church building was of some degree of African control over their lives and village. The enslaved always tried to subvert the intentions of the enslavers.” A kindergarten school was also set up by the church while there was a St Bart’s Mother’s Union and Youth Group and a Burial Society. The St Bartholomew church was also part

set the tone for similar developments in the 18th century after slavery was abolished. The village was formed in 1840 when planter Edward Carberry purchased three adjoining estates, Dageraad, Mocha and Westfield, to create a town. He used streets to divide the lands into plots, which he later sold in half-acre portions. It was the first Proprietary Village System where each individual was given a title to their own plot of land. The initial success of Queenstown led other planters to follow suit and by the end of 1841, about 18 plantations were offering land for sale or lease on the Essequibo coast. The practice soon spread to the counties of Demerara and Berbice. Although villagers have planned an Emancipation feeding programme for children and the elderly, and a village fun-day, Queenstown would join Anna Regina and Dartmouth for African observances, including a traditional candle light vigil from La Belle Alliance to Damon Square. The area holds special significance, as there is a bronze statue mounted at the Anna Regina location in honour of the African labourer, Damon, who was executed in 1834 for his role during a protest against the system of apprenticeship. Every other year, the Queenstown Association stages its homecoming to coincide with Emancipation, with a week-long fest that attracts large support from the diaspora, a known community-building partner. The activities, according to the association’s President, Fitzroy Fredericks, usually focus on health and education awareness, African history, culture, fashion, foods, traditions and honour to the people of Queenstown.

Community activity at Queenstown The St Bartholomew Anglican Church was formed from a coffee storage house

its 160th anniversary and there was a gathering at the church of people from all ages, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. That was very important,” recalled Reverend Monsel Alves, an Anglican priest, who was born and raised at Queenstown. He started attending the St Bartholomew’s Church at a tender age along with his nine other siblings as their father, the late Sydney Alves, was a server/thurifer- someone who swings the thurible (incense pot) in church. “I later became a server like my father, then a member of the vestry, youth leader, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a Eucharistic chalice assistance and Lay Minister. I was totally involved in the life of the St Bartholomew’s Church,” Alves told the Pepperpot Magazine. Preserved by the Anglican Community, the church boasts an impressive architectural structure of concrete and wood, crafted with tall roofs and sidewalls that curve inward to integrate an arch-like feature. This, along with other designs, creates a structural impression, which residents claim resembles an upside-down ship and which they believe was intentional as a reminder of the slave trade. This year, the church’s anniversary is being held under the theme, “Celebrating our Heritage, Renewing our Hope in Christ.” “Our foreparents have left us a great heritage of which I am very proud to be associated with and celebrate. I believe my generation and those who shall come after us, should try their best to preserve that heritage, while embracing the new age of science and technology,” Reverend Alves said. He highlighted the Church’s role in education at Queenstown through the St Bart’s Anglican Primary School, which produced a generation of highly-qualified men and women

One of the oldest buildings from colonial times that still stands in the village

of the Essequibo Social Action Group which identified, discussed and addressed some of the social ills of society. Aside from the St Bartholomew Church, Queenstown is home to several churches of other denominations, as well as a Masjid and a Hindu temple. There is a primary school, a health centre, a community resource facility with well-developed play-park and a post office. VILLAGE MOVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF TODAY Though its earliest settlers were predominately Africans, Cromwell Mentis pointed out that there is now a mixed population but one that is closely knit, and where all members of society share a great pride in Queenstown’s ancestral background and history. Mentis, who is the Vice President of the Queenstown Development Association, said there would be a public forum this Emancipation for villagers to discuss with Professor Nehusi and other scholars, the significance of Emancipation to today’s generation. The forum targets youth especially, to educate them on the village movement. Residents eagerly boast that while Victoria was the first village purchased by freed Africans in 1838, Queenstown was the foremost cooperative village movement that eventually

During last year’s celebrations, there was a special ceremony to honour all of the teachers in the community and this was well supported and applauded as the first initiative of its kind on the Essequibo Coast. Fredericks said that with the help of the diaspora and the community’s self-help drive, the resource facility was recently upgraded along with the playground, while a floor and pavilion were added. The centre is furnished with computers and currently serves as an eGovernment community Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub. Computer classes are planned targeting youths and adults, including senior citizens, who are interested in learning ICT. Residents currently benefit from various skill-building courses offered at the centre, such as catering and garment construction. Though he was born in another Essequibo Village at Lima, Fredericks said his grandmother was from Queenstown and he recalled the candle light vigils with African music and drumming during the village’s Emancipation celebrations. He took up permanent residency in Queenstown in 1988 and said that the community has evolved dramatically over the years with paved roadways, social facilities and a unified spirit of cooperation among residents, despite the changes. Though a lot of people have migrated in search of better economic opportunities, residents are still predominately farmers growing rice, ground provisions and other produce. Back in the 1890s, historians noted that life in Queenstown was considered “a paradise”, as the village was full of life, where the folklore and relationship with the ethnic groups was good and villagers saw each other as his/her brother’s/sister’s keeper. The churches and schools created a good environment in the villages, according to Allan Young in his book “The Approaches to Local Self-Government in British Guiana”. Today, Queenstown strives to maintain that feature.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

FILES E S A C COURT

1961 Property Judgment levy set aside IN 1961 the Federal Supreme Court constituted by Justices Rennie, Archer and Wylie, set aside a levy on property of immovables because the marshal who levied made no return to the writ with regard to movables. Execution was levied upon the immovable property of the appellant, Singh, to satisfy a judgment debt. The marshal did not inquire as to whether or not the appellant owned movable property and made no return to the writ with regard to movables. Order 36, r. 42 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, 1955 [B.G.], authorises the marshal to levy upon immovables in the event of the movable property taken in execution being in his opinion insufficient, and in that event, to levy to the extent of the insufficiency in value. The Court held: the levy was contrary to law. Appeal allowed. No cases referred to. Appeal by an execution debtor against a judgment of the Supreme Court of British Guiana (Trial Division – DATE, J.),

dated August 29, 1960, dismissing his claim for an order to set aside a levy upon immovable property and the sale thereof. F. H. Ramsahoye and C.A.F. Hughes for the appellant. C. R. Wong for the respondent. Delivering the judgment, Justice Wylie said: The appellant has appealed against a judgment of the Supreme Court of British Guiana dismissing his claim praying for an order that the levy on his land be cancelled, and the sale conducted by the marshal of the Supreme Court in respect of the land be set aside. The only ground of appeal that has been argued before this Court is that, the marshal is bound in the execution of this writ to levy first upon movables and only after having done that, is he authorised to levy on immovables. The evidence given by the marshal and the return made to the writ shows in fact that no levy was made on movables and, indeed , it has been conceded before us by counsel for the respondent that no such levy was made. There is no doubt that the writ did require the marshal to levy first on movables. It was submitted to us at considerable length that this was a requirement of the Roman Dutch Law. I agree with that part of the judgment appealed from, in which the learned judge states that in his opinion this question is not a matter of Roman Dutch Law but is now a matter of statute law in British Guiana. That follows in my opinion from the provisions of ss. 3 and 75 of the Supreme Court Ordinance {B.G.} and, consequently the provisions of the Civil Law of British Guiana Ordinance [B.G.] are not relevant. Rule 42 of O. 36 of the Rules of the Supreme Court ,1955 [B.G.], is the rule which now regulates the question as to what order the marshal was to observe in levying on the property of the judgment-debtor. Paragraph (1) of that rule requires the marshal to levy upon and take in execution as much of the movable property

of the party condemned By George Barclay to be pointed out by the party, at whose instance the writ was issued or his agent as will in the marshal’s opinion realise at execution sale proceeds sufficient to satisfy the judgment and costs, and there is a right given to the judgment debtor to point out any other movable property on which he would like execution to be levied first. The evidence shows that the marshal proceeded to the property, he saw the present appellant (the judgment debtor) a little way from the judgment debtor’s house, told him he was going to levy and he proceeded to the judgment debtor’s property to levy. There is nothing to suggest that he took any steps to see that the judgment debtor point out the property. He was there, the marshal spoke to him, but he does not appear to have asked him to come along and point out the property. The marshal nor the respondent gave no evidence to indicate that a proper search was made for movables. The marshal did not even enter the appellant’s house and finally, there is no return on the writ at all with regard to movables. Whether there are movables or not the levy cannot be complete until the return has been made to the writ on movables. It follows therefore that in this case there has been no levy on the movables. Paragraph (2) of the rule authorises the marshal to levy upon immovables in the event of the movable property taken in execution being in the marshal’s opinion insufficient, and it goes on to authorise the marshal to levy on immovables to the extent in value of such part of the judgment creditor’s claim as will, in the martial’s opinion remain unsatisfied after the sale of the movable property levied upon. It is quite obvious that that rule gives no power to the martial to proceed to levy on immovable property. In this case he did not do that and it follows that he had no authority to levy on immovable property that the purported levy is irregular and it must be set aside. Accordingly, the appeal should be allowed, the judgment of the court below set aside and an order made in the terms as prayed in the statement of claim. RENNIE, J: I Concur. The appeal will accordingly be allowed, the judgment will be set aside and judgment entered for the appellant and the levy declared null and void and set aside. The appellant will have the costs of the appeal and the costs of the trial in the court below. ARCHER, J: I also agree. Appeal allowed.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Matt Reeves’

War for the Planet of the Apes AS the title suggests, war is an important element of the third installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot series. Most of the characters have been established in the earlier films. We know Maurice is the kind, intelligent orangutan; we know Caesar is the brave and just chimpanzee leader, and we know that the humans mostly tend to come in that strange mix of fearful and brutish, and so on. Therefore, with this final film, the director and writers seem to spend a lot more time using their already developed characters to highlight their important messages, while also showcasing their extraordinary flair for visual storytelling. The amalgamation of these elements gives us the funny, emotional, and highly watchable film that is War for the Planet of the Apes. Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his clan of highly-intelligent apes are trying to live peacefully in their forest home when they are brutally attacked by a band of rogue human soldiers. There are casualties and the clan of apes is forced to

War for the Planet of the Apes, 20th Century Fox, 2017

relocate, with Caesar and some of his companions setting off on another journey to find the Colonel (Woody Harrelson), the leader of the rogue soldiers who are so intent on getting rid of the apes. On the way to the Colonel, the troop of apes find a human child, later named Nova, and with Maurice’s encouragement, they decide to keep her with them rather than let her die in the cold. This journey to the Colonel and the final showdown between the apes and the soldiers is basically what makes up the plot of War of the Planet of the Apes. It is part-commentary on war, part-commentary on humanity, and it is also a full-blown revenge saga. The scenes of war, particularly the moving overhead shot in the beginning, coupled with the beautiful and realistic depictions of the apes, are sure to ensure that this film gains at least a nomination in the Visual Effects category

at next year’s Academy Awards. Matt Reeves, the director, uses everything available to him to produce explosions, gunfire, aircraft, fights of such immense realism and intensity that the audience often forgets that half of what is seen on the screen was shot using a green-screen and computers, but such is the magic of modern-day technology, and it is fully employed in all its glory in this particular film. The cast, particularly those involved in the motion-capture performances, such as Andy Serkis, truly put their all into the elements of performance that would help to make their unusual performances work. The actors who played the apes strongly utilised their voices – and the range of tones and idiolects was quite enough to distinguish the apes from one another, even in cases when they looked alike. Furthermore, the emotions – which are an important part of the film – could have been lost in all the visual effects involved. However, the cast ensured that the emotions remained intact. In fact, the emotions in the film (in such scenes as the aftermath of the attack on Caesar’s clan, or the two scenes involving Nova, the flower, and Luca, the gorilla, or the scene where Nova brings food to Caesar) are astoundingly amplified and there are certain parts of the film that will make everyone, except the stone-hearted, cry. Another interesting thing to note is the way war is por-

trayed in the film. There are several references to Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (based on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and considered a classic anti-war film) that find themselves integrated into War of the Planets of the Apes. A subtle reference would be the graffiti of “Ape-ocalypse” scrawled on a random wall. However, a more blatant reference would be in the depiction of the character of the Colonel, presumably based on Kurtz – the rogue, corrupted ivory trader who becomes a sort of deity among his followers and establishes a base in the jungle where he carries out several misdeeds, which is similar to the way the Colonel in War for the Planet of the Apes seems to be deified by the soldiers who follow his commands, and also in the way he has also departed from the aims of his original occupation in order to satisfy his own corruption and needs. This bit of intertexuality is one of the most fascinating aspects of War for the Planet of the Apes and there is no doubt that people who like Apocalypse Now or people who have read Heart of Darkness will enjoy the film, on account of its storyline, characters and visuals, most definitely, but also because of the connections that this film makes with those two other canonical works of film and literature.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Faith lost, faith regained A Cripple Walks Again

By: Abdool A. Aziz HIS parents were very religious and stoic. The prayer regimen was too severe for him. He believed in a God but also believed in himself. Prayers were good but self-motivation and self-esteem were better. We must discover our potential and be productive – that was his motto. So at age 16, when he ran away, they all condemned him as satanic. He became

an outcast. But while he had no money, no relatives, no friends, he had one vital asset – ambition. He did odd jobs to sustain himself, and he began to ‘burn the midnight oil’ through self-studies. He became a teacher and won an award for Literature. He acquired a teaching degree via a correspondence course from England. He became a social worker having completed two years’ studies at the University of Guyana in 1973. At age

25, he landed an executive job in the public service. Life was good; he served Guyana for over 10 years as a Community Development Officer. THE CALL OF THE NORTH At age 35, burning with the call of the North, he migrated to Canada. Finding no suitable job, he was forced to accept manual labour. Alone, subsistent and weak, he fell ill. This led him to depend on medication for acute arthritis. Eventually, he lost his job, was busted financially and became a cripple. Canada is usually cold and harsh, and now it became cruel to a man who was wheelchair-bound. He was 40 by then. Medical treatment did not help. Arthritis has no cure but he knew of one source that would yield a cure – our creator. So he packed up and headed home to our beloved country, to pray. He depended on no one. He rented a small room in Albouystown and began to teach privately at his residence, and a ritual of prayer filled his life. RENEWED FAITH During his meteoric rise to success, he actually forgot his maker. His philosophy was simple: know thyself, exploit your potentials, and serve humanity. With no cure by man for his osteoarthritis, he turned to the ‘Best’ doctor – our Creator. Night after night past midnight, he knelt and prayed one to one with God. He simply begged

for his feet back so he could resume his commitment to his responsibilities. After two years of dedicated supplication, his plea was answered. Our merciful Creator delivered. Early one morning he felt a surge of electricity in his legs. His muscles began to twitch and his feet got life. Little by little he swung them off the cot and stumbled to stand up like a newborn calf. He wobbled around and the limbs gained strength. He walked again on Friday July 28, 1984. He said goodbye to his wheelchair and donated it to The Palms. PROFOUND GRATITUDE Now up and about, he opened a private school in Albouystown and earned a living. He hired a maid to be his caregiver. She was a divorced with six children, the last one 12 years of age. He earned enough money to buy her a home. He became her husband and father to the children. His gratitude to God is profound. He is born again. Now at 74, he is a social worker and writer, but sadly a widower, hoping again to raise another family. Most of his money goes to charity especially for the needy children. Readers please do not forget the needy children’s donation box in the private commercial banks. Charity is the hallmark of a good person, and we must always remember to give thanks and praise to our merciful Creator.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

VII

Food and gums WHILE the main causes of periodontal (gum) disease are stress and poor oral hygiene, another problem leading to gum disease may be poor diet. It is the missing link to prevention and treatment of gum disease, and it is almost always ignored. Diet is important in controlling periodontal disease because bacteria in the mouth use sugars for energy and reproduction. When your oral hygiene is poor and your diet is high in sugar, more bacteria are produced. The higher bacterial level will then inflame the gums and may increase plaque formation in gum disease. If we consume a high sugar diet, the body will produce more bacteria in the mouth. Stress, combined with such a sugar diet, adds acid to our saliva and will show its results in gum disease. Studies have shown that it is more harmful to eat sugar containing foods between meals than it is to eat them with meals. We need vitamins and minerals in our diet. Vitamins help regulate our metabolism. A diet high in fiber and fruits and vegetables will help reverse gum problems naturally. More importantly, we need the fats and proteins that provide the energy that helps build the cells of our body. To reverse gum disease naturally, we must alter our diet and discipline ourselves to maintain healthier eating patterns. In isolated areas where groups of Amerindian or Indigenous people live, it is known that their teeth and gums are in a healthy state. I worked in both the North and South Rupununi for a long time and I know that these groups do not follow what we consider proper oral hygiene, yet they have healthy mouths. Why? They eat live foods and basically lead simple, stress-free lives. If these people came to live here in the city, their teeth and gums would start to show diseased states that would be due to the processed foods that we eat. People who are obese and eat sugary foods have a higher susceptibility to gum disease than those who have a balanced diet. Soft and sticky food (like nutrition bars), which tend to remain in the grooves of the teeth, are also a culprit and can lead to tooth and gum problems. It is not the vitamin content but the natural sugars such as honey in these nutritional bars that get stuck in the grooves of your teeth. Is it true that what we are is what we eat? Yes! I hope that

you will begin to eat a balanced diet, and try to consume the recommended daily allowances of nutrients. The bone surrounding the teeth needs attention given to it that is equal to that given to other bones in the body. Vitamin A is needed for the formation of this bone. Vitamin A deficiency in the mouth can show up as thin enamel, chalky patches on your teeth, decreased tooth growth, retarded eruption, malpositioned teeth, soft teeth, dry mouth, and defective dentin formation, because it can decrease the activity of new cells. On the other hand, excessive consumption of Vitamin A can result in a toxic condition characterised by itching skin, gum disease (gingivitis), and irritability. Other physical symptoms may manifest, such as poor night vision, lack of appetite and vigour, bladder stones, and hyperthyroidism. Too much or too little can affect your teeth and gums. Eating foods in moderation will help you to heal your mouth and reverse your gum condition. The soft foods containing vitamin A which are easier on the teeth are foods like apricot and cantaloupes. Harder foods include carrots, broccoli, and celery. Additional foods containing Vitamin A are butter, cabbage, egg yolk and milk. If you have a vitamin B deficiency, your tongue may show some early symptoms of enlarged taste buds (bumps on the side of your tongue) at the front and the side, with the taste buds in the back of your tongue becoming enlarged later on. You may also notice deep fissures and grooves down the center of the tongue. Various foods fit in different Vitamin B groups. Foods that are high in Vitamin B include mushrooms, algae, yeast, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Thiamin was the first vitamin discovered; this is why it is designated as Vitamin B1. Symptoms of a severe deficiency of Vitamin B1 include a burning sensation on the tongue, loss of taste, unusual sensitivity of the inner lining (the cheeks and soft tis-

sue) of the mouth, and cracks and sores in the corner of the mouth. Cracks in the corner of the mouth, called “angular cheilosis� are common. Foods rich in Vitamin B1 that can help you avoid such symptoms are wheat, oatmeal, legumes such as peanuts, and peas. Meat, fish, fruit and milk also contain thiamin. Vitamin B2 is involved in the production of energy through the conversion of nutrients in food. Commonly, symptoms of Vitamin B2 deficiency are lips that may crack and become painful and ulcerated. They may appear redder or whiter than usual. The corners of the mouth may also crack. Contact with food or drink may cause pain or a burning sensation on the tongue. Antidepressants decrease the positive effect of this vitamin, so especially be watchful if you are being treated for depression. Niacin (Vitamin B3) is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It acts as a coenzyme (catalyst) in the process that requires energy for normal cell function. Vitamin B3 deficiency results in pellagra, a disease characterised by a swollen tongue, inflammation of the mouth, diarrhea, and small red eruptions on the back of the hands. Good sources of niacin are meats, turkey and other poultry, fish and peanuts.

The speeding madness continues on our roads VIII

By Francis Quamina Farrier

IT wasn’t my intention to return to the issue of fatal road crashes until the end of the year, having dealt with that gruesome topic just two weeks ago. My decision to revisit the issue so quickly, however, is because, even before my article “Driving responsibly never gets old” was published on July 16, 2017, in the Chronicle Pepperpot section; three deaths resulted from a two-vehicle crash on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway on the evening of Friday, July 14, 3017. In my Pepperpot Feature of Sunday July 16, 2017, I mentioned that there were 50 road fatalities for the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, which was a 25 percent reduction for the corresponding period

of the previous year. Even though the Police Traffic Department, and the rest of Guyana were hopeful for a reduction of traffic fatalities to continue, the news of another fatal crash on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, resulting in the loss of three lives, was announced. There have been scores of fatalities on that highway over the years, including the two young daughters of then Prime Minister (and later President), Desmond Hoyte. But what is not generally known, is that the very first fatality on that Soesdyke/Linden highway, occurred even before its completion. It was what could be described as a freak accident; a senior American Manager of the Construction Company, BB McCormick, was run over by a bulldozer. He died on the spot. The body was not mangled since the

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

tragedy occurred on a sandy stretch of the road work in progress. To ascertain whether Guyana is likely to record a higher road fatality figure for the second half of 2017, I checked with the Police Traffic Headquarters for the figure for July, 2017; it was given as eight. In July 2016, seven persons lost their lives on our roads. In July 2015 the number of fatalities was 14. In 2016 those who lost their lives on our roads for the second half of the One of the many crosses erected where there have been Fatal Road Crashes year, was sixty one, a decrease from the corresponding period for 2015, which was are as timely today, as they were almost 68. The question now is, “How many more nine years ago, even as we reflect on the will die on our roads during the rest of this hundreds of lives which were snuffed out due to fatal road crashes, as a result of year, 2017?” In his article in the Catholic Standard speeding vehicles. Looking back 16 years to May 2001, dated August 7, 2009, with the headline it would be recalled the horrible crash on “Road fatalities”, Vibert Parvatan wrote: Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, involving “The foremost contributory factor in a car driven by then TV Sportscaster, Carroad accidents is unquestionably, speedwyn Holland, who was the victim of three ing.” Later that very year, Vibert Parvatan speeding mini buses which crashed into his revisited the issue with another article with car. Fortunately, although suffering serious the headline “Road accidents”, in the Cathinjury, Carwyn Holland survived, and is olic Standard dated November 27, 2009. He now the Mayor of the Town of Linden. stated, “It is disgusting, frightening and sad So, will speeding slow down and stop to read of the many lives lost on our road on the roads of Guyana? How many more ways.” Those Vibert Parvatan viewpoints must die?

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

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The expansion of M&M Snackette A truly Guyanese business By Zena Henry

for sale a short distance away from their 24 Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, WHEN the Mookram family had placed home more than 30 years ago, they knew a tiny snack stand, with a mere six items exactly what they were doing. Financed by the eldest sons, the parents were the initiators of the small business venture that saw three brothers: Joe, 22, Vick, 21, and Roy, 19, becoming determined to grow a small roadside snack stall known for its egg balls and cane juice, into a thriving business establishment that would be the base for further investment and diversification. Today, the Mookrams’ are the proud owners of M&M Investment Inc., parent company for M&M Snackette and Fast Food, which also serves vegetarian and Halaal foods. M&M Snackette is the morphed version of that egg ball and cane juice stand that has expanded its services into mass production of various food items, catering, its own delivery service and soon to come, fine dining at the company’s impressive new threestorey glass styled building at their Track A, Peter’s Hall location, just opposite the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Joe Mookram told the Pepperpot Magazine that it was sometime in 1984 that the Vick Mookram seated, his 20 year old son and Joe family had put out the small Mookram (left)

five by three glass and wooden stand that was manned mainly by his younger sibling, Roy. Roy was described as being instrumental in the operation, while the other brothers engaged in other activities. Joe said that the family had to move to at least three locations before the opportunity finally presented itself for them to buy

the spot on which they currently operate. The family spent numerous years at their Peter’s Hall location before opening other branches at several new locations such as Eccles, Vreed-en-Hoop and Diamond, with all contents coming out of the company’s Turn to page XVII ►►► M&M Snackette’s spanking new building

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Caribbean countries must help in the well-being of their Diasporas And Asian economic power keeps growing and overtaking the West. This has resulted in Western societies gradually becoming poorer. For example, free health services have begun to contract, unemployment is growing, wages are not increasing as fast as they once did and AT the time of writing this offering, the countries are not now the paradise immigrants standards of living have begun to fall. Diaspora Conference of the University had imagined, since the West has started on And our diaspora finds itself permanently of Guyana was still in progress and the the downward slope of gradual decline. Six living in this slowly and almost imperceptibly only report we have had so far of its pro- hundred years ago, the Asiatic heartland, but relentlessly declining society. The answer ceedings is President Granger’s opening especially India and China, produced most to this syndrome is for our diaspora to have presentation. We have had no information of the world’s products and enjoyed a level one leg in the declining developed country of the titles or themes of the other presen- of wealth and civilisation far above the West. and one leg in the developing country with the tations, but from the statements made by In those times, whenever the West thought of possibility of enjoying the best of both worlds. public figures and academics in the past wealth, they thought of Asia. The Indian and Chinese diasporas are adoptthat the onus of the conference will be to From about the 14th century, the societies ing this formula and the Guyanese diaspora invite the diaspora community to be in- of the Asiatic heartland fell into a somno- could well do the same. The Government of volved in Guyana’s economic and social lence, ceased being productive and became Guyana could help in this process in several development. weaker and poorer. Indian and Chinese ways and should quickly take on the task. We have always felt that Governments civilisations did not disappear as the other The second overall way in which the and Guyanese people at home should equally contemporary ancient civilisations had done, Government of Guyana could be of help to be concerned with the welfare and protection but remained in a debilitated and almost the diaspora is firstly by enlightening wouldof the diaspora community and there are sev- moribund state. be immigrants of the kind of society to which eral ways in which this could be achieved. On the other hand, at the same time, Eu- they would be going. This would help them With the limitation of space, we will broadly rope was experiencing its Renaissance and to settle down more quickly and productively touch on two of those ways. in a few centuries, western man achieved the and to better gauge their future. A few decades ago, we had done a paper highest pinnacle of human civilisation, wealth Next, the Guyanese and West Indian dion the push factors that caused Guyanese to and power, and by the 19th century had col- aspora communities in the developed world migrate abroad, especially to the developed onised the rest of the world. By 1900, western have little or no understanding of the finanworld. The main factors included finding civilisation and power were unchallenged and cial structures and investment opportunities employment, re-uniting families, medical and appeared to be permanent and everlasting. in those countries. And despite the great educational opportunities, political and racial Then the West began fighting its disastrous advantage of speaking the same language, as discrimination, desiring to be immersed in and suicidal civil wars culminating in World in the USA and UK, having the same legal Western culture, imagining that one’s artistic Wars I and II. The West lost its imperial assumptions and the same laws and indeed and intellectual talents would have a greater control of the world and destroyed a great having the same thought process, Caribbean opportunity to flourish, and above all, the very deal of its wealth and young and educated people, though very hard-working and redeep assumption that the developed countries humanity. Western civilisation had almost sponsible, have never entered the lucrative were the nearest thing to paradise on earth and destroyed itself. world of finance. Asians, in contrast, because to settle there was a victorious achievement Asia had begun to awaken from its long they know how the stock exchanges, banks and a privilege. somnolence and in a few decades has come and other financial institutions and structures From the historical perspective, Western to have great economic and military power. work, are able to take advantage of these and

in a short time become wealthy. The Guyanese and West Indian High Commissions and embassies in the developed countries must devise methods by which they could educate the West Indian diasporas in the stock market and other financial structures. Though Guyanese and West Indian diasporas have done much better in securing higher education and the professions than they have been able to do in finance, they have not been able to manifest their full potential, and this syndrome is largely because when Caribbean people emigrate to the developed countries, they go to the cities. And since they do not have enough money to live in the better areas, they are compelled to live in the poorer and working-class areas. Now, in the developed world, the environment creates the man, so Guyanese and West Indian children born in the poorer districts of western cities will become like their neighbours. They will speak like them, dress like them, think like them with ambitions to be no more than a wage-earner. In the Caribbean, because of the full social mobility, the majority of the educated and professional classes derive from the poorer sections of society. Working through parents, the diplomatic missions and social workers could successfully launch poorer West Indian young people into the universities and professions. And finally, Caribbean governments and their foreign missions must positively offer protection to their citizens wherever they are and in whatever circumstances. The model of Israel regarding protection of its citizens would be instructive. If such protection is proffered, Caribbean states will earn a new respectability and their citizens would be more closely affiliated to their homelands.

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Sports and Mental Health TODAY we are going to talk about something that I’ve only recently realised the importance of. We already know that playing sports can benefit our physical health but have you stopped to think about the mental and social benefits? These outweigh the physical ones and are vital to our overall well-being. Any kind of sport teaches individuals (especially children) extremely important and valuable life skills. First of all – what is a sport? It is any physical activity that involves skill, competition and entertainment is considered a sport. There are many different kinds, with the major distinction of individual sports, group sports or both. Examples are cycling/ weightlifting, cricket/football or swimming/running respectively. Sports- whether team or individual increase concentration, mood and confidence, while reducing stress,anxiety and the risk of suicide. It provides us with motivation, strength, pride and self-confidence/esteem. Those who play sports require and display constant commitment, determination and patience. Very few people are what they call ‘naturals’ and excel at a sport right away. Most of us need time to develop the skill. This also requires discipline. Those who engage in sporting activities live a healthier lifestyle in general – they eat and sleep better, are less likely to use alcohol or any illegal drugs, and are less likely to be involved in unwanted or teenage pregnancies. I believe that sports (especially in Guyana) are a major deterrent from drug use.

If playing sports begins at a young age, there are a multitude of benefits. A positive self-image as well as built in networks of supporters (teammates, captains, coaches, managers etc.) will evolve at a young age. The adolescent develops healthy feelings

of accomplishment and accountability. Furthermore, many student athletes do better in academics than non- athletes. It seems like it would be the opposite but research shows that sports require constant attention, learning, understanding, memorising and repetition

– all of which are needed to excel in school work. When the students already possess these qualities, it is easy to simply transfer them from on the field to off. I know that our community is big on ‘extra lessons’ and I know some children do really need it. However, my research shows that getting them involved in after-school sports may be more beneficial. Sports will teach youth to respect authority- something that I believe is lacking within our community. Sports require following set rules, many different levels of authority, and accepting other people’s opinions and decisions. Many consequences come with insubordination and this teaches further discipline. These activities teach children to be less selfish. Everyone wants a turn and everyone wants to be the star but when on a team, each player knows that no matter how great the individual players are, if they do not work together as a team, a loss will occur every time. They learn to think about what’s best for the team and not only themselves. I think two of the most important things that sports teach young adults are how to lose graciously and how to be resilient. At one point or another, everyone fails at something in life; everyone becomes frustrated and disappointed with themselves. This also pairs with learning to control emotions, which run high during sporting events. If you learn how to lose with integrity from a young age, it sets a tone for the healthy coping skills that you will have in the future. Turn to page XVII ►►►

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#SupportCreativity

Time, trauma and the female body Notes from MOU

LAST Tuesday, Trinidadian artist Shanice Smith and I both presented works made during the month-long MOU residency to a modest crowd of artists and art enthusiasts at Alice Yard in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. We had spent the previous day working ourselves to exhaustion readying the space and installing our individual pieces. It was a gruelling process of trying to figure out what “felt right” as we raced against the clock (this meant a lot of doing, undoing, redoing and subsequent frustration). Eventually, after experiencing what felt like a complete burnout, we wrapped up at midnight. Unfortunately, my install was nowhere near completion and that meant another early start the next day. This seemed to be the general trend for the entire week leading up to the big day: early mornings, late nights and what seemed to be very little visible progress. By this time we were both on autopilot, sailing through the days in a zombie-like mode. Nevertheless, we managed to pull everything together just in time for the opening of the event. One of the challenges I was forced to confront during the production phase was working away from the installation site until the very last minute. In my previous residency experiences, I would’ve had the opportunity to work on site from the beginning, making adjustments and tailoring the installations to the space over an extended period of time. In this case, however, I was working offsite, blindly trying

to conceptualise what the work could be as I had no idea what my exhibition space looked like. This also meant the work would’ve had to be made in a way that facilitated easy transportation via maxi (bus). Since I had never worked this way before, I knew almost immediately that it would be an intense installation process. And it sure was. Nevertheless, although the process presented challenges I hadn’t considered initially, it also brought into sharp focus some of the things that have come to be really important to me, one such thing being space. I came to the realisation that finding the right way of seamlessly working around quirky spaces carries just as much weight as the actual

One of two untitled installations Dominique Hunter made during the MOU residency. Both installations represent a continued exploration of ideas and materials first used on an earlier residency in Vermont, USA

One of two untitled installations Dominique Hunter made using a collection of sanitary napkin wrappers and garbage bags

art object; for me, the two cannot be separated. I’m usually very open about my process and unafraid to admit that I do have anxiety about the work I make. This time around was no different. I was incredibly nervous that my installations wouldn’t be as resolved as I

would’ve liked given that I had only two days to make them work in the space. It called for a lot of quick thinking and unfortunately, my brain was in no condition to function normally since I was very aware of the time constraint. In the end, I reached a point where I felt like there was nothing more I could do and left feeling unsure about the installations. Although I did find a few quirky spaces that I would’ve liked to work around when I got there, it was too late to try to force the work I had done to fit those spaces. It would’ve called for planning and more importantly time to ensure the two worked well together. I had to remind myself that sometimes residencies are like that; sometimes you leave with more questions than answers and that’s okay. Everything won’t always be resolved to perfection but at least I was further along my journey than when I first arrived. I think we both left feeling like the works produced during this residency were more preparatory works than anything else, sketches or trials if you will. The works represented ideas we’ve both spent quite some time considering but they also needed more time and resources in order to be resolved to the point where we felt comfortable enough to call them finished works of art. We had both spent years collecting the materials we used to create the works installed at Alice Yard. For just over a year she had been collecting stories of rape and sexual abuse experienced by women and in my case, I had been collecting sanitary napkin wrappers for almost six years. When we both started collecting these materials we had no idea how they would find themselves into our work but we felt compelled to collect them anyway. Neither of us could’ve ever predicted that years later we would be here in Trinidad, drawing on those same materials to create these works. Turn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII

For a long time Smith had wrestled with a number of conflicting feelings about possibly using one family member’s story of kidnapping and rape as material to develop a new body of work. After much deliberation she decided that it was necessary to talk about that story in an attempt to inspire other women to speak out about their own experiences of sexual abuse and rape. By choosing not to remain silent, this was her way of stripping power from the abusers and giving it back to the women who would’ve experienced those traumas. According to Smith, too often victim shaming forces women to reconsider speaking out for fear of being attacked a second time.

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About her installation titled “No one bought me flowers so I made my own” she had this to say: “They are origami roses made of hand-marbled paper, inscribed with the retelling of a kidnapping and rape story by a survivor. The pretty, delicate appearance of these flowers is used as a ruse, making them more approachable and inviting the viewer to look more closely, but upon inspection reveals a violent story devoid of the typical associations one makes between flowers and romance.” Smith also produced and exhibited a second piece, a one-minute video titled “Gestures.” She describes this piece as an “experiment” that examines the effects of

Shanice Smith, No one bought me flowers so I made my own, one hundred origami roses made from hand marbled paper that recounted the story of a kidnapping and rape survivor

One of the two submissions titled For Your Viewing Pleasure, which Trinidadian artist Shanice Smith and Guyanese artist Dominique Hunter collaborated on for the recent Fresh Milk call for art

A still from Shanice Smith’s one-minute video titled Gestures

trauma by starting with the most noticeable thing about a woman when she is retelling a traumatic experience or a story that evokes feelings of discomfort, her gestures. My two installations represented a continued material exploration of sanitary napkin wrappers that started earlier this year while on another residency in Vermont. Although I placed more emphasis on trying to push the boundaries of what I could do with the material in a sculptural sense as opposed to seriously considering the implications of using that particular material, there were moments where I found myself thinking critically about the manner in which I was using them. I found myself imagining the material as an instrument to measure time, each wrapper being equivalent to half a day. In this way, each version of the installation represented my body at different years of my life. I’ve also become very interested in reusing the same material, even as I continue to add more wrappers to my collection every month. And since they are constantly being reused in different works and the integrity of each wrapper is continuously compromised by the use of tape to secure them to each other, there is a gradual process of disintegration that I’m equally fascinated by. With regard to the two pieces Smith and I collaborated on for the Fresh Milk call for art titled, “For your viewing pleasure,” the architectural elements we chose to incorporate and the era they represent provided an interesting framework to consider how women’s bodies have been policed

within societies that depend heavily on the “church” and/or “state” to direct the manner in which those bodies should be regarded. Ideas of censorship and even the virtues associated with “true” womanhood were pulled into focus, questioning any perceived progress made in the centuries since women have been fighting for control of their own bodies. Now that we’ve come to the end of the first leg of the MOU residency we would like to extend special thanks to Christopher Cozier for generously hosting us and also to Toronto-based multidisciplinary conceptual artist Erika DeFreitas (the current artist in residence at Alice Yard) for graciously lending assistance and offering up her studio and gallery space for the mounting of our works. 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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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Challenging gender norms St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Peta Odini

It was ten years ago when Peta Odini Sutherland began designing, making “small things” such as bags and other types of women’s clothing before leaving her native St. Vincent and the Grenadines to study fashion in London. It was while there, that Odini’s life would change, channeling her into the industry of menswear; an unorthodox choice for a woman, but the perfect niche for this young Vincentian designer. Odini completed the Fashion Foundation course at the London College of Fashion and then moved on to Ravensbourne in 2009. At Ravensbourne Odini started out as a textile print design student, but later fell in love with menswear after doing an elective in the field. She transferred to the Menswear group in the last term of her first year and went on to graduate in the summer of 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Fashion with specialism in Menswear. “I just really enjoyed the tailoring and all the technical work we got to do on the menswear programme,” Odini told the Pepperpot Magazine. “I also liked the fact that it was an area that was not very saturated and I personally also love wearing men’s clothes because they tend to have a great fit and lots of pockets! So I really wanted to create things that I liked.” Admittedly, Odini said that the general response to her Peta Odini fashion line Peta Odini Sutherland (centre) poses with models in some of her creations is one of surprise, especially since her name- in itself- sounds like that of a male feeling than being able to create something knew of me and my work before I got designer. “And of course the fact that most from scratch then seeing it worn by someone there and I was not prepared for that. menswear designers in the region [and inter- else. “I think that's one of the most fulfilling The few people I was able to speak to nationally] are male as well, has contributed things ever, so it's a very big part of who I am after the show as well as the models and significantly to that assumption,” she said. and what I do so it's probably one of the - if organisers in general had positive things But despite the usual reaction by the not the most- important things in my life at to say,” she said. public, Odini is not surprised. “I usually just the moment,” she said. True to her artistic nature, Odini chuckle about it, with the first name Peta, I've In her ten years’ designing, Odini has cer- revealed that apart from designing, she been referred to as ‘Mister’ a few times so it tainly fit well into her niche, and she admits also pays a keen interest in other types really doesn't faze me at all now,” she said. that the response to her work in the Caribbean of art. “To me I think anything can be And while the line is made up predominantly is generally positive. “The Caribbean is a art but sometimes I find some things of male clothing, there are still pieces fit for somewhat strange place when it comes to the are trying too hard to be art and so it the “cool girl” type customer looking for the creative arts/industries. I think we as a region falls flat. However…when I discover not-so-traditional style of clothing. are still not sure of the value of the work something I really like, I want to see evbeing produced here. But overall I've never erything about it. I get a little obsessive ON FASHION AND PASSION heard anyone say they don't like what I do… in finding out the back story, because The young designer states that her inspi- but I know that not everyone can wear what who doesn't love a good backstory? ration for designing stems from many places; I make, it's really not for everyone and I am And sometimes I find the process of and like a true artist, those places usually stem fully aware of this. I'm sure there are people creating to be a lot more intriguing from art itself, or sometimes, real life inspi- who would look at what I do and think it's than the final product. So I'm always ration from persons around her. “I suppose ridiculous but the majority of the feedback is interested in why someone has chosen people will say my use of colour and print is always positive,” she said. to do something,” she said. a Caribbean thing ... maybe it is, maybe it isn't Odini recently took her work into the inAs Odini progresses in her craft, because there is so much colour in the world, ternational market, having showcased her line she remains grateful for those who so who knows where exactly that comes at the Caribbean Style and Culture Awards have supported her, particularly from,” she said. in Maryland. It was here where she received those who have believed in her Either way, Odini said that designing is her first award as a designer as well. “It was enough to honour her for her work her passion, adding that there is no better eye opening for me because people actually or allow her to showcase it. “Attend-

ing the Caribbean Style & Culture Awards made me truly humbled by the fact that someone out there in the world who I had never met before thought my work was worth highlighting in this manner and I don't think I will forget that for a very long time,” she said.

One of the pieces designed for women from Odini’s line

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

folklore

Community Call

T

HESE were trying times in Four Corners. The small rural community was experiencing some problems. Supernatural manifestations were being reported regularly. Not only were there sightings, there were also confrontations. One man was slapped so hard he blacked out. A woman’s hair was ripped from her head. Lucky for her, she was wearing a wig. Property was also being damaged. Homes were being stoned, windows broken and animals injured. Cows were losing fat, dogs howled all night and cats stayed indoors. Things were not looking very bright for Four Corners. The village elders decided to hold a community meeting. On the night of the meeting rain poured. This meant auto-

Community Centre ground he heard voices. He remembered vaguely about a meeting and decided to stop by. The night was lit up by a very bright moon. Its light made the ground seem like some foreign paradise. People were standing in groups and chatting with each other. ‘Long Drink’ joined them and shared his cigarette and half XM generously. They stood around waiting. The tall villager realised that he did not know many of these people. He held a commanding vantage point and could see most of the faces in the crowd. “Who keeping the meeting?” he asked. No answer. “How come me ain’t know none a yo all?”

matic postponement of the gathering. Later that night ‘Long Drink’ was walking home. He had worked hard at the stink yard and had stopped at his favourite liquor parlour to have a drink. ‘Long Drink’s’ real name was Edward Barnes. He did not get his nick-name from the fact that he loved to drink rum, he got the name because of his height. ‘Long Drink’ was nearly six feet, six inches tall. His friends began to refer to him as ‘a long drink of water’. The name ‘Long Drink’ stuck. As he steered for home he staggered, fell and got up. This was a continuous chain of events that made up his journey home whenever he drank. On his way past the

“You don’t know we but we know you.” The voice was a low growl with little friendliness in it. “But none a yo all ain’t living in de village.” “Look fella, we living hey before you even born.” ‘Long Drink’ was drunk but he was not stupid. He knew this fellow with the voice resembling Barry White was talking nonsense. “Impossible. I am forty seven years and I live hey all me life and I never see none a yo all!” “Yo great grandfather and me is friends.” ‘Long Drink’ burst out laughing. When

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By Neil Primus

his laughter had subsided he decided to be blunt with this annoying man. “Listen mister, me great grandfather died close to 100 years ago so stop talking foolishness.” “I know that.” These words sent a chill down ‘Long Drink’s’ spine. Just then the meeting was called to order. He forgot about the man and tried to focus his heavily intoxicated mind on the speaker. “The people living in Four Corner have

forgotten their past. They are now disturbing the dead with their new development. Many tombs have been destroyed, that is why we started attacking them. Any of them present?” All eyes turned to focus on ‘Long Drink’ but he was having none of that. The tall man was off and running for his life. Four steps and a hop, four steps and a drop. Hop and de drop, hop and de drop all the way home.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page IX

Peter’s Hall production centre. As the family business grew, so did the need for education, specifically in the area of business management and operation, Joe said. He added that the brothers eventually used the benefits from their labour to educate themselves to ensure adequate management qualities. The businessman said that they learned how to be creative so that the snackette could hold its place in the market. When they could not afford a building, the company used empty shipping containers and transformed them into kitchens, each preparing vegetarian, Halaal and other foods separately. Energy consumption was a big concern for the brothers who understood the need for a cheaper source. They utilised Amish-built wood burning furnaces that provided a better quality of heat, at cut-back costs. M& M SNACKETTE TODAY M&M is no longer known just for their ◄◄◄ From page XI

It is beneficial to enrol your child in a sport from an early age as research shows that if the person begins at an early age, they are three times as likely to continue a healthy lifestyle throughout their adulthood. The benefits can be broken down further, depending on the type of sport. For example, group sports particularly help with socialisation, competitiveness and leadership skills. These skills further allow for learning, critical thinking/ problem solving, creativity and good judgement. When people learn to struggle, try, win or lose together, they understand the importance of team work and are more likely to be successful in a workplace. An important lesson is also the communication and teamwork that comes with being on a sports team. Although sporting activities are different from basic exercise, sports do also release the positive endorphins that promote and increase energy, feelings of euphoria and reduces stress. They can actually treat mental health. If there is mild depression, the physical ex-

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cane juice and egg balls, but they prepare a wide variety of creole dishes. At any given time, customers can get freshly made juices, cakes, pastries, puri, fried channa, and many other Guyanese finger foods from an all-day cooking kitchen. Roti and curry, bake and salt fish, boil and fry are just some of the morning delights, while cook up, fried rice, curried chicken and many other delicious local foods are made available for lunch. Joe said that M&M Snackette has no intention to move away from traditional Guyanese food because it is the foundation on which the family business was built. If there is any change, the businessman said, he is only interested in making the food produced healthier. He said the company has switched to coconut oil which is a healthier option for cooking, especially where fast food is concerned. Joe said the company is interested in creating its meals from whole foods that are safer and healthier to eat rather than the many imported and processed items. He said no preservatives of flavour enhancers are

added to their pot. “Our food is all natural,” Joe said, “we don’t add no MSGs (Monosodium glutamate) nothing like that to our food. Muslims have no fear eating from us. The items we get [are] Halaal.” Joe added that since M&M is a provider of traditional Guyanese food, and a representative of the nation’s diversity, the snackette does not serve pork or beef at their establishment catering to those religions where these animals have certain representation. The businessman said otherwise, M&M caters for all the holidays. For Easter, it provides cross buns and other related treats, for Diwali and other Indian holidays there are the sweet meats and other items, while Emancipation would see metem, cook-up and associated dishes being prepared. Additionally, the company supports local, and buys all their items from local farmers and producers. The Mookram family is also operating their own farms in the Essequibo region. The company will go into juice production

and soon establish a full-fledged bakery. They have huge plans to penetrate the Trinidad market, and the United States in the long run. In the meantime, the Mookrams’ are completing their new building for its official opening. It will house the company’s snackette downstairs, the fine dining restaurant above and a banquet hall for special events. “This is an investment for the people coming behind us,” the businessman said, pointing to the younger Mookrams. Already, Vick’s 20-year-old son has taken up the challenge to learn the family business, while the 19- yearold teen sisters, one of whom is Vena Mookram who recently won the Miss World Guyana 2017, are still to make a decision. Mookram said that the family would be pleased if the younger ones become interested in the business, but noted the need for them to get exposure and find their own passion. He noted, however, that M&M will retain its Guyanese flavour and continue in its growth.

ertion that comes along with sports can have more of an effect on the individual than some anti-depressant medication. If you believe that children cannot play a sport because they already have a mental illness/disorder, I am happy to say that is incorrect. You see, those with mental illnesses have a higher risk of developing physical health problems such as heart or respiratory diseases. They are more likely to have a poor diet, poor sleeping patterns, and alcohol/drug abuse while being less likely to exercise than the general population. Of course, physical health issues then increase the chances of mental health ones such as anxiety and depression. Playing sports and subsequently gaining its benefits, can drastically improve their quality and length of life. Needless to say, this will also challenge or completely put an end to the stigma/discrimination attached to mental health and sports. Generally, sporting activities are forms of self-care as it is taking time out, doing something just for you. I feel you know already know the importance of self-care in mental

health. There are a lot of options available within our community. We have football, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis, long tennis, karate etc. – find what works for you. Are you not playing a sport right now and are not even sure where to start? No problem. I believe that the first day is always the hardest. Choose a sport that you really enjoy – one that makes you happy when you think of playing it. Be realistic in the time frame of mastering it, It takes a long time to improve in a sport- be patient and don’t give up. Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

Also please remember when you can come see me. Georgetown Public Hospital: 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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Learn to enjoy life’s journey DON’T wait on anyone to make you happy, because you will be very disappointed. Our internal dialogue has a major effect on our lives and we all have positive energies that flow through us that it is so powerful and need use it to benefit us and the people around. Most of us talk about transforming our lives, but it has to be intentional. There is a saying that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Every day I am working on that transformation path to better myself, so I can better serve humanity. Challenges will always be there, no matter what country we live in, what school we attended and what race or gender we are. I am dealing better with challenges because of this transformation path. I find calmness amidst my hectic life because of my faith and I need it for my sanity and for my creativity to flow like a stream. I made a decision that no matter what, I need to: have

a more intimate relationship with God, spend more time with people that mean a lot to me, see the best in people, love and be loved every day, give and not get, forgive, release grievances, appreciate my organs, be authentic, be open-minded, erase my limiting beliefs, relax about the future, experience peace and harmony, give myself a moment of silence, make a difference in other people’s lives, keep a journal, connect with that invisible divine world, understand we are all special, simplify my life, trust my intuition, be aware that success is an inside job, be of service to mankind, replace negative thoughts with positive ones, be appreciative of my surroundings, laugh more, and live in the present. The latter I have been really concentrating on lately. Last Saturday, I took my grandson to the Fun Park. I am so consumed with my work that it sometimes can rob me of the simple joys of life. I told myself that I needed to be present, because it will defeat the purpose of creating memorable

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion moments with Jaidyn. His first choice was the bumper car ride and boy was that fun. He went on some of the rides by himself and I joined him sometimes, but I succeeded in mind and body being present in those moments with him. I did the same on Sunday when I visited my mom in my hometown, Bartica. I slept on the same bed with her and she fell asleep while chatting with me and I woke up the next morning to her morning devotions. During the week, my daughter Shonta had a photo shoot for her new jewellery line and wanted to share the pictures with me while I was

engaged in something. “Mommy do you have a few minutes for me?” Shonta asked. After a few seconds I said, “Of course baby! I will always have time or you.” She was so excited to show me the pictures and told her how proud I am and how much she inspires me. It is great to plan for the future, but we need to live in the present and capture the full capacity of life and create memories to last a lifetime. We all need each other in one way or another. Like mother Teresa said: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” My life is becoming a wonderful work of art and I am so appreciative of all the people and things that are contributing to that. Send me a message about what you are doing to effect change in your life to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit out Fb page Beyond The Runway as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

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Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, cricket teams host first-ever Top Ten Educational Scheme Sherisa Chaturi - Port Mourant Primary, Nick Rama - Crabwood Creek Primary, Purnima Totaram - Sheet Anchor Primary and Medeina Lionel - All Saints Primary. The Top Students passed to attend Queen’s College and eight to Bishop High School while one would attend St. Stanislaus College. The eight cricket teams will, in September, also host the Region Six Top Teachers Pro-

Seven of the Awardees pose with Ms. World Guyana, Vena Mookram after the presentation

THE Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and its eight cricket teams recently held their first ever Top Ten Educational Scheme to honour the outstanding top students for Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The programme was held at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Hall with the Speaker of the National Assembly delivering the featured address. Speaking to a capacity audience of over 400 club members, special invitees and students, Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that the main objective of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, is to make sure that every youth fulfil their full potential in sports, education and culture. The club, he stated, decided to host the awards as it was very impressed with the performances of schools in Region Six and announced that it would become an annual event. Despite being mainly a cricket club, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, operates the largest ‘Say No/Say Yes Programme’ for an NGO in Guyana. The programme strives to get youths to say ‘no’ to drugs, crime, suicide, alcohol while saying ‘yes’ to education, religion, life and sports. The Top Ten Awards was sponsored by

the eight cricket teams and each of the awardees received a trophy, medal, framed certificate and educational materials. Noting that education is the key to a successful future, the veteran club administrator urged the youths to develop a culture of reading, research and listening. Secondary School, he stated, is far different from primary school and there would be temptations to follow the wrong path. Foster advised the youths to choose their friends carefully as true friends do not encourage you to skip school, to consume alcohol, to engage in pre-marital sex or to be disrespectful to your elders. He stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, is willing to assist them if needed and pledged to invest even more in the education sector. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, spoke widely on the importance of Education and the linkage of youths, education and sports. Dr. Scotland congratulated the awardees and urged them to remain focused on their school work. The Top Ten students of Region Six are Matthew Ramlochan - Belvedere Primary, Yadram Totaram - No. 56 Primary, John Ramdin - Cumberland Primary, Allyssa Griffith - Cropper Primary, Denish Somai - Tain Primary, Dimitri Williams - All Saints Primary,

gramme where the top teachers at both primary and secondary levels will receive various cash prizes. The eight teams responsible for sponsorship are Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

‘My eyes are not my limit, the sky is’

Melieka Crawford and her battle with blindness By Svetlana Marshall

MELIEKA Crawford was just 11-years-

old when she was diagnosed with Congenital Cataract – a disease that affects the eyes natural lens causing it to become

cloudy. The news of the disease being present in both eyes had devastated her to the point of believing that her dream of becoming a lawyer was no longer possible. “Growing up, I had always aspired to become a lawyer, it was my first option, but when I found out that I had an eye problem, I limited myself,” Crawford said, as she sat on a couch in her East Ruimveldt, Georgetown home and recalled the earlier days of coming to terms with her disease. At six, Melieka’s mother, Pauletta Marshall had realised that one of her eyes was discoloured, but it took another five years

Melieka Crawford at six-years-old, when her mother realised something was wrong with her eyes

partially blind in the right. The deterioration had occurred shortly after she had written the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Notwithstanding the many challenges that came with the disease, Melieka had earned her spot at one of the country’s leading secondary schools – St. Rose’s High. “It wasn’t challenging,” she said, while alluding to her school days, but like many visually impaired children, Melieka endured Pauletta Marshall five long years of being bullied. “Children use to bully me and call me different names. They thought that because before the disease was diagnosed. Melieka was taken to a renowned oph- I have an eye problem, I couldn’t perform as thalmologist in the country, but the disease well as they did, but I constantly reminded was never diagnosed until she was trans- them that I wrote common entrance and I got ferred to Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, while she the same school with them,” she said. The many years of bullying did not eat was a patient at the Georgetown Public away on the fabric of her esteem, however. Hospital Eye Clinic. The diagnosis was made in 2010 at a time Instead, it empowered her to be the best when the disease had already spread, causing version of herself. She had chosen to look her to go completely blind in the left eye and at the positives in her life and block out the negatives. In 2015, she wrote three subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, and though her grades were less than desired, the results did not deter her. In 2016, while a student at the Guyana Society for the Blind, Melieka wrote six subjects at the CSEC Examinations and secured passes in all of the subjects, including a Grade Two in English. “My experience at the Society for the Blind was great. They just encouraged me so much to push myself, never to limit who I am and that empowered me so much and I broke the limit barrier,” Melieka said with a sense of satisfaction. Today, Melieka, who is now 18, is on a mission to become much more than just a lawyer. “I am currently studyMelieka Crawford a second-year International ing International Relations at Relations (IR) student at the University of the University of Guyana and Guyana (UG), who is on a mission to become one of Guyana’s future ambassadors

Turn to page XXIX ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

XXI

‘Just around the corner’ Roy Spooner and the DC Yellow Cabs

Roy Spooner

THE name DC Yellow Cabs is perhaps a household name for the average resident in the tri-State area of Washington, D.C., and with a fleet of 550 cars and its state-of-theart digital dispatching service, the company has over the past 75 years grown from being a traditional taxi service, to an all-inclusive, modern transportation company. The success of DC Yellow cabs is so significant, in fact, that it has managed to survive and still rivals transportation giant Uber, despite the latter’s surge in popularity and the strain placed on traditional taxi services by Ubers “ridesharing” and other services. But the modern day growth and success of DC Yellow Cabs is due to the hard work and dedication of Guyanese born Roy Spooner and his brother who are both proud of how far they have brought the business in the past decade alone. Just 13 years ago, Roy was a senior level career banker, but later partnered with his brother as part-owner of the company- which was established since 1931. “DC Yellow Cabs had already been around for close to 75 years. My brother had been working there for years and he worked his way up until he was able to own the company, then I partnered with him

later on,” Roy Spooner told the smell my air, and I come back Pepperpot Magazine. refreshed,” Roy said. “We were one of the first comHe recalled however, about panies doing dispatch services. We three years ago, being alarmed by wanted to go to a computerised what he felt was a level of toxicity level and became one of the first induced by violence and fear that companies in the US doing digital he had witnessed occurring in dispatching, using GPS. We were the country. During his last visit, the first company to offer credit though, which was made in honour cards in cabs; we revolutionised of Guyana’s Independence celetaxi companies in the area.” brations this year, Roy admitted Over the years, the company’s that he noticed a striking differsuccess led to its expansion, as ence. “I remember I was listening well as the establishment of Yelto the live band at Pegasus, they low Transportation, for which DC started playing ‘Not a blade of Yellow Cabs is the flagship. “We grass’ and the entire place started have evolved over these years into singing and to me it was an extaking this technology and installtremely touching moment to have ing it into our fleet of 550 cars. heard and seen this thing happenAnd that is how we have grown,” ing. It seems that Guyanese of all Roy said. He added, however, that race, colour and creed recognised the company’s success has not this song and were proud to say we come without its struggles, having aren’t giving up a blade of grass. to operate in an industry where he At that moment it was very touchbelieves that “the powers that be ing to be home,” he said. favour your competition and burBut even while he is in the US, den you with regulations”. In fact, Roy maintains that he is connected Roy attests that DC Yellow Cabs to Guyana 365 days a year, 24 days The transformation of the ‘yellow cab’ over the years had utilised the same technology a week, adding that he has always that their competition does, even wanted to move back to Guyana with his wife- who was also Guyanese- to have before they started business. “I fight them their first child in their home country. But in and start a business and that he still thinks of every day, they are stealing our business but 1974, Roy returned to the United States and the possibility of doing so some time in the we are keeping strong because we have built eventually made it his home. future. a brand,” he said. Roy is a member of the Queens College “I started in a mailroom and I kept on doing classes, keeping myself educated and Alumni Association and helps to give back to THE BEGINNINGS OF A then I started working at the bank,” he said. his country through initiatives hosted by that BUSINESSMAN Banking- with specialty in Information Tech- group. “We strongly support what is happenLike many success stories, Roy stems from nology- remained his profession of choice up ing in the country now…it seems that there is humble beginnings, growing up in a ‘tenement until he ventured into the taxi cab industry. an awakening in Guyana of their awareness yard’ in Carmichael Street, Georgetown. After of who we are, and where we should be, and leaving primary school, he was given a place ROY AND HIS LOVE FOR GUYANA that is the Guyana that I recognise and that I at Queen’s College, and, according to him, While he was building his career, and know,” he said. was the only child in the neighbourhood to even after his success came with the business, Now a single parent to two children, boast that accolade. In his spare time, Roy Guyana, of course, remained a significant part Roy vows to raise his children with an ‘old worked at a nearby baker shop and would be of his life, and he ensured that he returned school style’ in this new school world. But seen delivering bread in his QC uniform to frequently. “I can go any place in this world most of all, he is proud to represent Guycustomers in the area. Just after high school, but when I come home, that is my moment of ana through the success of his business and Roy then went on to become the second, where I can be… I don’t need to do anything, intends to continue to promote his country youngest, prison officer Guyana had seen. He I can just go there for one week, eat my food wherever his success takes him. left Guyana at 18, got married and returned Roy and team

The dispatchers of DC Yellow Cabs

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Extractive sector a critical contributor to economic development THE extractive sector continues to be a significant revenue earner for Guyana. With decline in the rice and sugar industries, the importance of the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources cannot be overstated. The mining sector continues to perform exceptionally well, in spite of several challenges, such as impeded access to mining lands due to inclement weather. President David Granger, speaking in September 2015 at the first gold pour at the Aurora Gold Mines, said that the plan for the mining sector must include the involvement of the state and citizens, particularly those in mining communities and settlements, as well as local and international stakeholders. He said that as part of his government’s overall plan, which would see the further development of the hinterland, every ministry will play a role in addressing issues affecting the industry, with a specific focus on cre-

ating a different strategy for security in the mining sector, with assistance from all stakeholders. “This plan incorporates specific qualities, because we are committed to ensure that gold-mining remains a major contributor to this country’s economy and particularly to the revenues that will be going to our Sovereign Wealth Fund to look after our children and grandchildren, this industry is too important to be allowed to decline and to fail,” President Granger said. GOLD-MINING The gold-mining sector has been performing relatively well and last year, Guyana recorded the highest declaration in the history of the country of 713 thousand ounces of gold. And according to Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman, the country is on track to repeat this feat. However, Government is “cautiously optimistic,” since this will be dependent on the commodities market and exchange. This year, Government will be placing greater emphasis on small and medium-scale miners, since they have contributed to approximately 70 percent of the declared gold. This, Minister Trotman pointed out, is despite two large international mining companies operating here, namely Aurora Gold Mines and Troy Resources. He said that “This is really a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Guyanese miners, so this year we are working with them to see how we could improve conditions, to see how we could level the playing field and we could give incentives.” At a meeting with small and

medium-scale miners held on March 30, 2017, Minister Trotman reminded the miners that the ministry has been mandated by the President to ensure all categories of miners – small, medium and industrial-scale -- can participate and benefit equally from the sector, and that it must be done in a way that respects the environment. The formation of syndicate bodies signals that Government is serious about developing the sector by providing opportunities for development. The minister acknowledged that there is always a demand for more incentives in the mining sector; however, he noted that this has to be weighed against the economy’s performance to determine what can be given in the circumstances. The Ministry of Natural Resources will focus on allocating lands to syndicates, which are groups of small miners, with each group comprising 10 to 20 individual miners, who do not have access to lands. The creation of syndicates is seen as a step towards empowering small miners. Officials of the ministry are paying close attention to the success of the project to determine its feasibility in the long-term. Technical Officer for Mining at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms. Euliene Watson, during a recent interview said that small miners are now empowered to have access to duty-free concessions on equipment, which can be purchased through a collective effort, thereby reducing individual operating costs. Ms. Watson said the ministry is still in the process of compiling the guidelines that will govern the operation of these syndicates, with a focus on avoiding the sale of lands intended only for those miners who are part of a syndicate. She noted that “No one person should be in more than one syndicate, because we want to have as many persons without land benefitting, so if you are already part of a syndicate you should not now be able to join up in another one, give it to someone else.” In addition, miners receive waivers on their annual payments for mining lands, which Ms. Watson views as an additional incentive. In December 2016, the Ministries of Finance and Natural Resources, and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) renewed two contracts for concessions

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017 relating to the mining industry. Small and medium-scale miners now benefit from duty-free concessions on imported equipment, and a 10 percent tax reduction on fuel. The agreement provides for eligible gold miners to be exempted from the payment of custom duties on fuel, matting, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), jackhammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shafts and engines. Acting commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mr. Newell Dennison, said that the interest in the mining sector continues to grow with just under 1000 applications for prospective mining permits and over 140 applications for mining permits. It is anticipated that these numbers would increase during the latter part of the year, especially with the new syndicates coming on stream. “I think too what is keeping the interest is that the commodity price, the gold price has not been doing too badly, it has been over $1200 [US], $1200 plus, $1250, $1260 in some instances, so that has been something that keeps the interest going for the miners,” he said. BAUXITE-MINING While the bauxite industry is not performing at the level it once did during the 1970s, Minister Trotman said that the sector is still performing fairly well. The world’s demand for bauxite has dwindled over the decades and its activity is mostly driven by the operations of China and other Asian countries, therefore, as China’s economy slows down, other parts of the world are affected. The Natural Resources Minister said that after observing current trends on the global market, it is fair to say that the demand for bauxite is slowly rising, even as the prices remain the same. However, the expectation is that these prices will rise steadily this year and continue into 2018. He pointed out that “Because we are a primary exporter of raw materials, we have to wait until the economy has picked up; suffice to say the bauxite operations are conducted by Bosai -- Chinese, Rusal-Russian. Together they employ about 1000 persons directly and of course multiply that by six…so about six to 10,000 persons are directly engaged, which is good. It is not doing badly; it is breaking even and making a small profit.” The Government of Guyana will this year be spending more time assessing the future of the bauxite industry and in celebration of 100 years of bauxite-mining in Guyana in 2016, a study had been commissioned to look at the amount of reserves available and how technology can improve its production. The review was conducted by Mr. Lance Carberry and Mr. Sylvester Carmichael, two veterans within the industry. Minister Trotman said that Government’s intent is to construct an alumina smelting plant so that value can be added to the bauxite before it is exported. The ministry will seek additional uses for the natural gas, which is expected to be harnessed from offshore Guyana during oil exploration. “One of the main requirements of an alumina plant is energy and so Minister Patterson and I are speaking, so even if we do not use the gas for power generation for GPL [Guyana Power and Light Inc.] or when we bring the hydro on stream, that gas can still be available for an alumina plant, so these are options that we are looking at,” the minister said. According to Mr. Dennison, bauxite has been performing as expected and is currently at 85 percent of the projected production; stone at 70 percent of the projection and sand at approximately 60 percent of the projection for this year. DIAMOND-MINING Guyana over the past 18 months has tripled its diamond production and according to Mr. Trotman, these figures were double-checked to ensure that the diamonds are not being imported from elsewhere and declared locally, then re-exported, since this would contravene international conventions. He noted that “In some parts of the world, in Africa and so forth, diamonds are mined and are known as conflict diamonds, they sustain wars, child soldiers, rapes and genocides and so forth. We have recently just completed a study of the diamond trade in Guyana; we’ve had a consultant look at it to see how we can strengthen what is happening.” The Government had initiated the review of Guyana’s Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) because of the spike in diamond production. In 2016, royalty from diamonds exceeded the budgeted amount of $24.0M by $63.9M for the period January to October 2016. For 2016, 109,651 metric carats of diamonds were declared, which earned the government $73,277,347 in fees and royalties. In February, Cabinet approved the request for the expertise of a legal consultant to review the KPCS used for

certifying diamonds. The KPCS was launched in 2003 in a bid to clean up the international diamond trade after it was recognised that diamonds were being used to finance wars and terrorism. Mr. Dennison iterated that the Government is working assiduously to ensure transparency in the industry, since a number of issues were brought to the commission’s attention this year. “We’ve had some issues there because there is a conversation we are having not only with the producers but with the exporters, you know we are a part of the Kimberley process and we have been trying to tighten up a little on the sourcing of the commodity and that has had some effects on the relationship between ourselves and the exporters and the producers and the exporters…I am trying to see how we can smoothen the kinks, so that there can be a pick up again in the latter half of this year,” he said. REGULATION The mining industry in Guyana has seen the loss of many lives and this prompted the need for stricter government regulations and enforcement of the mining laws to curb this situation. The Head of State, His Excellency David Granger, noted that “Primitive gold-mining practices which expose our hinterland residents to environmental degradation and destruction must be discontinued. There must be a mandatory process of land reclamation and reforestation -- not optional -- mandatory. The responsibility for the environment is not solely that of the state, the responsibility is also for those who own and operate mining concessions to ensure that after they would have ceased operations, they do not leave these huge abscesses.” Land reclamation is also an important aspect of sustainable mining practices. The GGMC has been conducting several flagship reclamation projects in areas such as Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni Region (Region Eight) and Puruni, Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region (Region Seven). A $54.3M project was undertaken in Olive Creek, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven and was a collaborative initiative between the GGMC and Correia Mining Company (CMC). Minister Trotman noted that as Guyana transitions into a ‘green state’, sustainable extraction of the country’s

XXIII resources must become standard practice. He said that information gained from the project will aid the Government in pushing for more aggressive reclamation. Miners are required to reclaim and backfill mined-out areas. Addressing a Mining Safety Seminar held in July 2016, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, under the theme, “Putting Safety First in Mining; charting a course to cultivate compliance and strengthen enforcement”, Minister Trotman noted that a collective role must be implemented and accepted. This, he said must include, a refined government policy, enhanced regulation monitoring and enforcing by the GGMC and improved educational ethics supported by technical institutes, the University of Guyana and the companies that profit from the sale of excavators, ATVs and mining equipment. Providing an update, GGMC’s acting commissioner said officials have been working around the clock to ensure that miners comply with the rules and regulations of the commission. While noting that the commission has been stretched in terms of resources, Mr. Dennison gave the assurance that they remain the first responders in any given situation. He said there is a sense of self-regulation in the sector; however, he called for the Code of Practice to be passed into law to allow for better enforcement. In the area of Occupational Safety and Health, Mr. Dennison said there is a high percentage of mining operators who recognise the importance of the use of safety gear and adhering to safe mining practices. He said that “We have to be very forward thinking and try to make arrangements, especially in the case of the syndicates who will be coming on. There is an expectation that we would have to shepherd them, at least in the beginning, so that they would be able to be compliant.” In addition, the GGMC is looking to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into its operations and intends to create a database where all mining related information will be easily accessed for monitoring and evaluation and other purposes. Plans are in train to improve the commission’s geology and geochemistry work which will see, over the next three to four years, the entire country being sampled and mapped in an effort to remove some of the “guess” work in the field. The commission also plans to diversify and generate interest in mining other minerals and chemical elements such as lithium.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

Guyana’s Drama Team to Showcase Guyanese Culture at CARIFESTA XIII By Gibron Rahim

‘Baccoo’ at CARIFESTA XII (Photo by Carifesta)

RECENT years have been marked by the re-emergence of theatre as a force to be reckoned with on Guyana’s cultural scene. For this year’s CARIFESTA, some of the best dramatic pieces and actors have chosen to represent the country under the theme, ‘Guyana, an Emerging Green State: As We Assert Our Culture and Celebrate Ourselves.’ The cast and crew are readying themselves to make Guyana proud and to showcase our identity and culture through their dramatic pieces. The director of ‘Queh Queh,’ written by Subraj Singh, is Esther Hamer. “Queh queh is an African-influenced pre-marriage celebratory ritual. It is community-based and serves several purposes,” Hamer told the Pepperpot Magazine. She stated that the version they have chosen to focus on is the traditional queh queh, which does not utilise drums. “The rhythm is maintained by the participants stomping their feet. The

‘Masque’ at the 2016 National Drama Festival (Photo by Salimah Husain)

feet-stomping works similarly to the drumming and brings energy and the spirit of revelry to the celebration,” she said. Hamer noted that though the play is brief, it is packed with the major high points of the queh queh which should make it exciting for the audience, noting that there is a twist at the end of the play that is sure to excite them as well. Hamer also took the time to underscore the importance of plays such as ‘Queh Queh’. “I believe that queh queh -- like so many other Guyanese traditions and folklore -- is dying. [These things] are losing their traditional essence,” she said. As to her hopes

for its performance at CARIFESTA she stated, “I would hope that Queh Queh successfully displays Guyana’s rich cultural background and represents us as a people connected and appreciative of our past, not a disconnected and disoriented people seeking to adapt [sic] everyone else’s culture and not our own.” ‘Baccoo’ is directed by Nicola Moonsammy and was written by Sonia Yarde. According to Moonsammy, the play tells the story of a young girl who is born with ‘caul’ over her eyes (the ability to see ghosts or spirits) which allows her to see the ‘baccoo.’ The play uses drumming which sets the tone, mood and rhythm of the play. “I am using electronic drumming, which is actually a mixture of Nigerian drumming and Guyana’s very best conga drummers,” she stated. Moonsammy echoed Hamer’s sentiments concerning the slow death of our culture and the lack of preservation efforts. “Our children hardly speak of or know about our folklores,” she observed. “Ask them about Ole Higue or Baccoo [and] some answer ‘Baccoo who?’. [The play] itself is bound to have an effect on audiences from the combination of lighting, sound and costuming. “From that moment the light goes up, the audience will want to know what Baccoo is about,” she said. And her hope for the performance at CARIFESTA? “I would like Baccoo to leave the audience so interested, they will even want to come and explore our Beautiful Land of Guyana.” And that leaves Masque. Subraj Singh, playwright and director of Masque, says of the play, “Masque is first and foremost, a post-colonial play.” Masque is the second play in his Rebellion Trilogy. “The story of the play concerns a ghost who has returned to seek vengeance on the Europeans who killed her,” Singh said, amongst the play’s other storylines. Dance and music serve important purposes other than entertainment in the play he explained. “The story of the Amerindians is sometimes conspicuously absent from the local stage and this is one of the things that Masque serves to rectify,” he said. By exploring the past and the early appearance of problems that still haunt us today, he explained, “we hope to be able to give the audience something that may help them to understand themselves, the people around them, or the country as a whole.” In addition to the elements of the play being representative of Guyanese culture, Singh also added, “on another level, as a play that is about Guyana, as a play written, directed, produced and performed by Guyanese, Masque itself is Guyanese culture, or a part of it,” He said. “Masque is a very visual play, with lots of elements that were intended to shock and induce wonder.” And as it relates to the message to be left with audiences at CARIFESTA, Singh said, “Guyana is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to theatre.” Meanwhile, essential to the success of the plays, the actors have been pulling triple duty. Two spoke to the Pepperpot Turn to page XXVII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot July 30, 2017

XXV

It’s not what happened during slavery – it is what is being done to overcome it

By M Margaret Burke “OH GOSH! I can’t stand this course, even hearing about what happened to my ancestors during the days of slavery pains me.” These were the words of a University of Guyana student as she sat through a Caribbean Studies class. She, however, had to remain and endure in order to successfully complete the particular programme she was pursuing. The reality is that slavery was a real interruption of what might have otherwise been a good life for many people; maybe quite normal, but one in which the liberty and pursuit of happiness were just the way of life; where living in the environment of a family, making one’s own decisions about the simple things of life such as what to eat, what to wear, where to go, educational and/ career choices, who your friends are, and when to rest or sleep, among others-- which were at one time taken for granted -- became a decision that was made for those who were sold into slavery. Slavery was a violation of human rights at

its extreme. It was brutal. It had to stop; such level of injustice could not last forever. The season for such had to come to an end, for it is difficult for any human being to relentlessly pursue such and not reach a point of overload. While it adversely affected the slaves, studies have shown that the perpetrators themselves also become inundated and became affected on every side: financially, socially, physically and also mentally. However, this is a situation that no person living on earth today can erase. Though the past is difficult, it cannot be erased and must be accepted with dignity – a show of accomplishment; one in which the famous serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr was written. THE BEGINNING OF SLAVERY IN BRITISH GUIANA Studies have shown that the first group of slaves might have arrived in British Guiana in the mid-17th century, with an increasing number of them arriving from West Africa in ships owned by the West India Company. They were all African slaves and they were scattered across the country – by way of the

Image of Africans being processed to be auctioned off as slaves to slave masters (Atlanta Black Star photo)

Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo ports. It was told that upon arrival, the planters wasted very little time in bargaining off the slaves, who had to endure a high level of examination and humiliation, as part of the whole selection process. What may have been even worse, was that entire families were involuntarily separated from each other in order satisfy the desires of the particular planter who made the purchase. This may have been

one of the most difficult aspects in the whole process for the slaves in addition to being auctioned off to begin the task of slavery. OTHER COUNTRIES It must also be noted that countries in the Caribbean such as Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent and Turn to page XXVI ►►►

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the Grenadines, Antigua, Martinique, The Lesser Antilles, and Brazil in South America, all experienced the slave trade at its best. THE END OF SLAVERY IN BRITISH GUIANA Prior to the British government passing an Act of parliament abolishing the slave trade throughout the British Empire (The Emancipation Act of 1833), there was a ‘long and bitter struggle’ against an arduous and cruel system, which inevitably destroyed the dignity of the ‘man.’ On August 1834, it was declared a public holiday by the Governor. As one phase of Guyana’s colonial society came to an end, an equally difficult period began. The slaves were told of their forthcoming freedom and waited with eager joy to throw off their cruel chains and, in some cases, even more cruel masters. EMANCIPATION AND APPRENTICESHIP The freed men were so overjoyed at the news of their emancipation, that they missed a binding condition, which was that they were to be bound to their former masters as “apprentices” for an additional six years . This apprenticeship required them to work on the masters’ estates seven and a half hours each day for six days each week of the year. The condition of the Emancipation Act - an Apprenticeship period of six years – was that the freed slaves were compelled by law to serve their old masters just as they had done when they were slaves. The former slave masters were required to provide moral and religious education for the ex-slaves, but due to the planters’ hostility to the Emancipation Act, however, it would seem that they had another plan – to treat this six-year period as an extension of slavery, even though the working hours were greatly reduced to seven and a half hours a day instead of the nine and 10 hours they had formerly demanded of each slave. It was reported that such a situation caused great disorder in the camp of the ‘freed men,’ especially on the East Coast of Demerara; this disorder spread to the West Coast of Demerara, where further confusion and disorder broke out, with appending penalties as serious as women being sentenced to the treadmill and men receiving strokes with the cat-o’ninetail, along with the treadmill penalty as well. By 1838, considering the harsh treatment of the apprentices and the confusion that ensued, the British proclaimed the freedom of all “apprentices” on the 1 August. Most of the freed men left the plantations without being compensated, to set up their own homes and were replaced by indentured workers, mainly from India. OVERCOMING THE HURDLES However, there is the old adage, “In life, it is not what happens to you, but what you do to overcome it (them).” Slavery: brutal; remorseless, inconsiderate, an inhumane system, are all just mild, but apt words, to describe this system. And the fact is that while it has left indelible scars, such scars can now be used as patterns or designs, a sort of ‘pip on the shoulder’ to indicate that such were a people who overcame and not ready to blame their circumstances for their shortcomings. DON’T BLAME SLAVERY Thriving in the face of adversity is a way of displaying much strength to overcome. Slavery, it is believed, is one such mammoth adversity. It is said that the manner in which a person responds to certain events is what will shape his or her feelings, actions and results, at the same time determining their success or overburden in life. People can choose to live the life they want, no matter how tough it can get. It is all a matter of mentality, only they will prevent themselves from achieving greatness. The rest are just small detours before they reach their destinations for the only environment they have control of is their internal ones, so the way they interpret situations is the only control they have over them. “I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilised by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.” -Walter Anderson (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

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Magazine about their roles. Nicholas Singh plays one of the baccoos, Tanna in ‘Masque’ and Johno, the groom’s brother in ‘Queh-Queh’. He cites Tanna as the most challenging of the three and explained that Masque runs longer than the other plays and its upbeat pace and stage dynamics rely on a lot of physicality. The role is also his favourite of the three. “Tanna is a dumb character. Being a mute allows me to be as imaginative as possible with my emotional range, and it had been a joy for me to bring my strangest characterisation while channelling Tanna,” he said. Le Tisha Da Silva plays Annabelle in ‘Masque’ and a member of the groom’s family and a prop in the other plays. She explained that it is difficult to pick which role is the most difficult, because every play has its challenges. The high energy of ‘Masque’ and the singing and dancing of ‘Queh-Queh’ make them both challenging in their own ways. She cited ‘Queh Queh’ as her favourite of the three and explained, “All the plays embrace Guyanese folklore and culture, but what I love about Queh Queh, is that we tried to keep it as traditional as possible.” She added, “To be honest, from our research, the queh queh tradition is dying and most of what we see at

these modern-day queh quehs is a lot of vulgarity. People just want to whine and gyrate, they forget the purpose of the celebration.” From all accounts, it appears that Guyana’s drama team is set to make its presence felt at CARIFESTA XIII. Tashandra Inniss, president of the National Drama Company, said in a statement, “It is an honour for the National Drama Company to be chosen to be a part of the official contingent at CARIFESTA, for us it means that our art form is not only being recognized, but that it is also quality work and strong enough to represent our country on an international stage. Our company has received tremendous support thus far and at this stage, our aim is to always put forward our best representation of Guyana’s legacy through the pieces we will be performing.”

XXVII A performance of ‘Queh Queh’ in 2015 (Photo by Rae Wiltshire)

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WHAT IS THE STATE OF GUYANA’S ENVIRONMENT? EFFECTIVE resource management and achieving a green economy significantly hinge on knowing what we have. Guyana is known as the little country with vast natural wealth. However, its continued sustainability cannot be assured,, unless its current use is assessed and managed. To this end, with funding from the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) and support from diverse stakeholders, the State of Guyana’s environment was accessed and the report launched by the Environmental Protection Agency on June 5, 2017, at the Umana Yana. STAYING ON COURSE… Keeping abreast with the state of the environment allows us to stay on course towards the Sustainable Development Goals, even as the Green State Development Strategy provides impetus for holistic vision and strategic growth. Further, with the emerging oil- and-gas sector, the need for firm management systems to maintain the integrity of the environment is apparent. In attendance were approximately 150 stakeholders including the Hon. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Director, Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, Heads of Agencies and key stakeholders. The report presented data on air quality, freshwater resources, the forestry sector, the mining sector, biological diversity, waste management and environmental education and awareness. Below is an overview of what the report presented, which will be presented in greater detail in subsequent public awareness materials. AIR QUALITY According to the report, the greenhouse gases of interest include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds. Opportunities for the implementation of renewable energy projects, increased shares in the technologies associated with renewable energies, and improving the efficiency of the energy sector were also stated mitigation measures. WATER QUALITY Human-induced pressures from the agriculture, waste management and mining sectors are main contributors to biological and chemical contamination and high turbidity, as stated in the report. In this regard, a number of strategies were recommended including the establishment of a National Water Agency. WASTE MANAGEMENT The lack of adequate waste-disposal facilities, inadequate enforcement capacity, illegal dumping of waste, and lack of proper coordination among authorities responsible for waste management were identified in the report. As such, an integrated approach and technical capacity-building were recommended to improve the current status of waste management in the country. BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY On the positive side, the report stated that Guyana’s forests and ecosystems are largely intact and functional, with very low rates of destruction, degradation and conversion. However, the threats of overharvesting, habitat loss, pollution, climate change and invasive species to our forest and biodiversity are real and cannot be underestimated. Another positive note, was that Guyana, as party to a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements has implemented national policies and strategies to conserve and protect its rich biodiversity and forest cover. It was also mentioned that while progress was made in environmental communication, education and awareness, efforts in this regard should be heightened and extended in scale and scope. A copy of Guyana’s State of the Environment Report can be accessed on the EPA’s website; www.epaguyana.org. Check it out to identify the major areas of concern. This is the first step in determining what you can do to aid in mitigating negative impacts, thereby, fostering positive economic growth and environmental sustainability. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com.

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my hope is to become an ambassador for my country,” she said said with much optimism. The IR student, who is now entering her second year at the country’s premier university, plans to study law after acquiring her first degree. “My first year was a bit difficult, but I am up for the challenge. I will manage. My best friend, she helps me do every single thing. Like we do everything together, I met her when I went to St Rose’s in First Form and now we are at UG doing the same programme,” she said. Melieka touted her biggest cheerleaders as her parents, Pauletta Marshall and Marvin Crawford; her best friend, Chamile Persuad and her many supporters at the Guyana Society for the Blind. For the 18-year-old her world is filled with possibilities. “At first I told myself the cataract in my eyes, I can’t do this and I can’t do that, but then I realised that I am normal.

I can do this, I can do that and I can do anything I set my mind to achieve.” In fulfilling her dreams, Melieka made it clear that she will not be defined by society, she will chart her own course. “I never used a cane because I don’t want to depend on a cane to help me do stuff. A cane defines a person with a visual disability, but I don’t want to be defined by a cane. I want to be able to move around by myself, tell when traffic is coming by myself. I don’t want people to treat me special. I am a normal human being,” she stated. In August 2016, Melieka was also diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia after experiencing severe pains to her joints. Sickle cell anaemia is caused by an abnormal type of haemoglobin called “Haemoglobin S.” Almost all people with sickle cell anaemia have painful episodes called ‘crises.’ These can last from hours to days. Crises can cause pain in the lower back, leg, joints,

and chest. The diagnosis of that disease further caused Melieka to question herself. “Sometimes I get tired and I want to give up, but I have come to the realisation that there are people who are facing similar challenges, and even more challenges than me and they never give up. So, I am never giving up.” Her mother Pauletta Marshall, said

XXIX that notwithstanding the diseases, she is happy that her daughter is a fighter. Between 2010 and 2012, Melieka underwent three surgeries including one in Trinidad and Tobago. To save the right eye, Dr. Sugrim has recommended that a corneal transplant be done, but due to the complexity of the disease, the surgery has to be done in the U.S.

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Drumming School, Majek Fingers, initially based at ACDA’s building. Though Primo relocated to the United States (U.S.) where he is advancing his drumming heritage, Majek Fingers yielded great success locally, and is even now building its own facility in Georgetown. THE EMERGENCE OF YOUNG DRUMMERS The school conducts classes regularly and attracts students ranging from five to 30 years old. Interestingly, most of the training sessions are led by young drummers including Akomo Patterson, age 24, who joined Majek Fingers four years ago. He explained that while Majek Fingers teaches the traditional African beats, the drumming sessions also integrate popular and modern Caribbean rhythms, thus creating an Afro-Caribbean style. The students are taught the use of several drums including congas, bongos, djembe, and doumbek. Patterson said he started drumming at age six, and feels that the art form has a deeper effect beyond the African culture. “It makes me feel very comfortable and I am pleased to be part of the process of teaching it to others,” Patterson stated. Aside from Majek Fingers, he conducts his own private drumming lessons targeting children ages three to eight. “Unbelievable, right?” he posited, adding “But, you should see the energy of these kids…I have a three-year-old student who is really, really good. These kids are fast learners, you see.” Patterson, who is currently preparing for a grand African drumming performance at CARIFESTA in Barbados, started playing the drums at age six. He learnt drumming from an uncle and was previously a member of the Otishka group. “Okomo was my student and when he came to me and said he wanted to go with Majek Fiingers, I said ‘okay.’ That is what I always encourage them [students] to do, to move around, get exposure and learn new beats and so,” indicated Cyrus, who has taught scores of young drummers while still mastering his own skill. He specialises in several styles of hand drumming and rhythms, including the congo, kumina or Shango, kumfa, masquerade or jonkunnu and vodhoo. He uses various types of drums too and even makes his own using wood and goat skins. “People today are using all kinds of materials to make their drums. Some use PVC pipes, some use wood, some use the skins, while some use the fish plastic. It all depends on the effects and energy you get from whatever materials you use, and of course, how loud the sound is,” the drummer explained. He personally prefers the use of the traditional wood and goat skin. From the truck of a tree, he carves his instrument and attaches the skin to create some of the most pulsating rhythms. “I always liked the drums and it makes me feel good. Drumming can heal the body and the mind and it is a very powerful thing. I remember the Yoruba band singing, ‘drums make the world go around,’ and I truly believe that,” Cyrus stated. The Buxton Fusion School of Music is another prominent music group led by Deodat Persaud of Mahaica and involving a large number of young drummers. It was formed in 2007 with a group of drummers from Buxton along with Persaud and the leader Marlon Adams. At that time, they called themselves ‘Together Brothers,’ and were initially involved in rehearsals and performances at Queh Quehs and other occasions in and around the village. The group performed at CARIFESTA in 2008 and later added the music school in 2011 as the focus expanded to teach children and others. On his Facebook page, Persaud relates: “While living as a musician in London over a long period of time, I was fortunate to work with the master drummers from Ghana and Nigeria. Dealing with the elders, I began to learn the traditions of music and, importantly, the transition of music into a cultural norm and its impact on human development and on the nation as a whole. On my return to Guyana, I set up a music co-operative based in Buxton in 2007. In 2009, three members from our group were invited to perform at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Trinidad.” There are smaller drumming groups in Essequibo, Berbice and Linden, where efforts are ongoing to keep African drumming alive through the ages.

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International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem ON July 26, Guyana celebrated International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, realising a proclamation made by UNESCO that was adopted on November 6, 2015 by the General Conference of UNESCO. It underlined the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem, providing by virtue of their existence, biomass and productivity substantial benefits to human beings, providing forestry, fishery goods and services as well as contributing to the protection of the coastline and being particularly relevant in terms of mitigation of the effects of climate change and food security for local communities.” Indeed, the mangrove forest is a unique ecosystem that borders between land and sea. It performs the role of a buffer, breaking the velocity of waves that would have otherwise penetrated land or concrete infrastructure protecting the coastline. In addition, they protect coastal communities from storm surges and extreme weather events. Mangroves are considered to be among the most carbon-rich forests. To this end, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is responsible for mangrove restoration and conservation in Guyana. This strategic decision has seen the restoration of this highly productive forest protecting our shoreline. They sustain the local fishing

industry and support a rich biodiversity. Given Guyana’s vulnerability to the potential impact of climate on the change coastal zone, mangroves are an important part of the country’s overall Climate Change mitigation and adaptation strategy. This is why the protection of mangrove ecosystems is critical. As such, NAREI has been working with local communities and partner agencies to restore degraded coastal mangrove ecosystems. Since the inception of this initiative in 2010, NAREI has conducted restoration initiatives in 16 villages in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six. These restoration initiatives included seedlings plantations and the construction of coastal structures with extensive public awareness and education. They have resulted in the restoration of over 200 hectares of coastal mangroves. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, on Friday visited two mangrove restoration sites on the East Coast DemeraraBetter Hope and Mon Repos. These two sites are among the success stories of natural restoration. In addition, at Mon Repos NAREI had built a groyne that is allowing the accretion of mud. Whilst, acknowledging the impressive works done by the Mangroves Department, the Minister emphasised the need for synergy between the agencies (NAREI, the National

Drainage and Irrigation Authority, and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure) responsible for river and sea defence. He noted that the agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture need to collaborate to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources. For instance, NAREI could erect groynes close to the outfall channels near kokers owing to the build up of mud there. This would reduce the cost attached to NDIA having to clear the outfall. The ongoing mangrove restoration programme under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), will contribute towards Guyana’s development as a Green State and achievement of international commitments including the Aichi Biodiversity targets and Sustainable Development Goals. However, significant challenges remain. Farmers continue to graze their livestock in the mangroves, destroying the young seedlings and restricting the forest from reaching its full potential. Communities dump their garbage in the mangroves, cut mangroves for housing construction, fishing poles and pens, and burnt-brick production. Mangroves are a protected species and it is illegal to destroy this unique forest that supports human well-being.

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Aries Your senses are alive with anticipation as you imagine sweet pleasures, whether or not you can actually pursue them in the real world. You’ll take nearly any chance you can get to break away from your regular routine today, even if your actions are ill-advised. Hopefully, you understand that wishing with all your might doesn’t mean your dreams will come true. Oddly enough, sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality. Actor Ryan Reynolds said, “When you have expectations, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.” Taurus Someone may be tugging on your heart strings or your purse strings today, and you’re not sure whether you like it or not. Naturally, you’re flattered when a person is attracted to you, but its challenging to read other peoples motives. You are intrigued by a possible connection with an individual you admire, but your intuition is waving red flags now. The mature response is to avoid unnecessary trouble at all costs. However, your heart has its own agenda and will not be denied. Never make permanent decisions on temporary feelings. Gemini You prefer to keep your current interactions on a casual basis, but someone’s presence could set off a warning bell today. An inner voice advises you to run while you still have a chance, but you want to pursue a conversation with this person of interest. There’s no reason to close your heart out of fear, unless you create a whole palette of unrealistic expectations that can only lead to disillusionment. Charles Dickens wrote, “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.” Cancer Your desires are sending signals in several directions, attracting people and circumstances outside of your normal lifestyle. However, you’re uncomfortable sharing your personal business too quickly because you’re naturally overprotective when disclosure triggers your emotions. Nevertheless, don’t allow your feelings to go dormant now; keep your passions alive by feeding your dreams with your awareness. Poet Mark Strand wrote, “Old ways won’t open new doors.” Leo Although you might face unforeseen setbacks now, you’re not one to prematurely throw in the towel. In fact, the gulf between your home world and your dream world continues to grow, adding to your current emotional sensitivity. You know that the road ahead is not an easy one, and you secretly hope you’re not setting yourself up for a fall. The good news is your resiliency is strong, empowering you to bounce back up on your feet again. Henry Ford said, Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. Virgo You strive to remain positive-minded in spite of the less-than-awesome news you receive today. However, it gets tougher by the minute to keep your shock and discouragement beneath the radar. Of course, you can easily divide your tasks so you catch up on business, leaving personal matters for later in the week. But putting your feelings out in the open is more difficult, if not a more rewarding approach to relationships. Honesty is the highest form of intimacy. Libra Ironically, you may be drawn to the very same people that were too unconventional for your tastes only a few weeks ago. However, your personal aesthetics have not changed as much as you think; it’s just that your spectrum is widening and you’re more comfortable with stepping beyond your old limits. Nevertheless, your exhilaration is short-lived. Once the newness wears off, you might be left with a familiar feeling of disappointment. Don’t judge a book by its cover when the content is what counts. Scorpio Someone might get the wrong idea from you today. Although the Moons presence in your sign provokes frequent mood swings, this doesn’t mean your emotions are any shallower now. In fact, your intensity could come as a surprise to an admirer who was expecting fun and games, without the gravity of a heart-centred attachment. But you wouldn’t be authentic if you took the easy way out. Vincent van Gogh wrote, “I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” Sagittarius Romance is in the air, but an opportunity to pursue an unusual relationship could disappear before you know it. Your infatuation may extend into online interactions, yet its challenging to distinguish social media connections from real life ones. Nevertheless, don’t be dissuaded now because someone seems so different from you. You might be delighted by how much you can have in common with another open-minded person if you give each other a chance. A friendship is a lovely place to start. Capricorn You could be stuck in a drama that pits your regular need for stability with your transient desire for a memorable thrill. Normally, these two points are mutually exclusive and wouldn’t exist in the same story line. But now you must create a plot that engages both traditional methods and futuristic individuality. Taking the high road gives you a birds eye view to keep everything in balance. Paulo Coelho wrote, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” Aquarius You possess a rare ability to maintain an intense connection with a friend or lover while also fostering emotional detachment. In fact, you might choose to keep a long-lasting relationship free of drama by relying on fair-minded thinking rather than subjective emotions. But don’t assume for a moment that this kind of connection is qualitatively any less significant than a traditional one. There are many approaches to swimming with others in the spiritual waters of the soul. Pisces You wish you could stick with your tried-and-true formula today, but many of your interpersonal interactions quickly sour when you add your opinions to the mix. Although emotions are a key ingredient in an intimate relationship, they also introduce ambiguity into the equation. Building protective walls is not a viable strategy now; it may keep some pain at bay, but boundaries also stifle love and affection. Bob Marley said, “Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.”

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel, And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) As You Like It: Act II, Scene VII STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, To write about any matter you should generate sufficient ideas, relevant and appropriate to the particular situation to make the content worthwhile. Your presentation should be orderly; i.e. clear, sensible, and sequential. Have your say in an impactful way; i.e. impact on your subject, your purpose, your readers, and your form of writing (letter, report, story and so on). Plan how to fit what material into Introduction (beginning); Body (middle); or Conclusion (end) of your presentation. Be wise. Love you. THE TOPIC SENTENCE AND PARAGRAPH UNITY

A paragraph is a distinct section of a passage of writing. It is concerned with only one topic. Do not fall into the habit of confusing your reader by including any material not strictly relevant to the paragraph topic at hand. A paragraph must have unity. It must tell your reader what your paragraph is about. All other sentences in the paragraph should be seen to have direct bearing on the subject matter indicated by the topic sentence. Two well-made paragraphs to study A. This is a bleak time to eke a living out of the North Sea, whether you are a fish or a fisherman. British fishermen’s incomes

have fallen by 6 per cent in real terms since 1980, which would not seem too bad if fish were not getting scarcer. The stocks of adult North Sea cod have halved since 1982 and those of haddock have fallen by twothirds. Pollution may be partly to blame; so may the mysterious and spontaneous variations common among fish populations. But most scientists think that the fish shortage has a single cause - over-fishing. Another shortage will result of fishermen’s income. Do This Activity First Put paragraph A to the ‘topic test’. 1. Take the points made in the opening sentence – Bleak time for (1) fish; (2) fishermen. 2. Search in the rest of the paragraph for the problems that are affecting them both, and then list the points under the two groups that are suffering. B The difficulties of watching an animal of nocturnal and secretive habits are great. Even now much of the badger’s life remains a mystery. How can we tell what happens in the labyrinth of dark tunnels that constitute his home, known to us as the badger’s set We know that he makes only rare appearances by day; that he retires to his set at dawn, and emerges at dusk. Since badgers are very much awake by night, we presume that most of their time underground is spent in sleep. We know that they have very large retiring chambers into which they take cartloads of bedding composed of the most handy material, dry grass bracken, leaves, herbage of different kinds; anything that is within convenient distance of the set and will make a comfortable bed. Do This Activity Second 1. Write out, side by side, the main topics found in the first sentence. 2. List beneath each of these difficulties the points made by the writer in the rest of the paragraph. 3. How does the writer keep his paragraph ‘tight’ and ‘moving ahead’? Discuss the following aspects with your study partners: a) Does each sentence add something to the point being dealt with in the paragraph and announced in the topic sentence? Is this ‘something’ being given as: i) further information? ii) expand an explanation? iii) develop an argument? b) Discuss what you now understand

about keeping the paragraph moving ahead. c) Write a paragraph which clearly demonstrates that it completes the one stage of the piece of writing of which it is a distinct part. Read it to your study partners, and listen to what they have observed about it. Two basic paragraph patterns Study these two paragraphs. Note their patterns and understand how best to develop a paragraph out of a topic sentence. (a) Illustrations and Examples In Mrs Tompkin’s kitchen on washday chaos reigned. Pulled out from under the draining-board, where it lurked for six days of the week, the washing-machine gurgled in its ration from the hot-water tap. Round it, a lake - fed by a leaky hose connection - rippled in the draught from the kitchen door. Half in and half out of the lake lay a jumble of dirty clothes, topped by a melancholy cat. At the kitchen table two rowdy children stuffed bread and jam into each other’s hair. And Mrs Tompkins, maddened by the noise, darted wildly from table to sink, from sink to clothes, expanding vast quantities of energy to very little effect. (b) Cause and Effect All the millions of words written on losing weight could be condensed to just two: Eat Less. So ruled Dr Desmond Morris in his best seller, “The Naked Ape,” and truer words were never written. Yet homo sapiens does not like his truths quite so stark, and so a multi-million pound industry has mushroomed to teach us a thousand different ways to diet. All fall, it seems to me, on just one count. They have no power to fool the tum (stomach). Send down radishes and raw carrots till kingdom come; the tum is not deceived. It knows it is being short-changed and will tell you so. (Godfrey Smith in “The Sunday Times”) Something to Do Try to devise paragraphs through illustrations and examples and cause and effect. Discuss their successes on the following check points with your study partners. Does the topic sentence show the reader the way for the beginning? Do your ideas expand and illustrate in order to make up the substance for the middle of the paragraph? Does your ending ‘round off’ the theme to make reference to something said in the first part of the paragraph?

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Conkie Ingredients: 1 lb cornmeal 1 lb pumpkin 1 oz lard 1 tsp black pepper ½ pt water 1 grated coconut 1 oz margarine 2 tsp salt Sugar to taste 4 oz dried fruit Twine Banana leaves Instructions: • Grate the coconut and pumpkin, and add all the other ingredients. • Stir in enough water to make a mixture of dropping consistency. • Wipe the banana leaves clean and heat them to make them pliable. Cut them into 8 x 8 inch squares, and wrap around lumps of filling, tying the bundles with the twine. • Place in boiling water and boil for about 20 – 30 minutes. Note: If banana leaves are not available, mixture may be steamed in a greased bowl instead.

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Entertainment

Oprah Winfrey Reveals New Details About Her Five-Months Pregnant Pal Mindy Kaling Oprah Winfrey just confirmed Mindy Kaling is 5-months pregnant! The 63-year-old media mogul, who costars with Kaling in the upcoming movie A Wrinkle In Time, told People that she found out Kaling was pregnant during the film's press line at Disney's D23 expo. "That's when she told me. My mouth dropped," explained Winfrey. "'What did you just say?' she said, 'Oh, Oprah, I don't think you know. I'm 5-months pregnant.' And I said, 'WHAAAAT?!'" Winfrey added, "that was it, and we just kept smiling. And then I said to [Reese With-

erspoon, 'Did you know?' and she said, I just found out, too.' And then I said to [director Ava DuVernay], 'Did you know?' And she said, 'I just found out.'" Winfrey says the entire A Wrinkle In Time team had no idea the actress was expecting, continuing, "I'm excited for her." E! News exclusively broke the news that The Mindy Project star was pregnant with her first child earlier this month. An insider described Kaling's major life change as an "unexpected surprise." Although she is keeping the identity of the father private, the soon-to-be mom is not

letting any upcoming projects get in the way. Kaling walked her first red carpet since the pregnancy news broke at yesterday's TCA summer press tour in Los Angeles. Mindy has yet to address her pregnancy directly, but offered this when asked about her character's future as The Mindy Project comes to an end: "I think that we do [deserve a happy ending], I think we're romantics. I think that happily ever after can sometimes be romantic happiness and sometimes it can be a feeling of contentment with your life, as a professional and as a mother."

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Munna Michael Movie Review MUNNA MICHAEL STORY : Munna (Tiger) is an orphan brought up by an ageing chorus dancer Michael (Ronit) in a Mumbai chawl. The boy grows up idolising Michael Jackson. To realise his dream of grooving like the King of Pop, he even agrees to tutor a hoodlum, Mahindar Fauji(Nawazuddin). Their bromance turns ugly when both end up falling in love with Deepika aka Dolly (Nidhhi). MUNNA MICHAEL REVIEW : With Tiger around, filmmakers normally do not bother finding a script. Instead they just coast along joining the dots of a routine story with neatly-choreographed songs and fights at regular intervals. You can almost record screen proceedings with your stopwatch because after every 15 minutes, there is a--song, fight, song, fight and some more blah. Tiger has in the past made films like Heropanti, Baaghi work at the box-office with just his agility and sincerity. So di-

rector Sabbir Khan, whose third outing this is with the star-cub, continues providing formula for the intellectually challenged. But Tiger fans will have a field day with his breakdancing. In what seems like an encore of his previous work, Tiger dances like a dream and breaks bones with the grace of a ballerina. You can only tell that this is a different film only because he mouths a different dialogue here. It goes, "Munna jhagda nahi karta, munna sirf pithta hai." How cleverly original that is! But, grant it to this star-son. He continuously pulls out weapons from his arsenal--back-flip, midair Van Damme-split and kick, glide, moonwalk or a just bare-body shot—forcing his audience into submission, even though there’s no semblance of anything coherent showing on screen. When the fidgeting reaches a frustrating point, you’re introduced to the land-grabbing, gun-toting goon, Mahindar, who hires

Tiger to teach him some mean moves on the floor. Furthermore, this Don with a Rajasthani dialect explains that the reason he needs to correct his two left-feet condition is because he’s madly-in-love with Dolly, a dream-dancer from Meerut. Debutant Nidhhi, who is the bone of contention here, is overconfident and underwhelming by turn. She wears a neat shape on her but then again, it is Tiger’s chiseled frame that draws more whistles than the newbie’s. Nawaz continues to be a revelation in each film. Here he adds a new dimension to his terribly mean, horribly funny routine, making you chuckle. Well, if you’re in the mood to get rid of the monsoon blues with the foot-tapping ding dang, ding dang ditty, you should get introduced to Munna Michael; he’s not making breaking any new ground, but his moves are certainly infectious.