Pepperpot e paper 09 03 2017

See inside: Celebrating Rose Hall ►Town Centre page

Why learn Portuguese? ► Page

VI

Stories and legends are an integral component of indigenous culture

Myths or legends? ► Page

III

– indigenous folklore & their role in preserving culture, traditions

II

Editor’s note AS we observe both Indigenous Heritage and Education Month in September, the Pepperpot will seek to bring you stories that fall into these themes.

This week, we begin by looking at the moral and educational value of Indigenous folklore and how our first people are seeking to preserve it in a time

when such art forms seem to be losing the battle to science and technology.

We also look at the work and passion of some educators as they seek to ensure that the youth of this country are groomed into the leaders that we wish them to be. With the closing of CARIFESTA, some of our writers have

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

sought to reflect on the experiences of some participants, and the lessons that will be brought back to Guyana to help with our cultural development.

The town of Rose Hall has recently observed its 175th Anniversary, and this edition also pays tribute to some outstanding persons who have helped to contribute to its rich history. These and other stories decorate the pages of the Pepperpot in an aim to bring enrichment to your Sunday reading.

'Speed Queen'

Sharima Khan and her passion for racing

By Jamall Adams

THOUGH Sharima Khan was the name given to her at birth, this 22-year-old speed racer is known throughout Guyana as the "Speed Queen". She is young, energetic, persistent, a 'chip off the old block' and the only female speed racer in Guyana.

Sharima was born and raised in Golden Grove on the East Bank of Demerara. She's the second to last child for her parents and has four sisters and one brother. Growing up, while most young girls would dream about becoming doctors, teachers or even lawyers, Sharima's dreams were different.

She dreamt of becoming one of the world's most outstanding female race car drivers, because of her love for Formula 1 (F1) racing.

Fortunately for her, she had the first boost in her chosen path at the experienced hands of her father, Rafeeq Khan aka Haroon who's been racing for over three decades.

It began with her starting her father's cars before he would race and then later progressed to him teaching her how to properly manoeuvre the race cars that she later went on to master. This was something Sharima was looking forward to for a very long time, but she knew the importance of being patient.

Her determination and consistency through practice on the tracks with her dad or even alone paid off in her favour, and in January 2013, Sharima was given the opportunity to take part in her first professional race, which was an endurance race held at the South Dakota Circuit in Timehri, Guyana.

The endurance race went on for three hours where Sharima displayed her amateur skills and where her father showcased his professional driving skills. Their collective father and daughter efforts earned them the first place spot in the 2000cc class, something that was never done in the history of speed car racing here in Guyana and which was described by many fans and spectators as "The new era of speed car racing in Guyana." When asked about how she felt after winning her first race, Sharima said "It was more exciting than I had imagined. I always thought it wouldn't be such a big deal, but the crowd response was amazing and that made me more motivated than ever, I was super excited to get back on the track." She then added that her father gave her the name 'Speed Queen' after that race and even her mom was proud of her, although

she was not too supportive of her speed racing dreams at first.

After the endurance race, it was time for Sharima to gear up for the upcoming November meet racing event, which is one of the most popular annual racing events in Guyana. This event occurs every November and attracts some of the best local and inter-

Sharima posing before a race

Sharima and her father

national speed car racers, to compete against each other, for prizes and bragging rights.

Sharima was anxious to show off her talent and got the chance to do so in an individual race with 20 other male racers. The race was scheduled for 10 laps and Sharima gave it her all, eventually coming in at number eleven.

And though it was a position which is not respected in the racing world, Sharima was Greeting her fans

giving a standing ovation by spectators after crossing the finish line. This response was well deserved and well accepted, since Sharima had just created history again, by being the first female Guyanese racer to ever compete and finish a November meet event.

"Ever since my first November meet, I've improved greatly when it comes to my track performance. I've since participated in more than a dozen races and have accomplished several podium finishes," Sharima explained, She added that although one of her biggest dreams is to represent Guyana on the international stage, the biggest

moment of her life was the proud look she saw on her father’s face after she had completed her race. She also stated that she is expected to compete in this year's November meet, which is scheduled for November 12, in which she'll be debuting a new race car, the Honda del sol.

Sharima's dedication and commitment to speed car racing have given her a great amount of popularity within the racing world, both locally and internationally.

Her commitment to the sport has also given her a great deal of support and endorsements from local companies, all of whom pledged to support whatever moves she decides to make while on the race track.

Myths or legends?

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

III

– indigenous folklore & their role in preserving culture, traditions

By Ravena Gildharie IT WAS a bright day and an Arawak schoolboy, Frank Bernard, of the Pakuri Village, St Cuthbert’s Mission, was on a lunch break when he strutted down to the landing with his bucket to fetch water from the Mahaica Creek. He walked toward the dock and passed the washing boards used by the village women, but they were not there at the time. There was a presence though; a strange sighting, that left young Frank spellbound. He gazed in silence unable to move a leg further, still clenching the bucket in his hand.

The year was 1944, during the period what villagers termed the ‘Yankee era’. The United States Army was in command of the Atkinson Airfield, which they had established just four years earlier at Timehri, several miles away from the Pakuri Village. The white soldiers would often pass through the reservation much to the awareness and amusement of the indigenous inhabitants. But, there was no such activity that day.

At the landing Frank was so taken up with the gravity of the moment; the handles of the bucket dropped with a clink, a noise that startled the two ‘white’ women sitting on the dock. The women were of European descent, one wore a blue bathing suit and the other, a black. They sat facing the east with their backs turned toward Frank, up until they heard the bucket’s noise. They spun in amusement to look at Frank. One of the women had a blind eye. After a few seconds, they dived into the water creating a heavy swirling effect. A clear, sunny day immediately became murky. None of them resurfaced.

Frank had experienced an encounter with mermaids, a legend that permeates indigenous folklore which transcend various native tribes, dialects, communities and generations.

It is stories and legends like these that integrate the rich cultural fabric of Guyana’s first people and which serve as a pillar in keeping with the indigenous’ traditions, customs and beliefs alive.

According to Leeland Klenkian, the local educator and historian of Pakuri Village, many of the folklore are based on experiences and the way of life of the indigenous people.

There are scary tales of the powerful Kanaima, of natives with the ability to change form

encounters between native hunters and the ‘Konkudu’, known as the ‘bush-man’ or ‘boss man of the bush’, who dominates the most remote parts of the jungle, situated off the reservations.

Such messages encouraging the reverence and preservation of flora and fauna form the morals of much indigenous folklore.

To Klenkian, “these stories were told to help the younger folks in train to behave a certain way; to make sure we handle the environment with care, caution and respect, and so that the knowledge is imparted to succeeding generations with the hope of maintaining obedience and a coherent society.”

Traditionally, there exists a strong bond between indigenous people and their environment from which they source food and eco-

into various animals and of spirits of the environment that would either reward or punish.

Klenkian, 68, is a former Toshao and primary school teacher. He is well versed in the Arawak language and remains a respected educator, who conducts native language classes and tutoring for Grade Six students. He grew up hearing stories from his grandparents and other elders of the village. This was done during social gatherings or family time in the evenings when the children sat and talked with their elders.

Storytelling was also a main feature of Mashramani, the celebratory custom after self-help work.

FOLKLORE AS ADVOCACY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION “We have a lot of beliefs that our grandparents or some older aunt or uncle or in-law would have told us…For example, we were told that everything has a mother or a bigger spirit. So, if we go hunting and we kill an animal violently, we need to handle the meat carefully and treat it with some respect or else we will get sick,” Klenkian conveyed.

Folklore often included detailed lucid

nomic livelihood. It is, therefore, no surprise that many of the folklore relate to the culture and everyday activities with many aspects of spiritual beliefs. Some stories admonish offerings to the ‘cassava momma’ to ensure a bountiful produce and for processing to be done in a peculiar manner with scrapings offered to the water spirits.

DYING TRADITION AND REVIVAL EFFORTS In each village and tribe, the folklore is told with similar meanings and formats.

However, it is felt that modern influences and advancement of technology and entertainment are wiping out the indigenous folklore and traditions of storytelling.

In the Makushi Village of Nappi, Rupununi, Guy Fredericks remembers growing up as a child sitting in the moonlight in the company of other children and villagers, listening to the elders tell stories in their native language.

He heard stories of animals and legendary creatures of the forest such as the Yawari with a son-in-law and the ‘bushman.’ There were many stories about the Kanaima which propelled the Makushi’s fear of their rival Patamonas.

These community meetings have stopped and so has the storytelling even in the homes, where Fredericks ob-

served that the youngsters are now glued to the television, cellular phones and computers with no time to converse with their elders.

As the storytelling gets rare, the stories are disappearing even in the minds of the elders, as they seldom narrate.

Further, Fredericks feels that folklore is losing significance among the younger generations who dismiss the narrations as merely ‘Nancy stories.’

He concurred that some are myths.

“When we cooked a meal with the fish Huri or Yarrow, our grandmother used to tell us that we can’t eat the fish head because it would make our face black or if we eat the fish eggs, boils would break out on our face,” he said.

With a chuckle, he admitted that the elder was actually using those tales so that she could consume “the best part of the fish”.

However, he highlighted that some of the stories are notable experiences that can educate the younger generations.

Councillor, Camilla Francis, who is also a retired teacher of Moruca, is a master storyteller and has been spearheading initiatives to preserve the indigenous folklore. She has been documenting the stories she heard from her elders and recently started video recording too. Later this month, she will stage a special storytelling event under the moonlight in Moruca.

Some time ago when Francis was a baby, villagers became engrossed in one of the family’s dreadful experience of the Kanaima. The parents were out at a party, drinking cassiri and dancing to the mari-mari. Their young baby was sick with a fever and left at home with an older sibling.

The baby kept crying despite all the sister did to appease the sick child. It was 01: OO hrs and the couple had not yet returned. There was a call outside. It was two men known to the girl and her family. They said they had come to take the crying baby to the parents.

The girl was hesitant, but the men convinced her that her parents had sent for the sick baby.

She complied.

Hours later, her parents returned home and enquired about the baby. The girl related the incident. The parents were shocked.

They hadn’t sent for the child. The men who collected the baby denied the incident as they had never left the party and other villagers confirmed their alibi.

A massive community search was launched. Later the next day, the baby was found dead in a clump of bushes, naked, severely beaten and covered in blood. It was felt that the Kanaima took the form of the two men and abducted the sick baby.

Similar folklore would be told at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Main Street, Georgetown, during the Sixth Annual Storytelling of Folklore, Myths, Tales and Legends, planned during this month in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month 2017.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

FILES E S A C COURT

Full Court ruled Magistrate was right to decline jurisdiction IN 1971, the Appellant Edward Gaznabi who instituted a $250 claim out of Rent Control Ordinance, appealed same only to find that the Full Court ruled that the Magistrate was right to decline jurisdiction.

Gaznabi’s appeal was dismissed.

IN 1971 the Appellant Gaznabi appealed from a Magistrate’s Court of the Georgetown Judicial District.

The appellant was the landlord of one Adams in respect of premises situated at Kitty.

In February 1969, Adams left the premises to work in the hinterland. In April 1969, the respondent, a member of the tenant’s household, in consideration of the appellant’s forbearance to sue Adams for possession on the ground of non-payment of rent, agreed to meet personally the obligations of the tenant, Adams. A statutory tenancy came into being with effect from 30th November, 1969, on the contractual tenancy having been determined by notice to quit.

In June 1970, without any notice to the appellant, all members of the tenant’s household vacated the premises leaving behind them arrears of rent and the results of certain

acts of waste. The appellant brought his claim in the magistrate’s court against the respondent for the sum of $756.00 - $630.00 due as rent and $125 .00 as damages for waste.

He argued that the claim was one which arose out of the Rent Control Ordinance. The question on appeal was whether the magistrate was right to decline jurisdiction.

HELD: (i) the cause of action pleaded was a common law one of breach of contract of indemnity; (ii) the appellant would have had to rely on his agreement with the respondent and a breach thereof and not on any provision of the Rent Control Ordinance; (iii) the claim could not be said to arise out of the Ordinance, and as it was one in excess of $250.00, it was outside the jurisdiction of the Appeal dismissed.

O. M. Valz for the Appellant.

V. M. Newton for the Respondent.

The judgment of the Court was delivered

by Chief Justice Bollers of the Full Court.

The other member of the Full Court was Justice Gonsalves-Sabola.

The Chief Justice said: The appellant

was at the Georgetown Judicial District, declining jurisdiction to entertain a plaint claiming from the respondent the sum of $756.00.

The plaint, a novel one, recited the following facts – The appellant was the landlord of one Alton Adams in respect of premises at 34 Shell Road, Kitty, rented at a monthly sum of $35. oo. In or about February 1969, the tenant, Alton Adams left the demised premises to seek for gold and diamonds in the hinterland.

On or about 1st April 1969, the respondent , a member of the tenant’s household, in consideration of the appellant’s forbearance to sue the tenant for possession on the ground of non- payment of rent, assumed personal liability to the appellant.

By a notice to quit, the contractual tenancy was determined with effect from 30th November, 1969, and the tenant having held over a statutory tenancy came into being.

It is open to argument whether the alleged contract was really one of indemnity and not an ineffectual attempt at novation dressed up to look like an indemnity.

But be that as it may, it is not apprehend-

By George Barclay

ed how the respondent’s indemnification of the appellant landlord in respect of a statutory tenant’s obligation to pay rent and to make good, waste, could convert the appellant’s claim from one arising out of the common law to one arising out of the Rent Control Ordinance.

In other words, the appellant in order to establish his claim would have had to rely on his agreement with the respondent and a breach thereof, and not on any provision of the Rent Control Ordinance Cap. 186.

The plaint, a work of artful legal draftsmanship, pursued a tortuous course to bring the claim within the jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s Court, but since we hold that the claim, one in excess of $250.00, does not arise out of the Rent Control Ordinance, it was by s. 3 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Petty Debt) Ordinance, Cap. 16, outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s Court.

The learned Magistrate was right to decline jurisdiction and that being so, this appeal is dismissed and the ruling of the Magistrate is affirmed.

The respondent will have her costs.

Appeal dismissed.

Amazon Warriors visit Essequibo THE Guyana Amazon Warriors are winning matches one by one as they continue their campaign in the 2017 edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

In the process, they are also winning hearts one by one.

The team, led my Manager Omar Khan and Captain Rayad Emritt, last week visited the Cinderella County of Essequibo to show support for their fans there.

The team ended their home leg of the series by giving back

to the locals of Regions Two and Three shortly before they departed for Barbados.

They first met with the children of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) where they asked questions, interacted with their favourite cricketers and got their flags and banners signed.

According to GTT Public Relations Officer (PRO) Allison Parker, the idea behind the visit to the NOC was to show those students there that sport can be an uplifting factor.

Amazon Warriors Franchise owner Rangisinghi Ramroop chats with team manager Omar Khan and GTT PRO Allison Parker (Adrian Narine Photo)

“We took the GAW to the NOC as an inspiration to the NOC residents. We wanted to remind them that they are still valuable and also to aspire to a new life to be stars themselves one day in some field of endeavour. It forms part of our overall goal of our Youth Involvement Programme especially at the community level.”

While there, the unit took the time out to also visit fans at the Imran Bacchus Supermarket.

Amazon Warriors Captain Rayad Emritt poses with a few fans by the Imran Bacchus supermarket in Essequibo (Adrian Narine Photo)

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

V

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Things to consider before joining NSTAD’s Creative Writing Programme

THE National School of Theatre Arts to do individual work. However, there are and Drama (NSTAD), which falls untimes when students will have to work der the domain of the Department of in groups – especially when it comes to Culture’s “Institute of Creative Arts” reading the works that have been written (ICA), is about to graduate the first in classes and receiving feedback from batch of its students who will be advancpeers. Criticism is essential to the creation ing from the Institute with a Certificate of good writing and, therefore, learning to or Diploma in Creative Writing. receive feedback from both lecturers and This means, that in just a few weeks, peers, and operating in a group in order to NSTAD will begin accepting students for help each student to create their best posthe new academic year. This further means sible work, are essential attributes that can that a unique opportunity for Guyanese benefit students greatly in their Creative writers has presented itself in the form Writing classes. of a formal education, for those who are interested in becoming creative writers, 4) TUITION IS FREE those who are interested in becoming betI truly do not believe that this aspect of ter writers by honing their skills in one or things needs any further elaboration. Howmore of several fields of writing (Poetry, ever, I do get the feeling that not charging Prose, Playwriting, Creative Non-Fictuition to students might be a temporary tion, etc.), and those who are seeking a aspect of the programme, geared towards stimulating and artistic environment that encouraging more students to study CreLast Year’s Batch of NSTAD Graduates, along with officials from the Ministry of Education will be cohesive to writing and fuel their ative Writing or Drama. Therefore, it is (Photo Credit: MOE) particular artistic endeavours. advisable for prospective students to take to Friday. Some days might require students to be present This programme at the National advantage of this opportunity now, while School of Theatre Arts and Drama is unique and important for classes for the entire four hours, while on other days, it is free of cost. because it is the only post-secondary institution in the country students may be able to do as little as two hours per evening, Of course, as a learning institution that wants to be to offer formal classes in Creative Writing. This is something depending on which courses they choose to do. The classes successful, NSTAD and students who study there must enthat even the University of Guyana (UG) has failed to do, are in the evening in order to cater to the majority of students sure that collaborations and discussions between students and one important initiative the Ministry of Education needs who are working people, and would not be available to make and lecturers and administration are held, in order to to look into, as soon as possible, is to identify how elements it to classes during the day. While the lecturers tend to be very ensure that the best results can be achieved for all involved within the NSTAD’s Creative Writing programme can be flexible and accommodating when it comes to the shifting and in order to escape the pitfalls that have affected UG. adopted by UG or, how a merging of students from the two around of certain hours in order to ensure that students can be Such discussions have already been started in the past institutions can be developed so as to allow UG students to present for as many classes as possible, anyone who is inter- with thoughts on important courses that can be added study Creative Writing as electives or as core courses through ested in joining the programme still needs to be okay with the to the programme, better use of the hours in the week to arrangement of classes being held in the evenings. the NSTAD programme. achieve the goals set each semester, and even thoughts on It has taken a long time, but now that it is finally here, it is accreditation and publishing work written by the current important for writers to take advantage of this only Creative 2) THE STUDY PATHWAYS ARE BROAD students, must be continued and sustained by new students Sure, you might be interested in writing Poetry only or in the Creative Writing Programme. More information on Writing programme. While the programme is new, with areas for further development and improvement, it is so much better Plays only, but the Creative Writing programme seeks to enrollment will be found on NSTAD’s Facebook page in than the barren stretch of emptiness, pertaining to a formal introduce students to a variety of disciplines and elements of the weeks to come. education in Creative Writing, which was available to local writing, while also seeking to further develop your skills in writers before. In the past, writers were at a loss for ways of your preferred genre of writing. Therefore, the courses in the meeting fellow writers, teachers of writing, and avenues for programme include the main genres (Poetry, Prose, Playwritexpressing their writing – problems that are all remedied by a ing, Creative Non-Fiction, Writing for Radio), but also include other courses that can broaden one’s appreciation for, and Creative Writing course of study.

However, persons desirous of becoming students at the the application of, Creative Writing. These include: Creative National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, need to take Writing in Education, History of Literature, Research, and several things into consideration before a decision is made students can also choose to do any of the courses from the Drama Programme, such as Directing, Acting, Production, etc. to study for the Certificate or Diploma in Creative Writing.

1) ALL CLASSES ARE TAUGHT IN THE EVENINGS Classes in both the Creative Writing and Drama programmes are taught between 17:00- 21:00hrs, from Monday

3) TEAMWORK IS ESSENTIAL Writers are known to be solitary creatures, and for a great majority of the Creative Writing Programme, students have

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Why learn Portuguese?

By Gibron Rahim

‘OLÁ!’

Anyone who has some knowledge of the language will recognise that this word means ‘hello’ in Portuguese.

Those who are even more familiar with the language will be able to carry on a conversation after hearing this greeting. It is undeniable that mastering a second language is an invaluable asset in a fast-paced world. Being able to speak Portuguese, or Spanish, or Mardarin, can provide a crucial leg up. But there is more at play than individual gains and the work being done by the Centro Cultural Brasil-Guiana (CCBG) is a prime example. The initiatives being undertaken by CCBG provide opportunities for cultural exchange and economic advancement.

CCBG is not unique, in the sense that it is one of 21 Brazilian Cultural Centres located across four different continents, each under the jurisdiction of their respective Brazilian embassies, which aim to provide training in the language and culture of Brazil to foreigners. The countries are as varied as Mexico, Finland and Guinea-Bissau. The centre in Georgetown was inaugurated on March 15, 1970 with its purpose being to serve the Brazilian diplomatic mission in Guyana. Continuing this legacy is CCBG’s current Director, Doraci Porter.

PORTUGUESE ON THE SYLLABUS The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has from this year introduced Portuguese as a CSEC subject. This follows Guyana and Brazil's efforts to have the subject added to the CXC curriculum and comes almost four years after the Ministry of Education launched Portuguese as a new foreign language in the school system. Classes for secondary school students and public secondary school teachers are among the centre's current focuses. Porter explained to the Pepperpot Magazine that CCBG’s support for Guyana’s Portuguese language education was born from a meeting the Brazilian ambassador, Lineu Pupo de Paula, had with the then Minister

of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

The Minister had signaled commitment to the teaching of the Portuguese language at the secondary school level and had requested support from the Brazilian government in training Guyanese teachers for Portuguese language instruction.

“In response to the Minister’s request, CCBG prepared a special Portuguese course for the secondary students and teachers,” Porter said. Currently, CCBG offers a free weekly class to the teachers. The main focus of the classes she noted The Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre is to provide an opportunity (Photos courtesy of CCBG) for teachers to improve their knowledge and technical skills distinct economic benefits. According to Porter, “Learning a in teaching Portuguese. Secondary school students are also foreign language is always a wise choice, whether for business catered for. Free weekly classes are offered to students from purposes, educational opportunities, leisure or tourism needs.” schools that have Portuguese as part of their curriculum, with Brazil has the fifth largest economy in the world. One of the aim of helping students in the final years of their secondary the benefits of mastering the language she said is the poseducation with their preparation so that they can perform well sibility for strengthening business partnerships. Being able in the CSEC Portuguese examinations. to speak the language can break barriers. “Can you imagine These free classes are in addition to the regular classes the transactions, negotiations, and different kinds of businesses centre offers to the general public interested in learning the without interpreters, with the communication flowing freely Portuguese language. and easily?” she asked. Being a fluent Portuguese speaker then would foster the creation of a friendlier business environment OTHER ACTIVITIES and reduce costs to businesses. This may especially be the The centre also has capoeira classes for those interested case in Georgetown and Lethem, crossroads for Brazilian and in learning the intriguing mix of dance and martial arts. Porter Guyanese interactions. also revealed that it is her intention that CCBG starts offering samba classes sometime in the near future. She also spoke EDUCATION about some of the activities for the upcoming academic term.

There is also the possibility of receiving scholarships to CCBG, in partnership with the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF), study. The two main program for scholarships in Brazil are the is organising a Human Rights Film Festival from September Exchange Programme for Undergraduate Students (PEC-G) 28 to October 4. Both Brazilian and Guyanese films will be and the Exchange Program for Postgraduate Students (PECscreened at the festival. Brazilian films will also continue to PG). Both these programmes provide students from developbe screened twice a month for CCBG’s students, as well as ing countries with which Brazil maintains educational, cultural for those of the general public who are interested. The centre or scientific and technological agreements, which is the case will also celebrate Children’s Day in October, an observance with Guyana, the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate in Brazil. studies or postgraduate studies at top Brazilian universities throughout the country. The one requirement to apply is that CULTURAL EXCHANGE the candidates sit CELPE-BRAS, the Brazilian certificate of Cultural exchange is a very necessary part of the relation- Portuguese Language Proficiency, which CCBG is an examship between Guyana and Brazil. According to Porter, this ination centre for. is especially so given our common borders. For this reason, Porter was also sure to emphasise that speaking the lanthough the centre’s main focus is Portuguese, English classes guage allows the opportunity to visit Brazil. “I must say that are also offered to Brazilians who reside in Guyana. It is also Brazil is so big and the regions are so different from each othfor reasons of cultural exchange that CCBG organises events er, that you can go many times and always see and experience that promote Brazilian culture. In fact, the director noted new things!” she enthused. Truly, CCBG has been creating that last June the centre organised two successful events: the an environment for a mutually beneficial relationship between Brazilian Flavours Food Festival, where nine restaurants in Brazil and Guyana through language and cultural exchange.

Georgetown offered Brazilian dishes, and the annual Festa The centre has new classes starting September 18.

Junina event. These events allowed Guyanese to experience Registration will be from September 4 to 15 and anyone traditional Brazilian culture in the form of music, dance, interested in learning more about the events CCBG ordrinks and food. ganises can follow their social media page at facebook.

Besides the value of the cultural exchange and the friend- com/ccbguyana. ships that result, learning the Portuguese language itself has

Secondary school students being instructed in Portuguese at the Centre

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

VII

Fatal oral diseases I sincerely believe that in many countries a large number of people die daily of diseases that originated in the mouth but have resulted in a fatal condition in another part of the body. Physicians are not generally trained or inclined to report that the cause of a person’s death was due to bad oral hygiene. And that is understandable. But the fact remains that more often than anyone wants to believe, people actually die from dental abscesses.

In the majority of cases that a dental infection becomes fatal, the offending tooth is a lower molar. Also, the signs and symptoms are allowed to persist for up to five days without the individual attempting to seek proper medical attention.

The condition known as descending cervical cellulitis is a severe form of diffuse swelling that frequently arises from infections of the lower molars. The roots of the second and third molars reach below the mylohyoid ridge, and an abscess located at the root tip may discharge in the submandibular space and then extend directly to the parapharyngeal space (at the side of the neck).

From there the abscess may spread inferiorly by the way of the fascial planes (found between the muscles) to the mediastinum (sack that contains the heart). It is the consequent decay of this thin fibrous pouch that encloses the heart that

By Abdool Aziz EARLY in December 1962, she slipped out of a dry dock and was christened – M. V. Malali. A modern ferry, the best ever built by Guyanese expertise. She was the flag ship of the marine fleet of the T&HD. Her mission: to run a daily ferry service from Parika to Adventure. It was a treacherous crossing in the Essequibo Delta festooned by a submerged sand bank and mud flats. Though a special channel was dug for her, she still encountered dangers and by night, the inevitable happened. She became a ‘sitting duck’.

That evening, she ‘limped’ out of Parika harbour loaded with passengers and cargo.

She was touching the plimsol line and her sailing was ‘laboured’. We were steaming and the tide was ebbing and just as she turned murder bush the captain turned on the search light, and to our fear the back of the marine obstacles were manifested – sand banks and mud flats.

“Steady!” the Captain barked.

“Steady, skipper!” I replied. He cut the engine to ‘slow’ then ordered a reading of the depth. The leadsmen shouted, “Quarter less nine, Captain!” (That is eight and three quarter feet). The ship’s keel was seven feet, six inches. The vessel began to vibrate.

‘Mid ship!’ he shouted. I placed the rubber at ‘O’. He stopped the engine then we felt her bottom grazed. She shuddered and it happened. She ran aground!

Some passengers, asleep on the deck had their chairs jolted and they look bewildered

results in death.

Undoubtedly, one of the most dreaded, and probably the most lethal form of mediastinitis (infection of the heart sack) is the diffuse necrotising variety that occurs as a complication of an oral infection. Despite the presently available array of drugs, descending necrotising mediastinitis (DNM) remains a highly fatal disease.

Some time ago a 27-year-old man died of this condition at a city hospital. He went to the Emergency Department complaining of having for the past week suffered from progressive neck swelling associated with an inability to open the mouth properly, and painful swallowing. Three days before a physician had diagnosed “tooth abscess” and prescribed ampicillin.

The patient’s chief complaint was a sore, swollen, throat; a

while others got up from their seat and peered through the windows.

“What’s happened?” they asked. The captain went to the intercom.

“Passengers your ship is on a sand bank.

As soon as the tide returns, we’ll sail again.

Please stay calm. Some coffee and other refreshments will come your way.”

He placed his radio to the mic and some cool music wafted into the promenade deck.

I stepped down the bridge. One irate passenger said, “What you doing up deh? A lil sailor … see what you done!” I tried to calm him down.

Another passenger said, “Alyou bin sleepin? The captain don’t know the jab. I am a captain too – never got stuck like dis.

Alyou gon bruk up the ship!”

The captain stepped down. An angry mob surrounded him “How dis happen Cap?” The old man tried to explain.

“You didn’t see the sand bank or you nah sleep?”

The captain smiled and said, “The tide is too low. Our ship was loaded.”

One pregnant woman said “When we go sail? Look ah me condition!”

Captain said, “Please understand, we got to wait on the flow tide.”

The civilian captain, “I going up the bridge, the ship can come off the sand. I’ll put it astern.” Sailors blocked the steps. The captain took the troubled man to the aft and showed him the exposed blades of the propeller. “See, those screws will spin in the air.

No thrust, we must wait!”

foul taste in the mouth; and inability to eat.

Seven days after he was admitted to the hospital, the patient died. At the time of admission, his temperature was 101 degrees (normal 97-98), pulse 96 (normal 72) and blood pressure 140/80. His heart rate was normal. Oral examination revealed decayed lower molars.

The X-rays of the neck and chest showed abnormal air collection extending from the parapharyngeal spaces bilaterally at the base of the tongue down to at least the level of the clavicle (collar bone). He was placed on aqueous penicillin G, 2 mega units every four hours. The fever increased the same evening. The patient was taken to the operating room where the decayed molars were removed and the neck abscesses drained of foul smelling pus. Gentamycin was then added to the antibiotic regimen. The following day the patient’s condition deteriorated.

On the fourth day of admission, copious amounts of fluid were drained from the check cavity, and the patient became convulsive (fitting). Eventually, he went into septic shock, his blood pressure fell dramatically and he went into a coma.

He then developed metabolic acidosis secondary to kidney failure and died.

The major lesson to be learned is that one should never underestimate the seriousness of dental disease. Because of their anatomical location, the lower molars are the most dangerous teeth in the mouth. Preventative maintenance of these teeth may literally save your life.

The ‘Floating City’ stood its ground.

Anxiety gripped the minds of the beleaguered passengers. Babies were crying, women were lambasting the crew. I took the brunt of it as the inefficient helmsman. People scurried from bow to stern calling on the captain to move the ship.

Accusations of carelessness filled the air. Some called on the captain to resign.

Others accused us of trying to harm the state–of– the-art ferry. The captain and crew remained calm. No one took the refreshments. All were angry, tired and anxious to keep moving. And move they did. What appeared to be an external nightmare ended in cheers as the flowing tide lifted her up and sailed her forth. It was back at the wheel.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Guyana Cultural Association honours Chronicle Editor, other outstanding Guyanese

By Francis Quamina Farrier THE Guyana Chronicle Editor, Godfrey Wray, was among the 21 individuals who were honoured at the 17th Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, which was attended by Guyana’s Fourth Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affair, Hon. Sydney Allicock, MP. The veteran Journalist, Publisher and Writer, was bestowed with the prestigious 2017 Exemplary Award.

Godfrey Wray was also honoured by the Brooklyn Borough President, Eric L. Adams. The citation states in part: “On behalf of all Brooklynites, I salute Godfrey Wray for being recognised for his outstanding career in editing, journalism, publishing, and international entrepreneurship; I applaud him for sharing knowledge of the cultural, political, social, and geographic landscapes about the indigenous way of life.”

French Huguenot Heritage, Mercedes Pierre, who hails from Mabaruma in Region One, was also honoured by the GCA for her work over the years as an Indigenous human rights activist, and being active in international relations, diplomacy and legal affairs.

Another honoree, who is of Amerindian and East Indian Heritage, was self-taught artist and sculptor, Desmond Ali, who was described as “a renowned sculptor whose work gained notoriety during the 1980s, with his carved, relief pieces depicting the predicament of the World

in 1954 with his composition ‘The Parrot and the Monkey’. Writer Ruel Johnson; Film Producer, Romola Lucas; Dance and Costume Designer, Clive Prowell; and The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Main Street, Georgetown, which was founded by Dr. Denis Williams in 1974, were also honorees.

Among the sponsors of this 17th GCA Annual series of events, were Dynamic Airways, Sybil’s Bakery and Restaurant, Fly Jamaica, Pam’s Bakery, Bakewell Bakery and Restaurant.

Displaying the Brooklyn Borough President's Citation to Godfrey Wray are (from left), journalist Dennis Nelson, Patricia Jordon-Langford, Ambassador Riyad Insanally and Ronald Lammy

In another segment of the annual GCA Awards ceremony, former Chronicle Editor, Neil Marks, won the First Prize of the Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism for his article ‘Pakaraima Bound’.

With the theme, “Celebrating Our

Indigenous Dancers from the South Rupununi, Region #9, performing a dance at the Borough Hall, Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday night (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

Indigenous Heritage”, many of those honoured were Indigenous Guyanese.

They included: The 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award to Artist, Archeologist and Educator, George Simon, who is an Arawak of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, in Region Four; Aileen Hintzen, also of the Arawak nation who was born at Mabaruma in Region One, but spent most of her adult life in Georgetown as a teacher, scout leader and active member of the Theatre Guild of Guyana, was also honoured by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York.

Of Arawak and

Broadcaster Michella Abraham-Ali doing the job of MC, wearing a stunning gown designed by Minister Sydney Allicock’s daughter (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

under the Imperialistic/Fascist dictatorship”. He later founded the Guyana Artists Association in 1997, a broad platform for Main Street and Rastafarian artists.

Among the other honorees were; Dr. Slinger Francisco, better known as ‘The Mighty Sparrow’, whose recording career commenced in Guyana

The hostess of Wednesday night’s GCA Award’s Ceremony was NCN’s Michella Abraham-Ali, who is of Amerindian and East Indian heritage. She wore a stunning gown designed by the daughter of Minister Sydney Allicock, which had many heads in the audience turning.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

IX

No justification for imposing parking meters on Georgetown

LAST WEEK we mentioned that we would have had to revisit the parking meter issue because the Report on that issue done by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had been published. The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) had submitted a written memorandum to the Commission and would have expected the Commission to have sent them a copy, or at least to have formally indicated to them that the Report was published. The Commission failed to do this.

For the entire week, seeing a copy of the Report eluded us. Our last effort was on Saturday, August 26, when we visited the City Constabulary where it was advertised as being available.The Constable on duty informed us that the Report was brought over to their office by an officer from the Town Clerk's office who kept custody of it and had departed much before noon.

We understand that the Report laid out five or six options ranging from rejection to acceptance of the Parking Meter project but that the Commission, on its part, did not recommend any position.

The Committee of the Guyana Consumers Association whose views are reflected below have totally rejected the Parking Meter Scheme on the following basis: (1) Smart City, the Mexican Company with whom some members of the City Council had contracted to provide the Parking Meter Scheme, refused to disclose any financial information including investment except the Commission took an oath of non-

disclosure of such information. This refusal to provide any financial and accounting information by Smart City emasculated the work of the Commission and was a piece of effrontery, not only to the City Council but to all Guyanese and went counter to the Government of Guyana's policy on transparency. Smart City thus disqualified itself from doing any Parking Meter project in this country.

(2) In the Contract between Smart City and M & CC, Smart City was allotted 80% of the returns and M&CC 20%. SC would notionally have made an investment of US$10 million while the City Council's investment would have been the road system of Georgetown worth many billions of dollars, plus the cost of the continuous maintaining of the roads over the next 20 years of the Contract. In other words, Smart City would have invested less than 1% of the cost of the Scheme but would have been collecting 80% of the revenues! Such a giveaway of public funds is unacceptable.

(3) The owners of the Parking Meter Scheme would have been harvesting hundreds of millions of dollars per year which would be sent abroad, causing a constant drain of the foreign exchange of the country.

Such a net foreign exchange drain would lead to a weakening of the Guyana currency resulting in increases in prices of goods and services.

(4) The Parking Meter Scheme would have caused businesses great losses. Their customer parking would have been eliminated and the acceptance and delivery of

goods at their premises would have become more expensive and time-consuming. Any contraction of business could result in unemployment and increase in prices of some consumer goods. The business community was therefore against the Scheme.

(5) Business in Georgetown would have further dried up since business people and folk from the countryside who usually came to the City to shop and participate in entertainment activity, would find it too expensive to do so and would no longer come.

(6) In the last 15 to 20 years, there has been a great increase of younger wage-earners owning motor-cars unlike in the past where only the well-to-do owned cars.

These younger car owners have complained that they could not bear the expense of parking meters and would no longer be able to drive to work. Parking Meters would have created difficult social problems.

(7) The overwhelming majority of the population of Georgetown, as well as the tens of thousands who visit the City every day for business or pleasure, are against parking meters and this fact alone is good enough reason for not trying to impose parking meters on the City.

The traffic congestion in Georgetown occurs in a small area of downtown Georgetown. It occurs along Church Street from Water Street east to Camp Street and the streets going south from Church to Hadfield Street. These streets going south to Hadfield Street are Water Street, Main Street/ Avenue of the Republic, King Street, Wellington Street and Camp Street. In Regent Street from Water Street and east to Light Street, there is also unregulated traffic.

The traffic in these streets could be fully controlled and regulated if traffic police and

even members of the City Constabulary, are deployed at certain times of the day and certain days of the week when these streets are busy.

To compare Georgetown to New York or London has no meaning. The social and economic developments of New York and London are completely different from Georgetown. To try to compare downtown Georgetown to those great cities could provide no justification for parking meters here.

At this time in Georgetown's history, there is no social or economic justification for the imposition of parking meters on the City and the population intuitively are of the same conclusion.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Strength and Perseverance

Sherlon Noble and his passion for fitness

By Shauna Jemmott HIS passion for the sport of physical fitness has driven a United States (US) based Guyanese fitness specialist to success, landing him in second place in the top five in three categories in the US national ‘Victor Martinez Legends bodybuilding Championship’ in the Bronx, New York last weekend.

Sherlon Noble has always been a go-getter and with much encouragement from family and his fans on his Facebook page, he trained hard for weeks. At the end of the competition last Saturday, he placed second in the categories of ‘novice physique’ and the ‘master over 35’ and fifth in the ‘open men's physique’ category even though he is fairly new to the sport.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine Monday, Noble said the competition was his second championship ever since he received his International Fitness Association (IAF) qualification as a certified personal trainer in June this year, and he is satisfied with the outcome.

“I am very happy with these results based on the fact that I am self-taught – meaning, I don't have a coach for my training, nor a nutritionist for my diet. I construct these by myself.

I also customise diets for my client based on what their goals may be,” he said.

A livewire among his friends, Noble grew up in the humble village of Airy Hall Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara where children played safe in wide open spaces in their backyards.

He attended Mahaicony Secondary School and played well in athletics and soccer before he migrated with family to the Island of St.

Sherlon Noble’s Awards from the competition

Maarten in the West Indies, where he spotted his love of physical fitness. He then migrated to the United States where it was confirmed that a career in the sport was truly part of his destiny.

“Sports was always a part of my life growing up, mainly soccer and athletics. After emigrating to St. Maarten, body building caught my eyes which became a passion as I migrated to the U.S. The passion developed for this sport drove me to study with the International Fitness Association (IAF) and I became a Certified Personal Trainer specialising in kick-boxing and weight training,” Noble recalled.

At the age of 38, he holds a Degree in Hospitality and Tourism from St. Francis College in Brooklyn New York, but taking customary fitness walks in a U.S.A. park has helped him to build a rich clientele for a job he never knew

he would actually do. An increasing number of people sought him as their own fitness consultant as he flaunted his muscles along the exercising alleys.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine in a previous interview, “In my free time I would run and go to the gym do my stuff alone, until people started to notice and ask for my opinion. I have a weakness for health, so why not get involved to help people stay in shape.

Being in New York City, information is not always free so I decided I’ll study it… This skill I used to help many individuals lose weight, change the way they eat and over all take better care of themselves physically and nutritionally,” he said.

For some years now he has worked as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer at High Definition Fitness Centre, providing training in weight loss, muscle building and kickboxing and creating special healthy diets according to the needs of his clients. He only started competing earlier this year.

Being around many such athletes in his fitness consultancy job, he was inspired to make a bold decision on competitive bodybuilding and on April 8, 2017, he placed fourth in the ‘Men Physique Masters’ category of the US National Physique Committee (NPC) metropolitan competition.

“I took that as a boost, got back to the gym trained twice a day 5 days a week for four months to be a part of the ‘Victor Martinez Legends Championship’.”

Now Noble is preparing for his third contest which is just four weeks away.

To complement the requirements of his self-coached sport, Noble is now moving on to study as he competes and become a certified

Sherlon Noble

nutritionist as well.

He advises Guyanese youths, “US or Guyana based, if you are passionate about something please follow through regardless of what others may think. Have a plan and always keep it active. Stay focused, be patient and trust the process.”

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XI

Sandra’s Success Story DURING many of my drug recovery sessions in the last two weeks, I have seen many users who feel hopeless and helpless in their own drug recovery. They seem to believe that total abstinence will never be possible.

I am sure that many of you out there do not seek treatment (at all) simply because you feel this way. I decided to share my favourite success story with the intention of providing you all with hope, confidence and assurance in your own recovery.

Today, I am going to talk about Sandra (last name omitted by request) who describes herself as “a very grateful recovering addict.”

Today she is a house mother at Phoenix Recovery Project (a drug rehab facility in Mon Repos, Guyana), bringing hope, inspiration and care to many addicts in recovery. However, this was not always the case – she, at one point, needed more help than most.

Sandra was not very interested in drugs growing up. Unlike most, her curiosity for them came later in life. During her teens, 20s and 30s, she would take the occasional alcoholic drink, cigarettes and marijuana. She looked after her two younger sisters, as well as five children of her own in Plaisance (ECD). She had split from her partner but received help from her sisters to raise her own children – and they were doing quite a good job.

At age 40, a very unusual age to start new substance use, one night and literally a onetime use of crack-cocaine changed everything.

Sandra went to see a family friend who had parcels of crack-cocaine as he had intended to ship them out of Guyana. He offered her a taste since she had never tried it before. Sandra claimed that curiosity got the best of her and so she tried a small amount. That night after she went home, she grabbed some money, and went to find someone who sold crack-cocaine; that very same night, she became hooked.

Sandra is a perfect example of the still controversial gateway theory which claims that less potent/dangerous drugs lead to more harmful and added use. For example, someone who smokes marijuana is more likely to try crack-cocaine than someone who does not.

Sandra believes in this theory as her use went from alcohol to cigarettes to marijuana to crack cocaine.

QUICK DECLINE After a few months, like anyone would be after repeated drug use, Sandra became an absent family member. She had stopped looking after her children while her sisters were bathing, feeding, putting them to sleep and taking them to school. Sandra was too preoccupied with obtaining and using crack-cocaine to do anything for her family. A few months after that, Sandra started to sell her personal belongings for her drug habit. When those ran out, she started to sell everything in the house that they all lived in. She sold everything, from lamps to the stove. She claims that no one in the family stopped her as they had all become afraid of her and her outbursts. She had a boyfriend liv-

Sandra before she ‘went clean’

ing at home during that time who was bothered by her use. He asked her to stop but she was “too far gone”. She remembers that he started moving his belongings out slowly until one day she noticed that he was completely gone.

When nothing but four walls, her two sisters and five children were left in the house, Sandra moved out as she had literally nothing left to sell. She left her children with their aunts and went to live in the closest cemetery where she thought she’d have full freedom- with no one to take care of but herself. It only took a year and a half of drug use for her to lose everything she had.

While living in the cemetery/on the street, Sandra claimed to do any and everything for the money to subsidise her habit. She stole from random people’s yards or cars-as well as her own family. She especially stole fruits (mostly mangoes) from people’s yards to sell.

She worked “street jobs” such as washing clothes, cleaning gutters and even removed dead animals from properties.

She remembers a time when she was almost killed because of her stealing habit.

One evening, during an attempt to steal a car battery, the owner came out with a gun. He put the gun to her head and when she suddenly bent down, the gun went off. She claims that she was terrified but not enough to stop stealing or using drugs. Every dollar Sandra made went towards cigarettes and crack-cocaine- she recalls only occasionally buying juice with the money- but doesn’t recall eating during her time on the streets. She remembers how many people, particularly men, used to trouble her on the street. They would do anything from screaming at her to physically abusing her.

She actually remembers getting beaten up a lot on the street.

THINGS GOT WORSE Fast forward to a few months, she was now living with a man in Albouystown who was also a crack-cocaine addict. This man was responsible for her first serious injury

This is what Sandra looks like today

during her drug use. She recalls one day receiving money from her street work and naturally, spending it all on crack-cocaine.

Her boyfriend found her and asked for some.

When she said no, he started to become angry and demanded the drugs. When she further refused, he hit her so hard in the eye that her pupil was blown. She is still blinded in her left eye today. At the time, she tried to report the incident to the police but claimed that police never took her seriously and always chased her out of the stations as they referred to her as “junkie on the road”. However, she does remember spending many nights in jail for her crack use and stealing habit.

Her second injury was a broken hand from falling out of a mango tree, trying to steal mangoes. Sandra never sought any medical treatment for her injuries, as all of her time and money went to obtaining and using crack- cocaine. She vaguely remembers using Aloe Vera, which she obtained naturally, for both injuries. She mainly felt she had nowhere to go as her entire support system (family and friends) had stopped speaking to her.

SANDRA’S RECOVERY Sandra mentioned that she had seen Malcom Ferreira, a family friend, during her time living on the streets. He would always offer her rehabilitation help and give her money.

However, she would use it to buy more crack cocaine. Sandra had no interest in getting help at that time, despite her disastrous situation.

One day, Malcom tricked her to go with him to see Phoenix Recovery Centre. He told Sandra that he was going to take her to her daughter. Sandra knew he was going to take her to get help after but agreed to go anyway, as she believed her daughter would give her some money and then she would run away again. She did attempt but luckily did

not escape Malcom. She remembers her first thought on the drive up to Phoenix on the September9 2008, after more than 15 years on the street. She passed a lot of mango trees and thought that when she escaped from rehab, she would “be able to steal all the people mangos and go sell them to buy crack.” She thought “this is actually good for business”.

When she arrived at Phoenix, she remembers being overwhelmed with the kindness that she received from the staff.

She was greeted at the gate by Miss Lucinda Williams (head counsellor) who hugged and kissed her on her forehead. She remembers thinking no one has touched her with compassion for years. Williams asked her what she wanted to eat or drink- that she can have anything. Sandra asked for chicken fried rice and a sweet drink- thinking that it was probably too much. She received just that, much to her surprise. She then remembers taking a tour of the building, a shower and then being shown to her room. Her thoughts at the time were that “recovery can’t be that bad. There are food, drink and a bed. Let me give this a try”.

After two and a half years in recovery, Sandra was sober, grateful and decided to go find some friends she had on the street while using. She wanted to offer them the recovery that she was offered- to pay it forward. Sandra said her closest friends had passed away and she then realised how close to death she was.

Today, at age 65, Sandra is nine years into recovery- without a single relapse! That is almost unheard of and shows tremendous strength and pride. Over the years she earned back the respect and trust from her family and gained many friends. Her children and grandchildren come often to visit her at Phoenixwhere currently she looks after seven women and is a daily inspiration to many.

When I asked Sandra if she had any last comments, she stated “I would like to thank the following people who were instrumental in my recovery- Malcom Ferreira, Colleen Emanuel, Michelle, the team at Phoenix Recovery Project and all remaining family members." She further stated, “There is hope… recovery is possible but you have to want it for yourself. Help is available.”

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital: MondayFriday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

#SupportCreativity

THE IMPRESSION: CARIFESTA XIII

Barbados National Visual Arts Exhibition ANY exhibition whose title features the word “Masters” is certain to evoke a range of responses from the cre-

Alison Chapman-Andrews, Returning Rainy Season 2, 2013. Acrylic on canvas, 42”x34”

ative community regarding the selection process. Who gets included and why?

How does one qualify as a Master artist?

Why this person and not the other?

While these may or may not have been questions asked of the recently-concluded CARIFESTA XIII Master’s Exhibition: History and Infinity, the show’s curator, Therese Hadchity explained that the selection of six regional artists was not, in any way, an attempt to establish an exclusive professional hierarchy.

Instead, the works of these artists were used to tease out much larger themes that would have been sources of engagement for many artists throughout the region over the last few decades.

As such the exhibition was conceptualised to examine

Akyem. Caption: Ras Akyem Ramsay, Smoking a Spliff, 1995. Acrylic on canvas, 32”x28”. Courtesy Alison Chapman-Andrews

“different nodes on the hypothetical plane that unfolds between perceptions of ‘history’ and ‘infinity’ […] as the ultimate determinant for Caribbean existence,”as Hadchity explains.

“Like so many artists of their generation(s), the six participants in this exhibition can be regarded as dedicated respondents to the Caribbean’s history and particular concerns.

While their starting points may be the individual experience, a general premise for these practices has thus been their focus on matters of collective importance.

“While this feature makes the artists especially compatible with the spirit of CARIFESTA, it also makes them stakeholders in an ongoing exchange about origins, history, cultural self-assertion, regional integration and global dynamics, and, trailing right behind those pre-occupations, about the assumptions, biases and silences that have suffused Caribbean historiography and affected the region’s pursuit of a distinctive identity,” she said.

According to Hadchity, the individual creative approaches linked to ideas of ‘History’ and ‘Infinity’ and the subsequent positioning of resulting works often within contemporary (and complimentary) art practices, all point to a serious contemplation of our own potential within a global context.

They encourage the examination of our history and the many ways it has influenced our individual and collective personTurn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII

alities, while also calling into question how any attempt to change this ‘course’ could possibly be realised.

“Wherever the exhibition’s artists stand on this matter, their position tends to be supported or complicated by a (strong or weak) perception of ‘infinity’, which in this exhibition have ranged from Whittle’s vision of an eternal life cycle as history’s ‘parallel track’, to Breleur’s poetic ‘re-incarnation’ of the deceased (or diseased), and his suggestion of ever multiplying identities and possibilities. They have also included Ras Ishi’s suggestion of infinite repetition as history’s ‘anti-thesis’ and Gardner’s and Greaves’ projection of an infinite void, which can interrupt the flow of history. In Gardner’s case, history itself thus appears to be ‘irrational’, while Greaves projects a conflict between history and the irrational.

Morrison, in turn, implicitly interrogates the relationship between history and the promise of ‘infinite possibilities’ enabled by new technologies.

What has emerged is thus a spectrum of positions and negotiations between history and infinity - between the perception of a forward-moving chain of actions and various apprehensions of the unpredict-

able, incomprehensible, chaotic or multidimensional, which altogether posit a host of further questions about human agency, and how we can interpret and position ourselves in the world.”

The CARIFESTA XIII Masters Exhibition: History and Infinity featured works from Joscelyn Gardner (Barbados), Nick Whittle (Barbados), Ernest Breleur (Martinique), Ras Ishi Butcher (Barbados), Stanley Greaves (Guyana) and Petrona Morrison (Jamaica). The exhibition opened on August 20th at

three locations including the Grande Salle, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue Gallery and Queens Park Gallery and closed on August 27th.

Therese Hadchity (Ph.D.) was the founder of the Zemicon Gallery in Bridgetown (2000-2010). She is a free-lance critic, curator and teacher. Her doctoral dissertation was on the emergence of a post-nationalist hegemony in visual arts criticism and practices in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Juliana Inniss. From left Standing Tall, Tree Series, 2017, Raku glaze on red earthenware, 36x36; Arisen, Tree Series, 2017, Raku glaze on red earthenware, 36x6; Aca Trees 2, Tree Series, 2017, Raku glaze on red earthenware, 36x6

Llanor Alleyne, Lisha, 2016. Collage on paper, 12”x16”

Ricardo Skeete, From East Going West, 2017. Mixed media sculpture, 33”x6.25”x19”

XIII

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Mocha/Arcadia rising from the ashes

By Zena Henry THE quiet, semi- rustic farming community of Mocha/Arcadia is a community that is easy to miss. It is nestled far aback the New Providence Housing Scheme, off the East Bank of Demerara Public Road; isolated by distance and surrounded by dwindling cane fields deep in the backland area.

Added to the access challenges, was the disregard for the village experienced in the past, which Mocha residents believe contributed immensely to the slow growth of the village- which has just over 4,000 residents.

About two years ago, residents believe that Mocha/ Arcadia was treated with intense neglect. The roads in the community were derelict. Most, if not all, of the thoroughfares, were crater-filled and often times, drivers were not mindful of taking their vehicles into the area which meant residents were required to walk long distances to their homes. Tall grass and undergrowth were regular features; drains and other community facilities were neglected and unable to receive the necessary attention because of limited funds. Adequate lighting, demarcations and signage were absent.

NOT ANYMORE Today, Mocha/Arcadia is rising from a lonely place, as residents work tirelessly to position the community in a place where they can benefit not just from the country’s expected oil wealth, but from activities that promote sustainable development and growth.

This was according to Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Mr. Rudolph

The poor roads that characterised Mocha’s entrance are no more

Adams. Following a visit to the community, Adams related that a lot is now happening for Mocha/Arcadia.

He was proud to highlight, in particular, the physical changes the community has undergone since the ascension of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) government. With the new administration, came change, he said. This also meant a change in attitudes and behaviours.

In the past persons were allowed to vend on community parapets and other spaces because of circumstances, while young people and those less academically inclined, procrastinated and spent many of their days ‘liming’ on the street corners. These are habits that are hardly evident now, even though there is room for much more improvement.

It was for these reasons, programmes targetting young and older persons were rolled out with the help of Central Government and the Caribbean Local Economic Development

Programme (CARILED), a Canadian-funded organisation that works to improve the capacity of local government by working with individual communities.

The Ministry of Communities and the Ministry of Public Security both have programmes targetting, in particular, young people in the areas of entrepreneurial training and skills development. “But one challenge to the NDC is getting them (young people) to come out,” Adams said.

He spoke of the unwillingness by persons to attend community meetings, training programmes and other such events. One training programme, it was pointed out, was supposed to help assess the abilities of the people in the area before a comprehensive approach could be taken. However, after a commendable turnout, the numbers soon started to dwindle, the Chairman related.

CONSULTATION NEEDED Some young people in Mocha/ Arcadia are of the belief that the approach towards them is misguided, insisting instead that when leaders visit the community with the aim of implement programmes that target specific groups, it would better serve the purpose if prior consultation is done with the targeted groups to ascertain what are some of the things they like and appreciate so as to capture their attention, as well as, keep them interested and occupied.

Twenty-eight-year-old Travis Kulen who was born and raised in Mocha/ Arcadia, is an electrician, however, he only gets work only when it is available. This young man wants to establish and operate his own electrical

firm, but he lamented that access to capital and assistance with the basic know-how in relation to business plans, are areas where he really needs some guidance.

Then there is Matilda Gittens, a 23-yearold housewife and mother of two, her interest is in opening a cosmetic shop in her community, but like Kulen, she lacks the much-need financial capital.

“Yes they have programmes, and yes, it is hard to get people, but that is because ideas are being offered that many are not interested in,” the young people pointed out. The young people have suggested the startup of community groups to which capital and guidance can be offered for farming and livestock rearing, which they say has potential in the community.

The young people noted too, that more opportunities must be created for sports and other talents that young people possess as that is what will keep them interested, even as they reiterated that too much time is taken to implement programmes. “When people got mouths to feed you think dem able sit down and listen to you over and over? ” one youth remarked.

The young Mocha/Arcadia residents are, however, very pleased with the physical changes in their community and have commended their NDC for helping to improve roads, street lights and drains.

And, while they proudly declared that their community rarely experiences crime, they remain adamant that more collaboration and a genuine move to improve the lives of the young people now and for the future has to be made.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XV

Poonai’s: The Community Pharmacy

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

A typical day at Poonai’s

WITH the opportunity of a lifetime and a soft loan of G$5,000 back in 1989, Poonai’s Pharmacy has become a household name and the leading pharmacy in East Berbice Corentyne and is testimony that hard work and commitment can make you a success.

Poonai Bhigroog, known to all and sundry as ‘Mr. Poonai’ and ‘Uncle Poonai’, took over what was known as Deonarine’s Drug Store at the western end of Rose Hall Town after the proprietor, Dr. Deonarine, decided to migrate.

Being relatives of his, Dr. Deonarine had asked the Bhigroog’s if they wanted to take over the small business. And, seizing the opportunity, the family decided to invest in the business, but they first had to borrow the money, since they couldn’t do it on a teacher’s income, and run a home with four children all at the same time.

After some deliberation, it was decided to put the business in the hands of Poonai, their only son, who was just out of high school.

So, with the huge responsibility of the family’s investment on his shoulders, young Poonai took the bull by the horns and ran the business at that location for a few years, while at the same time continuing his studies in pharmacy and veterinary science.

With youth and vision on his side, Poonai, now 46, not only spearheaded the move of the pharmacy to what was previously Christy’s Cake Shop next to the Rosehall Primary School, but also oversaw its expansion, stocking up on more items since the new location was a bit more spacious than the previous one.

Having established a reputable name for himself in six short years at the new location that was being rented, the family was on the lookout for a good spot to purchase. And when the Hussains placed their Lot 72A property in the centre of the town up for sale, the Bhigroogs wasted no time in closing the deal.

THE ‘GO-TO’ PLACE The rest, as they say, is now history, as the business had not only grown to become the “go-to” place for all pharmaceutical supplies and animal health care products in Berbice, but also cemented a permanent place in Rose Hall Town, since the owner has no future intention of expanding elsewhere.

The business that started off with just Poonai alone now has Misheal, his wife and mother of their two children -Hemesh, nine, and Mia, five -- alongside him, and from time to time his mother and father working with their staff of 12.

Many agree that the success behind the business is the personal touch that many businesses that expand lack due to the owners being away from the day-today operation. But for this family, they won’t trade that for anything.

“Either myself or wife is here at all times to oversee the operations of the business, since we believe that is critical to our success,” Poonai said, adding: “While we have a good staff, they, too, need guidance and leadership to function smoothly. People want to talk to the owner, and we love it, because we build relationships that last a lifetime.”

The business stocks a wide variety of over- the-counter (OTC) medication, and caters for prescription medication as well. They also carry a wide range of cosmetics and other items.

One of the sections that grew when the business moved to its current location is the veterinary section, which caters to the animal lover’s every need, from pets, to accessories and medication. They also offer a veterinarian-on-call service, and word is that many leave other regions and even nearby Suriname to pick up their supplies at Poonai’s.

As part of its giving back to society, the pharmacy, besides

offering free testing of pressure and diabetes to the eldery, also makes numerous donations towards education and other projects for the benefit of the less fortunate.

HEART OF GOLD A man who lives by the philosophy, ‘Action thy duty; reward is not the concern’, “Uncle Poonai” is said to have a heart of gold, as many testify to his generosity and his disposition; the words humble and down-to-earth do not do much justice to the man who is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, or give a listening ear to anyone who has a problem.

Which is why, despite being busy with his business,

“Uncle Poonai” has served on several boards, such as the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce; the Berbice Health Authority; the Guyana Horse Racing Authority; and the Bal Nivas Shelter for Children and Women.

He feels he has an obligation to give back to the community and do his part to make his town and country a better Mr Poonai Bhigroog, proprietor of Poonai’s Pharmacy place, and is calling on all to put aside political differences and work towards the betterment of the township as well as country.

Said he: “Rosehall has grown, and will continue to grow, but there is still more that needs to be done.

“And the business community, with the town council, will have to establish a better working relationship to make that possible, because if we the ones who have the resources cannot help those who need, then who will.”

While the business has expanded and is doing great, the move to set up another location is not on the cards for the near future.

Poonai explained that while he may like to venture to different areas to ply his trade, the lack of technical and committed staff is preventing him from making the move.

But for now, he is pleased with the level of support he has been receiving in Rose Hall, and is a firm believer that despite being the smallest town, it is the best in the country.

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

folklore

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

By Neil Primus

THE RICH Murray family was going on vacation to the U.S.A. Before departing they made arrangements for their unoccupied house to be secured. The police in the community outpost were made aware of their absence and were paid an incentive to keep an eye on the house.

Next door to them lived the Kallicharrans. Mr. Murray organised with them to put food, fruits, nuts and milk into his house through a small opening in the back door that allowed access to dogs and cats. He told them it was for a pet cat and monkey. Little did the Kallicharrans know that they were feeding two baccoos.

The Murrays flew out of the country the next day. Every day the required food was put into the house. Twice per week, the police patrol visited and ensured that all was well. Then things went wrong in a big way.

The Kallicharrans had a family emergency and had to be away for a week. In the haste, they completely forgot about feeding the ‘cat and monkey’. That was when all sorts of crazy things began to happen. Loud noises, voices and expletives were heard coming from the empty house.

Soon after that bricks, bottles and stones were hurled on the house and those of the next door neighbours. Windows were shattered and roofs bombarded. The police were summoned. They checked the house and found nothing there.

Things continued to get worse. Fruits and other items were stolen from neighbours. One angry neighbor got a slap for venturing onto the property of the Murrays. He ran home followed by a hail of bricks. The police were called in again.

They arrived armed and ready to confront the thief or burglar. The house was searched again. Nothing. When they were about to leave a cop heard some sort of humming coming from a closet. He called his colleagues and they approached it with caution. When the door was thrown open they saw a short man sitting there and glaring at them.

No one can remember exactly what transpired after that. Shouts were heard, shots were fired, and screams of agony erupted from the house. To the utter shock of the neighbours who had gathered to see the action, the police patrol exited the house in all possible ways. Upstairs windows and doors were put to good use. Left behind were weapons, a few shoes, caps and parts of a few uniform shirts. The beaten group withdrew to the outpost. A call was made to the owner of the home. As soon as he heard that the Kallicharrans were out of town he realised what had happened. He immediately hopped on a plane and flew home to fix things.

No sooner had he entered the house when blows began to fall on him. He exited in an undignified heap landing hard on his butt. He bought plenty of milk, nuts,

banana and fruits and put them into the hole. He still was not allowed to enter the house. In desperation, he visited a ‘spiritualist.’ After parting with a substantial amount of cash, he accompanied the ‘spiritualist’ to his home. The man entered alone and spent the better part of two hours there. When he emerged he had captured both spirits in two separate bottles.

These bottles were buried far away. Peace returned to the home and neighbourhood.

As for the rich Murray family, all their wealth seemed to dwindle. Soon the rich became the poor.

XVII

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Visionary women

WHEN it comes to asserting their independence, the women of Rose Hall Town are second to none and are bold enough to come up with these novel entrepreneurial enterprises, as photographed here.

Photo one shows a young woman transporting a bar-b-cue grill by her own hard-earned mode of transport: A young donkey and cart.

In photo two, it shows that with a service like hers, you don’t have to go to the market to purchase greens, since riding her donkey, the market can be taken to you, wherever you are and at your convenience.

So the next time you see her, take her phone number and arrange to have your greens delivered to your door. (Photos by Delano Williams)

XIX

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XXI

Greenlight brings joy to hundreds of children

By Shirley Thomas

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc., Ms. Salome Osborne, has redefined the term ‘giving back’ in every practical way through her life-long commitment to the youth in her Guyanese hometown and community.

These sentiments were expressed by her Alumni colleagues, in a review of her humanitarian work in Guyana.

Osborne resides in the USA, but spends much of her time back and forth between New York and Guyana, ‘giving back’ by way of attending to the educational needs of Guyanese children.

Quite recently, she honoured and presented financial incentives to 38 students from four primary schools on the West Demerara for success achieved at the last National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Exams.

The aim is to better equip them to turn out at their new schools in September, imbued with a sense of pride and feeling good about themselves.

Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc. is a U.S.-based Not for Profit, founded by Osborne in 2006. Since then, Osborne, a tax consultant in the United States, has been travelling to Guyana on Greenlight business, reaching out to the children and responding to the needs of people of those communities in diverse ways.

Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc. is a patron for the following schools: Bagotville, Nismes and La Retraite Primary. The presentations were done at Nismes Primary on August 10 and La Retraite on August 15, bringing joy to the hearts of the children.

From Nismes, 19 students were awarded; Nine from Bagotville and nine from La Retraite.

Top student and all-round performer from Nismes was Dwayne Darrell; second

was Afeicha Ricchardson and third, Omeil Thomas. The top two will attend West Demerara Secondary, while Omeil will attend Patentia Secondary. From Bagotville, Tenisia Gordon was top performer from a class of nine and was awarded Le Venture Secondary School.

Meanwhile, from La Retraite, Narissa Parkes won the highest marks, followed by Joshua Evelyn. They will both attend West Demerarra Secondary School, while Seon Small and Vickram Persaud were runnersup.

Joining the students in celebration were their parents; heads of the respective schools; past teachers, including Mr. Allan Robertson who also made personal presentations to the three outstanding students; Ms. Ingrid Moore and Grace Felix.

Providing tangible support for academic endeavours for hundreds of young children in Guyana, Osborne’s focus for a number

La Retraite top student, Norissa Parkes, receives her cheque from retired teacher Allan Johnson

Omiel Thomas receives his cheque from Nismes former teacher, Grace Felix

Dwayne Darrel and Afiecha Richardson receive personal gifts from Ms. Salome Osborne in addition to their cheques

of years was centred primarily on the distribution of backpacks and school supplies including books, magazines, uniforms - complete with custom-made shirts and trousers, as well as shoes, socks and other necessities.

Each year she donates at least 500 such kits to children of the three schools.

Come December, she’ll be back with a number of barrels for her Toy Drive and clothing distribution initiative, through which she manages to bring abundant joy to the deserving children and assuring them of having a Merry Christmas.

And placing a high premium on education and reading as a tool, Osborne continues to exhort the children to stay in school and to make reading a habit. Towards this end, she has established a Book Centre in her home at Bagotsville where the children are allowed to come in and read. She also places herself at their disposal to offer assistance with areas of school work that are challenging to them., Osborne’s innovative and sustainable leadership throughout the years has been commended by members of the local com-

Bagotville top student, Tenisia Gordon, receives a cheque from CEO, Ms. Salome Osborne

munities, as well as donors in the United States who continue to see tangible evidence of transparency and her commitment to the cause.

Her organisation was conceptualised 13 years ago when, on making a visit to her hometown, Bagotville, she observed that even though school had reopened in September, a lot of children had not gone back to school. On making enquires, she found that many of the children were still at home.

When contacted, their parents explained that they did not have school uniforms and so were ‘holding on’ until they could get supplies.

Devastated by this announcement, she contacted friends back in New York and put the idea of forming a not-for-profit charity to address this need. Thirteen years have passed, and it’s getting bigger and better, and the children are the better off for it.

A past student of Cambridge Academy in Georgetown, Guyana, in acknowledgment of her distinguished works, the New York-based Cambridge Academy Alumni Association International (CAAAI) in 2010 conferred on Osborne, the prestigious Robert A. Pinkerton Award for Outstanding Community Service.

The Executive Board and all Alumni Members congratulated Osborne for this noble achievement. “Cambridge Academy Alumni Association International is proud to celebrate the success and achievement of one of its member-supporters Ms. Salome Osborne, whose dedication to a strong educational foundation and learning opportunities for children in Guyana, reached another rewarding high-point at a recent graduation ceremony on the West Bank of Demerara. Ms. Osborne has redefined the term ‘giving back’ in every practical way through her life-long commitment to the youth in her Guyanese hometown and community,” they said.

Nismes top student Dwayne Darrel receives cheque from Greenlight CEO, Ms. Salome Osborne (at right)

Vickram Persaud receives his cheque from Teacher, Pearlie Damon

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Celebrating Rose Hall Town’s 175th Anniversary

‘My Mother was instrumental in shaping who I am today’ – Educator, Mark Lyte

By Colin Bynoe

THE Oxford English Dictionary defines the word ‘special’ as: “someone exceptional in quality, of degree, and distinguished from others of the kind by a particular quality or feature.”

A ‘hero’ is described as “a person admired and venerated for his or her achievements and noble qualities in any field”.

Whatever you choose to President of Guyana call them, there are many such persons in society who, Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte every single day of their lives, give selflessly toward improving the lives of others.

The majority of them will never receive a national award, and the truth is that, if offered, they would probably decline because their motive is not to be rich and famous or to receive accolades, but rather to humbly make a positive difference in society, and by extension the human race.

One such person is current President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte, who believes that education is the pillar on which our nation stands.

EARLY DAYS

Born to Charles and Joan Lyte on the July 12, 1971 in Bent Street, Workmanville, Georgetown, Mark’s father worked as a carpenter while his mother, who is now deceased, was a respected housewife. In his formative years, Mark attended Central Primary School. The family then moved to Nurney Village on the Corentyne in 1979 where he attended Kildonan Primary. He recalled, “I grew up in a humble and poor family,” Mark recalled. “I remember walking to and from school [before] I later acquired a bicycle.”

Later on in his cherished childhood, after successfully completing his Common Entrance Exams, he moved on to the Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary for five years.

After completing his CXC exams, and gaining passes in six subjects, his first calling dawned upon him. In 1990 Mark studied Theology in St Vincent for two years. After his two years’ schooling, he returned to the country of his birth and began his ministry in 1992 at the Church of Christ Ministry.

But in addition to his ministry, Mark then found purpose in teaching when he moved to the town of Rose Hall in 1993. His desire to be gainfully employed began at his alma mater, Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary, where he started as a part-time teacher in 1993, for two years.

“There was a need at the school, it was similar to ministry, which was my first calling,” he said. He was 22 at the time but even then, was sure that teaching was the way to go.

“Back then I taught Accounts, Business, and Office Procedure,” said Mark of his early teaching days. With a smirk on his face, he said that it was no small task to teach at a school that wasn’t remotely among the top performing.

Coincidently, the first batch for Cyril Potter College of

`Sir Mark’ and family after church service

Education training (CPCE) opened in the Rose Hall area in 1995 where he ventured to improve his qualifications, majoring in Social Studies. To gain such entry into CPCE one had to be a permanent teacher. During this same period, he was then appointed to Corentyne Comprehensive

Tracey Media Khan-Drakes Personality WHEN 18-year-old Tracey Khan, a Rose Hall Town girl fresh out of high school with no work experience, nervously walked into the Little Rock Television Studio for her first job interview, she had no idea that this would have been the beginning of her career.

Always having a desire to travel the world and experience all that it had to offer, Tracey knew it would be tough since being the eldest of seven siblings to a cane harvester and a market vendor would make her desire a tough one to be fulfilled. But she never gave up on her dreams and persevered.

She spent six years at Little Rock Television Station (LRTVS), initially starting off as a reporter then becoming the anchor, before moving to Georgetown when an opportunity presented itself at the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN). There, she expanded on her foundation as a local news reporter and quickly became a national news personality.

However, it was her move to Inews, an online news agency, where she spent one year that gave the small town-girl the exposure she needed to become a force to be reckoned with in the media fraternity. There, she worked with some of the most accomplished and seasoned journalists in the country. She was eager for knowledge, and her editors seeing the drive

and passion she had for the field, pushed her t realise her potential by giving her the opportu nity to participate in numerous workshops an conferences both locally and internationally.

Success favours hard work and Trace finally got the recognition she deserved afte putting in years of diligence. She is presentl the online editor of Capitol News, living he dream of travelling to several countries cov ering international assignments, presentin the news on national television and radio, i addition to her own TV show.

She also does events planning and publi relations (PR) for several overseas-based com panies, including an oil company in Nigeri and lots of charitable work, especially wit overseas-based NGOs that give back to he community of Rose Hall Town where she love to play in the water of the flooded streets as little girl.

And even though she works mainly i Georgetown, Tracy, who has added Drake to her surname after having tied the nuptia knot, always gives her home-town addres when asked where she lives, since that i where her heart is. She also makes use o every opportunity to lend a helping hand t those in need, never forgetting her humbl beginning and the level of support she re ceived throughout her lifetime.

s

to und

ey er ly er vng in

ic mia th er ed a

in es al ss is of to le e-

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017 High School on October 10, 1995. Mark taught there from his time of appointment to 2006; a span of 11 years.

ADVANCEMENT IN HIS PROFESSION During that period, he moved from a Temporary Qualified Master (TQM) to an Assistant Master (AM). His sojourn to the University of Guyana (UG) spanned from 2003 to 2005 during which time he obtained his Certificate in Education. After completing his Certificate in Education at the University of Guyana (UG), ‘Sir Mark’, as he is now called, was then promoted to Head of Department (HOD) Social Studies at J C. Chandisingh Secondary in 2006. He, however, continued his schooling at UG thereby completing his Bachelors in Education. As a result of his successful completion of his Degree, Sir Mark was again promoted, this time to the position of Deputy Head teacher at Tutorial Academy in New Amsterdam. His stint at Tutorial, however, was short as he served there for only about three months. His need for upward mobility swiftly increased and in 2010 ‘Sir Mark’ began reading for his Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction at the University of Guyana, completing it two years later. A decision by the educator saw him tutoring at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Corentyne for only 14 months, as he recognised teaching at the tertiary level was not his calling, as according to `Sir Mark’ he felt detached. “I wanted to be involved in the lives of children; I found it more rewarding working with children, rather than working on a full-time basis with adults,” he said. That saw a twist of fate when he moved back to Tutorial Academy in 2014.

Shortly after returning to the former school, `Sir Mark’ was promoted in September 2014 to post of headmaster at Port Mourant Secondary.

His prowess in education is due to having in excess of 12 years of experience at CPCE, where he is currently serving as a part-time lecturer, as well as the University of Guyana, Tain Campus. This educator has so far molded the life of students of four secondary schools -Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive High, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, and Tutorial Academy Secondary. His skills are also imparted to teachers at the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) where he does part time lecturing.

“Students had to be taught everything back then in a more primitive manner. There were not enough textbooks; everything had to be notes; it was tedious,” `Sir Mark’

said.

“I believe that the education system has evolved tremendously now that each child can have a textbook, so it makes it a lot easier to work with children. I have recognised that the internet has now allowed our children to do their own research. So, the internet has becomes the wider library, and once used properly our children will learn a lot,” he said. He stated that another challenge is “the distraction created by social media-` Facebook’; noting that some (children) use the internet for the wrong reasons. We have other social ills that pull the children away so the hardest thing is keeping them focused on what is important.”

‘I LOVE MY CAREER’ “I have enjoyed my teaching career and I believe as a teacher I have been able to impact and impart a lot of morals and educational principles in the life of our young people”, a proud `Sir Mark’ said Presently, `Sir Mark’ is the President of the Guyana

XXIII Teachers Union (GTU), a portfolio in which he serves well. He has had the opportunity to interact with teachers from all of the regions, as well as the educational districts.

His main aim is to see a much better partnership with the Education Ministry, to make things better. Mark also gave high praises to the new Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson. “I think he’s a very understanding person, and we have been able to get things done working with him thus far. However, there are other stakeholders in Education that make teachers’ life difficult,” he explained.

Mark believes that education must create a space where people can partner with parents and the business community, so that the country will produce people who will add to society and make it a better place.

“One thing teachers are longing for is better facilities, in keeping with what is happening with the rest of the world educationally. I think we have a far way to go but we are on course as a nation. I believe education is the pillar on which our nation stands, and without education, our country would not go anywhere,” he posited.

XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Celebrating Rose Hall Town’s 175th Anniversary

Arnold King

King who was born on June 13, 1940, attended the Rose Hall Primary School and then the Corentyne High School. His first job out of high school was with Sir William Halcrow and Company at Black Bush Polder as a Lab Technician, where he did mostly soil and density testing on concrete and different materials for the construction field.

After departing the company, King remembers the day he was sitting with a group of friends who were job hunting and they encouraged him to join the Guyana Police Force,

– Retired Asst. Superintendent of Police A NOTABLE resident of Rose Hall Town is 75-year-old Arnold King. He served the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for 33 years and is the third, highest- ranking officer to come from the town. The other two are retired Assistant Commissioner, Steve Merai, and Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine.

Arnold King

as they were going to send in their applications and right there he decided to send in an application as well. Of the six friends, King was the only one who got invited to start training.

He joined the GPF on September 1, 1962 as a Constable and left as an Assistant. Superintendent. While in the Force he also served as the Chairman of the Police Association and during that period he was able to achieve a great deal, such as an increase in allowances. King was also benefitted from training in several work-related areas among them a Prosecutor’s Course.

Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, he reminisced that one of the most successful and memorable moments in the Force was saving the life of a friend and colleague.

He vividly recalled a day that he was assigned duty at the Guyana Prison Service, in the vicinity of Durban Street, when he received a message that a close friend was attacked by someone and that the perpetrator had him in a chokehold in a trench on Durban and Louisa Row. "So I had to run go there. When I reach I see this chap got the police down in the trench with his head under the water, so I didn’t hesitate. I jumped in with my baton in hand and start to lash him to let go of the police but he still held on, so I continued trying to get him to let go. Eventually I got between and was able to get him to loose off in time to save my colleague," he said.

At 75 years old, King does not let age keep him down as he currently engages in farming and is also the chairman of the Rose Hall Town Farmers Association. He plants ground provisions and cash crops.

Like many others, he too echoed that one of the main challenges faced in Rose Hall is the lack of job opportunities for youths. As such, he expressed worry for the young generation in Rose Hall.

“I had to leave Rose Hall to go to Georgetown because at that time it wasn’t easy for me to get a work in Rose Hall Town and after all these years I would expect things to change. As a youngster coming up, that was one of my main concerns because I grew up from a poor family. My Father was employed at the estate and my mother was a housewife. King who served as a Counsellor on the Interim Management Committee for several years before it was dissolved in 2015. The town needs a lot more investments where youths can be gainfully employed,” he explained.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XXV

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Edinburgh crowns new queen at Miss East Bank Berbice Pageant

By Abigail Brower

women, who are victims of such circumstances. Her aim HUNDREDS of Glasgow is to execute major services residents made their way and projects in targetted the to the Multi-Purpose Comcommunities on the East munity Centre Ground to Bank of Berbice. Copping view who would have been the First runner-up posicrowned the new “Miss tion was Alikea Cort, with East Bank Berbice” queen Tenisha Taylor getting the on last Sunday. nod as Second runner-up, The night’s activities followed by Tonisha Rose, began at 18:00 hours with Sarafeina Adonis and Stacy a concert, followed by the Samgollam, taking up the Junior Pageant which feathird, fourth and fifth positured the little princesses on tions, respectively. the stage to give the audiSpeaking with Pepperence their first look at their pot Magazine, the pageant adorable dresses. The senior coordinator, Karen France, pageant began shortly after. congratulated the winners Like any other pageant even as she noted that each the pageant saw the deleof the contestants gave gates showcasing their tala good representation of ent in a talent segment and themselves, and therefore, thereafter showcasing their should consider themselves Two of the junior delegates beauty in casual and evening all as winners in their own wear. However, the organright. Alluding to the role isers explained to the Pepperpot Magazine the queen is expected to undertake during that the event was also staged with the her reign, France said she should an excelintention of celebrating the rich culture of lent role model to other young women in the Glasgow Community, while providing the communities, and too, willing to work an opportunity to empower young girls in hard to execute community services, as well the community. as, seek to promote the development of the The six delegates who vied for the new Housing Scheme. coveted crown in the senior category, had The pageant dubbed the largest commubeen working for the last three months to nity event in the new housing scheme was perfect their skills for the pageant. During one of the main three events on the East the question and answer segment, which ul- Bank of Berbice. President of the Glasgow timately was the deciding factor as to who Development Association, Terrence Cumwill wear the crown, saw the young contes- mings, awarded all the winners with certiftants taking to the stage and each asked a icates and prizes. In addition to her prizes, question pertaining to their platform. the senior queen has also earned the right The answer given by the respective to wear her tiara and sash at all important delegates to their specific question was functions throughout her reign. Meanwhile, testimony that they each had done an excel- individuals in the community who contriblent job at researching the topics they had uted in a meaningful way were presented embraced as their platform. And, while the with certificates as a token of appreciation. judges deliberated the audience was given The gifts and prizes were sponsored by a last glimpse of the contestants in their Director of Health Services in Berbice, evening wear as a group.

Mr. Stephen; Regional Educational Officer, Then, finally it was the moment every- Region Six, Miss Kim Stephen; Promoter one was waiting for, with Tiffany Caesar of the Annual Car and Bike Show, Mr. Anof Edinburgh Village being adjudged the drew France; Commander `B’ Division, Mr. winner and being crowned Miss East Bank, Paul William and the Pageant Coordinator.

Berbice. The queen whose platform focused The pageant was emceed by Sharon on ending domestic violence in her commu- Trim who did an excellent job in keepnity, said that she took on the platform of ing the crowd entertained and informed domestic violence as a service of helping throughout the evening.

The Queen, Tiffany Caesar surrounded by other finalists

XXVII

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Air Pollution

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

AS we continue to focus on the pertinent environmental issues, let’s turn our focus to air pollution and what laws exist to address this problem.

The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has developed Environmental Protection (Air Quality)

Regulations (2000) to address air pollution. This Regulation is amongst many others being implemented by the (EPA).

Clean air is important for people to live healthy lives. However, certain human activities taking place in the environment pollute the air. Smoke, dust, fumes and harmful gases pollute the air. Once these pollut-

ants enter the atmosphere we are all affected.

EPA’s role is to ensure that atmospheric pollutants released from human activities are within allowable levels, i.e. levels that will not adversely affect the health of plants, animals and humans.

Types of air pollutants and sources Turn to page XXXV ►►►

XXIX

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XXXI

Footprints in the sand I WAS a bit exhausted after working around the clock for over a week at CARIFESTA. It was a good kind of exhaustion because it was a successful trip. I woke up with the usual sound of the waves and reflection on my trip and relaxed for a while; counting down to the last day on the beautiful island of Barbados where I once called home. I asked myself: what do you want to do with the last 24 hours on the island?

I had a couple of lunch and dinner invitations and an invitation to CPL Cricket, among other things.

One of the things I enjoyed doing while living there was sitting on Brandons Beach and watching the sunset and enjoying the seaside.

I sent a simple WhatsApp message to Linda, Alanda, Dorma, Pat, Caramel, and Tessa saying `let’s go to Brandons Beach and that they should wear white outfits.’ I envisioned it similar to

Beyond the Runway Send your comments to beyondtherunway1@gmail. com and visit our fb page beyond the Runway as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

the `Beyond The Runway’ retreat in Guyana (minus the beach). I decided to visit Mrs Cita Pilgrim, Consul General and Ms. Monique Jackman Deputy Consul General who are two phenomenal women. I also had lunch with Denise Young Brown and enjoyed the sunset with my sisters. The memories and the stories we shared on that beach will be imprinted in our minds forever. As I was viewing the pictures I saw one with many footprints and lives of the footprints in the sand.

So many people traverse this beach every day and everyone has a story. Invisible faces to those footprints and across race, colour or nationality. Some are happy, sad, the abused, the abusers, the people who love and the people who hate. We should not be embarrassed to tell our story because that is what makes us the unique individuals we are today. Begin with the end in mind and that will guide you to the legacy you want to leave.

Those ladies did not ask why they should join me or why they should wear white because they trusted me. People always compliment me on my charisma which is a plus to possess, and I always remember the words of John Maxwell: “Charisma will get you in the door but credibility will keep you there“ They all expressed what a privilege it was to have me as part of their lives and that feeling is reciprocated.

We agreed to continue our journey to the abundant life.

We left the beach and headed to a restaurant for dinner and everyone turned around when we walked in. Some could not keep the questions to themselves and they were like “Are you ladies just off a movie set?”

“You look like the women in waiting to exhale!” We explained that it was just friends and sisters enjoying time together.

I challenge you the next time you see a footprint in the sand, to imagine what life that person leads and what you would like people to think about you from the image of your footprint.

with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

Reflecting on CARIFESTA Intricate Creations XXXII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

By Shirley Thomas

CHIEF Executive Officer and Craft Designer of the Berbice-based ‘Intricate Creations’, Guyanese, Melba La Goudoude continues to make it big in the business of floral creations. This time, she wowed the Barbadians, the diaspora and other visitors of Carifesta XIII, during the cultural celebrations held earlier this month.

Intricate Creations, an emerging producer of floral and craft creations has made its name and stamped its authority locally, by incorporating the fibre and other parts of the coconut palm that would normally be discarded, into its many works of art.

The florals, La Goudoude said, are custom made, utilising mainly coconut fibre and palm, and attractively

spray-painted with earth-tone colours as requested. She says her products are one-of-a- kind and entirely unique, carrying her signature behind her creations.

Interestingly, the roses manufactured by La Goudoude are known to exert a magnetic pull on the viewers who are absolutely intrigued by the creativity of the manufacturer and the elegance of the finished product.

So impressed have been the viewers to the CARIFESTA Exhibitionn she says, that viewers would literally take her booth by storm – admiring and making inquiries about her products and making purchases as well. “They were spellbound at the quality and creativity incorporated into putting my products together. They were intrigued with

Melba La Gougoude demonstrates how to make the roses

A Barbadian customer proudly displays her purchase

the creativity and bought many of the pieces as well,” Melba declared.

She was interviewed by the Barbadian media and also appeared on CBS Television. She was proud and delighted also, to announce that Barbados’ Minister of Transport, Mr. Michael Lashley was among persons extending kudos and making inquiries about the products.

Turn to page XXXIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXXII

Barbadians, La Goudoude says, have even asked her to mount a training programme so they can learn how to make the roses. She said she was asked by one of the CARIFESTA Committee members to do a demonstration for the benefit of the Barbadian women, which she did.

The gesture, La Goudoude said, led to her being extended an invitation to participate in their upcoming Flower Show, scheduled for January 2018.

Elated about the prospects, the designer told the Sunday Chronicle that she’d be giving it some consideration.

A customer makes a purchase of a floral dry arrangement

Barbados’ Minister of Transport, receives one of La Goudoude’s products during the Carifesta XIII Exhibition

One of the unique roses from her collection

XXXIII The designer’s special pieces this time around included: ‘The CARIFESTA Roses’ in Large, Medium and Small, each containing 14 petals. Then there’s the ‘Unity with three bouquets and consisting of three shimmering roses, each representing the counties of Guyana, namely Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice. There is too, a wall piece called ‘Harmony’ which has been going fast, reaching as far as the USA. ‘Harmony’ consists of three golden roses, along with one in brown-and-cream one which stands out beautifully against the white background. And then there’s the ‘Swirl’, known as ‘Spring’, in a variety of colours,” she added..

La Goudoude recalls having had the distinct honour of presenting her first ‘Unity Three’ bouquet creation to Miss Guyana/UK 2016, Miss Felicity Hossanah when she visited the Ancient County of Berbice, recently Meanwhile, expressing condolences on the death of a colleague, Guyanese, Petal Frank, who passed while in Barbados for CARIFESTA III, La Goudoude said she will be designing a special flower called ‘Petal’ in her honour.

XXXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Large scale onion production to reduce food import bill THE National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is making significant strides in achieving its agriculture diversification agenda. The institute has been conducting trials to ascertain whether crops that are

imported could be produced locally. This will essentially reduce the country’s food import bill.

One such crop is onion (Allium cepa). Onion is believed to have originated in the Near East. The crop can be grown

under a wide range of climates from temperate to tropical.

Present world production is about 46.7 million tons of bulbs from 2.7 million hectares.

NAREI through its partnership with Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) has reintroduced onions to Guyana. This time, the aim is to have onions produced for commercial purposes.

CEO of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth at a recent stakeholders meeting, announced that Guyana is likely to reduce the importation of onions by half by 2020. In 2015, Guyana imported US$1.4M worth in onions.

Already, farmers have shown an interest in the production of the crop. One hundred from 40 communities within Regions Two to Six and 10 were involved in trials. The varieties of onions that can be grown locally include Red Creole, Mercedes and Texas Early Grano. In addition, Researchers of NAREI conducted trials at Mon Repos.

A farmer, Dexter Sultan, shared that he has seen the results of the onion cultivation in other fields. However, in his trial plot at Sandvoort, West Canje, Berbice, Region Six, some of his seedlings died while others plants were spoilt.

“When I went there to clear the area a few weeks ago I actually saw some of them, they bulb very well but not fit for human consumption due to not having consistent amounts of water,” Sultan explained.

Under normal conditions, onion forms a bulb in the first season of growth and flowers in the second season. The production of the bulb is controlled by day length and the critical day length varies from 11 to 16 hours depending on variety.

The crop flourishes in mild climates without extremes in temperature and without excessive rainfall.

For the initial growth period, cool weather and adequate water are advantageous for proper crop establishment, whereas during ripening, warm, dry weather is beneficial for high yield of good quality. The optimum mean daily temperature varies between 15 and 20°C. Proper crop variety selection is essential, particularly in relation to the day length requirements; for example, a long day temperate variety in tropical zones with short days will produce vegetative growth only without forming the bulb.

The length of the growing period varies with climate but in general 130 to 175 days are required from sowing to harvest.

The crop is usually sown in the nursery and transplanted after 30 to 35 days. Direct seeding in the field is also practiced.

The crop is usually planted in rows or on raised beds, with two or more rows in a bed, with a spacing of 0.3 to 0.5 x 0.05 to 0.1 m. Optimum soil temperature for germination is 15 to 25°C. For bulb production the plant should not flower since flowering adversely affects yields. Bulbs are harvested when the tops fall: For initiation of flowering, low temperatures (lower than 14 to 16°C) and low humidity are required. Flowering is, however, little affected by day length.

Onion can be grown on many soils but medium textured soils are preferred. Optimum pH is in the range of six to seven.

Fertiliser requirements are normally 60 to 100 kg/ha N, 25 to 45 kg/ha P and 45 to 80 kg/ha K. The crop is sensitive to soil salinity and yield decrease at varying levels of ECe is: 0 percent at ECe 1.2 mmhos/ cm, 10 percent at 1.8, 25 percent at 2.8, 50 percent at 4.3 and 100 percent at ECe 7.5 mmhos/cm.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

There are many types of air pollutants e.g.: Carbon monoxide – This gas is released from vehicles, burning wood, coal, gasoline, natural gases and kerosene.

Nitric acid – This substance is produced naturally by bacterial and volcanic action and lightning and the use of explosives or in welding processes.

Hydrogen sulphide – This gas comes from decaying matter such as dead animals or sewage; in high concentration it’s poisonous.

Chlorine – A substance found in fertilisers or cleaning products.

Fluoride compounds – This chemical is emitted by industries that manufacture aluminum, glass, steel, ceramics and clay Hydrogen chloride – This substance is produced from burning of fossil fuels or open-pit burning of plastics.

Sulphuric acid mist – This acid emanates from the burning of coal, oil and gases.

Solid Particles – these are fumes, dust and smoke.

IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION When polluted air is inhaled it can damage our lungs, cause respiratory problems as wheezing and shortness of breath; toxicity to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, skin or sense organs and can also affect our concentration, slow our reflexes and even make us confused and sleepy. In livestock it accumulates in their bones and causes deformities.

All air pollutants are dangerous to human health, animals or plants whether there is short term impact or long term. Therefore, we should protect ourselves, and the plants and animals around us that we depend on.

Environmental Authorisation According to the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Regulations 2000, any facility that emits air pollutants must register with the Agency and apply for an Environmental Authorisation. No one should be involved in activities that lead to emission of contaminants into the atmosphere without an Environmental Authorisation to do so.

There are penalties for persons who refuse to comply with the Regulations up to a fine of $500,000 or imprisonment for up to six (6) months.

ALL AIR CONTAMINANTS MUST BE MANAGED A list of all air contaminants produced by facilities must be produced to the EPA and a programme will be developed and implemented for the management of the contaminants which were identified and registered.

Different areas are given different air pollution limits and if anyone is found exceeding the limit set by the EPA, they will be guilty of an offence and may either be fined or imprisoned. For offences where a penalty has not been established, defaulters will pay a fine up to $80,000.

Persons need to be careful in the storing, handling and exporting of substances in order to prevent the emission of contaminants.

Remember, to make a complaint against any facility causing air pollution; you can call 225-6044/2255471/225-5467 or email to epa@epaguyana.org or eit. epaguyana@gmail.com.

Sources: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php EPA, Environmental Protection Regulations 2000 You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

XXXV

XXXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XXXVII

XXXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XXXIX

XL

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XLI

XLII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.

ANTHONY TROLLOPE (1815-1882) Orley Farm (1862), ch. 22 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, There are many ways to manage your ‘nerves’ during study and examination times.

One successful way many have found is to speak to their heart. You too can speak to your heart. Do so either silently or out loud.

The objective is to convince yourself with meaningful statements that you will not only secure success within the year, but will also do tremendous exploits. Go steadily and surely towards your examination events. Be wise.

Love you Grammar Part One: A verb agreeing with its subject 1. Do not be misled by a phrase that follows the subject. (Some phrases begin with such expressions as accompanied by, as well as, together with can be really troublesome).

Understand that such phrases do not affect the number of the subject. Once the subject is found, no attention should be paid to such kind of phrase following it.

Example: Shelly, as well as her parents, is participating. (Shelly is singular subject; the singular verb is needed. If the singular verb sounds awkward to you, recast the sentence to get this: Shelly is participating, as are her mother and father.)

2. Do not be uncertain if the subject is all, more, most, part, some; a fraction; or a percent and is followed by an “of” phrase, use a verb that agrees with the subject in that phrase.

Example: More of the theorem needs explaining.

More of his buddies have left him.

All of it is yours All of these are yours.

Most of last month has been rainy. Most of these days have been rainy.

Part of this package is missing. Part of these people are leaving.

Some of the loaf has been pinched. Some of the loaves have been pinched.

Three fifths of our water was wasted.

Three fifths of the teachers were women.

Two percent of the village is pasture. Two percent of the farms are large.

Something to Do

Complete each of the following sentences by ticking off the correct verb form.

1. Twenty-five percent of the older residents (own, owns) two or more vehicles.

2. Two sevenths of their farm (is, are) flooded.

3. David, as well as his warriors, (has, have) a scalp under their belts.

4. Much of his potions usually (heals, heal).

5. Irma, as well as her two grandmothers, (has, have) been invited to the wedding reception.

6. Those strings of sunfish (seems, seem) the largest.

7. A quarter of the ponds (is, are) yielding above the expected quota of tilapia.

8. A final list of applicants (was, were) presented to the deciding committee.

9. Newly minted spoons, as well as the forks, (was, were) on display at the Buy Guyana booth.

10. Seventy- five percent of the payment (belongs, belong) to the researchers.

Part Two: Tense Sequence and Other Tense Uses NOTE: Some writers and public speakers do not pay strict attention to verbs in sentences.

Sentences should have verbs showing proper relation to one another, especially if events told in a sentence happened at different times.

Verb forms used should indicate time order.

(1) Suit the tense of dependent clauses and of verbal phrases to the time expressed by the verb in the main clause.

We sold the robot that we had built [not built]. (The building of the robot preceded the selling; had built indicates the fact.)

I decided to go [not have gone] to the opening session of the Greenhouse Exhibition. (At the time of deciding, the opening session had not taken place.)

Having studied [not Studying] late, I missed dinner. (The studying preceded the missing.)

(2) When indirect discourse follows a past tense, use the auxiliaries could, should, would, and might, not may.

[Let it be said here that an exception is made if the idea is one of present action continued into the future: He said that he is still waiting for his release.]

Sister Sandra promised that she would [not will] send a worthwhile donation to us.

(3) Express in present tense the verb in a noun clause that states a generally accepted truth or a fact that is true for all time.

[Let it be said here that current usage tends to disregard this rule, though logically it makes good sense.]

They forgot that sound travels [not travelled] slower than light.

Charlotte Brontë is [not was] the author of Jane Eyre.

(4) Keep in the same tense any verbs that are parallel in use.

He Henry glided past his fellow competitors and touched [not touches] the buzzer.

Something to Do Fill the blanks in the following sentences.

Use verb forms that show the correct sequence of tenses. Go over your sentences orally and reinforce learning.

1. Ince called to say that she ____ be home at the planned time.

2. She giggled and ____ “I hope to ____ you at home.”

3. He turned and ____ away. “Well,” I ____ myself, “That is that!”

4. I knew the water pressure ____ lower on Saturdays with more people at home.

5. The day after Tomlinson ____ your home, he called Sandra.

Try to Figure These.

1. A wise man will make more opportunities than he (find, finds).

2. Fisher’s attitude, not yours, (is, are) the one I criticise.

3. He is one of those students who (is, are) always asking difficult questions.

4. City news (is, are) scarce in this part of the country they claimed.

5. The biggest problem (is, are) the absentees from the debating teams.

6. A number of changes (has, have) taken place in your absence.

7. Either those small boys or this big girl (volunteer, volunteers) each month.

8. Each of these vases (has, have) different flowers.

9. My first choice (is, are) those blue ornamental skittles.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017

XLIII

Jam Roll Ingredients 3 oz flour 3 eggs 3 oz sugar 1/4 tsp vanilla essence 1-2 tbsp tepid water 2 tbsp jam or butter cream filling Method 1 Grease Swiss roll tin (12Ă—7 inches) and line with greased paper.

2 Sieve flour.

3 Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy.

4 Add the essence and fold in the flour.

5 Add sufficient tepid water to make a pouring consistency.

6 Turn into the prepared tin and spread out to the corners.

7 Bake in a hot oven, 450 degrees, for 7-10 minutes.

8 Turn on to a damp cloth covered with sugared paper, trim edges, spread with warmed jam and roll up.

9 When cold, dredge with icing sugar.

Serves 6 Note: If butter cream is used, roll up the Swiss roll and leave to cool. When cool, unroll, spread with filling, then roll up again.