See inside:
‘Writing has II power’ ► Page
Higher Level for Berbice artistes ► Page
New sound, new music from Richie Spice Talks healing, positivity and new album
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Editor’s note WHEN it comes to academia, the world over, people tend to overlook the value of the arts, often times leaning toward Mathematics and the Sciences. The arts are overlooked as a valuable part of the education system, and focus is placed on those areas where logic reigns and which lead to clear cut paths for successful careers. It is hard to take art ‘seriously’ when its basis rests on creativity, but more and more, supporters of the arts continue to fight for the respect it deserves
as it serves as a critical component in self-development. In this week’s edition of the Pepperpot, we take the time to highlight just how importance the arts are to a person’s development. We see how Berbice artists are banding together to let their music and their talent be heard. We celebrate with a local writer- and one of our very own columnists- as he prepares to participate in an international fellowship which will help him to improve his craft and provide
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017 a platform where he can better tell Guyanese stories. One Jamaican artist speaks to us about how he uses his art as a medium of sharing positivity to young people at a time when negative messages seem to dominate our society. Even our columnists themselves talk about the importance of the arts and its (rightful) place among the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics drive in education. We hope that this week’s features help those who doubt the power of the arts to accept that it has a rightful place in this world, and for those who wish to pursue it, we hope that our stories encourage you to do so, and to do so fearlessly.
‘Writing has power’
Guyanese writer Subraj Singh bound for International Writing Programme By Gibron Rahim WRITING is an incredible force for change. It is not an exaggeration that it can change the world. A new generation of writers has emerged in our country to carry on the torch of those who came before them. Among them is Subraj Singh. His works reflect the Guyanese experience and
Subraj Singh, Guyanese Writer
‘Masque’ being performed at the National Drama Festival 2016 (Photo credit: Mr. Phil, MoE)
have been featured and awarded locally. Most recently, he has been selected for a three-month residency at the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program (IWP). Founded in 1967, the IWP has hosted over 1,400 writers from over 140 countries since its inception. Over a 12-week period every Fall, the writers in the programme are allowed the opportunity to work on their own projects, as well as to give readings and lectures, collaborate with other artists and travel and interact with American audiences and
across the world,” Subraj noted. He explained that once these nominations are sent in, applications and samples are screened and then decisions are made. After this process, 30-35 writers are selected for the programme. And Subraj counted himself thankful to be among those selected this year. The sharing of their literary works is a key part of the IWP. Numbering among Subraj’s pieces that he will The logo of the 2017 International be sharing is ‘Rebelle and Writing Programme Other Stories’. The collection (Photo credit: IWP Facebook) of short stories won the 2014 Guyana Prize for Literature in the Best First Book of Fiction category. The scripts of the first two parts of his ‘Rebellion Trilogy’ of plays – ‘Laugh of The Marble Queen’ and ‘Masque’ – are also making the trip. ‘Laugh of the Marble Queen’, a one-act play, won Best Junior Play at the 2015 National Drama Festival as well as seven of the 15 awards it was nominated for, including Best New Guyanese Play. It also won first prize in the Drama category of the Jubilee Creative Writing Competition. Subraj also credits it with helping to establish him as ‘a playwright of some worth.” ‘Masque’, a postcolonial, post-modern play like ‘Laugh of The Marble Queen’, also made an impact at last year’s National Drama Festival with wins in the categories of Best Production and Best New Guyanese Play, among others, and ‘Laugh of The Marble Queen’ being is currently representing Guyana at performed (Photo credit: Mr. Phil, MOE) CARIFESTA XIII. literary communities. The University of Iowa itself is located in Iowa City, which has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Subraj revealed that he initially had doubts about being admitted to the programme . He first heard about it from Ruel Johnson who participated in the programme last year. He said that, after conducting research and realising how competitive and prestigious the IWP was, he did not believe he would gain admission. However, he was nominated by the United States Embassy. “There are nominations that take place all
NEW MATERIAL These more established works will be joined by new material Subraj has been working on. Referring to the new pieces he said, “A lot of them came out of the Creative Writing programme I was a part of at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD) this year.” The pieces were written as part of his academic work in the course. He considers them a kind of return to fiction for him since he had written all the stories Turn to page XVI ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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New sound,
new music from Richie Spice
Talks healing, positivity and new album
By Jasmaine Payne IT has been about 10 years since Jamaican Reggae artiste Richie Spice has visited Guyana, having last performed in concert at the National Park alongside Macka Diamond and Ding Dong in 2007, but he remembers quite well the support he received from his Guyanese fans while there. And while the artiste is busy making the rounds promoting his most recent album ‘The Album,’ Richie Spice has said that Guyana may be due for a ‘refresher’ visit even as he seeks to promote his new sound. The singer’s music has for years made its way on the playlists of many Guyanese parties, minibuses, cars and households over the years, with the lyrics of his well-known hits such as ‘Brown Skin’ and ‘Earth a run red’ being sung almost as an anthem by local fans. In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, the Jamaican singer, who is currently on his ‘Healing Tour’ in Europe, said that he still remembers the love he received from Guyanese during his last visit. “I love the people in Guyana and I know the people in Guyana love me, because of their turnout when I was there and I know we have something going on... I will be seeing Guyana soon,” the artiste, whose real name is Richell Bonner, said. But until we see him again, his focus continues to be on ‘The Album,’ which he believes his fans will love as its content is different from his previous work. “‘The Album’ shows growth… it shows a more developed Richie Spice,” he said. “My vocals have been developed, the production has been greater, it’s a lot of effort production wise and it has a different sound; a more mature sound.” This new sound comes even as Richie acknowledges that Reggae music itself has undergone some changes over the years, but he is pleased with the direction in which it is going. “It made a great change and it is just stepping forward and we are giving thanks to youth who have been listening to the elders over the years,” he said. As for the younger reggae artistes, he encourages that they continue to work hard to contribute to the legacy of Reggae music. “Keep
the music of the same trend and keep taking it to a different level. For me, I stay truthful to my music, because I am a very truthful person; life has been true to me so I am being true to life,” he said. Richie Spice has, throughout his career -- which spans over two decades -- made a commitment to creating uplifting music; a commitment which, now more than ever, could be deemed useful given the oftentimes overwhelming waves of negativity perpetuated by social media and the internet. But, as part of the balance of life, Richie said that negative and positive messages go one with the other, but noted that the important thing is to ensure that the younger generation gravitates to the positive. “The media is there for a purpose, so much good can come from it and it is so sad to know that people do bad things with it. I would say to the people right now: be positive in this time. There are so many things going on in the world right now that’s negative, but we can use the media in a positive way, so that positive things can come out of what they are saying for the younger generation and the people living around them and for society,” he said. And so, he ensures that he does his part, especially since he is aware that a large number of his fans include young people. “I see [young people] attend my stage shows and just by seeing them attend the festivals and the shows it means that they are listening and are interested in what I am saying, so I can see that my work is going a far way,” he said.
The artiste said that he tries to ensure that while his music cannot reach everyone, there is a message in there for many groups, and that includes women as well. In fact, many of his songs, including ‘Brown Skin’-- which currently has over 15 million views on YouTube -- ‘Ghetto Girl’ and other tunes, are geared toward the appreciation of women. “For me, writing songs and putting an album together to put out there, I have to mention the ladies. Me, myself, I love my mother, so it gives me that passion towards women,” he said. “So I always have to add the ladies in our package to send out there. I never try to sing about them in a discriminatory way to make them feel bad; I always try to put something nice together for them to put a smile on their faces.” Richie Spice has quite some time remaining for his ‘Healing Tour’ and is expected to perform at the Overjam Festival in Slovenia; and the Sound Show in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 25 and 26. The tour will later take him to locations in Sweden, London, Germany, Switzerland, Prague, Austria, Germany and other destinations where he will take his new sound to his fans there as well. And until we in Guyana do see him again, he encourages that Guyanese “keep focused and to stay strong as a nation.”
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Appellants convicted on amended larceny charge without plea
On appeal, Full Court dismissed Mag.’s decision THIS happened in 1961 after appellants Singh and Goberdhan were convicted on amended larceny charge that was incorrectly described, without a plea being taken. The Full Court constituted by Chief Justice, J.A. Luckhoo and Justice Jailal after a three-day hearing, dismissed the ruling by a Magistrate. The Full Court ruling was based on the grounds that ownership incorrectly described – the duty of the magistrate was to amend and not to dismiss. It was disclosed that at the end of the case for the prosecution in a trial for larceny of certain shirts, the defence closed its case without calling evidence and submitted that “Kirpalani Bros.”, in whom the charge had laid the property, had not been proved to be a registered company or a corporate body, the evidence being that the shirts were owned by M. K. and S.K. who traded under the name of ‘Kirpalani Bros.” On application
by the prosecution, the magistrate then amended the charge by substituting for the words “property of Kirpalani Bros.” the words ”property of M. K. and S. K.”, and offered the defendant an opportunity of leading a defence to the amended charge and of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified . The defendant declined both offers and was convicted on the amended charge without a plea taken thereto. Held: (i) where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it. Ralph v. Hurrell (1875). 40 J. P. 119,32 L.T. 816 applied: (ii) the magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and proceed with the hearing without a plea being taken to the amended charge. Appeal dismissed. B.O. Adams, Q.C., for the appellant. E. A. Romao, Senior Crown Counsel (ag.) for the respondent. Reasons for Decision: The appellant Singh was with one Dennis Goberdhan charged jointly with larceny of eleven shirts, contrary to section 66 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Cap,. 14. The ownership of the shirts was laid in the charge as that of “Kirpalani Bros.” At the close of the case for the prosecution, the two defendants also closed their case without leading evidence. Thereupon counsel for the defendants submitted that it had not been proved that “Kirpalani Bros.” is a registered company or a corporate body. Apparently, the prosecuting officer applied for an amendment of the charge by the substitution for the words “property of Kirpalani Bros .” of the words “property of Murley Kirpalani and Shamdas Kirpalani . The amendment sought was granted by the magistrate and the magistrate thereupon offered the defendants the opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended. They were also offered an opportunity of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified. The defendants declined both offers. The defendants were both convicted on the charge as amended. Both defendants appeal against the decision of the magistrate but the defendant Goberdhan
By George Barclay
subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal of his appeal. On behalf of the appellant it was submitted that the magistrate erred in point of law when he amended the charge, in that the property had not been laid in a legal persona and was therefore originally bad and that it was not competent for him to amend the charge. Section 7 (4) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance, Cap. 15 , provides that the description of any offence in the words of the statute creating the offence, or in similar words, with a specification as far as practicable of the time and place when and where the offence was committed, shall be sufficient in law. Section 64 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance, Cap. 15, provides as follows:“64. Statement of ownership of property. (1) Where, in any document in any proceeding under this Ordinance, it is necessary to state the ownership of any property whatsoever, whether movable or immovable, which belongs to or is in the possession of more than one person, it shall be sufficient to name one of those persons, and to state the property to belong to the person so named and another or others as the case may be. (2) Where, in the document, It is necessary to mention for any purpose whatsoever any partners or other joint owners or professors, it shall be sufficient to describe them in manner aforesaid. (3) The provisions of this section shall be construed to extend to all joint stock companies and associations, societies and trustees.” Section 94 (2) of the same Ordinance provides as follows:“(2) No objection shall be taken or allowed, summons, warrant, or other process for any alleged defect therein in substance or in form, or for any variance between any complaint or summons and the evidence adduced in support thereof: Provided that if any variance or defect mentioned in this section appears to the Court at the hearing to be such that the defendant has been thereby deceived or misled, the court may take any necessary amendments, and, if it is expedient to do so, adjourn, upon such terms as it thinks fit, the further hearing of the cause.” Chief Justice Luckhoo who delivered the judgment for the Full Court added: Where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it. In Ralph v. Hurrell (1875), 40 J.P. 119, 32 L.T. 816, where the information charged willful damage to a lamp affix to a club house, the property was laid in “E.H.B.,S.C., and F.A., the trustees of the said Club.” E.H.B. was apparently the lessee of the club, and the lamp was a tenant’s fixture. It was held that the justices were not justified in dismissing the information on that account, and that the hearing ought to be adjourned and the defendant offered an opportunity of meeting the point if the justices thought he had been misled, but that if they thought he was not misled they should have heard the case. This type of misdescription is to be distinguished from the misdescription of the name of a defendant on a criminal charge where the charge is laid against a firm which is unincorporated. In such a case a conviction against the firm in the partnership name cannot stand and the court cannot substitute one defendant for another. The other grounds argued by counsel for the appellant we found also to be without merit. We therefore dismissed the appeal. Appeal dismissed.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
The purpose of Guyanese writers at CARIFESTA XIII THIS year, both the Guyana Literary Arts contingent and the Drama contingent at CARIFESTA XIII, which is currently under way in Barbados, are made up of several stellar writers who are part of the ‘new wave’ of Guyanese literary talent made up largely of writers from the Millenial age-group who are slowly, but definitely, emerging to claim their place on the timeline of Guyanese writers who have become established throughout history. While I am unaware of the exact events in which these writers will be participating, or what all of their roles will be with regard to writing and Guyanese literature, there are certain important things that I do hope the writers within these two contingents manage to get done. With my not-exactly-extensive contact with the organisers of the local representation at CARIFESTA, it does seem sometimes as if too much emphasis is placed on how they want us (our artists, our delegation, our country) to be perceived, rather than what they want us to achieve during CARIFESTA. Perhaps, from my limited vantage point, I am only offered a partial view of what goals and objectives the local organisers are aiming for. But I do hope that after the completion of the festival, perhaps a public report on Guyana’s participation in the festival would do well to highlight a few important things. These include, how those goals and objectives (whatever they might be) were met by everyone who were sent to represent the country, and what initiatives were put in place in order to ensure that local writers were able to make an impact on other visiting artists within the Region. Another area would be how they were able to better themselves as writers by learning from the non-Guyanese participants in CARIFESTA, and how collaboration, for the benefit of everyone
involved, was forged in order to ensure the continued unity between countries that CARIFESTA is supposed to bring together, while also ensuring that local writers not only represent, but learn enough to bring some amount of knowledge or experience back to Guyana in order to benefit writers here at home, who were not able to go to Barbados this year. There are things individual writers can do within their contingents in order to ensure that certain objectives are met and while I’m sure that much of these are being done by the Guyanese writers currently at CARIFESTA XIII, I still wish to outline some of them for the benefit of future writers/representatives at future CARIFESTAs: 1) Writers represent themselves and everyone
else. Sometimes, because of the competitive nature of the literary and publishing world, writers can end up turning into self-centred beings, hungry for attention and praise, and, when having gained that, they tend to forget all the writers who came before and all who will come after. Every Guyanese writer comes from a long literary history and CARIFESTA is the perfect opportunity to highlight some of that history to the rest of the region. If education is not an important facet of the literary aspect of CARIFESTA, then what is the point? There should be opportunities, or writers should make their own opportunities, to enlighten and teach the rest of the Caribbean about the great Guyanese writers they may be unaware of. Tell them about the revolu-
tionary poems of Martin Carter and the myths woven through Paloma Mohamed’s plays. Tell them about Wilson Harris’ fantastic use of imagery and David Dabydeen’s Creole. Let the world know of the writers who came before helped to put Guyana on the literary map. 2) There are more writers in Guyana than at CARIFESTA. Guyanese writers at CARIFESTA need to prepare the knowledge and experiences they would have gained in a comprehensive manner in order to be able to share them properly with the local writers who did not get to go to CARIFESTA. The knowledge – such as techniques on writing, tips for publishing, methods of crafting a piece of writing, etc. – that is shared among the writers of all the various countries at CARIFESTA must be truly astounding, and it is important for the writers lucky enough to experience this to bring back what they have learnt to their home countries and share them with those who are desirous of learning and becoming better writers. 3) Establishing a Caribbean network. Collaboration among countries in the Caribbean would be a beautiful and wonderful thing. Imagine if the National Drama Company of Trinidad and Tobago was convinced to stage a play written by a playwright from the National Drama Company of Guyana, or if the National Dance Company of Jamaica set to music some of the poems written by our local poets. There is a great need for such collaboration and something as simple as striking up a conversation with a writer from another country can lead to this. Of course, there are many other objectives that have been set by CARIFESTA, by organisers, by contingent leaders and by writers themselves. However, these are the three that are closest to me and they are the ones that, built on sharing and collaboration, seem to be most representative of what CARIFESTA is all about.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
When two Guyanese were Heads of Government at the same time By Francis Quamina Farrier DID you startle at the headline of this feature article? Well, just read on. Every so often we hear or read exciting news of Guyanese making a name for themselves in foreign lands. We in Guyana are always happy over such news, because we know that those Guyanese who are abroad and earn success, are unofficial ambassadors, who take the name of Guyana a peg or two up the ladder of international respect and goodwill. One such Guyanese was Sir Edward Trenton Richards, Kt. CBE, the late Government Leader of Bermuda. It is of special significance that Sir Edward Richards was, and still is, the only Guyanese who was elected as Head of a non-Guyanese government. He held that high office in Bermuda - 1973 to 1975 - at the very time that Forbes Burnham was the President of Guyana, ergo, two Guyanese served as Heads of Government at the very same time -- just in two different countries. Born at Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice, on October 4, 1908, Edward Richards was raised by his father and grandmother, after his mother died when he was very young. His early education was at Leeds Anglican School on the Corentyne Coast, The Mission Chapel and the Wesleyan in New Amsterdam, and finally at the Collegiate in Georgetown. At age 21, he migrated to the Atlantic
Guyanese-born Sir Edward Richards wearing wig and gown, in his younger years as a practising lawyer in Bermuda
island of Bermuda, in 1930, where he took up an appointment as Assistant Master of Mathematics at the Berkley Institute; a position he held until 1943. He then left for London, England, where he studied Law at the Middle Temple in London. In November 1946, he was called to the Bar in London and later returned to practise his chosen profession in his adopted country of Bermuda.
A brilliant Barrister and Attorney, Sir Edward acted as a magistrate in 1958. All along, however, he had a desire and flair for politics which he had entered in 1948, serving as representative for the Parish of Warwick. By dint of hard work and many political successes, he was made a member of the Executive Council (Cabinet) of the Bermuda government in 1963. But there were still greater heights for that son of Adelphi, Berbice, to climb in his adopted country. In 1968, he was made Member (Minister) for Immigration and Labour and Deputy Government Leader. His political pinnacle was then just one rung further. Finally, in December of 1973, with the retirement of the Government Leader, Sir Henry Tucker, Sir Edward Richards became the first Black man to head the Bermuda Government. A freedom fighter in his own way, Sir Edward worked very hard to bring greater respect and human dignity to the non-white citizens of the then segregated British colony. He had over the years, worked tirelessly along with others, to put an end to segregation in Bermuda, after which there were no longer segregated bars, cinemas, theatres, and other public places in that tourist island. He served on a number of boards and committees, including the Bermuda Race Relations Committee. He was also Chairman on the Racial Discrimination in Hotels and Restaurants Joint Committee, and the Race
Relations Council. There are now no longer “WHITES ONLY” signs in Bermuda. The legacy of Sir Edward Richards is one in which Non-Whites - both locals and visitors treat with dignity and courtesy; myself being a beneficiary. I met Sir Edward Richards during one of my two visits to Bermuda. I also met him when he represented Bermuda at Guyana’s Independence in 1966, and again when he was here as the official representative of Bermuda at Guyana’s elevation to a Republic in 1970. It was on the latter occasion that he bought copies of my two published plays -- The Plight of the Wright and The Slave and the Scroll -- and did me the honour of requesting my autograph. Sir Edward Richards, from the humble community of Adelphi on the Canje River, Berbice, has the distinction of not only being the first and only Guyanese to head a non-Guyanese government, but to be the first non-white to head the Government of the previously racially segregated Bermuda. In an interview with him many years ago, he told me that “Bermuda is promising,” which is in fact a reality; for although the tiny island has no river or creek and has to depend on rainwater for domestic use, it remains one of the most successful and progressive little countries on the planet. For Guyana -- the Land of many Waters -- it gives us a feeling of great pride to know that one of our own succeeded in winning the heart of another nation, to the extent that he became their Government Leader.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Oral thrush
INFECTIONS caused by Candida species of fungus comprise one of the most common oral disease conditions encountered in the practice of dentistry. As a dentist having to work with patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions including HIV/AIDS, I have encountered this situation frequently. In the majority of cases, the disease may clinically present itself in several different forms. It is mainly observed as white, soft plaques overlying areas of redness on the mucosa (lining) which are removed easily, possibly showing pinpoint areas of ulceration sores. In infants, it is commonly referred to as thrush. When clinical Candidosis emerges, it can result from a variety of predisposing or associated factors. These factors include but are not limited to age extremes, malnourishment, metabolic diseases, concurrent infection with other harmful germs, antibiotic treatment, HIV infections and radio therapy. Candida can be found in the mouth and anal region of newborns at a rate of approximately 40 per cent, which correlates well with vaginal carriage of the mother at the time of birth. However, the disease affects 4 to 10 per cent. These infections appear as milky white curd like plaques which are easily removed by digital rubbing and are generally evident three to seven days after birth. With the increase in age and a corresponding increase in the diversity of the germs that naturally inhabit the mouth, there appears a corresponding reduction in the incidence of the signs and symptoms of Candidosis. This may be the result of increasing environmental competition in the oral cavity as well as the child’s developing competence to fight off infections. Women suffer from Candida infections four times as much as men because of hormonal factors, and are at greater risk of iron deficiency. Notwithstanding all this, the disease is also a common sign of uncontrolled diabetes. In the elderly, a major predisposing factor is the wearing of dentures. Chronic Atrophic Candidosis (generally known as denture sore mouth) may result from poor denture hygiene, and when the denture is worn on a 24-hour basis. The infection appears as redness, with swelling of the gums, which is generally confined to the outline of the denture. When the white patches of the Candidosis are presented in adults and cannot be scraped off easily, the situation may be quiet serious. The condition can be considered to be a Candidal Leuplakia which is accepted as pre-cancerous. Frequently, dentists detect such a scenario in inveterate smokers of
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tobacco. Several easily recognised clinical entities have been identified in which Candida is at least circumstantially involved. One of them is angular cheilitis that we Guyanese call “white corner”. The victim usually complains of dryness and burning sensation at the corners of the mouth. Vitamin B deficiency often may play a role in initiating such lesions. Another case is median rhomboid glossitis. These big words simply describe the painless smooth areas we sometimes accidentally discover on our tongue. The palate opposite the lesion may also be affected. Treatment for Candidosis must be done by one who is able to assimilate the significance of the prevailing condition as it relates to the patient as a whole. Diagnosis and treatment must be done by a competent professional. Drugs available for therapy include fluconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Hard work, strict family values – make for a very long life, says 103-year-old Pomeroon farmer By Ravena Gildharie
of-Canaan plantation. As he grew older, he worked on estates along the East Coast of Demerara and Abary, some of which were either owned by his adopted parents or their relatives and friends. (420)
THERE’S an old proverb that says, “All work and no plays makes Jack a dull boy.” But for Mr Richard George of Grant Bailes Hope, in the Lower Pomeroon, hard work and less play can make a man happy, healthy and strong enough to celebrate his 103rd birthday, and have high hopes of seeing JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES lots more. A kind of jack-of-allA man who never took to drinking, trades, he at one time did a smoking or partying, George was born stint with Central Garage, on August 14, 1914 in Aruka, Region here in the city, and even a One (Barima-Waini) and spent almost bit of vulcanizing work on every day of his life working very hard occasion. on cocoa, coffee and coconut estates “I did a little bit of everywherever he could find work, whether on thing… I remember working the East Coast, East Bank, Abary or in very hard, and to the best of the Pomeroon. my ability,” Mr George said, But when there was no work, he Richard George was born adding: would spend time at hime with his fami- in Aruka, Barima/Waini “I met a lot of people in ly, as he was never interested in going to my life, because the people “every ‘tin-nin’ cup that knock.” who adopted me were wellThough his hearing and eyesight are now challenged, known, and they used to have a lot of dinner George is still up and about, and even enjoys regular strolls parties with a lot of popular and wealthy people, through his farm as he reminisces on his “God-bless life” so I became well-known too.” growing up in Georgetown and later in the Pomeroon, where But as he grew older, so did his sense of adhe would relocate for good. venture, and pretty soon, he was ready to move He and his wife, Muriel, now 84, have been together for on. He was 25 when he left his parents’ home 70 years, a union that bore them 14 children, eight of whom for the Pomeroon, where he found work on the are still alive today; 75 grandchildren and approximately 43 coconut estates, but would return from time to greatgrandchildren. “I am 19 years older than my A young Richard George wife,” Mr George said. “You see, she made an agreement with me back then that when I am old, she will be younger and strong enough to take care of me,” he added with a chuckle, which meant that he hadn’t lost his sense of humour. He’d just days before celebrated his birthday, so he was in high spirits. He was born in Region One, the second of three children, and the only boy. Unfortunately, his father died when he was just seven, leaving his mother too distraught to care for the family. So, at the age of nine, he was taken in by a wealthy East Indian couple from Kitty, Sukree and Cecil Bissoondyal, who owned cocoa and coffee estates in the Aruka River. He would attend school for over a year before eventually dropping out to do full-time gardening at a LandRichard and Muriel George surrounded by their surviving children and some of their grandchildren
time to the city to see how they were doing. He was 34 when he met the love of his life, Muriel, who at the time worked with her parents at one of the coconut estates where he was employed. The two got married and together started a family of their own. They even worked together on several estates along the Pomeroon. “I worked on the estates, picking and peeling a lot of coconuts,” Mr George recalled. “We produced a lot of coconuts; on one estate, we produced 22 million nuts a year,” he added. He recalled working on one estate for 30 years until the owner died, and the surviving family migrated, causing management to suffer and the plantation to fall on hard times.
Richard George and his wife Muriel, enjoy a boat ride on the celebration of his 103rd birthday on August 14, 2017
But on the advice of a friend, he used his legal clout and, with the help of a lawyer, successfully took control of the estate, where he and his wife and their extended family still live to this day. MUCH MORE DEVELOPED Said he: “Guyana is so much more developed now, and life is not as hard as it was back in those colonial days. “People say today they are not getting enough money, but I think the money we are getting today is enough to live off of. Once you know how to live, you can live happy. Back then, you didn’t even know where the money went when you got it.” As he went on to say, in those days, poor people couldn’t even afford to send their children to school to get an education, as the schools were a long way from home. These day, however, he’s trying to take it easy. “I am now resting from work; I am resting my brains. But I sit many days, and I think of the people who adopted me and took me to Georgetown. “I think of the good they did for me. I take the training from them, and from the Convent and my godmother and lived a God-bless life,” a sentimental George outlined. Noting that his godmother, known only as Miss Marks, lived to the ripe old age of 127, George said he hopes he can live that long and even outdo her. His wife, Muriel, said the couple shared a wonderful life and happy marriage, always working hard alongside each other. “I used to burst and dig the nuts to make copra. I would make tea and send the children off to school before I started doing my work, and then heading home back to prepare lunch for the children. “After I sent them back to school in the afternoon, I would go back to my peeling work. I had three or four children going to school then, too, so we worked hard,” Mrs George said. She was drawn to her husband’s hardworking personality and his dedication to their union and family. “He never drink or sport or party,” she recalled. “He used to say, ‘People like go to every tin-nin cup that knock, but not me; I am not like that.’”
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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Alzheimer’s Disease Wider dissemination of information needed talk about “enjoying our retirement” and sometimes the younger generation talk of sending their older relatives to “comfort-
TREATMENT of mental illness only comparatively and recently became a branch of western medicine. From the Middle Ages to the middle of the 18th Century, mental illness was regarded as being due to extraterrestrial forces such as evil spirits and spells. From about the latter half of the 18th Century, the Age of Reason, doctors and scientists began to see an equation of mental illnesses to physical illness and to search for their origin and cure within the human body. In the 19th and 20th Centuries, great strides were made in exploring the causes and treatment for mental illnesses with the advancement of such studies as Psychology and Psychiatry and studies on the brain. Mental ailments are loosely termed ‘Dementia,’ but under the term ‘Dementia’ there are conditions ranging from depression and stress to Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia. Alzheimer’s seems to be the most widely spread of mental illnesses. Though Alzheimer’s could affect persons in their 30s, its onset is far more common in persons from their 60s. Age is, therefore, a risk factor. It is caused by degeneration of part of the brain and such degeneration happens over a period of time. The first symptom is memory loss --- one begins to forget ordinary things such as names of people or streets or buildings which one once knew very well. With the passing of time, the sufferer may develop language difficulties and ceases to communicate as quickly and as effectively as he/she once did. He/she may wander about or get lost. Judgement and reasoning may become seriously impaired. The sufferer may lose the motivation to act or do anything. As the disease progresses, the sufferer ceases to reason, cannot read or write, cannot learn anything new and cannot even take his/ her medication. In this condition, patients spend most of their time in bed and cannot live alone. No cure has so far been discovered for Alzheimer’s and all treatment seems to be experimental and what is effective for one patient may not work for another. It has been observed that activities which need thinking and reasoning could slow up the progress of the disease. Such activities could be reading, writing, word games, painting and the creative arts. Getting involved in hobbies and social activities could assist; so can gardening, but avoiding sharp tools such as cutlasses. In the home, keep all drugs and poisons out of the way of patients. Let the home be as familiar as possible and patiently help the sufferer to do simple activities. There are a few well-known “folk remedies” which have growing numbers of users. One such is the Indian gooseberry, which one of the scientists at NAREI is researching. Another is taking a full teaspoon of turmeric (haldi) powder with a dash of ground black pepper every day. Turmeric is believed to slow down brain deterioration and the black pepper helps in its quicker
and more effective absorption. This use for turmeric dates from Vedic times some 4,000 years ago, Many Western scientists have come to accept the use of turmeric as a preventative against brain deterioration or as slowing down the progress of Alzheimer’s. The best care for Alzheimer’s patients is that given by the family. It is superior to that offered by specialised homes. In such homes, the patients are among unfamiliar people in unfamiliar places and feel abandoned and isolated and suffer deeply. The family with which the Alzheimer’s patient lives must educate themselves about the disease and its treatment, so that they could always have in their minds that they are dealing with a very ill person and they also have to remind themselves that they are not dealing with a rational person. Difficulties and discomfort always arise when they even for a moment feel they are dealing with a rational person. Once family members become acutely aware that they are dealing with a very ill person who has lost his/her reasoning faculty, they would be patient, tolerant and helpful. And once this happens, they would have a sense of joy in helping their sick relative and the patient would be happier and more peaceful. Medical science has not so far discovered any cure for Alzheimer’s, but the medications, exercises and disciplines which are recommended should be used. Some of the broader cultural patterns and even structures of non-Western societies may be researched as they relate to Alzheimer’s, since methods of preventing the disease may be uncovered. An example of this could be in the Four Stages of Life which guide many Hindus: The first quarter of one’s life is devoted to education and learning of skills to assist one to earn one’s living. (Bhrmchari). The second quarter is when one enters the Householder’s Life. One marries, brings up a family and creates material things of the world which one will enjoy, but which society will eventually inherit. (Gharhastya) The third Stage of Life is when one moves into social service, helping one’s fellow-man and at the same time developing one’s faith and belief in God. (Vanaprashtya). In the final Stage of Life, one devotes one’s self wholly to God and prepares for Death. (Sanyasa). These Stages of Life are not exclusive but merge into each other. In the West, we tend to regard life as one continuous progression of development from birth to death without any pauses. We do indeed recognise the changes of aging, but do not recognise the distinct changes which the Eastern Stages of Life adumbrate. It is at the Third Stage of Life from about 55 to 70 years when we are at most risk of Alzheimer’s. We are unprepared for this distinct Stage of Life and find it unsettling. During these crucial Alzheimer’s risk years, one in the Eastern System is engaged in service to family and society and in the intensifying belief and faith in God. Both types of activities are known to hold off Alzheimer’s. In the West, we
able old people’s homes”. Retirement and old people’s homes are never known to hold off Alzheimer’s.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Living with kidney disease By Michel Outridge
FOR most persons living with kidney disease, the options are limited; the popular options include choosing to undergo the difficult and often tedious treatment of dialysis or undergoing surgery for a kidney transplant if they have found a suitable donor. For those who decide against the transplant, life can be very difficult, and the true story of what their day to day life entails are often times unknown. Leonardo Butcher was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease about three years ago when he was told that there are cysts growing on his kidneys and has been on dialysis for a year. “Medical professionals told me that I developed the disease hereditarily, and my chances could have possibly increased based on my diet and lifestyle,” Butcher said. Butcher added that it was recommended that he be placed on dialysis two times per week- where each session costs about GY$12,000. The father of 11 describes his illness as being very burdensome on his family and those around him because some days he cannot even stand up or go to the toilet by himself. Butcher said, “Life with kidney disease varies from person to person. For me, while others may be able to perform simple tasks, I am unable to even lift or carry a bottle of water.” He explained that the illness is often misinterpreted because some days he feels good, while on others he is so sick he is unable to do anything for himself. Butcher told this newspaper that he cannot even brush his teeth on his own and he cannot help it because the effects of dialysis take a toll on his body and he is often left weak, depressed, nauseated and feeling very ill; side effects which come as a result of using certain prescribed medications. In addition, Butcher suffers from an ailment in which there is abnormal growth of his bones and about three weeks ago he began walking with crutches since he is unable due to complications in his hip. He related that even using the toilet is a challenge for him as he cannot get past the crouching position
With the limited facilities available locally, Luthers went to China for a stem cell treatment but is back in Guyana where he is receiving dialysis at Woodlands Hospital three times per week. He was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRD) five years ago but was living out of Guyana for 16 years, as such, he was not contributing to National Insurance Scheme (NIS). On account of his illness, Luthers needs regular treatment of dialysis among other medical care, the costs of which he has to bear on his own.
Leonardo Butcher (left) and his fellow kidney patient colleague, Colvin Luthers, seated next to him
because his arms are very weak and cannot support his body weight. Butcher, a Bank of Guyana employee said that as a result of dialysis his muscles are degenerating and the suffering of persons with kidney disease gets worse when there is no proper facility where they can go for treatment/advice and care. He explained that one can only benefit from free two-hour dialysis per sitting once they are an in-patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and that walk-ins are not welcome. As such, those who cannot afford to pay for dialysis are left in a quandary. The 55-year-old Sophia resident stated that sadly, a lot of people are dying from kidney disease because they do not have anywhere to go for assistance since three hours per sitting for dialysis is recommended
per patient and many cannot afford to do so every week. Butcher along with another, Colvin Luthers, who also suffers from kidney disease, are in the process of mobilising others to form an organisation for similar persons, which will serve as a mouthpiece for persons living with similar conditions and advocate for better care/treatment and awareness. “Kidney impairment patients cannot eat as they should because taking dialysis basically destroys the body which causes you to become very weak and this often times leads to their death,” he said. Butcher is therefore on a strict diet and pointed out that ignorance is a contributing factor which leads many persons to self-medicate with painkillers, while they are unaware of the leading causes of the disease such as diabetes and hypertension.
DIALYSIS TREATMENT “Presently there are not much services available to kidney patients locally but the government offers a one-off financial assistance of $340,000 per patient for 28 sessions of dialysis and after that it is left on that patient to find money to continue care and treatment,” said Luthers, a resident of South Ruimveldt. He pointed out that during his visits to hospitals for dialysis he encountered men, women and child who cannot afford dialysis on a regular basis as recommended by doctors which is three hours per session, three times a week. “Some people have worked most of their life and cannot afford to pay for dialysis because it is expensive but it is necessary for their survival,” Luthers said. He added that is why they are seeking to establish an organisation among themselves to lobby strongly for kidney patients to get more assistance, care and treatment in Guyana. Luthers said with kidney transplants there is a 50/50 chance of survival and with proper treatment and care after surgery one can live healthily after the procedure. He noted that the suffering of persons living with kidney disease is unspeakable and very traumatic on the body but with proper care and treatment one can enjoy long life. Luthers, presently, is battling a catheter infection but he is hopeful he will overcome it in due time but stated that kidney patients need to be in the know about the disease and urged them to do some research.
Family values sent lovers to graves By: Abdool Aziz
“OH if we did know!” was the lament of the bereaved parents, as they beat their chests and wept uncontrollably, following the cortege; their children in coffins held high; their love affair condemned and rejected. They ended their lives in a suicide pact. Too late shall be the cry, mom and dad. You placed family value first and your children last. Now they’re gone forever. Arifa was the only daughter of Imtiaz Khan, a store owner in a small rustic community on the East Bank of Essequibo. He was a devout Muslim and he brought up his daughter in strict Islamic culture. At age 17, Mr. Khan had arranged for his
daughter’s marriage and she was obeying his match. But Rohan, a new kid on the block stepped into her life. He was a tall, handsome mechanic. It was love at first sight. Arifa begged her dad to call off the wedding. The old man got upset, he was placing her in a good Muslim home. When he found out she was in love with Rohan, he got mad. He barred her from the business so that Rohan could not communicate with her. But through her good neighbour, notes used to pass. When Rohan’s parents found out about the secret communication, they grounded the teenager. They were not happy to have him marry a Muslim girl, and likewise Mr. Khan did not appreciate a Hindu for a sonin-law. The two families feuded over family
values. Khan decided to send his daughter to a relative in Berbice. Rohan was destined for the U.S.A. The separation was cruel. The couple could not bear to leave each other. And they decided on a sure way to be together. Their notes went to and from until a final note was left beside their corpses. While her father was away in the city, Arifa and Rohan wended their way to the sea wall and in loving embrace, they took their lives drinking poison. The note read: “You rejected our love, but God didn’t. We return to live together forever in heaven, still your children. Love, Rifa & Ro.” I sat in my wheelchair as those coffins went past. I tried to stand to salute this couple who died so young. Two lives were
shattered because of religion and parental power. The couple had one belief – their loyal love. They left this world with their hearts welded forever. Their honeymoon was assured in the heavens, because love conquers all. Give love a chance. Couples have the right to choose and marry persons of their choice. Submit to their joy. A disobedient child is still better than a dead one. Do not drive them to suicide. They were interred together. On the headboard read: ‘Rifa & Ro – Sleepeth in Love’. The loss of their beloved children brought the grieving parents to be more tolerant of religious differences. God is Love! Be encouraging and supportive. It’s better to love and fall – than fail to love.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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Forgiveness and Happiness LAST week, I wrote a column on happiness which generated a lot of questions. A few have asked me how forgiveness can create happiness. One reader shared their belief that forgiveness may cause unhappiness claiming: “If someone does me something wrong and I forgive them and they do it again, I will be unhappier with them and myself.” While I completely understand that point, I think it is beneficial for me to explain how forgiveness will result in happiness. WHAT IS FORGIVENESS? It’s the choice to let go of anger and resentment toward a person or situation. I think the biggest misconception with forgiveness is that people think it is for the other person- the one who has done wrong. Actually, forgiveness is not for their benefit but really for yours. Do you ever really think about what holding a grudge or being in conflict does to us both mentally and physically? Getting worked up increases our blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels which increases the possibility of heart disease or diabetes. It encourages unhealthy coping skills such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and using illicit drugs. Holding a grudge brings bitterness to our past, present and future. Not to mention, it increases the possibility of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Hatred and resentment steal our joy. Think about when you go out and see the person that you haven’t forgiven. At that moment, that person gets the best of you. They take away your attention, fun and peace of mind. You may even go as far as playing out scenarios in your head if things go wrong. Forgiveness releases you from that grip they have on you- the one you hate to admit they have. A second misconception is people believe forgiveness makes us weak- that it means we are allowing people to take advantage over us. The truth is that only the strong forgive- it is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do in life. You do not have to let someone know that you have forgiven them for it to release you from its negative emotions. Keep in mind that forgiving and forgetting are not the same thing. You can remember what someone did and take caution but there must be forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean to continue to allow others to hurt us. It does not even mean that we think what they have done is okay. It is not minimising our hurt nor is it accepting responsibility for something someone else did. Instead, forgiveness is freeing yourself from your past, allowing yourself to heal and rebuild. It is allowing for inner peace and freedom- a word which I believe should be synonymous with forgiveness. It takes quite a bit of energy and commitment but so does hatred and anger. Here are a few fun facts about forgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to be promoted from the victim to the hero of any situation. Forgiveness is actually not a natural instinct – it takes work and only the minority actually, truly can. Learning to forgive is actually another way of learning to control your emotions and high emotional responses (something I believe every human being needs to work on). Forgivenesss increases strength, optimism, empathy and compassion. It leads to high self-esteem, healthier relationships and an overall enhanced quality of life. HOW CAN WE BEGIN TO FORGIVE? WHAT CAN WE DO? Always keep in mind that when you are standing on a table, it is much easier to jump down to someone than to pull
them up to you. If you’re holding on to resentment, and act on it, you are jumping down to their level. If you forgive, you begin to pull them up to a higher ground. Try writing a letter to the person expressing how you feel, you do not have to give it to them. It just gives you an outlet to relieve the pain. Relinquish and accept your feelings. It is okay to be angry, it is a completely healthy emotion. Sometimes how we deal with it may not be healthy, but without anger it is difficult for us to know what our basic wants and needs are as individuals, for us to know what we like and do not like. Accepting and healthily expressing your anger is the beginning stage of letting it go. If necessary, accept that the person who wronged you may never apologise. This is not your fault and should not
get in the way of forgiveness. Consider the individual’s position and point of view. Was there a valid reason for their action? This requires a clear, calm mind and usually, an unbiased third party. Think of times when you were wrong and people granted you forgiveness. How did it make you feel? Wasn’t it beneficial to you? Didn’t it make you a better person? Didn’t you deserve the second chance? Forgiveness is not just for other people but for ourselves as well. One also has to have the power to forgive oneself which also frees burdens and encourages progress. If you are the one who needs forgiveness, do not be afraid to make amends, you likely will not forgive yourself unless this happens. Whether it is you or someone else, accept that forgiveness is a process and definitely will not happen overnight. Louis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:15 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 20, 2017
#SupportCreativity
STEM vs. STEAM Choosing the ideal education model FOR years we’ve heard arguments for and against the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) models of education. Some have argued that there should be a strict focus on the sciences, while others have argued that the inclusion of the arts as an equal component would only serve to enhance the effectiveness of the other subject areas. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” model for education, especially in a space such as Guyana, we must first try to understand exactly what the models are and how they were designed to function in order to determine which model could possibly be tailored to suit each particular situation here in Guyana. So what exactly is STEM? In a nutshell, this model proposes an integrated application and approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in order to provide solutions to real-world problems. STEAM, on the other hand, doesn’t just represent the inclusion of the word “Art” in the acronym; it proposes a seamless application of creative thinking to STEM projects, so that all students become engaged in the process. What many fail to recognise is that at the very core of art is problem-solving. Art encourages creative thinking, strengthens visual learning, develops motor skills and improves decision-making capabilities. With STEAM, emphasis is placed on creative, object-based learning as a way of encouraging research, observation and critical analysis. Applied knowledge is therefore used to ensure more meaningful student engagement, which is important, particularly at a time when the numbers in Guyana have been pointing towards a steady decline. Almost every other day we hear a teacher lament on how difficult it is to capture and hold the attention of their students for more than a few seconds at a time. Youths are now being trained from an early age to consume information and visual materials in record time. You need not look very hard for evidence to support this theory. A casual observation of parenting trends would reveal exactly how the styles have changed over the years. Parents are now more likely to put an electronic tablet or some sort of mobile device in their baby’s hands once they’ve started sitting up on their own, as opposed to giving them a stuffed toy. They submit to this demand for technology because their children respond much better to those interactive devices than they do to a good old-fashioned teddy bear. Or perhaps it’s the other way around. Whichever comes first, it’s clear as day that the younger generations have mastered the use of mobile devices at an age when the most exciting thing for us (grown folk) probably involved chewing on our scented wax crayons. No doubt this mastery of technology
would’ve carried through to their adolescent years and placed them further ahead of the learning curve than we might’ve realised. A quick assessment of the social media habits of teenagers will show just how fast their brains are processing information and how easy it has become for them to master new technologies. So how do we channel that speed
and harness it into something that could see improvement in the level of education across the board? This is where STEM/STEAM comes in. Recently I’ve noticed increased STEM initiatives in and around Georgetown designed by members of the public and private sectors to engage the youths and improve their overall academic performance. Some
programmes were designed specifically to tackle the significant decline in the area of Mathematics, while others were designed to encourage youths to consider future careers in coding, app development, etc. Regardless of the focus of each initiative, it has been a refreshing shift away from the usual doom and gloom news, especially in relation to youth development in Guyana. This shift is exactly what we need to encourage the kind of critical and creative thinking necessary for youths to flourish in tomorrow’s job markets, more so in light of the huge oil discovery recently. We must recognise that technology is constantly evolving and our approach to education should follow suit. Otherwise, we run the risk of continuing down the path of decreased student engagement and increased failure/drop out rates. The sudden buzz around STEM programmes also called to mind a speech delivered about two years ago at my college graduation. The guest speaker opined that all these years our perspective on STEM and STEAM has been skewed and that rather than viewing the sciences and arts as being mutually exclusive, it would be more beneficial to recognise that they work in conjunction with each other. His speech immediately struck a chord with me, so much so that I still recall it every time I hear or read about STEM initiatives. Artists and engineers might hold different titles and might use different materials, but our process is essentially the same; the way our brains function is essentially the same. In my opinion, both areas draw on the strengths of each other. The problem has always been how they have been regarded traditionally, as being competitive rather than complementary. Whether institutions move to amend the acronym is irrelevant, in my opinion. I’m not too concerned about the conspiracy theories that suggest a deliberate attempt to downplay or dismiss altogether the value of the arts to a student’s education. For me, the most important thing is to recognise the many ways art facilitates and encourages critical thinking. We should all move to abandon old ways of considering the parameters of art and recognise that its value is something that cannot be measured quantitatively. It’s time to shelve the left brain/right brain ideology and recognise that we could only get so far with what some refer to as a “half-brain” education. The focus should be finding new ways to engage students and encourage critical thinking, while activating both sides of their brains. How could we expect them to solve tomorrow’s problems when they’ve been trained only to exercise only their left brains or right brains? It simply won’t work (at least not very effectively). There is much more to be gained from the kind of education that supports the activation of both sides.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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Learning in a fun-filled environment
Countrywide recreational programmes boosting children’s capacities SUMMER programmes are being wrapped up countrywide as the end of the July/August holiday fast approaches, but undeniably participating children and youths are being left with new experiences, wider knowledge and greater skills that can definitely boost their resourcefulness in society. Whether it has been a wide array of skill-building exercises, medical outreaches or enlightening anthropological sessions, various entities have held specially designed educational and recreational initiatives that have benefited hundreds of children and young people. In Essequibo, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is staging the final leg of the 2017 series of day camps, under the guidance of Region Two Youth Officer Herald Alves. So far, over 200 children between the ages of nine and 11 have participated in one-week recreational and educational camps held at Queenstown and Suddie. The last camp takes place during this week at Aurora and will cater for an additional 65 participants. Alves explained that the initiative is held annually and focuses on the creative arts where the children are taught how to utilise and recycle materials that are being thrown away such as glass and plastic bottles, cardboard and used paper. They are also exposed to their environment from which they can identify and creatively incorporate items such as shells and beads to produce craft. The sessions are guided by a team of experienced volunteers from various communities in which the events are held. The camps are conducted daily for six days and also include guided tours of the local rice-milling complex and other field trips. At the end of each camp, a mini exhibition and graduation ceremony are hosted for the participants. Additionally, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Promotion Department, a dental outreach was held in Wakapoa, an Amerindian reservation in the Pomeroon,, where over 60 adults and children benefited from extractions, cleaning and other services. Footballs were also donated to the community’s secondary school. All of the
Street hosted its fifth annual Archaeology Programme and included children from areas across the city, the East and West Bank Demerara and East and West Coast Demerara. It was held under the theme: “Educating students through history, inspiring creativity and adventures” and was supported by the National Trust of Guyana, Burrowes School of Art and the Volunteer Services Platform. Students were allowed to express themselves through drawings, paintings, molding of pottery, drama, visits to historical sites and the indigenous community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission. The children were hosted in two sessions, level one from July
Children engaged in making pottery at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology
activities form part of Essequibo’s summer programmes. Meanwhile, a similar recreational day camp programme was held in Sophia by the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group, spearheaded by Coordinator Doris Shelto-Mclennon and involved a team of volunteers from the community and other local organisations. There were reading and public-speaking sessions, storytelling, handicraft-making, games, tours to places of interest around the city and motivational talks from prominent individuals. Calypsonian Young Bill Rogers engaged the participants in a group discussion that focused on the importance of good morals and an unblemished character within society. He also congratulated the group on its efforts, and encouraged participants to “embrace the teachings, so as to be better persons in society,” according to Shelto-Mclennon. A meeting was held with the community’s young teachers “aimed at reminding them of their roles towards the organization; and they also received tokens for their sterling contribution to the development of the group and its affairs,” related the coordinator. The camp ended on Saturday with a graduation and cultural show attended by special invitees including a visiting group from the United States Army Marine Corps and
Children of Sophia at a cultural show during the July/August holiday
Sophia children at art-and-craft classes
Young Bill Rogers. Certificates of participation were distributed to the children and they also entertained their parents, guardians and relatives with songs, dances, poems and skits. CHILDREN’S ARCHAEOLOGY PROGRAMME In Georgetown, the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Main
17 to 24 catered for ages eight to 11, while level two, from July 31 to August 11, targeted children ages 12 to 15. Level one teacher Dinesha Barton explained that the children were taught about the Amerindians, their ways of life and forms of communication used in ancient times. She
A papercraft session at a day camp in Essequibo
said there were in-class sessions, creativity exercises and a field trip to St Cuthbert’s Mission, which is the designated village for Amerindian Heritage Celebrations this year. During the visit, the children distributed snacks and socialised with children from the community. She explained that the teachings were intended to support the primary schools’ curriculum and the participants were excited and learnt a lot. They were exposed to pottery, handicraft using shells, feathers and tibisiri and model-making of arrows and bows using straws and strings. At the end of the programme, each child was required to write an essay about their experience and knowledge gained during the session. The secondary programme focused on anthropology and its sub-disciplines, such as cultural anthropology, linguistics and archaeology. Efforts were made to incorporate the current secondary schools’ History and Social Studies Syllabus to better equip students with greater knowledge for the Caribbean Secondary Education Council Examination or any other examination in the school system. Nankumarie Singh, who taught level two, said the children were intrigued by the wealth of information gathered during the programme and many expressed a desire to return for such initiatives. They were exposed to the ceramic analysis of pottery made by the Amerindians and received first-hand exposure to excavation. They were trained on tie-dye too and also engaged in a session on ethnobotany, focusing on medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples. This class was conducted by the museum’s anthropologic researcher Mintie Pitamber, who guided the students in an experiment on the use of various plants to treat the common cold and others. At St Cuthbert’s, the students met the community’s cultural group, visited a farm, interacted with villagers and presented stationery to the community’s school. The Museum of African Heritage staged a similar programme during August 7 to 11 with participants ages five to 15 and under the theme: “Developing self-impression using African themes.” Activities included focus on the museum and its collection, storytelling, painting and drawing, craft-making and field visits. The E.R. Burrowes School of Art held a two-week day camp, four-week children art programme, a five-week modular art programme and an introductory fashion design programme as well as an advanced class. The School of Dance taught drumming and dance at locations countrywide, including Georgetown, Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, Linden and at Mainstay and Capoey in Essequibo.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Higher Level for Berbice artistes Skeldon’s Dan City Recording pushes Berbice music industry By Ravena Gildharie IN an industry fraught with stiff competition and where support and opportunities are limited, a group of musicians in the Ancient County of Berbice have teamed up and are rallying around a Line Path, Skeldon-based studio and production company to promote, expose and develop their talent and music. Covering a wide genre of music from reggae and dancehall to chutney and gospel, efforts are aimed at combining support for the young and upcoming local artistes, many of whom believe they are being sidelined by their competitors and promoters from Georgetown. Aside from having their music compiled, recorded, edited and produced in the most modern audio and video formats, the artistes are being promoted online via social media such as Facebook and Youtube and at stage shows in Berbice, Georgetown and neighbouring Suriname. Dan City Production, the company behind this move, was officially launched in 2015, and is led by 28-year-old Morizo Orlando Bissessar, better known as Mobflames, a singer/songwriter and musician born and raised in Skeldon. He started singing in church at age five, and produced his first song ‘One for you’ when he was 12. At that time, he was living at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, where his father was temporarily relocated by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO). As part of the Twelve Tribes of Israel band, the young Bissessar performed at CARIFESTA X in Guyana and other popular local shows. His first song featured Paradise-born artiste, Bounty Pray, and was produced by Georgetown-based Platinum Video shoot for a local artiste
Studio. He later worked with several other recording studios in the city until he returned to live in Berbice. He realised it was difficult and expensive to travel from Corriverton
Shevon Singh, chutney singer from Rosignol, Berbice
to record in Georgetown, a challenge for many other local Berbice musicians. He was inspired to establish his own recording studio to boost local talent and began securing funds for the establishment. After school, he opened a small business, a snackette and gift shop. Bissessar worked in the kitchen of the snackette, cooking and baking during the day. After a few years, he travelled to the United States and started purchasing pieces of equipment for the studio. In an interview, Mobflames told the Pepperpot Magazine that the studio’s name derives from ‘Danty City’, the area where he grew up, and the facility features state-of-the art equipment led by experienced sound engineers and music producers. He said it is the first recording studio of its kind in the Corentyne and is being largely ‘Upliftment’ in studio at Dan supported by artistes located City Productions across the East Berbice and Rosignol in West Berbice. To most of his songs have been long produced date, it has produced the work of over 20 and released, a lot of them have never been Berbician singers/musicians featuring releasheard by many people and this is one of the es in dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, chutney, main setbacks facing him and other artistes. gospel, R&B and soca among others. Mobflames said that very few local Ber“Before Dan City Production, all of the bice artistes have attained success over the Berbice artistes used to have to travel to years, the most recent being Mystic, singer Georgetown to work in studios there and of the popular ‘Coolie Bai’ song. Bounty that was very costly and prevented many Singh, a chutney artiste and John ‘Slingshot’ of them from recording and releasing their Drepaul are the other recognised Berbice music. Now, we are doing all of the recordartistes. ings and videos right in Berbice. We also This view is shared by Shevon Singh, do the graphic editing, photos and building a 17-year-old Rosignol-born artiste who the instrumentals too,” Mobflames outlined. produces mainly chutney music though she The production team also organises local also performs in R&B, hip-hop, soca and talent for regular performaces at events in soul styles. She started singing at age five Line Path, Number 78 Village, Number 63 in her local Madir and with the help of her Beach and at local expositions and Town father, Laljiewan Singh, wrote and produced Night activities. her first song, ‘Right here in Guyana,’ when she was 12. She has since released a video BOOSTING YOUTH TALENT for that song as well as three new audio “I am always writing and releasing my recordings and is gearing up to release two own songs, but I work a lot with the youths, more very soon. helping to develop and showcase their songs. She recently linked with Dan City ProCompetition with the artistes from Georgeductions looking to better organise and protown is very high. We can’t even compete mote her on-stage performances. A fourth with them for the Georgetown radio and form student of the Rosignol Secondary television to push our music and the Berbice School, Singh said she performs solo almost artistes, so we have been shifting across to every Saturday and Sunday nights at Feroze Suriname where the radio is pushing our muGas Station, Number 6 Village, where there sic,” highlighted the producer, who also does is a fun park that hosts local talent every wholesale and retail trading of electronics weekend. She previously participated in the and electrical items. chutney monarch competition and performed His own music is mostly in the reggae at various Indian Arrival Day celebrations and dancehall styles, while his songs are and at the Pegasus Hotel Saturday Night inspired by his life experiences and obserentertainment. She was once a member of vations in society. His songs also address social issues such as drugs, suicide and probTurn to page XVII ►►► lems affecting youth. He noted that although
Know more about the EPA
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware that a public that values the environment will act to keep it safe and healthy. After all, the environment is the source of our air, water, food, medicine and inspiration. We must then be conscious of our use of the environment to keep it free from pollution and depletion. This is where the EPA comes into the picture. It was set up by Government to guide people to use the environment according to rules, so that the environment will continue to benefit us now and in the future. No doubt you now have questions about the EPA. Good! Read on and you will find answers to your questions. What we do The EPA regulates the use
of the environment and it has the authority to do so under the law. The Environmental Protection Act and several environmental Regulations guide the EPA in its work. The EPA applies the Act and Regulations to prevent and control pollution and conserve and protect biodiversity. All users of the environment have to comply with the Act and Regulations. Persons who wish to set-up business projects that entail the use of the natural resources and or release of pollutants must first obtain Environmental Authorisation from the EPA. The EPA also investigates reports of pollution and degradation of the environment and applies the law to persons who are found in breach. Apart from Environmental Authorisation and Environmental Inspections, the EPA develops Regulations, Standards and Guidelines to support its work. Where we are located The Environmental Protection Agency is located at Ganges Street, Sophia, George-
town. We are adjacent to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. and is one corner away from Pike Street Sophia. Authorisations granted by the EPA The EPA issues four main types of Environmental Authorisation to new and existing businesses or development projects. These are: Operational Permits – required for businesses/projects already in operation ,but which are operating without Environmental Authorisation. This permit is particularly required for changes in process and/or technology used in an operation that can affect the environment. Construction Permit - issued in the construction phase to developments, whether now or existing. Environmental Permit – issued to developments that are on the EPA’s list of projects requiring an environment permit. Also issued to projects not of EPA’s list, but which may have a significant impact on the environment during construction, operation or closure.
Letter of Authorisation – issued to developments that may not have a significant impact on the environment. TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATIONS 1. Operations Permit 2. Construction Permit 3. Environmental Permit 4. Letter of Authorisation OTHER PERMITS Apart from Environmental Authorisations, the EPA issues other types of permits among which are: Noise Permit – This is required by any business engaging in activities which produce noise, e.g. entertainment, commercial and construction activities. Such business owners must apply to the EPA for authorisation. Also, if a Permit Holder makes changes to his/ her business operation which will cause an increase in noise levels, he/she must obtain approval for a variance from the EPA. If you are hosting an ac-
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tivity that will generate noise, apply to the EPA for a Noise Permit. The EPA grants Shortterm Noise Permits for single use between the hours of 07:00hrs and 23:00 hrs. Typically applications for Noise Permits are processed within 1-2 days. Biodiversity Research Permit – Biodiversity Research is important to biodiversity by generating data on Guyana’s biological resources so they can be sustainably managed. ALL persons -- whether Guyanese or a non-national -- MUST apply for a Biodiversity Research Permit from the EPA to conduct biodiversity research in the country. Application for a Biodiversity Research Permit, along with supporting documents can be submitted online through the National Biodiversity Research Information System (NBRIS) --- an EPA initiative launched in 2013. The application needs to be made three (3) months before the research is due to commence. An application fee of US $75 must accompany the submission of
the application form. Applications made in less than three months are required to pay a late application fee of US $40. (Read more about NBRIS in a subsequent article) Having read this article, you are no doubt better informed on what the EPA does, and can easily tell the types of permits issued by the EPA. You can now act on this information by sharing with others, particularly persons in your circle and community who are interested in starting a business or project. Join us next week for more on the EPA. If you have a question about us, send them to us so that we can provide you with answers in the next article. 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.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Everyone fails so expect setbacks Failure is inevitable so learn to deal with it I’M sitting on a deck drinking some ginger tea and admiring the beautiful sea in a place I once called home. Barbados will always have a special place in my heart and I always look forward to spending time there. I started reminiscing about the years I lived on this small but versatile island. I can never forget the day I enrolled my younger daughter Shonta to attend St Angella’s Primary School. She said, “Mom, I need to see the two top schools on the island.” I obliged and took her to Queen’s College and Harrison College. Without any hesitation, she said she would be going to QC. I knew she was very bright but moving her not long before CSEC exams could have been a setback. It certainly did not affect her because she attended QC indeed. Determination and focus can get you through some challenging times and I have had my fair share of that. She recently celebrated her 21st birthday and has achieved a lot of achievements. People often refer to her as a younger version of me. I was far from
her achievements at 21 years old. I had my first daughter Mariska and was living with my mom without a job. I was determined to turn my life around not just for me but I owed that to my baby girl who did not ask to come into this world. I recently celebrated my 46th birthday and was reflecting on my life. I am so blessed to have the life I have because of both the successes and failures. People don’t like to talk about failures but we should because it is not a question of if you will fail, but when. Failure can paralyse us and prevent us from reaching our full potential if we don’t persevere. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill I am a strong believer in trying something and failing than failing to try anything. When you possess a healthy self-image you deal with failures better by evaluating why you failed instead of feeling like it is the end of the world. When we fail we often will like to play victim but when we do that we
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion rob ourselves of learning valuable lessons and risk alienating others. It is important to view failure as a temporary set-back rather than a lifelong epidemic. Rehashing our failures can bring a lot of negative emotions for us to deal with. Keeping the mind optimistic that there is a greater comeback for all your setbacks is ideal. Sometimes we set ourselves up for failures by setting unrealistic goals. A very simple example is imaging. I have not been to the gym in six years and decided to start a work-out schedule for two hours every day. We need to focus more on our strengths rather than dwelling on our weaknesses. We all have flaws but we also have talents that are waiting to be unearthed. Sharing one of my favourite quotes by one of my mentors: “Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan” - John C. Maxwell. Remember, failure is inevitable but how you deal with it determines your outcome. Let’s see failure as the price we pay for success. Send us your comments to beyondtherunway1@gmail. com and visit our FB page as we continue this beautiful journey called life.
◄◄◄ From page II
for the ‘Rebelle and Other Stories’ collection and then moved on to mostly playwriting. The stories he said were his attempt at returning to fiction and reminding himself that he can still excel at writing it. He also wanted to remind himself that fiction writing was just as important to him as playwriting. “And it can serve the same purposes as playwriting,” he was sure to add. The pieces he has chosen represent Subraj as a writer and as a Guyanese. He referred to prominent figures in Guyanese literature such as Wilson Harris, Edgar Mittelholzer, Mark McWatt, Mahadai Das and Martin Carter. He expressed that the works of these writers need to be appreciated. At the same time, he spoke of there being a new breed of writers that are up and coming and doing great work. A lot of these writers are young people. In terms of his own writing, “I think my writing represents the concerns of a millennial, West Indian man.” The themes he deals with are current and are important to young people such as sexuality, colonisation and racism. All of these themes are ones that he feels contemporary Guyanese are still trying to grapple with. Culture also plays an important part in his work and he includes a lot of elements of Guyanese folklore and history. This is crucial as he said, “If I’m going to write
about the ‘now’ then I also have to write about the ‘then,’ because they are linked and one influences the other.” WHAT HE EXPECTS FROM IWP Subraj expressed excitement at the prospect of meeting the other 34 writers from all across the world and regards it as an extraordinary opportunity. The writers in this year’s IWP come from places as varied as Iraq, Australia, Egypt, Argentina and Zimbabwe. “I think each of these writers is going to bring something unique,” he said. It is an opportunity for him to learn from their individual techniques and experiences. The prospect of sharing Guyanese literature with people from all over the world is also a thrilling one. Guyana is not well-known in terms of identity and ideals and Subraj declared literature as a way of introducing people to Guyana. The IWP aims to create an environment conducive to writing and Subraj intends to make use of the time to work on new projects. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has two projects he intends to work on while in Iowa. One of them is a collection of Guyanese plays that are based on local folklore and the other is a young adult novel. The young adult novel is something new for him. He has a really good idea for the novel he said and will use the 12 weeks of the residency to mold and hopefully develop that idea into a manuscript.
He was also happy to reveal that he and the Ministry of Education are working on getting ‘Rebelle and Other Stories’ published. If all goes according to plan, the book will be out by the end of the year. THE LOCAL WRITING INDUSTRY Subraj also took the time to share his views on issues affecting Guyana’s literary arts industry. On whether there are gatekeepers to the industry, he said, “If you’re an artist and you have to rely on other people to make your art happen, then you’re sort of failing as an artist.” Being creative, innovative, making one’s own way, making one’s views and ideologies known through one’s art are all part of being an artist. He said if an artist is passionate enough, they will find a way to make their art happen, even if gatekeepers exist. He added, though, that there are valid complaints that warrant calling out the people responsible. He expressed though that these legitimate complaints should not stop artists from getting their art out there. In terms of his hopes for Guyana’s literary arts industry, Subraj spoke of the hope of having a publishing house and copyright legislation in the future. “The rights and the works of artists need to be protected,” he said. He also wishes for more innovative measures to be implemented to stimulate interest in creative writing in Guyana.
These would include workshops and writing courses at the University of Guyana. Most important though is the cultivation of an environment where artists, including writers, are “respected and valued as much as doctors and lawyers and every other clichéd occupation Guyanese parents try to force onto their children.” Subraj’s words of advice to aspiring writers are that they need to be open to criticism. He has met writers who are offended when their works are criticised. Honest criticism, he believes, is a very important part of the writing process. His own inspiration to become a writer came from his love of reading. Someone cannot be a good writer without being a good reader he explained, adding that it involves loving books, movies, songs and plays and all the forms in which narrative comes. He feels that from a very young age he understood how all these forms can help people because they helped him. “I think writing is a form of helping others. Writing can change lives. It can change whole nations. Poems can be a catalyst for a revolution. Plays can bring people together. Short stories can tear people apart. Writing has power. I think I recognised the power of telling stories through writing and I think that’s what drew me to it.”
folklore
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
WALKING MENACE BRUTUS had two problems: He was an alcoholic and he sleepwalked. The only thing worse than that was sleepwalking under the influence (SWUI). In this latter state, he became a menace and many times he walked overboard, snoring as he went. Villagers had to rescue him many times. More than once, he set off for a city in the dead of night on foot. The city was more than 150 miles away. One night Brutus walked into church while SWUI. It was just about communion time and a little before the Father had consecrated the bread and wine. Brutus made straight for the altar, grabbed the chalice and emptied it in one humongous gulp. It took about five able-bodied members of the congregation to wake him, and wake him they did, he never entered the church while SWUI again. Another night, he walked into the small supermarket, the only one in Green Valley. It was owned by a Chinee. Brutus made for the liquor section and grabbed a bottle. Chinee thought he was playing drunk and put two Kung Fu chops in Brutus. He started sleep running! What crowned off his bad behaviour was
By Neil Primus
when he almost killed everybody in the village with fright. That night Brutus was drunk fo’ glutton. He was so drunk that he fell asleep on the table in the rum shop. Suddenly, he was up and walking like a man possessed. As usual, he was still fast asleep. Meanwhile, the rest of Green Valley was at the wake of old Mrs Beharry. She had passed away at the age of 99; one year short of perfection. The wake house was packed because she was a very popular and friendly villager. Drinks and food were in abundance. The wake was noisy that night. There was loud talk, low talk, bad talk and small talk. Then just so, Bam! Black out. One man had a small torchlight but this was not bright enough to be of much help, someone was sent to buy candles. Brutus headed unsteadily down the dark road, his feet totally in charge. Petal lived a few yards away. She was the local washerwoman and had taken in a large order. Her lines were filled with clothing and sheets. Rain began to pour and when Brutus reached opposite the house of the washer he stopped. He made a sudden turn and walked
◄◄◄ From page XIV
the Dax New Generation band. Singh said she has collaborated with several popular artistes such as Terry Gajraj, Bounty Singh and Appache Warrior, but still needs the kind of exposure to jumpstart a successful musical career. She told this publication that Georgetown promoters don’t seem eager to highlight the out-of-town artistes and that competition is strong with the city singers, since the latter are given greater opportunities and exposure over the Berbice talent. At present, she promotes her songs via the ‘push-cart’ music vendors in her community. ‘Upliftment’ is another Berbice artiste out of Number 78 Village on the Corentyne. His productions are mostly reggae/R&B styled through which he promotes positivity and strength needed to support the youths and upcoming artistes that feel oppressed. At age 33, he has appeared on stage shows across Berbice and alongside several other local talents. He has also written and produced several of his own songs released through Dan City productions. He said he met Mobflames several years ago through their music and became highly supportive of the studio and promoting venture as he too recognised the need for such opportunities to build the work of the Berbice artistes. He assists as sound engineer at the studio to help produce his own and others’ songs. “Dan City Productions is a very creative vibe which we need to push our artistes. We have a lot of youth talent, but there is no one to push the talent and to give voice to the artistes and the kinds of opportunities to expose them, so people can see and get to know,” Upliftment related.
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straight into the yard. Brutus walked through all the clean wash. Luckily for him Petal was at the wake. His head hooked down a dress, sheet, underwear and towel. Brutus left the wash and headed back out of the yard. He walked out tangled in all kind of clothes and sheets. He headed up the road: wash, rain and Brutus. Then he stopped and made a second turn this time into the wake house. Drunk and SWUI, he barged through the gateway and bore down on the house. The two candles inside gave small enclaves of light to the big room. The chatter was still loud and spirits were high when the front door was shoved open. Silence hit the room like a K.D. Punch. There, in the narrow doorway, was a creature that looked like the mummy from hell. It was something none of them had ever seen before. They all did the wise thing. They abandoned the wake. With screams and howls of terror, people exited the house by every open space they could find, except the front door. Brutus turned around and walked out heading straight for a packed church.
Dan City Production in operation
Morizo Bissessar better known as ‘Mobflames’
He underscored the importance of having organised shows to push and expose the artistes and to help them upgrade their talent and quality of music that would ultimately boost their competitiveness in the business. “I have written and released over 100 songs. I sing about reality and life; positive vibes with a lot of strong energy. I am kind of getting used to the on-stage performances now, my last appearance was at the Emancipation celebrations a few days ago at Corriverton,” the Corentyne artiste stated. He also collaborates with other artistes and promotes his music via social media on Facebook and Youtube.
Local artistes in studio at Skeldon
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Comfort Sleep awarded business world’s most prestigious award For outstanding business performance By Shirley Thomas
COMFORT SLEEP has done it again! This time, the local company has been conferred with what is considered the world’s most important business award, “THE BIZZ”, effectively becoming an ‘Elite Member’ of the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) family. The prestigious award was conferred on Managing-Director of Comfort Sleep, Mr. Dennis Charran at a gala ceremony on July 27 in St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, at the Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach. THE BIZZ Award Ceremony is an important international celebration, which brings together leading businesses from around the world to be recognised for their outstanding business performance. The BIZZ is WORLDCOB’s highest award and includes the participation of companies
that have managed to stand out for their high standards in business leadership. WORLDCOB is a Worldwide Chamber of Commerce that has been contributing to global business for the past 12 years, with more than 3,000 members in over 120 countries worldwide. It recognises good business practices on a global scale by giving out the award which is offered every year. This year’s award was held under the theme: “The Power of Recognition,” with Guyana and Jamaica being the only two Caribbean countries to have received the award. SELECTION PROCESS In order to be awarded The BIZZ, companies have to undergo a rigid selection process. WORLDCOB has a research team that compiles data from around the world on businesses, using highly credible sources and references. The review of the evaluation committee is based on a 100-point scale and includes the following considerations: ● Market Research companies are hired to compile statistical data on business growth and outstanding companies from around the world. ● Public Relations companies which provide references through their media and network sources. ● Data from more than 100 different Chambers of Commerce from around the world, including the American Chamber of Commerce as well as ● References from its own members, which amount to
over 3,000 companies in 100 countries. The research team forwards the data to WORLDCOB’s Evaluation Committee, which then screens the data and matches it against a Business Excellence Questionnaire. The evaluation committee uses the following business-excellence criteria to determine award eligibility: ● Managerial leadership ● Management systems ● Quality of goods and/services ● Managerial creativity and innovation ● Social Responsibility ● Business results, certification and other recognition. Companies that receive 90 points or more are considered to have achieved Business Excellence and are thus selected to receive the award. At the function, awardees had the opportunity of meeting the other Elite Members and their companies. Accompanying Charran to The BIZZ Americas 2017 Awards Ceremony, was his supportive wife, Sabita Charran. Asked how he felt about receiving the award, Charran told the Pepperpot Magazine: “I felt on top of the world! It was truly an honour and a privilege – indeed a great moment for me – receiving the most important business award in the world. And for this I am truly proud and would like to express profound gratitude to Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jesus J. Moran and the World Federation of Business (WORLDBOB) for making this possible.” He also thanked his hard-working and dedicated employees as well as his wife and family for their love and support. “Looking at the bigger picture, I’d say that every success achieved and award scored by Comfort Sleep is a plus for Guyana and so I feel proud that Guyana has won again…I must say I was taken by surprise when, a few weeks ago, I was contacted by WORLDCOB, informing me of another major success. I am truly delighted and would like to congratulate all those other businesses that won the Award in their respective categories,” Mr. Charran concluded. This is the second international award to have been received by Comfort Sleep, Guyana’s leading manufacturer of foam mattresses and pillows for outstanding business practices. Apart from quality products, Comfort Sleep has been credited for exemplary performance in the areas outlined. Particularly in the area of social responsibility, Charran has distinguished himself as a good corporate citizen, taking responsibility for the nutritional needs of less fortunate children through his School Feeding Programmes at more than five schools around coastal Guyana; his annual school parties and distribution of Christmas gifts; his contributions to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre; distribution of beds complete with mattresses and bed frames to Children’s Homes, Day Care Centres and other deserving cases – all being consistently done for the last 13 years. Over the last few years, his business went up in flames twice, with the second fire consuming the entire factory and offices, but resilient as he is, Charran, never once suspended the children’s hot meals programme. The exercise continued throughout the school terms at its usual time three times weekly. Meanwhile, in recognition of his production of superior quality mattresses and pillows, his management style and for being a good corporate citizen, among other things, on September 25, 2015, Charran was honoured with the International Star for Quality Award, conferred by Business Initiative Development (BID) in Geneva, Switzerland. On that occasion, he was the only manufacturer from the Caribbean to have received that award.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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Bringing joy to all TEIONNET Association hosts three parties By Shirley Thomas TEIONNET Association is a Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Holland and is currently in Guyana, celebrating its 25th Anniversary while responding to the humanitarian needs of the people of this country. Founder of the organisation, Lynette Scotland, is part of this mission and is accompanied by a Dutch colleague, Veronique Agallo, who enthusiastically serves as a fillip to the Teionnet Association. The trip was made with the intention to host three parties to honour senior citizens, pregnant women and children during which the special guests will receive generous donations and other treats. The first was for senior citizens and was held at Scotland’s home in Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown. That event attracted more than 150 seniors drawn from various associations in Georgetown. It was an afternoon of much excitement. There was much to eat and drink and seniors found pleasure interacting and making new and past found friends. What was discovered was that there was a virtual gold mine of hidden or latent skills and talents from which society can still benefit, since a lot of the seniors are still able-bodied and willing to serve. The second party was hosted for pregnant women and was held on August 11. That event attracted about 60 expectant mothers for whom it was an afternoon of ‘unwinding’ as the mothers were treated to a relaxed afternoon which also allowed for the sharing of health tips. The third party targeted some 80 children and was held last Monday at the YWCA,
Founder, Lynette Scotland, and the ‘DJ’ operating the music set
Brickdam. The children were treated to lots of fun, music, dancing and goodies in galore. Both indoor and outdoor games were available to the children to partake to their heart’s desire. TEIONETT Association was launched in Guyana in August 1992. Lynette recalls her mother was a “caring and sharing” individual who was constantly giving “out of pocket” to the poor and needy, and so, walking in her footsteps, she began doing the same thing. Initially Scotland, while yet in her 20s, reached out to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in an aim to conduct activities with about 60 differently- abled children there, but, she said that at that time, she lacked adequate resources to do the things she really wanted to do to help the children. “All I knew was that I wanted them to know that there was somebody else out there who cared, and all I could have afforded was a slice of cake and some sweets and a drink,
which I took to the Centre and distributed to them. I could have seen the joy in their eyes; the smiles on their faces, and there I knew that I had touched them in some form, and I was glad,” Lynette told the Pepperpot Magazine. Later, her attention was drawn to children in the streets, which, thanks to the Ministry of Social Protection has become practically “a thing of the past”. In those days, hungry and homeless little children would take fastfood places by storm, longingly looking at customers who entered the facilities to purchase food and snacks, sometimes begging them to buy them something to eat or drink. Scotland said that she later began focusing on women who are abused by men and/or pregnant and abandoned by the fathers.
But the biggest outreach has been working with senior citizens in Guyana and each year she gives them a party during her visit. This time around, the group was delighted to have in their midst Guyana’s legendary “Johnny Braff , known for his song “It burns Inside”, and for him too, it must have been touching to sit and listen to his songs created way back when. But he certainly found new energy when the gathering began soulfully joining in singing his top tunes and calling for more. Scotland also gratefully acknowledged support given her group from two major business concerns in Holland, as well as, Mr. George Humphrey and Family Bakery in Georgetown and others who have supported the cause.
Some could not resist the music and took to the floor
A section of the gathering of senior citizens at TEIONNET Association’s party
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
Equitable and quality education for all Guyanese – Part 2 To truly transform Guyana into the education nation the President envisions, the root causes of the deficiencies in the education sector must be addressed. Chief among the critical areas to be addressed are teacher education and training, and of course, if Guyana is to catch up with the rest of the world, access to Information Communication Technology. TEACHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING An investment in a corps of qualified teachers, who have specialised training to meet the needs of all of Guyana’s
children, regardless of ethnicity, geographic location or other socio-economic factors, will be the driver of a more educated workforce, graduating young adults, who are equipped to meet the challenge of harnessing the country’s resources to bring about economic prosperity.
President David Granger communicating with students of the CPCE Centre in Berbice via the eGovernment fiber optic cable
President David Granger accompanied by Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry, Principal of CPCE, Ms. Viola Rowe interacting with students of the CPCE during a visit to the Science laboratory
With this in mind, the Head of State is intent on better equipping the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to ensure that a full cadre of adequately qualified teachers graduate each year. CPCE provides initial,
formal teacher training in education. Some of the programmes offered include the one-year Associate Degree in Education and the two-year Associate Degree in Education (ADE) programmes, the Trained Teacher Certificate Programme (TTCP) and the Teacher Upgrading Programme (TUP). Speaking to the graduating class of 2016 at CPCE’s 82nd graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), in December, 2016, the President said that as Guyana advances its ‘green’ agenda, teachers must be able to train a generation of professionals, who are able to develop the nation’s resources and take advantage of opportunities that will become available. The Head of State said that teachers must be more than tutors; they must be agents of socialisation, implanting knowledge, imparting values and infusing the right attitude in their students. Teachers, through training, President Granger said, must be exposed to modern teaching skills, so that they can be effective in transmitting knowledge to, and in building character in students. The President said, “The untrained teacher has no place in the future of the educational system in Guyana… Why should anyone allow their children to be taught by an untrained teacher? We are looking for total training… Every teacher must be trained. Trained teachers are essential to halting the decline in educational standards.”
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017
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The Head of State sees pability to make Internet teacher education as a comconnectivity available to mitment to lifelong learnall citizens in the city, ing. Beyond CPCE, Presother parts of the coastident Granger has outlined land and hinterland coma policy, which will ensure munities. University level qualified The eGovernment teachers in schools across Agency’s Secondary the country. “We hope School’s Internet Conthat over the next fifteen nectivity Project helps years between 2015 and to achieve the goal for 2030 during the period greater ICT in schools. of the SDGs [Sustainable To date over 100 eduDevelopment Goals], our cational institutions in teachers will all have the Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 opportunity to be exposed have been connected to to tertiary education,” the the eGovernment network President said. and provided with internet Minister of Education, access. Plans to extend Ms. Nicolette Henry noted this network to commuthat a policy decision in nities in the Hinterland President David Granger said that teachers, through training, must be exposed to modern teaching skills, so that this regard would only yield have begun, and are expected they can be effective in transmitting knowledge to, and in building character in students positive results. From a techto be executed this year. The nical perspective, she believes connectivity programme is that there is value in having academic degrees as CPCE pre- INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS another testimony of the Government’s push for the impleTECHNOLOGY (ICT) pares teachers for delivery. mentation of STEM, which President Granger has said should The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Ed- be embedded in all levels of the schools’ curricula. On July 26, 2017 President Granger accompanied by Minister Henry, met with students and staff of the CPCE, as ucation, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the The President speaking during the Berbice High School’s he continues his outreach to educational institutions in what National Data Management Agency (NDMA), has embarked Centenary celebrations in September 2016 stressed that an he calls fact finding missions to hear from the administrators on an ambitious plan to ensure that Information Communica- education founded in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and beneficiaries directly, even as Government zeroes in tion Technology forms a central part of education delivery in and Mathematics (STEM) subjects is key to innovation and on modernising and reforming the educational sector. The the classroom and that more students and teachers have access transformation of the country. “Education in the Sciences, forum was highly interactive as it allowed for both staff and to the World Wide Web. Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, what is now The National Information and Communication Technol- called STEM is the key to innovation and transformation, students of the institution to speak freely on issues that are affecting them. The Head of State explained to students and ogy Strategy is intended to provide the framework to guide Guyana’s capacity to compete in global markets will rely instructors at the college that his administration recognises the development of the ICT sector and a key component of it on our ability to innovate, innovation requires that greater the importance of these consultations and acknowledges that will ensure a greater presence of ICT in the classroom. Part emphasis be placed on Education, particularly STEM edumuch more needs to be done to ensure that the CPCE is better of its outcome objectives is focused on the development of cation, the greatest innovation in the global economy is in equipped to effectively train the nation’s teachers, but the in- smart classrooms and eLibraries for distance education and the Scientific and Information Technology fields,” President put of qualified stakeholders in the reform process is needed. eLearning. But for e-learning to be possible, teachers them- Granger said. The student teachers raised concerns relating to the selves must be comfortable with ICT and must have access The STEM initiative, which is being implemented in unavailability of staff, which resulted in first and second se- to computers and other such devices if they are to lead the mester courses being completed in the fourth, fifth and sixth way towards a smarter classroom. President Granger wants Turn to page XXIX ►►► semesters and increasing the work load. “That caused us a to ensure that teachers across lot of inconvenience because we would be leaving here six the country have access to comand after six in the afternoons, then we only have Saturdays puters. The One Laptop Per Teachand Sundays. We have to prepare, we have housework to er (OLPT) initiative forms part do… then we have to prepare for teaching practice again on of the larger Improving Digital Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and we know Primary is Equity, Access and Learning a lot,” one student teacher noted. (IDEAL) programme that also There were calls for the stipend to be increased annually, includes connectivity to the inadequate accommodation in the science laboratories, a more ternet for schools. The IDEAL structured curriculum and better accommodation and meals programme was launched in for the CPCE students. “You don’t have to put a lot of strain on the budget. Raise September 2016 by President it [stipend] gradually every year, because every year the cost Granger as the beginning of a process of ICT transformation of living is going up,” suggested a final year student. His colleague pointed out that “The technology labo- throughout the education sysratory does not facilitate the number of students especially tem. Thus far, 8,944 laptops, in the Early Childhood and Primary classes,” while another which are pre-programmed with expressed that “After we have spent close to a year in the the necessary teaching syllabus schools, we have tested the students, given assessments etc… and material, have been disand then in the sixth semester we are launched into a course, tributed to teachers across the country. where we are then taught how to correctly assess students.” The ICT Unit of the MinisPresident Granger in response assured the student teachers try of Education reported that it that all the issues have been taken seriously and provisions has successfully trained 5,500 will be made in the next fiscal year for these matters to be teachers in Basic Computer adequately addressed, noting that the Ministry of Education Literacy. is committed to improving the College within the limits of Additionally, 180 Secondary its resources. School teachers are competent In the Hinterland, Minister Henry said that a special to deliver the Caribbean Secteacher training programme will be implemented, which will ondary Education Certificate include the upgrading of learning resource centres and the (CSEC) ICT syllabi. Additionalignment of teachers’ learning resources to improve student ally, 150 Primary schools have outcomes. The Minister noted that, “Improving the quality been trained in the use of low of teachers’ education in the Hinterland which will see us cost technology. A total of 95 develop continuous professional development programmes secondary schools have been geared at addressing teachers’ weaknesses and tailored to incorporate teaching in multi-grade settings. There is also connected to the eGovernment provision in training and coaching in the Science Technol- Network. The e-Government ogy Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for teachers and programme increases government’s and the country’s caliteracy for teachers.”
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Things looking up at Perseverance – the model village that’s close to becoming a ‘comprehensive community’
More land space being created for duplexes
By Zena Henry ON a normal sunny day, it would take almost 12 minutes to traverse the pothole-filled road within Perseverance, a fairly small and quiet community off the East Bank Demerara main road, tucked away more than 4 kilometers in what was once cane fields. If the rain fell, it surely took longer to travel the The newly paved road heading into Perseverance
couple hundred yards where homeowners had occupied the government- issued properties. Commuters would either have to wait on taxis or a lift from a Good Samaritan to get out of the area, or risk getting soaked and muddied from the water-filled craters, some of which spanned the entire width of the roadway. This was usually the feature across many new housing schemes. In some cases, homeowners were without water or electricity, and this was the catalyst for many persons not taking up residency or building their homes on the properties they had bought. Today, Perseverance residents can count themselves lucky. Dubbed a model village for what the A partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government has said will be common features for all housing schemes they build, Perseverance is on its way to having all pertinent amenities to fulfill the promise of creating “comprehensive communities”. Not only do the residents there have electricity and running water in their homes, but street lights and paved roads as well. Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) Project Manager, Mr Kennard Dazzle told the Guyana Chronicle that all is going well in terms of creating the ideal community. He said contractors will complete some three kilometers of road at that location, to the tune of $130M. The Turn to page XXV ►►►
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The pillar of a community
The historic East Ruimveldt Market By Jamall Adams OFTENTIMES, it is easy to forget or not recognise gems in your own communities. Over the years, Guyana has seen erections of many wonderfully cultural and unique structures. The East Ruimveldt Market represents such a structure well. Aside from being the only drive-through market in Guyana, it is a prominent place for vending Kenola Adams (Shopper) and shopping for those in and around the Ruimveldt and La Penitence communities. The East Ruimveldt Market was built in 1978, by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Located on Vlissengen and East Ruimveldt Front Road, its construction was the product of an initiative to provide jobs
Nyall Henry (Greens Vendor)
East Ruimveldt main entrance bridge
and convenient shopping for residents of Ruimveldt, La Penitence and other neighbouring communities. The market housed approximately 200 vending stalls, three public restrooms, and a City Constabulary office. It is said to attract 2,000 customers daily and carries items from both local and international distributors. Therefore, if you are looking for dried coconuts from Ann’s Grove or ham from New York City, you only need to run down to the East Ruimveldt Market to fulfil those needs.
This market encapsulates a colloquial mist that local people enjoy, and foreigners appreciate. Nyall Henry has been a vendor of the East Ruimveldt Market for over 30 years. His stall is located in the front section of the market and he is known for his fresh greens and various types of fruit. “I began visiting the market as a child with my mother, and would always look forward to it every weekend,” Nyall reminisced, during an interview with Turn to page XXVI ►►►
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work is just over 50 per cent complete. “Perseverance residents will no longer be plagued by mud roads and huge potholes,” he said, adding that GAICO Construction is completing Lot Two of the road which is some 55 per cent complete, while Fawaaz Bacchus Construction is completing Lot One of the work, which is around 25 per cent complete. It’s no secret that Perseverance is the first community to have gotten asphalt-covered roads virtually at its infant stage. While a small number of new housing schemes had crush-and-run and other temporary materials thrown on roadways leading to their homes, these were of little consequence, since the onset of rain would see a return of the potholes in no time. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR “This is a breath of fresh air,” one taxi driver who identified himself as David said. David has been taking commuters to and from their homes since occupants started moving into Perseverance some three years ago. “At that time, the road was really bad; you had to be changing vehicle parts constantly,” he recalled. But this was nothing new, he said. “I would work in new housing schemes; like when they were building Diamond, La Parfaite Harmonie and some other places, and all the time was bad roads. So I know what it was.” Perseverance residents are pleased with what they say is government’s efforts to create comfortable, complete living spaces for citizens. After numerous complaints of shabby work from residents occupying Perseverance homes, as well as several other communities, the Ministry of Housing saw it fit to host a housing exhibition to showcase the new building types that they plan to roll out, while leaving the gates to the Perseverance community open so that the rest of the country could see what a comprehensive community, equipped with security features, public utilities and amenities such as public spaces and play grounds, would look like. As Mr Dazzle told the Guyana Chronicle, apart from the already available turnkey houses in Perseverance, the housing department is constructing 40 more duplexes, 20 three-bedroom houses and approximately eight two-bedroom properties to fill empty lots where those house types are located. And while large-scale construction has commenced at the model village, Dazzle said that the completion of road works is expected by the end of September or early October. Work is then expected to commence on community open spaces and the playground. Dazzle told the Guyana Chronicle, too, that turnkey houses in Providence are also being attended to, since the majority of hem are in dire need of repairs. He recalled that at least two of the homes had to be completely rebuilt due to poor work by initial contractors. This meant having residents vacate their homes to facilitate the second phase of repairs, estimate to cost close to $42M. In the meantime, new roads, and drainage facilities are being dug out at Perseverance to facilitate the duplex construction. Dazzle said that the expansion of the community is part of the housing ministry’s bid toward creating comprehensive communities to offer citizens a different housing experience.
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the Pepperpot Magazine. He acquired the stall following his mother’s death and has since been controlling its operations for his financial gain. As he continues to ply his trade on a day-to-day basis, Nyall expressed his optimism for the future of the market and its development. Rollex Scott, another vendor, has provided the market with tailoring services for 20-odd years. His trade is so masterful that it has attracted many customers from all across the country, thereby creating increased awareness of the market’s existence. He related his fulfilment gained by doing what he loves, and encouraged development for the provision of a safer environment. He also suggested that consideration should be made to allow 24-hour shopping at the market. Customers have also referred to the East Ruimveldt market with fondness. “I’ve been coming to this market all my life, so it has sentimental values within my heart,”
Chronicle Pepperpot August 20, 2017 Rollex Scott (Tailor)
Kenola Adams, a caterer by profession, and a resident of the East Ruimveldt community, remarked. “The market is conveniently located and the vendors are always friendly.” In 2016, development projects for the market commenced with the rebuilding of the market’s main entrance. It allowed easier access and increased vehicular traffic within the facility. The entrance now boasts a pristine upgrade which falls in accordance with the Government’s aim for a cleaner and greener city. Customers and vendors can look forward to several other governmental projects, which will give this community’s pillar a more modern look. The product? An enhancement that can aptly represent the change that has already made for a more refined, but nostalgic Guyana.
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The ‘Beer’ belly The real cause behind men with enlarged abdomens By M Margaret Burke WHEN a woman is pregnant some people describe her as being ‘large’; she’s late; having a bun in the oven; in the family’s way; knocked-up; and a few more. The evidence of the woman being pregnant is quite obvious, because she is carrying a new born baby. For a man, on the other hand, though having some of the same physical tendencies – enlarged, firm belly, may more be described as just being ‘large’. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE EQUALS HARD, FAT BELLY Dr Ravindra Shiwnandan, a leading private medical practitioner here in Guyana explained that, “A sedentary lifestyle (where there is little or no physical activity) is a major reason for men to gain weight, especially weight around the belly, which can also be as a result of an over-abundance of visceral fat – fat which lies deep inside the body, especially around the belly and other internal organs.” He further said that there are other reasons for men to have what seemed to be bloated bellies and these include poor diet that are high in calories or high in fat and which is used on a daily basis. THE ‘BEER’ BELLY Dr Shiwnandan pointed out that generally, eating too much of any food can cause weight gain in people, but noted that some foods are more likely to lead to the accumulation of belly fat than others. He noted that drinking excess alcohol can cause the man to gain belly fat as well – the ‘beer belly’, but that beer alone should not take the blame. He stressed that drinking too much alcohol of any kind can increase belly fat, because alcohol contains calories and while some studies suggests wine might be an exception, he emphasised that the drinking of any kind of alcohol should be done in moderation. “The less you drink the fewer calories you will consume and the less likely you will be to gain belly fat. On the other hand, if you have consumed too many beers, soda – ‘sweet drinks’, fruit punch and even the energy drinks, in addition to other sweet habits, then you will very likely get that large, hard belly,” he said, while stating that all these drinks and similar foods contain an abundance of calories, which would most likely encourage weight gain. He explained that belly fat is not limited to the extra layer of padding located just below the skin, which is called subcutaneous fat; it also includes visceral fat — which lies deep inside the abdomen, surrounding the internal organs, increasing the risk of many other medical problems. Some of these problems, he noted, can cause cardiovascular disease (heart attacks or other related heart problems); insulin resistance and Type Two Diabetes; colorectal cancer; high blood pressure, as well as sleep apnea, all of which can result on premature death from any cause. AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY Studies done by the American College of Cardiology has supported Dr Shiwnandan’s claim that once a man’s waist size is greater than 40 inches then there are clear indications that he is at a high risk of diabetes and heart disease. “Increasing stomach fat – especially the ‘hidden fat’ in your abdomen – is associated with newly identified and worsening heart disease risk factors, according to the study. “These adverse changes in cardiovascular risk were evident over a relatively short period of time and persisted even after accounting for changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, two commonly used methods to estimate whether someone is a healthy weight or not,” the College reported. NOTHING TO JOKE ABOUT Sometimes the way a man may carry himself with his enlarged belly cause some people to laugh but studies have shown that it is no laughing matter and since the explanations are forthcoming on this particular physical and medical state of affair, then efforts must be made by many men, from a situation quite evident in Guyana, to stand up and fight this physical disorder and medical quandary. GENETICS AND AGE MAY ADD TO BELLY FAT Dr Shiwnandan said that people’s weight is largely determined by how they balance the calories they eat with the energy they burn. If they eat too much and exercise too little then they are likely to gain extra pounds, which would likely include
belly fat. This, he said, is coupled with aging, which also plays a role. “As you age, you lose muscle mass, especially if you are not physically active, making it more difficult to maintain the healthy weight necessary for the body to be in good condition,” he said. At the same time, he mentioned that the genes also play a significant role in a person’s chances of being overweight or obese. Losing weight and exercising will shrink your middle Eating and drinking healthy, as well as being consistent with exercises help men (and women) to lose weight and shrink belly fat. Studies have shown that persons can tone abdominal muscles with crunches or other targeted abdominal exercises, but just doing these exercises will not just get rid of belly fat. And Dr Shiwnandan, while supporting and emphasising a healthy lifestyle – eating right, exercising and the like, stated that, especially in extreme cases of excess belly fat, there must be proper consultations with one’s physician in order to be guided in the right manner. Meanwhile, he stressed that drinking of at least six to eight glasses of water daily; the inclusion of the plantbased foods, which includes fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains should be used as much as is possible. Additionally, choosing lean sources of protein such as foods that are low in fat, fish, limited processed meat, as well as limited saturated fat, as well as a conscious slimming down of portions
of food were also recommended. Dr Shiwnandan encouraged, “Losing belly fat takes effort and patience. To lose excess fat and keep it from coming back, aim for slow and steady weight loss. Consult your doctor for help getting started and staying on track.”
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schools all across Guyana, runs parallel to the President’s National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) programme. The programme has its genesis in the presentation of $1M cheques to several schools in 2016, including the Berbice High School, Queen’s College and President’s College, to improve computer and science laboratories, as part of the Head of State’s push to promote STEM education through investment. In June 2017 $1M cheques were presented to 13 secondary schools under NEST. The schools included Queen’s College, Bishops High, St. Roses High, St. Joseph High and the St. Stanislaus College, from Georgetown. The Anna Regina Multilateral from the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region (Region two), Zeeburg Secondary and the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Hindu School on the West Coast of Demerara, Essequibo Islands- West Demerara Region (Region three). President’s College on the East Coast of Demerara, Rosignol Secondary, West Coast, Berbice and the Berbice High, East Berbice-Corentyne Region (Region five), Three-Miles Secondary in Bartica, Cuyuni- Mazaruni Region (Region seven) and the Mackenzie High School in Linden, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region (Region 10). Head Teacher of the Zeeburg Secondary, Ms. Bonita Blair said that the initiative will result in enhanced learning among the students, as well as improved results at the CSEC level, across the board. She noted that “there are a lot of stuff online and teachers can go and download items as it relates to their subject areas and they can use them in the classroom… teachers are requesting projectors not only in the Maths and Science but in other subject areas, so I think that would improve teaching in general.” Head Teacher of Queen’s College, Ms. Jackie Ralph said that particular attention is paid to Science and Technology, since school’s administration also recognise that Guyana cannot move forward without their inclusion. She said, “we believe that we must set the trends. We have been creating an environment where our students are exposed to the highest level of Science education and Technology. We have also established the Sci-tech club so some of the money will be going to the Sci-tech club, so that our students can start building their own computers.” Meanwhile, Head Teacher of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, Mr. Laljeet Rooplall expressed his gratitude to the Government of Guyana, which he said will go a far way in boosting the school’s laboratories, “we have the chemistry, physics, biology and two IT labs. This will strengthen these labs and that will enhance performance significantly, which we are hoping for.” The focus on STEM education, though in its early phases, is beginning to bear fruit according to Minister Henry. She noted that students are now exposed to hands on interactive experiences in the classrooms enabling them to better relate to the new areas of knowledge. “One of the great benefits I believe of the STEM education is the ability to promote critical thinking both in and out of the classroom. We have witnessed the use of micro science kits that certainly would have proven useful in the teaching of Science in our schools, and these kits augment and in some cases provide alternatives to science labs, that are not found in primary schools, through this students now have the opportunity to work individually or in small groups on various practicals that are not only mandated by CSEC but help students to develop investigative skills and competencies,” Minister Henry highlighted. The Minister said that students at the CSEC level have shown improvement in their experimental abilities and have achieved better grades in various subject areas. This year Guyana performed exceptionally well at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), securing 100 per cent pass rates (Grades One to Five) in 30 units, including Computer Science Unit 1, Information Technology Units 1 and 2, Applied Mathematics Unit 2, Animation and Gaming Units 1 and 2 and Digital Media Units 1 and 2. The country also secured an overall per cent pass rate of 92 at the examination. Overseas based Guyanese, Ms. Karen Abrams brought the Robotics Camp to Guyana in August 2016 and since then Robotics Clubs have been established all across Guyana. Through the Office of the First Lady strong focus is placed on training programmes, particularly in the area of ICT in various communities including Buxton/Friendship and Lusignan, which are being run parallel to the President’s NEST programme. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger speaking at Guyana’s first STEM Robotics Exhibition in June, 2017, emphasised
the importance of an advanced ICT system if the country is to be on par with international best practices. Mrs. Granger said, “Computer Science and technology are going to be where the jobs will be. As a matter of fact it is predicted that 75 percent of the jobs in the future will be in Computer Science, So if the children and young people in Guyana don’t catch onto that idea, while also becoming literate and numerate, we are going to be in a society that is always catching up and not quite getting there.” Events of this nature, the First Lady said, are aimed at unleashing the creative potential of Guyana’s youth in the use of Science and Technology for the development of their communities and the country in a global digitised era. The success of the STEM Guyana team at the 2017 First Global Challenge is testimony of the value of these kinds of investments by Government and the Private Sector for the development of STEM education. The team placed tenth out of 165 competing countries. But STEM education is not just for the secondary level. The $50M Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) that was introduced in the 2017 National Budget caters to young people who wish to advance their creative ideas in the field of science and tech-
XXIX nology. The programme, which focuses on both in and out of school youth, is in keeping with the Government’s ‘green’ agenda and will focus on solutions for the reduction of fossil fuel usage and the STEM programme. Under YIF, young people across Guyana can begin to tap into their creative abilities with the use of modern technology to explore how they can contribute to the development of ‘green’ technology and the increased use of clean energy. The in-school component is aimed at raising awareness among primary and secondary level students by having them participate in competitive activities that will challenge them to create solutions to address current global challenges, while utilising STEM subjects. Out-of-school youths will be required to submit proposals of projects, which they believe can benefit their communities or schools. These proposals will then be reviewed and those that meet the criteria will be selected by a panel from the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport. The YIF will be accessible across all the regions, with Ministry officials stationed in each region to assist the participants with the proposals.
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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
O what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive! SIR WALTER SCOTT (1771-1832) Marmion, (1808), c. VI. xvii STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Last time you were told that formulating dialogue becomes an art form over time. You see, the experienced writer immediately knows when to choose dialogue over and above merely telling or reporting. Precise paragraphing, punctuation, and capitalisation easily help the narrative flow. If you check some of your writing, they beg to be enlivened with paragraphs of real-life conversation intended to build up aspects such as characterisation, description, story action, and reader response. Be courageous and use dialogue; and this do
purposefully. Love you THE PASSAGE Ben takes off and starts down in the recently installed lift. It whisks him down, fast through atmosphere of cold cement, fresh-planed wood and fresh paint. Yussuf could be anywhere on earth. Throughout the morning, he had to carry his lunchbox with him even into the toilet. He knew the hands were ravenous. They could eat the plastic box if he would let them. Kanji Bhai, on his way from his perpetual visits to the latrine, stops Ben.
“Vay that Machoe call me goddamn Indian, Ben?” “I don’t know, you ask him,” Ben answers. Bhai scratches his dusty grey hair, pulls his trousers up his thin waist. “Vay he no stand election? He talk vell, big head, mingi akili. Vay he no stand?” “Vay you no ask him?” Ben asked him. Bhai shrugs, waves his arms in despair: “I ask, Ben.” “What did he tell you?” “He say I ask one more time he kill me.” “Well,” Ben shrugs, “you got your answer.” Bhai swears and walks away, bandy-legged, holding on to the belt of his over-sized trousers. There are many things Benn knows that Bhai will never understand. Machore can never raise the necessary deposit to register as a candidate. And even if he could raise the money, he will then have to find a constituency to contest and convince the constituents to vote for him. And who would listen to him? Only the labourers, and only at lunch time. (“Going Down River Road” by Meja Mwangi) About the Passage The above extract demonstrates how effective dialogue can be in revealing character, and relationships between characters. It also uses words and phrases appropriate to character-building. You can read the piece again and find out more of its characteristics. Search the piece for answers in the company of study partners with similar interests in the use of dialogue. Analyse each line of passage and then do an overall view with each person in full participation. Guidelines for Writing Dialogue 1. Make sure your dialogue has a purpose: to reveal character, to highlight the relationships between characters, to intensify the action, to add suspense, or a chosen combination. 2. Write a dialogue in words and phrases appropriate to each character. Consider the character’s age, personality, and educational background. Consider the character’s emotional state. 3. Use dialogue to reveal character and personality. What are the character’s beliefs? Desires? Fears? Is the character shy? Honest? Nervous? Not properly schooled? Boastful? 4. Make your dialogue sound like real conversation by using interruptions and pauses. 5. Make your dialogue easy to follow by using clear taglines and correct paragraphing and punctuation. Something to Do Recall an interesting conversation which you heard or in which you par-
ticipated, or even a scene you read or saw on television. Write it down as you remember it. Then turn it into a fictional dialogue. Change the real dialogue in any way necessary to add interest and liveliness. Show your group your new best in dialogue usage. This special exercise is for you to deliberately show improvement on the following aspects: ► Using dialogue to reveal something about your speakers ► Using words and phrasing appropriate to each speaker ► Using clear tag lines and correct paragraphing, punctuation, and capitalisation PUNCTUATION AT THE END OF QUOTATIONS In punctuation, whether we are dealing with commas, full stops, colons, or semicolons in conjunction with quotation marks, there are no exceptions to the relevant rules. Let’s look at the examples that follow: Full Stops and Commas: Always place full stops and commas within the quotation marks. Examples: The mighty African said, “As for me and my house, we will not let our enemy rule our compound.” “Just give me time,” said the migrant worker. “I will teach our insolent neighbours an unforgiving lesson.” Colons and Semi-colons: Always place colons and semi-colons outside the last or closing quotation mark. Examples Note well these two chapters in “The Tale of Two Converts”: Chapter 2, Part II; and the whole of Chapter 4. (Note the colon outside the closing quotation mark.) She came and heard the “Seed of the Woman”; she took the CD and left. (Note the semi-colon outside the closing quotation mark.) Question marks and Exclamation points: If the words within quotation marks make up a question or an exclamation, then the question mark or exclamation point belongs with those quoted words. Example Sharples said that he heard David ask John, “Did I hear you say that Daniel washed his feet before he left for Dorcas’s house service?” [The use of Dorcas’ is also correct.] If the sentence is a question, and a quotation which is not a question is at the end of that sentence, then the question mark appears after the closing lifted commas. E.g. Did Rudolph get one of those offers from “The Call to Eldorado II”?
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Bollywood news
VIP 2: Lalkar STORY: Raghuvaran tries to lead a change in the corporate world but his righteousness irks an egotistical businesswoman who becomes hell-bent on taking him down. REVIEW: Some films sell stories, some sell stars. VIP 2: Lalkar is the latter and it makes no bones about it. It bends over backwards to accommodate its lead actor’s skill-set and presents him with multiple opportunities to grow as the mass-hero, Raghuvaran. Raghu (Dhanush) is fresh off the success of a slum-re-
habilitation project; he’s even won a Best Engineer award. Just as he’s inching closer to the goal of starting his own construction firm, he makes an enemy out of the ruthless and bratty businesswoman, Vasundhara (Kajol), by refusing to work with her. A fundamental difference in ideologies leads to inflamed egos, and Raghu and Vasundhara face off for the rest of the movie’s runtime. That south Indian potboilers play at a slightly higher pitch than their Hindi counterparts is a fact. But one expects a basic level of competent storytelling to make up for the tonal and cultural differences. The dialogue, if paraphrased as opposed to translated, can remain meaningful and funny; the dubbing, if moderated, can temper the mood. Unfortunately, VIP 2: Lalkar offers no such compromises. In its effort to make room for Dhanush’s swagger, it often fails to exercise restraint. The lines are thoughtlessly translated; the scenes with Raghu's wife and colleagues are especially accentuated. And the film also has a paradoxical view of women; on one hand, Raghu refuses to let his wife work, sings a whole song about women being troublesome and threatens to beat-up his wife in a drunken stupor. On the other, he deems himself the savior of fallen women ev-
erywhere and thumps woman-beaters. Kajol’s Vasundhara is also made to look villainous for being a powerful woman
who is in charge of her life. The redeeming factor here is Dhanush, who is nothing if not charming. How he beats up goons who are thrice as big as him, is a mystery worthy of Sherlock’s time. Kajol plays Vasundhara with grit. The movie drops its aesthetic and gives you a surprisingly sweet conclusion. In spite of its issues, it may work for people seeking star-powered entertainers. But otherwise, it gets lost in translation.
Entertainment
Meet Amber Portwood's New Channa and Potato Curry Boyfriend: 5 Things to Know About Andrew Glennon Ingredients 1/2 lb Dried Channa or 1 tin of Channa (Chickpea) 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 small onion Chopped 2 wiri peppers finely chopped 2tbsp Curry powder 1/2 tsp Geera 1/2 Tsp Masala 1/2 Tsp Salt or Salt to taste
Instructions If Dried Channa is used, Pressure Cook the channa in salted water (1 tsp) for later use Wash and peel potatoes then chop them Heat oil and add onion and Garlic Add the Curry and Cook until almost Dry Add Potato and Green Seasonings. Stir until Coasted with curry Add Channa and Mix. Then add the pepper Add the Salted “Channa� Water. Pour enough to almost cover the channa & potatoe (about 2 cups) Cook until potatoes are tender and Mixture is Thick Season with Salt, Gheera, Masala. Add pepper to taste
Amber Portwood is giving love another shot. About two months after her on-again, off-again relationship with Matt Baier officially came to an end, the Teen Mom OG star was seen kissing a tall, dark and handsome mystery guy in her Indianapolis hometown. E! News can confirm this man's name is Andrew Glennon, and they met while she and Matt were filming Marriage Boot Camp. An insider reveals that Matt and Amber called it quits during production of the WE tv series, prompting the reality star's ex to head back to Las Vegas a newly single man. Amber explained to Dr. Drew, "We are talking but we are not talking in a sense that we're getting back together... We still talk because love doesn't just shut off like that. That's not how it works." We're told Portwood and Baier are "still in touch," but as a separate source adds of her new relationship, "She's very happy right now." Amber is so happy, in fact, that she appeared to make her relationship Instagram official. Just yesterday, she shared a snapshot of a man many believe to be Andrew relaxing on a bed with a rose in his mouth. Ooh la la! She also responded to a fan asking about their age difference, tweeting, "He's 33?? I'm 27...that's perfect to me and that's all that matters." So how'd it all go down between Amber and Andrew? And what is there to know about the Hollywood insider? Keep reading for all the need-to-know deets about this new couple! 1. They "Grew Close" on Set: A source says Andrew was working as a crew member on Marriage Boot Camp when they first crossed paths. Our insider reveals, "It makes sense Amber and Andrew grew close during filming. Her relationship with Matt was in bad shape and when you're shooting a show like this where there is a lot of heightened emotion, participants bond with the crew." 2. Amber and Andrew Waited Until Production Wrapped to Pursue a Possible Romance: No, this wasn't a cheating scandal by any means! The insider insists that lines weren't crossed and "nothing happened" between the two until Portwood returned home. "She didn't cheat," our insider says.