See inside:
A tall drink of Coconut Water ► Page
II
Jawalla’s first doctor lives her dream ► Page VI
Farmers are becoming more climate-conscious to grow food (NAREI photo)
ADAPTING ADAPTING TO TO
– how farmers are embracing climate-smart agriculture to boost food production
Embracing ‘green’ energy ► Page
► Page
III
IX
- solar source gaining momentum
Solar energy at Monkey Mountain, Region Eight
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Editor’s note
MOST recently, it has become increasingly clear that we can no longer differentiate between the “rainy season” or “dry season” in Guyana. If nothing else, the occurrence of persistent rainfall throughout the July/August period brings to light the stark reality that climate change is real, and even Guyana cannot escape it. With this thought in mind, this week’s edition of the Pepperpot delves into the effects of climate change on farmers --
stakeholders who fall within the group of persons who are, perhaps, the most dependent on favourable weather conditions to make a living. Despite some challenges, they are adapting well, by infusing new technologies and looking at new crops that can help them to continue to produce food and earn a living, despite the unpredictable weather. Of course, even as we face climate change, we must look at ways in which we can help to mitigate the
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017 effects of this phenomenon, and utilising renewable sources of energy is one such avenue that is being heavily pushed. Moreover, these alternatives must be coupled with finding ways of diversifying our efforts, and that includes moving beyond raw produce to value-added production. These stories seek to encourage others to move along these lines in helping our country to become more conscious of the effects of climate change and how we can survive it. Our theme of agriculture is further supplemented by the usual mix of post-emancipation, pre-CARIFESTA stories as well. We hope that you enjoy your Sunday reading.
A tall drink of Coconut Water
Pomeroon businessman, Nateram Ramnanan and his award-winning, value-added product By Gibron Rahim
regulations, including standards of the International Organization GUYANA’S coconut industry for Standardization (ISO). has seen an increase in proRamnanan took the time duction in recent years. With to explain some of the stages their myriad uses and undeniin the process, which he said able health benefits, coconut was a complex one. The first products have taken a firm step is, of course, acquiring the hold of local and international coconuts themselves. They are markets. Greater emphasis is sourced from the farmers of the being placed on value-added Pomeroon. “They have to be production in an effort to to a standard also,” Ramnanan diversify our country’s agrisaid. “[They must be] at an age. culture industry. In Region Not too hard. Not too soft. Slight Two, where the Pomeroon is jelly.” at the heart of regional and, Testing of the sugar content by extension, national proof some coconuts is also done to duction, entrepreneurs have Nateram ‘Juiceman’ Ramnanan ensure the quality of the coconut taken steps to take advantage water. A refractometer that meaof agro-processing to create sures the BRIX (sugar content of finished products from coconut. Among a water solution) is used for this purpose. The these entrepreneurs is Nateram Ramnanan, coconuts have to be handled carefully as well. known popularly as ‘Juiceman’, owner of “From the time you reap the coconut, you have the Original Juice Centre. Ramnanan produces bottled coconut water at his facility on the banks of the Pomeroon River. The venture had very humble beginnings. He stated that he originally had only two employees involved in the process. Today, he employs 15. He admits that he had not anticipated the kind of response the coconut water he produces would have had in the beginning. “Locally, I did not believe that coconut water could be so, but when I got more into it I saw that coconut water had potential,” he said. His realisation led him to invest further, not just financially, but in terms of training as well. He credited Sterling Products Limited as being among the numerous organisations that had come forward to provide help. “Sterling Products had sent people to train us to know how to do the processing,” he said. The company also acts as distributor for Original Juice coconut water. REQUIRED EXPERTISE Expertise is crucial to the production of the bottled coconut water as there are numerous conditions that must be met. “Coconut water is a delicate product,” Ramnanan explained. “It’s not the way that you can only cut and put into bottles. There’s [sic] many other stages you have to go through.” There are many steps of sanitation and those that follow food and drug
Original Juice coconut water (Photo credit: Nateram Ramnanan)
to rope it down or don’t let it touch the ground,” he explained. “You have to transport it, either by boat or truck, under highly clean conditions.” The coconuts have to be washed in a solution containing certain chemicals to sterilise them once they arrive at the processing facility. They are then dried. It is then time for the process of cutting. Ramanan had to acquire specialised equipment made of food grade stainless steel for processing and the blades used for cutting are amongst them. The workers also have an important role to play. “Workers have to be highly hygienic,” he said. They cannot wear jewellery such as rings and they must also be in good health and gloves and mouth guards are used to prevent any kind of contamination. The BRIX of the coconut water is monitored throughout the process. Once the coconut water is bottled, there is a necessary stage they must undergo before being placed in stainless steel cold storage under careful conditions: the bottles must be placed in an ice bath. They spend 15 minutes in the ice bath at a certain temperature. POSITIVE REACTION TO THE PRODUCT The local reaction to the bottled coconut water has been positive, according to Mr. Ramnanan. “From Guyanese, I have a good response because people are drinking the coconut water,” he said simply. He acknowledges that bottled coconut water costs more than soft drinks. Nevertheless, “people are coming for the coconut water,” he said. Ramnanan is also open to reaching beyond Guyana’s borders with his coconut water. “I am there for the future, for the international market, because the business speaks for itself,” he said emphatically. “I have to use whatever resources come from my business.” He has fully invested in this business and seen it grow. “I’m seeing future at the head of this,” he said. This investment in the future that Ramnanan has done is already bearing fruit. At last year’s inaugural Coconut Festival, he revealed that Original Juice was the recipient of numerous awards and Ramnanan himself was awarded by the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association Limited (GMSA) in 2011 for his contributions to agro-processing in Guyana. He has been able to travel to locations as varied as Las Vegas and Chicago. He has been part of a
A loading tank used in processing (Photo credit: Nateram Ramnanan)
showcase of Guyanese products at the SIAL Agricultural Trade Show held in Toronto and Montreal. OTHER PRODUCTS Ramanan expressed his interest in finding uses for the by-product of the coconut processing, the details of which he is keeping under wraps. He also spoke about the usability of the raw materials from the coconut itself. It is indeed true that coconuts can be used to produce oil and milk as well as butter, cream and flour. The shell and leaves can be used in craftwork. Indeed, the humble coconut has proven itself to be a versatile player in Guyana’s non-traditional crop industry. And from Nateram ‘Juiceman’ Ramnanan’s success so far with the agro-processing of coconuts, Guyana’s agricultural future will benefit from value-added production. This industrial momentum that is building up can only go forward toward a brighter future for Guyana.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
III
ADAPTING ADAPTING TO TO
– how farmers are embracing climate-smart agriculture to boost food production By Ravena Gildharie AMIDST erratic weather patterns and an ever-changing environment brought about by climate change, farmers and agro-producers countrywide are rapidly embracing new practices, techniques and technologies to build resilience, and influence a new era of climate-smart agriculture in Guyana. Whether it’s the use of greenhouses along the coastland to grow high-end produce which were once highly imported, such as red cabbage, broccoli and bell peppers; or planting cassava varieties that are more weather-resistant in the Rupununi, local agro-producers are learning how to grow food year-round in the most controlled, cost-effective and economically viable manner. In Region Five, Dhaniram Ramchand is one of the largest farmers using greenhouse technology to grow lettuce, bell peppers, celery, eschalot, tomatoes, parsley and other Farmers at shade house
crops. In this format, produce are grown under regulated, shaded conditions using UV plastics and/or nets that guard against harsh weather conditions and keep out pests and diseases. He combines it with drip irrigation, another technology farmers use to ensure water and nutrients are applied to crops in a regulated drip system. This is ideal for farmers during the dry season and in areas where the farms have limited or distant access to water sources. The water can be pumped into tanks and stored for dispensation to the crops through hoses/pipes laid along the cultivation plots with small openings to reach each plant. “I apply fertilisers through the drip system too, and I have been promoting it among the farmers because it is less labour and cost. You get more time for yourself and you don’t have to be in the farm for all those long hours,” Ramchand outlined. On his farm at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, he has three large shade hous-
Growing food with hydroponics
es, each measuring 25 feet width by 80 feet length. One, he explained, is an imported pre-fabricated greenhouse comprising UV plastic, while the other two are locally built. “The pre-fabricated greenhouses are very expensive and the farmers won’t be able to afford that. So, we have been building shade houses incorporating some of the imported materials with local materials and this is making the technology more affordable…A shadehouse like the size of mine would cost about $300,000 and this is using the shade nets,” Ramchand told the Pepperpot Magazine. The UV plastic, imported from locations such as Israel, the United States, China and England, costs about $70 000 per roll and can last for up to five years, depending on the manufacturer. The price for the nets is cheaper, but varies based on supplier.
A former extension officer with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Ramchand, aside from producing, encourages expansion of shaded farming, by building shade houses for other farmers. He does this as a private service and imports the UV plastic and nets. He offers technical advice too, supplies seedlings and materials from his private plant nursery and sells agrochemicals. He has set up farmers’ groups with 56 producers, including women, single-parents and youth. “Region Five, I think, is one of the regions leading the way, especially where shade houses, drip irrigation and hydroponics are concerned. Almost all farmers have a small shade house because they are seeing the benefits. It saves time and money. There is less Turn to page VII ►►►
IV
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Con. Motion filed 20 yrs after dismissal Proceedings held to be abuse of Court’s process THE Appellant, Steven Edwards, former Deputy Registrar General, Births and Deaths, was dismissed from the Public Service with effect from September 19, 1981. Seven years later, he sought a declaration from the High Court that he was wrongfully dismissed, and damages. His action was dismissed as being statute-barred. He
appealed to the Court of Appeal, was allowed and the matter remitted to the High Court to be heard de novo. The High Court again held that the action was barred by laches and dismissed it. A second appeal to the Court of Appeal was also dismissed. On August 8, 2001 the Appellant filed a constitutional motion in the High Court seeking a declaration that he had been compulsorily retired and the enforcement of his right to money due to him as salary and superannuation benefits. The motion was dismissed on the ground that the Appellant having waited 20 years to bring the action, and offering no explanation for the delay, was guilty of negligence or unreasonable delay in seeking to assert or enforce a right and that the motion was an abuse of the process .of the Court . On appeal. Held: (i) The Court found no basis for interfering with the finding of the trial judge that the institution of proceedings 20 years after that compulsory retirement constituted unreasonable and an attempt to abuse the processes of the Court. (ii) The doctrine of res judicata did not apply to the Appellant’s claim because, unlike the first claim which was for damages for wrongful dismissal, the present claim was for the enforcement of property rights under article 142 of the Constitution. Appeal dismissed. Benjamin Gibson for the Appellant. Doodnauth Singh, S.C. Attorney General for the Respondents. Chang, J. A. delivered the judgment of the Court. He said: On the 22nd March 2007, the Court orally dismissed this appeal. On the 27th April, on application, the appellant obtained the leave of this Court to appeal its decision to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The decision of the Court delivered orally on the 22nd March 2007 is now put in writing. In March 1980, the Appellant, while holding the public office of Deputy Registrar-General, Births and Deaths was criminally charged with the summary offence of Corrupt transaction by agent , contrary to section 105 (2) (a) of the Summary
By George Barclay Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02. However, that charge was dismissed on the 20th January 1981. In September 1981, the Appellant received a letter dismissing him from the Public Service with effect from the 19th September 1981. On the 7th July 1988, seven years later, in an action by Writ of Summons, the Appellant sought from the High Court a declaration that he was wrongfully dismissed and damages. The High Court held that his action was statue-barred and dismissed it. However, on appeal to the Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal allowed the Appellant’s appeal and remitted the matter to the High Court to be heard denovo. After the matter was remitted to the High Court, the Respondents in that action (who are the same Respondents in this appeal) was granted leave to file an amended defence to include laches, acquiescence and delay by the Appellant. On the 6th December 1996, the High Court presided over by Justice Burch-Smith upheld the Respondent’s submission that the Appellant’s action was barred by laches and dismissed it. For the second time, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. But, on that second appeal, the Appellant failed and his appeal was dismissed. On the 8th August 2001, the Appellant filed a Constitutional Motion to the High Court in which he sought the following reliefs: “(a) A declaration that he was compulsory retired from the Public Service on the 19th day of November 1980. (b) An Order directing the payment to him of the sum of $200, 289.00. © An order directing the payment to him by way of superannuation as ex parte payment and pension. (d) Costs. It is instructive to note that in his Motion, the Appellant was not claiming damages for wrongful dismissal but rather a declaration that he was compulsory retired and the enforcement of his right to money due to him as salary and superannuation benefits. The trial judge, in dismissing the Appellant’s Motion stated: ‘'I agree with the submission that this Motion is now an abuse of the process of the Court, which the High Court has an inherent jurisdiction to prevent. No explanation for this delay has been offered by the Appellant by way of affidavit or otherwise.” This Court is unable to interfere with the finding of fact made by the trial judge that, in filing his Motion 20 years after his alleged compulsory retirement from the Public Service, the Appellant was guilty of unreasonable delay in asserting or seeking to enforce his claim to property rights in Court. As such, this Court cannot set aside the decision of the trial judge to dismiss the Appellant’s Motion for abuse of process on the ground of undue delay. This Court, however, refrains from expressing any agreement with the trial judge that the doctrine of res judicata had application since the Appellant’s claim, unlike his claim in the first action, was not for damages for wrongful dismissal in private law but for the enforcement of compulsorily property rights under Article 142 of the constitution. In the earlier action, the Appellant had claimed that he was wrongfully dismissed while, in his later Motion, he assert that he was compulsorily retired by the Commission. This appeal is accordingly dismissed on the grounds that this Court finds no basis for interfering with the finding of the trial judge that the institution of the proceedings 20 years after compulsory retirement constitutes unreasonable delay and was an attempt to abuse the processes of the Court.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
V
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Storytelling and its influence on children
Imam Baksh, Guyanese Writer
IT is simply profound how as adults we tend to forget the stories that we heard and read as children. I am guilty of the same, and it is for this reason that I write about it in an attempt to bring some awareness to not only children’s literature, but the importance of children’s literature to the future adults that our Guyanese children will become. Literature in my own childhood developed in three main strands, of which I have distinct memories . First, there was an old lady (called Ole-Lady) in the village where I grew up, and, sometimes, on moonlit nights, she would gather the entire village on a grassy mound and she would tell everyone stories. She had tales of children lost in forests, of creatures clambering through the night, of murder and madness, of hauntings and magic. From this woman’s tales, I think I learnt that stories can induce wonder, amazement, and terror. Stories can represent the unreal. Second, I have memories of my mother telling my sisters and I stories. A lot of the times her stories were funny and made us laugh. Sometimes her stories were sad and dark. I only recently realised that a story she told me when I was in Nursery School is actually a version of one of the Brothers Grimm’s older, more unknown tales: “The Juniper Tree.” Anyone who has read “The Juniper Tree” will know how depressing it is, and so, I think my mother’s tales taught me that stories can make you happy and sad. Stories can control emotions. Last, I was introduced to the library and, therefore, to books and global children’s literature, by my grandfather. As I grew older I lapped up the Harry Potter books, Goosebumps and Fear Street, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and
anything else that came my way. Through these and other books, I learnt that stories came from all over the world and each one thought me about the experiences of people from the places, and sometimes whole new worlds, to which I had been transported through reading. So my experience growing up in the 90s may be similar to people from my generation and those who came before, but what about today’s children? Is oral literature being represented in the same way as it was to me? Do parents still tell stories to their children? Do kids still enjoy going to the library? If the answer to these questions is no, then what is being lost ? The growth of the imagination, awareness of emotions, and the appreciation for world literature that I got as a child? I would not go so far as to fully agree with that statement since, in many ways, technology and the internet have helped to serve some of these functions to today’s children. Content is available, even if the content is now on a screen. The more important question that adults should be asking, when they question the existence and importance of children’s literature in Guyana, is whether the content available online or in other formats are actually works that have depth – whether there exists within the work lessons that can benefit the child reader, aspects of the story that can teach the child something, and elements that can contribute to the child’s understanding of the world. After all, whether they were aware of it or not, all three of the persons who introduced me to stories ensured that whatever I was told or read, was not simply for entertainment purposes. And this brings me to Guyanese writer, Imam Baksh, and his short story, “Clara in the New World, 2492 A.D.” which contains elements that children will love and adults will also love, and approve of. It is an example of a good children’s story for the modern Guyanese child. It has been published online in Anansesem – an online journal that focuses on writing that caters mostly to Caribbean children. “Clara in the New World, 2492 A.D.” is set on a habitable planet, where Clara and her family (her brother, Eustace, and their parents) have left Earth for the new planet on what appears to be part scouting mission and part exploration and colonisation of the planet that Clara’s father has named Rodney (after Walter Rodney, of course). However, they are not the planet’s only inhabitants nor, indeed, the planet’s first inhabitants, as there are many furry aliens whose means of communication Clara and her family have yet to uncover. Based on that premise alone, we can see
why the story would a), appeal to Guyanese children and b), offer something more than entertainment value. A child reader who reads this particular story would be exposed to the concept of a Guyanese in space, which is not only a novel, mind-bending idea, but it is also the kind of thing that is sure to be a contributory factor towards the broadening of a child’s imagination – a goal that good children’s literature should achieve. Furthermore, the world that Baksh has built in his story is interesting enough to keep a child (and even adults) interested and the characters are children and so, can be easily identified with if the reader is a child. However, and perhaps, more importantly, the other worthy things about the story are its messages. The subtle nod to Rodney is an important conversation starter that a child can have with his/her parent or guardian and this would open more doors to talk an iconic Guyanese and his values and teachings that are relevant to that child and his/her society. The child who reads the story would know that Rodney is important enough to have a planet named after him. When the child asks “why” he was so important, then the story would have achieved one of its goals. Another important element to the story is its parallel with history. Clara and her family are, in a sense, colonisers. They have happened upon a planet belonging to a different race of beings – creatures who
are not only physically different, but use an unknown method of communication – and the major parallel here, of course, is Columbus becoming lost and happening to come across the West Indies, and then going on to colonise the lands that are populated by the Indigenous Peoples, who were physically different from the Europeans and spoke different languages. Clara is attacked by the aliens in the story, and this is a conflict that can only be resolved once she learns to communicate with them. In this is an important lesson on language and on communication, and, further, on how communication is the ideal tool that is necessary for peace. To a child, the history of the Caribbean can appear as a messy turmoil of people and places. Baksh’s story presents a narrative that can be used to explain the beginning of our post-colonial society in a way that children can understand and appreciate. This, in my opinion, is what makes “Clara in the New World, 2492 A.D.” a good children’s story – not only because of the action or the interesting world and the strange beings, but also because it contains analytical value and depth. It does not feel like it needs to be less of itself, because it is written for children and not adults, and this is the lesson that all modern children’s authors should take away from Baksh’s story. Children’s literature is important and worthy of analysis too.
Dr. Camille Hunter VI
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
– Jawalla’s first doctor lives her dream
By Alva Solomon
HER dream was to one day serve her village as a medical practitioner .Today she has accomplished that feat and in the mind of Dr. Camille Hunter, providing medical care to the community is easier, given her ability to relate to fellow villagers in her native Akawaio language. Dr. Hunter, a resident of the indigenous village of Jawalla, in Region Seven, (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), has overcome various challenges in order to achieve her current status. The Cuban -trained medical doctor was recently assigned to the health post at Jawalla by the authorities, and for her, returning to serve the people who saw her grow from an infant to the person she is today , is one of the more satisfying experiences she has encountered. She started her schooling in Jawalla, a small, gold-rich, religious village nestled on the banks of the Upper Mazaruni River where the latter meets the Kukui River. The second of four children, Dr. Hunter who is in her late 20s, recounted that her single-parent mother provided for her after she moved to the city as a child in order to enhance their education. She said that she was able to adjust to life in the city and found herself working to achieve good grades while being a student of the New Campbellville Secondary School on Sheriff Street. At the time, she lived with a guardian. Back then, she noted that her aim was to pursue studies in several subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, including the sciences. “But my mom was not financially able to cover those so I went on to study at GTI (Government Technical Institute),” she said. Dr. Hunter soon pursued a diploma programme in the sciences at GTI and it was while she was awaiting her results at the end of the programme in 2008, that she received a call from the Ministry of Public Service. She said that she had applied to pursue studies in Cuba and in November that year while preparing to leave for the Spanish–speak-
ing island, she received her results from GTI which were favourable.
OBSTACLES FACED But there were several hiccups, she noted. She was not the holder of a passport and she found herself looking for a guarantor as was required for her scholarship. “Luckily for me I had a lecturer from GTI who was willing to help me out, even though she was busy,” she noted. After overcoming the hurdles, the determined young lady left for Cuba where she spent six years pursuing medical studies on the island. In 2014 she returned to Guyana and commenced internship at various medical institutions on the coastland. She spent most of the time at the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was exposed to the realities of medical care. In June this year, Dr. Hunter‘s “big day” finally arrived and she was on her way to the place of her birth. She is now the doctor-in-charge of the health post at Jawalla and in her capacity, she is able to provide medical care to persons in the area, as well as referrals to the Kamarang Hospital, the main medical institution in the Upper Mazaruni. Dr. Hunter is the granddaughter of Rita Hunter, a wellknown indigenous personality who was recently ordained in the Anglican Church as its first deaconess here. In fact, the elderly woman was the first community health worker at Jawalla and her granddaughter credits her grandmother as the person in whose footsteps she has been following. She said that since her childhood days, she has admired her grandmother, noting that the woman’s thoughtfulness and considerate personality are qualities she tries to emulate. Dr. Hunter noted too that her mother also plays the role of her father. “My grandparents and my mom sacrificed so much for me,” she noted. CULTURAL BARRIERS In 2014, the United Nations’Inter- Agency Support
The health post at Jawalla is at left while the former post is at centre. At right is the doctor’s quarters
Dr. Camille Hunter poses in a “selfie” with her mother
(IASG) in a thematic report entitled “Health of Indigenous Peoples”, noted that of all the barriers faced by indigenous peoples in the delivery of health care, it is the cultural barriers that “perhaps” present the most complicated challenge because there is little understanding of the social and cultural factors deriving from the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in health of the indigenous peoples. The report stated that finding health staff who speak and understand indigenous languages is difficult, and poor communication between providers and clients, at all levels, compromises access to quality care. At Jawalla, Dr Hunter’s efforts are aimed at reversing this trend. Dr. Hunter noted that there are several health issues which she has encountered and since she is no stranger to the village , she is familiar with those. She said that her work is made much easier since she speaks fluently in the Akawaio language. “Everybody at the village speaks Akawaio so I am able to converse easier with patients,” she said. She noted that one of the more prevalent health matters at the village is that of teenage pregnancy. Dr. Hunter provides advice as part of her job to the young ladies at the village and she teaches them about the importance of contraceptives and family planning. She noted that the conversations can be touchy but nevertheless, she reaches out to everyone in the village. She posited that the issue may be tied to Jawalla’s main economic activity. “There are lots of miners in the area,” Dr. Hunter noted. With a smile, she noted too that many have high expectations of her in the village. These include persons requiring treatment for ailments that may require surgical operations and which cannot be performed at the health post in the village. She noted that in various instances, patients would have to be referred to the Kamarang Hospital for treatment which cannot be administered at the health post at Jawalla. During the interview, Dr. Hunter became emotional as she recounted the struggles she overcame along the way to becoming a medical practitioner. She is expected to serve Jawalla for a year and according to her, she is hoping that the time is extended since she plans to make a difference at the place she calls home.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
VII
After losing teeth EVERY intelligent person would guess that many persons lose their natural teeth during their lifetimes because of accidents, tooth decay, gum and bone disease, or other reasons. There are numerous solutions for replacing several teeth. The choice depends mainly on availability, affordability and necessity, among others. Obviously, there are negative consequences for failing to replace functional and aesthetic teeth within the appropriate period. Collapse of facial form: Although not as severe as the facial changes caused by loss of all teeth, losing a few teeth also produces a sunken facial appearance. The appearance of a smile with a few missing teeth is considered unacceptable by most people. Bone shrinkage: When a few teeth are removed, the supporting bone shrinks from then on, leaving a defect in contour in that area. Reduced eating efficiency: Reduced eating efficiency is directly related to the number of teeth lost. After removal of many teeth, chewing efficiency is reduced significantly, but removal of one or a few teeth does not seem to cause a major loss of chewing effectiveness. The appearance of the smile is the negative characteristic caused by removal of a few teeth. If you have had numerous teeth removed, you have the following alternatives: Traditional Fixed Partial Denture (Bridge). A traditional fixed partial denture attaches to the teeth remaining in the mouth. You cannot remove this prosthesis. Traditional Removable Partial Denture. A traditional removable partial denture rests on, but does not attach to, the ◄◄◄ From page III
labour cost and the rain or sun don’t affect our production,” Ramchand said. GROWING AGRICULTURE INVESTMENTS “Farmers are adapting to climate change because you see agriculture is big business, and we have the land and we are adopting the technology to boost our business,” said the farmer. He supplies D. Singh and Sons and Massy Supermarket, but would soon sell to Giftland Supermarket and Pizza Hut. He feels that agriculture has seen a takeoff since farmers are becoming climate conscious and planning strategically to operate in a more structured business style. Many farmers use shaded technology to grow fruits and vegetables specifically for export and leading supermarket chains, hotels, restaurants and food distributors, which previously depended on imports. Today, lettuce, sweet peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes are readily available in attractively packaged and fresh out of farms that are certified for export by the Ministry of Agriculture, once the producer and farm meet necessary requirements. Large investors such as J.T Mekdeci and Company Limited, branded under Savannah Premium, specialise in the production of exotic fruits and vegetables, using greenhouse hydroponics farm and mulching technology. Additionally, the growing agriculture sector keeps attracting more investments including overseas-based Guyanese, re-migrants and international investors. At St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo, re-migrant David Apariso is developing a large-scale, modern self-sustainable organic farm. So far, 20 acres of land are being prepared to accommodate a plant nursery, barn house, three shade houses, beds for crops and a pig farm. His farm uses hydroponics too and he is aiming for the export market.
remaining teeth in the mouth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning. Place implants and construct a removable partial denture. Place implants, allow healing, and construct a removable partial denture that rests on, and is retained by, implants and the remaining natural teeth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning. Place implants and construct a fixed partial denture. Place implants, allow healing, and construct a fixed partial denture that is attached to implants alone or to implants and the remaining teeth. You cannot remove this prosthesis. Do nothing. If you elect to do nothing, your remaining natural teeth will continue to move, and your bite will usually collapse and degenerate further. This is not a good alternative in most cases for more than a short time. Two situations exist after the removal of one tooth: An unsightly appearance is created when a front tooth is
Beni Sankar, one of the most popular local agricultural investors, is teaming up with Chinese investors to create a mega farm at Blairmont, West Coast Berbice. He told this publication that land preparation and soil testing are ongoing, while the farm awaits arrival of two massive greenhouses being imported from China. Measuring 26 feet width by 130 feet in length, each greenhouse is intended to grow up to five different types of exotic vegetables. Further, the investors, are the first in Guyana moving towards cultivation of quinoa, a grain crop used for cereal or as a rice substitute. Originally from a traditional rice-growing family, Sankar said “quinoa would be revolutionising for Guyanese farmers. It is much easier to grow than rice, because you need [sic] much water to irrigate and it don’t require much work.” These forms of progress are impressive to NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Oudho Homenauth, whose entity supports farmers to build resilience to climate change and other emerging phenomena. NAREI continues to partner with non-governmental organisations to develop and introduce new techniques and technology and the farmers have been responding well. “During the long rainy season we had recently, and before that, the drought, the prices for some of the high-value vegetables remain in full supply and at stable prices. As in the past, when you had rain or long, dry spells, the commodity would become scarce and price would go up almost immediately,” Dr Homenauth observed. CLIMATE-SMART FARMING Dr Homenauth noted that aside from the technology, NAREI works with the farming community to adopt climate-smart practices such as growing varieties that are more resilient to changing weather conditions. The institute has already developed rice and cassava
removed. This condition is unacceptable in most societies, and it usually influences people to seek treatment. When a back tooth is removed, the cosmetic appearance is not observed, and patients may not be motivated to have an examination of the affected area until the following changes have occurred: The movement of surrounding teeth and collapse of bite occur rapidly. Often within weeks, the surrounding and opposing teeth start to collapse toward the space that was created by the tooth removal, making an acceptable replacement difficult. The contacting areas of teeth near the space may open, and food may become impacted between the teeth. If you have one missing tooth, you have the following alternatives: 1. Traditional Fixed Bridge. A traditional, fixed bridge attaches to the teeth adjacent to the space. You cannot remove this prosthesis. 2. Removable Partial Denture. A removable partial denture fills the missing tooth space and allows an improved appearance and nearly normal function. 3. Implant followed by Crown (cap). Place an implant, allow healing, and place a crown over the implant head, thereby creating near optimal function and appearance. You cannot remove this crown.
Various technologies, practices and techniques are being used to grow food despite climate change
varieties being commercialised by farmers. The extension officers work with farmers also to plan their activities such as land preparation and drainage and irrigation methods, as well as the type of control mechanism for pests and diseases likely to arise with each weather pattern. They advise producers on low-soil fertilisation, when not to burn and best water-retention crops. “I am very impressed with the way how farmers have adjusted in light of [the] changing climate. In the Mahaica Creek for instance, crops are not affected by flooding during the rainy season, because the farmers know now which areas are flood-prone and they plant on higher grounds,” Dr Homenauth explained. NAREI has demonstration farms at various areas to educate farmers on new practices and technology, teaching them how to boost
their production too. Food For The Poor Guyana, Partners of America,the International Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and more recently the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have lent support to climate-smart agriculture in Guyana through various initiatives targeting farmers. Fitzroy Valentine of La Grange, West Bank Demerara, is one of the farmers who have benefited from such initiatives. He was introduced to shaded technology, hydroponics and organic cultivation, which he quickly accepted. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that his biggest challenge now is meeting the mounting market demands, especially for his organic produce. He has two farms, one at La Grange and another at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. On the latter, he specialises in cultivation using hydroponics, growing plants without soil, and using mineral nutrients in water solvent. He grows a variety of crops, including watermelons, squash, beet, cucumbers, carrots, and dispelled the perception that hydroponics is expensive and limited to only a few produce. Born and raised in a farming family, Valentine said he had been producing since age 12, but only began a more controlled system of agriculture with climate-smart planning after the 2005 flooding, which he dubbed a “disastrous experience” that he can never forget. Valentine operates his organic farm in partnership with his son-in-law, Rampertab Etwaria, a young University of Guyana graduate. Increasingly, more young people are gravitating to agriculture, including Ameer Ahamad of Hague, West Coast Demerara. At just 27 years old, Ahamad gave up his full-time job in Bourda Market to farm, which is proving more economical. He uses shaded technology to grow a variety of vegetables, which he sells to nearby markets. He is currently looking to expand the shade house cultivation.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
Making a difference among women and girls
– Advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights By M Margaret Burke THE Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Adventures (SRHR), is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights with a special focus on family planning and contraception in Guyana. This mon-governmental organisation (NGO) was founded by medical doctor and advocate for women’s health and rights, Dr. Patrice Douglas and was birthed from Dr. Douglas’ passion for the issue as well as her countless encounters with women and girls whom she said hadn’t a clue how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The doctor said that somewhere in her mind, based on the evidence presented on the streets of Guyana, she knew that many persons weren’t planning their pregnancies, resulting in a major adolescent pregnancy rate in the country. Dr Douglas explained that she even memorised the statistics since it was while doing an online course for
the Women-Deliver Young Leaders Programme that she was asked to discuss a social ill in her country and she chose adolescent pregnancy. According to the World Population 2013 report: “Guyana has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in both the Caribbean and South America, with 97 out of every 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 giving birth.” It was based on these statistics that Dr. Douglas said, she became real saddened and knew she had some serious work to do in on this subject. Dr. Douglas told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been doing SRHR promotion work for a while now, however she came to the realisation that if she really wants to create a meaningful and measurable impact, then she needs others on board who share her vision and passion. That led her to organise and establish the group with seven other young doctors; one medical student and one psychologist. She informed that the SRHR Adventures holds sessions on family planning, adolescent pregnancy,
abortion and other SRHR topics at local health centres, churches and youth groups. The sessions are facilitated with a mobile SRHR toolkit (inclusive of note books, posters and manuals). Recently, the group launched a campaign to raise awareness of the HPV (Human PapillomaVirus) vaccine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health at the Giftland Mall. Dr. Douglas noted that it was recognised that far too many Guyanese are not aware that there is vaccine that can prevent HPV-related cancers. The awareness campaign is being carried out by going to schools and other institutions to talk about HPV and the vaccine along with the use of the local media. BILL AND MELINDA GATES INSTITUTE A grant won in 2016 through the “Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health” project “120 Under 40” was the major driving force
advocate and convener to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation and promote access to universal reproductive health and family planning for all.
Founder and Advocate of SRHR, Dr. Patrice Douglas
that made this group a reality, Dr. Douglas mentioned. The Gates Institute conducts and facilitates cutting-edge research in family planning, reproductive health, and population dynamics and translates science into evidence-informed policies, programmes and practice. As part of its mission, the Institute works as an innovator, partner,
CHALLENGES OF SRHR Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas said, “The major challenge being faced at present with the SRHR group is the extremely busy schedule of the members and it’s difficult at times to get persons to attend activities and planned events. The future plan is to establish a low cost Sexual and Reproductive Health clinic, where women and girls can have access to services without stigmatisation and discrimination.” Dr. Patrice Douglas affirms that she is determined to make a difference in the lives of women in Guyana. She aspires to be a powerful women’s and girls’ health and rights activist, who will effect change in the lives of Guyanese females and to a larger extent the world. (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)
The treacherous crossing
The Denham Suspension Bridge By: Abdool A. Aziz IT was my maiden trip to Issano, located 112 miles from my headquarters in Bartica. The journey is by road (almost trail). I must cross the longest suspension bridge over the Potaro gorge. It is the Denham cable bridge built by British cables as thick as 12 inches in diameter. This dangling bridge is the only connection to Issano by surface. The trail was narrow, there is bush on either side, and our small vehicle must pull way into the bushes to give way to the ‘Bush Master’ – Henry Aruy trucks you hear them roaring ahead and they blew their loud horns. It was terrifying, but the worst fear was the crossing of the bridge. Just as we approached it, a bush – master approached from the other side. We had to go deep into the side of the
road. I watched in fear as that Henry monster crawled across, the bridge buckled. It began to sway, swaying under that weight! What will happen to our land rover? I shuddered to think of the risk, I thought it would be safer to walk over, but pedestrian traffic was disallowed. It was too dangerous due to the wild winds, you could easily blow overboard. As soon as the truck hit our side it sped off, now my driver stepped on the accelerator slowly and our vehicle was on its way in space. I heard a creaking noise, “Smith,” I barked “What’s that?” “Don’t worry sir, just a plank. You’re in good hands,” he replied. My rifleman touched my shoulder “Relax old soldier, everything will be fine,” he said. Assuring words, but I still shuddered in fear.
TREACHEROUS CROSSING The vehicle inched forward and there were more crackling sounds. Fear gripped me. A wild wind blew and the bridge began to flop and sway. I held on to my seat. The wheels slowed; there we were hundreds of feet from the ground, suspended in midair. I happened to look down, I felt dizzy. I saw the carcasses of vehicles that plunged to their deaths. I was petrified, would we cross safely? Another truck pulled up to cross, it sounded its horns to get us moving. The driver drove at snail’s pace. The miners began to hurl insults. Smithy ignored their curses, he knew his stuff. I began to pray. Another gust of wind. The bridge swung 180 degrees, Smithy stopped. He needed to anchor the weight of the vehicle and wait for the wind to die down. Then a downpour came and visibility grew dim.
The men waiting to cross tossed sand at us then, with his fist depressing the accelerator, the vehicle sped to safety. We were on land again, it felt great, but crossing back was more dangerous. Our vehicle broke down half way. Smithy tried his best to get it to start, but to no avail. I couldn’t sit in that vehicle, suspended. Despite the warning, I got out and in a risky manoeuvre, hobbled across holding on for dear life on the massive cables with my body trembling. My rifle man came to my aid. The driver from the other side backed his truck and tethered it to our crippled vehicle. He towed us across and later a mechanic came to our rescue. Crossing the Denham Suspension Bridge will forever be etched in my memory. As I write now at 74, I still relive those scary moments.
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Embracing ‘green’ energy - solar source gaining momentum
By Ravena Gildharie WITH the price of fossil fuels steadily rising, more nations are turning to renewable sources of energy. Countries such as Sweden, Germany and China are leading with investments and outcomes, but for developing economies like Guyana, it’s a daunting task. Nevertheless, the direction remains firm in pursuance of a ‘green’ state and more notably, the private sector and citizens are rapidly pursuing self-generation of power, using renewable energy, particularly solar systems. Businesses such as Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), Starr Computers, Nand Persaud Incorporated and Texila American University have embraced the notion of ‘green’ energy to reduce dependency on petroleum-based fuels, and ensure reliable power supplies for their operations. At the governmental level, resources are channelled to power state-owned buildings, such as schools and hospitals, with alternative sources of energy mainly solar photovoltaics
Solar systems are gaining popularity across the country
(PV) systems in hinterland and riverian areas. These are also becoming increasingly popular among citizens for use at private residences. Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) Ramesh Persaud, told the Pepperpot Magazine that renewable energy, particularly solar systems, is gaining momentum in Guyana. “We have seen an increase in the number of loan enquiries from small businesses for financing in this regard and have actually provided loan funds for a few businesses in the hinterland to assist with solar installation,” he revealed. Further, the lending institution is considering the use of solar technologies for its own
use, as part of plans for new buildings and rehabilitation of existing facilities. “We are exploring the possibility of “greening” all our operations countrywide in the medium term,” Persaud stated. Historically, Guyana has depended on imported petroleum-based fuels as its primary source of energy. According to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the country imported 4.9 million barrels of petroleum-based products in 2014 which equated to 13,531 barrels per day. This consisted of diesel (gasoil), fuel oil, gasoline (mogas), avjet, avgas, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). “The volumes imported in 2014 represented a 4.14 percent increase when compared to 2013. Petroleum imports for 2013 were acquired at a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of approximately US$5 62 million (31.6 percent of total imports) and accounted for about 21 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP),” stated GEA’s 20162020 Strategic Plan. The power sector accounted for about 36 percent of petroleum imports in 2014 with electricity generated mainly from the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) and several small generation facilities countrywide, GEA has stated. Outlined in its 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, GEA is hoping that Guyana would install more than 13 megawatts of solar Photovoltaic systems within the next five years. “While still relatively expensive when compared to the cost of energy supplied by the grid, solar photovoltaic prices are decreasing and their use will be encouraged, provided the prices remain sustainable,” the agency outlined. It continues to encourage Importation and
A solar system at an East Bank Demerara home
Solar panels being mounted on a school
installation of solar water heaters for both residential and commercial use. GROWING DEMAND FOR SOLAR SYSTEM The Farfan and Mendes Group is one of the largest retail suppliers of solar equipment alongside other companies as Gafoors, A. Ally and Sons, Eagle Resources Limited and Jerome Defreitas and Sons Limited. Farfan’s Manager for Alternative Energy,Martin Carto, told the Pepperpot Magazine that previously most of the company’s solar system customers were from hinterland and rural areas, but recently it has grown across the coastland, where interest is increasing in renewable sources of energy. “We provide the best technical advice and options to customers for alternative energy. We have been in the business of solar systems for over 15 years when we were serving mostly the hinterland. We actually pioneered the grid-tie system, and we have been pushing the advancement of technology in Guyana by introducing cutting-edge technology,” Carto outlined. The growing interest in alternative energy has led the company to expand investments, as there is now a specially designed solar workshop at the Providence location outfitted with a well-equipped service centre that includes an authorised inverter company. Farfan works with each customer to combine and install a solar system that best matches the client’s needs. It also assists customers to get the necessary approval from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company and work through other problems facing the customers before, during and even after installation of the solar system. Carto observed that the prices for solar
equipment have decreased significantly in recent years, making it affordable for more customers. Panels can be purchased for as low as $40, 000, but the total cost to install an entire solar system varies, as this would be based on the individual client’s demands and choices. To date, the company has installed a total of two megawatts of solar systems and continues to do more. The company is currently working on a project in Kato, Region Eight. It is one of the companies that bid for government projects, and has won some contracts to install solar systems at various locations. However, Carto said there is an unlevel playing field when bidding for such projects, as the foreign companies are exempted from the two percent withholding tax imposed on local bidders. Just last June, the government announced that a German Company, Meeco Services Deutschland GmbH, had been awarded a $35.3 million contract to supply and install grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems on 57 government buildings in Guyana. A grid-connected photovoltaic power system – or grid-connected PV power system – is an electricity-generating solar PV power system that is connected to the utility grid. GEA is the procuring entity and had been implementing the country’s move toward ‘green’ energy. Earlier this year, the GEA installed nine grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at public Institutions countrywide, mainly secondary schools, to produce an estimated 124,321 kWh of energy annually. These included secondary schools at Diamond, Hope, Leguan and Leonora, as well as the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Scholarship Hostel. The project was done at a cost of about $48 million and according to the GEA, it aids in the avoidance of 87,025 kg of carbon dioxide emissions and will result in savings of approximately $8,336,330 annually with a simple payback period of about 5.8 years. JOINT VENTURE AND PRIVATE INVESTORS The Agency also provides technical support to the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) Energy Project, which seeks to implement pilot/demonstration sustainable energy initiatives in three rural communities in Guyana. These are Shulinab in Region Nine, Powaikoru in Region One and Moraikobai in Region Five. The Canadian government is funding the initiative, titled ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Renewable Turn to page X ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
ALLOTTED NINE MONTHS ENOUGH TO RESOLVE ALL CHALLENGES TO TOBACCO LEGISLATION
CONSUMER advocates worldwide continuously try to educate the public as to the dangers to health of tobacco use and to support or advocate measures to curb the use of tobacco. Accordingly, whenever a country introduces or strengthens legislation controlling tobacco, consumer people applaud. So when the Guyana Parliament on July 27 passed the Tobacco Control Bill, it was regarded as a historic landmark .Tobacco, like the potato, the hammock and quinine, was among the things the world adopted from Amerindian culture. Among Amerindians, its use was strictly restricted to certain religious rites and it was never used outside of those rites as it came to be in the West. Its disastrous effects therefore never affected Amerindian people. The tobacco leaf contains a large num-
ber of dangerous poisons and when these are ingested by smoking or otherwise, they result in a large number of diseases which destroy health. Among such diseases are asthma, lung cancer, cancers of the mouth and tooth decay, coronary (heart) disease, blood pressure, diabetes and some kidney diseases. Tobacco use by pregnant women could have deleterious effects on their newborn babies. But among the worst effects of tobacco use is that it becomes addictive. The Tobacco Control Legislation, once it is enforced, will certainly help to curb tobacco use and protect the health of the population. There are other positive spin-offs from a healthier population - the health services would save millions which would have had to be spent on tobacco induced diseases, and worker productivity would have improved with a healthier population who would not
now suffer from debilitating diseases caused by tobacco. Most tobacco is used for smoking, though very much smaller amounts are used for snuff and chewing. The Guyana Legislation adopts most of the policies of the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Framework Control on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Many Caribbean countries have adopted the CROSQU model and the Guyana Consumers’ Association (GCA) was hoping that some input could have come from this model, in particular, the graphic illustrations on the cigarette boxes of the various diseases which could affect tobacco users. In any case, the CROSQU model does not differ from FCTC’s. The Guyana Legislation covers a number of areas but we will refer to only a few of them: The Law now establishes a Tobacco Control Council which will advise the Minister. The Council is not cumbrous, in the sense of not having too many members and a representative of the GCA is expected to serve on it. The Legislation will protect minors from tobacco usage. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of Guyanese school children have smoked or regularly smoke. Smoking is reducing in all developed countries and the tobacco companies are making less money there. They are therefore turning their marketing energies to the developing countries and the youth are especially targetted. They are now making more profits from the developing countries than the developed ones. Another important aspect of the legislation is designed to prevent people from being affected from secondary smoke. Although one does not smoke, if one inhales smoke from other smokers, one’s health is equally at risk. Thus, smoking is forbidden in all public places where secondary smoke could affect others. In effect, smokers should not smoke in public but only in their own homes. Cigarette displays and advertising are limited. All advertisements must be truthful
and carry health warnings. Various brands trying to outdo each other by advertisements would be discouraged. And, cigarette and tobacco sponsorship of sports events would be forbidden. In selling cigarettes, dispensers which used to be established in places like airports and ferry stellings will be removed. Selling in trays or roadside stalls where one or two cigarettes were sold, even to children, would now be forbidden. Such sellers would have to sell a minimum of 10 sticks. The Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO) has issued public advertisements calling for the legislation to be sent to a Select Committee of the Legislature for further review. Among the many points made by the company, is that it will adversely affect the “tobacco industry”. What is being termed “the tobacco industry” is simply a distribution agent of a foreign company whose profits are repatriated abroad. In any case, DEMTOCO is well aware of how to live with the ‘Tobacco Legislation’ and this was said at an Annual General Meeting of the company chaired by Ms Cavill de Zavala, who assured shareholders that the company had in place methods and procedures how to deal with such legislation, since it has been dealing with such legislation in most of the countries in which British American Tobacco (BAT) operates. The legislation could be strengthened by the establishment countrywide of facilities to help addicts break the habit and at the same time educating them and their families of the dangers of tobacco. Also, in the primary and secondary schools as well as the Teachers Training College, an input could be made of the dangers of tobacco usage. Enforcement is the achilles heel of this valuable legislation and the Ministry of Public Health which is tasked with the responsibility of administering the Act must begin work immediately since all the difficulties and challenges must and can be resolved in the allotted nine months.
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solar equipment, enjoys 60 percent of its power generation from solar systems, installed several years ago. Further, the company continues to promote the use of renewable energy, and according to Sales and Marketing Manager Penny Francis, Starr hosts regular education seminars on renewable energy for students and others. The sessions include both classroom- style teaching and site visits to the company’s solar system. Other investors are piloting various initiatives to push renewable energy such as Green Heart Tree Energy (GHTE), which entered Guyana’s renewable energy market last March when it commissioned a 10-kilowatt system to power the Paramakatoi Flavours Sun-Dried Tomato Processing Plant. GHTE said it took the initiative to design, engineer, procure, construct and deliver a non-grid connected solar PV micro-grid system for the Paramakatoi Flavours Sun-Dried Tomato Plant. The design took into account the actual climatic data and historical weather patterns of the area.
Energy Project.’ Aside from the state-implemented initiative, the private sector is also fuelling the drive toward solar energy. DBL’s Head Office on Camp Street is fully powered by a solar off-grid system built with a capacity of 125KW that supports the 25,000 square-foot building and carries 52 inverter-based air condition units and 200 LED lights, powered by 360 solar panels. The system was installed with 416 batteries as back-up in the absence of sunlight. Previously, DBL’s Chief Executive Officer Pravinchandra Dave said the perception that installing solar energy is expensive, is a myth. He encouraged technical feasibility and commercial viability to be done by companies considering a shift to solar power. DBL spent $28 million to install the solar system which would yield some savings for the company, as of were connected to the national grid. Starr Computer, which previously sold
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Buxton Youth Developers (BYD) TODAY I would like to bring attention to a programme that is doing remarkable work within our community-- the Buxton Youth Developers (BYD). It is currently run by Mr. Robin Phillips, Founder and General Administrator, Mr. Lennox Shufler, Patron and Strategic Planner as well as three other volunteers. BYD is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Stabroek and the Buxton/Foulis NDC as well as Kristian Jeffrey, Caribbean motor racing champion for 2014 , 2015 and Guyana Male Sportsman of the year for 2015 is the Sports Ambassador for BYD. I’ve known Lennox aka ‘Uncle Lenny’ most of my life and have heard of the programme over the years. However, sad to say, I’ve only recently seen the importance and noteworthy impact of this project. It deserves more acknowledgement and praise than it receives. So, what is Buxton Youth Developers (BYD)? This organisation was founded in March 2007 by Mr. Robin Phillips, a dedicated Buxtonian. He was joined by Lennox Shuffler, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Stabroek and Paulette Charles, a prominent Buxtonian, as Special Advisor. Shuffler describes Robin Phillips as a person “very passionate about a role that I, myself, would have difficulty in doing.” The main objective was to create a positive change in the community of Buxton with the mission statement being “Regaining the glory of Buxton through sports, education and culture.” Their motto is “Promoting friendship, Influencing change.” Back in 2007, Phillips was a local school teacher who was seeing the effects of the crime wave within the community of Buxton. At the time, Buxton was home to the most notorious gang which stimulated crime, substance use and school dropouts in the community. Phillips one day armed with nothing but a megaphone, took to the streets and asked all the children to come out to literacy classes for free. A few of them eventually showed up to the event. Lennox remembers the first day he was
approached by Phillips about BYD. Phillips told him the idea, especially how much he wanted to change the high illiteracy rate of the children in Buxton while providing a safe place for them to grow and learn. Lennox remembers responding with the question: “You want to be a part of history?” thinking that it was a fantastic idea, but almost impossible at the time. They decided to go for it, but were advised to get permission from the notorious gang who was taking over Buxton. Permission was granted by the gang leaders with the following statement sent to Robin and Uncle Lenny: “ ‘Nuff’ respect, we like what you are doing. Look after the children.” They then went right ahead. The Buxton Youth Developers with support from the Buxton/Foulis NDC and the Rotary Club of Stabroek started out successfully with 30 children in the old NDC building with classes for a few hours three days a week. The numbers quickly grew and again with the support from the NDC, they occupied the old, abandoned Buxton Market. While it was a hit, the biggest difficulty was convincing the community members of BYD’s ability to sustain the programme. This is no longer a problem as BYD provided such a healthy consistency and positive change that it now caters for over 200 members between the ages of 5-16. While the programme was created for the people of Buxton, vulnerable children from neighbouring villages can be a part of this change. Due to the quick expansion, the RDC granted permission to BYD to develop the Vigilance Community Centre ground for the benefit of all. With assistance from the Canada Fund for local initiatives, a “Buy a Block” fundraiser through Digicel was launched and a building was erected to house the literacy classes.This allowed for additional classes for school drop-outs from Monday to Friday 08:00hrs-15:00hrs. The classes are taught by volunteers and cover a wide range of new learning such as English (reading, writing and spelling), Mathematics
and Social Studies. There is also a community library that is accessible to these youths. Sports sessions are also taken seriously and occur every day. The members can play football, volleyball, rugby and lawn tennis to name a few. BYD is considered as a unique learning and training centre with the strong desire to turn the centre ground into a beach games facility. In addition to the regular classes, BYD schedules regular activities such as lifeskills, social activities, culture days and motivational speeches. They host annual holiday parties as well as conduct educational competitions such as Spelling Bees and writing/poetry competitions. It is important to remember that they are not a school, but a learning centre. They do however have rules such as no alcohol/drug use, no indecent language, no bullying or violence etc. Schools in the neighbouring villages also use the field at times, which allow for further integration as well as social and communication skills. At one point, individuals out of Buxton had little hope of a happy and successful future. The stigma alone attached to the village even prevented locals from obtaining jobs. The Buxton Youth Developers, along with the will for change from the Buxtonians themselves, have successfully changed this view over the past 10 years. During this period, over 1,500 children passed through the programme with many being able to get back into the school system and many were able to get jobs. BYD is contacted by schools in the neighbouring communities if there are children who need extra help -- which they are happy to oblige. Shuffler said that Phillips is on the ground helping the children, acting as a teacher, counsellor and at times even a guardian to the children. BYD has received a great deal of help from both local and foreign entities such as Toucan Industries, Farfan & Mendes, the Canada Fund for local initiatives, the Government of New Zealand, UNICEF, Courts, Digicel, Ansa Mcal, the Beharry Group, Food for the Poor, Bank of Nova Scotia – just to name a few. However, more always
needs to be done. Since the development and implementation of BYD, the children’s attendance and performance in school have improved, their familial and peer relationships are healthier and their community involvement on a whole has improved. They have also been quite successful in sporting activities. Early in the programme, a female football team was formed with five of those girls selected to train for the national team. A female member from the centre was selected to represent Guyana in table tennis at the Inter-Guiana Games and in Maryland, USA on two occasions in training programmes. Recently,the BYD boys’ football team won the East Coast leg of the Digicel schools tournament. These changes alone have drastically reduced the possibility of stress, isolation, addiction, teenage pregnancy, school dropouts and many other physical, mental and social ills. There has been a noticeable decrease in crime and substance use among the community members. If you would like to donate or be a volunteer, please call or show up at the centre or call Robin 686-0457. The number for the centre is 274- 0247. Lennox Shuffler 225 4607, cell 676 8611 The Buxton Youth Developers is the perfect example of positive change being possible; that if the problem is within the community, it means the solution is as well. Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail. com. Also please remember when you can come see me. Georgetown Public Hospital: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
#SupportCreativity
Caribbean art A FEW weeks ago I got a pleasant surprise in my email inbox. It’s not often that I get an email drafted especially for me as opposed to a forwarded message or some sort of spam that made its way past my junk mail filter.
or a r t fr o m th e Cari bbean ?
Michael Lam, graphic artist/designer and photographer reached out to me about an event I wanted to attend, but missed because I was scheduled to fly to Trinidad earlier the same day for the recently concluded MOU
residency. The event was a public lecture by Trinidadian artist, educator, researcher and academic, Kenwyn Critchlow, for this year’s iteration of the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition. Now before I continue I’d just like to underscore how important I think it is that these conversations between creative individuals happen, regardless of their specialised area(s). In other words, conversations among artists shouldn’t just stay among the artists. Likewise, conversations among photographers shouldn’t just stay among photographers. There should always be open and inclusive dialogues happening
among artists, photographers, writers, musicians, film-makers etc. We s h o u l d feel comfortable enough to step beyond the rigid lines of distinction (that are often borderline hierarchical) to have t h e kind of healthy exchanges necessary for growth in our creative industries. But back to Lam’s email. I was incredibly moved that he felt so strongly about the lecture that he wanted to share his notes with me. After a brief exchange, we both agreed it would be of even greater value if the conversation shifted from my inbox into the public domain, so that more persons could add their voices to this very necessary conversation (or at least, contemplate some of the ideas shared). So what exactly is this conversation I’m referring to? It was fixed squarely on the title of the Critchlow lecture, “Caribbean Art is dead; long live Caribbean art!” Although it was obvious his title was an adaptation of the saying “The King is dead; long live the King” and to an extent we both understood the historical implications of using the said title, I couldn’t help but cringe a little bit. I have my own issues with the term “Caribbean Art,” but perhaps for the purpose of the lecture I could understand why it was used. It does roll off the tongue a lot easier than “Art from the Caribbean is dead; long live art from the Caribbean!” As it turned out, I wasn’t the only one who was not keen on the term “Caribbean Art.” Stanley Greaves has always Turn to page XIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII
opined that there is no such thing as Caribbean Art and used that platform to reiterate this belief. In fact, the publication he penned alongside Anne Walmsley titled “Art in the Caribbean, An Introduction,”presents an alternative way of considering art from the Region and its diaspora. Implicit in its title is a challenge, a subtle attempt to undermine the belief that there is a particular aesthetic that marks art as “Caribbean” and that the weight of that aesthetic should be the major determining factor in how we position an artist’s work. Anyone who has been following the work coming out of my studio would’ve observed in my early years, a deliberate attempt to steer clear of that aesthetic. I recognised early on just how problematic any such classification could be (at least for my own career). Now I’ve become more interested in using that aesthetic as a weapon against itself, to subvert traditional ideals about the subjects I choose to engage with. So while the work is, in fact, made in the Caribbean, I would never refer to it as “Caribbean Art.” Then, of course, we could venture even further down the rabbit hole to address the fact that geographically we (Guyanese) aren’t technically “Caribbean,” so anything we produce wouldn’t be considered as such. Yet we’ve seemingly shelved our South American badge in favour of the one typically associated with, among other things, white sandy beaches and “pretty” coloured water. However, by those standards, there is no room for a “Guyanese aesthetic,” since the two simply don’t match. So maybe in one sense it is a bit ridiculous for Guyanese to be engaged in a conversation about “Caribbean art.” I could go on to list the many ways Guyana does not fit into most of the clichés associated with the Caribbean, but I’m certain anyone who has ever lived in or visited Guyana could think of many. Something else for us to consider is the fact that there is hardly ever mention of Guyana in any discourse on “South American Art.” It’s almost as if we’re detached from the continent or we don’t exist at all. So as Guyanese artists we find ourselves stuck in this strange, transitory space where our aesthetic, varied as it may be, doesn’t quite fit anywhere. We are neither here nor there. Lam went on to explain Critchlow’s proposed dual nature of the Caribbean aesthetic: “In speaking of the duality of the Caribbean vision, he used the phrases ‘paradise’ and ‘plantation’ as the differentiating types of art, quite accurate I think. When you think about it, the paradise vision (the pretty pictures of sand and sea, waterfalls and palm trees, fun and sun) is often what outsiders see, and what some want outsiders to see, while the plantation vision (the people, the events, the struggles, the life) is what is mostly produced by artists.” The problem with this kind of classification, in my opinion, is that it sets up a kind of binary oppositional way of thinking that excludes work that fits neither one category nor the other. There are stories so complex and multi-layered and that sometimes borrow from both “paradise” and “plantation” or neither, that simply proposing an “either or” method of classification becomes a problematic way of viewing art from the Region. For example, there are artists whose thematic concerns are far removed from both pandering to the whims of tourists and/or highlighting the lived experiences (good or bad) of locals. Instead, their main preoccupation is the formal elements of art, whether line, colour, light, shadow, shape, form etc. Where would they be positioned? This is where things get tricky and this is also where I wish I could’ve attended Critchlow’s lecture to pick his brain myself. While I do admit the paradise/plantation is an attractive and easy binary to work with, it is also restrictive and exclusionary (as all binaries are). Since my time in Barbados, I’ve been using binaries to frame my subjects, but I’ve been using them with the understanding that they are, in fact, restrictive and exclusionary. So they can be used, just with the understanding of how they work and the many implications that result from working with them (otherwise you risk reinforcing centuries-old stereotypes). Lam also recognised the problematic nature of using this method of classification and opened his own line of questions to consider. “Is art as simple as that? Are pretty pictures relegated to tourism-type images and only ‘serious’ images considered art? Certainly not, but the perception cannot be overlooked,” he explained.
“While the art produced in the Caribbean in the past had echoes of our colonial days and our struggles, themes that were common in the Region and which helped bind us a people, what of the new art? Is there still a common identity possible?” In my opinion, the presence of any binary type of classification tends to pit one medium against the other in a struggle for dominance/control and threatens the “new art” Lam enquires about. And while I don’t necessarily think there is or will ever be a common “Caribbean identity,” I do believe there are common threads that are still visible even decades later as we continue to wrestle with these ideas of placement and belonging. I think the Region’s history of movement is one such thread. It calls to mind the recent curatorial work by Grace Aneiza Ali (last year’s Un|Fixed Homeland exhibition at the Aljira Center for Contemporary Art in Newark, New Jersey and the current Liminal Space exhibition at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute in New York, both of which Lam has participated in). Ali identified and isolated one of those common threads (migration) and gave it the platform necessary to be examined from multiple perspectives, free from any rigid definitions. In my opinion, we need to recognise the impossibility of attempting to shape a single or comprehensive narrative regarding art coming out of the Region. I would say “Caribbean art” is indeed dead. It has been a dead concept for quite
XIII some time now and it should stay that way. Art coming out of the Caribbean, on the other hand, is not. It has merely been (and continues to be) transformed. Art is never stagnant. It is ever evolving and shifting to reflect the times. We need to let go of how we think it should look and simply let it be.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
Inspired by Caribbean roots Shaheda Williams Shaheda Williams in one of her own designs from Shaheda Textiles
Botanical Butterfly collection by Shaheda Textiles
‘Golden Angel’ by Shaheda Textiles
THOUGH American by birth, it took only a few years of living in her family’s native Trinidad and Tobago, for the Caribbean style and culture to etch itself forever to Shaheda Williams’s heart. Now, this influence that has grown with her since childhood, has been brought out in her work through Shaheda Textiles, her swim and resort wear clothing line. Sewing was always a big part of her life, Shaheda told the Pepperpot Magazine. In fact, it was a talent that was passed down through the generations, beginning from her great grandmother. Coupled with her island influence, today, Shaheda recalls just how much these things have moulded her life. “Growing up in Trinidad -- it is such beautiful island. My grandmother was always making cool outfits for me and my aunt would always have on these bright, matching outfits. It was always about a lot of colour; I love colour expression,” she said. “The houses are brightly coloured, and the way things are in the Caribbean is so different than where I am now. It is a peaceful life; when you wake up you feel a cool breeze from the trees. And the scenery there is beautiful compared to where I am in the city, which is a concrete jungle.” As though these things are constantly on her mind, Shaheda admitted that designing now serves as a way for her to escape that concrete jungle in Trenton, New Jersey,
where she lives, through creating her own Caribbean experience via her clothing. Shaheda began designing in 2015, focusing on ‘Monday-wear’- clothing worn traditionally on Carnival Mondays in Trinidad and Tobago. After seeing the similarity of Monday-wear to swimwear, she later expanded her brand to include swim and resort wear. Her brand now features bathing suits, cover-ups, rompers, jumpsuits and other ensembles that can be worn during your typical Caribbean vacation. “Most of my consumers are Caribbean-Americans or Caribbean people who live up here, and African-Americans. I even have a lot of Caucasians buying my clothes,” she said. The idea of “community” is a large motivator for Shaheda, who ensures that she gives back in some way. “I do a lot of projects that focus on giving back to my community. I am working on a concept to educate youth to be entrepreneurs,” she said. She is also the founder of Prom Scholar INc, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a unique prom experience to high school students graduating and going to college. “It includes providing custom gowns for girls who can’t afford it. My final goal is to give them an academic scholarship,” she said. Soon, she hopes to work on a project which will give back to her native Trinidad, but she is working to first ensure that her brand is strong enough and influential enough to make a significant impact. “There is a lot of fashion in the Caribbean and the goal is to make them global, so that when they are, they can help to build their brand and can also help to give back to their community,” she said. Shaheda believes that more persons with the opportunity to do so, should ensure that they give back, because it creates an influential example for young people to follow. “I think that the main problem with people who don’t give back is that they fail to realise that they are teaching the youth the same thing. If we gave back, they would see us doing it and do the same thing, so it reoccurs… it’s a good cycle versus all the bad cycles we and people of colour have been stuck with like single-parent homes and other things. It is about starting a good cycle of giving back and nurturiing a homeland. My homeland is Trinidad-- it’s about nurturing those places,” she said.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
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folklore
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MIRROR IMAGE A STRONG north western breeze pushed its way through the remote village of Sandridge. It was a strange name for a place, given that the surrounding landscape was flat and comprised of clay and mud. It was a boring little village with a quaint little church, a leaning school house and a dark, musty and depressing little grocery store. There was one bright spark to this backward place; Modesty. Modesty was a ‘lady of the night’. She was a big girl; big in every sense of the word. She could never be described as pretty no matter how generous you wanted to be. But she was a livewire. She knew everybody and everything about everybody. She never spared any words. Most of her regular clients were from the city with a few exceptions closer to home. They were handled with great dis-
cretion because she was on good terms with the wives of all of them. Her job dictated that she travelled the dark lonely roads late. She was accustomed to this and never worried about it. Modesty was lumbering home one moonlit night when she met a beautiful young woman. Now it was not unusual to occasionally meet someone on the road. What took her by surprise was the fact that she did not know the lady. She immediately felt threatened. This had to be competition from the city. She was young, slim and beautiful; not the kind of odds she favoured. She would have to do something about it. Modesty began to show off; out came her mirror, out came lipstick and makeup. Out came the perfume. She would show this young upstart how it was done. The
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
By Neil Primus
makeover began. When she glanced at the young woman she was taken aback, to see a smile of amusement on her pretty face. “Wat de hell you smiling at? You look like you need these more than me,” Modesty said. The smile broadened and a soft voice reached her. “All I would like to borrow is your mirror. It’s a long time since I used one,” the woman said. This amused Modesty. “Ha ha ha ha. Yo right! Like yo ain’t see a mirror in years. Yo look a hot mess!” The rude comment was answered with an icy glare. Modesty, sensing danger, quickly handed over the mirror. Eager hands grasped the mirror and the stranger examined her
face carefully. Things began to feel slightly odd. Curiosity got the most of the big girl and she snuck a peek into the mirror. What she saw there caused her to leap high into the air. Her eyes bulged, mouth sagged open in terror and her voice went up a few octaves. This might sound hard to believe, but Modesty left a large plume of smoke in her wake. Grunting and panting she motored home. Modesty reached home and trembling hands opened her door. There, lying on the floor, was the mirror. Modesty froze in horror. “Thanks girl.” It was the same soft, silky voice. In a flash, she summersaulted through the door, kicking it shut with a bang. A voice outside chuckled and murmured softly, “At least she fit.”
Why produce Quinoa? QUINOA, pronounced “keen-wah,” is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It is protein-packed, containing every amino acid, and is particularly rich in lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth throughout the body. Quinoa is also a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and fibre. It looks a bit like couscous and is as versatile as rice, but quinoa has a richer, nuttier flavour than either of them. This grain is a staple in the South American countries of Peru, Chile and Bolivia. In recent years, the UK and the U.S. have heralded it as a superior alternative to bulgur wheat, couscous and rice. Though it often occupies a similar role to these grains in dishes, quinoa is actually in the same family as beets, chard and spinach. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is collaborating with Felix Quinoa Farming Industry (FQFI), and the Food and Agriculture Organization to introduce Quinoa to Guyana. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and FQFI in July 2015 outlining areas of cooperation. During recent discussions with FQFI, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAREI,
Dr. Oudho Homenauth, emphasised NAREI’s commitment to having trials for Quinoa commence by September 2017. He highlighted several areas in which NAREI could assist FQFI. They include assisting FQFI to speedily access seed materials; earmarking Ebini, Kairuni, Mon Repos and Canje (New Forrest Area) as possible trial sites; soil testing and data collection; and monitoring of trial sites and providing technical support. This was met with appreciation by FQFI’s President, Joan Perry. She related that FQFI is seeking to have Quinoa grown on a large scale in Guyana with the involvement of other farmers. Perry added FQFI already has a list comprising over 150 persons who are willing to cultivate their lands with Quinoa. However, special emphasis will be placed on female farmers for gender equality and women empowerment purposes. FQFI’s goal of successfully introducing Quinoa to Guyana is a direct response to a call made by the United Nations to have this sustainable crop grown in developing countries by 2020 in light of climate change. In fact, the UN had named 2013 ‘International Quinoa Year’ in recognition of the crop’s high-nutrient content. Interestingly, NAREI is on a mission of introducing climate- smart
technologies and new crops and crop varieties to ensure food security. Quinoa could be prepared and consumed in a variety of ways. Cooked quinoa seeds become fluffy and creamy, yet maintain a slight crunch. It has a delicate and subtly nutty
flavour, versatile for breakfast (as a cereal), lunch (as a salad) or dinner (as a side). Quinoa is among the least allergenic of all the grains, making it a fantastic wheat-free choice. It is an excellent choice for vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. The world trade of quinoa has grown significantly in recent years. Since 2006, there has been a sharp increase in exports from Latin America, the region of the three Andean countries that account for over 80% of global exports. Due to this phenomenon, the World Customs Organization has introduced a 317 tariff opening for quinoa, sub-heading 10.08.50. Quinoa exports amounted to approximately USD131 million in 2012, with high concentrations in both origin and destination. For example, 84.2% of global exports originate from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, 10% from the United States of America, and 6% from the European Union. On the other hand, the United States of America accounts for 53% of quinoa imports, followed by Canada (15%). The remaining exports are destined for France (8%), The Netherlands (4%), Germany (4%), Australia (3%) and LAIA group member countries (3%).
‘Days like Dese’ Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
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Local sitcom seeks to revive interest in traditional TV
By Crystal Stoll WITH the rise of new media, gone are the traditional days when the family would sit at home and watch their favourite television shows after the news. Familiar names like “Family Matters”, “The Cosby Show” and other popular situation comedies (sitcoms,) have all seemed to lose the traditional family audience with the rise in popularity of new shows via streaming services and the cable industry. But even as traditional shows engage in constant competition with modern television, the newly launched local sitcom, “Days like Dese” is hoping to bring back the enthusiasm for such shows in Guyana. For most sitcoms the main objective is to connect with the target audience, either through its characters, or through stories of real life experiences that viewers can relate to. This is the hope of “Days like Dese” which is written and directed by local writer, Randolph Critchlow. It recently aired its first two episodes and has since received positive feedback from the general public via social media. The half-hour show is presented by GEMS Theatre Productions in collaboration with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). The show was officially launched on May 25, though its first episode was aired in June. In an interview with Randolph Critchlow and Gem Mahdoo Nascimento, the pair related that the sitcom was not only created for entertainment purposes, but to share strong and serious messages to the Guyanese public. However, they noted that political and religious messages will not be a part of the show as they plan
he watched as a teen, his favorites being “Three’s Company” and “Friends”. “Even before writing with the Reactors, growing up in theatre and looking at the television at sitcoms like ‘Full House’, ‘Family Matters’ and ‘Fresh Prince,’ those were things I grew up on, so creating the sitcom was always something I wanted to do,” said Critchlow Critchlow stated that his fears for this sitcom lies in loss of sponsorship and the lack of proper copyright laws to protect his work.
Producer and Director of Sitcom “Days like Dese”, Gem Mahdoo- Nascimento
to keep a neutral relationship with their audience. According to Randolph, the 30-minute sitcom delves deep into the daily lives of a diverse ‘socially responsible’ middle-class Guyanese family known as the Rupauls. The sitcom inspects and highlights the intricacies of family and community interactions, through a blurred racial and social lens. The sitcom, through its intentionally diverse and mixed casting, intends to remind the public of how connected they really are as Guyanese. The show also shows patriotism and support of everything Guyanese (food, vacation and craft), as will be seen in the episodes. The Rupaul family exists not only in a racial blender, but a social and generational one; as we get to see how the youth and the older folk try and sometimes struggle to bridge the generational and social gaps. It is Randolph’s hope that viewers will feel connected with this family as they journey with them, traversing terrains that may sometimes be considered controversial,
Cast and Crew of Sitcom “Days like Dese”
Writer and Director of Sitcom “Days like Dese,” Randolph Critchlow
but always palatable. THE WRITER Script Writer and teacher, Randolph Critchlow has on his shoulders 10 years’ experience in the creative industry. His experience ranges in the field of writing, directing, acting and producing. Critchlow explained this is not his first attempt at creating a long standing television show as he would have done a show in collaboration with E-Networks called “Bare Rickaticks”. The group of actors of that show was well known as the ‘Reactors’; they produced a solid number of comedic clips which was aired both on the traditional and social media. After the second season of filming the show ended. The academic, who is an International Relations graduate and certified teacher, expressed his passion for the creative industry in Guyana. He explained, in his early days he always dreamt of creating and writing a sitcom of the same nature, since his inspiration came from sitcoms
THE CAST The actors of the sitcom are no strangers to the creative industry in Guyana. They are Nurriyyih Gerrard, Mark Luke-Edwards, Ron Robinson, Lavonne George, Simone Dowding, Kirk Jardine, Shevon Henry, Rajan Tiwari, Simone Persaud, Makayah Smith, Safira Abrahim-Williams, Kailey Liverpool, Brian Goodman and Olivia Rodrigues to name a few. As other episodes will be filmed new guest actors will appear. When asked if there will be a casting call for inexperienced actors for upcoming seasons, the directors responded in the positive. They revealed that TV personality Joel Gansham will be making an appearance on the sitcom as a guest star among other prominent persons. Executive Producer, Gem Mahdoo-Nascimento, who initially approached Critchlow with the idea for a sitcom explained that the sitcom took a while to get started due to sponsorship. She noted that because of the collaboration with IPED, the sitcom was able to get past the initial stage of launching. “We were supposed to start in December, but I didn’t get enough sponsors, so finally this year we managed to get a number of companies on board,” she said. She added that while she is grateful for the sponsors she has, however, she is hoping to get more support from the Ministries in Guyana, with the exception of Ministry of Social Cohesion, since it would have already assisted in sponsorship for one of the aired episodes. The Executive Producer said, “While we have comedy, we have serious messages. We are approaching ministries who have various messages to send out to educate Guyanese to come on board so we can subtly put their messages in the scripts,” she said. She added that the support from the private sector has been overwhelming. Some of the other sponsors include GTT, Sankar’s Auto World, Ansa McCal, among others. The sitcom will be aired on TVG 28 and on NCN11 on a monthly basis, since there will be 12 episodes per season.
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ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM! DURING the week, I was going over my notes from a class I was preparing to teach on the importance of teamwork. I really enjoyed the content because I always discover something I missed previously. I am a John Maxwell certified Teacher, Speaker and Coach and use a lot of his content. I am extremely grateful to God for this achievement but would also like to say a very big thank you to Mr. Mohamed from Mohamed’s Enterprise for his support. Sometimes we don’t say thank you enough to show our appreciation. I was going over the 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork for my presentation and the first was The Law of Significance. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Throughout human history, whatever the endeavour, great individuals still had teams of people supporting them along the way. There is a saying I love “Individuals play the game but teams win championships.” My memory went back to 2007 when I put together a team to launch Guyana Fashion Week. I knew I had to get the best team possible because of the magnitude of the event. I was really blessed the second team I put together saw the big picture and understood that the goal is more important than the role. Although I am the founder, I have no problem relinquishing when it is an area of someone else’s strength. It was never about who was in charge because everyone has strengths and weaknesses. You cannot accomplish anything if you don’t have a team that understands your vision. “If you think you are the entire picture, you will never see the big picture,” John C. Maxwell said. Sometimes gathering a team can be easier than growing a team. Everything rises and falls on leadership and leadership is influence. One of my favourite laws of the
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is the Law of the Lid. Your organisation or company can only perform under your lid. If you are a five, your organisation will be a three or a four. For every team to be effective they need a catalyst; someone who senses things others don’t sense; a ‘make it happen’ person. Characteristics of a Catalytic leader are being: intuitive, communicative, passionate, talented, creative, initiating, responsible, generous, and influential. Michael Jordan is an example that because of what he did for Chicago Bulls and basketball. It is important for the team leader to make the vision clear to the team because it brings understanding to the team. Purpose is an important element to the vision because it makes sense to the equation. The vision describes where you are going and purpose describes why you are going. It is wise to have measurable goals that keep your vision realistic. The person casting the vision needs to have integrity which brings accountability. Leaders must not be afraid to challenge the team because winners stretch to the challenge and whiners shrink. The vision must have Passion which brings fuel to the vision. Passion fires up the committed and fries the uncommitted. Passion is what keeps you excited about the big picture. The vision must have strategy because it brings process to the vision. Vision gives team members direction and confidence. The credibility of a vision is determined by the leader. The acceptance of a vision is determined by timing of its presentation; the value of the vision is determined by the energy and direction it gives; the evaluation of the vision is determined by the commitment level of the people; and the success of the vision is determined by its ownership from both the leader and the people. Great leaders take the vision from me to we and until that happens, the vision will never be successful. The Law of the Bad Apple is a very interesting law. Rotten
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion attitudes ruin a team. Good attitudes among players do not guarantee a team’s success, but bad attitudes will certainly guarantee its failure. Attitude is the advanced man of our true self. Its roots are inward but its fruits are outward. It can be our best friend or worst enemy and is more honest and consistent than our words. It is an outward look based upon past experiences. It brings people towards us or repels them and it’s never content until it is expressed. It is the Librarian of our past and speaker of our present and profit of our future. A bad apple will have a negative effect on the team. Attitude is a choice and we are responsible for our own attitudes. Bad attitudes compound faster to good attitude and it has the ability to let or tear down a team. Many teams are not successful not because of ability but attitude. I am teaching these laws and learning at the same time and looking forward to sharing the stage with one of my main team members John Quelch. Join us next Sunday as we continue to discuss how teamwork makes the dream work. Send us your experience on working with your team to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit or FB Page as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
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EPA engages over 150 children and youths in environmental day camps been up to!
WE hope by now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the verge of becoming a household name for you, our valuable readers, as well as your family and friends. This week’s article seeks to give exclusive insights into some of our work conducted with the children and youths during this period. The aim is to increase awareness and promote positive attitudes towards the environment. This article will focus on how the Environmental Communication, Education and Awareness Programme Area (ECEAP) of the EPA engaged with children and youths during this vacation period. The work of this programme area is to primarily promote an understanding and appreciation for the natural environment through the provision of education and communication tools and materials for all strata of the Guyanese population. With schools and anmost of the formal education programmes out, a high volume of requests were received by the Agency from both governmental and non-governmental organisations to either facilitate or co-facilitate environmental day camps. The EPA is very appreciative of the opportunities to collaborate and is delightful that environmental awareness formed a core component of the camps programmes across the country. A glimpse of what we’ve
GUYANA’S ZOOLOGICAL PARK CAMP “Zoo Camp,” as it is popularly referred to, was one of the many environmentally tailored day camp sessions, where the EPA was asked to conduct sessions. A session was facilitated by an officer of the EPA which targeted children aged 11-14 years, who were edified about the work of the Agency and its role in environmental protection. This sparked some interesting discussions among students who were eager to learn more about the Agency’s work and how we carry out our day-to-day field operations. During the presentation, participants were shown equipment used to monitor and control pollution and the various ways in which the Agency carries out its mandate, such as using legal instruments, and conducting site visits before a permit is issued to a developer. CARIBBEAN YOUTH ENVIRONMENT NETWORK (CYEN) SUMMER CAMP Being a proactive youth environment organisation, the CYEN has launched yet another year of its annual “Eco Change Makers Camp.” Lasting for one week, each across three regions of the country (Regions Three, Four and 10), this camp experience targets children aged 6-15 years and gives them the chance to explore the many and exciting facets of our
environment. Thus far, the EPA facilitated a session on the ever so interesting topic of Climate Change, and is expected to facilitate other sessions as the camp sessions continue. Students used the arts to showcase their ideas of environmental protection. YOUNG AND THOUGHTFUL YOUTH CAMP An invitation was extended by this vibrant Region 10 (Linden) based youth organisation. A full twoday session was facilitated by the Agency, specifically designed to target fifty (50) students and young adults ranging from ages 10-20. Sessions on Pollution Control and Monitoring were conducted with participants, giving them a clear insight to the Agency’s mandate. Most excitingly, they got the opportunity to live the life of an Environmental Officer for that day by taking a hands-on approach and being exposed to the work routine of such an officer. Participants were involved in carrying out basic water-quality testing for parameters like pH, temperature and turbidity. There were taught basic field observation and data-recording skills. Sessions on how to create green spaces and the importance of good waste management practices were also conducted. Guyana’s National Museum Taxidermy Camp A regular camp this time of year, Guyana’s National Museum offers students a unique experience into the
taxidermy world, and an even more unique opportunity to learn about the environment, conservation and protection. The EPA was invited to facilitate two sessions: one targeting children aged 8-10 and the other 11-14 years. So far, one camp session was conducted by the Agency, which saw students learning about pollution control.
PRESIDENT’S YOUTH AWARD GUYANA The Agency has once again been invited by PYARG to facilitate four of its camp sessions. The camp which focuses on skill-building and social development of youth, has fittingly incorporated environmental awareness into its programme. The ECEAP has made intervention in one session thus far and is keen
on making inroads for the remaining camps. GUYANA GIRL GUIDES With much focus being placed on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and moreso encouraging women and girls to participate in the science field, the Agency was pleased to receive an invitation from the Guyana Girl Guides Association to deliver an interactive presentation on careers in environmental sciences. The Agency would like to give kudos to the organisers of PYARG, Taxidermy, CYEN, Zoo, Young and Thoughtful and Girl Guides camps for recognising the value of environmental education and awareness to the development of our children and youths. If you didn’t get the opportunity to invite us to your camp this holiday season, you can still invite us to your school, group, institution, organisation, community, etc. throughout the year. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
JULIANA
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
A show fit for a president, which Burnham would have enjoyed
By Francis Quamina Farrier
THERE were quite a number of birthday shows staged at the National Culture Centre, for the late President Forbes Burnham; and while serving as the Director of Drama at the Ministry of Culture, I was involved in many them, either on stage or in the background with the production team. I was at the National Cultural Centre on Friday, July 28, 2017 for the show entitled “JULIANA”, which was staged for the birthday of President David Granger. During the fast-paced production which included music, song, dance and choral speaking, my mind flashed back to those earlier presidential birthday shows which were staged for President Forbes Burnham, and which were very good. However, I have to say that “JULIANA” was an excellent show, which I am certain Burnham would have enjoyed, and which I would have loved to be a part of but I was very late in making my desire known. President Forbes Burnham, whose 32nd death anniversary is being observed today, was genuinely interested in the Arts; both the visual and performing Arts. It would be safe to say that Forbes Burnham was not just a lover of the Arts,
President Forbes Burnham (at left) in discussion with members of the PSU Drama Group (Farrier partly backing camera)
but he was a patron of the Arts as well. All those artistes soon to leave for CARIFESTA in Barbados, should be well aware that it was President Forbes Burnham whose vision it was, some 45 plus years ago, to hold a meeting of writers and artists of Caribbean background, in Georgetown, where they exchanged views and ideas. The outcome of that was CARIFESTA, the first of which was held right here in Guyana in 1972.
Now 32 years after his passing, his vision of CARIFESTA and the interacting of those in the visual and performing Arts, lives on. Although all of the CARIFESTAs have been great, those who were at the first CARIFESTA here in Guyana in 1972 still claim that it was the very best. The scope and the involvement of the widest range of artistes, was part of that achievement. There are also physical legacies such as
President Forbes Burnham poses with members of the PSU Drama Group. Farrier is at the left of the President
“Carifesta Avenue” and “Festival City” in Georgetown. Participating in CARIFESTA 1972 were those who were very young, those who were young adults, matured adults, and most certainly the elderly. Some of that no longer obtains, as the shift in more recent CARIFESTAs is for the youth. While the youth should never be omitted, elders should also be included. Burnham’s idea was for total inclusiveness, in terms of the geography of the country, as well as the racial and age groups. In other words, somehow back then, Burnham wanted to have Social Cohesion in the Arts at all important State events. It is known that President Forbes Burnham loved to attend various shows at the National Cultural Centre. He had a very special chair which was located at the immediate right of the center isle of the front row in the balcony. It had a little side table attached to it, on which was placed his red phone for any emergency call; that was of course, long before the invention of cell phones. On Friday night, there was a group of students in the balcony, and I took the opportunity to tell them about that special chair which was sat in so many times by President Forbes Burnham, whenever he attended shows at the National Cultural Centre. Seating for President David Granger for his Birthday Show, JULIANA, was different than it used to be for President Forbes Burnham; Presi dent David Granger sat in the front row in the auditorium. However, like President Burnham, at the end of the performance, President Granger went on stage and mingled with the cast members and thanked them for a job well done.
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SHE goes by the unusual The young musician has Rkhty was born in Brooklyn to name of ‘Rkhty’ and though also appeared at several GuyGuyanese parents of Guyanese parentage, the ana-related events staged in Brooklyn-born solo musician New York. is determined to imprint her During her musical career, brand and music across her she had enjoyed exposure at home state, New York, and the famous Barclays Center the wider American scene, in Brooklyn, NY; at the Art of with one awe-inspiring perCool Fest in Durham, North formance after another. Her Carolina; and South by Southmusic features mainly R&B west Festival in Austin, Texas. and hip-pop genres, but she During these events, Rkhty - Guyanese-American has done some remixes that enjoyed performing in front gravitate towards reggae and R&B songwriter of massive crowds and gained dancehall. contacts which she plans to Currently, she is promot- advances her build on to advance her musiing her latest release ‘Friday musical career cal career. Night’ for which the video was “I feel like this year I am a launched two weeks earlier, lot clearer as to my goals, how along with a series to popuI want to” achieve them and larise the venture. That event how I want to tackle building was staged at the Industry City my brand,” she indicated. Distillery in Brooklyn, and Looking ahead, she said: attracted an audience of well “In the next five to 10 years, I over 150. In her latest perforsee myself being able to monmance, she appeared last week alongside other prominent musical talents in the ‘What If’ series at Interface, NYC. During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Rkhty said she is advertising via social media, but is now finalising her promotional campaign to engage in more upcoming onstage shows, and successful don’t need help, but the biggest support someone to continue her ‘Friday Night’ series. She intends to capi- can give me is to share my music. People forget how hard it talise on the few remaining summer days, especially with is being born in New York and of Guyanese parentage, and the ‘Friday Night’ remix, which she recently completed in a trying to build that international relationship as well,” she reggae style. observed. Rkhty promoting her latest “I showcase my music in a series of shows because I like Ideally, Rkhty would like to connect with larger and more ‘Friday Night’ release to create a more intimate music experience for the audience. influential media personnel to help post and share her music. So, I definitely have more shows coming up. I would like to She is expected to go on tour soon and plans also to promote have three or four more installments. I am now in the pro- her music within Guyduction stages and I am working to collaborate with other ana, a land she holds in people to fine-tune and make it an exceptional experience for high esteem, since as everyone,” the singer explained. a child. In the meantime, she stressed the need for people to lis“My dad was a ten, like and share her music so that her fan-base can grow. journalist in Guyana etise my career to an She finds it difficult to promote her music while working a and my mom was a extent that I don’t have full-time 9 to 5 job and therefore relies on the support of her nurse. Though I was to work 9-5, and will family, relatives, friends, co-workers and former schoolmates born and raised in be able to maintain a who have been her biggest cheerleaders. comfortable lifestyle. Brooklyn, I remember “A lot of people have seen me and think that I am already spending lots of sumI see myself being able to travel and provide mers in Guyana at my Rkhty started singing at age three services for products, uncle, Malcom, who bands, movies in a had a farm and there manner that no artist I enjoyed feeding the has been able to do.” livestock and just being Despite her hectic carefree, as opposed to Rkhty performing on stage recently work schedule and dethe hustle and bustle of mands of personal life, life where I was living Rkhty is very creative and then in New York, at song writing too. where I started working at a young age,” the artist related. “Life experiences play a main role in inspiring my music, not necessarily my life experiences but my friends’, stories ESTEEMED PERFORMANCES Growing up among Guyanese lineage, the young woman that people tell me; stories that people want me to narrate, said the Guyana culture, especially the food, had always been experiences that they want to be heard, that want the world to present at her home, though beyond that she is identified as know but on an anonymous level,” she outlined. “I like to write from a more creative and abstract point American. While her fan-base and target audience is mainly in New York, Rkhty has performed several times in Guyana, of view so that the listener really has to focus on words and the most recent being for the 50th Independence Anniversary. imagery to build out whatever it is that I am singing about,” She also collaborated with Hilton Hemerding on a remake she continued. Rkhty started singing at age three in church and got of his “Oh Beautiful Guyana”. Hemerding had recorded the a lot of informal practice during her holidays in Guyana original song in March 1966 before Guyana gained indepenwhen she attended several churches in the company of reldence status. atives. She received formal musical training in Brooklyn.
The golden voice of
Rkhty
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A special Emancipation Government in Action
From ‘plantation to nation’, the legacy of land and liberty EMANCIPATION Day in Guyana is celebrated each year on August 1 and commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1834. It is a time when Guyanese reflect on the trials and tribulations
faced by the enslaved Africans at the hands of their British masters. The enslaved Africans were either bought or captured from African countries. During the journey from their homelands to Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean, the slaves were packed
together like sardines and many of them died of illness or chose death by jumping into the Atlantic Ocean. This journey was referred to as the Middle Passage. The transatlantic slave trade was responsible for the forced migration of between 12 and 15 million people from Africa to the Western Hemisphere from the middle of the 15th Century to the end of the 19th Century. On Emancipation Day, many Guyanese regardless of ethnicity and cultural backgrounds, converge at the National Park in the capital city, as the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) hosts its annual cultural extravaganza showcasing traditional dances, songs, poems and other tributes dedicated to the ancestors. Across the country, particularly in Berbice, soirees and cultural and spiritual events are also enjoyed by many.
However, amidst the frolic, there is a deeper meaning to Emancipation, particularly in Guyana and President David Granger this year called on all Guyanese to follow in the footsteps of their foreparents, who not only struggled for their freedom, but endeavoured to set a strong foundation for those to follow. When slavery was abolished in 1834, Guyana’s economy and social structure underwent significant changes. Many former slaves left the plantations and populated villages outside the capital city, starting what is known as the Village Movement, which started in 1839 and eventually led to the ‘political movement’ for civil rights and constitutional change, and to the ‘labour movement’ for the improvement of conditions of work in both urban and rural areas. The event sent the nation in a new direction and also
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led to greater cultural diversity exemplifying the national motto: “One People, One Nation, and One Destiny.” Speaking at the Sunrise Worship Breakfast at the Glory Light Tabernacle on August 1, 2017, in one of the villages bought by freed Africans, Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara, the President deemed this movement as the transformation from “plantation to nation.” In 1842, a group of 65 freed Africans pooled their money and bought 300 acres of land in that community. These Africans, like many others, had saved money that they had earned from over-time work over the years and since much of the money they had saved was in the form of coins, the payment had to be transported in wheelbarrows to the sellers. This, the Guyanese Head of State pointed out, was achieved despite the lack of education among the ancestors. Therefore, with the resources available today, much more can be accomplished by their predecessors. President Granger urged Guyanese to use this as an example to improve livelihoods for themselves and families. He reminded his audience that during slavery, the Africans had no family structure, but once freed, they ensured that they laid the foundation to secure an enabling stable environment for their children to thrive. Home, food, church and school were the four pillars that constituted these of enslavement and after enslavement… And the fourth of course was the school, because they wanted their children to read, write, count and spell.” Importantly, the President said it could not have been
communities developed by the African ancestors. Under the plantation system, the President said the Africans were treated as property, therefore “The first thing they did when they got their freedom, was to acquire these villages where they could build real homes…where their women and their children could live together… the second thing they thought about was about their farms, they had to get food…they ate what they grew and they grew what they ate. So these villages were important sources of food. The third thing they did was to build their own churches, because it was the Congregational churches that helped to educate them more than any other church and kept them together during the period
easy for the freed Africans, coming out of a system such as slavery to save and buy all these villages, all within the first decade of Emancipation. “Let us preserve our homes, Turn to page XXXI ►►►
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Emancipation revisited By Tota C. Mangar
struggle to survive this obviously harsh and oppressive system. THIS month of August 2017 marks the It was not surprising, therefore, that re183rd anniversary of Emancipation. It sistance quickly became an integral part of was on August 1, 1834, that the despicable the system. Our foreparents resisted capture system of slavery was abolished in all Brit- on the African continent itself; they adopted ish colonies including Guyana, the former innovative methods of resistance on board British Guiana. the overcrowded slave ships while crossing Such a development emerged as a con- the Middle or Atlantic Passage and on the sequence of intense and persistent struggle, plantations, they justifiably intensified their sacrifice and resistance by the victims resistance to the system of enslaved labour. themselves along with the valiant efforts of Those varied forms of passive and active energetic supporters such as religious leaders, resistance clearly demonstrated their deterhumanitarians, politicians and enlightened mination as a people and their non-comindividuals of the day. pliance with the evils of bondage and opOur history tells us that our Afro-Guy- pression. Malingering, feigning illness or anese forefathers were first brought here to ignorance, hunger strikes, deliberately doing provide enslaved labour during the early poor work, self-inflicted actions, damage to decades of the 17th century by the Dutch the master’s property, maroonage, and slave in their quest for settlement and colonisa- rebellions were all part of the strategy to untion. This was part of a wider and forced dermine the economic, social, political and movement of people from the continent of cultural dominance the master class enjoyed Africa to the West Indian islands and the at the expense of the victims. Americas, which was initiated more than a The 1763 Berbice Revolt and the heroic century earlier by European colonisers. efforts of Cuffy, Atta, Accabre and others Slavery in the New World was institu- must certainly have been an inspiration to tionalised by the Europeans on the grounds many in the cause of Emancipation. The of economic necessity through the Trans-At- same could be said of other slave rebellions lantic slave trade. The end-result was that including the 1823 East Coast Insurrection millions of Africans were uprooted from their which vividly illustrated the slaves’ desire homeland through trickery, kidnapping, raids, for freedom. bribery and other forms of deception and takThese very actions of the enslaved en against their will to these parts, where they Africans undoubtedly instilled fear and found themselves into the monstrous system uncertainty in the minds of the plantocraof plantation slavery. cy. Above all, they contributed significantly In order to justify their actions, Europeans in complementing the efforts of those within quite simplistically and arrogantly argued that the Anti-Slavery Movement to sensitise and slavery was in existence in Africa even before mould public opinion in the furtherance of they made contact with that continent. But, Emancipation. let me hasten to say that the slavery which In the final analysis, the ongoing strugexisted in Africa before the advent of New gle, sacrifice and resistance bore fruit as the World slavery was a completely different sys- British Emancipation Act was passed in 1833 tem, it was more or less a social institution. and came into force on the 1st August, 1834, Africans saw it as an honour and obligation bringing to an end the atrocious system of to give service to their rulers in the army, in slavery which for centuries had brought so agriculture, in construction works and other much pain, suffering and bitterness. areas of development. It was a relatively huAs a matter of fact, at midnight of July 31, mane system which permitted upward social 1834, an estimated ¾ of a million men, wommobility and enhanced dignity and pride. en and children ceased to be slaves. In the Under this system, the slave was always case of Guyana, it meant that approximately considered as a valuable person in society. 85,000 enslaved Africans became ‘partially On the contrary, the slavery that emerged freed’ in 1834. It was considered ‘partially in the West Indies and the Americas due to freed’ because in reality, it was not ‘full freeEuropean imposition was characterised by dom’ in the initial stage. The Emancipation greed, injustice, cruelty and gross exploita- Act catered for a period of transition called tion. There was nothing humane about the the Apprenticeship System, under which the system and the victims were reduced to the ex-slaves were apprenticed to their former status of ‘properties or things’ of their mas- masters. This apprenticeship system lasted ters. It is little wonder that prominent African for four years, 1834-1838, before ‘full freescholar, Dr Ajayi, aptly states that it is absurd dom’ was achieved. to use the same word “slavery” to describe During this period, the apprentices had the two systems -- the humane social insti- to provide compulsory, unpaid labour to the tution in existence in Africa, as against the extent of three-quarters the working week very oppressive economic institution which for their former masters, while the remaining unfolded in the New World as a consequence quarter working week they were expected to of European imposition. earn wages. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade and planBy opting for the apprenticeship period, tation slavery were degrading, demoralising the British Government intended to have a and dehumanising to the victims in every smooth transition from slavery to full freesense of the word. From the very outset, dom. It also wanted to ensure a continuous it required supreme sacrifice and valiant labour supply to plantation owners, thereby
ensuring the survival of the dominant sugar industry. Indeed, the piece of legislation which ended slavery hinted at momentous, far-reaching changes in the society. It transformed the legal status of more than 80 percent of the population by abolishing the legal oddity of property in person and by substituting equality for all before the law. It altered the labour base of the society by substituting a wage- labour system for unpaid slave labour. It outlined the basis for the existence of a greatly enlarged body of free persons by removing the legal authority which had over the years enabled a small elite group (the planters) to exercise unlimited arbitrary power over the activities and lives of the overwhelming majority (enslaved Africans). In reality, Emancipation and Apprenticeship created numerous problems. The ex-slaves quite rightly could not understand why they had to be apprenticed to their former masters and at the same time being told that they were free. Planters made life more difficult for them by adopting an increasingly hostile attitude. They wanted to extract as much labour out of the apprentices before the period was over. They arbitrarily deducted wage rates and even withdrew basic supplies. They indulged in unjust provocation and apprentices had to fend for themselves. They brazenly practised many features of slavery. This state of affairs led to the heroic passive resistance by Damon and his followers on the Essequibo Coast in 1834, and by labourers elsewhere. It was not surprising, therefore, that the system of Apprenticeship came to a premature end in 1838, and full freedom was eventually achieved. Undoubtedly, the ex-slaves had high hopes, aspirations and expectations with the coming of Emancipation. Their mass exodus from the plantations during the critical period of “crisis, experimentation and change” is testimony to this. Several decades of cruelty and injustice under the slavery system had resulted in the plantation being seen as the symbol of dehumanisation, degradation and demoralisation as far as the victims were concerned. They quite naturally wanted to rid themselves of planter-class social, cultural and political domination and at the same time they were very keen to assert their economic independence, largely through agricultural activities. They wanted to start life afresh and with dignity and pride. In spite of the tremendous difficulties these freed men faced, it was with great determination and enthusiasm that they embarked on the village movement commencing with the admirable communal purchase of Northbrook (now Victoria) and other abandoned estates countrywide. Through their laudable efforts, many communal and even proprietary villages emerged. Within a few years after emancipation, the African village population had by far outnumbered that of the estates. Associated with this was their cashcrop cultivation which resulted in a vibrant
Tota C. Mangar
and rapidly expansive peasantry. In the face of planter-class antagonism, inadequate finance for capital investment and infrastructural development, periodic flooding and destruction of crops, exorbitant land prices and high rentals, virtually non-existent transportation and marketing facilities, restrictive ordinances and some unsympathetic administrators, the ex-slaves and their descendants persisted in the 19th century. It was the free village life which initiated development in many rural communities such as the establishment of churches, schools, roads, bridges, sea defence structures, drainage and irrigation canals and of added significance, village management. The latter was local democracy in its infancy stage. Emancipation Month is certainly an occasion for rejoicing and at the same time one for sober reflection. Our Afro-Guyanese forefathers who endured slavery with all its viciousness have paid the supreme sacrifice through their toils, perils and lives to help lay the foundation for our country’s development. Their descendants have over the years given, and continue to give, invaluable contributions to every sphere of activity, including the social, economic, cultural and political fields. Some of our very prominent politicians, religious leaders, trade unionists, professionals, agriculturalists, miners, sports personalities, businessmen, artists, industrialists and the like, are descendants of those Africans who dedicated their lives for betterment. This is clearly a time for us to take inspiration as we strenuously strive for full national unity, so necessary for our country’s continued progress and the well-being of all Guyanese. We should be heartened by the active roles of our local and regional Reparatory Committees in the furtherance of reparatory justice and within the framework of development cooperation during the last months. In 2014, CARICOM Reparations Commission Chairman and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles, in addressing the House of Commons in the British Parliament , forcibly and convincingly argued that Great Britain has a moral obligation to compensate Caribbean nations for the evils associated with slavery. I salute our African brothers and sisters and indeed all Guyanese on the occasion of our 183rd Anniversary of Emancipation.
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Embracing little children By Shirley Thomas THE Angela Grant Humanitarian Foundation, based in the United States, has a mission of bringing joy to the hearts of less fortunate children, and over the last three weeks it has aimed at fulfilling that mission through a distribution exercise which saw backpacks and school supplies being shared to more than 500 children in coastal and hinterland communities in Guyana. This is the foundation’s 10th visit to Guyana, and this time around, it extended its reach to Region One, Barima-Waini, with the addition, reaching an additional 80 children
Angela Grant in various settings with the children to whom she brought cheer in Guyana over the last three weeks
Angela with children in Kitty
from that area. Founder of the foundation, Angela Grant, said that she is fascinated by the beauty and the potential of Region One’s Eco Tourism and was charmed by the warmth and hospitality exuded by the people there. Moreover, she expressed being touched by their humil-
ity, even as they strive to rise above difficult circumstances. She has therefore readily committed to partnering with them and as well as persons from Mabaruma on her visit to Guyana next year. Turn to page XXX ►►►
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Groups/locations to which she distributed backpacks and school supplies this year include: Share the Light Ministry; Artistes in Direct Support; Skeldon, Berbice; Mocha/Arcadia; Ramelo Bascom, Grove; and Full Gospel Fellowship (South Road) for the Mazaruni Missionaries. Grant ventured on this noble humanitarian initiative about 10 years ago. The initiative started with her giving ‘out-of-
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pocket’ support in the form of clothing and other personal effects to patients at an HIV Treatment and Care Centre in Georgetown. She also offered counselling to them wherever possible. Placing a high premium on education, she later turned her attention to responding to the needs of underprivileged children in the form of school supplies, while urging them to ‘stay in school’ and not drop out. Last year she took the initiative to St. Lucia (her paternal homeland) which generated much interest and excitement
At Mocha Village
among the children there. But even before venturing out at that level, this humanitarian touch was spotted in Angela while yet in her juvenile years. As a youth, she became a member of the Guyana Red Cross Society. In her capacity of a cadet officer, she had responsibility for what was called ‘Meals on Wheels,’ taking and delivering meals to shut-ins. She also worked and lectured at the Red Cross Convalescent Home for Children in D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown. Grant benefitted too, from nurses’ training at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital before returning to Castries, St. Lucia, where her parents and some of her siblings resided. She subsequently migrated to the United States of America. A social worker, she is currently pursuing studies towards a Master’s Degree in Nursing in the USA. Angela is married to Mr. Louis Grant whom she described as a tower of strength, and who has provided her with the moral and other support as she seeks to fulfil her mission of bringing joy to the hearts of little children. Grant also wishes to record her profound appreciation to donors in the United States, through whose generosity the programme continues to be a success.
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let us preserve our schools and let us preserve our farms, so that we can have a happy life in the land that our foreparents purchased with the blood, sweat and tears,” the Head of State said. Freedom was seen as an instrument for the Africans to make their children and grandchildren happy and have access to the resources they were unable to acquire during those centuries of captivity. Speaking to a large crowd at the Gibraltar-Fyrish Primary school, during the Mega Emancipation celebrations this year, President Granger said, “Over the years, your foreparents were able to produce ground provisions, fruits and coconuts and they made these villages into the food bowl of the Corentyne. In fact, when the Black Bush Polder was opened they were able to get planting materials from Gibraltar and Leeds… These villages were purpose-built… There was an aim to create a settled peasantry.” Sitting on about 500 acres of land, Gibraltar was one of the biggest villages purchased 175 years ago during the said Village Movement. It was bought a mere four years after the end of slavery by 20 freed Africans at the cost of $4,383. The fact that in the decade after Emancipation, freed Africans were able to buy 15,000 acres of land in cash, attest to their visionary thinking. “This was an economic miracle… In the whole western hemisphere, there was no movement like the Village Movement of British Guiana at the time in which thousands of people were able to move off of the plantations… We today are the beneficiaries of the miraculous Village Movement. What a people our forefathers were! They gave us the greatest legacy of all, land to build churches, homes, schools and farms,” he said. While the freed Africans had already endured the worst crime against humanity, once emancipated, the Plantation owners, after recognising their resilience and drive to build these communities and provide the basic necessities for their families, did all that was possible to frustrate the Movement. They increased the cost for the plantation lands and even forced the Africans to accept meagre wages and prohibited them from fishing in the canals and committed other acts designed to keep the Africans working for them. Allowances for food and medicines were discontinued; their fruit trees were chopped down and farm animals were killed in the vile attempt to keep these Africans under their control, but these tactics failed. The strong-willed Africans continued to persevere. The spirit of entrepreneurship was evident among the freed Africans and according to Guyana’s history, by 1839, Africans purchased plantations of Lichfield, Golden Grove, St. John and Providence in West Berbice. Lichfield was bought by one person, Cudjoe Mc Pherson, and later divided into 12 sections which he sold to other Africans for a profit. Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara was bought by 61 Africans. New Orange Nassau, an 800-acre plantation renamed Buxton in honour of Thomas Buxton, who championed the cause of Emancipation in the British Parliament, was purchased by 128 persons for $50,000 in 1840. In 1841, another group paid $80,000 for Plantation Friendship, located next to Buxton. Portions of estates were also sold to African labourers, for instance on the Essequibo Coast, the owners of Dageraad, Mocha and Westfield divided the front lands into lots and sold them for $100 to $200 each. A thriving village of Africans soon developed in that area and was named Queenstown in honour of Queen Victoria. Similarly, the front lands of Plantation Aberdeen were divided and sold to Africans who established the village of Williamstown. The purchasing of lands by Africans continued until 1852. By that time, Africans had established 25 villages on lands purchased for over one million dollars. As history has recorded, even though slavery was abolished, the Africans still had many struggles as the colonisers sought to control this freedom. Many struggles continued even after, but despite these challenges the relationships were forged and the different ethnic groups continued to strive to transform Guyana’s landscape. The President has stressed over the years that Emancipation must be used to bridge gaps and to foster freedom in every sense. Through Emancipation, Guyana has been blessed with a diverse population from different racial groups in which all members are endowed with unique talents, skills and cultural heritages, which must be unified for nation-building.
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Banana Bread
INGREDIENTS 3 Ripe/Very Ripe Bananas 1/3 Cup Melted Butter 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda A Pinch of Salt 1 Cup Sugar (if you prefer less sweet you can simply use less sugar) 1 Large Egg 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract/Essence 1 1/2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour METHOD Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Butter and flour a 4×8-inch loaf pan (or any other pan you prefer to use) In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until it is smooth. In the same bowl add all the wet ingredients: melted butter, vanilla essence, beaten egg, and mix together. In a separate bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and mix well. Add both wet and dry ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F (175°C), or until toothpick/tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving. Serves 4
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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just, But four times he who gets his blow in fust. JOSH BILLINGS (HENRY WHEELER SHAW) (1818-1885) Josh Billings, his sayings (1865). See Shakespeare, Henry IV: Pt. 2, III. STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, IN the past weeks much was being said about the structure and content of a paragraph. Our catch terms were: material relevant and appropriate to the particular situation; clear, sensible, and sequential presentation; impact on your subject, your purpose, your read-
ers, and your form of writing (letter, report, story and so on). We also stressed the clear indication of Introduction (beginning); Body (middle); or Conclusion (end) of your presentation. Today we look at what is called ‘mature writing’. Be wise. Love you.
MATURE WRITING Researchers have come up with some well-documented answers about the development of ‘mature’ syntax. They found out the ages (both professional and non-professional) in which writers begin to develop and use a given syntactic fluency or maturity. Read the two pieces of writing that follow and try to generalise what makes some writers express themselves as the two writers did. Compare notes with your study partners. First Letter To the University of Michigan – so-called Student Body, What, if I may ask as a taxpayer and a person who pays taxes to support a bunch of Hoods, beer slops, punks, and you name it U. of M. has it including the commie Profs. I put (3) three sons through college and not one was a bunch of like you birds… [rather, they are] men with good, honest jobs, homes, and families. If even one of my son’s had come home and said he was going to burn his draft card, I would have taken him apart piece by piece, then stick him back together and he would have been glad to enlist then, and I would not have cared if he never came back. [Ann Arbor (Michigan) News] Second Letter Dear John, I suppose a father always writes advice to his son upon the important moment of his entering college and I am no exception. A large part of your future life will be influenced by what you do this next year. The habits and ties you form will be with you always. At least, they have been with me, and I want you to do the right thing. There is a great deal of talk about democracy. I thought there was something in it once, but now I am not so sure. .... Sometimes it seems to me that you are reticent in talking to your parents. You are making a great mistake, John, for I really think that I could be a good deal of help to you. I am still quite well-known around the Club, you know, and your first object must be to ‘make’ the Club. I believe that everything else, even including your studies, should be secondary to this. You may call this a piece of worldly counsel, but it is worthwhile. . . . Your own sort are the best friends and you will do well not to forget it. [Excerpted from J.P. Marquand’s novel “The Late George Aply”) A careful study of the two pieces should reveal the following points: 1) Differences in important ways: a) Addressed to different audiences: i) large group almost not directly known by the writer; ii) single person relatively well-known to the writer b) Maturity in syntax: One is less distinctive in what is said than the other. 2) Similarities in the pieces: i) Both address their own values and feelings solely.
ii) Both assume that their reader shares these feelings. 3) Have the writers considered the following points among others? i) How does my audience feel about the subject? ii) How does my audience feel about me? iii) How are my audience’s feelings/ experiences different from mine? The point being aimed at here is that mature writing is as mature as the writers themselves. Writers continue to develop cognitively well into their adult years. They change in their view of knowledge, and maybe the ways they think about experience, feelings, values, and ideas. This development is important in writers. Writers do come eventually to see that their audience is someone who may not see the world as they do and therefore, they should be accommodated. Look how accommodating one schoolgirl was in her letter to the Editor. Dear Editor, I disagree with the Lady. It’s not fair for us girls that we have to miss out on some of the things that the boys do. It’s not fair. We girls want to show the boys that we’re every bit as good as the boys. I think that if we want to do this, they have to give us a chance by having the girls and boys doing the same on the Phycal fitness. It’s not fair I think, for the boys to do more than we do. But if they want co-ed, then have it all co-ed instead of splitting classes up when it comes to contact sports. Girls can play contact sports too, can’t they? Give us a chance! Look at this other response. Dear Editor, Last night in the Tonawanda newspaper, I read a letter from a parent saying she thinks it is a bad mistake for boys and girls to be together in the same gym class. She also said she bets all the students at the Junior High feel the same way she does. I disagree with her because I feel the girls will try harder to keep up with the boys and so be more physically fit. Also, the girls have the opportunity to compete against some fine athletes and learn more. If we have to have coed gym and swimming, it should be all coed even in contact sports. I also think we should have a say in what we want to do, not what other people make us do. Something to Do: Get together with your study partners and see what letter seems more egocentric. 1. What is the first girl’s value judgment? What does she appear to assume about the reader’s knowledge? What could have prompted this? 2. Does the second writer reflect this assumption? What context does she provide for her views? What argument does she provide, based on something other than her own personal wishes?
Chronicle Pepperpot August 6, 2017
XLIII
Entertainment
Surprise! Your Favorite Disney Princess Movies Are Heading Back to Theatres Disney is about to make your next experience at the movies a bit more magical. If you thought it would be impossible to watch your favorite princess movies on the big-screen again, we're happy to report that you thought wrong. Disney announced a Dream Big, Princess marathon will be running from September 8 through October 13. With help from the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and 304 AMC movie theatres across the country, Disney fans will be able to relive their childhood and experi-
to soak in. There are a lot of songs to sing and lots of Princess outfits that can be worn. But by the time 1991's Beauty and the Beast returns to the big screen, summer vacation will be over and we'll be needing a serious pick me up.
ence six classic Disney films. Although each movie will run for one week with 14 show times
only, Disney is giving fans a heads up and allowing moviegoers to buy advance tickets today for AMC
Theatre locations and Friday for the El Capitan. We get it; it's a lot
Bollywood news SRK's film to be screened for underprivileged kids in Delhi Shah Rukh Khan will be back in Delhi next week for a special screening of 'Jab Harry
Met Sejal'. The screening will be hosted by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari. According to sources, when Tiwari met Shah Rukh for the promotion of his film in Banaras last week, he'd invited him to the special screening. The screening is part of Delhi BJP's initiative to conduct interactions between underprivileged children and celebrities to inspire them. It is not being positioned as a party event, but since Tiwari is BJP's Delhi president, so party members will also attend the screening with around 1000 children. Harish Khurana, Delhi BJP spokesperson, told us, "BJP Delhi president Manoj Tiwari is organising the screening in his area, north-east Delhi. We will invite slum children for the screening and Shah Rukh will speak to them at the screening or during the interval. Since only limited people can attend the screening, we are also planning to organise a marathon on the same day so that more children get a chance to listen to Shah Rukh Khan." A BJP member said that the idea behind the screening of the film and interaction with Shah Rukh is to inspire children to work harder to build a better life.