See inside:
The beauty and richness of Indigenous Art ► Page II Jan Gomes’ ► Page VI scholarship dreams become reality
The Benab ► Page
B
b ena
ge
illa
iV kur
a
at P
III
A prized legacy of indigenous architecture
II
Editor’s note THIS WEEK, and in the weeks to come, we will continue to explore, honour and tell the stories of our Indigenous People in observance of Indigenous Heritage Month. Quite a few activities have commenced at the Indigenous Village in Sophia and other locations, and we will endeavour to bring coverage of those activities, while also looking at angles that we believe tell
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
deeper and more meaningful stories about details that we may not know regarding the rich culture that forms part of this diverse land we call home. Our lead story will tell you about the intricate, eco-friendly design of the Benab, its use and its significance. It is a structure, the existence of which we may take for granted given its seeming “normalcy” within our architecture, but
which, in fact is a rare and beautiful attraction to our landscape which leaves many foreigners in awe. Today we also observe World Suicide Prevention Day and in light of this occasion, we feature the beginning of a five-week series, talking about mental health issues and other important information on suicide prevention. These and other stories make up the pages of this week’s Pepperpot and as always, we hope that they help to enrich your Sunday reading.
The beauty and richness of
Indigenous Art By Gibron Rahim
the theme ‘Guyana’s first peoples; sustaining a rich cultural environment’ and it is evident from the art that this theme is very much at play. It was difficult upon first entering the room where the art is displayed to pick a focal point since their profusion calls to the eye. Among the pieces are works by veteran artists Oswald Hussein and George Simon. Notable among Simon’s pieces is his series of paintings on tropical flowers. Despite their common theme, each painting in the series has its distinctive characteristics. Hussein’s sculptures also call for attention. Beautiful yet abstract, they encourage the viewer to make a closer examination. Among the themes of the pieces on display, nature and indigenous life are the most prominent. This is a reminder of the indigenous people's connection to the earth; a connection
ART is one of the best ways to showcase culture and celebrate the heritage of a people. It is through art that the narrative of the past and aspirations for the future are revealed. It is perhaps for this reason that an exhibition of art has become a fixture of Guyana’s Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations. The 2017 Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, beautifully showcases the works of both debutant and veteran Indigenous artists. Last year, the exhibition paid homage to Denis Williams, pioneer archaeologist and anthropologist and founder of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology. The figure chosen this year for homage is Sister Theresa La Rose. Sister La Rose (1928-2009) was born at Charity on the Essequibo Coast Two of Guy Marco’s pieces in the then British Guiana. After receiving her elementary and secondary education at Santa Rosa, she left these shores and entered the Sisters of Mercy in Dallas, Texas. In 1958, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from College Misericordia. On her return to Guyana, Sister La Rose began her career in education, one that would span 51 years. She taught at schools in Brickdam, Santa Rosa and Mabaruma. For a 25-year period, Sister La Rose also worked with the government of Guyana. that we could all stand to estabDuring her tenure, she worked in the Ministry lish and one that comes to the of Interior Development and the Ministry forefront with the push toward of Amerindian Affairs. She fulfilled various a green economy for Guyana. roles in education including teaching craft for Prominent among the pieces earning a livelihood, money management, wise that display such scenes are the use of natural resources and the planting and works of Victor Captain. Capcultivation of crops. She received the Medal tain’s pieces exhibit an attention of Service Award in 1975. As a promoter of to detail that enriches them and Indigenous art and craft during her lifetime brings their subjects to life. she dedicated her life to education, culture and Another artist whose work the arts, Sister La Rose was an ideal figure to is displayed is Guy Marco. honour. Pierre informed the PepperOne of the organisers of the exhibition, pot Magazine that Marco is a Laureen Pierre, took some time to speak with graduate of the E.R. Burrowes the Pepperpot Magazine about some of the School of Art. Since graduatwork that went into pulling off the event. ing he has grown a great deal Pierre, an educator and historian, explained and has become an established that George Simon had a key role in locating artist. Marco has a very distinct the artists for the event. Among those whose style. Five of his pieces are on work is being exhibited are three young artists display at the exhibition and who are making their debut at the event this each displays his unique artisyear. Pierre revealed that Simon had attended tic vision. His pieces eschew an exhibition by students of the E.R. Bur- curves for more angular shapes, creating pieces rowes School of Art. It is there that he found that need to be seen. the works of these promising up-and-coming Jerry Marco is one of the three young artists artists. who makes his debut at the exhibition and his The art this year is being exhibited under pieces are rife with colour and personality.
Some of the art on display at the Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition
His piece ‘Sacrifice to bring Colour’ features several animals as well as human characters, Pottery at the exhibition that are available for purchase
seemingly depicting an indigenous legend. The centrepieces of the painting are the harpy eagle with a rainbow serpent clutched in its claws. The serpent’s colours are so vivid that they immediately draw attention to the piece.
The other animals in the painting are equally brought to life. In addition to the paintings and sculptures on display, there are also craft pieces that are available for sale at the exhibition. Among those businesses that have pieces on display are Rainforest Pottery, Rave and Cacique Designs. The Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition opened on September 6 and continues until September 27, with weekday opening hours from 10:00hrs to 17:00hrs. The beautiful pieces on display are worth the visit. And while a visit to the exhibition is a step in the right direction, it is also important to use this opportunity as a starting point toward a greater appreciation and respect for the culture of Guyana’s indigenous people, of which Indigenous Heritage Month reminds us. This is a stop on the journey toward a more enlightened and greater Guyana.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
The Benab
A prized legacy of indigenous architecture By Ravena Gildharie ERUPTING from the waves of white sands and rising amidst the lush greenery stands tall the ‘Pakuri Benabo’, a remarkable piece of indigenous craftsmanship and native architecture that now decorates the landscape of the Pakuri Village (St. Cuthbert’s Mission). Extending approximately 65 feet in height with a thatched roof of Ité palm, this structure is the most recently-built and adds to a list of similar massive structures erected by Guyana’s first people. Undeniably a brilliant exhibition of environmental engineering, these massive Indigenous edifices utilise local woods and tree barks, leaves, branches, straws, vines and palm, and can still remain standing through many generations. Interestingly too, while the benab towers into the skyline, the construction is almost solely handcrafted with limited use of modern tools and equipment. “Here is an architecture born of the rain forests and the savannahs, where the builders use local forest timbers and sustainable forest products like branches and leaves of the Ité palm,” highlighted Clive Wayne Mc Watt, as he noted the Indigenous people’s contribution to wooden architecture in Guyana.
The existing Umana Yana rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire
the Village Council’s undertaking with grant funding provided to the community from a government initiative. Though he has some practical experience with building construction, Andrews said it was the first time he had worked on a benab, and was guided by other villagers’ input. Unlike regular building construction, there was no documented design or estimates of material quantities and specifications. The foundation is of concrete on which 32 surrounding columns and 10 internal posts were cast. The roof comprises 28 upright props as support details for the Ité and Turobana palm thatch. Inside the roof, the beams are laid in a circle that surrounds the purple-heart center pole. At first glance, the cone-shaped appearance easily resembles a Wai-Wai design, but councillor Andrews said the `Benabo’ also integrates some Arawak-inspired features specifically in the roofing details. Meanwhile, there are plans for the
III SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BENAB Construction was done in approximately 46 days by a group of about 40 to 50 villagers who all volunteered to make the project a reality. As a result, it was built at a cost of about $3 million, which is significantly lower than what it would have cost with paid labour. Savings were garnered too from the use of materials from the village’s forest concession. The new benab replaces an older deteriorated structure that had become defunct over the years. Prior to that, the community’s original benab was destroyed by fire in 2012. The new structure at Pakuri is said to be among the largest indigenous-crafted benabs in Guyana. It is believed that the biggest exists at Masakenari in the Deep South Rupununi, while there is another gigantic structure at Annai, reportedly towering 70 feet into the sky and extending in width of 90 x 90 feet. There are other large thatched structures at Chiung, Santa Mission, St Ignatius and Aishalton. Scattered across the country and even in some coastal communities are scores of smaller benabs, some used as craft shops and tourist centres while others serve recreational purposes. But what is the significance of all these Indigenous marvels, especially to the people who built them? According to Michael Mc Garrell, an advocate for Indigenous people’s rights and a forest conservationist of Chenapou, the benab remains true to the meaning of the word. “It's a meeting place. A place where collective decisions are made. A place to celebrate together. A place where we can look upon each other in a circular setting,” he emphasised. He stressed that the mere size of the structures and the technology involved in keeping it standing through some of the most adverse weather and environmental conditions, is an engineering feature distinctive to the indigenous people. In Georgetown, there is the most popular benab, the historic Umana Yana, a national monument situated in Kingston. The original structure dates back to 1972 when 60 Wai-Wai men and their chief, Elka, were brought to the City from their village of Konashen, Rupununi, with core materials to build the benab in time for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Guyana.
Palm used to cover the roof of benab
He continued: “Form follows function and the natural environment where simple wooden structures are built to sustain heavy rains or raised on stilts above swampy ground. The word ‘benab’, a temporary shelter made of leaves and branches and supported on a framework of poles, has rightly found a place in the architectural nomenclature of Guyana.” At Pakuri, Councillor Paul Andrews spearheaded the new benab’s construction as part of
An internal view of the benab
and seating Concrete foundation Pakuri Benabo the at accommodation
community’s sculptors to create a totem out of the giant purple -heart log nestled in the center. Toshao Lennox Shuman pointed out that the 'Pakuri Benabo' is different from all others in the country because it was built with an external stage ideally catering for communal gatherings and cultural events. More so, the structure is designed as a recreational facility to accommodate overnight visitors as there are internal posts to tie hammocks. The structure would be boarded up to ensure visitors a secure, comfortable and native experience in the Pakuri Village. The Benab roof
According to reports from back then, the builders cleared a circular area of land, about 26.8 metres in diameter, and excavated the soil. They then levelled and compacted the area to a smooth hard finish by stomping on the ground, moving rhythmically forward, backward and round and round as in a sort of tribal dance. The ground was then covered with sand and a concrete foundation slab, which reportedly bore holes for the poles to be inserted. The structure was about 55 feet high and was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. No nails were used. It was designed like the Wai-Wai benabs found deep in Guyana’s interior and occupied an area of 460 square metres, supposedly making it the largest structure of its kind at that time. Over the decades since, the benab has hosted scores of high-level meetings and events. Due to deterioration, the initial structure collapsed in 1993 and had to be rebuilt. It was smaller than the first and was subsequently destroyed by fire in September 2014. A third structure was later rebuilt and commissioned in 2016. There is also another benab in the City situated at the Amerindian Village in Sophia.
IV
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Appellate Court freed rape accused because of fatal omission by Judge RAPE accused Keith Mayers was convicted of rape in 1966. But on appeal, was freed by an Appellate Court on the grounds that the trial Judge in addressing the jury had made a fatal omission. As a consequence, Mayers’ appeal was allowed. His conviction was quashed and his sentence was set aside. Hearing the appeal was Chancellor Kenneth Stoby with Chief Justice J. A. Luckhoo and Justice Guya Persaud. In a trial for rape evidence was given by a witness as to a complaint made to her by the virtual complainant. It was objected that evidence of the complaint was inadmissible on the ground that the complaint had been elicited by questions of an inducing character. The trial judge failed to rule on this objection and the accused was convicted. Held: where, as in relation to complaints made in sexual cases, the admissibility of evidence depends on the discretion of the trial judge and the principles to be applied in exercising that discretion, the trial judge cannot flinch from exercising his authority. Appeal allowed J. O. F. Haynes, Q.C., with C. A. Massiah, for the appellant. G. A. G. Pompey for the Crown. STOBY .C. delivered the judgment of the Court as follows: The appellant in this case was convicted of rape. He appealed to this court on three grounds but we propose to deal with one ground only. During the trial the mother of the girl alleged to be raped was called as a witness for the Crown. The purpose of her evidence was to show that the virtual complainant had made a complaint to her. After she had given evidence and was cross-examined, counsel who appeared for the Appellant at the trial submitted in the absence of the jury that having
regard to the answers given by the mother in cross-examination, the complaint was inadmissible as it was elicited by questions of an inducing character. Counsel for the Crown submitted that although the mother asked her daughter certain questions, yet having regard to the relationship of mother and daughter, the complaint was admissible. While counsel for the Crown was replying to the defence submissions, the judge intervened. The record before us is as follows: “At this stage, court indicates to counsel for defence that having regard to the defence as put to the complaint it would seem the making of the complaint was consistent with the defence , although its weight may be attacked having regard to the manner in which it was made.” As a result of this statement by the judge, counsel for the Crown did not proceed with his reply, the jury was recalled and the trial proceeded without demur from defence counsel. On appeal it has been argued that the complaint was inadmissible because it was obtained by leading questions and suggestions, and that in any event it was the function of the judge to rule on the submission, and his failure to rule deprived the prisoner of the possibility of the complaint being held inadmissible. Looking at the matter without the aid of any persuasive authorities, we are in no doubt about the judge’s function in a criminal case where objection is taken to the admissibility of evidence. The judge must make up his mind and rule one way or the other. Quite understandably a situation may arise where counsel withdraws his objection and the evidence, if already accepted, remains and is dealt with in the summing-up as admissible evidence. A Court of Appeal can, if the opportunity offers, decide
By George Barclay
whether the evidence was correctly admitted. But where the admissibility of evidence depends on the discretion of the trial judge and the principles to be applied in exercising that discretion, the trial judge cannot flinch from exercising his authority. The reason is patent. Normally, admissibility depends on fixed principles, relevancy and so on; the judge’s discretion is not required; his view of the relationship between the parties, the surrounding circumstances and the impression created in his mind are important. In sexual cases the unimportant assumes a different character which the written word can never convey. When this court looks at the evidence objected to, it cannot with a feeling of certainty say that the judge, had he exercised his discretion, would have admitted the evidence. He might have done so and had he applied the correct principles this court would not have interfered. But he refused to decide. He compromised and we are not constrained to substitute our discretion for the judge’s hesitancy. A circumstance of some importance is that there was practically no corroboration whatsoever. The judge warned the jury against convicting on uncorroborated testimony; he told them there was no corroboration; he told them that the complaint to the mother did not afford corroboration. In this setting it was vital for the jury to know whether she had told a consistent story; had the complaint been ruled inadmissible this element of the prosecution’s case would have been lacking and without it, we cannot say the jury must have convicted. We consider the failure of the judge to give a decision on an important bit of evidence was a fatal omission, and consequently the conviction must be quashed and the sentence set aside. The appeal is allowed.
‘Two tief mek God laugh’ By Abdool Aziz HE began working at the age of nine. Though illiterate, he possessed a wealth of common sense and he was parsimonious. By the age of 48, he had amassed a fortune but he did not want to risk coming to the city to bank his money, so he built a concrete safe in the house. He was a happy man until his life savings vanished. His eldest son, Rover, had just returned home from a reckless period of roving. He was penniless. He observed his father entering the safe room, locking the door and spending some time in there. He would then emerge with a bag and smile. Something good was happening in that room. The second brother, a kleptomaniac named, Sheriff, was ordered by Rover to ‘peep’ on the old man’s covert actions. Sheriff was happy to oblige. He lay on the floor just after his father locked the door. He peered under the crease of the door. He observed the old man sitting on the floor then got up and tip-toed away. While the man was at work, the two thieves searched by the door’s ledge and found a key to the door. Rover said,
“Good job bro, now open the safe!” Their wicked hearts pounded with excitement. Their eyes bulged as they feasted on the loot. There were countless wads of notes amounting to over five million in today’s currency. They took everything, then locked back the safe and put back the key. Rover sent the Sheriff away to New Amsterdam with the cash in a shoe box. He would join him later. The next morning, the old man entered his money chamber. He opened the small metal door only to find an empty safe staring back at him. At first, he thought he was dreaming, but when reality kicked in, he cried. He stumbled to his feet, opened the door and shouted for his wife and Rover. Rover came running and asked, “Wha happen, Pa?” In tears, the old man stammered, “All me money, Sheriff thief all me money!” Rover, bare faced, said, “Don’t worry Pa, ah gon get it back. Ah going behind that dog.” The old man was broken. He took to his hammock grieving. His life savings were stolen by his own blood. Rover took money from his mother and travelled to East
Berbice. He joined Sheriff and they began to splurge on their father’s hard-earned savings. That night, as Sheriff lay drunk, Rover took the money and left to waste all on rum and women. When the spending spree was over, he got in touch with Sheriff and brought him home. Rover said to his father triumphantly, “Ah caught the dog spending de money!” The father asked, “You get back any?” “No! A prostitute stole it all,” Rover shouted in anger. “Beat him!” The father ordered. Rover grabbed the skinny Sheriff, and took him to his room. They heard Sheriff hollering and begging for mercy. Their mother pleaded for mercy. The irate father said, “No mercy, kill him, he stole my money!” Rover then pushed Sheriff out the door, all battered and seemingly in pain. The mother said, “Ow me son, is wha Rover did to you.” The father said, “Shut up, he should ah dead!” Years later it was revealed that Sheriff got no blows. Rover hit the bed with a paddle. Sheriff screamed out in pretence. My two wicked brothers are now burning in hell for a dastardly family heist.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
V
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
EXILE in literature often refers to writers who have Lake MacBride, Iowa fled their homes due to some sort of persecution that has emerged because of what they have written. However, in a sense, any type of writing that is done away from one’s home – away from what one knows and expects – can be considered a kind of exile, even if the move is voluntary, since the writer is away, separated from what he/she knows, deprived or unearth a compromise that allows exploration of familiarity, and plunged into an unknown of the new to transfigure itself into some sort of environment. fuel for the writing. There are a great many writers who wrote Of course, the simplest way of dealing with some of their best works about their countries the previously mentioned point is to simply of origin while being in exile (whether self-im- incorporate the new people, new buildings, and posed or not) from their home countries. Some new events into one’s writing. Perhaps the story examples of such writers include Salman Rush- you write will be set in the Midwest and it will die, Jamaica Kincaid, V.S. Naipaul, Lord Byron, tell the tale of a Guyanese girl who moves there and our very own Edgar Mittelholzer. So the and has to deal with culture shock. Perhaps the question is, does being away from a place lead poem will draw comparisons between the Iowa to a great change in one’s writing or the writing River and the Demerara River. And so on. Good process? I am currently in the US Midwest. writers will find ways to make use of what surWill this affect my writing which has always rounds them. been about Guyana, and written in Guyana? Another point to consider is how being Based on my own experiences thus far, and away from something that you would want to with the knowledge that everyone’s experience write about causes you to lack the ability to is peculiar to that individual only, I would have correctly visualise or feel that thing. For examto say that the answers to these questions are ple, hypothetically, can you really capture the both yes and no. shape, smell and texture of sugarcane if you There is a change in one’s writing in the are only surrounded by oaks and birches for sense that there is a possibility of writing be- weeks? One way around this that I have found coming easier or more difficult. There’s no useful in these past few days has to do with denying that living in a first-world country is using what is available to you as triggers for the vastly different from living in a third-world thing you want to experience. So, for example, country. Therefore, writing in the first world several writers were recently on a trip to Iowa’s and in the third world is also different. The most Lake MacBride. I was sharing a kayak with pronounced change that Guyanese writers will Kenyan writer, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, and be able to appreciate is the lack of blackouts we spent close to an hour paddling around the and the presence of an efficient internet service lake, sometimes going into what appeared to outside of Guyana. To some, these might seem be a main inlet that was bordered by forests on like simple things, but being a writer who is one side. This was a lake in the middle of the currently experiencing something different from United States, but in several ways, it reminded what I have always known, I can say with much me of the black water creeks at home in Guyassuredness that being allowed the freedom to ana. Surprisingly, I was able to better visualise finish one’s writing without having to worry the black water creek that was a part of the about a power outage striking, and getting setting in a story I am writing by comparing and research done with fast internet, are two of the contrasting my experiences in Lake MacBride main components that have resulted in the actual and in the creeks in Guyana. So when I asked enjoyment of the writing that I’ve done in the Yvonne to take a picture of me and she laughUS so far. Sometimes, circumstances force us to ingly complied, she reminded me of several forget to enjoy the process of writing. other people who laughed in the same gleeful On the flip side, writing can be slowed way when I had asked them to take a picture down immensely. In a new place, there is so of me in the waterways of Guyana, and so we much to see; so much to do. It takes immense have a similarity forming itself in my mind and self-discipline to decide to stay in and write this could help me to create a character for my rather than checking out the diner downtown story. I noticed that the water of Lake MacBride that sells really good burgers. It takes great was dark, but not as black as the stew created by effort to convince yourself to stay in and finish fallen leaves that make up the creeks in Guyana, a story or a poem when you can go out with and, therefore, I picked up on a difference that new friends to your first gay bar, or the nearby would allow me to better describe the creek Museum of Natural History or the Art Library in my story. And so on and so forth, until you across the river. The writer in a new world exists sift through such similarities and differences in a world of distractions. There are things in the to create a version of the entity you’re writing writer’s home country that he or she knows, is about that is as close as possible to the original. the norm and, in a sense, the mundane. Outside I guess, in the end, when it comes to of that sphere exists the exciting and the new. writers who write in exile from their home To write well in exile, a writer must know how countries, the kind of writing they do and to balance his or her writing with exploration, the works they create ultimately stem from
the writer him/herself, rather than stemming from the environment in which it is being written. It is the writer who decides how to use the resources available. It is the writer who decides what will distract him/her. It
is the writer who develops tactics of pulling out from the environment elements that will be used, almost like a montage, to create the world so far away that he/she knows to be home.
VI
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Jan Gomes’ scholarship dreams become reality By Jamall Adams
EDUCATION isn’t preparation for life, education is life itself. Jan Gomes understands this notion and has dedicated her time to learning. From being the top student at Bina Hill Learning Centre of Annai, North Rupununi, Region Nine to earning a full scholarship to the University of Guyana (UG), Jan’s journey is one to inspire. Jan was born and raised in Kato Village, Region Eight, and grew up with her parents and eight other siblings. As a child growing up, making education a priority was part of the culture that was taught within her home by her parents. They understood the importance of education, because of their own past experiences, and would always
encourage all of their children to make the most of every opportunity that presented itself to have a better education than they did. The principle of making education a priority was a rule Jan patterned her life by. Rules which now have enabled her to become disciplined, humble, focused and well informed, all throughout her school years at the Paramakatoi Secondary School, moulding her into one of Guyana’s very own scholars. This Region Eight native once aspired to be a nurse in order to make a positive contribution to her community, but unfortunately, after graduating high school she was told that she was too young to pursue such a career. This didn’t stop the journey she was about to travel. She immediately enrolled into the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning
Jan Gomes
Centre and began equipping herself with the necessary tools to continue following her dreams. Jan spent the next two years studying Tourism, Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, Forestry, Music, Cultural Skills and other courses, and would still maintain the attitude of being patient and disciplined without knowing what was about to come her way. In July 2017 Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Dr Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, visited the Bina Hill Institution. During the visit, the Minister and the Vice Chancellor awarded two open scholarships to the best-performing students of the Institute for the 2015-17 period and one of those students was Jan Gomes. This scholarship is one of the Government of Guyana’s initiatives to improve educational developments within the hinterland communities, and is set to be an annual initiative which many other students of various hinterland communities will be able to benefit from in the future. According to Jan, disappointment wasn’t going to hinder her success and enrolling at Bina Hill Institute was another strategy of hers when it came to developing herself as an individual, mainly because of the numerous courses offered at the institution. When asked about how she felt about
the scholarship which was given to her by the Government of Guyana, she explained “ I’ve always wanted the opportunity to attend UG, but wasn’t sure of how that was going to happen, because of where I’m from. But when the Minister came and told me I was eligible for this scholarship, I was very happy.” She continued, “I was happy because of the possibilities that would come with this opportunity and also because no one from my community has never gotten this chance before.” She further stated that she and her family are extremely grateful to Minister Allicock and to the Government of Guyana and that she is working very hard to make the best out of her four years at UG. Jan began her scholarship at UG on August 28 and is currently living at the Liliendaal UG dorms. She’s majoring in the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and now dreams of working within the tourism sector in Guyana after graduating. She plans to start her own Ecotourism business within her community; a business that will be able to provide jobs for residents of Region Eight and also be able to generate revenue which she can put into human development for less fortunate students.= Jan Gomes encourages persons to always pursue education and hopes that her story inspires many others to fully equip themselves with fundamental basic human rights.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
ESPECIALLY in developing countries such as Guyana, it is obvious that adequate human resources are essential for national development and consequently it is appropriate to call for increased procreation within socioeconomic and family planning norms. In such a quest it is important for the would-be mothers to understand the clinical implications both for herself and her unborn child. The pregnant state entails changes in the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels), the respiratory, the urinary, the haematologic (blood) and gastrointestinal systems which may be influenced by dental treatment. Pregnancy is an altered physiologic state. During the first trimester (3 months) all drugs should be avoided
unless the circumstances is exigent since at this time the foetal organs are forming. Distortion of this phase of development could end up with birth defects. The presence of vomitus in the mouth during “morning sickness” or hyperemesis gravidarum, causes decalcification of the mineralised structure of the teeth from increased gastric acid production. So, women who vomit with unusual frequency will be prone to tooth decay unless preventive measures are taken. When a woman who is seven months pregnant sits in a dental chair, the recline position forces the heavy uterus against the inferior vena cava (largest vein in the body) compressing it and decreasing the venous return. The woman could then present the signs of shock (low blood pressure, rapid heart beat, fainting etc.) If maternal oxygen reserve is significantly decreased that would put the pregnant patient and foetus at risk for hypoxia. In other words, the foetus can suffocate in the absence of
VII
air even for a short period. In addition, there is the risk Turn to page IX ►►►
VIII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
THE PUC WELCOMES CONSUMERS TO ITS PUBLIC HEARINGS
IN THIS OFFERING, we will consider the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and its role in Regulation of the Public Utilities. We will also touch on the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. recent petition to have the PUC amend its Order No.2/2017. This petition to have the PUC amend its Order had been discussed at a public hearing at the PUC's headquarters at 106 New Garden Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, on Friday last. Members of the public are always welcome and to give their views. Relevant PUC documentation could be accessed at www.puc.org.gy The PUC encapsulates its role as regulating utilities for efficient services and protecting consumers’ interests. Despite not being funded adequately to employ more researchers, engineers and personnel to comb in detail the finances of the Utility companies and inspectors for other activities, the PUC has been doing a remarkable job with its limited resources. The chairmen who had served the PUC from its establishment over 25 years ago were all very distinguished persons and have each helped to develop and shape the organisation for the better. Two Chairmen, Mr Joseph Tyndall CCH and Justice (retd) Prem Persaud CCH have left their indeli-
ble footprints on the PUC. The PUC has helped the Utilities to be more efficient and people-oriented and has been an effective defence and refuge for consumers. The consumer protection aspect of the PUC was a particular concern and involvement of Justice Prem Persaud and this could be seen in all his Orders where consumer interests were always taken into account. The new Chairman, Ms Dela Britton, a prominent, experienced and respected lawyer, promises to act within the PUC traditions, contributing her own speciality to enriching its development. Order 2/17 which has been the subject of the public hearing on 8th September was made by Justice Persaud. he Order is enlightening to read as it articulates what consumers have long felt. For example, it exposes some deep-rooted myths such as: that the GTT profit of 15 per cent and over was not a guarantee as GTT had long been falsely declaring but merely an entitlement which was dependent on performance. The core of Order 2/2017 was the following: 1. GTT must complete the end to end provisioning of FTTX Phase One in La Grange, and to commence the commercial launch of services in the areas which they
have identified 2. GTT must submit a quarterly detailed appraisal of progress showing the number of new services rolled out, inclusive of rural areas. This should not be less than 1000 lines per quarter which may include up to 25% re-issue lines. 3. The Commission finds GTT has been tardy in their response time and remedial actions with respect to fault reporting. To this end, the Commission requests a quarterly report from the date the rates take effect, showing details of the average time taken to receive consumers' complaints - residential and business and for the company to determine a daily compensatory credit for consumers which will be contingent on its failure to comply. 4. The new Order prescribes rates for overseas and landline calls as well as new charges for other services such as Installation charges; monthly rental; wireline switched features which would include such services as Caller ID; Voicemail; Ring Again and Operator Assistance. GTT has not so far informed subscribers of the new rates and charges and as such, we highlight some of them for the benefit of consumers. Installation charges: Domestic goes from $500. to $2000; Business from $1500. to $4000; Monthly Rental: Domestic 1-2 lines go from $500. to $750; while Business 1-4 lines go from $1500. to $2,250;.Wireless switched features: Call waiting goes from Domestic $142. to $170, Business from
$300. to $360, Voicemail: Domestic goes from $143.to $170, Business from $320. to $384. Caller ID: both Domestic and Business go from $320. to $384. Ring Again: Domestic $255. and Business $360. Domestic Directory Assistance is now $140. There is little that consumer advocates could do to reduce or dispute these new rates except a few like Ring Again. Ring Again which used to be without charge is now $255. However, instead of using Ring Again, it is just as simple and without charge to manually ring again. Domestic Directory Assistance used to be without charge but is now $140. per number. There should be no charge before the annual Directory is issued or if the number does not appear in the Directory. The GCA promises to seek clarification of this. In an undated letter captioned BLAZE and sent to subscribers with their July 2017 bill, it was indicated that GTT would effectuate the new rates as from 1st August, but said nothing of those activities of consumer benefit which it had to address simultaneously when the new rates and charges were imposed. The GCA is asking that GTT return the increased charges they have collected since they have not performed their precedent obligations. The next PUC hearing will take place on September 13, 2017, when a decision on GTT's petition is expected to be given and members of the public are enjoined to attend and participate.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page VII
of thrombo-embolism (blood clots forming in the legs as a result of decreased velocity of the venous flow and higher levels of blood Factors 7, 8, and 10). The objectives of treatment planning with respect to the foetal are avoidance of foetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or premature labour and/or abortion and of teratogens (drugs that can produce deformed babies). General anaesthetics were found to be associated with foetal death. The drug thalidomide is best known to contribute to birth defects. Penicillin is safe but ampicillin has been linked to diarrhoea and trush in breast fed infants via the mother. Tetracycline produces yellow
to brown discolouration of the teeth and bones. Chlorophenicol is best avoided during late pregnancy and lactation (milk production) as this may kill the foetus. Aspirin is reported to have caused cleft lip and palate, growth retardation and foetal death due to prostagnandin syntase (enzyme) inhibition. Indocid has been related to non growth of the penis and brain haemorrhage of the foetas. There are no documented cases of ill effects of local anaesthetics used in normal amounts for extractions, etc. No law would permit experimental procedures in humans using drugs. Many of the findings published are therefore gleaned from the work of researchers, authors and scientists.
IX
X
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Region Nine shines in ‘Region 11’ By Francis Quamina Farrier, in New York SOME folks who have been attending the premiere Guyana Cultural Events in ‘Region 11’, (which is socially classified as all lands beyond the borders of Guyana) over the years, are saying that the Guyana Cultural Association of New York’s Annual Folk Festival Season 2017, was the best ever. They submit that, with the theme, “Celebrating Our Indigenous Heritage”, which featured a Wapishana Cultural Group from the Deep South Rupununi, in Guyana, along with a few Native Americans, and with all presenters keeping their presentations to theme, it was as good as it gets. The Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., was established 17 years ago by New York-based Guyanese who were all previously involved with cultural activities back in their Native Guyana before they migrated. Some were members of staff at the National History and Arts Council, which was later known as the Department of Culture, and for a brief period, The Ministry of Culture. Over the years, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York produced many events such as, Plays, ‘Kwe Kwes’, Literature readings, Lectures, Symposia, Family Fun Days, as well as a variety of workshops in music, dance, drama and writing. One of the important annual events is their Awards Ceremony, at which Guyanese who have made sterling contributions to Guyana and the Guyana Diaspora, in the discipline of Culture, are honoured. That was featured in my article last week, but the magnitude of the Guyana Folk Festival 2017 was so great, that one report would not have been sufficient to get even 50 percent of the happenings over to you. In this week’s feature, I am continuing my report on the GCA’s series of events in 2017, which were held after
A member of the Guyana Karao Indigenous Group from the South Rupununi, Region Number Nine blowing the shell horn at the GCA Family Fun Day last Sunday. (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)
the Awards Ceremony. And so this week, I am reporting on the Symposium and Literary Hang, the Kwe Kwe Nite and the Family Fun Day. A bit will also speak on the “MEET and GREET”, which was a gathering of Guyanese, hosted by the Native Americans at their American Indian Community House in New York City, last Tuesday evening. In all four events, there was a focus on the theme The late, Hon. Dr. Desrey of this year’s Guyana Folk Caesar-Fox, MP, Minister within Festival. As such, all of the the Ministry of Education
Members of the Karao Indigenous Group at the GCA Family Fun Day 2017 in Brooklyn, New York
Fourth Vice Presidnet and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock, MP, (center) Interacting with two Native Americans who were special guests at the GCA’s Folk Festival in New York City. (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)
presentations at the Symposium and Literary Hang had Indigenous elements. In fact, it was entitled, “The Inaugural Desrey Caesar-Fox Memorial Lecture. It would be recalled that Dr Desrey Caesar-Fox, who was from the Indigenous village of Waramadong on the Kamarang River in the Upper Mazaruni District of Region Seven, was of the Indigenous Akawaio Nation. Over the decades, before her untimely death in a car crash in Georgetown, on December 11, 2009, she made great contributions to the Indigenous culture during her adult life, not only in her native Guyana but also abroad. In the past, she did presentations at the GCA annual Literary Hang, while studying at the Rice University in the USA. WAPISHANA KARAO GROUP Arguably, the most impressive element of this year’s GCA’s Series of events was the presence and contributions of Karao Cultural Group from the South Rupununi, Region Nine. Their self-made costumes and instruments were authentic and very impressive. In fact, their very presence on stage was breath-taking, performing their Turn to page XXIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XI
World Suicide Prevention Day 2017 THIS IS a five-part series that seeks to bring awareness to the issue of Suicide, even as we observe World Suicide Prevention Day today. TODAY, all around the world is an extremely special day. Although many of you are grieving today, I encourage you to view this as a day to celebrate life, resilience and hope. Hope for those who have survived attempts and hope for their recovery. This is also a day to appreciate those survivors and all others who dedicate their lives to awareness and prevention. The issue of suicide is not a simple one to consider because, within our culture, we have difficulty broaching it. However, suicide is an inescapable public health issue; one that still holds undeniable stigma within our community. Every human being is vulnerable to mental illness and suicidal thoughts, so it is my hope that this series brings awareness, understanding, compassion and strength to have life-saving discussions and reach out for help. Suicidal feelings and behaviours don’t just affect the depressed but everyone around them. Please take some time to explore with me, an issue that has been discriminated against for far too long. The survivors and family members who will share their stories over the course of the next five weeks are real people who have been through the unimaginable and want their voices to be heard. Thankfully, they have chosen this forum to educate, engage and allow us to see them as fellow human beings. This series will cover the following topics: ● Facts pertaining to suicide (both globally and in Guyana.) ● Warning signs of suicide ● Testimonials from family members and friends who’ve lost someone to suicide ● Risk factors of suicide ● Testimonials from persons who’ve survived suicidal thoughts and attempts ● Preventative measures All statistical information was taken from World Health Organisation (WHO), Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Drug Information Network.
FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE While it seems most widespread in our country, suicide is a world- wide issue. The World Health Organisation has determined the world average of suicide to be 16 per 100,000 people. Over one million people take their own lives globally every year- this works out to about 1 life every 40 seconds. Sadly, Guyana’s suicide rate is 29 per 100,000- well above the world average. Before April of this year, Guyana had the highest suicide rate in the world at 44 per 100,000. Our nation is now ranked fourth in the world behind Sri Lanka, Lithuania and the Democratic People’s Republic (North) of Korea. Still, approximately 200 people end their own lives every year in Guyana. Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have the highest suicide rates in the country. Females attempt suicide up to four times more than males but males are more successful in their attempts. The majority (approximately 80 percent) of suicides happen within the Indo-Guyanese community. The most affected groups are between the ages of 20-49. While the suicide rate in Guyana has decreased, our awareness and prevention efforts should not. It is not the time to get confident or complacent, but rather a time to further our efforts as they have proven to be effective. Every child, student, parent, teacher, police officer, nurse, social worker and community member of any kind who has disseminated information throughout our country deserves congratulations and recognition. Guyana’s declining suicide rate is your victory. WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE It is important to remember that every single suicide is a tragedy; a tragedy that unfortunately grabs everyone’s attention when it is too late. However, suicide is preventable if we are aware of (and pay close attention to) the universal warning signs, most of which are emotional and behavioural. Behavioural signs include a change in physical appearance, isolation, increased use of alcohol/drugs, recklessness and disruptive
changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Those who are thinking of suicide lose interest in previously enjoyed activities, talk about death or dying often, may give away their belongings, say elaborate goodbyes and/ or noticeably begin to put their affairs in order. A suicidal person may lose interest in appearance or even personal hygiene. Selfharm such as cutting/burning the skin can be another warning sign. Many people do this in order to prevent their own suicide but it means they have considered it. Emotionally, a suicidal person may experience anxiety, seem unusually depressed, have little energy, become easily irritated or enraged or express feeling hopeless/ helpless. Their mood changes can be very sudden. They may express feelings of loneliness, self-hatred and shame. Many people tell me that they do not want to bring up suicide in the fear that they may put the thought in the person’s head. This is untrue as you will not make a person suicidal by showing concern. Instead, your concern provides a platform for emotional release for the individual. TESTIMONIALS I counsel suicidal individuals every day and while I cannot understand everything they are feeling, I have a fair idea of what’s on their mind. I know that most feel like a burden on their families and that everyone around them would be happier if they were gone. They develop such feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. They come to genuinely believe they won’t be missed or that their death would have no impact. Nothing could be further from the truth according to everyone I have ever spoken to who has lost a loved one to suicide. Some of those have bravely decided to share the stories of their loss. The stories that will be shared over the next few weeks are true accounts from those who have lost their fathers, brothers, friends and aunts. They share their stories hoping to make a difference. The following story was written by Amy Young who lost her aunt to suicide. “Suicide is often talked about like an anomaly; a rare and extraordinary tragedy,
yet, it’s incredibly common. However, I never thought it would be common for me. I nev- er thought I would know anyone who would commit suicide or even think about it, let alone my favourite person in the world. I was a typical 26-year-old living a completely contented life until one phone call changed it forever. The devastating call came on January 31st at 11:55 hrs bringing the news that my Aunt Beda had died. Before even having a second to properly process this news, my heart was broken and my face was wet. Dead? What do you mean? Dead? My Aunt Beda? Impossible. No. There was a horrific mistake. What happened? They told me she drank poison. Aunt Beda, one of my mom’s youngest sisters, had been in my life for as long as I could remember. She teased me, bought me treats, played with me, loved me and most of all made me feel so special. She defended me to my mother and protected me when I misbehaved. She tried every day to make me happy and keep me laughing. She was so funny and I think what I miss most of all are her nicknames for people and her laugh; it was so infectious. My aunt had trials and tribulations in her life, like every other person. I heard whispers that she wasn’t feeling well and that she was depressed but I never saw it. Around me, she was always happy and spirited; around me, she was always joking and ready to play tricks on people. I don’t know what she was feeling, what pain she was carrying with her, or why she thought that suicide was the only way to be rid of it. Or whether, maybe, she meant for her act to be a cry for help. I wish I would have paid more attention, maybe spent more time with her. Maybe I could have seen the signs or talked to her and showed her that the world and I would not be the same without her. My aunt’s reunited her whole family. Her brothers and sisters who hadn’t come home to Guyana in decades came back for one reason. Her. Her son and the daughter-in-law she never met also returned. I don’t think I ever saw Turn to page XIV ►►►
XII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
#SupportCreativity
'The Impression' CARIFESTA XIII Barbados National Visual Arts Exhibition
HOW does one attempt to position the visual arts production of one’s own country in the context of a national exhibition among several regional exhibitions? This question was central to the mounting of the `THE IMPRESSION’, an exhibition of works by Barbadian artists under the curatorial direction of Nerys Rudder, Chair of the Barbados National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The title of the exhibition clued viewers into how the works on display were thematically framed; with the point of entry hinting at the nuances observed in the many ways local artists make impressions upon and inspire each other. By extension, the show underscored the interconnectivity of each artist’s practice (whether conceptually, through the use of materials or any other number of ways), the result of which was an impressive selection of contemporary Barbadian visual art within the much larger display of creative practices CARIFESTA XIII presented island-wide. After a thorough process of being re-introduced to local art practitioners and after several studio visits spread out across the island, Rudder began the incredible task of tackling what a national exhibition could possibly look like by addressing the difficult topic of representation head on. Her decision to embrace more stylised works points to a preoccupation with what she describes as, “the interior landscapes of the artistic mind and their responses to the stimuli of practicing in a Barbadian con-
text.” As such, within this curatorial frame of reference, works were grouped into one of several categories, including Impressions of One Another, Gender and Identity, a Post-colonial Legacy; Our Intangible Heritage, Our Daily Life, and Artistic Call and Response. Elaborating on the manner in which the exhibition was conceptualised Rudder had the following to say: “Within these parameters,
the answer of how to depict our country lay in the artists' viewpoints themselves. Rather than representational portrayals, this mostly abstracted and stylised show seeks to capture the cerebral essence or notion of various aspects of the island: the artistic IMPRESSION of Barbados. `THE IMPRESSION’ is testimony to the incredibly personal intuition, perspectives and exploration of archetypal themes of identity, fantasy, folklore, music, religion, gender relations, industrial construct, entertainment and the natural landscape within a post-colonial independent island society. The multi-layered aspect of the theme also encompasses the other meanings of the word Impression, including the concept of
physical marks or imprints upon surfaces as well as how artists leave impressions on each other. This latter notion explores how artistic inspiration from one another manifests as an act of homage and ultimately legacy creation.” Artists with works on display in `THE IMPRESSION’ included: Llanor Alleyne, Simone Asia, Natalie Atkins-Hinds, Arthur Atkinson, Kenneth ‘Black’ Blackman, Ras Ishi Butcher, Alison Chapman-Andrews, Ras Bongo Congo-I, William Cummins, Joyce Daniel, Anna Gibson, Versia Harris, Wayne Hinds, Caroline Holder, Jason B. Hope, Cy Hutchinson, Juliana Inniss, Rupert Piggott, Ras Akyem Ramsay, Corrie Scott, Ricardo Turn to page XIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XIII
A Musical Journey – Rondel `Disi’ Holder has touched many with his music
By Abigail Brower
IT HAS been several years since he was named the King of Rap in the Christian community, and his talent is so unique that it is hard to imagine that the local music industry almost lost him to the medical field, but a change of heart prevented that from happening. Born here in Guyana on August 20, 1995, Rondel was taken to Jamaica at a very young age where he was raised by his grandmother. It was while living in the reggae island that he became involved in music. “My uncle and I always competed to see who knew the lines of the famous Jamaican gospel artiste Papa San,” he said. “It was a competition of clarity and knowledge.” Rondel read a lot and grew into a child that loved spending his time at public libraries and this later developed into a love for writing. He became a mainstay on the music scene after being inspired by his youth leader, Glendon Hanover, and gospel singer, Samuel Medas. “I know I can bring anything musically to both of them because they are both musicians,” Rondel said. “When I feel my music is not right, it’s just not cutting or like I should just really give up and do a regular job like everybody else, my mentors would always give me that reassurance to stay and remind me of the phrase ‘God brought you this far, then don’t let the stumbling block stop you, you’re going to overcome it; you’re going to be strong, just persevere’,” he said. Today, Rondel oversees teams of several musicians, including Valon aka Onasay Roberts and Gavery aka Shaquille. Among his many works is an album that was launched in 2013 by a record label from Barbados named ‘The Blood Washer Occurrence’. But due to hiccups in the band and financial reasons, only one song came out successful and that was ‘I am Royalty’. Rondel has also been involved in several events and shows in and out of Guyana. Rondel’s immersion in music is precisely why his profile gets captured again and again by the media, and today he ◄◄◄ From page XII
Skeete, Lilian Sten-Nicholson, Leslie Taylor, Cecil Webb, Ronald Williams and Kraig Yearwood. `THE IMPRESSION’ was organised to sit synonymously with the Regional Exhibitions, complementing other signal events including ‘History + Infinity’, ‘Journey to One Caribbean’, and fringe events like the Artist Alliance
Holder is a Christian rap sensation
is well-known as a rapper, singer, song writer and poet. He also recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology at the University of Guyana and is a team player for the University’s basketball club. He strongly believes that God created and gave him the spiritual intellect to make his music empower and reach the masses. Holder does not omit God from his music; he includes and gives him the platform. “I know I am not the first to have such major impact by conjoining the secular with the gospel. God is literally transforming me in the spotlight to do his work,” he said. Rondel is a passionate activist for people who are in need of knowing Jesus. Among his works are several church visits
exhibition ‘Home’ and the ‘Contemporary Studio Ceramics’ show at the Barn Art Centre. `THE IMPRESSION’ opened at the Punch Creative Arena at the Barbados Community College on August 21st and closed on August 27th. All photographs is courtesy of Nerys Rudder. Nerys Rudder BA, MA, MSc. is a curator and object conservator who has worked within the cultural heritage industry of
where he conducts mentoring for young people. He spreads the gospel in his music and action. It is his ambition to empower society through the message in his songs, sharing and exchanging technical skills and talent with artists from all walks of life and races. He is energetic and driven in his philosophy as regards his faith and music production in Guyana. He believes that with his work in the Christian community, while he continues to make music and serve at church, he will continue to leave a lasting impression on his fans by talking to them about Christian rap, the role of creators and entertainers in the church, and how he feels God is pushing him out of his own comfort zone. Poised to fill a void in today’s gospel industry, Rondel is an undeniable talent. “Even though my high preference is to stay in the creative industry than the medical field, I would stop doing music if it doesn’t influence the people anymore,” he admitted. Rondel is gearing up to release another album by March 2018 called ‘Next Level’. He described this album as “a very sensitive project”; a representation of where his Christian walk and relationship with God are. Holder’s approach to the gospel scene is heralded as a breath of fresh air since his debut album which was released in 2013. He believes that since his inspiration came from God, his dreams and the people, Rondel knows that it is his calling. “This is what God has been telling me. It is time to move away from these mundane things and to get to another place in living just by moving up, but at the same time it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be tough... And so for a long time I have been resisting because I’m saying to myself I don’t want to go there it’s been a really scary place, so this album is a marking transition,” he said. His advice to young people who are seeking to get closer to God is “find people who are trying to get close to God, read God’s word, pray with those people and ensure you find mentors to help you enhance more in the Christian life.”
Barbados for 15 years. She is the Chair of the Barbados National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), a member of the Institute of Conservation: UK (ICON) and the International Institute of Conservation for Historic and Artistic Works (IIC). Rudder has also authored a number of catalogue publications of the National Art Gallery project, curated multiple national exhibitions and managed
three national collections. She specialises in educational workshop facilitation and has conducted various outreach programmes for the Barbados National Art Gallery project, the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, the Barbados Archive Department, the Caribbean Regional Alliance of the International Council on Archives (CARBICA) and the University of the West Indies Federal Archives Centre, to name a few.
XIV
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Nurse Allen and the Healthy Living Health Club By Naomi Marshall COLWYN Allen, better known to many as `Nurse Allen’, is one who lives by those words. At 34, he is a nurse by profession, a humanitarian, a TV personality and also the founder of ‘The Healthy Living Health Club.’ But where did his love for humanitarianism come from? Allen grew up in the Wismar Housing Scheme with his father, mother and five older siblings. The last of six children, he was very outgoing and somewhat spoiled. However, from a tender age Allen enjoyed volunteering, always helping out the smaller children and even the older folks in his community. Growing up, he always liked the medical arena and dreamt of being a brain surgeon, however, things changed as he got in contact with several persons of different profession. At the New Silvercity Secondary School which he attended Allen came out successful at the end of his five years, and in 1995 he began teaching at the Regma Primary School where he remained for six years. But in 2005, he had a change of heart and enrolled at the Nursing School and has remained in the nursing field ever since.
Nurse Colwyn Allen presenting a child and his mother with school supplies during one of the club’s many outreaches
He currently holds the position of Quality Assurance Officer at the Linden Hospital Complex. Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine
recently, Nurse Allen remarked that one of the biggest joys of being a nurse is getting to help and meet people from all walks of life, while adding that the `noble’ profession teaches you how to love. “If you don’t have love in your heart you cannot be a nurse. It’s a profession whereby you go beyond your call of duty,” he posited. However, like any other profession, there are challenges including the fact that nurses have to improvise a lot and live on a small income, he reminded. “Sometimes there won’t be a lot of resources for you to work with and as a result of that, the patients don’t benefit 100 percent, but because of the joy and the care and the love for the job that you go all out to make that patient comfortable,” Allen said. Over the past years, Allen has been the host of the radio programme titled ‘Healthy Living with Nurse Allen’. One of the successes of his presentation is when members of his TV audience started reaching out and inviting him to their homes to conduct counselling, and in some cases administer minor treatments such as dressings. Realising that his services was in demand and he finding it difficult to do it all on his own, Nurse Allen entertained thoughts of forming a group and began inviting volunteers. This idea led to the formation of `The Healthy Living Health Club’ in April of 2016. The organisation adopted ‘Health promotion, disease prevention’ as their objective. The Healthy Living Health Club has had eight outreaches in the past with the first being held in August 2016 in the Bamia community. Other communities to have benefitted from the club’s initiatives are Moblissa, Wismar Hill, Victory Valley Wismar, Block 22, and Kwakwani among others. The club’s membership of 35 among whom are medical students, nurses, housewives and teachers. In addition to offering medical services to residents in the various communities, the organisation also distributes clothing, food hampers to the less fortunate. According to the young nurse, the club’s has its eyes set on the communities of Rockstone, Blueberry Hill and Oruro to take its outreach services, even as he identified the lack transportation and sponsorship as the ◄◄◄ From page XI
him cry, except for that day. It’s disappointing that she never got to meet her grandson and the granddaughter who is named after her. Man, they would have loved her. I wish my aunt would have told us what she was really going through and expressed to us that this was the way she felt. I wish she knew how much we loved her. That we would have done anything to help her through whatever she was going through and we would never have left her in her time of need. My Aunt Beda committed suicide on her sister’s birthday. My other aunt had just gotten flowers and was in the yard playing with her dogs when she got that call that would change her birthday and every other birthday forever. She still doesn’t celebrate her birthday on that day. We have to call her the day before or after. Her birthday is painful for her. I wish she could instead remember all the good times they had on that day. I don’t know if my Aunt Beda knew how
Colwyn Allen being presented with an award for his outstanding participation from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC)
main challenges preventing the club from giving of its services to its fullest potential. “Currently we are using my car and it suffered a lot when we went to Kwakwani. It’s kind of hard when we have to charter buses to take all 35 members around,” he said. On this note, Nurse Allen expressed the hope that more persons would come on board. Apart from the radio programme, the father of three is integrally involved in other mass media projects including a Facebook live programme; ‘Health Talk’; and ‘Health Watch.’ Allen sees himself doing more humanitarian work and giving healthcare services to people in the future. “There are some impoverished areas. There are some communities around Linden and other parts of the country that we want to do some work in, so in the future, I hope to reach out and take our services to all of the Regions,” Allen added. special she was or how special she made me feel. I wish I could have done that for her. She was my mother’s sidekick and they were in constant contact. My mother still has a hole in her heart and maybe even regrets not being able to ‘save her’. My mom has never recovered from losing her sister and best friend. Sometimes you feel guilty for going on with life and laughing and having a good time. But not a day goes by that I don’t wish she was here with me, teasing me; telling me jovially how I was a bad, rude child who use to curse everyone I saw. Not a day goes by that my heart doesn’t break when I think, “Man I wish she were here.” I know suicide victims have much pain and sadness but I don’t think they realise that when they get rid of their pain and sadness, their family and friends get that pain and sadness. I have to live every day of my life without her. Her grandchildren can never get to meet her. My mother probably won’t laugh as hard again without her.”
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XV
XVI
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
The start of a new school year When hopes and aspiration should fill the air By M Margaret Burke SCHOOLS across Guyana have commenced for the new school-year. This first term, which started on September 4, is expected to last for 15 weeks, ending in mid-December, so that children may enjoy a wonderful Christmas season. It is a time when many parents reached their limits, in terms of their financial and other resources to ensure that their children have most, if not all, of the necessary school supplies that are required for schooling. In fact, in some cases they may have even added to the required list, in an effort to ensure that their children are well covered, in relation to all the resources needed for a well-organised and successful first term, as well as for the rest of the school-year. Many parents would have gone the extra mile to make certain that their children’s back-to-school outfits – school uniforms, socks, shoes, book-bags and other necessities were meticulously selected; in some cases, not only aiming to meet the school’s requirements, but also some of the desires of their children. PURPOSE OF SCHOOLING Many studies have concluded that school is about preparing young people to start their lives in positive ways so that they could mostly continue along the path of what many would term
‘the good life’. Accordingly, children who are properly schooled should present qualities such as being adequately literate in subjects such as science, mathematics; while showing good technical or industrially and even cultural skills, which covers a broad spectrum of areas. And while being consistent in their performance, they must also demonstrate a commitment to continually work toward improving what they have already established, while showing a trend of excellence in performance, as well as predominance in learning and achieving. Studies have been showing that children coming out of the school environment, even if not quite academically inclined, should be able to demonstrate some sort of ability toward one form of skill or another. Though scholastically challenged as some may be, they should be able to successfully get engaged in the world of work, applying the knowledge gained in the process – either as an entrepreneur or becoming employed by others; being awake to the global changes and demands, especially in relation to the world of work, while at the same time having the ability to demonstrate awareness, confidence and preparedness for life in an international environment. It has been documented that children within or coming out of the school system should be geared with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in challenging national and international environments, where those who succeed take risks and continu-
ally pursue improvement. These students, it is said, should be educated to become active and effective citizens, who have qualifications which give them choices, and the competencies to choose well, where they would have developed a level of emotional and intellectual literacy, which enable them to take routes that will lead them away from possibly unproductive openings and toward success and self-satisfaction. INVESTMENTS AND RESULTS In a recent comment by the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, on the performance of students at the 2017 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate [CSEC] examination said, “Not one dollar is lost that we have invested in education; not because we didn’t get 100 percent passes it means money was lost.” Further, she said, “I believe that students, though not reflected in grades, would have learnt something that would prepare them for life.” At the same time she said that teachers too would have gained from the experience, even as they continue to do the job. There is no doubt that the government, as well as other major players have been making conscious efforts to halt any decline in the performance of students in this sector, even paying attention to countrywide performance levels, with the plan of making it a level playing field. However, the big question is whether encouragement toward the aptitude to study and improve the overall grades of students, especially within the school system is the only or major need to focus on at this time. There are many outstanding situations frontally presenting themselves in the face of decision-makers and other major players in the fields of education social cohesion, sociology and/or psychology; the church or faith-based organisations, among others. There is also the need to re-establish school mentors, especially for some schools within Georgetown and other urban areas, even as there is need to have an increased presence of the School’s Welfare Officers. GOOD MORALS What could be more needed than good morals for every child? By measurement, some would have more than others and yet still there may be those who one may want to think do not have any at all. There are many contributing factors for this situation, which persists in Guyana today. However, there is no published study or studies on this matter and thus it may be unfair to speculate; unfair to the children, as well as to those in authority, who are major players in this very sensitive business of our young ones – who will eventually (in the majority) be the elders and/or leaders of this country. However, what is causing many of the children of this beautiful country to ‘tick’ is no light matter and must draw the attention of decision-makers, even as they deem it fit to invest in these young ones. THE SCHOOL BUS INVESTMENT Oh, what a beautiful thing! This is magnificent. It is encouraging to see David ‘G’ driving through Georgetown. A few features were written on the dangers that were embedded in the ‘private’ mode of transportation, which was the minibus type. Certainly, some of the minibuses were arguably ‘unkind’ in their dealings with the children of the land by using forms of inducement that could be termed very destructive and other negative influences. Nonetheless, at least to a large extent, those days may be gone now and that is now a turning point. Mind you, though, many children may still have to be re-oriented. Just imagine- and seriously too- that some children may find it uncomfortable to ‘ride’ in the David ‘G’ for a while; that they would have to slowly, in some cases painfully, renew their minds to a less exciting, but easier environment. Let not the roll out stop with just the buses, there is need for much more – helping not only the children but having schemes in place to help some of the parents too such as the ‘female headed’ households and the likes. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XVII
XVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XIX
Guyanese writer to publish murder-mystery novel
By Shauna Jemmott
AN enthralling tale of murder, mystery and romance has caught the attention of an American publisher and will soon take the world by storm, giving fame to the name of the Guyanese-born writer who penned it. Charles Higgins never considered himself to be among the smartest boys in school. But the young boy, who grew up in the countryside on the East Coast of Demerara, was always recognised as a gifted writer in every school he attended. Now, with the passing of time, his skill has shown progress and has the potential to shoot him to economic success in the world of creative writing, even as he prepares for retirement in May, 2018. As he spoke about his first full-length novel, ‘The Evidence,’ which is scheduled to be published in December 2017 by Pate Publishing, Charles told the Pepperpot Magazine that he looks forward to a beautiful life of retirement. Finally, he said, he will be able
Gifted United States-based Guyanese writer Charles Higgins holding a copy of his novel titled ‘The Evidence’
to place more effort on his writing, as he expresses his passion for what he does best. Charles lived in Clonbrook Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, before he migrated to the U.S. with his wife Victorine some decades ago. They have six children, all of whom are adults, and lead humble lives along the Brooklyn corridor in New York City. But, now at the age of 62, Charles Higgins has his name set to travel through cities and countries on the pages of a stimulating piece of fiction. “It’s a beautiful story, I really enjoyed writing it. In certain areas it is sad and in other areas, it’s romantic, in other areas it’s exciting and in some areas dangerous,” he said. During what he indicated has been a marvellous journey, he discovered another beautiful thing about himself. “I never believed – yes I know I had the ability – but to complete such a project I didn’t think I could [but] I was into it. I enjoyed the creativity, because it’s not something that really did happen. It was something that I had to create. It was a friction [sic]. So I had to create everything in my mind and I
had to visualise everything in my mind as if this thing really occurred. So I was having a conversation with myself, asking myself the questions and answering the questions,” he detailed.
EARLY DAYS OF WRITING While ‘Charlie’, as he is popularly called, became aware of his gift in creative writing at a tender age in primary school in Ann’s Grove Village, he still did not understand his full potential. One day in primary school each student was asked to produce an original poem and his story was praised as the best and read to the entire class. Something similar happened in secondary school and his poem was chosen as number one again. Charles recalled his teacher saying, “I cannot understand why the majority of you in this class is [sic] smarter than Charlie and none of you can write a poem like him.” Charles added, “But what I was really thinking about as a young man was playing cricket and things like that and still for all at that time I really wasn’t conscious of my ability to be so creative along that line.” His life took a different direction as he tried other profitable fields meeting family needs before he finally established a deeper and permanent love for writing, penning lyrics for gospel songs and writing a play which gained community recognition. Migrating to the USA, leaving four children behind, Charles and his wife worked on having the children join the family in New York. One song he wrote found favour with the American Songwriting Studio but he never followed it up. “I continued working and I just gave up on that part of my life,” Charles recalled. One day in 2008, however, while at work, Charles felt a yearning for the art and stepped outside to secure beginners’ material. “I came back and I started writing the book ‘The Evidence’ and I never stopped. The information just kept flowing. I picked up the pen and just kept writing and writing and writing line after line, chapter after chapter and I just kept going and going and going.” It took five tedious but exciting years before he submitted the material and the publisher fell in love with the product immediately after reading the manuscript. Writing has now become the tool which will make his name great. “I write night, I write day and I continued until I finished it… I would go back over it to see how it would sound, because I realised that if it doesn’t sound believable to me it would not be believable to anybody. I would ask my sons [and] my daughter-in-law what they thought. I went back over it five times [then] I just sent it to the publisher and it was immediately accepted by them,” the novelist related. With the book about to be published, Charles now has his sights set on having his work of fiction turned into a movie.
Curl Fe Back, bigger and op
XX LAST year, Curl Fest took Guyana by storm by opening up a whole new type of entertainment for the local population, while also zeroing in on the needs of the local natural hair community. This year, with a new name and an even more exciting line up of events, Co-founder, Tamika Henry said that the rebranded ‘Curl Fete’ will seek to expand its scope while helping to serve as a family- friendly and informative space where all can learn about health, beauty and – of coursenatural hair. Explaining the reason behind the name change, Tamika said that apart from wanting to set the event apart from the Annual Curl Fest that is held in the United States, the new ‘Curl Fete’ aligns more with the cultural identity of the Caribbean. “We wanted a festival that was more in line with our identity as Caribbean people and more unique to the region because every region and most countries have their own version of a natural hair expo, and so we wanted something that would set us apart,” she said. This year’s event, scheduled for October 8 at the Promenade Gardens; a venue which proved to be the perfect setting for such an event, is now open to vendors who wish to be part of the Expo. Tamika
revealed that given the success of last year’s event, more vendors are eager to be part of Curl Fete 2017. “So far, exhibitors have been very excited about it because a lot of people who missed the opportunity to take part in it last year, have signed up early to make sure they get a spot this year, as well as vendors who took part last year- they had so much fun; it was a good experience for them and boost for their business that they have already indicated an interest. So we are definitely having an easier time recruiting vendors than last year,” Tamika said. For the curious patrons who are wondering just how much better `Curl Fete’ can get, they can look forward to a bigger Hair Show, for one. “We didn’t get an opportunity to put as much time and effort into making sure [the hair show] was a grand one, and ensuring that we help the salons to put their best product on stage. To the best of my knowledge, there is no other large hair show in Guyana so there is an opportunity for that sector of the community to be on show,” Tamika said.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
She stated that the team is also working to ensure that they incorporate the feedback they would have received from last year’s event as well including ways in which the quality of the show can be improved. Other attractions will include team building exercises such as a scavenger hunt and “Squad Olympics”, where persons can compete with their own teams in various activities. “We want to push the idea of women supporting each other and not necessarily competing against each other. It’s
important to establish a co not just those with natur women,” Tamika said.
LAST YEAR’S SUCCES Reflecting on the event occurrences since, Tamika was aware of the strength ment in Guyana, the resp Therefore, making it an an
ete 2017 pen for registration!
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
ommunity among women ral hair but all Guyanese
SS t’s success and subsequent a said that while the team of the natural hair moveponse was still surprising. nnual event was only natu-
ral in order to give small businesses in the industry a chance to better market and showcase their products and services. “There are businesses out there that are hungry for this kind of exposure, particularly small businesses that are women-led or in the startup stage, or young entrepreneurs who don’t know to market on a large scale. So we wanted to provide this space for them annually to connect with their customers on a more personal,” she said. Keeping these stakeholders in mind, the `Curl
Fete’ team has therefore consulted with vendors and has taken some of their advice on board, particularly their need for marketing advice. “So leading up to `Curl Fete’ this year we will be doing a marketing workshop for vendors who sign up. It is free as part of their registration. And, at that workshop we will introduce the vendors to some of those providers who can help them with marketing materials, public speaking and learning how to connect with customers,” she said. Tamika also expressed the hope that more salons would participate in this year’s event given their importance in women’s beauty and hair care. “Salons are very important. A lot of women are informed of trends and have all these discussions there; it is a very important space to get messages out, so we want to ensure that salons cater for women with natural hair so we can go there and be part of that culture and not be limited to doing our own hair at home because the salons that exist do not cater for us… Last year [salons] were very shy and only a few took up the
XXI mantle and ran with `Curl Fete’, but this year we need them to step forward because a salon trip for a woman is something she looks forward to,” she added. CULTURAL IMPORTANCE Tamika and team are also aware that the hosting of `Curl Fete’ goes beyond just another means of entertainment but as a means of positive reinforcement of beauty standards for women. “Women for a long time, they have to reach a certain standard to be considered beautiful. Women of every skin colour and hair texture- have all had some kind of pressure on us to be acceptable by beauty standards. Women of colour in particular, and women with natural hair, have had to work a bit harder and the damage that those types of stereotypes and pressure [caused] couldn’t possibly be fixed in one year,” she said. “We have younger girls coming up that are looking for constant reminders that they are beautiful, and you need to have a consistent source of positive reinforcement ... we are hoping to have `Curl Fete’ do that.” Vendors wishing to register for Curl Fete can still do so by calling 600- 0071, 600-8142 or emailing curlfete@gmail.com
XXII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
The musical instruments of Kirk Jones By Shirley Thomas
KIRK Jones is a multi-talented musician who has warmed hearts with his musical talent ever since he was a lad. At a very young age, this artist took his love for music to another level and began making his own musical instruments; a talent which adds to his existing career as an artist/sculptor and painter. “I think I was born to be an artist, because as far back as I could remember, I was always using my hands to create different things and even getting five-pound butter saucepans and milk powder cans, and trying to tune them.” Born in Silvertown, Linden, Jones, at an early age, moved with his family to Laing Avenue Georgetown, but as he grew up his godparents, the ‘John Ally’ family’ from Linden, would send for him to spend holidays with them. Jones recalls that while in Linden, around the age of nine or 10 years old, he was at his godparents living in a block called `John Alley’ where there was a steel band nearby, called ‘Action Play Boy’. “And at a tender age, I would go and listen to this band. Then I observed how the pans dented in and thing. So I figured that if I could get a butter saucepan or so I could do the same thing. And so, when I returned to town I tried it out,
Jones outlines the make-up of his musical instruments for patrons: Dr. Dawne Stewart and Dr. Washington at a recent cocktail function in Georgetown
Kirk Jones with his self-made ‘One God’ Musical Orchestra
using a butter saucepan, an old hammer and six-inch nails and it worked out. I was able to get different sounds,” he said. It was a moment of great excitement for the lad who figured that he could be on his way towards constructing a band with his colleagues on Laing Avenue. He couldn’t wait to get into gear. “The first thing I made was a tenor pan with one butter saucepan; then I made a double pan holding chords with two butter saucepans, then I put five together and that was the base. Band in action!” he declared. Jones recalled that in those days (about 40 years ago) there weren’t things like tele-
vision and so on, to entertain people locally, and so the people welcomed the little entertainment they received. He recalled that residents would come out in their numbers on the front corridor and be choicely entertained by his band, and each time they played it generated keen interest and enthusiasm. Later, they got scooter wheels and pallets; fitted them onto the band and took to the road, tramping going down and offering “loud entertainment fuh free” as Jones described it. “In those days, just next door, St. Pius Church had the boy scouts, cubs and brigades. And, while Guyana’s army was the GDF, I decided to form my own little army and called it the WDF (Western Defence Force) – army without weapons. We used to drill, camp, teach members to keep fit – do PT (physical training) and thing. I myself was a member of the brigade and so we tied knots; dealt with different discipline programmes just like the scouts, but were not fighting soldiers,” he said. “Our mission was to entertain ourselves and provide entertainment for others, doing it in a disciplined fashion,” he boasted. By then Jones was just 12 years old. Asked what inspired him to start up his own little ‘force’, Jones said he gleaned inspiration from the GDF which, during its `Passing-Out Parades’ would have contingents march all the way past the local well ( in the vicinity of West Ruimveldt Back Road) and around Laing Avenue. He admired the smart and tidy-looking soldiers as they marched with pomp and ceremony, while creating a fine spectacle for residents at home and in the streets. It was coming out of those nostalgic moments that Jones said he gained the inspiration to set up a mini army for the ‘boys of the hood’, who would do similar things and be respected like the soldiers in the army. And so they bought T-Shirts and painted on them “WDF”, they sought out calabash which they cut in half and wore on their heads as army helmets, and for guns Jones and his boys found that the Pitch Pine pallets were ideal to fashion their make-believe weapons. But for them, the biggest excitement was playing the band. THEIR TRASH WAS OUR TREASURE And, with a knack for ‘trying his hands’ at novel inventions, Jones said his next move was to try his hand at Turn to page XXV ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page X
native dances and other Indigenous ceremonies in the Wapishana language, and giving explanations in English. At some times, the narrator would make a humorous comment which had the audiences in stitches of laughter. They really made Guyana proud. But how did this all come about, when there was never such a strong Indigenous presence and participation in the existence of the Annual Guyana Cultural Association’s Folk Festival? CULTURE SHOCK Travelling from a tiny village with a little over 900 people to one of the largest cities in the world with almost nine million people, must most certainly be a bit of a culture shock for anyone. But what was obvious, was the way in which they interacted with those who attended the various events. It must be noted that a few of them had never left their tiny village. Some of them had never travelled to Georgetown. None of them had ever travelled in a jet aircraft or been to a metropolitan city.
However, they were `well taken care of ’ by their hosts, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., and they in turn, displayed the well-established Guyanese charm. They posed for photographs whenever requested. Their smiles were warm and very friendly. The culture shock of being in awesome New York City did not affect them in a negative way; from the elders to the youngest who is five years of age. As someone who has been to their humble village in the Deep South Rupununi, I can say that they conducted themselves with dignity and decorum, in the large metropolis of New York, and we can be really proud of that Wapishana Karao Group. THE GUYANA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK INC. Another Group which Guyana can also be truly proud of, is The Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., and also of their current president, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, who conceptualised the idea of this year’s theme “Celebrating our Indigenous Heritage” along with the other dedicated and hard-working members of the Guyana Cultural Association, who made this
year’s Folk Festival events so successful. Among the Guyanese VIPs who were at one or more of the events were, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock; Guyana’s Ambassador to the USA and the OAS, Dr. Riyad Insanally; Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly; the first ever Guyanese-born New York Senator, Roxanne Persaud; Minister Cathy Hughes; Minister Winston Jordan; and Minister Simona Broomes. After the official end of the GCA Folk Festival 2017 last Sunday, there was a `Meet and Greet’ function hosted by the Native Americans, for their Guyanese cousins and friends, on Tuesday evening. What was amazing to observe through-
XXIII out the 2017 GCA Folk Festival, was that the two Indigenous Groups who live thousands of miles apart - one in North America and the other in South America - were in sync with each other at all their performance interactions. F For example, the two Indigenous Groups were closely involved with the music, dancing and costumes of each other, especially at the Family Fun Day, at which non-Indigenous Peoples were also involved in the popular snake dance. So, I end this second feature on the Guyana Cultural Association’s 2017 Folk Festival with the statement: The GCA Folk Festival 2017 displayed `social cohesion’ at its very best.
XXIV
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Teaching with modern influences – Changing attitudes and the effects on society By Ravena Gildharie THERE was a time when the teaching profession and all educators commanded a great degree of admiration and respect among their peers, students, parents and all of society. Today, there is a feeling that such culture has been lost, and that society is paying a heavy price for this variation. Reflecting on his schooling in Guyana during the 1950s, Canada-based, Peter Jailall said, “our teachers were like our second parents. The children belonged to all the elders. We were expected to attend school regularly
and punctually. No child dared curse before an elder.” Now, a highly-successful poet and writer, Jailall has also been an educator for over 52 years and remains grateful for the influences of his teachers and community at large. However, increasingly in Guyana today, it is believed that the respect that children once had for their elders is no longer there and that interest in their school work is not as focused as the days of old. Others argue that at school, some teachers seem to have lost their passion for the profession and are more self-concerned and obsessed with earning an
income, rather than positively molding the future generation. And while these points are debatable, the questions remain: what is the cause? and what can be done to fix these apparent problems? General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta Mc Donald, agrees that the teaching profession has changed significantly as compared to what it was two decades ago, and believes this is due to a shift in the attitude of all parties; parents, teachers, students, the church, other sections of civil society and every individual. “The burden of rearing a child is left on the teachers because when the parents don’t have time, the church and rest of society
seems to have given up. Years ago, punctuality was a serious thing and you would not have seen children skipping classes and liming because they were afraid that someone in society would see and reprimand them. Today, children are absent from classes, but playing even in the schoolyard,” Mc Donald stated. As a teacher for close to 30 years, she outlined several factors including the advancement and expansion of technology, noting that though it provides many benefits, it is also negatively influencing some change in the behaviour and culture of both students and teachers. Then there are societal influTurn to page XXIX ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXII
making instruments he’d seen in the Militia Band such as the xylophone. While he made out somehow, there was a stumbling block in that he did not know how to tune the instruments. Jones said he sought assistance from `Samco’, a company which then was specialised in tin operations and located behind West Ruimveldt. And so, the creative-thinking Jones started collecting a good many pieces of tin which he used to try his hand at fashioning the xylophone which produced a strange but nice sound. He recalls making a string band, using various innovative means, such as discarded telephone wire to extract strings for the lead and rhythm guitars and using curtain rods with its springy effect for bass guitars. Thereafter, he and his band took
Laing Avenue and West Ruimveldt by storm, and hence forth, there was never a dull moment. “On Laing Avenue, I was like the entertainer and always attracted a multitude of children who wanted to learn positive things around me,” he said. In time, and as he gravitated towards attracting the attention of the (then) Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the group began taking a professional approach to music and zeroed in on their expertise. He even assisted in forming a band for the Diamond/Grove Police in the mid-1970s and prepared them for a road march, tramping from Station Street Grove to Diamond and linking up with the Merrytones Band. “I was very satisfied and if I had to live my life over again, I would do the same
things. I had a packed childhood life and I was always a leader. I always feel that the sky is the limit, and I try to give this advice to the youth because if you grow incompetent and don’t have earning power, you won’t be able to acquire the things you need for a comfortable life. And regardless of how academically strong you are, you’ll be better off learning a skill, learning a trade,” Jones advised, More recently, Jones, having moved away from his childhood creations, has perfected himself in the musical trade and
XXV has been producing more original musical instruments for which he uses the brand name `One God’. And so his orchestra is comprised of: One God Belt Piano; One God wood Piano, One God Xylophone and the One God Musical Mesh Pan, which are altogether original and not replicated anywhere. Jones says he has created these instruments to provide choice musical entertainment at cocktail functions. Quite recently he played at cocktail functions at the Pegasus and at Castellani House.
XXVI
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XXVII
Building a new frontier for neurosurgery in Guyana
Skeldon’s own Dr Amarnauth Dukhi By Ravena Gildharie LESS than five years ago, neurosurgery was a vital health care service beyond the reach of most Guyanese. Patients had to look outside Guyana for even the simplest brain and spinal procedures which fetched exorbitant costs and meant that many locals faced grim realities and were often left to embrace the unfortunate hand they had been dealt. That situation is now reversed as Caribbean patients are now seeking this speciality service in Guyana. Guyana is now one of four Caribbean states with practising in-country neurosurgeons. The others are Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The cost of brain and spinal surgeries in the United States can reach as much as US$250, 000 (GY$50 million) based on the complexity of the procedure. Locally, brain and spinal surgeries are offered free to residents at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) where there is an equipped Neurological Department as well as weekly clinics to consult, assess, treat and follow-up with patients requiring such. The facility is staffed by a neurosurgeon, four medical officers-in-training and a professional counsellor. Similar services are offered at almost all of the private hospitals, where advanced life-saving brain surgeries have been done at a cost of about US$20, 000 (GY$4 million).
This added feature in Guyana’s healthcare, both in the public and private sector, is linked to the gifted hands of one consulting neurosurgeon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi, the country’s lone specialist in this field at the moment. “I work seven days a week, but
I’m on-call 24 hours…There are some weeks I have as many as 10 surgeries; other weeks I have three to four, so it varies. But so far I’ve done over 400 neurological procedures since 2015 when I returned to Guyana and started working,” Dr Dukhi told the Pepperpot Magazine in an exclusive interview. Proud
of his efforts in building a new frontier for health care in his homeland, Dr Dukhi remains humbled by the fact that there is still a long way to go, cognizant of the lack of updated technology, equipment and facilities to match neurosurgery care offered in the developed world. For now, he remains committed to changing as many lives as possible. Born and raised in Skeldon, Berbice, a young Dukhi at age seven, felt a calling to the medical field after his grandparents passed away at a young age. He observed a vacuum in health care especially in his rural county and was adamant to make a change. The eldest of two children, Dr Dukhi remains in Guyana while the rest of his family have long migrated. As a student of the Skeldon Secondary, he performed outstandingly at his sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSESC), but at age 15 was too young to begin medical school. He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and biochemistry at the University of Guyana, and subsequently worked for a short period before he secured a scholarship to study Turn to page XXXIV ►►►
XXVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
‘My win is for my father’ Miss Renaissance 2017, Jennifer Lall-Shiwbalak By Shauna Jemmott IN THE MIDST of adversity, she not only travailed to the end, but 37-year-old Jennifer Lall-Shiwbalak dominated the judges’ scorecard above eleven other delegates and won the prestigious Miss Renaissance Guyana 2017 at the National Cultural Centre on August 19. Winning a pageant of such calibre takes confidence, determination and focus and while the mother of two was confident of the win, her focus was challenged when she lost her father and strongest supporter in the weeks leading up to the pageant. “During the preparation, he was ill all along and he died eventually. That was the biggest challenge because to continue
and then win, it is like an accomplishment now,” the Queen told the Pepperpot Magazine. “I had to concentrate on me. If he was alive he would have wanted me to do my best. My father introduced me to the Renaissance Pageant. In 2003, my father was the person who saw the Miss Renaissance in the papers but I was too young to enter,” she said. She was aware that the pageant’s preparation included experiences and knowledge which would benefit her for a lifetime, so Jennifer said she found strength in her Christianity and persevered to the end. Her tasks on pageant night included making impressive appearances in sequences of introduction, cultural presentation, corporate attire, evening gown and intelligence.
The reigning Miss Renaissance Guyana Jennifer Lall-Shiwbalak
The senior English teacher at Diamond Secondary School addressed legal issues affecting senior citizens in Guyana, including challenges surrounding pension, medical care and making wills, and has strongly advised against waiting until it is too late to put systems in place. “They have challenges with regard to their pension, adequate healthcare and making wills because sometimes they sign their documents over to people and so in this, I would have been able to advise others to don’t wait until it’s too late. You need to familiarise yourselves with the laws today, go to NIS (National Insurance Scheme), be updated about your contribution status and all of that,” she said. It was a social issue’] which she had little or no knowledge of but dedicated herself to addressing with genuine concern for Guyana’s elderly. Her cultural presentation was a blend of dance and drama which told a story of the arrival of an Indian woman on a sugar plantation in British Guyana, and how she manoeuvred her way into a diverse cultural atmosphere and still managed to preserve and freely present her own. It was a story entitled “Preservation of our traditions, celebration of our cultures”. All her competition outfits were designed by Mwanza Glenn, and she was sponsored by past students, friends and relatives. The Renaissance Queen said that her experiences during the pageant will never be forgotten, particularly her chance to dance with one of Guyana’s best instructors, Vivienne Daniel. Jennifer has been modelling since 1993 and has previous titles to her name, including Miss Covent Garden, Miss Bartica Cultural Show and Miss Guyana Phagwah in 2002. In comparison to other pageants, she said the benefits of being in Miss Renaissance Guyana are amazing. “I actually lost some weight for free because I went through some rigorous dance routines. I was able to connect with a bevy of courageous women in Guyana. It was amazing just meeting with them and being able to understand what goes on in their world of work. I was fortunate to be in groups where Ms [Negla] Brandis organised different lectures for the contestants. For the first time, I was able to see pictures of what Iwokrama looks like. We had a city tour [with Wilderness Explorers],” she recalled.. “In the other pageants the ladies are now venturing into a career, but with the Miss Renaissance Pageant, we are already on our career path, so we’re able to share what we’re doing. It’s not all about body beauty, it’s about inner beauty and intelligence.” She made external competition absent and focused on herself with a goal of becoming the one to promote women empowerment in Guyana and lead her students to a hopeful future. “I wanted to be a role model in school and generally to promote women empowerment in Guyana. My biggest competitor was the woman in the mirror. I always wanted to beat her, nobody else. I was focused on what I was doing because I knew that there were lots of people in the audience who would have been disappointed and I didn’t want to disappoint them,” Jennifer said. As a wife and mother of two within a supportive family, Jennifer expects nothing but the best and is happy to be part of a team of incredible women under the patronage of International Pageant Specialist, Negla Brandis who has been setting superior standards in the arena.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXIV
ences, both locally and worldwide, such as the stipulations imposed by the developed world on developing countries. Some foreign-funded projects, for example, in the education and other sectors often demand Guyana’s consent to practices and policies administered in those developed states. The prohibition on corporal punishment and other forms of discipline previously used by teachers and parents in this part of the world are inherited from northern influences and there remains some debate as to whether these developments cause more harm than good. MODERN INFLUENCES According to Mc Donald, “in the developed world, they have professional counsellors and other facilities that support the school system and still they have many problems that we, in the Caribbean and third world countries don’t have in our schools, even though we don’t have the counsellors and such facilities like them.” These northern influences, she feels have encouraged local society to lose sight of the morals and values once upheld. Today, teachers are skeptical of their actions and how they would be interpreted by their students and parents. Further, there are increasing social issues such as the growing number of single-parent homes, where the fathers are absent and mothers are busy working to take care of the family. Resulting from this, young children are sometimes left in the care of older siblings, often just a few years older, or other relatives. “So there is a strain on the school system and teachers are more pressured not only to focus on the academics, but to take on that parenting role to instill values and morals while being cognisant that if they say something in a certain way, or even hug a child in a certain way, their actions can be judged wrongfully,” Mc Donald outlined. Notwithstanding these issues, she, however, admitted that the teaching profession has lost its respect too because of the actions and attitude of some teachers. “Teachers no more have pride in their profession. Some of them just see it as a job to get money and survive…So, if there is a syllabus that requires three hours of teaching per day; they teach two in the classrooms and three during lessons,” Mc Donald related. Teachers are guilty of frequently being absent from classes and turning up late to work, dressing unprofessionally and being idle, chatting on phones or conversing extensively with staff, Mc Donald said. This type of behavior, she believes, needs to change urgently, as teachers must see themselves as Turn to page XXXVIII ►►►
A lot has changed in the teaching profession over the years
XXIX
XXX
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Orealla farmers receive training to grow peanuts IN THE coming months, the community of Orealla, on the Corentyne will be able to boost their village economy with the cultivation of peanuts that was introduced there last June, as part of a GY$5 million grant from the Government.
Over four acres of land was dedicated to the planting of the peanuts, which is a joint-initiative of 40 persons in the community. As part of the grant, the farmers were identified and given the opportunity to choose produce that will add to the livelihood of residents—the Guyana
Jumbo peanuts were identified. Having recognised that the crop was new to the village, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and Economics of Climate Adaptation (ECA) through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, offered an interactive training session to provide farmers with pertinent details regarding peanut cultivation. The objective of the training was to get members of the group to grow the Guyana Jumbo peanuts on large scale. Representatives of GMC provided the farmers with marketing tips while ECA’s staffers offered health and safety advice. NAREI’s Training Officer, Benjamin Frank, said that the training focused both on the theoretical and practical aspects of growing peanuts. He explained that when NAREI visited the area, the group had already planted peanuts but were not exposed to basic training. It was observed that farmers were utilising the single-row planting system instead of the double or triple row system, which resulted in lesser plant density, thus reduced yields. Additionally, some of the planting materials were infected with Aspergillus fungi which resulted in poor or stunted growth and rotted crown tissues and roots. Farmers were advised not to de-shelled peanuts when storing and whether or not de-shelled nuts must be treated with a fungicide, for instance, Banrot. It was also observed that there was no buffer zone and as a result of this, bush can serve as a breeding ground for pest, which can attack the plants. In spots, fertilisers were placed in rows, rather than being placed on the side. Thanks to the technical support, farmers are now informed about the good agricultural practices that could be incorporated to improve their planting for better results. Alice Peneux, a beneficiary of the training revealed that she was involved in farming for most of her life. The training, she indicated, has provided her with new knowledge about peanuts. She hopes to add peanuts to her existing line of cash crops. She is not part of the group that received the grant but Peneux said that immediately after the training, she secured a plot of land from the Village Council. The excited Peneux started land clearing to plant peanuts which she intends to sell to the market.
folklore
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
SATESH MEETS MUMA EVERYBODY in Blackville liked Satesh. Many thought he had a few screws loose in the head. He had quite a reputation while ‘attending’ school. Satesh went to school but not into the school. As soon as the bell rang he was off like the shot of a gun.
His entire time would be spent swimming, stealing fruits, smoking a collection of unfinished cigarettes or the butts, and embarking on adventures. The latter were all creatures of his imagination. He tried capturing the sun, chasing the rain and commanding
XXXI
By Neil Primus
the wind. All ended in failure but he always had quite a blast. He left school at age 13 and began working on Mr Logan’s donkey cart. They moved anything and everything; garbage, furniture, mud, sand, cow manure, dead trees
and branches. If people left things carelessly whenever the cart passed by- bicycles, clothes on lines, shoes, chickens and other movable assets would vanish. Logan migrated and gave the cart to Turn to page XXXIII ►►►
XXXII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXXI
Satesh. The boy was 19 and had not changed much. Blackville was located close to the ocean, a place that Satesh had spent plenty of time in. The small village was primarily a fishing community. Small boats were taken out onto the dangerous waters and seine and lines were used to catch fish. Then trouble hit the fishermen. More than one sighting of a ‘water muma’ was reported. Fear gripped everyone. Fewer and fewer boats dared to go out into the ocean. The economic impact was felt by the quiet folks of Blackville. It was while drinking with his crew that Satesh got himself involved with the ‘water muma’ business. The fellas were talking about how dangerous the creature was and how many people had vanished from encounters with it. Satesh listened with open skeptism. Then he opened his mouth and put his size 11 foot in it. “I is one man not afraid a nutting. I gon tame dat wata muma and mek she me slave,” he said. These were fierce-sounding words but the truth of the matter was that poor Satesh didn’t know why he blurted this out or how he was going to accomplish this unbelievable task. He made a mental note to stop talking too much especially when he had consumed a few too many drinks. He sought advice and this varied in nature. “You should stop drinking and go and get a mental check-up!” “Boy just get a cast net an try yo luck, yo neva know.” “If I was you I would stay away from de sea.” “Jus go close to de seaside pon moonlight night and yo in business.” The best advice he got was from one of his drunken buddies. “Satesh, rest yo shupidee self and stay pon de donkey cart”. By the time he was sober he had made up his mind. He would conquer the woman of the sea. Now I could understand if he had made this decision when he was blind drunk. But sober? I began to agree that there were more than a few screws loose up there. A few bolts had been shaken off as well. Satesh set about his newly proclaimed adventure. He bought a large and beautifully embroidered sheet. He cooked a pot of shine rice with tasty relish, white onion, black pepper, Irish potatoes and plenty garlic and seasoning. That was just the appetiser. The main course was a small Low Low. Now a Low Low is the largest local fish with scales, so a small one was a meal for four adults. Satesh chose a full moon night to spring his trap. He walked down to the seaside and spread his sheet, picnic style. The food was placed on the sheets. The cooked fish was inside of a large covered basket. He settled down to wait. He must have dozed off, for when his eyes popped open from a strange sound, he looked around: Splash! Glitter! A silvery, shimmering figure was approaching from the sea. Satesh felt his body going into panic mode and struggled to stay calm. When she stepped from the water Satesh thought he had lost his mind. She was the most gorgeous creature he had ever seen. He greeted her with shaking voice “W-w-welcome,” he said. Silence. “Please accept my gift as an offering of friendship.” A smile lit up the beautiful face. Satesh was totally mesmerised. He just gaped at her. She began to eat the shine rice but Satesh stopped her. “Wait, I have something special for you,” he said. He opened the basket and carefully took out the main course. As he offered it to her he noticed a drastic changed of her features. Instead of the beautiful woman, she had become a snarling, dangerous creature. On her face was nothing less than pure fury. Her attack was swift and vicious. The next thing he knew something hit him with immense power and he was sailing into the water. Boojuum! Splash! She caught him and dived into the murky water. A few moments later she returned to the shore to finish off the appetiser. Poor Satesh forgot one golden rule. NO FISH!
XXXIII
XXXIV
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXVII
medicine in Havana, Cuba. He emerged at the top of his class, shining above students from 36 different countries. The performance earned him another scholarship to pursue a double Master’s programme specialising in family medicine and neurosurgery. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Prior to the speciality programme, Dr Dukhi practised at GPHC and later at the New Amsterdam Hospital. After his double Master’s, he returned to GPHC. In some of the main procedures, he attends to brain and spinal cord tumours, repairs to spinal cord defects especially in infants and young children, fractured skull and other head trauma and bleeding in the brain. Majority of head trauma cases stem from vehicular accidents, the neurosurgeon said. He pointed out too that a significant percentage of infants and small children with birth defects originate from remote hinterland and rural areas. Dr Dukhi believes this is due to limited obstetrics care for pregnant mothers in those communities, where simple practices such as use of pre-natal and folic acid are not popular. The result is malformations such as babies being born with their brain outside of the skull, extending spinal cords and conditions as hydrocephalus, called water in the brain, and where there is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain. Children suffering this conditions may visually present with a severely enlarged head. Last year, Dr Dukhi conducted a critical surgery on a four-year-old who suffered with what appeared as a growing bulge in his lower back. It was, in fact, a neural tube defect that the child was born with. Repair operations are recommended during the first six months of the infant’s life. Nevertheless, Dr Dukhi conducted a successful surgery, the first of its kind believed done at GPHC. “That child is doing quite well. He is attending school now and going about his daily activities as normal. That is what gives me satisfaction to see patients recovering well and going on with their lives,” Dr Dukhi stated. Though successful, it is cases like those that challenge the minds and hearts of not only Dr Dukhi but perhaps all in and out of the medical profession. “Sometimes we get cases referred from the outlying hospitals which are inoperable because of the advanced condition of the tumour or the location of it and this is most prevalent in children. As a doctor, it is often hard to deal with these cases, how to tell parents and make them understand that their child is going to die because there is nothing we can do,” said Dr Dukhi. However, he stressed that the work has to go on, and doctors have no choice but “to be strong.” SUCCESS STORIES This strength is fortified in cases such as that of Police Constable Victor Fausette who was shot in the head two years ago by a mentally ill man. The policeman was then age 24 and his life was placed in the hands of Dr Dukhi. The patient suffered severe lesions to the skull and brain and required immediate operation. The survival rate internationally is very low, and success in these cases can be mere “oily” or “slippery” responses. But the surgery was highly successful. Fausette is back on the job, healthy and maintains ties with the neurosurgeon who saved his life. Then there is Clive Atwell, Guyanese boxing champ who suffered subdural hematomas haemorrhaging during a 2015 match and required emergency surgery. Dr Dukhi did a splendid job. "Out of 10, I would rate him a nine because based on what overseas specialist said when they looked back at my scans and so, they said he did good,” Atwell told this publication. Though he subsequently underwent a second surgery in the United States, the boxer said it was Dr Dukhi who saved his life. Omega Van Rossum is another of Dr Dukhi’s patients who calls him her ‘hero’ and feels the doctor deserves an award for his work. Rossum, 31, a military personnel, is recovering well, two years after undergoing a brain tumour surgery. Back in 2015, she saw a visiting specialist for eight months but couldn’t afford surgery that she was advised to do in Jamaica to the tune of about $16 million. “If it wasn’t for Dr Dukhi, I might have been a vegetable by now,” Rossum outlined, adding that Dr Dukhi did her surgery at a local private hospital at an affordable cost, not even 20 percent of sum she was once quoted by the visiting specialist. Perhaps, it is this reason why Dr Dukhi is increasingly seeing more patients from the small Eastern Caribbean and Windward Islands. These patients often travel to Guyana based on referrals from their local hospitals and practitioners.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XXXV
XXXVI
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XXXVII
XXXVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Oh! God! That bread should be so dear, And flesh and blood so cheap! THOMAS HOOD (1799-1845) The Song of the Shirt (1843) STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, One author puts examination stress as an individual’s response to threats and challenges in the environment which includes the mere thought of a particular examination or two. This type of stress can be manifested psychologically or physiologically or both. The way a person reacts to and handles stress determines whether the stress is good or bad. Bad stress can potentially threaten your self-esteem if you fail an examination. Be strong! Love you Grammar Accurate Punctuation A Word: Punctuation refers to the use of the wide range of signs that are available to help you guide your words through particularly congested areas of writing, and wherever you wish your words to create a lasting impact. Your words must convey the meaning intended, and you need to keep your words apart from one another with suitable marks. ◄◄◄ From page XXIX
mirrors with a responsibility to train and produce well-rounded students who the teachers can be proud of. She advocates these changes during her weekly visits to various schools where she engages teachers in professional development sessions and students in moral talks. She said there is need to go back to the drawing board to ensure teachers regain their once respected status. TEACHERS’ CHALLENGES A teacher of Central High School, who asked not be named, noted that many times if a child has a problem at school and the parent(s) are called in, they would turn up with a very disrespectful attitude and display such to the teachers in front of the child and all others. This, the teacher feels is causing students to have little to no respect for their teachers. “Parents are not as involved as before,” the teacher observed too, adding that “most times you see parents only when the child enters the school and not much after. Parents come and do not even know which class their child is in.” Sandra Doorga is a retired teacher with close to 40 years of service. She hails from a family of teachers from Essequibo. “At one time, we had five teachers in our home and we were known as the house of teachers,” she reflected, proud of the profes-
Show you have the making of a good writer by always trying to produce flawless scripts. The following list of positives should help keep you in check: 1) Don’t use any double negative. Example: I didn’t see no tractor. – [incorrect]; I didn’t see any tractor. – [correct] 2) Make each pronoun agree with its antecedent. Example: A pastor must know his role. A pastor must know his or her role. Pastors and teachers must know their roles. A pastor must know a role. [no pronoun] 3) Use conjunctions correctly to join clauses. Example: They had no new costumes, nor did they have any rehearsals. 4) Keep an eye on sentence fragments. One example: I filled the bowl with custard. Which both the children and their parent seemed to enjoy. [has subordinate clause only] Complete sentence: I filled the bowl with custard, which both the children and their parents seemed to enjoy. sion. She started teaching at the primary level, trained and later moved to the secondary level where she was part of a teaching staff that established and developed the Charity Secondary, a school that caters for children of the Pomeroon and surrounding areas. She taught there for 20 years until she retired a few years ago. Having served during that transitioning era, she observed first-hand the shift in the behaviour of students, teachers and parents. As a teacher in the 1970s, she observed that parents were serious about education and were therefore highly respectful of the educators. They also trusted the teachers to do what was in the best interest of the children and most times when the teachers scolded a child, the parent supported the action believing that it was necessary. Sometimes parents would even add a second punishment for the misdemeanor. This instilled a sense of control within the school system and maintained among the students, the value of their schooling and education. The teachers were cognisant of this responsibility and took their jobs seriously, seeking to produce children with an education that can make them meaningful members of society. Over the years, Doorga observed parents taking their children’s side against teachers, and sometimes there were even instances when the parent sought to physically harm the teachers, further adding to the stress and change in attitude.
5) Do not let your participles dangle. Example: Eating like a hungry puppy, the chicken disappeared from my dish in seconds. Corrected sentence: Eating like a hungry puppy, I made the chicken disappear from my dish in seconds. 6) Let your verbs agree with their subjects. Mangoes is his favourite snack. [incorrect]; Mangoes are his favourite snack. [correct] 7) The thing to say is, “. . . between you and me.” 8) Beware of the hard-to-read run-on sentences. Example: Two main clauses with no punctuation between them – The lights flickered a few minutes then they went out. There are three solutions here. a. The lights flickered a few minutes. Then they went out. b. The lights flickered a few minutes; then they went out. c. The lights flickered a few minutes, and then they went out. 9) Omit unnecessary commas. Do use a comma before and to reflect the sense more accurately. Example: Shirley bought flour, milk, and butter. 10) Do not split infinitives. To use as subject: To win is rewarding. To use as direct object: Every athlete needs to win. To use as predicate nominative: His wish is to win. To use as adjective: He had a tendency to win. To use as adverb: He was eager to win. 11) Use your apostrophes correctly. Examples: i) To signal possession: a dog’s bark, children’s clothing, ladies’ shoes, James’s caravan, women’s rights, boys’ games, Sandra and Sally’s birthday, father-inlaw’s mansion. ii) To mark contractions: hasn’t; didn’t; seven o’clock; the summer of ‘15. 12) Proof-read your writing to see if you have omitted any words. 13) Always use correct spelling. I hear that all the singers have re-signed/ resigned. The Passage
….The War had taught him. It was sublime. He had gone through the whole show: friendship, European War, death, had won promotion, was still under thirty and was bound to survive. He was right there. The last shells missed him. He watched them explode with indifference. When peace came he was in Milan, billeted in the house of an innkeeper…. For now that it was over, truce signed, and the dead buried, he had, especially in the evening, those sudden thunder-claps of fear. He could not feel. …. He asked Lucrezia to marry him, the younger of the two, the gay, the frivolous, with those little artist’s fingers that she could hold up and say, “It is all in them.” Silk, feathers, what not, were alive to them. “It is the hat that matters most,” she would say, when they walked out together. Every hat that passed she would examine; and the cloak and the dress and the way the woman held herself. Ill-dressing, over-dressing she stigmatised, not savagely, rather with impatient movements of the hands, like those of a painter who puts from him some obvious well-meant glaring imposture; and then, generously, but always critically, she would welcome a shop-girl who had turned her little bit of stuff gallantly, or praise, wholly, with enthusiasm and professional understanding, a French lady descending from her carriage, in chinchilla, robes, pearls. “Beautiful!” she would murmur, nudging Septimus, that he might see. But beauty was behind a pane of glass. (From Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”) About the Passage: The passage portrays a reality lived out by a character, Septimus, a product of the European War in which he was one of the first to volunteer. It also speaks about his wife, Lucrezia, who was a fine young lady. You too can think about life and have an opinion. Keep on observing life around you, save the experiences up in your Response Journal, and use them in your writing. What to Do: Write a story inspired by the above passage, and an understanding of the writer’s words. You can ‘bring alive’ your story with personal and vicarious experiences, and vibrant imaginings.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 10, 2017
XXXIX
The Importance of Good Leadership
I RECENTLY attended on fine common ground and Rawle Dundas’ Fifth Annithen leave people on higher versary celebration of joingrounds. You are a leader only ing the John Maxwell Team if you have followers, and the (JMT). He shared some great proof of leadership is found in leadership nuggets. Rawle its followers. I love the saying, asked me to do a short pre“He who thinks he is leading sentation because I am also but has no followers is only part of the JMT. I was very taking a walk”. Good leaderproud to be wearing the John ship is vital to the growth of Maxwell pin because it is an any organisation, business or honour to be part of this awegovernment. some family. There is nothing worse than Posing with Rawle Dundas and Vishnu Doerga What drew me to the JMT an insecure leader who thinks is that the teaching is based the world should worship him on principles from the Bible. All the 21 Irrefutable Laws of or her. Leadership are amazing, but I touched on one of my favourite I was happy to see Vishnu Doerga who is the newest laws which is the law of the lid. Follow these laws and people member of JMT Guyana, in attendance. When Vishnu asked will follow you. Leadership ability is the lid that determines a my advice on joining the Maxwell team I had no hesitation person’s level of effectiveness. The lower an individual’s abil- saying go for it because I knew it would have been life changity to lead, the lower the lead on his potential and vice versa. ing. We believe in being streams rather than reservoirs so we We can never outperform our lid so it is necessary to are planning to share our knowledge. The three of us will be concentrate on doing the things necessary that contribute to collaborating on a leadership event next month that will add raising our lid. To reach the highest level of effectiveness, we tremendous value to people. need to raise our lids. The true measure of leadership is influI have tremendous respect for these two guys and I am ence. A large percentage of people would like to ask a leader thrilled just thinking how endless the possibilities are. some simple questions: Can I trust you? Are you committed? If you’ve never heard of John Maxwell, please google him. Do you care about me as a person? You will not regret it. Many leaders love their position more than the people “Self-centered leaders manipulate when they move peoand that is sad. Roles don’t have much value when it comes ple for personal benefit. Mature leaders motivate by moving to leadership. Leaders need to connect with people. Connect people for mutual benefit” John C. Maxwell
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion I am looking forward to all the exciting and empowering week ahead especially the Women on the Rise event in New York. Send me your comments to beyondtherunway1@gmail. com and check out FB page as we continue this because Journey call life.
Pepperpot
2 pig trotters or 1 cow heel 2 lb stewing steak or brisket 8 oz pickled meat 2 lb ox tail Âź pt casareep 2 red peppers 1 inch piece dried orange or lemon peel 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick 3 cloves 2 oz sugar salt to taste INSTRUCTIONS: Wipe and clean meat thoroughly. Put heel or trotters in pan. Cover and bring to boil. Skim. When half tender, add other mats, and hot water to cover. Cook for about 1 hour. Add other ingredients and simmer until meat is tender. Adjust flavor for salt and sugar. Serve hot. Serves 8 NOTE This dish develops more flavor when left over a period of days. It must be reheated to boiling point each day. This is a typical Amerindian dish.